SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
As the sports betting and gaming industry gets back down to business in 2017, SBC News caught up with Lydia Barbara, Head of Pegasus Gaming Solutions at Microgaming, to reflect on a successful 2016 for the company.
Favourite Memory of 2016
I’ve been running an internal challenge/innovation incubator at Microgaming throughout the year. My favourite memory is announcing our winners at the company-wide Christmas party, and having everyone applaud these fantastic people whose brilliant ideas will be built and implemented in 2017.
The inaugural contest was a great success with a wide range of ideas submitted, and I’m excited to be running Round 2 from January 2017.
Worst Memory
For me and for many others, this year was horrific for deaths of personal heroes and family.
Most Important Industry Development
It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific development, but what I do get excited about is new technology. And this year I watched the developments in VR and AR very carefully. I think we’re still a way off in terms of these technologies becoming mainstream, but I believe we are a few steps closer.
At ICE every year, our research and development team showcase a series of product innovations using the latest headsets and technologies that have the potential to impact not only on our industry, but our daily lives. Having unveiled some seriously cool prototypes in the past, such as VR Roulette, I’m keen to see what they will be presenting at February’s show.
Favourite Industry Event
Always ICE. Everyone who is anyone is there. I love catching up with old friends and colleagues, and meeting new ones! I expect ICE 2017 will be bigger and better and I’m eager to see what companies will be promoting at the show.
One to watch for 2017
I’m intrigued by what’s going on in the world of mobile-only soft games. This is an area with huge potential, and I’m keen to see where companies take it.
