GVC promotes regulatory affairs chief to new US-facing role

GVC has switched director of regulatory affairs Martin Lycka to the newly created role of senior VP of US regulatory affairs and responsible gambling.

In his new position, Lycka will lead GVC’s regulatory and RG efforts across the entire Americas including Canada, Latin America and the US, but will still report to GVC group director of legal Robert Hoskin.

During his time as director of regulatory affairs, Lycka oversaw the development of a business-wide regulatory strategy as well as the rolling out of several gambling-related education processes.

Lycka led GVC’s regulatory affairs team as it spearheaded the group’s Swedish licence application, as well as playing a substantial role in GVC’s drive to expand into the German market.

In August, Lycka called on German authorities to avoid creating a “wholly unfulfilling” experience for players by implementing strict measures in the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling.

Later, Lycka lead GVC’s preparations for adopting the phased ‘tolerance’ rules for online casino gameplay within the German market, preparations which saw the firm awarded four sports betting licences in October.

Martin Lycka

He also serves on the boards of a number of industry bodies, including the EGBA and the Czech Association of Internet Gambling.

In the US, Lycka has overseen licence applications in a number of US states, as well as concluding long-term partnerships with the Harvard Medical School and the US National Council on Problem Gaming.

Lycka also serves as a trustee to the GVC Foundation US, a non-profit organisation which works to advance RG-led causes by collaborating with academic, sporting and advocacy bodies.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been given a fantastic opportunity to lead GVC’s regulatory and responsible gambling efforts in the US and other key jurisdictions in the Americas,” Lycka said.

GVC said Lycka’s replacement as director of regulatory affairs will be announced in due course.