News
Catena Media appoints Michael Gerrow as Group CFO
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Catena Media announced the appointment of Michael Gerrow as Group CFO. He will enter his new role on 15 April 2024, and will be part of the company’s executive management team.
With over 15 years of experience in the igaming, marketing and health sectors, he joined Catena Media’s Malta-based operations in 2020. In his current role as VP Finance, based in Miami, USA, Michael leads the company’s financial planning and analysis function. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, and professional accounting qualifications from CPA Canada and ACCA UK.
Michael Gerrow succeeds Erik Edeen, who, as interim Group CFO, has focused on improving Catena Media’s operating model and financial position. Erik will continue to support the company in a strategic advisory role.
Catena Media Interim CEO Pierre Cadena commented: “We are delighted to see Michael step into the role of Group CFO. His extensive experience and deep understanding of our financial operations make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our financial operations going forward. Michael’s transition to this role will provide strategic continuity in our executive management team, supporting Catena Media as we continue on the next phase of our journey.”
News
North Star Network acquires leading casino affiliate Bojoko
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North Star Network and Bojoko are delighted to announce the digital sports media group’s acquisition of the leading iGaming affiliation as NSN looks to take a decisive step into the casino space.
The deal, which includes all Bojoko assets, was concluded on February 14 and represents a new chapter for the Malta-based asset, giving them the resources to become an even bigger force in the iGaming affiliate world. This acquisition is structured using upfront and earnout payments, representing 3.0-4.5x 2025 EBITDA depending on future performance.
Since launching in 2017, Bojoko.com has become the go-to platform for UK players seeking in-depth casino, bingo, and sports betting insights, while Bojoko.ca has been instrumental in helping Canadian players navigate the rapidly growing online gaming market.
This acquisition will allow both platforms to expand their reach, enhance their services, and provide even more value to users in these key markets. It also opens room for further market expansion.
Julien Josset, co-founder and CEO of North Star Network, shared his excitement about the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Bojoko into the North Star Network. Bojoko has built an excellent reputation in the industry for its user-driven approach, commitment to true quality, and innovative platform,” he added.” This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our influence in the iGaming industry, giving us an instant footing in the casino vertical.
“Bojoko’s casino knowledge is almost unparalleled, and we could not be more excited about the future,” Josset concluded. “Together, we plan to expand Bojoko’s reach internationally, creating even more value for players and partners alike.”
Bojoko co-founder and CEO Joonas Karhu will continue to lead the project. “This is a monumental step forward for Bojoko. Since day one, our goal has been to empower players with expert insights and easy tools that allow them to make informed choices,” Karhu began. “With North Star Network backing us, we’re now in a position to enhance our solutions, expand, and bring our expertise in the online gambling space to new audiences worldwide.
“This partnership opens the door for unprecedented growth and innovation.”
iGB
Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate welcome world record gaming industry attendance of 59,101 from 163 nations
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• Total attendance up 13% year-on-year
• Visitors from 163 nations make journey to Barcelona
• Spain top represented nation at ICE
• UK top represented nation at iGB Affiliate
• Visitation exceeds 100,000 for first time
The Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate have ripped up the record books attracting a total of 59,101 unique attendees surpassing the previous high of 52,345 which was set in 2024 – the last editions to be held in London.
The ICE unique attendance of 50,019 represented an 11% year-on-year uplift with iGB Affiliate recording a total of 9,082 unique visitors an increase of 24% on the previous highest which was set 12-months ago.
ICE and iGB Affiliate registered a total Visitation figure, which measures the number of person days spent at the Fira Gran Via Barcelona of 107,664 another gambling industry world record. Nine nations recorded four figure attendances with Spain topping the table (8,954), followed by the UK (6,518), Malta (3,074), Cyprus (2,328), Ukraine (1,938), United States (1,730), Italy (1,496), Bulgaria (1,252) and Germany (1,157).
Stuart Hunter, Managing Director Clarion Gaming said: “The data has been interrogated by an independent registration body and reflects the number of unique attendees.”
He added: “I am delighted that the transition of ICE and iGB Affiliate to Barcelona has been so well-received by our international community of stakeholders. The data has confirmed an all-time opening day high of 32,788 ICE attendees and a closing day attendance of 24,926 which was 20% higher than 2024’s closing day.
“Growth was achieved across all key jurisdictions, including Continental Europe, North America, LATAM, and Asia, with notable new growth recorded from the UAE and India. While UK attendance saw an anticipated reduction in numbers, like-for-like UK company representation remained stable. Looking behind the data it has been a case of UK companies rationalising their representation to their senior teams. The overall attendee growth mitigated and exceeded that reduction.”
Looking ahead to 2026 Stuart Hunter confirmed that 86% of the event space is already booked. He stated: “The response has been so positive that many exhibitors have already rebooked and in many cases secured additional space for January 2026. ICE will expand into Hall 1 addressing exhibitor requests for extra space while iGB Affiliate will relocate to Hall 8 providing attendees with a dedicated arrival experience. The success of the 2025 event underscores the value of the move, and we look forward to building on this momentum for 2026.”
