"She was just one of those gems that is irreplaceable."
That underlying sentiment, expressed by Casinomeister's Bryan Bailey, was shared by many in the I-gaming industry Thursday as they came to grips with the death of Julie Sidwell.
Those who knew her feel the loss will be felt to the industry for a longtime; many more will never forget the dear friend they once had.
Sidwell passed away in her home in College Station, Texas, overnight on Thursday. She is survived by her husband Herb, and a set of twin daughters. Funeral arrangements are scheduled for next week.
Sidwell made a name for herself as a mediator in player disputes with online casino and sports books while at Gambling.com as the force behind the portal's Gambling Grumblings section.
She left that post after four years in October to become the fair gaming advocate for eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), a newly formed association designed to help promote a standard of generally accepted practices.
Both former employers expressed their deep sorrow over the news.
"This is a very sad day for eCOGRA, its staff and all those who have been fortunate to work with Julie over the years," eCOGRA said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
Graeme Levin of Gambling.com struggled to describe the type of person Sidwell was.
"I am not real good at being profound in times like this," Levin said. "But she will be missed. She was a very special person and a tireless worker."
Sidwell, confined to a wheel chair after an accident left her severely injured, was known for her tireless efforts toward improving industry. She frequently attended important industry events despite the physical demand of traveling in her condition.
"Her spunkiness, her humor, her dedication to help players will be truly missed," said Bailey. "I don't know what to say at this time. I'm at a loss for words at the moment. She was one of the few individuals that really made a difference."
Players would e-mail Julie with their complaints of slow or no pay from online gambling sites, and she would communicate with the operators in an effort to reach amicable solutions. She
resolved disputes ranging from $100 to $10,000.
Bailey, who does similar work, said Sidwell's accomplishments in this area were light years ahead of his.
"She had to take every complaint she got," he said. "The work I have done pales in comparison to what she was able to accomplish. I will miss seeing her at shows and going out to dinner with her."
Rick Smith, executive director for the Interactive Gaming Council also expressed his sorrow as well.
"Those of us in the industry were blessed to know her personally," Smith said. "She made tremendous effort to attend most of the industry's major conventions. She was usually in a wheelchair, and she tired easily from all of the activity. But her spirit was wonderful. She always seemed cheerful and was a pleasure to be around."
Sue Schneider, chair of the IGC, said Sidwell was a special person who never lost her primary focus and cared deeply about the industry. She said Sidwell was one of the few people who were able to gain the respect of both gaming company CEOs and players.
Sidwell's work as a mediator for player disputes was invaluable for the industry, but in its statement eCOGRA said it was the person, not the job she did, that will be missed the most.
"All those fortunate to have known Julie will miss her work, and more importantly her touching smile and warm personality," the statement read. "Julie's passing is a loss not only for eCOGRA but also for the entire online gaming industry. "
In addition to her work with eCOGRA and Gambling Grumbles, Sidwell wrote numerous articles for Gambling OnLine Magazine and assisted several operators in the training of staff to prevent disputes and increase resolution efficiency.
Bailey said many in the industry are praying for Sidwell's family during the holidays and that she will never be forgotten.
"She had a knack of spotting a wolf in sheep's clothing and wasn't afraid to speak her mind," he said. "She was admired by thousands of players and casino operators as well. This is a very dark day indeed."