SiGMA Issue 29

We’re back for another edition of SiGMA East Europe, this time in Hungary´s charming capital, Budapest. Denis Dzyubenko, SiGMA’s Managing Director for Eastern Europe, takes a deep dive into the region’s strategic importance for online gambling, regulatory challenges, and emerging trends in business migration and market growth.

The desire for growth is evident. As he explains in an interview starting page 15, “Businesses expanding into new regions are driven by a hunger to increase profitability and meet growing demands.”

Our recently published SiGMA Market report also explores East Europe, specifically the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Romania. SiGMA´s Head of News, Shirley Pulis Xerxen, presents key findings in a feature starting on page 21.

Meanwhile, our cover story examines Payment Center´s transformation from a fledgling startup to a global leader in online payment processing. Their insightful article starts page 38.

We´ve also focused on the good works being carried out by our charitable arm - the SiGMA Foundation. This issue we´re highlighting a key project - The Women Empowerment Project. The initiative is focused on providing women in the Ethiopian region of Bonga with tailored educational programs and vocational training designed to enhance their skills and foster economic independence. In this feature we meet Tsion Tekle, a passionate 19-year-old graduate from the project who has since launched her own hair salon in Bonga, as well as two sponsors helping bring the project to fruition - find the feature from page 116.

The Foundation also fundraises through an auction held during the SiGMA Awards. We spoke with Jono Pisano, a rising star in the Manila art scene who is generously supporting SiGMA Europe´s auction this November with the donation of a stunning original from his collection. Read more about the piece on page 53.

SiGMA´s East Europe show will also be held back to back with Affiliate World - the perfect setup for operators and studios seeking traffic. Affiliate World, in its tenth year, is set to attract over 4,000 affiliates. Find out more in an article penned by Matej Cechvala, COO for Affiliate World Conferences.

Gratitude is also due, as always. Firstly to Group founder Eman Pulis, who leads the charge for an industry that is sustainable yet progressive. His bold choices reflect the rapid expansion of exciting new markets and emerging verticals.

As the Roman gourmand Apicius says, we eat first with our eyes. And Robert Cuschieri and Yvonne Zachariou´s beautiful photography is a feast. Likewise, Rocco Di Muni’s and Zoya Markova impactful designs give this magazine an edge that makes it a keeper on any shelf. We’re also indebted to Daria Lyakh and Kateryna Skrypnyk for helping to bring this issue to a wider audience through translation.

EDITOR’S NOTE Katy

и росте рынка.

Жажда роста очевидна. Как он подчеркивает в интервью на странице 15: «Компании, выходящие на новые рынки, стремятся повысить прибыльность и удовлетворить растущий спрос».

Наш недавно опубликованный отчет SiGMA посвящен анализу игрового рынка Восточной Европы, с акцентом на Чехию, Польшу, Венгрию и Румынию. Важные выводы из этого

обучение, способствующие повышению их

и достижению экономической независимости. В этом выпуске вы познакомитесь с Цион Текле, 19-летней выпускницей проекта, которая уже открыла собственный салон в Бонге. Также мы расскажем о щедрых спонсорах, Focus Gaming и Alea, сыгравших ключевую роль в реализации этого проекта. Подробности читайте на странице 116.

Фонд также привлекает средства через аукцион, проводимый в рамках церемонии вручения наград SiGMA. Мы побеседовали с Джоно Писано, восходящей звездой манильской арт-сцены, который щедро поддерживает ноябрьский аукцион на саммите SiGMA Европа, подарив изумительное произведение из своей коллекции. Подробнее об этом читайте на странице 53. Саммит SiGMA Восточная Европа пройдет параллельно с Affiliate World, что создаст идеальные условия для операторов и студий, стремящихся увеличить трафик. В этом году Affiliate World отмечает свое десятилетие и привлечет более 4 000 партнеров. Подробнее об этом в статье операционного директора Affiliate World Conferences Матея Чехвалы.

EUROPE

11-14 NOV 2024, VALLETTA ASIA

10-12 MAR 2025, CAPE TOWN

1-4 JUN 2025, MANILA

30-2 DEC 2025, COLOMBO

EURASIA

23-25 FEB 2025, DUBAI

AMERICAS

7-10 APR 2025, SÃO PAULO

EAST EUROPE

2025, BUDAPEST

Translation

Daria Lyakh

Kateryna Skrypnyk

Sales

Renee Micallef Decesare

Marie Reyal

Denis Dzyubenko

Ayoub Hamdi

Elisa Martinotti

Antonina Tupikova

Olha Kovalevska

Kian Sullivan

Kyle Mifsud

Media Partners

Jill Chou

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior consent in writing. Opinions expressed in SiGMA are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.

Editor

Katy Micallef

Head of Design

Andrej Davidovich

Creative Manager

Perpetua Kokkinou

Photographer

Robert Cuschieri

Photographer

Yvonne Zachariou

Senior Editorial Designer

Rocco Di Muni

Editorial Designer

Zoya Markova

Cover story Photographer

Evgeny Drobyshev

Events Photographers

JZ Media

Stephen Galunan

Ruben Domingo

Alex Ruelo

Jasper Josue

Selamneh Bahiri

Aleksey Leonov

Douglas Costanzo

Hand delivered to various expos worldwide, executive lounges, embassies and government institutions. The magazine is also delivered by post to leading gaming and related companies worldwide. For information regarding promotion and advertising kindly email renee.m@sigma.world

SiGMA East Europe: An appetite for growth

SiGMA’s MD for East Europe discusses the region’s strategic importance

SiGMA

Eastern European Gaming Insights: The SiGMA Market Report

Delve into the SiGMA Market Report, spotlighting the Eastern European gaming market

Ready for Business: Vanuatu’s new iGaming framework leads the way Vanuatu’s Minister for Finance and Acting Director on the advantages for Vanuatu’s new regulatory framework

COVER STORY: Building trust in the digital age Payment Center on their rise from startup to global leader in online payment processing

Portrait of an artist

Meet Jono,

Eastern Europe´s evolving responsible gaming landscape

Rossi McKee, founder of the Bulgarias Responsible Gaming Foundation shares her thoughts

58

The human edge: unlocking global business with local insights

Balazs Kohut explores the critical role of human mindset in navigating global markets

67

The emergence of a single EU crypto regulation in the CEE region

Insights from Kornel Kalocsai, Founding President of the Hungary Blockchain Association

Navigating the challenging world of affiliate marketing

Catch up with Matej Cechvala, COO of Affiliate World Conferences

Affiliate World Conferences

A cut above: Empowerment in Bonga

Meet Tsion Tekle, a graduate of the Women Empowerment Project

71 102 118

A FORWARD LOOKING VISION

Прокладывая

With strong support from leading gaming and tech industries, SiGMA East Europe is set to spearhead advancements in the region’s rapidly growing gaming sector as its latest edition heads to Budapest.

East Europe is on the brink of significant growth, driven by progressive regulations and a forward-looking vision for the industry’s future. The region’s strategic position, nestled between East and West, sets it up for a unique role in the global economy. Fuelled by its historical role as a crossroads for major transit routes, it continues to serve as a vital link in global trade today.

Hungary, in particular, is emerging as a pivotal hub for the gaming industry, making Budapest the ideal venue for the highly anticipated SiGMA East Europe event. Recognised as one of the top 10 global investment destinations, Hungary exemplifies the business-friendly environment that CEE countries offer to international companies seeking to establish a foothold in Eastern Europe.

This year’s expo in Budapest will highlight impressive growth across multiple sectors. Attendees will experience a diverse range of offerings from the B2B and B2C sectors, creating a prime environment for exploring pan-vertical opportunities across both online and offline markets, and for operators and regulators to forge stronger relationships.

Connecting Affiliates Worldwide

SiGMA East Europe will also be held in conjunction with Affiliate World, taking place on September 5th and 6th in Budapest. This strategic partnership promises to create an unparalleled networking environment, offering operators the chance to engage with top-tier affiliates from various sectors. With an estimated 5,000 new affiliates expected, this collaboration is set to enhance opportunities for operators and suppliers, while integrating many of the world’s leading affiliates into the iGaming community. Affiliate World has previously been held alongside SiGMA Eurasia in Dubai earlier this year.

Eman Pulis Eman Pulis

Founder, SiGMA Group GP, Ikigai Ventures

Founder, SiGMA Group GP, Ikigai Ventures

ARE YOU LOOKING TO MEET THE NEXT STARTUP UNICORN?

A little known industry secret is that the best return profile in venture capital has historically been produced by newcomers at the early stages of investing. Our accelerator initiatives embrace innovation and ambitious entrepreneurship by unlocking development potential and offering support and mentorship.

SiGMA’s Startup Village - this exclusive space on the expo floor offers a high-visibility platform for companies to benefit from personalised introductions and worldwide exposure to investors and businesses.

Startup Pitch competitions - Watch the pitches live, participate in audience Q&As, or exchange business cards with projects that catch your eye.

SiGMA East Europe: An

Denis Dzyubenko, SiGMA's Managing Director for Eastern Europe, discusses the region's strategic importance for online gambling, navigating regulatory challenges, and emerging trends in business migration and market growth.

What makes Eastern Europe a strategically important region for businesses and investors?

Each region is notable and attractive for launching operations in the online gambling industry, as each has specific characteristics and corresponding government regulations. When choosing a country of operation, there are many factors to consider, with the primary one being whether the market is legalised or not. State support at the beginning of such a business, or prohibition on the opposite end, can be crucial. The ease of processing and its availability for "high-risk" vertical businesses are also significant considerations.