Naomi Barton, Portfolio Director, iGB Events described the response to the first edition of iGB Affiliate to take place in Barcelona as ‘simply outstanding’. She stated: “The growth of iGB Affiliate has been phenomenal and Barcelona has underlined the popularity and status of the brand. Whilst the figures can only tell part of the story the unique attendance of 9,082 was a 24% uplift on 2024 with the 2025 figures representing the fifth consecutive year of significant growth.”
She added: “108 nations were represented at iGB Affiliate making it one of the most international live b2b events on the industry calendar. All of the metrics that we use to measure performance are looking extremely healthy and we are in the midst of analysing in more detail the exhibitor and visitor surveys that we commission after each event. Our attention now switches to July and the relocation of iGB L!VE from Amsterdam to ExCeL London.”
News
The Legal Poker Debate: Will Online Poker Finally Be Legalized in California?
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While online poker is a billion-dollar global industry, its legality in California remains a bone of contention. However, there has been a wave of change in America’s gaming segment in the past few years, thanks to the recently struck-down PASPA and online accessibility.
Let’s dig deeper into the Golden State’s poker culture from the past to the present.
A History of Poker Laws in California
Californians played poker in the saloons as early as the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Cities like San Francisco were famous for their vibrant gambling scene in the 1800s. Indigenous California tribes have been operating and managing poker games in the state.
Further, the state legalized some forms of poker in the 1930s, such as draw and stud gambling. With this ruling, poker card rooms expanded in the Golden State, which became prime venues for law-abiding poker action.
In the late 1990s, playing online poker in a legal gray area became a reality for Californians. The California Constitution and Penal Code did not clearly authorize or prohibit such operations. Hence, this legal loophole allowed poker enthusiasts to play the card game on licensed offshore casino sites.
In the same year, attempts were also made to officially legalize poker. A landmark court decision allowed all forms of offline poker within the state, removing any confusion surrounding the earlier poker bans.
Hence, land-based poker games are legal in California now, with around 88 licensed card rooms operating legally. What about online poker gaming? Let’s find out!
Current Legal Barriers to Online Poker in California
Strict legal and political opposition to the legalization of online poker gaming is the foremost obstacle in California. Further, mandates on tribal gaming and card rooms sometimes overlap with poker regulations. Section 330 of the California Penal Code currently bans online poker within the state border.
California’s tribes hold exclusive rights to operate casino-style gambling, granted by compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They argue that online poker infringes on these rights, mainly if non-tribal entities operate these gambling platforms.
Moreover, various consumer protection organizations fuel this resistance as they consider any form of gambling an addictive habit. Such critics argue that regulating online poker could promote overexposure and make gambling too easy for otherwise highly vulnerable people.
Hence, there have been endless legislative stalemates with no agreement on what to do about it.
Stakeholders in the Legalization Debate
Several groups play key roles in shaping California’s poker scene:
Tribal Casinos
California’s Native American tribes generate billions annually through land-based casinos. Many tribes view online poker as a competition that could impact their monopoly on gambling.
Legislators
Californian lawmakers try to balance consumer protection and compliance with federal regulations before lifting the ban on online gambling.
Card Rooms
California’s cardrooms operate under different rules than tribal casinos. The owners of these facilities usually advocate for the legalization of online poker to expand their customer base.
Economic Benefits of Legalizing Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California could yield substantial economic benefits:
- Tax Revenue: Licensed online poker markets would add hundreds of billions in tax revenues to the state annually. This revenue could fund other public services within the state, such as education and infrastructure development.
- Consumer Protection: California can regulate this industry to guarantee safe and fair play for its residents. It’ll also help reduce the problems that offshore unregulated platforms bring.
The Future Outlook for Online Poker in California
While progress has been slow, there are signs of hope for online poker fans in California.
For example, some tribes are willing to support online poker legislation under the exclusivity clauses. This step will ensure native tribes have a significant stake in the market. Public support for online gambling also appears to grow, driven by the success of legalized sports betting in other states.
The signs are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The legal and political complexities mean that online poker California enthusiasts may need to wait longer to play their favorite card game online hassle-free.
Social Advantages of Legalized Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California isn’t just about revenue and market growth. There are obvious social benefits, too. A regulated environment assures responsible gaming practice via mandatory self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and esports support for players to manage their habits.
Additionally, legalization is likely to fund problems associated with gambling addictions. States with regulated online poker markets generally allocate a certain portion of tax revenue toward mental health services and addiction treatment. These measures ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment without becoming an issue for society.
FAQs
- Is online poker currently legal in California?
No, online poker is not explicitly legal in California. While residents can play on offshore platforms, these sites operate outside state jurisdiction and lack regulatory supervision.
- Which are the best offshore poker gaming sites?
Californians can play real-money poker games on Bovada, Ignition Casino, and ACR Poker, which are regulated offshore casino sites.
- Are there any pending bills for online poker legalization?
Though past bills were introduced, very few survived the legislative process and were passed into law. Hence, the legalization of online poker is still pending in California.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, history has been kinder to poker gaming culture in California. With relaxed laws on traditional poker rooms, the online poker market also looks forward to positivity. It’s easy to see the benefits of online poker legalization, including more tax revenues and adequate consumer protection.
However, some issues still create roadblocks in the game’s legal battle. Complicated laws, tribal autonomy, and gambling addiction concerns put barriers to the legalization of online poker in California. For now, the state’s cardrooms and offshore casino sites are the only viable options to satisfy their poker gambling desires.