Avanti Studios Hires Former Evolution Exec Steven Tabone as Commercial Director

The live casino sector is experiencing a significant shift in talent. Avanti Studios, a developer known for its high-tech approach to live gaming, has successfully recruited Steven Tabone as its new Commercial Director. Tabone is a seasoned veteran in the iGaming world. He joins the company after spending two years at Evolution, where he served as Head of Region. During his time at one of the world largest live casino providers, he was instrumental in shaping commercial strategies and managing relationships with top-tier operators. His move to Avanti Studios indicates a strong push by the company to challenge the current market leaders through technological innovation.

Avanti Studios stands out in the crowded B2B market by utilizing real-time cloud-based streaming combined with sophisticated motion capture technology. Unlike traditional live dealer setups, this approach allows for a more immersive and digitally enhanced experience. Tabone’s primary mission will be to scale the commercial side of this operation. He will oversee global go-to-market execution, focusing on acquiring new B2B partners among leading operators and aggregators. His experience in handling high-level sales and account management is expected to be a key driver for the studio next phase of international expansion.

Numbers and facts

The strategic appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for Avanti Studios. The provider has recently expanded its footprint in several key regulated markets, most notably Spain and Brazil. In these regions, Avanti has already secured vital partnerships with global industry giants such as Entain and bet365. These alliances serve as a testament to the quality and compliance of their technology. Tabone will build upon this foundation, utilizing his track record of driving revenue growth and fostering long-term distribution networks. He views the company current trajectory as a pivotal moment for the industry, emphasizing the disruptive nature of their product.

"I firmly believe Avanti is the most exciting thing to have happened to the iGaming industry for a very long time, so I’m obviously delighted to be joining as Commercial Director during what is undoubtedly a pivotal period for the company. What drew me to Avanti is having the chance to build something genuinely different. The team has a clear vision that will disrupt the industry with its innovation and quality, and as an operator, you can either jump on the train with us or be left standing at the station." - Steven Tabone, Commercial Director at Avanti Studios

Background

The live casino landscape is currently dominated by a few major players. For a boutique studio like Avanti to break through, it needs more than just standard table games. Their use of motion capture technology – similar to what is used in the film and video game industries – allows them to differentiate their offering. By capturing the movements of real dealers and integrating them into a digital environment, they provide a unique aesthetic that appeals to a modern audience. The focus on regulated markets like Spain also shows a commitment to high operational standards. Spain is known for its rigorous licensing process, and working with operators like bet365 requires a high degree of technical reliability and fairness.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the availability of live casino content remains a complex topic. Under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), live dealer games such as Roulette or Blackjack are regulated individually by the federal states. This has led to a slower rollout of legal live offers compared to virtual slot machines. While slot players must adhere to a 1 Euro per spin limit and a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit monitored via LUGAS, the live casino segment is still finding its footing within the legal framework. Companies like Avanti Studios, which are proven in regulated markets like Spain, are potential candidates for future partnerships with German-licensed operators once the state-level licensing for table games becomes more widespread.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Operators holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) are constantly searching for ways to distinguish their platforms. Since the German market is highly regulated and carries a 5.3 percent tax on stakes for slots, high-quality content is essential to retain players. Steven Tabone’s expertise in navigating European regulations could prove beneficial if Avanti decides to enter the German market. The fact that the studio already works with tier-1 operators suggests that their technology is capable of meeting strict regulatory requirements. For now, German players should stick to the GGL whitelist to ensure they are playing in a safe and legal environment, even if the newest motion-capture live games are currently more prevalent in other European jurisdictions.