## Ten Years of Impact
In this commemorative issue celebrating our 10th anniversary, David Cook contemplates the extraordinary evolution of both the gaming sector and *iGaming Business* throughout the past ten years.
The gaming world has experienced a monumental transformation over the last decade. A mere ten years ago, mobile gaming was nascent, the United States had not yet established regulations for online gambling (let alone individual sporting event wagering outside of Nevada), the United Kingdom’s Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT) discourse was just gaining momentum, and some of the industry titans we recognize today were either nonexistent or a shadow of their present magnitude.
When *iGaming Business* debuted in 2010, the industry had yet to grasp the influence it would wield. At that juncture, no single publication provided high-level perspectives on both the physical and digital markets, while simultaneously encompassing every region of the world. Our founder, through extensive industry relationships and an unwavering work ethic, established a publication that every major gaming enterprise desired to be associated with.
Whether you’ve been a dedicated reader tracking our endeavors for the past decade or are just now perusing an issue for the first time, we trust you’ll recognize the diligence we’ve invested in guaranteeing we address all the relevant subjects that the executives reading this publication are eager to learn about.
The world of gaming is in a constant state of flux, presenting a real test for those aiming to stay at the forefront. Yet, this dynamic nature is also what fuels its allure – there’s a perpetual stream of fresh topics to delve into.
This edition of the publication (set to be circulated at ICE London) showcases our eagerly awaited yearly CEO Spotlight, returning with even greater prominence. Our inaugural run of this feature was in the January/February 2015 issue, where we engaged in conversations with the heads of Betfred, IGT International, Microgaming, and MGM Resorts International. In the time since, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing the leaders from GVC Holdings, 888 Holdings, Novomatic, NetEnt, Scientific Games, and many more. You catch the drift.
Witnessing the blossoming of our other endeavors has been incredibly rewarding, including numerous Special Reports, the Gambling Insider online platform, and naturally, the GI Huddle podcast which debuted last year.
Gazing into the next ten years, I’m intrigued to observe the extent of further amalgamation the sector will undergo, considering it’s been a recurring pattern in recent times. A decade past, Ladbrokes, Coral, bwin, PartyGaming (all currently under the GVC umbrella), Paddy Power, Betfair, PokerStars, and Sky Bet (either now or soon to be held by Flutter Entertainment) were all functioning as autonomous entities. As a side note, Flutter also possesses FanDuel.
Its captivating to observe the commercial aspect of the sports wagering sector, particularly the significant agreements like OpenBet’s transfer to NYX Gaming Group in 2016 and NYX’s ensuing purchase by Scientific Games in 2017. These dealings underscore the worth of a leading entity in the marketplace.
As an individual who relishes a gamble, my viewpoint extends past the typical punter. From my initial days of novice fortune – a triumphant £4 wager on England to defeat Mexico 3-1 in a 2010 exhibition match – I’ve encountered the peaks and valleys of betting. Nevertheless, it’s discouraging to witness the unfavorable publicity encompassing this industry, especially in Britain.
Commencing at Gambling Insider, I was astonished by the scarcity of oversight in numerous markets. Conversely, the UK traditionally welcomed gambling as a type of amusement. Regrettably, this perception has transformed, fueled by forceful promotion and frequently prejudiced, lopsided reporting. It seems like we’re retrogressing while markets such as the US, once lagging behind, are advancing. The UK’s action to diminish maximum wagers on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2 and the imminent credit card wagering prohibition illustrate this change.
Our objective isn’t to become mired in arguments about the industry’s merits and shortcomings. Rather, we aim to provide transparent, perceptive, and educational journalism that equips our audience with the understanding needed to enhance their endeavors. While we won’t hesitate to cover areas requiring advancement, our gaze remains resolutely on the industry’s future.
Therefore, if you possess a celebratory beverage, join us in a toast to the upcoming decade of creativity and growth! Let’s reconvene in 2030 and assess our progress!
