iGB issue 135_ICE 2024 | Page 104

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PEOPLE

Influential Victoria Reed

Women

Founder , Better Change

Victoria Reed learned of her nomination at a critical time for organisations such as hers – during Safer Gambling Week . Better Change looks to wed safer gambling with the day-to-day duties of running a gambling business . What better time to recognise the woman behind it all ?

Reed calls her nomination “ a true honour ”. Outside her own recognition , she sees being named among iGB ’ s Most Influential Women of 2023 as celebrating wider representation for Better Change and sustainable play .
“ To be considered among such an accomplished and esteemed group as this is humbling , unexpected and a true honour ,” she says . “ Since day one , we ’ ve faced huge challenges from all angles and have rightly had to demonstrate that our Positive Play approach is one that supports not only players but also operators – and that we don ’ t have to sacrifice one for the other .
“ For me , this award means that we ’ re seeing Positive Play resonate and , while there ’ s a long way to go , we ’ re proud to play a small part in the sustainability of the industry we all love dearly .”
Reed recognises the importance of mentorship and connection – and uses this as a way to connect with other women in the industry .
“ I ’ m a true believer in a meritocracy and always try to support anyone who is working hard and hustling to make a difference ,” she says . “ I have been fortunate enough to have mentored and championed a number of remarkable women throughout my career and always make time to try and share what little experience I have with them to encourage them on their own journeys .”
On a personal level , Reed realises the repercussions of not receiving the necessary support and guidance .
“ Above all , I know what it ’ s like to be supported but also what it ’ s like to be overlooked and exploited ,” she continues .
“ Those experiences have made sure that no matter who I ’ m working with , I always stay true to my own values and try to be the sort of support I would have loved to have had .”

Most

Influential Cheryl Jones

Women

President , Odds On Compliance

Cheryl Jones views her nomination as a testament to the support she has received throughout her career .

“ This achievement holds immense significance , not only for me but also for those who have steadfastly supported me throughout my gaming career ,” she says . “ I have long held that if you have a voice , you have influence and , if you can empower someone else to think the same , then you ’ re doing a good job .
“ Receiving this award is a testament to the recognition of my values and perseverance as a woman in the gaming industry .”
Jones recognises that advancements have been made in attitudes to gender parity in the workplace . But she believes measures should be put in place to ensure opportunities are truly equal .
“ More people than ever before believe that women have an equal opportunity to reach leadership positions ,” she explains . “ But those sentiments haven ’ t been enough to drive significant changes in actual advancement . Biases are still a barrier .
“ To break them down , organisations need to mature their approach to gender parity and create structures and systems that work for women and men .”
In her professional life , Jones has made moves to put these words into action . At Odds On Compliance , she founded Women Leading Women , created for women in igaming as well as those working in sports and technology .
“ I make myself accessible for mentoring , actively promote a culture of diversity and inclusion and advocate for women ’ s professional development within the industry ,” she explains .
Although she firmly believes in the power of networking and community , Jones clearly understands that , ultimately , the strength and motivation to forge your own path as a woman in a male-dominated industry must come from within .
“ I consistently tell others to own their careers and their voice ; don ’ t wait for someone to come along and present an opportunity ,” she concludes . “ Create opportunities you want to see yourself in , use your fear as your motivation , and never say no to any challenges .”
102 • ISSUE 135 • ICE LONDON 2024