Leon Thomas is scheduled to appear on the “Safe Bet Show” at the upcoming SBC Summit Barcelona. He will be the Managing Director for Canada at Entain and CEO of Sports Interaction.
The live version, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 21st September, will form part of the “Player Protection Symposium” track. The show will be moderated Martin Lycka Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs, Responsible Gambling and Entain.
The ‘Safe Bet Show,’ a podcast that will be launched in April 2021 in collaboration with SBC, is where Lycka explores the industry’s efforts to protect players and advance social responsibility initiatives. Lycka examines various topics in depth through insightful interviews with influential individuals.
Thomas has had a long and distinguished career in the gaming industry. He worked as Director of Regulatory Compliance at bwin (an Entain Company) from 2006 to 2011. Thomas has worked as a Managing director at Tombola and Vice President and General manager at Caesars Interactive Entertainment. He was also Chief Operating Officer (Interim), at The Rank Group at Mecca Digital, Chief Commercial officer at Instant Win Gaming and previously served as Managing Directors for Bingo and Commercial Director at Microgaming.
Thomas will return to Entain in February 2021 to assume the role of Group Director of Corporate Development and M&A. Thomas was promoted in March 2022 to Managing director (Canada) and CEO of Sports Interaction, one month after Sports Interaction owner Avid Gaming had been purchased by Entain.
Sports Interaction is the self-proclaimed “first online sportsbook dedicated to Canadians” and has been a cornerstone in the Canadian gaming industry since 1997, serving bettors.
The brand operates exclusively in Canada and Jersey, UK. It is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Canada) and the Jersey Gambling Commission.
Thomas stated that he was attending the show because he felt a responsibility as a leader in the industry to protect the well-being our players. Sports Interaction takes great pride in its commitment to player wellbeing, as exemplified through our guiding principles ‘operate with integrity and act responsibly’.
“Our values closely match those of the Safe Bet Show. I look forward in engaging in discussions about vital topics related player protection and gambling problem.”
Lycka continued: “I’m thrilled to be back at SBC Summit Barcelona, and to have such an amazing guest. Leon is a wealthier in terms of his knowledge of responsible gambling and how to build relationships with regulators. I think that the entire industry would benefit from Leon’s expertise.
Over the last few years, many dynamic markets have emerged, such as the US and Canada. It is important to introduce these new markets on the importance of player welfare and protection. This is not only a matter for ethics, but also a cornerstone in sustainable growth. We want to assist brands in building a trusting relationship with players. This will create an environment where they feel valued, respected and safe. This will create a loyal, engaged, and thriving player base. ”
As part of the Player Protection Symposium, attendees will be able to attend various sessions that are geared towards players. These sessions include The Ethics of AI – A Tool of Protect or Harm?, Should â€Path to Play†be A Roadmap for Other Regulated Marketplaces? and ÎBet on Sustainability: the Rise of ESG In iGaming.
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