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“Leadership is critical in setting expectations and maintaining accountability,” says Nicola Kociuba, learning and performance business partner at Evoke. “For example, our Nomination Committee monitors progress against diversity objectives and considers diversity in succession planning and appointments, while ensuring decisions remain based on merit, experience and capability.”
Playtech also tracks its DEI achievements. According to Sophie Yaxley, the company’s global Centre of Excellence director, female representation within Playtech’s leadership rose from 23% in 2021 to 32% in 2025.
“Ultimately, our focus is not only on representation, but on fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, develop and succeed,” Yaxley says.
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CEO Peter Kesitilwe recently told iGB he hopes the first Africa Safer Gambling Week will be the beginning of a new era of collaboration that boosts player protection efforts.
“We want Africa Safer Gambling Week to create a platform for ongoing cooperation,” he said.
“The campaign may run for a week, but responsible gambling must be practised throughout the year.”
How to play Ice Mania
“Publicly traded valuations are a reflection of the current interest rate environment,” Chad Beynon, lead gaming analyst for Macquarie, told iGB. “Whether it’s a long-term financial model on a growth company, you’re going to discount that back at a higher rate, or if it’s just a standard four-wall business, the cash flows in a higher interest rate environment are worth less.”
According to data from Yahoo Finance, the resort and casino sector is -41% over the last five years, and the overall gambling sector, which includes major sportsbooks and online operators, is +7%; the benchmark S&P 500 index, by comparison, is +71% during that span.
Two blockbuster developments in the casino space earlier this year seemed to indicate an increasingly bullish bet on the sector, including Fertitta Entertainment’s acquisition of Caesars Entertainment in May. The other is a subsequent takeover offer of MGM Resorts from its largest shareholder, Barry Diller’s People Inc. But a negative shift in market conditions could affect both deals.
