Gaming sector updates: MERKUR Casino UK appointment and Wazdan expansion

MERKUR Casino UK has appointed Dan Whitlam as Head of Compliance, effective September 28, 2026. Whitlam, who has experience with the Gambling Commission and GamCare, will report to Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun. His role involves strategic leadership in regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering, and data protection across the company’s UK portfolio, including high street gaming halls, bingo, and casinos. This appointment is part of a succession plan following the upcoming retirement of Amanda Kiernan in April 2027.

In a separate industry development, gaming developer Wazdan has expanded its presence in Bulgaria through a partnership with SlyBet. Facilitated by EGT Digital, the agreement makes Wazdan’s portfolio available on SlyBet’s online casino platform. This collaboration follows previous partnerships with Bulgarian operators WINBET and ELITBET and includes plans for future content releases.