Lava Lock

About Lava Lock

“First, our own priorities have shifted,” he says. “We have been explicit that we are moving away from a growth-at-all-costs mindset, towards a more disciplined focus on profitability and cash generation, and 888Africa is immediately accretive on both counts.

“Second, the opportunity itself was time-limited. 888Africa became available because of Evoke’s own strategic evolution, and assets of this quality with this kind of market position do not come up often.

“Third, the African market has matured to a point where the regulatory, mobile and demographic tailwinds are now translating into genuine, durable growth rather than early-stage promise.”

About Lava Lock

Bright believes the biggest challenge in Africa remains ensuring more women reach senior decision-making positions.

“I think if you look at the regulators, sometimes I do feel sad to see that it is largely just men,” she says. “I’d like to see more women regulators in more senior positions.

“But I think the tide is turning. Our work is not done. That’s how I see it. We’ve got lots more to do, but I definitely think it’s moving in the right direction.”

About Lava Lock

White Hat Gaming paused the ads during the investigation and argued that HLTV’s audience is primarily adult and focused on professional competitive gaming rather than casual play, which tends to attract minors. 

HLTV corroborated this, highlighting its editorial tone as adult-oriented.

The ASA reviewed whether the ads were directed at under-18s through their placement or content. Its rules prohibit advertising through media where more than 25% of the audience is likely to be under 18.