Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, announces the launch of Loyalty+, a new cybersecurity rewards programme exclusive to its customer base.
Loyalty+ introduces a structured framework that rewards Continent 8 customer loyalty while enabling iGaming operators, suppliers and content providers to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. By turning engagement into tangible security value, the programme supports sustainable improved resilience not just at an individual level, but across the wider industry.
Loyalty+ rewards Continent 8 customers with 5% back on their existing spend – turning investment in the likes of cloud, co-location, AWS and managed services into cybersecurity credits for services such as penetration testing, phishing simulation, MSOC and MDR burst spend.
The launch comes at a time of rapidly escalating cyber risk across both enterprise and iGaming environments. Cyber incidents affecting the iGaming sector have surged by 400% between 2023 and 2025, while third-party vulnerabilities now account for 60% of data breaches. With the growing value of sensitive data – such as KYC and financial information – and downtime reaching at up to $6,000 per minute for operators, organisations are under increasing pressure to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. This is further compounded by tightening regulatory expectations, with iGaming operators required to meet strict and often differing compliance requirements across multiple regulated markets.
Against this backdrop, Loyalty+ aims to encourage a shift away from reactive security investment, adopting a more proactive and structured approach to cybersecurity.
“Modern iGaming platforms are becoming increasingly complex, with multiple third-party components, distributed environments, and growing performance demands, each introducing new potential points of risk,” said Anthony Abou-Jaoude, Chief Transformation Officer at Continent 8 Technologies.
“Security can no longer be treated as a bolt-on. With Loyalty+, we want to make cybersecurity adoption front of mind, supporting greater protection across the industry while rewarding the loyalty of our customers.”
Additional information is available at www.continent8.com/loyalty – terms and conditions apply.
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, today announced the appointment of Mike Small as Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 July 2026. Founder Michael Tobin will transition to the role of Chairman following 28 years as CEO.
Small brings more than 25 years of global technology leadership experience. Prior to joining Continent 8, he served as President of Akkodis North America and US Country President of The Adecco Group, where he led large-scale technology, engineering, managed services, and workforce solutions businesses. He played a key role in advancing the organisation’s AI strategy, championing the use of artificial intelligence to help customers accelerate innovation, improve operational performance, and prepare for the future of work.
Previously, he served as CEO – Americas for Sitel Group and held senior leadership positions with IBM, Hewlett Packard, Capgemini, and VXI & SYMBIO Global Solutions.
Over the past year, Small has served as a Strategic Board Advisor to Continent 8, working closely with the executive leadership team. Based in Miami, he will lead Continent 8’s next phase of growth, focused on expanding the company’s global presence, strengthening customer partnerships, and advancing its portfolio of infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI-enabled technology solutions.
Michael Tobin, Founder and Chairman of Continent 8 Technologies, said: “After 28 remarkable years leading Continent 8, I am incredibly proud of what our team has built and achieved. This transition has been thoughtfully planned, and I have complete confidence in Mike’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter. His experience in scaling global technology businesses and his deep understanding of our customers and strategy, makes him the ideal leader to build on the strong foundation we have created.”
Tobin will work closely with Small and the Continent 8 executive team to ensure a seamless leadership transition while focusing on governance, long-term strategy, and key stakeholder relationships in his role as Chairman.
Mike Small, Chief Executive Officer of Continent 8 Technologies, added: “Continent 8 has built an exceptional reputation for delivering mission-critical technology solutions to customers operating in highly regulated and latency-sensitive environments. Having worked closely with the company over the 12 months, I have seen first-hand the strength of the business, the talent of our people, and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with our team to deepen customer partnerships, accelerate innovation, and continue delivering the secure, resilient, and high-performance solutions our customers depend on.”
Since its founding in 1998, Continent 8 has grown into one of the iGaming industry’s most trusted technology providers, operating a global network of more than 100 connected data centres across four continents and over 30 US states. The company delivers mission-critical infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, connectivity, and managed services that support many of the world’s leading iGaming operators and platform providers.
Weygandt tasked with nurturing long-term customer relationships and securing new partnerships
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, announces the appointment of Julia Weygandt as Head of Client Growth & New Business.
Based in Malta, Julia will spearhead strategic initiatives to drive customer growth and capture new market opportunities globally, working closely with the existing Sales team and Practice Leads.
Julia brings over 20 years of experience in gaming, entertainment, and technology, with a proven track record in commercial strategy, international market expansion, and strategic partnerships. Her career includes senior roles such as COO at G Games and Tornado Games, and Head of International Partnerships at GAMOMAT, where she successfully scaled operations and delivered significant revenue growth.
