Key Moments:
- Matt Holt has been appointed as CEO of Gaming Compliance International.
- GCI’s technology can monitor over two billion transactions in certain jurisdictions each day.
- A MegaXcess case study identified an 84% drop in illegal online gross gaming revenue in the Philippines for Q1 2025 compared to the same period two years earlier.
Leadership Transition and Industry Background
Matt Holt, recognized for his leadership in sports betting integrity, has returned to the forefront of the industry by becoming chief executive officer at Gaming Compliance International. Holt’s prior experience includes founding and leading IC360 (formerly US Integrity), a sports betting integrity monitoring firm, where he built his reputation by alerting leagues, operators, and regulators to suspicious betting patterns. He also previously served as chief operating officer at Cantor Gaming.
Commenting on his appointment, Holt said in a press release, “Joining GCI was an easy decision. GCI’s advanced technology is complemented by an operational and tech team with decades of industry expertise which has the firm well positioned to be the leader in regulated gaming compliance both today and decades into the future.”
I am proud to announce that I have accepted the role of CEO of Gaming Compliance International today.
— Matthew Holt (@MatthewHoltGCI) September 11, 2025
AI Technology and International Expansion
A decisive factor in Holt’s move to GCI has been its advanced, AI-driven platforms. He believes that GCI’s technology provides regulators with AI-powered analysis, enhancing market intelligence for stakeholders worldwide, including emerging markets. Holt stated that this system is capable of monitoring more than two billion transactions daily in specific jurisdictions.
Referencing GCI’s parent company, MegaXcess, Holt described how their technology supports the Philippines government, which is undertaking a significant crackdown on illegal online gambling. MegaXcess observed an 84% reduction in black market online gross gaming revenue during the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same timeframe two years prior.
GCI leverages the same software and resources as MegaXcess to address illicit gambling markets globally. Holt noted that disrupting advertising, marketing, and media – which are central to illicit player acquisition – can significantly reduce the profitability of illegal sites, redirecting players to regulated markets as a result.
Platform Capabilities for Illegal Market Mitigation
Mitigating risks from the black market is a core strength of GCI’s platform, according to Holt. He explained the challenge regulators face in identifying bettors on illegal custom sites, especially when major syndicate ringleaders employ intermediaries to hide their actions. When activity is funneled back to regulated markets, the likelihood of integrity issues increases. Holt asserts that with information from monitors like GCI, regulators can better address these threats.
He added, “The grey and black market mitigation services are state-of-the-art and transformative. The platform finally gives regulators the information they need to effectively disrupt the black market. When you combine a platform this robust with a committed regulator and strong policy, positive transformation is not only possible but proven to happen.”
Process of Disrupting Illicit Gambling Operations
Holt outlined that the initial step in tackling cross-border illegal activity is identifying the marketing and media strategy of black-market websites. GCI’s platform also assists regulators by uncovering additional elements, such as payment processing, data, game providers, odds, and other real-time sports information relevant to these illicit sites.
By providing tailored intelligence, GCI empowers regulators to disrupt or even bring unauthorized sites into regulated channels by starting licensing discussions. The company’s automated auditing tools enable real-time identification and collection of taxes, improving transparency, budgeting, and resource forecasting for authorities, Holt said.
Industry Impact and Strategic Advantage
Recent enforcement actions highlight the ongoing need for integrity monitoring. Last week, the NCAA issued permanent bans for three former Fresno State and San Jose State basketball players for betting on their own games. The organization also revealed it is investigating alleged violations involving 13 athletes from several schools, including Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State. Holt contributed in March 2024 by identifying unusual wagering activity involving Temple games.
Holt’s background includes launching Nevada’s first mobile sports betting app and initiating in-play betting offerings as an executive at Cantor Gaming. He also served on the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association’s board for six years, including four years as vice chairman.
Ross Anderson, GCI’s chief operating officer, commented, “We are excited to have Matt join us to lead our global growth efforts. Matt’s deep understanding of regulated gaming compliance and policy make him the ideal leader for GCI. His proven track record in sports betting integrity technology and regulated gaming provides a decided advantage as the company expands with a tech forward approach.”
Key Metrics Table
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Daily Transactions Monitored | Over two billion (in certain jurisdictions) |
| Decline in Black Market GGR (Philippines, Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2023) | 84% |
| Entities Facing NCAA Violations | 13 players at 6 schools |
- Author
Daniel Williams
