The gambling operator, which has been operating under a UK licence since 2014 via its ComeOn, Mobile Bet and Get Lucky brands, will exit the market “to focus on more favourable markets”. 

Currently, ComeOn holds operator licences in Sweden, Denmark, Malta and Schleswig-Holstein as well as a sports betting licence in Poland, and emphasised that the UK “has never been a big market” for the ComeOn brand. 

Lahcene Merzoug, CEO at ComeOn, explained: “The UK is a very mature and highly competitive market and the financial risks are big. We have never had a non compliance breach, but we’ve sean competitors being fined big numbers and that creates uncertainty. 

“At the same time the UK-licence has lost it’s symbolic value. Before you almost had to have one to be looked upon as a credible company. Today we hold licences in many european countries and given that the UK has never been a big market for us, it’s a wise move to put our focus elsewhere.”

The operator has been placing a focus upon further European expansion in the early months of this year, having already secured a Danish licence in July, as well as a Finnish licence for its Galaksino brand. 

Under the Danish licence, ComeOn will be able to operate its casino and sportsbook products, with the five year issuance representing the maximum length available by the Danish Gambling Authority.

The post ComeOn confirms UK withdrawal ‘to focus on more favourable markets’  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Group created a 2024 policy paper on “strategies and regulatory options aimed at reducing risks and harms related to online gaming and online gambling.” The paper found that gambling and gaming products were deliberately made to be “as immersive and addictive as possible.”

The new project was launched at the start of a two-day conference in Rome. It seeks to counter these issues through policy and raise awareness among the 46 members of the Council of Europe. 

Orsolya Kiraly, a researcher at the Eotvos Lorand University’s Institute of Psychology in Budapest, said that only a small number of adolescents experience the worst effects, which include addition-like symptoms, but in these rare cases the negative consequences are severe and include functional impairment. 

Kiraly added that online gambling and gaming are of particular concern for children due to the impact it has on their development. This includes mental and physical issues such as family conflict, sleep disturbances, as well as poor eating and hygiene habits. 

Citing research, Kiraly told the conference that gambling disorders could affect 26.4% of adolescents who are gambling online and 16.3% of those use sports betting.

The other front they are fighting on is video games, which are said to incorporate gambling-like features, such as “loot boxes.” These boxes contain unknown objects and can be bought within video games. The risk of addiction is higher among boys, while girls are found to have a higher likelihood of developing addiction-like disorders from social media, according to Kiraly.

However, there is also a problem among adults, and the distinct ways people of different ages deal with these difficulties make strategies harder to formulate. 

Simona Pichini, director of the addiction center at Italy’s National Health Institute (ISS), told the conference that Italy’s national gambling hotline most often receives calls from adults, not young people. The other issue is that they often wait until the problem has become so bad, rather than at the beginning when they first identify they may have a problem. On the other hand, adolescents and young people often are unaware they may have a problem and, therefore, see no need to reach out for help.

The post European Watchdog To Tackle Online Gambling Addiction Among Youths appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As a result of the collaboration, the firm’s players from across Southeastern Europe will be able to engage with Wazdan’s top-performing titles Mighty Wild: Panther Grand Diamond Edition, 36 Coins and 25 Coins, as well as the developer’s latest releases Hot Slot: 777 Cash Out Grand Diamond Edition, 12 Bells and 12 Coins Grand Platinum Edition.

It’s a move that serves to enhance the operator’s slot library as it taps into Wazdan’s  mechanics, which are included in a myriad of titles including Cash Infinity, Collect to Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, as well as the beloved Hold the Jackpot bonus game.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Volcanobet, bringing our advanced slot offering to Montenegro and helping to assist the company’s dynamic expansion across Southeastern Europe.

“Whilst also boosting Wazdan’s profile across Europe, we are confident Montenegrin players will be enthused by our mechanic-led portfolio and look forward to getting a response from slot enthusiasts across the region.”