Today, Eastern Europe consists of 10 countries, all of which have gambling regulatory bodies that issue licences for online and offline operations. The latest country to join this group, with the establishment of a gambling regulator, is Ukraine in 2020. To answer the question: a white market, cash flow transparency, and official taxes are exactly the reasons that make Eastern Europe an attractive region.

In terms of emerging markets, how does Eastern Europe compare to other regions like Asia or Latin America?

I wouldn't say that Eastern Europe is comparable to Asia, LATAM, or other regions because, as mentioned above, each has its own traits and distinctive gambling business features. It would be more accurate to review the overall profitability indicators for each of the regions in the online gambling vertical. The industry is undoubtedly experiencing spiralling growth year by year.

For Eastern Europe, revenue growth is in the range of 10-20%, depending on the country and stage of market maturity (the older the market, the lower the growth). However, it is worth noting that in some countries with unreasonable restrictions on marketing (such as Georgia), the growth rate decreases to close to zero.

In Asia, revenue is growing at a similar rate to Europe, with doubledigit growth of around 25% per year. In LATAM, the growth is even higher—25-40%, depending on the country. Additional factors, such as increased internet coverage, improved living standards (enabling the purchase of gaming devices), and the popularisation of digital payments, contribute to this growth. Looking back to the pre-COVID period: while in Europe, cards were the main payment method, in LATAM, cash is still mostly used, including for topping up wallets on online operators' websites. However, the share of cash is decreasing every year.

What are the stages of regulation and profit indicators in Eastern Europe compared with Asia?

In Europe, the industry is regulated by about 80%, and the gross revenue of the online sector exceeds €30 billion (according to the EGBA - European Gaming and Betting Association). In Asia, however, the industry is regulated only in a few countries, such as the Philippines and Japan (for certain types of gambling, like races). Overall, Asia’s regulated verticals generate approximately $10-15 billion in revenue.

When it comes to Asia, it's important to understand that countries like China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan (for most verticals), and Korea are not yet tolerant of online gambling. Therefore, 100% of the revenue is generated by the grey market and cannot be officially counted. However, indirect indicators, such as payment volume, advertising volume, and marketing activity, suggest that the sector is well above the $200 billion mark.

What are the common hurdles that companies face in Eastern Europe, and how can they be mitigated? In what ways have these influenced the decisions of businesses to migrate to or from Eastern Europe?

«“Белый”

Two common problems faced by companies in all ten Eastern European countries are gambling advertising restrictions and taxation rates. For example, a law on taxation of gambling activities has not yet been adopted in Ukraine, where the tax rate is 20%, which is high. Combined with other costs, such as paying licence fees, this tax makes the business prohibitively expensive and even unprofitable for some. As a result, we see a gradual decline in demand for applying for or receiving a licence.

In Bulgaria, the tax rate is also 20%. Financial obligations are strict and non-negotiable. In Slovakia, taxes are divided into three categories of activities, with the lowest being 15% for lotteries and bingo, and the highest being 17% for betting and online casinos. Betting activities in Romania are usually subject to a turnover tax of 5%, while other gambling activities, such as casino games and slot machines, can be taxed at different rates, with a maximum of 25%.

As a final example, in the Czech Republic, within the framework of gambling regulation, the regulator divides tax rates depending on the type of services provided. For online casinos, the tax rate for opening will be 23% (the same for lottery and betting), but for land-based operations and traditional casino games, the tax will reach 35%.

What are the main challenges related to payment systems and financial transactions in Eastern Europe?

One significant challenge is the restrictions on deposit and withdrawal of funds for 'grey' operations. Not all countries allow the use of bank cards. Even when cards are offered, there are limits on the deposit amounts per month from one card of one individual. For instance, during the COVID period, when everyone was staying at home, the regulators in some countries introduced restrictions on the deposit of funds for online casino players. These limits varied from €1500 to €3000 per month, depending on the country.

To date, if you consider operating in the ‘white’ sector, things are improving. This can be divided into two trends:

Regulatory: Things are getting more complicated because regulators are becoming more stringent towards the gambling industry.

Technological: Cards are becoming obsolete, with states creating sovereign payment systems such as open banking. These payment systems are actively capturing market share. They are convenient for users because all transactions are conducted directly from banking applications, and they are convenient for operators because the costs are lower.

What trends are you seeing in terms of business migration from Eastern Europe to other regions? What drives these moves?

I see a lot of businesses expanding into other regions, which is to be expected. What could be better than increasing GGR and profitability? Of course, duplication, migration, opening new geos, and setting up new companies are all strategies. The main ‘engine’ for this will always be the ‘hunger’ to increase the inflow of funds to meet growing demands.

With the experience of operating in Eastern Europe and understanding how a business can work and, crucially, how much income it can generate after deducting all expenses, the desire to enter new markets is absolutely reasonable and strategically correct.

In order not to get stuck in a cycle, the movement should spiral!

I also sometimes encounter bewilderment and misunderstanding about why Asia has such different regulatory standards compared to the US, which has a completely different emphasis and focus. The historical and ethnic development stages of regions and their respective values play a role here, rather than the presence of generally accepted factors. There are younger states where the white market began to function only a few years ago. Where do they get their expertise and understanding from? Certainly by creating their own vision, which is rarely put into practice, or by looking at their neighbours, which is much more common in practice.

видов азартных игр, например, скачек). В целом регулируемые вертикали в Азии приносят доход примерно в $10-15 миллиардов. Говоря об Азии, важно понимать, что такие страны, как Китай, Таиланд, Индонезия, Малайзия, Япония (для большинства вертикалей) и Корея, пока не толерантны к онлайн-гемблингу. Поэтому 100% выручки генерируется на сером рынке

по уплате лицензионных сборов, такой большой налог делает этот бизнес безумно дорогим, а для некоторых абсолютно невыгодным. Поэтому и видим постепенный спад спроса на подачу/получение лицензии. Кстати, в Болгарии налог также составляет 20%. Финансовые обязательства являются

рассматривать

тренда:

1. Регуляторка — усложняется, потому что регуляторы токсичат на гемблу;

2. Техничка — карты умирают, государства создают суверенные платежные системы open banking, и эти платежные системы активно захватывают доли рынка. Они удобны пользователям,

Eastern European Gaming Insights: The SiGMA Market Report

The recently published SiGMA Market report targets East Europe, specifically the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Romania. It takes a closer look at the marketing activities of online gaming operators, focusing on social media, SEO, and affiliate marketing. Key findings reveal that market leaders vary in different countries and across sectors. SiGMA´s Head of News, Shirley Pulis Xerxen, presents key findings from the report and takes a closer look at the latest updates from the region.

Four countries in focus

The Czech Republic: Czech gambling stakeholders have expressed cautious satisfaction with the recent overhaul of gambling regulations, which now permit live dealer games and strengthen measures against offshore operators. The amendments, effective January 1, are part of a broader legislative reform package aimed at boosting government revenue. Tax rates have increased, with sports betting tax rising to 30% and online casino games remaining at 35%. Advertising for illegal gambling is now subject to penalties, and unlicensed gambling sites can be blocked.

Poland: Poland’s Ministry of Finance has announced plans to revise the gambling tax structure, potentially lowering the tax rate for online operators to encourage growth and competition in the market. Polish regulatory changes are expected to take effect in early 2025.

опубликованный отчет SiGMA сосредоточен на игровом рынке Восточной Европы, в частности Чехии, Польши, Венгрии и Румынии. В нем более подробно рассматривается маркетинговая деятельность операторов онлайн-игр с акцентом на социальные сети, SEO и партнерский маркетинг. Основные выводы показывают, что лидеры рынка варьируются в зависимости от страны и сектора. Руководитель новостного отдела SiGMA, Ширли Пулис Ксерксен, представляет основные выводы

Налоговые ставки выросли: налог на ставки на спорт увеличен до 30%, а налоги на онлайн-казино остались на уровне 35%. Реклама незаконных азартных игр теперь карается штрафами, а нелицензионные игорные сайты могут быть заблокированы.

Польша: Министерство финансов Польши объявило о планах пересмотреть структуру

потенциально снизив налоговую ставку для онлайн-операторов, чтобы стимулировать рост и конкуренцию на рынке. Ожидается,

Currently, 24 private operators are active in the online betting sector, while Totalizator Sportowy, the state-owned company, holds a monopoly on organising online casino and slot games, with a portion of the gaming revenue contributing directly to the state’s coffers.

Hungary: Hungary has seen a surge in online gambling activity due to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The government is considering new regulations to ensure fair play and prevent problem gambling, including measures to limit deposit amounts and advertising.

In a move aimed at protecting Hungarian gamblers and combating illegal activities, Hungary’s gambling watchdog, the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), has rolled out tougher rules aimed at curbing the influence of unauthorized foreign gambling platforms. These measures, introduced in July 2023, give the SZTFH broader powers to block payments and enforce stricter regulations.

Despite Hungary’s efforts to amend its online betting regulations in response to pressure from European courts, the market remains largely inaccessible to international operators. The changes implemented in early 2023 were intended to create opportunities for foreign companies, but progress has been slow.

Romania: Romania has implemented a new regulatory framework aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer protection. Operators must now disclose more information about their products and promotions, and there are stricter rules on affiliate marketing to prevent misleading advertising. The framework is designed to prevent suppliers from selling their content to unlicensed operators, a practice that has blurred the lines between legal and black market platforms. Romania has passed a law banning gambling venues in small towns and villages with populations under 15,000.

