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‘Making a positive difference’: YGAM undergraduate apprentice, Nadia Tarik, reflects on a year studying and working for social change

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‘Making a positive difference’: YGAM undergraduate apprentice, Nadia Tarik, reflects on a year studying and working for social change
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In 2019 23-year old Nadia Tarik made history when she was among the first students to participate in the ground-breaking apprenticeship degree course in Social Change at Queen Mary University of London.  Thanks to pioneering sponsorship from Caesars Entertainment EMEA, Nadia has been able to combine a four year degree course with her work as a Development Officer at YGAM, the UK charity that works to inform, educate and safeguard young people against gambling and gaming related harms.  Nadia reflects on her first year of studying and working.

 

The Social Change degree course attracted six times more applicants per place than Oxford University – can you explain the challenges of being accepted onto the course and what was the interview process like?

Being the first degree of its kind meant that there was very high demand for places. The recruitment process was extremely challenging and detailed to ensure that recruiters were selecting candidates that would make the most of the opportunity as well as identify those with the capabilities to impact social change. The academic requirements were very high with three As at A level in order to ensure that applicants would be academically capable of completing the course and understanding the set modules.  I had to present a detailed explanation as to why I should be accepted, what I would bring to the programme and my future goals. We then had a group based interview, followed by a 2:1 interview in which I was asked multiple questions regarding my application and a full explanation of my career and work history. After several phone interviews with recruiters, I met YGAM CEO Lee Willows and Mike Wojcik the Chair of Trustees and then completed a final round interview with the CEO after which I was offered the position.

Can you describe what your post at YGAM entails and what the challenges are?

The Development Officer Apprentice role involves frequent rotations across disciplines including marketing, education and fundraising. The diversity of the apprenticeship programme has, I think, put me in an extremely favourable position with regards to the development of my career that I would not have been exposed to if I had chosen a more traditional route. The accessibility of technology resources has enabled organisations of all sizes to become digitally focused. Regarding the current pandemic crisis, many firms have had to redesign their business plan and create a virtual presence.  The introduction of YGAM’s Webinars has allowed me to develop an understanding of numerous programmes such as Salesforce and WordPress. I am now able to utilise my knowledge and incorporate the software on a day to day basis, building my IT literacy and enabling me to contribute to projects such as the design of YGAM’s virtual resources and registrations. This year we’ve introduced Parental Engagement educational resources, allowing me to be part of the development of a new service right from the very start. I have particularly enjoyed working with the team to design surveys for our focus groups and I have now been given the task to create interactive animations for our new educational materials.

In many ways YGAM has been ahead of the curve, as even prior to the pandemic it has operated a remote working environment with employees spread all across the UK. Working remotely at such an early stage in my career has been a definite plus enabling me to experience the challenges of goal-setting, motivation and discipline that are so important whilst working independently.

A lot of people are put off further education due to the fear of accumulating student debt – does the apprenticeship help in that respect?

Yes, student debt is a big deterrent for many individuals especially those from challenging backgrounds. An apprenticeship programme is highly beneficial for those struggling with the decision to undertake a degree or to earn a full salary as it provides the benefits of both options. I am of course extremely grateful for the support provided by Caesars in this respect. The apprenticeship programme eliminates financial constraints by providing free intuition, the standard living wage salary or above as well as any resources required for the course. There is a big misperception that those operating in the third sector/not-for-profit do not become financially successful. The Social Change degree apprenticeship programme provides the training, resources, networks and knowledge to ensure you are on the right path to achieve personal and career goals.

Can you explain how the course operates and the split between working at YGAM and studying at Queen Mary University?

The Chartered Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management (Social Change) is a four-year programme. After completion, apprentices gain a Business Management (Social change) BSc Degree as well as a Chartered Management qualification. During university term time we operate with two full days of education and three full days of working with our employer. Outside university term time I work full time, five days a week at YGAM. Throughout the four-year programme the apprentices are required to create a portfolio which examines how we have met the KPIs for our Chartered Management qualification. Thus, challenging us to translate the skills and experiences from our workplace with the theory taught in our modules. In our final year we will undergo a six-month work project where we take on the role as project manager to showcase our skill sets and finally present it to a panel for grading.

