Managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and security provider expands its solutions in North America with the first regulated Public Cloud offering in the state of Michigan

Continent 8 Technologies continues to deploy its first-to-market approach in North America after being accredited by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to launch its regulated Gaming Cloud to operators and suppliers in the state.

Continent 8’s Gaming Cloud is a Public or Community Cloud already available to customers in a number of other regulated North American locations including New Jersey (Atlantic City) and most recently Pennsylvania.

It offers a multi-tenanted, scalable and resilient IaaS platform that allows customers to host infrastructure, containers, data and network edge services.

Continent 8 works closely with regulators across the fast-growing North American market to ensure that its full suite of solutions is fully compliant, allowing its customers to leverage the first-mover advantage in each state.

For Michigan, regulations state that tenants in the Gaming Cloud must be licensed by the MGCB and hardware comprising the Gaming Cloud must be located at the primary and backup locations Continent 8 provides in the state.

The approval of a regulated Public Cloud adds to Continent 8’s existing services in Michigan, one of the largest US markets in terms of revenue, which today comprises data center, network connectivity and cyber security services.

In January 2021, Michigan regulators authorised online gambling and sports betting. Since then, Continent 8 has expanded its solutions to serve customer demand, offering a fully regulated hosting environment.

The latest figures from the regulator show that in July 2022, combined total adjusted internet gaming and sports betting gross receipts were $131.2m. When compared to July 2021, there was an increase in internet gaming adjusted gross receipts by 41% while internet sports betting adjusted gross receipts rose 13%.

Justin Cosnett, Chief Product Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “Achieving approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board for our Gaming Community Cloud is an important strategic development for Continent 8, as demand for secure and compliant cloud solutions continues to rise.

“We understand the power of the first-mover, pay-as-you-grow advantage in such highly competitive states and markets, and strive to offer this to our customers.”

David Brace, Innovation Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “We are proud to be the first service provider to offer this regulated Community Cloud solution in the state.

“In terms of infrastructure, cloud offers fast market entry, especially for new licensees, as well as backup or migration capability for those already invested into the state looking to move away from costly hardware investment in a time of supply chain challenges.”

Continent 8 is already live in 24 US states with additional sites set to launch in the coming months as the company continues its mission of being the go-to hosting and connectivity provider in North America.

Learn more about Continent 8’s managed hosting, connectivity and cloud solutions at G2E Vegas, 11-13 October, Booth #4410.

Previous Vice-President in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Group at leading Canadian private equity firm, joins Continent 8 at a time of ongoing expansion.

Continent 8 Technologies, the award-winning managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and security provider to the global online gambling industry, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristian Valenta to the role of Chief Financial Officer.

Valenta has previously held a number of senior level roles, most recently as Vice-President in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Group at Novacap, a leading North American private equity firm.

During his time at Novacap, he led numerous fund related activities, including supporting various capital raises, headed several M&A and corporate finance efforts and has been an active Board member across numerous portfolio companies within the technology group.

Based in Montreal and reporting directly to the CEO, his role at Continent 8 will see Valenta continue to build on the company’s existing plans for expansion. He will be responsible for the company’s overall finances, whilst working alongside the executive team on policy, operations and Continent 8’s overarching strategy.

Michael Tobin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “Over the last few years, we have built an exceptional team at Continent 8, growing our head count year-on-year. Kristian’s appointment is a significant one for our business during a period of fast growth as new markets regulate and open for business. Kristian brings a wealth of experience and passion to Continent 8, making him an invaluable member of our leadership group. Welcome to the team, Kristian.”

Kristian Valenta, Chief Financial Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “It is an honour to join Continent 8, a company that has established itself as a highly respected leader in its field. My role as CFO will provide me with an exciting opportunity to work alongside a committed executive team and I look forward to playing an integral role in the company’s continued growth globally.”