Continent 8 Technologies, the trusted partner and provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the regulated iGaming and online sports betting market, has expanded its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), chosen as an official solutions provider in the Solution Provider Program (SPP) by AWS.
Over the past 25-plus years, Continent 8 has earned an unrivalled reputation for reliable infrastructure and connectivity, innovating, developing and providing customers with best-in-class managed and professional services to support the most demanding online requirements.
Now, as an SPP member, this enhanced AWS collaboration will enable Continent 8 to introduce a new range of services to simplify the management of AWS cloud environments and infrastructures. The new managed and professional services include:
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable in the betting and gaming industry. The tailormade Regul8 Guardrails solution provides customers with customised designs and configurations for easy-to-integrate compliance across cloud environments while accelerating time-to-market and expansion into new jurisdictions.
Migrating and managing Kubernetes across different cloud environments can be difficult. The Kubernetes Everywhere service makes it easy for customers to manage their containerised deployments, ensuring consistent, resource-friendly and cost-effective operation across cloud environments, data centers, edge computing infrastructures and within AWS regions using Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS).
Managing hybrid and multi-cloud networks is a complex task. By integrating Continent 8 and AWS networks, the managed network services address the connectivity challenges between on-premises infrastructures, AWS Outposts, enterprise networks and AWS Regions. This service ensures customers benefit from the most resilient and secure hybrid cloud connectivity path, away from the public Internet.
Continent 8 is the trusted advanced partner in delivering 90% of AWS Outposts to the biggest brands – including FanDuel and Hard Rock Digital – in the regulated betting and gaming market. Building upon this AWS Outposts portfolio, the new Managed AWS Outposts service streamlines the procurement, logistics, workload migration and ongoing management of AWS Outposts, allowing customers to focus on launch activities. Continent 8 continues to provide best-in-class connectivity and seamless access to all AWS Direct Connect (DX) on-ramp locations.
Complementing these new cloud offerings is a dedicated team of over 30 AWS-certified and AWS-trained experts available to deliver and support high-touch AWS solutions tailored to each customer’s unique requirements.
“The AWS Solution Partner Program milestone underscores Continent 8’s commitment to continuing its position as the service and solutions provider of choice to the iGaming and online sports betting market. Whether it’s hyperscale, hybrid, public or private cloud management, Continent 8 remains steadfast in delivering trusted, bespoke, best-practice and value-added cloud experiences for our customers.”
Extending AWS capabilities for regulated betting and gaming environments
Join Continent 8 and AWS in a rapid-fire webinar to discover the key considerations and best practices for extending, optimising and reimagining AWS hybrid and multi-cloud architectures for betting and gaming operations.
Continent 8 Technologies PR & Media Marketing Department contact: press@continent8.com
Industry trailblazer recognized for his contributions to the sports betting industry at SBC Summit North America
Michael Tobin, Founder and CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, was honored at SBC Summit North America, when he was inducted into the prestigious SBC Sports Betting Hall of Fame 2024.
The SBC Sports Betting Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and made significant strides in shaping the sports betting landscape.
Over the last 25 years, Michael has worked tirelessly towards his vision of driving innovation and fostering growth in the global gaming industry. Continent 8 began its journey by setting up a state-of-the-art data center near Montreal, later expanding into key iGaming hubs in Europe, including the Isle of Man, Malta and Gibraltar.
Once regulation permitted, this expansion continued into other regions, such as the United States, Asia, and Latin America. Michael’s deep-rooted relationships with customers, partners, regulators, and suppliers have been crucial in fueling global development, progress and success within the constantly evolving iGaming and online sports betting industry.
Today, Continent 8 continues to be at the forefront of innovation, providing reliable managed hosting, connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity services on a global tier-one network of over 100 locations across four continents. The company powers and protects the biggest names in the industry.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by my peers, and it’s also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Continent 8 team.
“I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished, the value we have added to the industry and the ways in which we have empowered our customers and partners to achieve success. The iGaming and online sports betting industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to see how we can continue to embark on this journey to grow the market together.”