Market leaders in East Europe

The Report reveals that ESPN Bet and Forebet lead on X (formerly Twitter), with ESPN Bet also dominating Instagram. Tipsport, Betclic, Unibet, and Superbet are top affiliates in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. SEO-wise, Superbet and NetBet in Romania, and STS and Total Casino in Poland, rank highest for betting and casino keywords. Flutter leads in market capitalisation.

Most active operators on affiliate sites in Europe

In affiliate marketing, leading operators vary by country. Bettingspecific affiliate benchmarking data places Tipsport, Betclic, and Unibet at the top of the rankings. Casino-specific affiliate benchmarking reveals different operators in each country as follows:

систему, направленную на повышение прозрачности и защиту потребителей. Операторы теперь обязаны раскрывать больше информации о своих продуктах и акциях, а также придерживаться более строгих правил для партнерского маркетинга, чтобы предотвратить вводящую в заблуждение рекламу. Эта система предназначена для того, чтобы помешать поставщикам продавать свой контент нелицензионным операторам, что ранее размывало границы

площадками. Румыния также приняла закон, запрещающий

с

менее 15 000 человек. Лидеры рынка

Отчет

ESPN Bet также доминирует в Instagram. Tipsport, Betclic, Unibet и Superbet являются ведущими

рыночной капитализации.

Самые активные операторы на партнерских сайтах

Ведущие операторы партнерского маркетинга варьируются в зависимости от страны. Данные бенчмаркинга партнеров, ориентированных на

SEO benchmarking leaders

As in most online industries, the ranking in search engines is a crucial success factor. The SiGMA Market Report looked at which online gambling operators are doing the best job in SEO in Romania and Poland:

betting-related

casino-related

по SEO

betting-related keywords

casino-related keywords

betting-related keywords

casino-related keywords

betting-related keywords

betting-related keywords

casino-related keywords

Key findings reveal that ESPN Bet and Forebet are dominating social media presence on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, highlighting the importance of a robust online presence. SEO rankings indicate that Superbet and STS are excelling in Romania and Poland, respectively, demonstrating the critical role of search engine optimisation in attracting users.

Leading betting apps in selected countries

Poland - Betclic app leads, followed by STS and Superbet apps.

Romania - Superbet app leads, followed by Betano and Casa Pariurilor apps.

The Czech Republic - Betano app leadshe, followed by Tipsport and Fortuna apps.

ESPN Bet leads the pack on Instagram with over

2.3 mln

followers, setting a new standard for digital engagement.

casino-related keywords

betting-related keywords

casino-related keywords

соответственно, что свидетельствует о решающей роли поисковой оптимизации в привлечении пользователей.

Ведущие приложения для ставок в отдельных странах

Польша — лидирует

The growth of mobile betting apps, particularly in Romania, is driving job creation and economic development in the tech sector.

Tipsport

Casa Pariurilor.

Fortuna.

Market capitalisations and recent M&A deals

Flutter leads the market capitalisation rankings with GBP 27.6 billion, emphasising the financial strength required to lead in this competitive market. It is followed by Evolution (GBP 18.0 billion) and Entain (GBP 4.3 billion). The average market capitalisation of the companies analysed is GBP 3.7 billion.

Mergers and acquisitions, such as EveryMatrix’s acquisition of FSB Technology and Gambling.com’s purchase of Freebets.com, indicate a trend towards consolidation and market expansion.

Flutter лидирует по рыночной капитализации с 27,6 миллиарда фунтов стерлингов, что подчеркивает финансовую устойчивость, необходимую для успеха на конкурентном рынке. За ним следуют Evolution (18,0 миллиарда фунтов стерлингов) и Entain (4,3 миллиарда фунтов стерлингов). Средняя рыночная капитализация проанализированных компаний составляет 3,7 миллиарда фунтов стерлингов.

Слияния и поглощения, такие как покупка компанией EveryMatrix компании FSB Technology и приобретение сайтом Gambling.com сайта Freebets.com, указывают на тенденцию к консолидации и расширению рынка.

MARKET CAP ON BILLING GBP

Date of analyses 22.07.2024

Source: Online Gambling Quarterly, Google Finance, Refinitiv, Yahoo, Bloomberg

Scan the QR code to access an interactive dashboard of the top online gaming advertisers/brands on affiliate websites in East Europe.

Scan the QR code to access the full East Europe SiGMA Market Report.

The future of online gambling in Eastern Europe

The East Europe Market Report provides a valuable snapshot of the current state of the industry in the region. With technological advancements and changing consumer behaviour, the industry is well-positioned for growth, but it must also tread the complex regulatory environment. The future of online gambling in Eastern Europe is promising, with the potential for further market expansion and innovation. However, success will depend on operators’ ability to manage regulatory challenges, maintain a strong online presence, and build trust with consumers.

The SiGMA Market report’s findings offer valuable B2B and B2C insights. For consumers, understanding which companies are leading in social media engagement can help them choose platforms that provide the most up-to-date information and interactive experiences. For businesses, these insights can guide marketing strategies, showing where to focus efforts for maximum impact.

The SiGMA Market reports are the result of a partnership between SiGMA Group and MECN’s Online Gambling Quarterly (OGQ).

Будущее

онлайн-гемблинга

Отчет

дает ценную информацию о текущем состоянии индустрии в регионе. Благодаря технологическому прогрессу и меняющемуся поведению потребителей у игровой индустрии хорошие возможности для роста, но ей также необходимо учитывать сложную нормативно-правовую среду. Перспективы онлайн-гемблинга в Восточной Европе выглядят многообещающими, с потенциалом для дальнейшего расширения рынка и инноваций. Однако успех будет зависеть от способности операторов справляться с нормативными требованиями, поддерживать активное присутствие в Интернете и укреплять доверие потребителей.

Выводы отчета SiGMA о рынке содержат ценную информацию как для B2B, так и для B2C. Понимание того, какие компании лидируют по вовлеченности в социальные сети, может помочь потребителям выбрать платформы, предоставляющие наиболее

NEW GAME. NEW RULES.

OPEN UP FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

FRESH, DARING CONTENT THAT YOUR PLAYERS WON’T SEE COMING.

LET’S CROSS THE LINE, TOGETHER.

MEET US AT STAND D186

READY for BUSINESS:

Vanuatu’s new iGaming framework leads the way

Vanuatu’s Honourable Minister for Finance, John Salong, and Acting Director Collins Gesa, lay out the primary advantages for Vanuatu’s new eGaming framework, highlighting what distinguishes the island jurisdiction from its peers and how companies can capitalise off its strengths. Vanuatu’s eGaming framework benefits from an online signup, highly competitive tax framework, and ease of application via the Vanuatu Gaming Authority (VGA).

Can you provide an overview of the key changes introduced in the newly amended regulations relating to the Vanuatu Interactive Gaming Act? How do you plan to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the new framework once it is implemented?

Firstly, we identified that we needed industry experience to help with the modernization of the gaming industry oversight. Our goal was to focus on integrity and fairness while ensuring consumer protection and fostering an ethos of transparency and accountability. With this in mind, the agreement with VGA Limited introduces more stringent criteria for obtaining and renewing interactive gaming licences. This includes things like comprehensive background checks, but it also introduces industry leading software that will assist the regulator to identify AML/ CTF risks and make recommendations about MOH management for problem gamblers.

You have spoken about the need for the new regulations to strike a balance between freedom and compliance. Given the ever-stricter compliance requirements in the iGaming industry globally, how do Vanuatu’s new regulations ensure adherence to these standards? What steps are being taken to ensure that Vanuatu’s iGaming industry remains free from criminal activity?

Seeking expertise on this matter was a focus. We understand that drawing on experts’ knowledge of the industry is critical to

the jurisdiction's success. We most recently had experts like Rick McDonell - Former Executive Secretary, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - speak at a symposium held at Warwick Le Lagon. The CEO of VGA Limited Macyn White and Mr. McDonell plan to continue this conversation. We have empowered the Director of Customs and Inland Revenue as the regulator. This gives the regulator access to intelligence apparatus that other regulators simply don’t have. Going further, we included the Financial Intelligence Unit in the licensing protocol.

What are your expectations for the initial response from the iGaming industry? What kind of interest have you seen since launching?

The interest has been very positive. We have only done a soft launch and we will get more aggressive with the rollout in the coming months. The initial response has been very positive. I think the industry understands that we are filling a void of providing regulation at a competitive price point, giving all operators the opportunity to flourish. It seems that they understand that we look at the role of the regulator as a partnership to help operators comply rather than potentially facing future penalties.

What piece of advice would you offer international companies looking to set up shop in Vanuatu?

We are open for business, we are engaging with companies like VGA Limited to ensure operators’ transition to a Vanuatu operation is well informed, simple, and cost effective.

What does the startup industry look like - what kind of support does the government offer startups?

We are a small economy, so we don’t have traditional startup support. We instead focus on support for all companies. We have a 0% corporate tax rate and a 0% personal income tax rate. We also have no withholding taxes on dividend distribution.

What can investors looking at this market expect?

An environment that welcomes investment, a well-established financial service industry, a multilingual workforce -with most Ni-Vanuatu speaking English, French and the local language Bislama - and a government that supports this industry.

In what ways do you see these changes strengthening Vanuatu’s position as a trusted and stable iGaming jurisdiction?

By strengthening AML protocols, focusing on technological compliance, increasing regulatory oversight and focusing on data collection and analysis, we can use the Interactive Gaming Sector as a showcase of what we can do. But more than that, we are already a stable political environment with a robust democratic system; that serves us well.

The new framework includes a 1% Wagering Activity Tax on Gross Gaming Revenue. How does this compare to other jurisdictions, and what impact do you anticipate it will have on operators?

