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Location:
70 Kingsway, Holborn, London
Date:
12 May 2026

Venue Sponsor

Mishcon de Reya logo

AI Gaming Forum Speakers

On Tuesday 12 May, Winnamedia will host will host the AI Gaming Forum 2026 at the Mishcon de Reya LLP in London — bringing together an exceptional lineup of speakers, investors and founders shaping the future of AI across gaming and iGaming regulated markets. The following speakers will be participating in panels and presentations throughout the day, covering everything from LLM orchestration and scaling AI in operational environments, to AI-powered game development, performance marketing, regulatory compliance, AML and responsible gambling. Please download the full AIGF agenda here for the event details.

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Kanda Kumar

Kanda Kumar

Keynote Speaker

Director of AI - evoke
Jeffery Hass

Jeffrey Haas

Managing Director - ID8
Rohini Sardana

Rohini Sardana

CEO - WiseWager
Simon Spyer, Founder - Data Agents

Simon Spyer

CEO - Data Agents
Dr. Hazel Harrison

Dr. Hazel Harrison

CEO - ThinkAvellana
Thomas Smallwood

Thomas Smallwood

CCO - ESA Gaming x OpenSlots
Vlastimir-Venclík

Vlastimil Venclík

CEO - ValkaAI

Max Tesla

CEO & Co-founder - Blask
Javier Troncoso

Javier Troncoso

CEO & Co-founder - InsightPlay.ai
Kelly Kehn

Kelly Kehn

Co-founder - Defy The Odds
Shelley Langan-Newton

Shelley Langan Newton

Co-founder & CEO - SQR
Paula Murphy

Paula Murphy

Head of Business Development - Mindway. ai
Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall

Chief Revenue Officer - Aibly
Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO, Golden Whale Productions

Eberhard Dürrschmid

CEO - Golden Whale
Oscar Silver Investment Analyst, Waterhouse Capital

Oscar Silver

Investment Analyst - Waterhouse Capital
Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director of Client Services - TAG Media

Elaine Gardiner

Managing Director of Client Services - TAG Media
Wojtek Sznapka, CEO & Co-Founder - Gamblitude

Wojtek Sznapka

CEO & Co-Founder - Gamblitude
Conner Williams

Connor Williams

General Partner - Offsuit.vc
Karolina Pelc, Author, HerPlay: Make Your Own Luck

Karolina Pelc

Founder, Investor, Mentor, Author
Susan Breen

Susan Breen

Partner - Innovation, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Christina Thakor-Rankin

Christina Thakor-Rankin

Principal Consultant - 1710 Gaming
James Boyle

James Boyle

Head of Data, Mishcon de Reya LLP

Strategic Partners

Profit Matches Logo
ID8 Global Gaming Business logo
Defy the odds logo

Media Partners

Gaming Intelligence logo
Gaming International Online
iGaming Future Logo
iNTERGAMINGi
iGaming
Republic. logo
EGR media partner logo
iGaming Calendar is your one stop destination listing all iGaming Events, Tradeshows, Socials, and Gambling Conferences world-wide.

Kanda Kumar

Director of AI & Intelligent Automation, Evoke

Kanda Kumar is Director of AI at evoke plc (William Hill, 888, Mr Green and Winner.ro).

He leads the company’s AI strategy and delivery, building an AI Centre of Excellence and scaling AI and Intelligent Automations across customer operations, trading, commercial and personalization.

His focus is turning AI into measurable outcomes through production-grade deployment, robust governance and adoption in regulated environments. 

In 2025, he built the AI CoE from the scratch and deployed a number of AI solutions in production generating £30m in EBITDA. 

Kanda is also driving early adoption of several Agentic AI technologies and fundamentally shifting how the business operates through agentic AI, reinventing processes and operating models to move beyond traditional application-led workflows toward a “beehive” model, where humans and AI agents coordinate through an orchestrator to deliver outcomes end-to-end.

He brings a wealth of expertise from over 18 years driving large-scale AI and Intelligent Automation transformation at Ericsson.

Kanda Kumar
Jeffery Haas

Managing Director, ID8 & Venture Partner, Dreamcraft

Jeffrey is a passionate and visionary leader who drives strategic growth, innovation and value creation. As a Venture Partner at Dreamcraft Ventures, Strategic Advisor, and Angel Investor, he leverages his extensive experience and global network to identify, evaluate, and support promising businesses. His education is in economics and journalism, but he has nurtured gaming and fintech startups and scale-ups for more than 20 years.