Wazdan’s latest commercial expansion underlines the studio’s ambition to continue expanding its European and global footprint, offering its innovative and captivating portfolio to a growing number of partners and players worldwide.

Miloš Joksimović, Director of Product Development and Customer Support at Volcanobet, said: “Operating as the largest iGaming brand in Montenegro, we are always seeking out opportunities to elevate our offering and partnering with Wazdan allows us to do precisely that.

“The Wazdan’s content portfolio contains engaging, exciting and progressive titles, incorporating cutting-edge mechanics and immersive gameplay, so integrating its offering adds great value to the Volcanobet brand.”

The post Wazdan enhances European footprint with Volcanobet appeared first on CasinoBeats.

When the US online gambling market opened in 2018 after the fall of PASPA, European operators swiftly turned their attention towards the potential riches across the Atlantic. Much like prospectors during the California Gold Rush of the 19th century, ambitious entrepreneurs surged into the market, driven by visions of success in this brave new frontier.

However, within a few short years, it became evident that the real-money online gambling market wouldn’t deliver the easy riches many had anticipated. Operators faced a complex labyrinth of regulatory requirements, sky-high operating costs and evolving player demands. Major competition loomed large, and it quickly became clear that several dominant players would make it difficult for newcomers to claim their share of the market.

A New Gold Rush 

Fast-forward to 2024, and European operators find themselves at a crossroads. The allure of untapped American potential remains, but the economics are more daunting than ever. Rather than retreating across the Atlantic, these operators should explore alternative avenues. While traditional paths into the US real-money market have faltered, new and more accessible opportunities now present themselves. The social casino market is experiencing explosive growth, powered by the engaging draw of sweepstakes prizing. For those willing to adapt and innovate, it’s a transformative opportunity.

The social casino model offers operators a streamlined entry point into the US market. While state-level debates continue, in-market operations, backed by solid legal analysis, have established the sweepstakes gameplay model as a compliant business across more than 40 US states and most of Canada. Though notable hurdles remain, operators can navigate a path into the market without spending years buried under complex state-specific regulations or facing brutal competition from entrenched players. This path enables market entry at unprecedented speed.

Brand recognition remains a powerful asset. Numerous European operators who once had a US footprint departed amid increasing costs and fierce competition. When they shuttered their American operations, they left behind hundreds of thousands of players. Those players are still out there. If operators can reenter the market as social casino operators and reclaim a portion of their past audience, they have an opportunity to gain substantial advantage. While competition in social sweepstakes is rapidly intensifying, a compelling window of opportunity exists for European operators to secure market share before the space becomes saturated.

The Power of Collaboration

While entering the social sweepstakes market presents an attractive prospect, for many brands, this represents uncharted territory. Established real-money brands exploring the space for the first time may encounter challenges with the unique compliance and operational demands of the social casino market. Understanding the needs and expectations of a broad US audience may also prove challenging. 

Partnering with an all-solutions platform to launch – or relaunch – a brand across the US will alleviate many of these challenges while enabling rapid market entry. Speed-to-market provides a crucial advantage as competition increases. The timeline contrast is stark: even well-resourced brands with experienced development teams would be facing a year or more for independent development, while partnering with the right platform enables launch within months. For smaller operators, the complexity of independent development makes success highly improbable regardless of timeline. The shorter road offers compelling monetary incentives.  

By partnering with the right platform, brands can gain a decisive competitive edge in the dynamic social sweepstakes landscape. The American Dream remains very much alive for European operators. A new world of opportunity awaits exploration. With the right strategy and the right partner, the possibilities in the social sweepstakes space are boundless.

The post Rubystone: exploring new pathways into the US with social casinos appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The deal will significantly bolster BGaming’s reach across Europe by making its in-house developed slot releases available on SpinOro’s aggregation platform.

This will allow the supplier to reach further operators in Spain, Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria. 

Olga Levshina, CCO at BGaming, stated: “We are delighted to partner with SpinOro to deliver our wide-ranging content library to more European players than ever before.

