For over 40 years, BMM Testlabs has been instrumental in helping regulators, suppliers, and operators introduce safe and compliant gaming products in more than 700 jurisdictions worldwide.
Under Martin Storm’s leadership, the company has transitioned from a modest regional lab to a globally recognized compliance organization, establishing itself as a respected challenger brand and one of the most trusted independent testing and certification partners globally.
In this unique Yogonet interview, Storm shares insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, responsible gaming, and the dedication and hard work that have contributed to BMM’s international growth.
What sets a CEO apart?
A CEO understands that this year’s challenges will be greater than last year’s but easier than the next.
You transformed BMM from a tiny firm into a global entity. What distinguishes an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is ready to bet everything they possess to prove a point. The best time to start is early when personal assets are limited.
How do you view BMM now that you’re no longer the sole owner?
We have a fantastic partner in The Visualize Group (the private equity group that acquired a stake in BMM Testlabs earlier this year), which will aid us in expanding one part of our future beyond our entire past. Importantly, we communicate “per curiam,” meaning with a unified voice.
Do you believe your business choices are generally correct?
More right than wrong, as I’ve spent over 50 years learning from my mistakes.
What constitutes a life of achievement?
A life of achievement includes a journey of suffering—though it should be meaningful suffering if you make the right choices for yourself.
Do you have a formula for success?
Here it is: Be charmingly relentless in pursuing your goals; develop emotional resilience to face many disappointments; and cultivate an aura of serendipity around you, promoting a sense of destiny and success.
How should we cope with inevitable failures and setbacks?
A Japanese proverb states, “I fell seven times, but I stood up eight.” This is achievable if you allow yourself to be humbled, not humiliated. Gratitude for the opportunity is crucial.
Do you consider yourself lucky or unlucky?
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.
Leading a global compliance organization demands extraordinary commitment. How hard do you work?
I work six half-days a week: from 5 am to 5 pm, and add an extra half-day on Sundays for calls.
What are your thoughts on your BMM executive team?
Storm: When selecting executives, if it isn’t a “hell yes,” it’s a “no.” We have many “yes” responses, but if a “yes” turns into a “no,” we change course promptly.
How should individuals within a company collaborate? Is it survival of the fittest?
Species that cooperate thrive. It’s the same for high-performance teams.
What is your approach to trust?
I place my trust in nearly everyone but still verify my assumptions.
Do you believe in wisdom?
Caution is warranted with the old soldier; there’s a reason they’ve aged.
Do you believe in God?
(Smiling) That’s a profound question. Yes, just as I believe in love. You can’t see, touch, or hear it, but sometimes you can feel it deeply.
What does the future hold for AI?
AI won’t take your job; however, the individual who knows how to leverage AI might.
You’ve indicated in previous interviews that your father was a gambling addict, affecting your family during your upbringing. How do you view gambling today in light of your role at BMM?
The insightful George F. Will stated: “… gambling is not a futile pursuit for wealth without effort; it’s a desire for limited risk without serious consequences.” In a free society, we must uphold the right to gamble. My goal is to ensure that individuals are better informed and safeguarded in that decision—therefore, BMM and the company we established to provide responsible gaming education, RG24seven Virtual Training.
BMM is certainly gaining momentum. How do you compete as a challenger brand in the industry?
I embrace BMM’s role as a challenger brand. We’ll always maintain that mindset. With excellent talent, great focus, and consistent execution, I believe clients worldwide appreciate our example’s power over mere show of strength. You can either be the largest or the finest; hence, we’ve prioritized being the finest.
Can you share a competitive strategy?
Of course. (laughs) Make seals bark at waves!
Which emerging markets excite you the most currently, and why?
We are investing in every region where gaming is expanding. Regulated gaming will continue to flourish as more governments recognize that regulation is more beneficial to their populations and communities than unregulated activity.
As BMM expands, what does that signify for you?
We’ve created an enterprise that is more valuable than the collective of its parts. I take great pride in that.
After more than 40 years of shaping BMM, how do you wish for the company to be perceived in the future?
For its commitment to care and excellence.