Throughout his career, Jeffrey has built and launched leading global digital and retail gaming businesses for DraftKings, PokerStars, PartyPoker, bwin, the World Poker Tour, Asia Pacific Poker Tour & European Poker Tour. He has successfully entered and expanded into new markets, created and executed public policy initiatives and growth marketing strategies, fixed ailing B2B businesses, developed and launched new B2C products and platforms, and managed complex regulatory and operational challenges. 

His mission is to contribute to the advancement and transformation of the gaming and fintech industries by supporting and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. Jeffrey says he is always eager to learn, collaborate, and share insights and perspectives with others who share his passion for rabid creative ideation.

Jeffery Hass

Rohini Sardana

CEO, WiseWager

Rohini Sardana is a strategic advisor and investor with 20+ years across sports, esports, and iGaming. Formerly in senior roles at Pinnacle Solution, SIS, and Inspired Gaming Group, she brings a commercial perspective to AI implementation, focusing on where it delivers measurable operational value versus where claims outpace reality. She specialises in helping operators separate genuine AI innovation from vendor hype.

Rohini Sardana,

Simon Spyer

Simon Spyer, CEO – Data Agents

Simon Spyer is the CEO of Data Agents and a specialist in applying AI and first-party data to customer marketing in highly regulated industries. He has worked extensively with gaming and media brands including Ladrokes, Betsson, PokerStars and Sun Bingo, focusing on player acquisition, CRM, retention and lifetime value at scale.

With over 20 years’ experience leading data-driven marketing and transformation across brands and agencies, Simon is known for translating AI ambition into practical, deployable systems that deliver measurable commercial impact. His work sits at the intersection of regulation, performance marketing and customer trust, helping gaming operators use data and AI to drive growth without increasing risk.

Simon speaks frequently on how gaming brands can move beyond pilots and hype to embed AI into real customer journeys, improving decision-making speed, marketing efficiency and long-term player value.

Simon Spyer

Dr Hazel Harrison, CEO, ThinkAvellana

Dr Hazel Harrison is a clinical psychologist and founder of ThinkAvellana, an organisation dedicated to bringing psychology out of the clinic and into everyday life. Through keynotes, workshops and coaching, she supports individuals and teams to strengthen psychological safety, performance and engagement, helping people to connect, thrive and do their best work.

Hazel works with a wide range of organisations, from charities to global brands, and has partnered with clients including the BBC, the Premier League, Harrods, The Times and BT. Her work focuses on helping leaders build cultures where people feel valued, motivated and able to perform at their best.

Dr Hazel Harrison, CEO, ThinkAvellana

Thomas Smallwood,

Chief Commercial Officer, ESA Games

Thomas Smallwood is a seasoned iGaming specialist and leader with extensive experience in driving growth and innovation across gaming sectors. He currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at ESA Gaming.

Thomas has been instrumental in championing AI-enabled tools like OpenSlots, a no-code game builder designed to empower operators and aggregators to accelerate content creation and bespoke releases.

Prior to his current role, Thomas has held C-level roles in the industry as well as founding and leading ventures in the gaming technology space, blending deep industry insight with entrepreneurial drive.

Thomas combines commercial acumen with a passion for innovation, helping shape the future of iGaming content delivery and operator engagement across regulated markets.

Thomas Smallwood

Vlastimil Venclík

CEO, Realms Group

Vlastimil Venclík is the CEO and co-founder of Realms Group, a builder of next-generation digital ventures at the intersection of entertainment, AI, and scalable technology. In his role with Realms Group he leads ValkaAI, a new venture focused on the development of emotionally intelligent content and personalized video experiences that bridge human expression with machine creativity.

Before Realms Group and ValkaAI, Vlastimil founded Oddin.gg, the B2B esports technology provider that has become one of the fastest-growing startups in Central Europe. Under his leadership, Oddin’s low-latency odds-feed, risk-management tools and esports betting infrastructure have been adopted globally by operators looking to serve the booming esports audience.

With a background in cybernetics, AI, and software development, Vlastimil has built a career turning complex technologies into businesses that scale globally.

Vlastimir Venclík
Max Tesla

Max Tesla is the CEO and co-founder of Blask, an AI-powered market analytics platform for the iGaming industry. With over 12 years of experience in technology, business growth, and data analytics, he founded Blask to transform how companies access and apply market intelligence. 

In just one year since its public launch, Blask has earned three industry awards, secured key partnerships with Sportingtech and BC Game, and is backed by Yolo Investment and Oakvale Capital. Under Max’s leadership, Blask introduced innovative tools like the Blask Index, APS, and CEB, helping operators gain a true competitive advantage in a fast-changing market.

