LeoVegas names Lazar as new compliance chief

LeoVegas has appointed Avshalom Lazar, formerly of Fortuna Entertainment, as its new as chief compliance and legal officer. Based in Malta, Lazar will work with authorities and licensors around the world to ensure the gambling operator is working in line with local regulations.  Lazar, who will assume his new role in April 2019, most recently served as group head of legal and compliance for Eastern European sports betting operator Fortuna. Prior to this, he spent time as head of regulatory affairs and group compliance officer at online gambling operator 888 Holdings. “The gambling regulatory and compliance environment is undergoing significant changes in the last few years, posing challenges, but equally so opportunities for leading operators in the industry,” Lazar said “I’m confident that together with LeoVegas management we would strengthen the company’s strategy even further while ensuring we act responsible with growth in focus.” Gustaf Hagman, group chief executive of LeoVegas, said Lazar’s experience in compliance roles within the gambling industry will help support the operator’s efforts to expand its presence in regulated markets. Hagman said: “Guidelines and requirements must be implemented at the same time as we keep our focus on the customer and their gaming experience. Managing compliance effectively is a competitive advantage for operators and it contributes to long-term sustainable growth.” Lazar’s appointment comes as LeoVegas prepares to roll out its services in the re-regulated Swedish gambling market, which launches on January 1, 2019. The operator was among the first companies to secure a new licence from national regulator the Lotteriinspektionen last month. After launching in the regulated Swedish market, LeoVegas said around 60% of its revenue will be generated from regulated markets around the world. In addition to Sweden, LeoVegas expects to go live in Spain in the first quarter of next year. The operator last week revealed that it has applied for both casino and sports betting licences in the country as it seeks to build on its approval in Malta, the UK, Denmark, Italy, Ireland and now Sweden.