“SpinOro is renowned for offering the best cross-platform games to boost player activity and increase retention. Our titles are proven to do just that and we are looking forward to delivering memorable experiences to players across these four key markets.”

Through the deal, operators with access to SpinOro’s aggregation service will be able to offer their players BGaming slots such as Fortuna Trueways, Aztec Clusters and Royal Fruits Multilines. 

The content will strengthen SpinOro’s third-party provision, adding to over 180 exclusive in-house slot, scratch and table games alongside many games obtained from similar aggregation partnerships.

Jeff Letlat, COO at SpinOro, added: “BGaming’s titles are in high demand, particularly as they seek to reach new audiences with imaginative mechanics, themes, and genres.

“We are thrilled to have them join our SpinOro aggregation platform among the best providers in igaming and remain confident that their releases will continue to surprise and excite players as more are added.”

The post SpinOro integration enhances BGaming’s European footing appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Evil Devil, a 6×7 high-volatility game that features up to 117,649 ways to win, is the latest in a string of releases that are causing internal optimism, with Commercial Director Yann Bautista outlining a number of standouts that players should look out for.

In addition to the above, elaboration is offered on just what this latest launch comprises, challenges associated with Peter & Sons’ approach to slots design, if we are witnessing an increasing demand for buy features, and much more.

CasinoBeats: Peter & Sons has a healthy mix of styles evident within its slots catalogue. What challenges does sticking to what seems to be a strategic path such as this entail?

Yann Bautista: The challenge of maintaining a consistent style is ensuring we stay true to our identity without repeating ourselves. Each game needs to feel fresh and innovative, while still being recognisable as a Peter & Sons title. 

It’s a delicate balance – bringing in new mechanics, themes, and narratives, while also meeting the expectations of players who love our games. 

This approach requires careful attention to both market trends and our internal vision, making sure we push boundaries creatively without straying from what makes our games unique and engaging.

CB: What was the inspiration behind Evil Devil, and how do you believe that it complements your gaming portfolio?

YB: Evil Devil was inspired by the idea of merging dark, supernatural themes with a fun, energetic vibe. We didn’t want to make something overly serious or intense; instead, we aimed for a playful spin on the ‘hellish’ theme. 

The game’s fiery visuals and thrilling mechanics strike a balance between suspense and lighthearted fun, which fits perfectly within our existing portfolio. 

It allows us to explore edgier territory while maintaining the quirky, distinctive style that players recognise in all of our games. Evil Devil adds a fresh dynamic that keeps our offerings diverse and exciting.

CB: Various elements have been implemented within both the base game and free spins modes. Could you talk us through these and why you believe they will resonate with players?

YB: In the base game, Evil Devil brings a lot of excitement with its 117,649 ways to win and sticky respin feature, which keeps the winning symbols in place while the others respin. This gives players a second chance to improve their payouts on each spin, creating a fast-paced and rewarding experience. 

In the free spins mode, things ramp up even more with skull multipliers and power splits, which increase the chances of landing big wins. The variety of features ensures that players stay engaged and always have something to look forward to, whether they’re aiming for smaller wins or waiting for that huge payout in the bonus rounds. 

The buy feature is particularly appealing to players who don’t want to wait for the free spins to trigger, giving them direct access to the game’s most thrilling aspects.

CB: This slot offers a buy feature. Do you believe that there’s an increasing demand for developers to offer these? If so, is this driven more from players or operators?

YB: Yes, there’s a growing demand for buy features, especially in markets where it’s allowed. This trend is mainly driven by players, particularly in high-volatility games like Evil Devil. 

Players don’t want to wait for the bonus rounds to naturally trigger – they want to jump straight into the action and experience the excitement of the free spins mode right away. 

The buy feature offers them that control, and it’s a great fit for games with bigger win potentials, where the thrill lies in those high-risk, high-reward moments. 

Operators benefit from this too, as it keeps players engaged longer, but the push for buy features is definitely more player-driven.

CB: Do you envisage Evil Devil delivering significant success across any particular markets? If so, why do you believe that this is the case?