Julia is an active advocate for diversity and leadership in gaming, serving as a Board member for Global Gaming Women and leading partnerships for the Behind the Gloves initiative, which combines boxing and corporate engagement to support charitable causes.
Nick Nally, Chief Revenue Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, commented: “Julia’s appointment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value and growth opportunities for our customers. Her deep industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and passion for building strong partnerships make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are excited to see the impact she will have as we continue to expand globally.”
Julia Weygandt, Head of Client Growth & New Business, added: “I’ve known the Continent 8 team for a long time; they are a trusted and respected partner to the world’s leading iGaming operators and suppliers, and I am thrilled to join at such an exciting time. My focus will be on driving client success through innovative solutions and strategic growth initiatives, ensuring we continue to lead in this fast-evolving industry.”
Meet Julia Weygandt and the Continent 8 team at ICE Barcelona, 19-21 January at Stand 2Q20. To arrange a meeting, please visit https://lp.continent8.com/ice-barcelona-2026 or contact sales@continent8.com.
Brace tasked with leading and growing the company’s AWS practice
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, announces the promotion of David Brace to its executive leadership team.
In his new role, Brace will serve as practice lead for AWS solutions, spearheading the company’s continued expansion and innovation within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem.
The news follows Continent 8’s selection as an official AWS Solution Provider under the Solution Provider Program (SPP). This has enabled Continent 8 to augment its AWS portfolio, including Managed AWS Workloads, Managed Hybrid Network and AWS Cloud Migration.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “Over the past eight years at Continent 8, David has consistently demonstrated a deep and nuanced understanding of technology, infrastructure, and the regulatory landscape – both on industry panels and directly with our customers. His expertise is widely respected, and this promotion is a well-earned recognition of his contributions.
“David’s elevation to the executive team comes at a pivotal moment for our business, as we sharpen our strategic focus on cloud innovation. He is the ideal leader to drive our AWS practice forward, bringing vision, experience, and a customer-first mindset. With continued investment in this area, we’re committed to delivering AWS solutions that are secure, scalable, and tailored to the unique demands of the iGaming sector.”
David Brace, Chief Alliance & Partnership Officer, AWS, at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “I’m honoured to join the executive team and lead our AWS practice. The iGaming industry is evolving rapidly, and cloud adoption is central to that transformation. Our goal is to simplify the journey for our customers – whether they’re launching in new markets, navigating regulatory frameworks, or scaling their operations globally. With AWS and Continent 8’s combined capabilities, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver.”
Continent 8 has vast experience in delivering AWS solutions to the industry. The company has already delivered 90% of AWS Outposts in the industry to major brands in the regulated betting and gaming market, including FanDuel, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, and Hard Rock Digital.
Meet David Brace and members of Continent 8’s AWS practice at AWS re:Invent 2025, 1-5 December in Las Vegas. To arrange a meeting, please visit https://lp.continent8.com/aws-reinvent-2025 or contact sales@continent8.com.
Swimmer, an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band, brings a wealth of experience in technology and cybersecurity to the Council
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and tribal gaming industry, is proud to announce that Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director, has been appointed as an Advisor to the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC). This prestigious appointment recognizes Jerad’s deep expertise and commitment to advancing technology solutions and robust cybersecurity strategies that support Tribal sovereignty and economic development.
The Tribal Leadership Council is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership, and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States. The TLC today announced the appointment of three new Advisors – Jerad Swimmer, Shane Urry, and Michael Kim.
As an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band, Swimmer brings a wealth of experience in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and strategic partnerships across Indian Country. His career includes leadership roles in compliance and gaming regulation, providing him with a unique perspective on the intersection of digital innovation and protection, and Tribal enterprise.
“Being appointed as an Advisor to the Tribal Leadership Council is an incredible honor,” said Jerad Swimmer. “I look forward to collaborating with the admired Board of Directors and fellow Advisors to drive initiatives that strengthen sovereignty and create sustainable opportunities for Tribal communities. Technology and cybersecurity play a vital role in this journey, and I’m excited to contribute my experience to support these efforts.”
Jerad Swimmer will be attending GSATS Phoenix 2025 and is speaking on the panel titled ‘Tribal Gaming – Unique Challenges and Opportunities’ on November 13. To arrange a show meeting, please visit www.continent8.com or contact sales@continent8.com.
Bolton, tasked with accelerating growth within the company’s cybersecurity portfolio, brings over 20 years of experience to the role
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, announces the appointment of Rob Bolton as Cybersecurity Sales Director.