We settled at this rate to keep us competitive in the marketplace while giving us the revenue to act as a regulator. Many jurisdictions rubberstamp a licence for a fee and that is effectively the last interaction they have with the licensee. We plan to work with our licence holders so that they get the most from their business while adhering to all the requirements placed upon them.

“We have empowered the Director of Customs and Inland Revenue as the regulator. This gives the regulator access to intelligence apparatus that other regulators simply don’t have.”

“Many jurisdictions rubber-stamp a licence for a fee and that is effectively the last interaction they have with the licensee. We plan to work with our licence holders so that they get the most from their business while adhering to all the requirements placed upon them.”

меры предпринимаются для защиты iGamingиндустрии Вануату от преступной деятельности?

Привлечение экспертов было ключевым направлением. Мы понимаем, что использование знаний экспертов в этой области критически важно для успеха юрисдикции. Недавно на симпозиуме в Warwick Le Lagon выступали такие эксперты, как Рик Макдонелл, бывший исполнительный секретарь Финансовой рабочей группы по борьбе с отмыванием денег (FATF). Генеральный директор VGA Limited Мэйсин Уайт и мистер Макдонелл планируют продолжить этот диалог. Мы наделили директора таможни и внутреннего дохода полномочиями регулятора. Это дает регулирующему

органу доступ к разведывательному аппарату, которого у других регулирующих органов просто нет. Более того, мы включили Финансовую разведывательную службу в

процесс лицензирования.

Каковы ваши ожидания относительно первоначальной реакции индустрии iGaming? Какой интерес вы

наблюдаете с момента запуска?

Интерес был очень положительным. Мы провели предварительный запуск и теперь планируем более активное продвижение в ближайшие месяцы.

Первоначальный отклик был очень положительным. Думаю, индустрия понимает, что мы заполняем пробел в обеспечении регулирования по конкурентной цене, что дает всем операторам возможность успешно работать. Они понимают, что мы видим регулятора как партнера, который помогает операторам соблюдать правила, а не как орган, который будет налагать штрафы в будущем.

Какой совет вы бы дали международным компаниям, желающим начать бизнес в Вануату?

Мы открыты для бизнеса и сотрудничаем с такими компаниями, как VGA Limited, чтобы обеспечить операторам всю нужную информацию, простоту и экономичность перехода на деятельность в Вануату.

Как выглядит стартап-индустрия в Вануату и какую поддержку правительство оказывает стартапам?

Мы небольшая экономика, поэтому у нас нет традиционной поддержки стартапов. Вместо этого мы сосредоточены

сосредотачиваясь на технологическом соответствии, увеличивая регуляторный надзор и акцентируя внимание на сборе и анализе данных, мы можем использовать сектор интерактивных игр как демонстрацию наших возможностей. Более того, мы уже являемся стабильной политической средой с устойчивой демократической системой, что нам на руку.

Новая система регулирования включает налог на игровые операции в размере 1% от валового игрового дохода. Как это соотносится с другими юрисдикциями и какое влияние, по вашему мнению, это окажет на операторов?

Мы установили такую ставку, чтобы сохранить конкурентоспособность на рынке и при этом получать доход, необходимый для выполнения функций регулирующего органа. Во многих юрисдикциях лицензия выдается за определенную плату, и это, по сути, последнее взаимодействие с лицензиатом. Мы планируем работать с нашими лицензиатами, чтобы они могли максимально эффективно вести свой бизнес, соблюдая все требования. Новая лицензия в основном предназначена для B2Cоператоров и включает возможность использования готовых решений, которые могут быть брендированы под собственные марки (White Label). Как это будет работать и какие преимущества даст лицензиатам?

Законодательство в настоящее время сосредоточено на B2C-операциях, и по мере развития юрисдикции мы можем рассматривать изменения. Что касается вопроса о White Label, мы разрешаем использование нескольких доменов в рамках одной лицензии. Владелец лицензии несет ответственность за все операции, проводимые под этими доменами,

действия с одним доменом будут влиять на

остальные. Мы не рассматриваем действия по каждому домену отдельно,

Какие у вас планы для наземного сектора индустрии Вануату? Как новое регулирование дополняет планы роста для заведений?

Наземная индустрия ориентирована на туристический рынок, и в настоящее время количество наземных лицензий ограничено: до 15 штук, без планов на их увеличение. Мы рассматриваем лицензию на интерактивные игры как отрасль, ориентированную на внешние рынки и, по сути, отдельную от рынка наземных казино.

iGAMING IN PARADISE

Pristine beaches, incredible hospitality, economic infrastructure and a refreshed operating environment that offers affordable and reliable choices. This is the stunning exposé that the island paradise of Vanuatu is flaunting.

With the recent announcement of a new online-only, dynamic sign-up framework for eGaming companies, there has been a significant uptake in applications from operators eager to benefit from Vanuatu's extremely low tax rate, streamlined execution process, and comprehensive licensing options, including White Label operations, all within secure compliance procedures.

Aside from a good excuse to book a beach-side sojourn, what exactly makes this jurisdiction so attractive?

Online Portal

In keeping with the times, and necessities of results-focused operators, the new framework allows for a purely online application. Through a public-private partnership (PPP), the Vanuatu Gaming Authority (VGA) processes all required documents, quickly bringing the licensing necessities to the regulator and cutting down processing time to around two weeks.

The format is cut-and-dried, and miles ahead of other similar online gaming jurisdictions, whose lengthy response time, exacerbated procedures, and oftentimes outdated structure create the headaches that Vanuatu now solves.

So, what main advantages do companies get?

-5,000 Euro application fee

-10,000 Euro annual licence fee

-Licence validity of 15 years from initial issuance

-1 percent Wagering Activity Tax charged on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

-Two URLs per licence, with additional URLs for a moderate fee Licensed operators know the drill. If all documents are prepared, the process can be handled in a blink, all while ensuring the utmost levels of compliance, something Vanuatu prides itself on and a key part of how it’s pushing to become the top eGaming jurisdiction.

Applicants need some key elements to move ahead:

-Due diligence (with proof of ID and address)

-Source of Wealth of the UBOs

-Due diligence on entities associated with the licence

-Business Plan

-Proof of ownership on domains to be used

-Copies of policies/procedures in place (important for AML/CFT)

-Nomination of a Responsible Person

-Details of Vanuatu entity applying for a licence (VGA can advise on company setup)

Win-win scenario

In order to keep its competitive edge, Vanuatu has offered a stridently open environment for eGaming companies hoping to set up shop. Not only is there a 0 percent corporate tax rate, there’s also a 0 percent personal income tax, with no withholding taxes on dividend distribution.

The 1 percent Wagering Activity Tax is levied on Gross Gaming Revenue is significantly lower than any other competing jurisdiction and begs the question of how Vanuatu is profiting off of its new measures.

The answer? Growth.

By opening up further to the online segment, Vanuatu aims to partner with incoming licensees. The success of its partners is its own success. Staying competitive is its advantage. And being overly heavy-handed

historically never plays out well.

That’s not to say that oversight isn’t a key part of Vanuatu’s strategy. A heavy focus on AML protocols and technical compliance ensures that operators are all on the same playing field, and ready for the win.

Where to place your trust

The Vanuatu Gaming Authority, as the designated company handling operators’ applications, works seamlessly with the authorities to ensure eGaming companies can get up and running with minimum hassle and maximum effectiveness.

Speaking of the application procedure, Macyn White, CEO of the Vanuatu Gaming Authority notes that:

“This new portal allows for seamless application by eGaming operators interested in exploring this incredible new opportunity. The VGA has seen a massive influx of applications and we can’t wait to see that expand further. The simplicity and effectiveness of the platform means

that companies have a one-stop approach towards licensing, all with the guarantee of compliance and effective oversight, while enjoying incredibly beneficial taxation and regulatory fees”.

But one of the VGA’s main strengths lies in its direct link to responsible government entities. The close partnership allows for continued dialogue between the VGA and various government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, which has lauded the recent partnership and signaled its enthusiasm.

John Salong, the Honorable Minister of Finance for Vanuatu notes:

“This system creates a welcoming investment environment, with companies from around the world encouraged to explore the new opportunities that Vanuatu is offering. Through the new regulatory framework and the partnership with the VGA, we aim to create a mutually beneficial eGaming space, where operators are held to account but encouraged to grow and thrive. Through this, we’re confident we'll become the most attractive investment option for the eGaming community”.

I’m sold, what’s next?

The application process is simple, merely head to the portal at gaming.vu, fill out all the required fields, submit the necessary documents and stay in touch with the VGA team in case any other elements are required.

If all goes well, within four weeks (depending) the application is cleared by VGA and the licence approved by the Director of Customs and Inland Revenue (Regulator), then it’s time to sit back and enjoy.

And in case any other URLs are needed, there’s an additional option to apply for more.

Why Vanuatu?

While eGaming jurisdictions have been making the rounds for some time, each touting their own benefits, they don’t offer the same advantages that Vanuatu has focused on under its revamped regulatory framework. Some suffer from over-regulation and lengthy processing times, some are volatile and can’t guarantee long-term return on investment, some are simply ineffective and can’t properly provide for clients’ needs.

That’s why the care and precision has been put into shaping these new regulations, providing stability and compliance, while not limiting innovation, creativity, or drive.

With the VGA as a trusted partner, eGaming companies stand to thrive in this new and exciting space, leveraging all of their unique talents in a framework that lets them grow further into their potential.

If there’s anywhere you want to be, it’s Vanuatu.

“The simplicity and effectiveness of the platform means that companies have a one-stop approach towards licensing, all with the guarantee of compliance and effective oversight, while enjoying incredibly beneficial taxation and regulatory fees.”

