The Innovation Group, together with Global Gaming Business (GGB) magazine, has announced Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings, as one of the honorees of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. This list recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions and are set to become leaders in the casino gaming industry.

Rickard Vikström has been recognized for his leadership in the field of in-state hosting solutions for the iGaming and online sports betting industry. As the CEO of Internet Vikings, Rickard has established the company which is now the fastest-growing hosting provider in the US, serving 24 states.

“I am honored to be included in this list of talented individuals making a bold impact in the casino gaming industry. I share this recognition with the entire Internet Vikings team and our leading hosting solutions that support the growth and success of our clients in the iGaming and online sports betting sectors,” said Rickard Vikström.

The Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 was carefully selected by a distinguished committee including representatives from PENN Entertainment. Their decision reflects Rickard Vikström’s impact on the industry and his achievements in strategic leadership. Other 40 under 40 leaders include FanDuel’s Karolina Pelc and Everi’s Darryl DeRaedt.

The honorees will be celebrated at the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Networking Reception in partnership with Global Gaming Expo (G2E) on Wednesday, the 9th of October, 2024.

As registration opens for iGB Affiliate, ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ (New Horizons) has been unveiled as the creative theme driving the international marketing campaign in support of the 2025 edition which will be the first to take place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona alongside sister show ICE.

Explaining the thinking behind the creative Naomi Barton, iGB Events’ Global Portfolio Director said: “The iGaming industry is continually evolving, and our 2025 campaign invites affiliates to explore new horizons at our exciting new venue, Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

“iGB Affiliate is the home of the igaming affiliate community, and it enables connection, growth and shared business success for our audience of affiliates, operators and tech vendors. This campaign will drive our community into uncharted territory, sparking a spirit of exploration that embraces emerging markets, innovative strategies, and untapped commercial opportunities. It equips affiliates with the tools and insights needed to adapt, innovate, and conquer new horizons.”

She added: “With our move to Barcelona we’re setting our sights on an incredibly bright future. The additional space at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, which is among the largest exhibition venues in Europe, will enable iGB Affiliate to achieve its full potential and continue to connect the best affiliates with the best operators and tech vendors.

“The 2025 edition of the show is set to feature a record 250 exhibitors and sponsors, occupying 15,000 sqm of space. The enhanced facilities in Barcelona will empower the affiliate community to forge new igaming connections, build strategic and trusted partnerships, expand their networks, and explore uncharted territories.”

For more information on iGB Affiliate Barcelona (20 – 23 January), the only dedicated platform that exists purely to connect the best iGaming affiliates with the best iGaming affiliate programs and tech vendors, visit: barcelona.igbaffiliate.com

CT Interactive made a significant impact at this year’s SBC Summit in Lisbon, held from September 24 to 26 at the FIL Exhibition Centre. The company captivated the audience with its impressive stand (#A230), where visitors were treated to live demonstrations of CT Interactive’s cutting-edge gaming portfolio, customizable solutions and the latest innovative features designed to meet the growing demands of the industry.

The team engaged with professionals from across the globe to explore how their portfolio can enhance player engagement and retention in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“We were proud to show how much we’ve evolved as a company. The SBC Summit was the ideal setting to demonstrate that progress. Our vision has always been to create immersive gaming experiences that not only entertain but also push the boundaries of what operators and players expect from online gaming. This year, we brought something truly special to Lisbon,” said Lachezar Petrov, CEO of CT Interactive.

CT Interactive’s booth featured advanced gaming elements such as jackpots, free spins and bonus tools, all designed to create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players. The company’s commitment to innovation and player-focused products was clear from the feedback they received throughout the event.

A major highlight of the summit was CT Interactive’s announcement of a new strategic partnership with GameWorkz, a provider of social gaming solutions. GameWorkz presented its player management platform at CT Interactive’s stand, showcasing a solution that integrates third-party services and proprietary technology. This platform offers a fully functional social gaming experience, complete with gamification tools and a loyalty program, tailored to meet the needs of social players.