In recent years, the iGaming industry has faced significant cyber attacks driven largely by financial motives. The use of diverse payment methods, reliance on third party integrations and widespread use of mobile devices contribute to the industry being targeted.
His appointment follows several years of strategic investment by the company in its cybersecurity solutions, aimed at supporting operators and suppliers across the industry. This has included developing key offerings such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Threat Exchange, and a fully managed Security Operations Centre (SOC). These developments underscore the company’s commitment to delivering robust, scalable, and proactive security services that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Bolton has vast experience leading US, EMEA and APAC revenue functions having worked at global MSSPs such as Versa Networks, Proofpoint and Infoblox. In his new role, he will oversee revenue growth across the company’s growing cybersecurity portfolio, engaging with CISOs and technical teams for Continent 8 and C8 Secure (a dedicated Continent 8 cybersecurity company) to identify the solutions required to best protect their business.
Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the team who brings over two decades of experience in sales and business development to Continent 8. His deep technical knowledge and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and enhance our solutions to best support our customers.”
Rob Bolton, Cybersecurity Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “Continent 8’s portfolio and service offering in the iGaming industry is unique; their managed security solutions are built on over 27 years of industry experience. The recent launch of the Threat Exchange – the industry’s only cyber threat intelligence platform – is a prime example. I look forward to showcasing our security solutions to the industry, supporting customers with their cybersecurity challenges, and contributing to the company’s growth.”
Rob Bolton will be attending GSATS Phoenix 2025 and is speaking on the panel titled ‘Cyber Resiliency – Protecting the Gaming Industry’ on November 13. To arrange a show meeting, please visit www.continent8.com or contact sales@continent8.com.
Michael Tobin ranks 4th in tech rankings, as industry prioritises trust and compliance
Michael Tobin, CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, has been named one of the top global tech leaders in the iGaming industry, as featured in GamblingIQ’s ‘Game of Trust’ 2025 edition. This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, which is increasingly prioritising transparency, regulatory compliance and technological resilience.
Tobin has been at the helm of Continent 8 since its inception over 25 years ago. He has been instrumental in positioning the global business as a cornerstone of infrastructure for regulated iGaming and online sports betting markets worldwide. He has cultivated deep relationships with regulators, operators and technology partners, enabling Continent 8 to deliver secure, compliant and scalable IT solutions across more than 100 locations globally.
A true people-person, he is widely respected within the industry. Gambling IQ’s commentary on Tobin mentioned: “Michael Tobin has become one of the defining figures in iGaming infrastructure… In an industry often chasing the next big thing, Tobin embodies the kind of leadership that prioritises stability and sustainable growth without losing sight of innovation.”
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies said: “I’m honoured to be recognised in this list, and it’s especially pleasing to see many of our partners and customers also featured. Trust is fundamental to our business – our customers put their trust in us every day to manage and protect their infrastructure, to enable them to focus on what they do best. Congratulations to all individuals listed.”
View the full Trusted 10 from GamblingIQ here.
Continent 8 will be exhibiting at G2E Las Vegas, from 7-9 October at Booth 4235. To arrange a show meeting and explore the technologies required to scale any iGaming business, please visit www.continent8.com or contact sales@continent8.com.
Continent 8 is committed to efficient energy management, reducing energy consumption and ensuring sustainability across various facilities
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, is pleased to announce its recent achievement of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems (EnMS) standard.
The ISO 50001 certification is an internationally recognised benchmark for energy management. As part of the ISO 50001 certification initiative, Continent 8 is committed to implementing both short- and long-term energy management strategies, identifying energy-saving opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability across its data centre operations. Continent 8’s commitments include:
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, stated: “For over 25 years, we have been dedicated to delivering best-in-class managed data centre services to our global customers. In recent years, we have equally prioritised sustainability and decarbonisation. We recognise the impact our data centres have on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
“Achieving ISO 50001 certification is a significant step in our commitment to sustainability, and I’d like to congratulate all involved in this accomplishment. This certification ensures that our organisation is responsible for continuously enhancing our energy management system and implementing objectives and best practices for energy efficiency.”
Continent 8’s compliance-driven infrastructure and cybersecurity services accelerate the launch of secure, resilient, zero-compromise gaming platforms
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, is pleased to announce its continued expansion in the US with the launch of its data center and managed and professional services in Missouri.
Following the approval of Missouri Amendment 2 on November 5, 2024, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is preparing the state for the launch of its regulated online sports betting market, scheduled for December 1, 2025. Continent 8’s first-to-market strategic approach provides Missouri online sports betting operators and suppliers with immediate access to Continent 8’s data center, along with a full suite of best-in-class services that facilitate the rapid deployment of secure, resilient, zero-compromise gaming platforms.