Macyn White, CEO of the Vanuatu Gaming Authority

Обновленная структура eGaming Вануату предлагает низкие налоги, быструю онлайн-лицензию и надежное соответствие требованиям, что делает его идеальным местом для операторов, стремящихся к росту и стабильности в тропическом раю.

Чистейшие пляжи, невероятное гостеприимство, развитая экономическая инфраструктура и обновленная функциональная среда, предлагающая доступные и надежные решения — все это привлекает внимание к райскому острову Вануату. .

Недавно Вануату объявило о запуске новой системы динамической регистрации, доступной только онлайн, для компаний, занимающихся онлайн-гемблингом. Это привело к значительному росту числа заявок от операторов, желающих воспользоваться чрезвычайно низкими налоговыми ставками, упрощенным процессом оформления и широкими возможностями лицензирования, включая операции White Label, в рамках надежных процедур соответствия требованиям.

Помимо хооршего повода отдохнуть на пляже, что делает эту юрисдикцию столь привлекательной?

Онлайн-портал

В соответствии со временем и потребностями операторов, ориентированных на результат, новая платформа позволяет подавать заявки полностью в режиме онлайн. Через государственно-частное партнерство (PPP) Управление по играм Вануату (VGA) обрабатывает все необходимые документы, быстро передавая их регулятору и сокращая время обработки до примерно двух недель.

Формат прост и значительно превосходит другие юрисдикции онлайн-игр, где долгий отклик, сложные процедуры и устаревшая структура создают проблемы, которые Вануату теперь успешно решает. Итак, какие основные преимущества получают компании?

Вступительный взнос:

Лицензированные операторы знают, что к чему. Если все документы готовы, процесс можно завершить мгновенно, при этом гарантируя высочайший уровень соответствия требованиям. Это является предметом гордости Вануату и ключевой частью его стремления стать ведущей юрисдикцией в сфере eGaming.

Для подачи заявки кандидатам требуются:

- Проверка благонадежности (с удостоверением личности и адреса)

- Источник происхождения денежных средств конечных бенефициарных собственников (UBO)

- Проверка благонадежности организаций, связанных с

лицензией

- Бизнес-план

- Подтверждение права собственности на используемые домены

- Копии действующих политик/процедур (важно для AML/ CFT - борьбы с отмыванием денег и финансированием терроризма)

- Назначение ответственного лица

- Подробная информация о юридическом лице Вануату, подающем заявку на получение лицензии (VGA может проконсультировать по вопросам создания компании) Выигрышный сценарий Чтобы сохранить свое конкурентное преимущество, Вануату предложил открытый рынок для eGaming компаний, желающих начать свою деятельность. В Вануату нет корпоративного

1% налог на ставки, взимаемый с валового игрового дохода,

из своих новых мер.

Каков ответ? Рост.

Расширяя доступ к онлайн-сегменту, Вануату стремится стать партнером новых лицензиатов. Успех его партнеров — это его собственный успех. Оставаться конкурентоспособным — его преимущество. А чрезмерная деспотичность никогда не приводила к добру, как показывает история.

Это не значит, что контроль не является ключевой частью стратегии Вануату. Пристальное внимание к протоколам борьбы с отмыванием денег (AML) и техническому соответствию гарантирует, что все операторы находятся в равных условиях и готовы к победе.

На что можно положиться Управление по азартным играм Вануату, уполномоченное обрабатывать заявки операторов, тесно сотрудничает с властями, чтобы гарантировать, что eGaming-компании смогут начать свою

расширения. Простота и эффективность

платформы обеспечивают компаниям

единый подход к лицензированию,

который гарантирует соблюдение всех

требований и эффективный надзор, а

также предлагает невероятно выгодные налоговые и регуляторные сборы».

Но одно из главных преимуществ

VGA заключается в его прямой связи

с ответственными государственными органами. Тесное партнерство позволяет поддерживать постоянный диалог между VGA и различными правительственными ведомствами, включая Министерство финансов, которое высоко оценило недавнее партнерство и выразило энтузиазм.

Джон Салонг, уважаемый министр финансов Вануату, отмечает:

«Эта система создает благоприятную

инвестиционную среду, поощряя компании со всего мира исследовать

новые возможности, которые предлагает Вануату. Благодаря новой нормативноправовой базе и партнерству с VGA мы стремимся создать взаимовыгодное игровое пространство, где операторы

будут не только нести ответственность,

и получать поддержку для роста и процветания. Мы уверены, что станем самым привлекательным вариантом для

инвестиций для сообщества eGaming».

Хорошо, убедили, что дальше?

Процесс подачи заявки прост: перейдите

на портал gaming.vu, заполните все необходимые поля, отправьте нужные документы и будьте на связи с командой

VGA на случай, если потребуются какие-

либо другие элементы.

Если все документы будут в порядке, то в течение четырех недель (в зависимости от обстоятельств) заявка будет одобрена VGA, а лицензия утверждена директором

Почему именно Вануату?

Хотя юрисдикции eGaming существуют уже некоторое

преимущества,

предлагает таких выгод, как

с

обновленной регуляторной структурой. Некоторые юрисдикции страдают от чрезмерного регулирования и длительных сроков обработки, другие нестабильны и не могут гарантировать долгосрочную окупаемость инвестиций. Третьи просто неэффективны и

способны должным образом удовлетворить потребности клиентов.

Вот почему так много внимания и точности

стабильность и соблюдение норм,

или стремление.

С VGA в качестве надежного партнера компании в индустрии eGaming смогут процветать в этом новом и захватывающем пространстве, используя свои уникальные таланты и возможности для полного раскрытия потенциала.

Если вы ищете идеальное место, это Вануату.

“We’re confident we'll become the most attractive investment option for the eGaming community.”

John Salong, the Honourable Minister of Finance for Vanuatu

PAYMENT CENTER: BUILDING TRUST IN THE DIGITAL AGE

In this issue’s cover story, Alexander Aukhariev, CEO of Payment Center, reveals their transformation from a fledgling startup to a global leader in online payment processing—fueled by relentless innovation, robust security, and the invaluable role of personal relationships in business.

Years ago, as online payments began to gain traction, the expertise in providing online acquiring services was significantly lacking. Merchants had to wait several weeks to obtain an online terminal, and even then, the service offered was far from a comprehensive “turnkey” solution. During this period, we observed the success of companies like PayPal, Stripe, and Adyen, which inspired us to create our own venture in this space. Thus, Payment Center was born.

Our early clientele consisted mainly of small online stores and startups, but as our user base and transaction volumes steadily increased, so did our expertise. Through trial and error, we continuously refined our payment processing methods to meet growing demand. Our dedication to excellence eventually caught the attention of larger companies, eager to take advantage of our services.

The online payments landscape was also rapidly evolving. Beyond traditional card acquiring, new forms of electronic payments were emerging, such as:

Digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Neteller, Alipay); Mobile payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, carrier billing, and mobile commerce, driven by the rise of smartphones and tokenization; Alternative local payment methods, including WeChat Pay, Pix, SPEI, Giropay, Trustly, QR payments, and open banking; Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions;

Cryptocurrency payments (e.g., USDT, BTC, ETH). Today, Payment Center provides a comprehensive suite of online payment processing services and facilitates various financial transactions. Our business model is built on several key pillars that ensure the company’s continued success and growth.

Payment Processing Services: Our core business revolves around providing diverse payment processing services. We partner with merchants, enabling them to accept online payments through our secure and reliable omni-channel payment gateway. Payment Center ensures the integrity and security of every transaction.

Integration of Multiple Payment Methods: A crucial aspect of our business model is the ability to integrate various payment methods. By partnering with us, merchants gain access to a wide array of payment options globally, meeting the diverse needs of their clientele and enhancing their market competitiveness.

Enhancing Conversion Rates: Utilizing our technology helps merchants reduce transaction declines and increase approval rates by offering a broad selection of payment methods and a streamlined payment flow. This leads to higher sales and increased revenue for the company.

Security and Compliance: As a payment provider, Payment Center is committed to maintaining high standards of data protection and confidentiality during online transactions. We strictly adhere to regulatory requirements and security standards to safeguard our business and clients from fraud and losses. Innovative data encryption methods and advanced fraud protection measures ensure the reliability and security of financial transactions. Moreover, with the advent of AI and machine learning, our payment processing has become more efficient and automated, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing the user experience.

Risk Management: To effectively manage risks in the ever-evolving payment landscape, we remain vigilant and responsive to market challenges. Handling large volumes of financial transactions requires robust defenses against various types of fraud and cyberattacks. We prioritize the protection of user data and the integrity of payment operations by conducting regular technical audits and stress tests to ensure compliance with international payment systems and local regulations.

AML Procedures: We have established stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, including comprehensive customer identification processes in line with AML legislation and standards. Continuous transaction monitoring allows us to detect suspicious activities that may indicate fraud or potential money laundering. While risks are inherent in any business, they can be effectively managed through a proactive approach and adherence to necessary precautions.

User Convenience: We provide merchants with an easy-to-use platform for setting up and managing payment operations. Our dashboard offers detailed payment statistics, real-time transaction monitoring, and customizable payment settings, empowering merchants to optimize their payment processes.

Client Interface: Over the years, we have gained extensive experience in developing user-friendly client interfaces for online payments. A seamless user experience is vital for boosting conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and trust. We place great emphasis on refining and optimizing the client’s payment journey, regardless of whether they are using web or mobile platforms.

