East Greenwich, RI (July 10, 2024) — It is with deep sadness that Szrek2Solutions announces the passing of Walter Szrek, co-founder and former Chief Technologist, on June 28, 2024. Walter was a beloved friend, husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed technologist, who deeply valued each relationship that he built over the years.

Walter Szrek

Throughout his career, Walter dedicated himself to serving the lottery industry, excelling in solving complex system problems and designing radical technical solutions. As one of the original developers in the startup that evolved into GTECH, later IGT, Walter played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the early lottery industry. After 24 years at GTECH/IGT, Walter and his wife Irena pioneered a random number generation solution, known as Trusted Draw. Together they founded Szrek2Solutions, which quickly became the leader in advanced and auditable RNG solutions for the lottery sector. Even after retiring a few years ago, Walter remained deeply committed, supporting Szrek2Solutions through various projects, mentoring staff, and engaging with clients. The company continues under the technical leadership of Chris Olsen, who worked closely with Walter for almost 2 decades, playing a key role in software development and customer deployments.

Walter was a passionate collector of mechanical calculating machines that showcased historical methods of solving complex mathematical problems. During his retirement, he not only consulted for Szrek2Solutions, he also meticulously cataloged his extensive collection of 700 devices. One of Walter’s final acts of generosity was donating his remarkable collection to the Jagiellonian University and its museum, Collegium Maius, in Kraków, Poland, where it will soon be available for viewing by the public.

Walter will be dearly missed for his leadership, his creative brilliance, and his warmth as a friend and colleague. He was widely admired for pioneering lottery solutions that transformed the industry. Known for his infectious optimism, quick wit, and generosity, Walter touched the lives of many. His legacy will be carried on by the Szrek2Solutions team with the same exemplary enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication that Walter always put into everything he did.

About Szrek2Solutions

Szrek2Solutions is a leading provider of reliable secure electronic draw systems and high-performance RNG solutions for online games and e-instants. Partnering with leading vendors and lotteries, Szrek has deployed its unique auditable RNG platform in the US and internationally since 2005 and has an outstanding track record for its exceptional technology and excellent support. Headquartered in Rhode Island, USA, with a European office in Portugal, Szrek’s customers include Arkansas Lottery, IGT Corporation, Iowa Lottery, Ithuba Holdings (South Africa and Uganda), Florida Lottery, Loterie Nationale (Luxemburg), Lottomatica SpA (Italy), ONCE (Spain), Sisal SpA (Italy), Scientific Games International, Texas Lottery, Totalizator Sportowy (Poland), and IGT Antilles Lotteries (LILHCO).

SOURCE: Szrek2Solutions.