SBC to honour four industry pioneers in Hall Of Fame Class of 2023

The celebration of the newest inductees is set to unfold at the W Hotel, Barcelona, on 19th September, as part of the SBC Leaders Summit. The inaugural C-level industry gathering forms part of SBC’s global betting and iGaming show, SBC Summit Barcelona, scheduled to take place at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc from 19th to 21st September.

The individuals whose ongoing industry contributions will be acknowledged at the ceremony are:

• Gustaf Hagman – CEO and Co-Founder, LeoVegas
• Jordan Levin – CEO, OpenBet
• Per Widerström – Incoming CEO, 888 Holdings (effective October 16, 2023)
• Brigid Simmonds OBE – Chair, Betting and Gaming Council

The Sports Betting Hall of Fame was launched by SBC in 2016 to recognise, honour and celebrate the individuals whose accomplishments and lasting contribution have made a positive impact on the industry. The ceremony will be hosted by former inductees — SBC’s very own Sue Schneider & Simon Bold (Betting & Gaming Consultant, Fatcats Limited). 

Sue Schneider, VP of Growth and Strategy, Americas at SBC, said: “This is an occasion that will forever remain in the hearts of the inductees. It’s an opportunity for us, as an industry, to take a moment and recognise the incredible work they’ve done – from pioneering the concept of mobile-first betting to guiding companies through cultural transformations, mergers and acquisitions, and establishing ethical standards in the industry.

“I’m excited to celebrate the impressive individuals of the 2023 class who are contributing their best to propel our industry forward. Hosting this ceremony is as much an honour as receiving my own Hall of Fame award.”
 
The latest inductees will join their fellow 2023 classmates Michael Gaughan (Owner, South Point Hotel Casino Spa), Nick Bogdanovich (Sportsbook Manager/Oddsmaker, Circa Sports), Trish Lewandowski (Sportsbook District Manager, Caesars Digital) and David L. Rebuck (Director, NJ Department of Gaming Enforcement), who were inducted at SBC Summit North America in June 2023. 

Alongside Sue Schneider, the 2022 ceremony also saw Chris Andrews (Sportsbook Director, South Point), Paul Burns (President & CEO, Canadian Gaming Association), Sandy Drozd (Director – Software and Product Compliance, Circa Resort & Casino) and Vincent Magliulo (Vice President/SportsBook Director, Las Vegas Dissemination Co./Gaughan Gaming) inducted.

The SBC Leaders Summit is an invite-only gathering of 450 C-Level executives that includes exclusive networking opportunities, a highly engaging conference agenda, regional and regulatory roundtables, as well as a poker championship, alongside a variety of invite-only dinners during the core days of SBC Summit Barcelona.