…HELLO 2019! …H
Matthew Stafford CEO, BlockChain Innovations Corp
What was great about 2018? The adoption and implementation of blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation by Malta and the Isle of Man has been good for the industry. These are two of the most established and trusted regulators in the world, and their decision to embrace blockchain and crypto is significant and will be a key driver for the technologies to be rolled out across the sector. The US Supreme
Court’s decision to repeal PASPA back in May was a great and defining moment for the industry. It lays the foundation for legal sports betting
across the USA, which has the potential to become one of the largest and most exciting markets in the world. Of course, establishing BlockChain Innovations Corp and bringing its solution to market has been a truly awesome experience and my personal highlight of the year.
What was bad about 2018? The integrity fees and high gaming taxes being considered or adopted by some US states regulating sports betting and online gambling are bad. If high enough, these fees will deter operators and suppliers from entering
Benedict McDonagh MD, Green Jade Games
What was great about 2018? 2018 was the best of my career as I finally took the leap into the space I am most passionate about, game development. Having flirted from afar with an opinion and no risk, we dived right in with Green Jade Games and decided to bring our ideas to life, allowing everyone to see how right or how far from success we really are.
What was bad about 2018? It was a whirlwind year, with the role change and formation of a Green Jade Games, taking the time to appreciate just how much has been achieved was missed. It’s important to celebrate the good times as gaming is non-stop change, and you never know when you’re going to run face first into a hurdle.
What are you excited about for 2019? So much! Our games development road map is ridiculous, not in
the market and could stunt growth. The volatility of
cryptocurrency values has been pretty dreadful and is making it difficult to decouple the concept of blockchain technology from the relative value of digital currency. A period of calm and consistency is now needed, but whether that will happen in the new year remains to be seen. Finally, the gaming industry’s tone-deaf
approach and engagement on the UK Government’s Triennial Review has been abysmal. The gambling sector must take proactive steps; operators and suppliers can no longer bury their heads in the sand with respect to the negative externalities of our industry.
What are you excited about for 2019? I’m excited to see the continued expansion and use of blockchain in our everyday lives. As more people understand what the technology is and how it works, and the ways it can improve processes across a wide range of sectors, it will
BLOCKCHAIN INNO V A T IONS
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quickly enter the mainstream. This is certainly the
case when it comes to online gambling; a blockchain powered platform is more secure and delivers a superior player experience over traditional technologies. It also provides tremendous upsides to operators including cost savings. I truly believe 2019 will
be the year we see more big-name operators embrace the technology for the very first time.
Any personal New Year resolutions you’re happy to share?
Hit the gym more!
volume, but in ambition. If we can continue to break the rules and moulds as we did with Hammer of Fortune, we are going to provide so much opportunity for growth in our industry.
Any personal New Year resolutions you’re happy to share? Absolutely: I resolve to better distribute duties and tasks that I selfishly want to deliver upon. This means hiring more talent and investing in people. I can’t create more time, but I can definitely improve my use of it and allow others to influence the success with their own experience and talents.
Operators and suppliers can no longer bury their heads in the sand with respect to the negative
“
externalities of our industry
MATTHEW STAFFORD ” JANUARY 2019 105
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