YB: We believe Evil Devil will be successful in many of the same markets where Peter & Sons games have already resonated – specifically in Europe, CIS, Canada, and parts of Asia. 

High-volatility games tend to do well in these regions, and Evil Devil fits that mold perfectly with its big win potential and thrilling mechanics. Additionally, the game’s theme has a seasonal appeal that will perform particularly well around Halloween, adding to its success. 

The game’s blend of exciting features, strong visual identity, and massive win potential makes it a natural fit for these markets where players are drawn to high-risk, high-reward slots.

CB: What further titles to be released before the end of the year are causing internal optimism and should the industry and players be looking out for?

YB: We have some exciting titles coming up that we’re really optimistic about. First, we’re launching Barbarossa Revenge on October 1, which is the sequel to one of our most successful games, so expectations are high for that one. 

Then, we have Steameworks, a classic 3×3 slot with a unique Peter & Sons twist, and Muddy Watters, a fishing-themed game that adds a fun, adventurous tone to our catalog. 

Lastly, Greedy Alice, a high-volatility game with increasing multipliers, is another standout that we believe will attract players looking for big wins. Each of these titles brings something fresh to the table, and we’re confident they’ll resonate with both our loyal players and new audiences.

The post Peter & Sons, Evil Devil: placing a playful spin on hellish themes appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In addition to going into deep detail regarding how the company’s USPs deliver much needed distinction within an increasingly saturated space, sights are also cast towards a core ambition of all similar such group’s on the market. That being international expansion.

For Champion, which boasts a presence in 24 countries worldwide, with a focus on Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, the outlook is a simple one. The globe is awash with opportunity.

“Our existing footprint is strong, but our ambition doesn’t stop here,” he says. “We are committed to not only maintaining but also strengthening our position in these key markets, which will naturally propel further expansion.

“The feedback from our players has been overwhelmingly positive, and this is what fuels our expansion strategy. If our games aren’t available in a particular region, we see it as an opportunity to bring our unique gaming experiences to those players. 

“By strengthening our position in the markets where we already operate, we are creating a robust platform that will support our continued global growth.”

“This inclusivity allows players from diverse linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with our games”

However, to achieve such lofty ambitions is certainly no mean feat. When faced with such intense competition, and therefore a multitude of options when looking at things from a player perspective, the complexities of being truly unique are vast.

Continuing the conversation, Chumel was pressed on just why Champions bills itself as a “provider that delivers best user experience for each player”, and just how the company plans to ensure that it lives up to this mantra.

To not just live up to but surpass this motto, a four fold multifaceted approach was elaborated on in enabling the group to continue a commitment to deliver the best user experience.

“Multilingual support ensures our platform is accessible to a global audience,” Chumel comments. “This inclusivity allows players from diverse linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with our games.

“Multi-currency payments facilitate seamless transactions by supporting payments in multiple currencies, including cryptocurrencies. This flexibility ensures that players can easily deposit and withdraw funds in their preferred currency, enhancing their overall experience.

“Every game starts with a unique concept that is tailored to meet both market trends and player preferences”

“Multi-platform access guarantees that our games are optimised for a variety of devices, including laptops, mobiles, and tablets. This ensures that players can enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience regardless of their device.

“We also prioritise the visual and immersive aspects of our games. Our in-house development team creates rich, engaging graphics and animations, and builds game characters from scratch, making each game a visually stunning experience.”

Subsequently, all roads led to the discussion point of game development; notably the overarching approach taken by Champion in aiming to achieve all of the above.

In elaborating on the perceived crucial steps that must be taken to ultimately deliver success, Chumel outlines a strategic three point plan:

• “Conceptualisation: Every game starts with a unique concept that is tailored to meet both market trends and player preferences.
• “Design and development: Our in-house team meticulously designs and develops each aspect of the game, from characters to mechanics, ensuring a seamless and immersive player experience.
• “Testing and feedback: Rigorous testing phases allow us to fine-tune the game based on player feedback, ensuring it meets our high standards before launch.”