Technical Support: Payment Center’s technical support team operates around the clock, ensuring that clients can quickly resolve any payment-related issues and maintain uninterrupted service. Leveraging Big Data: Big Data presents new opportunities for our business. We analyze customer behavior, purchasing preferences, and consumption trends to identify current trends and offer personalized solutions. This deep understanding of client needs enables us to deliver tailored services, enhance service quality, and foster customer loyalty. Big Data analysis also allows us to predict technical loads, enabling us to scale and optimize processes effectively. Looking ahead, we are considering the integration of marketing and advertising services, which will involve identifying key audience segments and refining product and service promotion strategies.

Эти успехи вдохновили нас на создание собственного стартапа, который смог бы предложить более гибкое и удобное решение для бизнеса, нуждающегося в эффективных платежных инструментах. Так появилась компания Payment Center.

Нашими первыми клиентами стали некрупные интернет-магазины и стартапы, которые искали простые и надёжные способы обработки онлайн-платежей. С каждым днём количество пользователей и объём проводимых транзакций неуклонно увеличивались, что говорило о растущем доверии к нашим услугам. На собственном опыте, методом проб и ошибок, мы постоянно совершенствовали наш предпроцессинг, чтобы справляться с возрастающей нагрузкой и увеличивающимися требованиями рынка. Усердная работа и стремление к совершенству позволили нам привлечь внимание крупных компаний, которые также заинтересовались нашими услугами, увидев в нас надёжного и перспективного партнёра для долгосрочного сотрудничества. Но и сам рынок электронных платежей не стоял на месте. Помимо классических платежей дебетовыми и кредитными картами, я бы отметил следующие направления электронных онлайн платежей: Электронные кошельки (PayPal, Neteller, Alipay); Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, появившиеся с развитием смартфонов и токенизации; Альтернативные (локальные) платежные методы WeChat, Pix, SPEI, Giropay, Trustrly, QR платежи и т.д.; Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL); И, конечно, криптоплатежи (USDT, BTC, ETH)

В настоящее время Payment Center - это компания, которая предоставляет полный спектр услуг по обработке онлайн-платежей и различных финансовых транзакций через интернет, что делает нас надежным партнером для бизнеса любого масштаба. Наша бизнесмодель включает несколько ключевых аспектов, которые обеспечивают

транзакций до современных цифровых методов оплаты. Мы устанавливаем соглашения с торговыми партнёрами, предлагая им возможность принимать онлайн-платежи от своих клиентов через наши платежные шлюзы. Payment Center обеспечивает безопасность и надежность проведения транзакций, минимизируя риски мошенничества благодаря использованию передовых

“With the development of machine learning and data analytics, payment systems will be able to predict customer needs, offer personalized services, and optimize processes in real-time.”

The Future of Online Payments

We anticipate significant advancements in the online payments industry. As technology continues to evolve, online payments will become even more convenient, secure, and innovative. Blockchain technology is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation, facilitating instant, fee-free transactions while providing enhanced security and transparency.

Artificial intelligence will also be instrumental in shaping the future of online payments. Through machine learning and data analytics, payment systems will be able to anticipate customer needs, offer personalized services, and optimize processes in real-time. This will lead to improved customer service and increased conversion rates. Furthermore, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) will revolutionize the payments landscape. Smart devices, from cars to refrigerators, will be able to conduct transactions autonomously, opening up new possibilities for purchasing and payments. The future of online payments is indeed bright, with advanced systems becoming an integral part of our daily lives, offering unparalleled simplicity and convenience in every transaction.

The Importance of Personal Relationships

While we have extensively discussed the payments business—its processes, development, risks, and opportunities—it’s crucial

to recognize another vital element of our success: personal relationships. In today’s business environment, the value of human connections has only grown.

Personal relationships are a critical factor in determining a company’s success, efficiency, and growth. When interactions are grounded in mutual respect and understanding, they help strengthen bonds, resolve challenges, and achieve shared goals.

Trust among employees, partners, clients, and colleagues forms the foundation of a successful company. It fosters effective teamwork, reduces conflicts, and creates a positive work environment. Additionally, emotional support from colleagues and partners boosts motivation and contributes to overall success.

While technology—AI, machine learning, Big Data, computing power, legal frameworks—is essential for business growth, personal relationships hold a special place in our company. The ability to build and maintain strong relationships is as important as professional skills and experience. I firmly believe that investing time and effort in nurturing personal relationships is a key driver of our business’s success and longevity.

TRAINING FOR ONLINE, LAND-BASED & RETAIL GAMING BUSINESSES

We set the standard for Gaming training worldwide by helping operators and suppliers create trackable and scalable company-wide training solutions on essential company and industry-specific product, compliance, and job skills topics.

Ongoing Support

Industry & Jurisdiction-Specific Trainer-Led Courses

Company-Wide & Tailored Solutions

Extensive Reports

Online Training� Multi-Lingual Training

BEYOND CAPITAL:

How Xanada Investments is Redefining Startup Support

Vladimir Malakchi, CEO of Xanada Investments, discusses building a

Xanada Investments is built on a strong ideological foundation. Can you elaborate on the core principles and values that drive your investment decisions?

The core idea behind Xanada Investments was to transform the traditional investor-startup relationship, emphasizing more than just financial support. My mission has always been to help businesses reach their peak potential by nurturing teams, building relationships, and fostering growth. This vision led to the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem within the fund that addresses the real challenges startups face when scaling, such as market entry, strategic alliances, and achieving commercial outcomes.

At Xanada Investments, we provide not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, integrations, and access to a network of subsidiary projects for resource and contact sharing. Our goal is to create a community where startups can effectively address their pain points and scale successfully.

What inspired the creation of Xanada Investments, and how does the concept of a "xanadu-like business ecosystem" shape your approach to investing?

We aim to build a community of top industry leaders, united by common goals and challenges, fostering mutual support and collaboration. By entering our ecosystem, businesses become part of a network where success is driven by collective growth, not just individual achievements.

This holistic approach ensures that Xanada Investments does more than support individual startups; it builds a thriving ecosystem for sustained success. This, in turn, provides all the solutions businesses need in one place—whether it's partnerships, retention strategies, or integrations—ensuring they don't need to look elsewhere for support.

What does the future hold for Xanada Investments, and how do you plan to expand or evolve the fund in the coming years, especially in relation to the iGaming sector?

Looking ahead, our ambition is to expand the ecosystem to include 20-25 projects, focusing on scaling these businesses at a deep, foundational level. Our priority is not merely to increase the number of projects but to build a robust system that ensures the long-term growth and success of each company.

The strong interest we've garnered from startups, other investment funds, and the media since our launch fuels our ambitious plans. Beyond expanding our portfolio, we have numerous initiatives in the pipeline, including additional contests and programs to support the next wave of innovative startups. These efforts will keep our ecosystem evolving and ensure we remain at the forefront of the iGaming sector and beyond.

Can you offer insight into some of the projects currently working with the fund, your fund strategy, and ambitions for growth?

At Xanada Investments, we aim to create a diversified ecosystem by supporting projects of various types, sizes, and development stages, ensuring adaptability to different challenges. Our portfolio currently includes five projects: Promofy, Sweepium, Aff17, Gamixter, and Fidel, carefully selected from over 150 applications.

We invest significant resources in understanding each project to ensure successful partnerships, offering tailored support based on their unique needs. For example, we helped Promofy scale to larger markets and form partnerships, while Aff17 received comprehensive guidance from brand strategy to company structure, ensuring their long-term success.

Your fund targets Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A funding. What do you look for in a startup at these stages, and how does your approach differ across them?

Regardless of whether a startup is in its early stages or already has some achievements, our primary focus is on the team—their experience, vision, and ability to execute. We aim to launch not just promising ideas but to enrich our ecosystem with experts from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded and diverse network.

Our approach is highly individualized, tailored to the specific needs and goals of each project. By maintaining consistent standards across all funding stages, we invest in projects that not only bring innovative ideas but also have the capability and resilience to turn those ideas into successful ventures.

“Our mission is to help businesses reach their peak potential by nurturing teams, building relationships, and fostering growth.”

«Наша

Tell us more about the recently launched Xanada Startup Contest.

Unlike many contests that focus solely on funding, we designed the Xanada Startup Contest to offer much more. We set the terms to provide a prize that goes beyond capital, ensuring startups receive comprehensive support. While other competitions often lack guidance, we ensure participants are fully supported with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed.

Our contest is open to iGaming businesses at various stages, welcoming diverse startups from different regions. Participants gain access to mentorship, expert guidance, and our global network. Additionally, by joining our ecosystem, startups benefit from media support and increased market visibility.

What goes into making a successful pitch? What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs?

A successful pitch isn’t just about presenting a great idea; it’s about proving you can turn that idea into a profitable, sustainable business and demonstrating that you, as an entrepreneur, have the ability to execute it.

Focus on the essentials: clearly present your idea, show its market need, outline your goals and development prospects, explain why you need an investor, and—most importantly—highlight your achievements so far. Many startups overlook this, but even the best pitch can falter if you can't show results. Investors want to see tangible benefits. Flashy presentations won’t help; it’s the substance that matters.

Xanada Investments основывается на прочных идеологических принципах. Расскажите подробнее о ключевых ценностях и принципах, которые определяют ваши инвестиционные решения?

Основная идея, лежащая в основе Xanada Investments, заключалась в том, чтобы трансформировать традиционные отношения между инвестором и стартапом, сделав акцент не только на финансовой поддержке. Моя миссия всегда заключалась в том, чтобы помочь бизнесам полностью раскрыть потенциал через развитие команд, укрепление отношений и стимулирование роста. Этот подход привел к созданию комплексной экосистемы в рамках фонда, которая решает реальные проблемы, с которыми сталкиваются стартапы при масштабировании, такие как выход на рынок, формирование стратегических альянсов и достижение коммерческих результатов.