The US continues to be a strategic market for Continent 8, as it remains not only the fastest growing, but only end-to-end solutions provider for the gaming industry in the nation. Continent 8 possesses requisite regulatory licenses, certifications, approvals and registrations across more than 30 states, including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and now Missouri. The most recent EGR Power US Rankings underscores Continent 8’s position as the premier service provider in the industry, servicing and supporting 95% of the listed operators.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, stated: “The approval of Missouri Amendment 2 highlights the continuous growth of the regulated and highly competitive US online sports betting market. We are thrilled to already be engaged with numerous customers and actively preparing their environments for the soon-to-open market.
“Our approach, anchored in regulatory compliance, ensures that gaming operators and suppliers are equipped with market-ready solutions to swiftly establish state-compliant, secure and uncompromising infrastructures, while providing ample time to optimize their platforms well in advance of the state’s launch date.”
For insights into Missouri’s online sports betting market, schedule a meeting with Continent 8 at NEXT Summit New York 2025 (Booth 7), from March 12-13.
Continent 8 Technologies’ Principal of Innovation & Technology, David Brace, recently attended ICE 2025. With a new home in Barcelona, the event was busier than ever with a footfall of 56,000 attendees!
Here, David shares his key takeaways from the industry’s biggest ever event.
This year’s ICE was hosted in a significantly larger venue than in previous years. This expansion allowed for larger exhibition stands and provided ample space for engaging, meaningful discussions. It was a really great job from the organisers.
On Monday, the organisers also held a memorial for NEXT.io’s Nico Jansen, who passed away on January 9, just before ICE. Members of the iGaming community gathered to share memories of Nico. It was a heartfelt tribute to honour and remember a cherished member of our community.
That’s certainly a wonderful and touching gesture by the ICE organisers.
The World Gaming Forum – ICE’s three-day learning, networking and knowledge sharing exchange – featured various tracks, with my role as Chair of the cybercrime stream. The organisation was once again exemplary, with the event producers assembling a distinguished lineup of speakers. The four panels I participated in or chaired included CEOs, CISOs, company founders and expert consultants from various companies.
The first session, ‘Risks to the gaming industry: cybersecurity & organised crime,’ was a terrific opening presentation by AlixPartners. The US-based cybersecurity consultants delivered a global overview of cybersecurity, highlighting the potential impact of cyberattacks on organisations and sharing key statistics, such as the estimated average cost of a data breach exceeding 4.88 million USD, according to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report.
Although I wasn’t involved in the subsequent session, ‘Meet the modern day hacker: What’s wrong with gaming’s current information security?’, Greg van der Gaast, Hacker & Ex-Undercover FBI Asset and Managing Director from Sequoia Consulting, did an exceptional job of translating cybersecurity risk into real-world analogies that people could use in boardrooms and for presentations.
In the panel session I moderated, ‘Convincing your boss that cyber matters: building a strong cybersecurity culture’, Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea, offered valuable insights on API security and its critical role in safeguarding against third-party vulnerabilities.
In the same session, Brian Harris, CISO of DraftKings, provided insights on third-party library vulnerabilities, illustrating a common scenario where engineers might download code snippets from the Internet and integrate them into their applications, potentially compromising their own systems. Brian emphasised that while human behavior cannot be entirely controlled, implementing static code reviews can help identify potential vulnerabilities.
The biggest operators are now at the forefront of promoting cybersecurity adoption and advocacy. In the US and EU, publicly listed companies are legally required to ensure cybersecurity, leading them to implement stringent cybersecurity and business practices for their suppliers to ensure comprehensive security measures are in place. This topic was discussed on the aforementioned panel session, where it was noted that companies such as Alea, DraftKings and Entain conduct thorough due diligence on their suppliers, especially from a cybersecurity perspective, as part of any provisioning or tender process.
ICE was extremely well-attended – there literally wasn’t a quiet moment!
Over the course of three days, it facilitated numerous good-quality discussions, interactions with existing customers and engagement with potential prospects. Our brand-new stand was busier than ever, and the team welcomed customers and partners to a must-attend cocktail and networking event on the Tuesday evening at the Terraza del Sercotel Rosellón.
The show is certainly a must-attend for Continent 8. We’re already looking forward to ICE 2026!
Continent 8 provides comprehensive, multi-layered threat prevention, detection and response solutions to secure your iGaming and online sports betting organisation’s digital assets in the face of evolving cyber threats. For more information on how Continent 8 can support your cybersecurity initiatives, email sales@continent.com or fill out our Contact Us page.