“This diversity ensures that we captivate both nostalgic players and those seeking new, innovative experiences”

As the conversation drew towards a close, talk once again reverted back to the fundamentals of Champion that not only establish the company as a worthy contender, but one that can rise above competitors, surpass client expectations and appeal to players.

This sees Chumel touch on what USPs of the company and its range of titles ensure that they are sufficiently different from the overwhelming wave of games currently on the market and consistently continuing to flood it.

“Champion stands out in a crowded market due to several USPs,” he says. “Original storylines and characters see each game we develop feature its own unique storyline, characters, and avatars, all meticulously crafted by our in-house team. This originality sets our titles apart from the plethora of generic games flooding the market.

“Our diverse gaming catalogue includes a mix of classic and modern games, appealing to a broad spectrum of players. This diversity ensures that we captivate both nostalgic players and those seeking new, innovative experiences.”

To bring things full circle, the issue of geographies once again reared its head as the conclusion loomed over the horizon.

“The ambiance created by our games … is tailored to appeal to different cultural nuances”

In closing out the discussion, Chumel chose to look at just how Champion makes sure that titles appeal to players across geographies, and the difficulties that differences in regulations have on the company.

“Champion’s titles resonate with players globally through various strategies,” he concludes. “A localised content strategy sees some games gain popularity because they incorporate elements familiar to specific countries, whether through game mechanics, cultural references, or thematic elements.

“The ambiance created by our games, including music and overall vibe, is tailored to appeal to different cultural nuances, enhancing their global appeal and fit for every type of player preferences.

“In addition, certain games are designed to resonate with specific seasons or events, further increasing their appeal across different regions.”

The post Champion CEO outlines strategic USPs to drive ambitious global expansion appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Across the first half of 2024, the media group sold its European and Canadian assets to Gambling.com for $37.5m, rising to a potential $42.5m fee depending on the revenue performance of said assets from April 1, 2024 onwards. 

These assets include Freebets.com, WhichBingo.co.uk, Nettikasinot.com and Vedonlyonti.com, alongside “smaller Europe and Canada properties”. 

As a result of the sale, XLMedia’s H1 financial results focus solely on its North American performance, with minor residual income from unsold legacy network assets.

XLMedia generated $10.4m from its ‘continued business’ in the period (H1 2023: $16.9m), while group accounts registered an impact of $5.2m from discontinued assets.

Trading “in line with management expectations”, North American assets produced $9.8m, a decrease of 40% compared to the previous year’s figures (H1 2023: $16.2m). This decline does meet management expectations due to the company’s restructuring and corporate adjustments. 

The company attributed the North American revenue decline to the positive impact of online sports betting market launches in Ohio and Massachusetts in January and March 2023, respectively. 

Having received an initial payment of $20m and expecting a further $10m payment in October 2024, XLMedia highlighted a stronger cash balance. Cash at the end of June stood at $19.4m after a payment of $3.5m for the final instalment of its 2020 CBWG acquisition.

The company outlined that full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA for its continuing business is expected to be around $5m.  The firm is hoping to benefit from four months of the NFL season – starting in September – and reductions in the central cost base serving the continuing business in H2.

XLMedia expects to return capital to shareholders from the net sale proceeds in Q4 2024, with further details to be announced “in due course”.

The post XLMedia H1 results ‘in line with expectations’ amid Europe & Canada sale appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of the igaming industry, establishing and nurturing meaningful partnerships is crucial for sustained success. At Campeόn Gaming, this principle lies at the heart of our strategy, particularly in the diverse and dynamic European market. Our approach is rooted in thorough market research, strategic collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of differentiation. By understanding market weaknesses and leveraging the strengths of our partners, we position ourselves to surpass industry trends and challenges.

Building Partnerships Through Strategic Market Research and Effective Collaboration

Our strategy begins with meticulous market analysis. By understanding the intricacies of the market and evaluating the competition, we identify areas where our brands can excel. This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor our strategies to meet the unique needs of each market. Importantly, this process is not limited to internal evaluations; it extends to a collaborative effort with our partners.