В Xanada Investments мы предлагаем не только капитал, но и стратегическое руководство, партнерства, интеграции и доступ к сети дочерних проектов для обмена ресурсами и контактами. Наша цель — создать сообщество, в котором стартапы смогут эффективно решать свои задачи и успешно масштабироваться.

Что вдохновило вас на создание Xanada Investments и как концепция «бизнесэкосистемы, подобной xanadu», влияет на ваш подход к инвестированию?

Мы стремимся создать сообщество ведущих лидеров индустрии, которые объединены общими целями и задачами, чтобы поддерживать друг

друга и эффективно сотрудничать. Компании, присоединившиеся к нашей экосистеме, становятся частью сети, где успех определяется коллективным ростом, а не только через индивидуальные достижения.

Такой целостный подход гарантирует, что Xanada Investments не просто поддерживает

как

вы планируете развивать фонд в

ближайшие годы, в частности в отношении сектора iGaming? В будущем мы стремимся расширять экосистему до 20-25 проектов, сосредоточивая внимание на масштабировании этих бизнесов на глубоком, фундаментальном уровне. Наш приоритет — не просто увеличить количество проектов, а создать прочную систему, обеспечивающую долгосрочный рост и успех каждой компании.

Наши амбициозные планы подпитывает большой интерес, проявленный к нам со стороны стартапов, других инвестиционных фондов и СМИ с момента запуска. Помимо расширения портфеля, мы активно разрабатываем множество новых инициатив, включая конкурсы и программы, которые будут поддерживать следующую волну инновационных стартапов. Эти усилия помогут нашей экосистеме развиваться и обеспечат наше лидерство в секторе iGaming и за его пределами.

Расскажите о проектах, с которыми в настоящее время работает фонд, а также о стратегии и планах по дальнейшему развитию.

В Xanada Investments мы стремимся создать диверсифицированную экосистему, поддерживая проекты различных типов, размеров и стадий развития, чтобы обеспечить адаптивность к различным вызовам. В нашем портфеле сейчас пять проектов: Promofy, Sweepium, Aff17, Gamixter и Fidel, которые были тщательно отобраны из более чем 150 заявок.

Мы инвестируем значительные ресурсы в тщательное изучение каждого проекта, чтобы гарантировать успешное партнерство, предоставляя индивидуальную поддержку, точно соответствующую

финансированию, мы создали конкурс стартапов Xanada, чтобы

открыт для iGamingкомпаний на различных стадиях развития,

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

Discover the artistic journey of Jono, an Italian-Filipino artist whose blend of classical and modern styles has captivated the Philippine art scene. His work, ‘Tropical Serenade’, will feature in this year’s SiGMA Europe Awards charitable auction, which is being held in Malta this November.

From New York to Manila, Jono Pisano’s artistic journey has taken him on a fast-paced journey across the art world’s biggest stages. Now he’s looking towards quieter, greener pastures, with plans to set up a studio in Luzon’s island province of Bataan, where his family own a farm.

Seamlessly blending classical influences with modern sensibilities, Jono has created a body of work that invites viewers to pause and reflect amidst the chaos of daily life.

For the upcoming charitable auction, taking place during the SiGMA Europe Awards ceremony in Malta this November, and spearheaded by the SiGMA Foundation, Jono is contributing a special piece inspired by his experiences in the gaming industry. Featuring his uncle in a serene clearing surrounded by palm trees, the painting embodies a moment of pause amidst chaos. "I want it to be a place where viewers can sit and contemplate," he explains.

Growing up with a father deeply entrenched in the gaming industry meant frequent relocations for Jono. As a shy individual, drawing became his anchor amidst ever-changing environments.

"Drawing was that constant for me. No matter how drastically the scenery changed, pencil to paper would always take me somewhere familiar," he reflects. This passion for drawing persisted through his formative years, ultimately guiding him to pursue art at Parsons School of Design in New York.

Initially, he considered a career in commercial art, particularly product design, due to its practical applications and because he was, at the time, leaning towards making more sculptural pieces. However, a serendipitous encounter during a summer job at a clothing boutique led to an unexpected opportunity. A gallery next door, intrigued by his sketches, offered him a solo exhibition after another artist dropped out. This pivotal moment solidified his decision to pursue fine art. "I did the show in five weeks, sold several pieces, and realized that this was what I wanted to do," he recalls. “I didn’t want to go back to anything else. It gave me freedom.”

I ask him how he would like the world to view him - and his art. The adjectives; up-and-coming and emerging’ are a temptation most journalists find hard to resist when talking about new artists. He embraces this label though, viewing it as part of his lifelong journey. "I’m happy at the emerging artist level now. I see it as a lifelong journey, and I’m fine with a few more years at this stage," he shares.

When asked how he would like people to define his artwork, he emphasizes the importance of inviting viewers to pause and reflect. "The goal for me is to make pieces that allow people to get lost in them, to give them a moment of pause," he explains. His work is characterized by an ever-evolving style that encourages viewers to join him on his artistic journey.

Living in Manila, a city known for its vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere, has profoundly influenced his work. However, his art is more a reaction to the pervasive distraction of modern life, particularly the constant stimulation from social media. "I want a space where people can have their own thoughts, free from the constant dopamine rush of platforms like Instagram. I think art can be a counter to that," he says.

“We’re so constantly distracted, wanting something to occupy that empty space. I’m a little nervous about that - of not having time to really see things for how they are, through the lens of your own perspective and personal history.”

Drawing influences from both Renaissance and Impressionist styles, Jono finds a balance between classical representation and modern expression. "It mirrors how at the beginning of my career, I felt that it was important to know the rules so I could break them effectively," he notes.

“After mastering these fundamentals, I became fascinated with the mechanisms of sight and how we perceive the world. This led me to revisit the ideas of the Impressionists. In today's digital age, where screens are ubiquitous, I felt it was crucial to reexamine how we see and how screens alter our perception.

“I began thinking about how dual monitors and the backlighting of screens influence our subconscious interaction with images. I explored the interplay of colors at the edges of images and how this affects our visual experience.”

This blend of meticulous technique and exploration of sight and perception is evident in his work. The fusion of Renaissance techniques and Impressionist concepts has significantly influenced his current work, leading to a unique style that addresses both classical representation and modern visual dynamics.

Among his numerous pieces, Jono is particularly proud of a large diptych titled "Unified by Obscurity," created for his second solo show in 2018 "It was the final piece of that body of work, and I was proud of the harmony in the palette," he says. This piece, like much of his work, invites viewers to delve deeper and find personal connections.

The Philippine’s dense, lush foliage and diverse natural beauty have also inspired him. After noticing a prevalence of European faces, not just from the old masters, but from local artists too, he decided to focus on painting those around him, creating a more authentic representation of his environment.

His future plans include setting up a studio on his family's farm in Bataan, where he envisions creating larger sculptural pieces against a backdrop of lofty mountains and lush green valleys. "I love animals and gardening. Manual labor allows my mind to wander, and I think it will benefit my art. I feel like a great view would do a lot for me," he explains.

While the Philippines has a rich history of producing incredible artists, the artist acknowledges the need for more support to elevate the local art scene to the level of New York or Paris. "The art world follows money, and there needs to be a concerted effort from the government," he asserts. Despite this, Manila boasts vibrant art communities and galleries that continually showcase high-quality shows.

Currently, the artist is working on a new body of work, driven by introspective questions about identity and the nature of painting. He plans to focus on creating pieces that reflect those around him, exploring themes of selfrevelation and connection.

На вопрос о том, как бы художник хотел, чтобы люди определяли его произведения, он подчеркивает важность дать зрителям шанс остановиться и задуматься. «Моя цель — создавать такие произведения, которые позволяют зрителям погружаться в них, давая возможность остановиться и задуматься», — объясняет он. Его работы отличает постоянно развивающийся стиль, который побуждает зрителей присоединиться к его художественному пути.

Жизнь в Маниле, городе, славящемся своей яркостью, но одновременно хаотичностью, сильно повлияла на его работы. Тем не менее, его искусство — это скорее ответ на повсеместные отвлекающие факторы современной жизни, особенно на постоянную стимуляцию от социальных сетей. «Я хочу создать пространство, где люди могут быть наедине со своими мыслями, свободные от постоянного дофаминового прилива от платформ вроде Instagram. Я думаю, что искусство может противостоять этому», — объясняет Джоно.

«Мы постоянно отвлекаемся и стремимся заполнить пустоту чем-то. Это меня немного беспокоит — у нас не хватает времени, чтобы по-настоящему видеть вещи такими, какие они есть, через призму собственного восприятия и личной истории», — говорит он.

Черпая вдохновение из стилей Ренессанса и Импрессионизма, Джоно находит баланс

между классическим представлением и современным выражением. «Это отражает мое убеждение в начале карьеры: важно знать правила, чтобы потом эффективно их нарушать», — отмечает он.

«После освоения этих основ меня начали интересовать механизмы зрения и то, как мы воспринимаем мир. Это привело меня

к переосмыслению идей импрессионистов. В цифровую эпоху, когда экраны повсюду, я считал важным пересмотреть, как мы воспринимаем мир и как экраны

природная красота Филиппин также вдохновляют его. Обратив внимание на преобладание европейских лиц как

сосредоточиться

чтобы создать

представление

“I want a space where people can have their own thoughts, free from the constant dopamine rush of platforms like Instagram. I think art can be a counter to that.”

со

свободные от постоянного дофаминового прилива от платформ вроде Instagram. Я думаю, что искусство может быть противостоять этому».

