Zak Thomas-Akoo

London

Senior Reporter at Next.io

Senior reporter @nextdotio. Tips to [email protected].

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Articles

Penn taps ex-FanDuel SVP product Billy Turchin as CPO

1 week ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Penn Entertainment announced ex-FanDuel SVP Billy Turchin has been chosen as the operator’s new chief product officer. In this role, he will lead the company’s digital experience product strategy across its portfolio of online gaming brands, including ESPN Bet, Hollywood Casino and theScore. It comes after a rough 2024 for Penn, which is facing a shareholder revolt at its upcoming AGM after the company bled market share for its flagship sportsbook.
Evolution adds third Light & Wonder live roulette game to patent lawsuit

1 week ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Evolution has moved to expand its patent infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder, specifically targeting its recently announced “88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette” game. Court documents filed yesterday (April 10) reveal Evolution is seeking permission to add two additional patents and a new party to its existing lawsuit in Nevada federal court.
Analysts predict gambling resilience amid Trump tariffs turbulence

1 week ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Speaking to NEXT.io, gambling industry analysts expressed cautious optimism about the sector despite the volatility triggered by Trump’s rapid tariffs policy shifts. US President Donald Trump’s 2 April “Liberation Day” announcement sent markets into a tailspin amid the introduction of a sweeping new global tariff system based on controversial economic calculations.
Flutter's Snai deal to close 30 April as regulators give thumbs up

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Flutter has received all the necessary regulatory approvals to acquire Snai from Playtech. The global online gambling leader said yesterday (9 April) that it has received all required antitrust, gaming and regulatory confirmations to acquire the Italian B2C brand. The deal, first announced in September 2024, will see the company purchase the third largest online and retail gaming operator in the Italian market for โฌ2.3bn in cash.
Aristocrat and Light & Wonder lock horns over Dragon Train disclosure

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Aristocrat and Light & Wonder locked horns in court filings over the scope of document disclosure as part of the ongoing Dragon Train litigation. In a newly filed stipulation submitted Tuesday (8 April), Aristocrat accused Light & Wonder of stonewalling key discovery requests aimed at uncovering the alleged misuse of its confidential game design information.
Career prosecutor to lead rejigged Ukraine gambling regulator

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

A career prosecutor has been chosen to lead Ukraine’s rejigged gambling regulator PlayCity, which is set to replace the scandal-plagued KRAIL. Novikov Gennadiy Olegovich, who until 15 January led the country’s national corruption agency, will take point at the newly established gambling regulator after being appointed by the Cabinet yesterday (8 April).
UKGC highlights AI and crash games risks in updated AML guidance

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

The Gambling Commission has highlighted AI-driven risks to the customer due diligence process, in updated 2025 emerging AML risks guidance. The UK gambling regulator said it was aware of an increase in the scale and sophistication of attempts to bypass customer due diligence checks using AI-generated documents, deepfake videos and face swaps.
Nigel Eccles asks court to place restraining order on FanDuel

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Nigel Eccles accused FanDuel of trying to avoid confronting the merits of his case, in response to its decision to file arbitration against him last week. The FanDuel founder and former CEO filed a brief with New York State’s Supreme Court, asking it to impose a Temporary Restraining Order against his former company which would block its attempts to impose arbitration against him.
Dutch gambling regulator kicks 20 illegal apps from stores

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has removed 20 illegal gambling apps from mobile stores since the beginning of 2025. The regulator said the issue of illegal gambling apps, accessible to minors and promoted via social media, has become increasingly urgent and called on consumers to report any they came across. Unlicensed operators, it added, often use underhand techniques to convince customers, for example by displaying the logos of licensed providers.
Maryland challenges sports event contracts as CFTC roundtable nears

2 weeks ago | next.io | Zak Thomas-Akoo

Maryland became the latest state to send cease-and-desist letters to major sports prediction market platforms yesterday (7 April). The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has told Kalshi and Robinhood their sports contract offerings constitute unlicensed sports wagering, and given them 15 days to take them down. The Free States’ Office of the Attorney General was cc’d in the letter, and may choose to act if the platforms keep the offerings in place.