We engage in in-depth discussions with our casino, payment and sportsbook partners to strategise on how to differentiate ourselves from other operators. This collaborative process ensures that we collectively work towards achieving our common goal of providing personalised and immersive experiences that cater to our players’ preferences and needs. 

Our strong portfolio of partnerships is built on the pillars of transparency, trust, and agility, which we believe are essential for fostering long-lasting relationships. By staying ahead of the curve and aligning our motives and goals, we can provide the best possible solutions for our brands.

The success of our partnerships is measured by evaluating the involvement of our partners in meeting our needs and their engagement with our brands. A key indicator is how well partners can bring innovative and effective solutions to the table, customised each time regarding the market and trends. We highly value their industry insights, forecasts and suggested approaches, as these elements are crucial in helping us remain among the top operators in the industry.

Whether it’s through flexible payment solutions or fresh and engaging casino games, their contributions help us maintain our competitive edge. The responsiveness of our partners to player feedback and their ability to adapt and innovate are critical factors that drive our success in the market.

Catering to Diverse Demands Across European Markets through Personalization

The European market is characterised by its diversity, with players from different countries exhibiting varied cultural preferences and demands. Understanding these differences is crucial for delivering a personalised gaming experience. Personalisation is at the core of our strategy, as we aim to provide customised and localised content that resonates with players in each market, both through our operational services and with the help of our partners.

To cater to these diverse demands, we focus on delivering the most desired payment solutions and casino games, complemented by specific and special offers tailored to each market. Flexibility and agility are ingrained in our DNA, allowing us to quickly adapt our strategies and campaigns if our initial approach does not meet the market demands effectively. This adaptability ensures that we remain responsive to the evolving needs of our players and markets.

Combining Our In-house Solutions Platform & Partnerships For Effective Business Presence Across European Markets

One of the key features that set Campeόn Gaming apart from the competition in the European market is our diverse portfolio of payment and casino partners, coupled with our immersive in-house solution platform. Being operators ourselves, we have a deep understanding of the demands and challenges faced by operators in the market, and specifically the European. This insider knowledge enables us to develop highly relevant and effective solutions.

Our in-house platform is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. It offers a range of features that cater to the diverse needs of our partners, ensuring that they have the tools and support necessary to succeed. The platform’s flexibility and adaptability make it a valuable asset for operators looking to enhance their offerings and stay competitive in the market. Our in-house platform, combined with our operational services and strong partnerships portfolio is considered a one-stop-shop, capable of bringing to life a brand.

Looking Ahead: 2024 and beyond

As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, readers can expect exciting developments from Campeόn Gaming. One of the significant milestones on our agenda is our entry into the Estonian market. This new venture presents a challenging yet exciting opportunity, allowing us to explore new possibilities and expand our reach. 

In addition to entering new markets, we are also focusing on more personalised strategies and practices for both our brands and our in-house technology. This commitment to personalization ensures that we continue to deliver exceptional experiences to our players and partners. Our ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to market trends will keep us at the forefront of the igaming industry.

Conclusion

At Campeόn Gaming, building meaningful relationships with our partners is a fundamental aspect of our strategy. Through comprehensive market research, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to transparency and personalisation, we have established a strong foundation for success. Our holistic approach to measuring success, understanding market demands, and delivering innovative solutions sets us apart in the European market.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional value to our partners and players. Our entry into new markets and ongoing focus on personalization are testaments to our commitment to excellence. We look forward to an exciting future filled with new opportunities and continued success. 

The post Campeόn Gaming: Strategic approach to European markets through partnerships & personalisation appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Organised by SBC in partnership with Georgia-based company SMH, and supported by presenting partners EGT Digital and Amusnet Georgia, the sports betting and igaming event offered a thorough exploration of Eastern European and Central Asian markets, spotlighting Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Bulgaria and Romania, among other markets. 

