Issue 11 of SBC Magazine, which again has a strong focus on US sports betting, kicks off with an exclusive interview with former William Hill CEO Ralph Topping. He reflects on his journey from a part-time cashier in one of Glasgow’s independent betting shops to the boardroom of William Hill, a name that has become synonymous with sports wagering Stateside.

The Topping interview, among other things, looks back on the ways that UK betting shops have evolved in recent years and how bookmakers have been forced to diversify to meet the changing demands of the punter. 

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And with big developments still ongoing, the US sector remains one to watch as SBC Magazine examines the gold rush to capitalize on the $35bn market, ties to the stock market and the rise to prominence of the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Sticking with the US, Playtech chief operating officer Shimon Akad asks whether the tipping point has been reached in the post-PASPA for suppliers, as much as it has for operators, and the importance of supplier cooperation. 

Moving south to the Latin America market, discussions turn to why the continent needs to look beyond football and instead consider the betting opportunities available for boxing, tennis, greyhound and horse racing.

The casino section of our magazine begins by asking the question ‘What’s the best way to spend £100m?’, focusing on whether the research, education and treatment service industry is capable of efficiently using the investment from operators.

Our casino section doesn’t stop there, as Coingaming Group’s Tim Heath creates a buzz around bitcoin, Brazil and the Bombay Club.

Sports sponsorships are one of the hot topics discussed in our marketing section as we address the potential ban on gambling advertising and the creative strategies that operators may use to maintain and grow their brand identity. 

And for everyone holding on to the hope of life going back to normal in the near future, we also reveal details of five physical events that SBC has scheduled throughout 2021.

AstroPay CEO Mikael Lijtenstein takes us through the demand for changes to the payments ecosystem amongst the young population in Africa, as he believes that there is clearly an ongoing shift from traditional payments towards cashless across the continent.

Rounding off the magazine, Jari Vähänen, formerly of Veikkaus and now a Partner at The Finnish Gambling Consultants OY, looks at lottery companies which have expanded their offerings beyond the traditional products and how they have fared much better than those who have stuck solely with their core business.