Platform and aggregator Groove has marked a key milestone in Georgia, solidifying its presence with a special visit from Social Media Brand Marketing and Senior Account Manager, Rachel Tourgeman. Rachel, a pivotal figure in Groove’s rapid expansion, was hosted by SmartSoft, one of the region’s leading players, as she took part in an immersive exploration of Georgia’s potential and opportunities within the iGaming industry.

Groove, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation, continues to revolutionise the iGaming sector with its comprehensive platform and game aggregator. Its portfolio now boasts over 15,000 games from more than 100 top-tier providers, adding over 100 new titles every month, ensuring operators and casinos always have fresh content to captivate players.

From humble beginnings with a few small accounts, Rachel has proven her expertise by turning them into success stories almost overnight. Since joining Groove mid-pandemic in 2020, she has become an integral part of the company, wearing many hats and driving the brand’s growth on multiple fronts.

Whether it’s fostering client relationships, attending major conferences, or now managing Groove’s press releases and social media strategies, her dedication has been tireless. Her visit to Georgia was not just a testament to her commitment but also underscored the region’s growing importance in Groove’s global ambitions.

Georgia, along with key markets like Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia, serves as a strategic hub for Groove’s operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These regions provide not only fertile ground for business but also insights into diverse cultural, political, and regulatory environments, essential knowledge for scaling globally.

Rachel’s visit focused on refining marketing strategies and strengthening account management, working closely with the Groove Georgia team to ensure seamless cross-border collaboration.

“It was lovely catching up with our team in Georgia,” Rachel commented, highlighting the productive sessions she held on marketing and account management. ” These few days with SmartSoft and the Groove Georgia team really show that this region is a powerhouse within the global industry.”

Groove’s entertainment and technology ecosystem is also packed with powerful marketing tools, like free spins and interactive features, alongside data-driven analytics, giving businesses the tools they need to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

Groove’s expansion into regions like Georgia demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy, combining local expertise with global ambitions. With a strong team on the ground, and key players like Rachel Tourgeman driving the charge, Groove is poised for even greater success.

Yahale Meltzer, COO and Co-founder of Groove, echoed her sentiments, underscoring the strategic importance of Georgia within the company’s long-term plans. “Georgia is an important strategic centre for Groove,” Meltzer noted. “I am delighted Rachel was able to represent us with SmartSoft and discuss strategy with our team in Georgia. Groove is not just connecting the dots in Georgia, we are redrawing the map of the iGaming world.”

For the fifth consecutive year, the Meridianbet Foundation is proud to recognize and reward exceptional academic talent through its scholarship program. This program now reaches students across all markets where Meridianbet operates, supporting their academic journey and professional aspirations with meaningful financial awards and industry exposure.

Meridianbet, founded in 2001 and now part of Golden Matrix Group (NASDAQ: GMGI), has grown into a global leader in online sports betting and gaming. Operating in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, and South America, Meridianbet leverages proprietary technology and a scalable, omni-channel approach across retail, desktop, and mobile platforms. This commitment to innovation and accessibility extends beyond gaming, driving Meridianbet’s support for initiatives like the scholarship program, which fosters talent and empowers communities across all markets it serves.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

These scholarships are more than financial assistance—they represent the company’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for success. For our awardees, the Meridianbet Foundation Scholarship is a launchpad for both academic and career development, fostering a strong foundation for their futures. Awardees have consistently shared how this support motivates them to excel further and make a positive impact in their communities.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Sustainability

The Meridianbet Foundation believes in fostering a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond academic excellence. Our scholarship recipients are not only top students but also active participants in civic and sustainability projects. Many have contributed to initiatives in recycling, public space maintenance, and environmental stewardship, setting an example for responsible community involvement.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Business

As a tech-driven company, Meridianbet recognizes the evolving skill gaps between traditional education and the demands of the contemporary business. To help close this gap, the Meridianbet Foundation actively support scholars in building practical skills across key fields, such as marketing, game design, artificial intelligence, investor relations, regulatory compliance, and human resources.

By connecting students directly with hands-on experiences in the fast-paced tech industry, the company offers them a competitive edge as they begin their professional journeys. This unique opportunity allows scholars to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting and acquire globally relevant expertise.

A Lasting Commitment to Academic Excellence

The Meridianbet Foundation’s dedication to fostering educational growth and professional development remains stronger than ever. By investing in the potential of exceptional students, Meridianbet continues to build a future workforce that is not only skilled but also socially conscious. The company looks forward to seeing how these remarkable individuals use this opportunity to excel, innovate, and contribute to their communities.

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.