Max Tesla

Kelly Kehn

Co-founder, DTO

With over two decades in the gaming and tech space, Kelly is well-versed across gaming, ESG and investment sectors.  She has a proven track record of bringing people together to build strong and purpose-led businesses and a wealth of expertise in commercial strategy, leadership, marketing, and business development. A multi-award-winning leader of change and cultural growth, Kelly co-founded All-in Diversity Project in 2017 and currently serves as co-founder of Defy the Odds, a platform designed to create pathways for all entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and networks necessary to succeed.

Kelly Kehn

Shelley Langan-Newton

CEO, SQR

Tech founder. Cyber CEO. Identity innovator. With an expansive background in telecoms, from building a mobile network operator from scratch to co-founding an internet exchange, she is now on a mission to make the world a safer place through efficient and inclusive identity infrastructure. Under her leadership, SQR has scaled rapidly from servicing SMEs to delivering for governments, securing major investment, and assembling a world-class team to tackle one of society’s most urgent challenges.

 

Shelley Langan-Newton

Paula Murphy

Head of Business Development, Mindway. ai

Paula Murphy has worked with the Gambling industry for over 9 years. As Head of Business Development at Mindway AI, she is focused on helping operators meet their legislative requirements and enhance player protection. Prior to joining Mindway AI, Paula was the Founder of specialised compliance and safer gambling information provider, KnowNow Ltd and Managing Director at Wilmington PLC’s legal division. She has a vast industry network and a deep understanding of challenges faced by operators in this space. She is passionate about helping operators boost player protection through early detection and intervention.  Paula was recently named Woman of the Year at the 2025 European Casino Awards. She also featured in Hipther’s list of the 50 best speakers of 2024 and 2025.

Paula Murphy

Jim Marshall

Chief Revenue Officer at Aibly | Speaker on the Future of Work

Jim is a cricket fan, dad, runner and reader. He recharges by being around interesting individuals and he is motivated by helping organisations and their leaders move forwards at pace. Jim is also a Consultant, Business Leader and Entrepreneur. He has spent 20 years building, buying, scaling and selling businesses.

Jim spends his days diving into conversations about the future of work, high-performing teams, and the fascinating chemistry between humans and AI agents.

Chief Revenue Officer at Aibly: Jim is helping shape the next generation of AI-augmented workspaces, where people and agents don’t just coexist—they collaborate. Whether he’s unpacking the science of great teams or exploring how AI agents can enhance human potential, Jim’s mission is simple: help organisations thrive in a world that’s changing fast (and make sure we have fun while doing it).

Jim Marshall

Eberhard Dürrschmid

Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO, Golden Whale Productions

Eberhard Dürrschmid is the CEO of Golden Whale Productions and an expert in building high-performing tech and entertainment operations. He also founded the online gaming pioneer Greentube in the 1990s, built a group of companies from that and led as CEO through its successful acquisition by Novomatic.

Now at Golden Whale, an AI & machine learning company focused on optimizing critical decision processes in gaming operations for maximum efficiency and shareholder value, Eberhard is on a mission to drive long-term, multidimensional growth across the industry.

With a strong track record in building innovative gaming platforms and operations, Golden Whale brings tools that elevate operational efficiency and add predictive capabilities to every funding decision, raising risk assessment and accelerating funding cycles to a new level.

Eberhard Dürrschmid

Oscar Silver

Oscar Silver, Investment Analyst, Waterhouse Capital

Oscar is an Investment Analyst at Waterhouse VC. Founded in 2019, the fund has had a compound return of over 70% per annum since inception. Previously at Citi Private Bank, he brings startup experience and supports investments in promising global wagering technology suppliers.

Oscar Silver Investment Analyst, Waterhouse Capital

Elaine Gardiner

Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director of Client Services – TAG Media

Elaine is Managing Director of Client Services at TAG Media and co-founder of affie.ai, with over 17 years in iGaming affiliate marketing across startups and tier one operators. She leads teams helping operators launch and scale high-performance affiliate programs. Elaine is also a regular industry speaker and Course Director of the Affiliate Management Academy, where she helps develop the next generation of affiliate managers

Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director of Client Services - TAG Media

Wojtek Sznapka

Wojtek Sznapka, CEO & Co-Founder, Gamblitude

Wojtek Sznapka is the CEO & Co-Founder of Gamblitude, bringing two decades of tech experience, including 11 years in iGaming, to his leadership role. His passion lies in solving complex industry problems using Big Data and AI.

After 11 years working on the operator side, he decided to co-found Gamblitude to solve the iGaming industry’s common data analytics problem by democratising data and leveraging cutting-edge cloud technologies and AI.

Previously, as CTO at STS Gaming Group, developed expertise in Data Warehouse design, scalable microservice systems, cloud migration strategies, and building high-performing engineering teams.

