ESSA re-elects Mike O’Kane as president

During his time at the helm of the organisation, he has helped boost membership numbers to a total of 18, including the recent addition of online gaming operator Sky Betting and Gaming.

O’Kane has also helped develop a new platform for exchanging information on irregular patterns and has been actively involved in looking after the interests of the regulated sector at high-level forums at the Council of Europe, European Commission and the International Olympic Committee.

“ESSA has made significant headway by pushing for an evidenced-based discussion with decision-makers, which has resulted in refocusing the debate to issues such as poor sports governance,” O’Kane said. “Much credit should go to the Board and the wider membership for the hard work that has been put in to achieve that.

“However, we still face a number of challenges, notably achieving a more coordinated approach to information sharing between stakeholders.”

Khalid Ali, secretary general of ESSA, added: “I have worked closely with Mike now for a number of years and he has been a key factor in refocusing the organisation and delivering a number of significant achievements for the regulated sector.

“The organisation has grown in both membership and influence during that time, and has become a more visible and effective body.”