FSB and Rubik Talent Partner for Diversity
FSB Technology has announced a new partnership with Rubik Talent, which will see the two work together to encourage diversity within iGaming. A new graduate program will be launched, offering opportunities to three graduates from underrepresented backgrounds.
The new graduate program aims to address the gaming industry’s digital skills gap, while championing diversity in the workplace.
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Championing Diversity and Inclusivity
The new initiative from FSB and Rubik Talent aims to address the digital skills gap by providing opportunities to young talent, regardless of race, nationality, color or religion. The graduate program will incorporate Back End Java Development, Application Support Analysis, Front End Web Development with Javascript and React, and much more.
The process will begin with ten hand-selected trainees, who will take part in a Java Assessment created by FSB in July. It is expected to be a tough competition, as only three participants will be chosen to move forward with the program in August.
The top junior technologists will then be onboarded to work with FSB full time for a two-year secondment, starting in September. The program will allow the specially-selected individuals to gain and develop fundamental iGaming skills, including sportsbook and online casino management, as well as valuable experience at a rapidly growing company.
When the trainees have completed the placement, FSB will have the opportunity to offer permanent roles. By offering these valuable opportunities to graduates from backgrounds that are underrepresented within the industry, FSB and Rubik hope to nurture a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The very first trainees have already begun to work through the program, and are currently undertaking eight weeks of intensive Full Stack Software Development training. The program started off with an introductory session with Rubik founders Robin MacDonald and Regan Stevely, before trainees moved on to learning about professional skills and Java.
Sam Lawrence, chief technology officer and co-founder of FSB explained why the company was eager to collaborate with Rubik on the project, stating:
“When Rubik first approached us about participating in this program, we immediately saw the value in it. Giving young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity is something we can wholeheartedly get behind as an organization. As FSB continues to grow and scale up over the next year, we’re confident the trainees will find this a hugely rewarding experience.”
Digital Skills Shortage
Robin MacDonald, managing partner for Rubik, also welcomed the new partnership and the launch of the graduate program at FSM. According to MacDonald, investing in young people is essential to combat the digital skills gap within the iGaming industry. That strategy is also vital to ensure a diverse workforce and culture of inclusivity moving forwards.
Rubik is a London based company that scouts talent for the iGaming industry, as well as offering information services for financial and payment technologies. At the heart of Rubik’s mission is championing equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, sexuality, nationality or religion. Through its training programs, Rubik also aims to improve digital skills for those going into the industry.
FSB is the latest company to participate in Rubik’s 24-month training program, which connects graduates with gaming firms. The iGaming Academy also recently announced a similar partnership with Rubik, to offer graduate trainees education for careers in full stack software development or data engineering.
The iGaming industry is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the world, due to continuous technological innovations and the rapid rate of global expansion. The pace at which legislation changes is another key factor that influences the direction of the industry.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a mixed impact on the gambling industry, causing problems for land-based businesses. However, it has also driven further digitization as both consumers and those working within gaming are focused on spending more time online.
A study carried out in 2018 by the Malta Gaming Authority uncovered a serious skills shortage that companies like Rubik Talent are keen to redress. It reported that there were 781 unfilled positions in Malta’s gaming industry, equating to one out of every eight employees. The pandemic has since magnified that extent of that shortage.
FSB in the US
FSB Technology was founded in 2007 by two sports betting veterans. With their in-depth industry knowledge of consumer demand, live betting and European regulations, the two innovators were able to create a company that has gone on to lead the industry’s technology sector. FSB, which has its headquarters in London, now offers the most efficient and customizable sports betting platform on the market.
The platform comes with valuable tools which help operators to drive revenue and reduce operating costs. FSB will soon be showcasing its products and services at the upcoming National Indian Gaming Association event. Robert Akeret, FSB’s vice president of operations in the US team said:
“It’s great to be at NIGA this week to showcase our incredible new SSBT retail products. Built to offer operators choice and control, the interest and feedback we’ve had from customers on these products has been very strong and we’re sure they’ll attract significant interest this week at Caesars Palace.”
The US team will be present at the event held at Caesars Palace, which will feature FSB’s newest retail kiosks and promotions for its full stack solution. The trade show is FSB’s first physical event for 18 months, during which time it has only been able to participate in virtual events. The company will be exhibiting at Booth 2040.
Last year, FSB partnered with Cricket.com to create a prediction-based game for sporting fans. The cricket game is playable via Cricket.com’s website, as well as its mobile app. Consisting of a points-based system, players compete with other cricket afficionados to put their sporting knowledge to the test.
In May 2020, the UK’s Gambling Commission fined FSB over third-party failings, relating to advertising, social responsibility and money laundering. The £600,000 fine came as a warning to white label operators to pay close attention to how their third-party websites are managed.