Wojtek Sznapka, CEO & Co-Founder - Gamblitude

Conner Williams

Conner Williams, General Partner, Offsuit.cv

Connor is a General Partner at Offsuit.vc, a new igaming investment group looking to change the rules of early stage investing. As a group of igaming veterans, Offsuit has access to bespoke deals built through relationships often stretching across decades. It’s one thing to invest money, it’s another thing to have walked in a founder’s footsteps; this being the DNA of their innovative and bespoke approach to both founders and investors.

Prior to Offsuit, Connor has been an investor and investment banker in the igaming ecosystem for almost a decade, with deals spanning the length and breadth of the industry.

Connor Williams,General Partner, Offsuit.cv

Karolina Pelc

Karolina Pelc, Author, HerPlay: Make Your Own Luck

Karolina Pelc is an entrepreneur, investor, and author whose career spans more than two decades across the global gaming and technology industries. She began as a casino dealer in Poland and went on to found BeyondPlay, a B2B engagement SaaS company that raised over €7 million in venture funding and was acquired by FanDuel in 2024. Following the acquisition, she served as VP, focusing on product integration and strategy.

Today Karolina works with founders and leadership teams navigating moments of risk, growth, and reinvention. She is the author of Her Play: Make Your Own Luck, a business memoir exploring ambition, resilience, and the myth of luck through the lens of her journey from casino floors to startup exit. Karolina is also a sought-after speaker on leadership, risk-taking, and engineered serendipity in business and life.

Karolina Pelc, Author, HerPlay: Make Your Own Luck

Susan Breen

Susan Breen, Partner – Innovation, Mishcon de Reya LLP

Susan is a Partner in the firm’s top-ranked Betting & Gaming Group, which sits within our Innovation group, providing advice to technology and data-rich businesses. Susan’s practice spans both corporate and M&A, as well as regulatory and commercial advice, with over 25 years’ experience acting for gambling industry clients. A particular strength of Susan’s practice is her ability to blend her corporate knowledge with regulatory, infrastructure, and compliance advice to many of the industry’s leading operators, service providers and business owners both in the UK and internationally.

Much of Susan’s work is international with a particular focus on helping clients buy or build businesses in an environment that has become increasingly complex from a legal, regulatory and tax perspective. She has been involved in many of the sector’s high-profile and innovative transactions over the last two decades or so.

Clients include significant operators, regulators, governments, affiliate marketing groups, game content and technology providers. Susan has been a senior trusted adviser for many years to certain high-profile clients and governments in other jurisdictions. She has extensive experience of advising operators and their key shareholders on the risk management and establishment issues facing operators in regulated or yet to be regulated markets.

 

Susan Breen

Christina Thakor-Rankin

Christina Thakor-Rankin, Principal Consultant, 1710 Gaming 

Christina Thakor-Rankin is a renowned expert and thought leader in the gambling and iGaming industry. She has over 30 years of experience in the sector, having worked in a variety of leadership roles across trading, operations, marketing, tech and compliance.

She is a passionate advocate for responsible gambling and works to promote ethical practices within the industry. She has spoken and written extensively on topics such as problem gambling, gambling addiction, and social responsibility.

In addition to her work in the iGaming industry, she is a co-founder of All-in Diversity Project, an organization that works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and author of the BSI international standard for workplace DEI, and CEO of simpal.ai, a female led tech start-up helping organizations harness the power of AI and autonomous applications.

A regular speaker at industry conferences and events, recognized for her contribution to the industry, she also holds a number of non-exec and advisory roles across a number of different sectors,  is an ISO committee member developing new standards for AI and more recently an investor in AI enabled start-ups.

 

 

Christina Thakor-Rankin, Principal Consultant, 1710 Gaming

James Boyle

James Boyle, Head of Data, Mishcon de Reya LLP

James is a Partner and Head of the Data Group within the firm’s Innovation Department. His work focusses on providing strategic privacy and data protection advice to technology and data rich businesses. He is known for being a pragmatic, accessible and responsive advisor in this space.

James’ clients are typically fast growth suppliers of technology, looking to collect and use data in a way that’s transparent, ethical and commercially successful.

James’ practice, whilst focussed on privacy and data protection compliance, is set up to cover the full range of his clients’ compliance needs. The support ranges from cost-effective, partly automated subject access request responses, acting as outsourced Data Protection Officer, as well as a global ‘one stop shop’ for privacy and data protection advice, through which clients can access a unified approach to their complex, global compliance needs. Increasingly, James’s work focusses on the implementation of AI systems, particularly those in the recruitment sector.

 

 

James Boyle, Head of Data, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Winnamedia
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