What modules do you study at Queen Mary?

It is a really comprehensive course covering marketing, the law, accounting, leadership, ethics, governance, social responsibility, fundraising management, mentoring and coaching.  The course is varied and provides opportunities to deep dive into specialist interests.

 

Is it difficult combining work and education?

It can be demanding, especially during exam periods. Communication is very important, I have found that being able to liaise with fellow apprentices on my course extremely beneficial. Moreover, having open communication with my line manager relieved any stress I may have had. Management is very understanding and flexible with our work demands during assessment periods.

Can you provide some background – did you go to school in London and do you live in London?

I was born and raised in the London Borough of Bromley whilst living in a traditional Moroccan household.  Growing up I spent a lot of time abroad in Holland and Morocco visiting family for extended periods of time. In terms of education I always studied in my local area so I was excited to attend Queen Mary’s University which is situated in the heart of East London. I love the fact that I can now explore a new area of London and experience a whole fresh wave of cultures.

Reflecting on your first academic year as an undergraduate apprentice – what have been the high points?

There have been a lot of high points, not least featuring in an article which was published in The Guardian newspaper which I think demonstrates how ground-breaking and different this course is. The ability to get hands-on experience in a real and relevant work environment, being able to participate in important initiatives and to contribute to the objectives and goals of YGAM are all really significant take outs from my first year. Currently I am part of a team developing interactive animations for our Parental Engagement resources – this is a new and exciting opportunity that allows me to hone into my creativity. It’s been a hugely exciting year of growth and impact at YGAM and I’m proud to be part of it.

If you hadn’t succeeded in being accepted on the apprenticeship degree course what do you think you would be doing?

My lifelong ambition has been to dedicate my career to the third sector. Equally, I am fascinated by the world of business so I think I would have followed a traditional business-related degree, whilst continuing to volunteer until I was able to merge both passions. I feel fully motivated and grateful to YGAM, Queen Mary and Caesars knowing that I  am working for an organisation that is making a positive difference and impacting social change – which is exactly what I want to achieve in my career.

 

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Major affiliate QiH Group reports impressive Q4 and FY 2024 financial results

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QiH Group, a prominent iGaming affiliate, has announced its financial results for Q4 2024, the three-month period ending 30 September. The results showcase robust performance and ambitious growth in a rapidly evolving, highly regulated and increasingly competitive online market.

 

Key Q4 Highlights

  • Revenue: £6.33m, a 73% increase from Q4 2023

  • EBITDA: £1.43m, a 90% increase from Q4 2023

  • FTDs: 49% increase from Q4 2023

 

Key FY24 Highlights

  • Revenue: £20.57m, a 59% increase year-on-year

  • EBITDA: £4.85m, a 59% increase year-on-year

  • FTDs: 43% increase year-on-year

 

CEO Comments

“We are thrilled to report strong quarterly results that underscore our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the iGaming space,” said Jamie Walters, CEO and co-founder of QiH Group. “Strategic enhancements to our in-house tech, growing the business rapidly and appointing the absolute best people to our C-level team has clearly paid off.”

 

Operational Highlights

  • Strengthened C-suite leadership team with the hire of leading CTO Sachin Saxena

  • Expanded into a new sports vertical through the successful launch of Podium Bets, with sports betting expected to deliver up to 15% of full-year revenue activity in 2025

  • Average headcount growth of 16% for Q4 2024 and 15% for FY 2024, leading to a significant expansion of the London office

  • Entered strategic partnerships with 120 partners, delivering our trusted high quality traffic experience as further evidence of our successful internal strategy

 

Post-period Outlook

  • Finalised C-suite leadership team with the hire of leading CFO Simon Winder

 

“As we head into the next trading year, QiH Group looks primed to go from strength-to-strength. Our C-level team is now complete and we have been able to attract some really impressive individuals to our most important senior positions, as proven by our recent hires. Our focus on compliant methods, data-driven results and responsible marketing will enable us to continue delivering value to our partners, clients and customers for the long term,” said Walters.

