GVC Holdings PLC, a global sports betting and gaming group, has promoted an executive to oversee its American regulatory affairs.
Martin Lycka, who had been director of regulatory affairs with the company, will now serve as senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding U.K.-based GVC’s licensing and regulatory structure in the U.S. and emphasizing its commitments to responsible gambling, sports integrity and regulatory compliance. He will also lead regulatory affairs in Canada, and support the Latin America regulatory strategy.
Lycka also will continue in his role as trustee of the GVC Foundation and GVC Foundation U.S. He will relocate to the U.S. early in 2021, the company said. GVC’s U.S. operations are based in Trenton.
“The United States presents a tremendous opportunity for GVC Holdings as more states embrace sports gaming in robust and transparent regulatory structures,” Lycka said in a prepared statement. “GVC and the GVC Foundation U.S. are at the forefront of this development, demonstrating our commitment to regulatory compliance, sports integrity and responsible gambling. I look forward to leading these programs in the U.S. and Canada.”
In the U.S., GVC operates BetMGM, a joint venture with MGM Resorts. Its foundation is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible gambling in the U.S. through social responsibility initiatives.
“Martin has already made great strides in his regulatory duties, bringing responsibility, sporting integrity and effective regulation to life in the U.S.,” Chief Governance Officer Rob Hoskin said in a statement. “Martin’s new role is further evidence of our commitment to the strong and growing U.S. market and our ambition to lead this growth.”
GVC Holdings employs more than 24,000 people in 20 offices on five continents.