The company continues to bolster its sales team as it drives global expansion efforts to meet the growing demand for comprehensive solutions in highly demanding verticals
Continent 8 Technologies continues to strengthen its position as the leading compliant global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions provider with the appointment of Jamie Garcia as Regional Sales Director. In her new role, Jamie will be responsible for driving critical infrastructure growth and cybersecurity opportunities in the rapidly expanding iGaming and online sports betting market.
Jamie is a highly experienced industry specialist. Over her 10-plus-year career in the sector, she has held senior positions at some of the most renowned organizations, including Scientific Games and Williams (WMS) Gaming. She joins Continent 8 from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), where she was a Senior Account Executive.
At Continent 8, Jamie will support new strategic sales initiatives to address the growing demand for the company’s comprehensive service portfolio. These offerings include hyperscale, hybrid/public/private cloud and physical infrastructure. Continent 8’s lineup also boasts a full suite of cybersecurity solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure against ever-evolving cyber threats. These include DDoS and WAF/WAAP protection, backup solutions, MDR/EDR services, VAPT assessments, mobile device and phishing defense, SIEM & SOC resources, and more.
“My skillset is ideally suited to the role of Regional Sales Director. I’m looking forward to using the experience and expertise I have built over my career to provide even more support and value to our customers.
“North America is an incredibly exciting market with big opportunities for operators and suppliers to explore, but they need the regulatory guidance and technical infrastructure and cybersecurity creativity for their iGaming and online sports betting requirements, and that’s exactly what Continent 8 provides.”
“Jamie has a proven track record at high-caliber organizations such as GLI and Scientific Games.
“This is just the sort of expertise we want to bring to our organization and US sales team. This is a market that has shown tremendous growth potential, and we want to continue to support our customers in the new and upcoming regulated states in which they operate.
“With Jamie on board, we can deepen the relationships we have with our customers and ensure they are getting the most out of the infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions and services we provide.”
Jamie and the Continent 8 team will be attending the SBC North America Summit from 7-9 May at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey – Stand A290. To book a meeting with a member of the team, please email sales@continent8.com.
Sports betting and online casino operator leverages company’s hosting and connectivity solutions across regulated US states
Fanatics Betting and Gaming utilizes Continent 8 Technologies to deploy a trusted digital infrastructure as it continues its rapid growth across the regulated US online sports betting and online casino market.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming uses Continent 8’s innovative and reliable digital infrastructure solutions to deliver a seamless player experience in the US. This includes hosting all of its in-state data centers through AWS Outposts. Continent 8 is supporting Fanatics Betting and Gaming by managing on-premises infrastructure and services in 20 states across the US, including Michigan, New York, Vermont and West Virginia, to name a few.
Continent 8 has one of the largest connected networks in the world, spanning over 100 locations across four continents, including 30 US states and counting.
The operator has also signed up for Continent 8’s Gaming Exchange. This is a powerful, private internet that allows Continent 8’s customers to connect securely via a virtual private network (VPN) across its backbone network. This enables customers to share traffic at the lowest latency, securely and privately.
Michael Tobin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Continent 8 Technologies said:
“We have worked with Fanatics Betting and Gaming – a top-tier US operator – from day one of their launch, supporting them as they have grown state-by-state.
“Fanatics is a high-caliber operator that understands the importance of infrastructure in delivering the top-quality player experience it is building its reputation on. Our leading digital infrastructure solutions provide the reliable connectivity operators need to deploy their online sportsbooks and casinos in regulated US states quickly and compliantly.”
“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which we build our sports betting and casino experience,” said Bob Pascucci, Vice President of Technology, Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
“In Continent 8, we have a partner with an unrivaled reputation for supporting its customers, enabling us to continue to drive growth at pace.”
Learn more about Continent 8’s US connectivity and infrastructure solutions at SBC Summit North America, 7-9 May at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey – Stand A290.