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BETBAZAR strengthens product line-up with GR8 Tech partnership

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BETBAZAR strengthens product line-up with GR8 Tech partnership
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Industry-leading B2B iGaming marketplace unveils collaboration with the high-performance sportsbook and iGaming platform provider to supply even more solutions to clients

Betbazar – the innovative technology company behind the world’s leading B2B iGaming marketplace – has this month revealed details of a recent partnership with GR8 Tech that will enable it to provide an impressive array of sportsbook solutions to customers.

With GR8 Tech being one of the industry’s most forward-thinking providers of sportsbook and iGaming platform software, the collaboration means all BETBAZAR clients will be able to choose from a wide range of products aimed at providing a more immersive online experience to players.

While GR8 Tech’s award-winning sportsbook platform, MTS (managed trading services), and streamlined iFrame will all be available via the BETBAZAR marketplace, the star of the show from an operator’s perspective will certainly be the company’s critically acclaimed sportsbook data feed.

GR8 Tech developed this innovative solution to empower iGaming companies to supply an enhanced sportsbook experience to their customers. The GR8 Feed delivers real-time odds, scores, and statistics on approximately 100,000 events from the industry’s most trusted providers.

Covering everything from esports to American football, the feed itself is seamlessly integrated through an API and can harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver live alerts and a dashboard that breathes life into customers’ statistics. All of this is backed up by bulletproof security features and a dedicated support team that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Given the data feed’s scope to improve clients’ revenue streams and the myriad benefits offered by all of the other GR8 Tech solutions, the partnership will further establish BETBAZAR’s marketplace as the go-to destination for customers’ iGaming needs. Both parties are already looking forward to the numerous opportunities the collaboration should bring.

Alex Iaroshenko, Chief Executive Officer at BETBAZAR, said: “It goes without saying that if you want to be the iGaming industry’s leading B2B marketplace, you have to be able to offer the best products available – and in GR8 Tech’s innovative range of sportsbook solutions, we believe we’ve found a selection of services that will empower operators to offer a best-in-class user experience.

“Covering everything from sportsbook platforms, managed trading services, and the company’s celebrated data feed, the GR8 Tech products available in our marketplace will ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation while also offering a comprehensive range of options to customers.”

Oleksandr Feshchenko, Deputy CEO & CRO at GR8 Tech, said: “At GR8 Tech, we really believe in the quality of our products and their potential to help operators stand out and maximise their revenue streams – so the next step is obviously to ensure they’re seen by as many customers as possible.

“By partnering with BETBAZAR and making our solutions available via their industry-leading B2B worldwide marketplace, we’ll be able to guarantee that even more prospective clients will have access to the services we offer. This will in turn allow us to empower even more operators to provide an enhanced experience to their end users.”

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Spinosaurus – The Thrilling New Slot Game from PopOK Gaming

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Spinosaurus – The Thrilling New Slot Game from PopOK Gaming
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PopOK Gaming is thrilled to announce the release of its newest slot game, Spinosaurus – a captivating 3×5 slot that transports players back to the thrilling age of dinosaurs!

With vibrant, colorful visuals and dynamic gameplay, Spinosaurus features the iconic, mighty dinosaur as your guide on an adventurous quest for massive wins. Players can immerse themselves in prehistoric excitement while aiming for incredible rewards.

Key Features:

In the Bonus Game, players encounter the fierce Spinosaurus, spinning for multipliers, free spins, and other exciting rewards. For those eager to jump straight into the action, the Buy Bonus feature lets players skip right into the heart of the adventure for even more fun and potential rewards.

Whether chasing big wins or exploring the ancient world of dinosaurs, Spinosaurus offers a truly wild and exhilarating gaming experience.

Game Overview:

  • Provider: PopOK Gaming
  • Game Name: Spinosaurus
  • Game ID: 134
  • Category: Video Slot
  • RTP: 96.20%
  • Hit Frequency: 37.72%
  • Max Win: 2,500x total bet
  • Volatility: Medium
  • Min/Max Bets: 0.02/100 EUR
  • Release Date: October 18, 2024

Dive into the prehistoric era and experience the thrill of Spinosaurus today! Visit popokgaming.com to learn more or contact your PopOK Gaming account manager to add this exciting new game to your platform.

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