Speaking of what sets SBC Summit Tbilisi apart from other industry events, Denis Karpovich, CTO/Technical Director at EGT, commented: “It’s the unique blend of regional focus and international scope. The event effectively addresses the specific needs and challenges of the region while also providing a broader industry context. This dual focus enhances its value for industry professionals by offering both local relevance and global perspectives.”

Davit Nozadze, Head of CRM at Leader-bet.com also noted that while there may be larger summits elsewhere, none are as regionally focused as SBC Summit Tbilisi.

Vagelis Bairlis, Sales Manager at Alternar, affirmed that the event effectively educated attendees about the intricacies of the markets, particularly beneficial for companies new to the region, stating: “You get a feel for the industry across all of Eastern Europe. We’ve been around and know the area quite well, but it’s always beneficial to have a local event to further promote the local markets. For us, it’s particularly important because we’ve just officially entered the market and want to establish ourselves.”

Notable guests at the event included Chris Bird, former Manchester City COO and founder of EQ Esports and Gaming, who kicked off the event with an opening keynote address, delving into his career in football and recent foray into esports.

“Attending this summit provided a great educational opportunity. It allowed me to meet more people and understand the perspectives of different brands and their visions for the future. Additionally, coming to a place like Georgia made me realise its immense potential. It’s very vibrant, youthful, and ambitious—exactly the kind of place I enjoy being,” he commented.

The conference programme, boasting over 60 industry experts, included a host of C-Level executives from leading regional and global brands. The opening session featured CEOs Simon Westbury (CEO, Sports Generate) and Savo Bakmaz (CEO and CFO, MaxBet) as they discussed the socio-economic impact of igaming in the region.

Reflecting on his experience speaking on several panels at the event, Westbury said: “This conference serves not just Georgia, but also Armenia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and the Baltics. It’s a very different dynamic from what we are used to in Western Europe. Speaking to this market and discussing its specifics with very interesting industry speakers has been very insightful to me.”

Commenting on the diverse perspectives of leading industry voices presented at the event, Vasilii Gamov, CEO at PeakyAds, remarked: “I know many operators from both Eastern and Western Europe. With events like this, we can gain more insights into different cultures because gambling markets are deeply connected to culture. You need to understand the audience, their pains, and their feelings, and implement this understanding into your marketing strategies.”

Like many other attendees, Irakli Zenaishvili, Head of Risk, Fraud, and RG at Avento MT, attended the summit to reconnect with familiar faces, network, and focus on processes often overlooked in daily operations. “Seeing how they (the gambling markets examined) are tackling challenges from both regulatory and market viewpoints was really interesting. I am very happy with what I learned,” he said.

Nozadze also highlighted the event’s ‘matchmaking’ aspect and its approach to fostering productive business connections, saying: “The summit brings in companies from different fields, and this is an opportunity for us to see what our options in these fields are and how we can improve our connections with them. I have found four different companies that I was looking for, and they are meeting all my needs at the moment.”

For Maia Odishelidze, CEO of Port:80, this was her second time attending the SBC Summit Tbilisi. “I don’t recall any other summits held in Georgia, or even in the region, where you can find such a high concentration of industry professionals,” she said.

The CEO praised the conference for covering critical topics from data analysis to payment systems and user acquisition, offering valuable insights from local and global industry experts.

“I also want to highlight the work done by the organisers. As attendees, we had the opportunity to plan meetings in advance with other participants and panel speakers, allowing us to schedule meetings ahead of time and meet them at the venue. The atmosphere here is very relaxed, with networking areas where you can approach stands and start discussions with the people you want to meet,” Odishelidze said.

Gary Sonyak, Founder of GamerPro, echoed the sentiment: “What we are looking for at these kinds of events is building partnerships with industry stakeholders. SBC conferences, including SBC Summit Tbilisi, are the best conferences to achieve those goals.”

Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming edition of SBC Summit Tbilisi.

The post SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 marks groundbreaking success appeared first on CasinoBeats.