Full-service digital and cloud infrastructure provider to support customers launching in the fast-growing, emerging regulated Brazilian market with its cutting-edge solutions
Continent 8 Technologies, the award-winning managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity provider to the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, is set to launch in Brazil. This strategic expansion aims to address growing customer demand in this rapidly emerging market. The move comes in anticipation of the market’s quick progression towards a comprehensive regulation of its online offering, with an expected launch in the summer of 2024.
Its move into Brazil strengthens its position in the wider Latin America region, where it has taken an ambitious first-to-market approach to deliver tailored solutions to customers in the likes of Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico. Brazil adds to a private network spanning more than 100 locations across the world, making it one of the Top 20 best connected networks globally.
Operators and suppliers in Brazil will be able to benefit from Continent 8’s full suite of innovative and reliable digital and cloud infrastructure solutions including a Public Cloud, a scalable and cost-effective offering, with a usage-based commercial model to suit the customer.
Customers will also be able to access its Gaming Exchange, a powerful private internet that offers unrivalled speed, capacity and security, as well as a full suite of cybersecurity solutions designed to combat the ever-changing threat landscape.
Cybersecurity will be a major concern for both operators and suppliers making a move in Brazil as it is a hotbed for cyber attacks, in addition to the iGaming and online sports betting industry being one of the most vulnerable to attack ahead of healthcare and finance.
“Brazil looks set to be a hugely significant market and one that our customers are keen to explore.
“Digital and cloud infrastructure is the foundation of any successful online business, and we are delighted to be launching in Brazil to support new and existing customers with our solutions and services as they make their move in the market.”
Continent 8 has strategically positioned itself with certified operations in various locations across Latin America. This recent expansion into the Brazilian territory is integral to Continent 8’s long-term Latin American and global growth strategy as the company looks to deliver essential local, technical and regulatory support in each new and emerging market.
“For more than 25 years, we have been supporting customers as they launch into new and growing markets, and we couldn’t be more excited to be doing this in Brazil.
“This is a market that offers tremendous potential to both operators and suppliers, but they must have the right foundation in place to maximise the opportunities on the table. Continent 8 has the experience, expertise and solutions to help businesses do just that.”
The go-to infrastructure provider for the global online gambling industry expands its product suite, offering customers connectivity to Cloudflare
Continent 8 Technologies, the award-winning provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and security solutions to the global online gambling industry, has strengthened its private Cloud Connect solution via a partnership with Cloudflare.
Now, via Cloud Connect, customers can benefit from a direct, private and secure connection between Continent 8 infrastructure and cloud service provider, Cloudflare.
Cloud Connect is a leading solution that allows operators and suppliers to benefit from a secure connection via Continent 8’s private MPLS global backbone. This reduces the public attack surface and provides the highest level of reachability at the shortest “hop” between infrastructure and cloud services.
Continent 8 launched its Cloud Connect private connectivity offering more than six years ago and now provides its customers with fast, secure and resilient access to Cloudflare, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure.
“Growing our product suite by partnering with Cloudflare enables both of us to offer customers the most secure, fast and efficient connectivity.
“It is partnerships such as this that have allowed Continent 8 to become the go-to infrastructure and cloud provider for operators and suppliers in the global online gambling industry, providing a one-stop-shop for customer needs.”
Over the past 25+ years, Continent 8 has earned an unrivalled reputation for reliable infrastructure and connectivity, innovating, developing, and providing services to support the most demanding online requirements. The addition of Cloudflare is a testament to this, expanding its Connect portfolio offering.
“Working together, Cloudflare and Continent 8 network architecture teams were able to utilise both our large global networks to identify key points of presence (POPs) where we can interface and exchange private routes for use by our customers, expanding our Cloud Connect capability.
“This is a powerful partnership between two leaders in the infrastructure space and one that allows Continent 8 to bring tremendous added value to its customers.”
The trusted infrastructure provider for the global online gambling industry leverages global cloud experience, supporting customers seeking demonstrable migration expertise and management
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the global online gambling industry, has strengthened its VMware solution capabilities by achieving Premier Partner status in the newly formed Broadcom program.
