James Bennett joins Receptional to launch ‘must-have’ digital services for iGaming brands

Receptional – the Bedford, UK-based digital marketing agency – has appointed James Bennett to its board as PR director. He brings 12 years’ experience in the iGaming industry, as editor of eGaming Review, head of communications at Playtech and director at Square in the Air.

In his new role, Mr Bennett will bolster Receptional’s digital marketing services for sports betting and iGaming firms. The agency already counts a tier-one bookmaker and leading brands, such as Betdaq, Casumo, Lottoland, Plus500 and Time2Play, among its clients.

Its team of specialist sports writers and link builders create and place 7,000 pieces of content with 10,000 sites annually.

He will augment these services with a focus on digital PR, brand and creative strategy, and paid and social media for B2B companies in the sector. This includes Receptional’s latest proprietary tool, Decision Maker, which enables suppliers to gain both brand awareness across target media and measurable sales from target buyers, with bespoke campaigns that no other agency can offer.

He will also spearhead Receptional’s expansion into international markets, where changing regulations are creating new opportunities for sports betting and iGaming brands.

Mr Bennett said: “I’m delighted to have joined such a forward-thinking and dynamic agency as Receptional. We’ve already begun to take our new proposition to market and the feedback has been phenomenal.

“We’re launching a series of must-have digital marketing and PR services for the sports betting and iGaming industry that no other agency can offer, which will make a huge difference to brands and suppliers in 2022 and beyond.”

Justin Deaville, managing director at Receptional, added: “James has built an extensive network of knowledge and contacts across the global sports betting and iGaming industry. Having him on board will elevate our knowledge of the sector, expand our already growing client base, and enable us to become the only specialist agency able to offer a complete range of digital services.”

Receptional will be showcasing these services in April at ICE London – the largest global gathering of iGaming operators and suppliers in Europe.

On 13th April, the agency will host an exclusive research briefing, unveiling its latest analysis of bettors’ behaviour, with a panel of both players and operators discussing the trends.

Mr Bennett is the latest in a string of senior hires that Receptional has made to build its creative services division. Robin Smith joined as Creative Director in summer 2021, bringing 35+ years’ experience in some of the world’s top agencies – and more than 100 creative and effectiveness awards. 

Amy Canavan followed in the autumn, to lead Receptional’s consumer PR team, having held publicist roles at Pan Macmillan and Lionsgate UK.