The Broadcom Partner Program for VMware Cloud Service Providers (VCSPs) enables Continent 8 to remain a trusted VMware partner in delivering managed cloud solutions globally to customers. Being a premier partner means that customers can be confident that Continent 8 meets the highest standards and qualifications in the delivery, management, and support of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and adjacent solutions. Membership in the Program is by invitation only and is available to those key partners to whom Broadcom offers to appoint.
Over the past 25+ years, Continent 8 has earned an unrivalled reputation for reliable infrastructure and connectivity, innovating, developing, and providing services to support the most demanding online requirements. Achieving this partner status demonstrates its value in managing critical workloads.
With 15 public, multi-tenant, regulated clouds, and more than 40 private, dedicated tenant clouds globally, Continent 8 can offer customers best-in-class managed and professional services.
Continent 8 has successfully migrated many customers from non-virtualised and existing VMware infrastructure to fully managed and compliant clouds, bringing cost savings via licensing scale and 24/7 support capability.
The company manages more than 150 cloud customer virtual environments, across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, bringing a repeatable high-quality, high resilience, and DDoS-protected experience wherever customers’ workloads need to be.
Continent 8 launched its first public cloud offering almost 10 years ago, and now also provides inclusive off-site backup, object storage, container services and inclusive WaaP and DDoS protection to its customers.
“Achieving Premier Partner status following the Broadcom acquisition and change in commercial environment was an important milestone for Continent 8.
“Not only does this demonstrate to customers our ability to manage and migrate customers’ VMware workloads but retain key cost efficiencies. Adding this to our existing Nutanix, Veeam and AWS partner status and accreditation capabilities allows our customers the option of multiple private and public cloud technologies for regulated requirements.
“It is partnerships and capabilities such as this that have allowed Continent 8 to become the go-to infrastructure and cloud provider for operators and suppliers in the global online gambling industry, providing a one-stop-shop for customer needs.”
“This partner status is key to us continuing to enable customers to choose their cloud, and Continent 8 manages, secures and connects them. Customers can engage Continent 8 to undertake all migration activity, minimising any potential cost impact.
“For any customer concerned about reducing technology spend, and minimising management overheads, Continent 8 offers a comprehensive alternative, maintaining or even improving regulatory compliance via inclusive backup. With two more public clouds being launched in the next quarter in US and LatAm, the growth and adoption of our cloud capabilities is a testament to our professional and managed services teams.”
Global IT and infrastructure provider bolsters its global sales team with new hire
Continent 8 Technologies, the trusted infrastructure and cybersecurity provider to the global gambling industry, has fortified its commercial team with the appointment of Ai Ishii as Regional Sales Director.
Ai is a highly experienced business development specialist with skills in sales, solution design, and fostering strategic partnerships, and has worked for renowned organisations such as Bragg Gaming and nChain. She joins Continent 8 from Klein Group where she was a Business Development Consultant.
As Regional Sales Director, Ai will be responsible for maximising existing customer relationships and creating new sales growth opportunities, with a particular focus on the European market. With a solid understanding of the iGaming regulatory landscape, she will work with customers to build technical solutions ensuring regulatory compliance and solving industry-specific pain points.
“I have worked closely with members of the Continent 8 team for some time now and have been very impressed with the company and the solutions it offers. I’m incredibly proud to be joining the organisation as Regional Sales Director and to be working closely with people that I admire and respect.
As the global gambling industry continues to grow and expand into new markets, Continent 8’s solutions are in high demand, and I’m excited to be supporting existing customers and welcoming new ones.”
“Ai is a business development specialist with a proven track record of striking strategic partnerships and helping both parties to maximise the potential of the collaboration.
We are thrilled to bring her expertise and experience into Continent 8 as we continue on our mission to power and protect the biggest brands in the gambling industry.”
Gaming executive with more than 30 years of tribal, gaming and cybersecurity experience joins global infrastructure and cybersecurity business
Leading managed hosting, connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity provider to the gambling industry, Continent 8 Technologies, has welcomed Jerad Swimmer to its global sales team as the business continues to expand at scale and pace.
Jerad is a highly experienced business development executive with 33 years of experience in the global gaming industry. He has worked for seven Tribes and held positions at Gaming Laboratories International, FABI Cash, Indigo Sky Casino, and 13 other gaming facilities, as well as serving under the Quapaw Tribal Gaming Agency and the Eastern Shawnee Tribal Gaming Commission. He joins Continent 8 from BIG Cyber where he was Director of Business Development for the past 12 months.
Based in Miami, Oklahoma, he will bring this vast tribal and cybersecurity experience to the role of Regional Sales Director at Continent 8, where he will be responsible for supporting the company’s growth across North America. With his knowledge of the North American Tribal landscape, he will be focused on empowering Tribal and commercial gaming operators, ensuring these businesses have the very best infrastructure solutions and cybersecurity protections in place to succeed in the competitive landscape.
Michael Tobin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “I’d like to give a warm welcome to Jerad who becomes the latest member of our global sales team.
“Jerad is an industry veteran, with a deep understanding of the US market and the infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions businesses need to succeed in tightly regulated and highly competitive markets. With Jerad on board, we can continue to deliver a world-class experience to our existing customers while engaging those yet to work with us.”
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “It’s an honour to join Continent 8’s global sales team and to be able to support the business with its plans for the North American market, specifically focused on developing relationships with Tribal businesses and Tribal leaders. As a proud member of the United Keetoowah Band and growing up in the gaming industry, I must do my absolute best to protect Tribal country and Tribal assets; the biggest asset being the youth which is the future of our Tribes.
“I look forward to working closely with Tribal Governments, operators, regulators, and suppliers over the coming months and helping them to find the right cybersecurity solutions for their needs. After all, cyber risks are at an all-time high, and all businesses must be prepared. This is an aspect of business that simply can’t be ignored, and Continent 8 has the solutions and services needed to ensure resilience and protect sovereignty, assets, networks, systems, and data.”
Jerad will be attending RES 2024, presented by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, March 11-14, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Global digital infrastructure solutions provider expands within state through new strategic site opening, further ramping up its disaster recovery capabilities, coupled with the West Virginia [Lottery] regulatory approval for its recognised public cloud solution catering to the online sports betting and iGaming verticals
Continent 8 Technologies, the renowned provider of digital infrastructure including managed hosting, managed network and cybersecurity solutions to operators and suppliers in the fast-growing North American market and beyond, is ramping up its offering in West Virginia with the opening of an additional site.
Continent 8 has deployed an ambitious first-to-market approach in the United States, notably going live in West Virginia via a site in South Charleston in 2018, permitting customers to hit the ground running when online sports betting launched in August later that year.
Located over 200 miles away from the South Charleston site, Continent 8, in partnership with the Seneca Rocks Regional Development Authority, has now officially opened its data centre in Petersburg, West Virginia. As a result, it now adds true disaster recovery and enhanced business continuity to its suite of solutions available to operators and suppliers in the state via this dedicated site. Both sites are PCI DSS compliant.
Further expanding its solutions and capabilities in the state, Continent 8 has received approval by the gambling regulator in West Virginia, for its powerful Public Cloud solution, currently live across the majority of regulated gaming states across the US. Meeting strict regulatory requirements, operators and suppliers can take advantage of the flexible, usage-based model for those looking to enter the market.
Michael Tobin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to have added a second site, allowing us to expand our offering to include disaster recovery, as well as our approved Public Cloud solution in our original site, further establishing Continent 8 as the leading infrastructure provider in the North American market.
“Infrastructure is the foundation operators and suppliers need to succeed, and that’s why the biggest players come to Continent 8. Our solutions, customer service, reputation and experience are unrivalled.”
Continent 8 is the leading infrastructure provider in North America for the online gambling industry, with 85% of operators on the 2023 EGR US Power Rankings using its suite of managed hosting and connectivity solutions. In West Virginia, it is live with over 20 of the biggest brands operating in the state.
Continent 8 is live in 30 US states with significant investment planned to further expand its multi-site footprint across numerous states, continuously adding to its global connected network of 100+ locations across four continents.