Хотя Филиппины знамениты

что местной художественной сцене необходима дополнительная

искусства следует за деньгами, поэтому необходимы согласованные

EASTERN EUROPE´S EVOLVING RESPONSIBLE GAMING LANDSCAPE

Words by Rossi McKee, entrepreneur and founder of the Responsible Gaming Foundation, Bulgaria

“The Responsible Gaming Foundation, based in Bulgaria, and other similar NGOs has been acting proactively in the last 10 years to foster a strong culture of player protection in Europe.”

The responsible gaming landscape across Eastern European markets has undergone significant transformations recently, with a heightened focus on player protection. There is a certain shift in the perception of the topic and measures have been taken on a state level in the region to level up safer gaming. Our Responsible Gaming Foundation, based in Sofia, Bulgaria and other similar NGOs has been acting proactively in the last 10 years to foster a strong culture of player protection in Europe and we believe that safer gambling is a shared responsibility and all stakeholders should join in supporting the activities aimed in preventing the compulsive behaviour of gaming and digital addictions.

Our Responsible Gaming Foundation has been instrumental in promoting responsible gaming in Bulgaria, and through its partnership with other gaming organisations in the region. With educational campaigns like our latest long term initiative: On Focus: Responsible Gaming, supporting services for problem gamblers, and collaboration with gaming operators, the Responsible Gaming Foundation has been actively shaping the new landscape of the player protection policies in the country.

Despite the progress in promoting responsible gaming, several challenges still need to be addressed. In some Eastern European countries, continuous public education and awareness campaigns are still required to shift public perception and promote the benefits of responsible gaming. It is important to note that integrating responsible gaming measures into existing platforms can be technologically challenging and costly for operators.

However, the long-term benefits of enhanced player protection and sustainable business practices outweigh these initial hurdles. Collaboration between regulators, gaming operators, and organisations like the Responsible Gaming Foundation lead to developing innovative, responsible gaming tools and practices. These partnerships drive industry-wide improvements in player protection and responsible gaming measures.

Operators build trust and loyalty among their players by prioritising responsible gaming. A commitment to player protection enhances the operator's reputation and ensures long-term business sustainability.

In this regard it is important that the games offered by operators are designed with player protection in mind from the outset. Integrating responsible gaming measures during the game design phase is crucial for creating a balanced and safe gaming environment. Setting bet limits is one way to achieve this balance. Incorporating features that allow players to set their bet limits empowers them to control their spending. Dynamic bet limits can be adjusted based on individual preferences and behaviours. Implementing session time limits helps players take regular breaks and avoid excessive gambling. For instance, a pop-up reminder to notify players after every hour of continuous play.

Additionally, allowing players to set daily or weekly time limits ensures they do not spend too much time gambling, helping them maintain a healthy balance with other activities. Mandatory coolingoff periods after reaching a loss limit can further assist players in reassessing their gambling behaviour and making more informed decisions.

As the industry continues to develop its framework, collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy organisations is crucial. Together, they can ensure that responsible gaming remains at the forefront of the industry's priorities, paving the way for a safer and more ethical gaming landscape.

уровня безопасности игр. Наш Фонд ответственной игры, базирующийся в Софии, Болгария, и другие подобные НПО в течение последних 10 лет активно действовали, чтобы способствовать развитию сильной культуры защиты игроков в Европе, и мы считаем, что более безопасная игра – это общая ответственность, и все заинтересованные стороны должны присоединиться к поддержке деятельность, направленная на профилактику компульсивного поведения, связанного с игровыми и цифровыми зависимостями.

Наш Фонд ответственной игры сыграл важную роль в продвижении ответственной игры в Болгарии, а также в партнерстве с другими игровыми организациями в регионе. Благодаря образовательным кампаниям, таким как наша последняя долгосрочная инициатива «В фокусе: ответственная игра», поддержке услуг для проблемных игроков и сотрудничеству с

дает им возможность контролировать свои расходы. Динамические лимиты ставок можно регулировать в зависимости от индивидуальных предпочтений и поведения. Введение ограничений по

часа

“As the industry continues to develop its framework, collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy organisations is crucial.”

Несмотря на

в продвижении ответственной

еще

решить ряд проблем. В некоторых странах Восточной Европы по-прежнему необходимы непрерывные кампании по просвещению и повышению осведомленности общественности, чтобы изменить

общественное восприятие и пропагандировать преимущества ответственной игры. Важно отметить, что интеграция мер ответственной игры в существующие платформы может оказаться технологически сложной и дорогостоящей для операторов.

Однако долгосрочные выгоды от усиленной защиты игроков и устойчивой деловой практики перевешивают эти первоначальные препятствия. Сотрудничество между регулирующими органами, игровыми операторами и такими организациями, как Фонд ответственной игры, приводит к разработке инновационных инструментов и методов ответственной

непрерывной игры. Кроме того, разрешение игрокам устанавливать ежедневные или еженедельные ограничения по времени гарантирует, что они не будут тратить слишком много времени на азартные игры, что помогает им поддерживать здоровый баланс с другими видами деятельности. Обязательные периоды обдумывания после достижения лимита потерь могут дополнительно помочь игрокам переоценить свое игровое поведение и принять более обоснованные решения.

Поскольку отрасль продолжает развивать свою структуру, решающее значение имеет сотрудничество между регулирующими органами, заинтересованными сторонами отрасли и правозащитными организациями. Вместе они смогут гарантировать, что ответственная игра останется в авангарде приоритетов отрасли, прокладывая путь к более безопасному и этичному игровому ландшафту.

LEGISLATIVE CONVERGENCE IN THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY

Words by Cosmina Maria Simion, Managing Partner, WH Simion & Partners

Convergence is a word that, lately, has been vastly used in Romania. In relation to the European Union, harmonisation of law (or simply harmonisation) is the process of creating common standards across the internal market.

As such, harmonisation aims to:

1- Create consistency of laws, regulations, standards and practices, so that the same rules apply to businesses that operate in more than one member State, and so that the businesses of one State do not obtain an economic advantage over those in another as a result of different rules.

2- Reduced compliance and regulatory burdens for businesses operating nationally or trans-nationally.

Having said that, while there are general laws (by way of directives and regulations) that govern areas of law with large application in the industry as well, such as AML, consumers law, privacy regulation, imposition or exemption of VAT, gambling is not a field that has been regulated at EU level. On the contrary, gambling activities are considered a state monopoly and have been regulated or in limited cases, remain unregulated throughout Europe.

The land based industry from this perspective is less affected by the clash of regulations as it is by its nature intrinsically jurisdictional.

At the opposite corner sits the online industry where, to start with, a global operator operating the same platform throughout several EU territories would need to obtain national licences and pay licence fees in each of these territories. Secondly, its platform would need to be tailored so as to comply with Romanian, Maltese and German legislation for example, at the same time.

Now, where indeed there are some common standards and understandings in terms of gambling products, gambling revenues, gambling certification standards, the devil is in the details.

It is not uncommon to have in the gambling national legislation provisions that talk about the possibility to have a licence issued by reference to conditions fulfilled

WH Simion and Partners in Bucharest is the newest office opened by WH Partners in Romania and as such offers its clients integrated services with an integrated Romanian & Maltese team of lawyers and consultants.

/licences issued and held in another EU member state. The Romanian legislation used to contain provisions about cooperation and exchange of information agreements established with peer authorities from other EU member states or based on certificates issued by such authorities that would attest to the conditions that needed to be fulfilled for a licence to be issued. However, as this article in the Romanian legislation has never been put to use, it was subsequently abrogated at one revision of the legislation in the past couple of years.

However the MGA, the Maltese Gaming Authority is issuing the Maltese Recognition certificates/Notices. On the official website of the MGA it is said that “A Recognition Notice is a notice issued by the Authority whereby an authorisation issued by another Member State of the EU or the EEA, or a State which is deemed by the Authority to offer safeguards largely equivalent to those offered by Maltese law, is recognised as having the same effect as an authorisation issued by the Authority for the purpose of providing a gaming service or gaming supply in or from Malta''.

When applying for a Recognition Certificate, in the past year we had major game producers reaching out, requesting assistance with the process and legal opinions on the scope and extent of the licence that they hold in Romania. Not surprisingly enough, the MGA is trying to ascertain the similarities of the Romanian B2B licence to the one held by the game producer in Malta. It turns out however that the Romanian licence is not game specific but rather gives the right to produce and distribute on the Romanian market any game. The provision and revision of game certifications to the authority is left for post issue of the licence every time the B2C clients of any such B2B licence suppliers wish to add a game to their platform. Contrary to what I understand is the situation in Malta, the certification burden lies with the B2C operators, at the time they upload a new game to their platform.

While dependent on the certificates provided by their game supplier, the certification is provided to the authority by each B2C provider directly. The challenge was therefore to reconcile the differences in regulations to obtain the desired outcome. Another contentious point was whether or not the Romanian licences give the right or rather oblige their holder to provide services only to the Romanian market. While it is certain that the Romanian regulation can only provide for the Romanian jurisdiction, this is a right not an obligation, Romania is not a closed jurisdiction. Hence, to the extent Romanian licences are appreciated to be sufficient to give the right to operate in another EU, or non-EU jurisdiction for that matter, under the legislation of the respective jurisdiction then, no other restriction in this sense is to be found in the Romanian legislation.

Similarly with respect to the Recognition Notice for gambling operators, the Romanian legislation provides for the issue of remote gambling licences for casino games (including poker), fixed-odds betting, mutual betting, exchange betting, bingo, and keno. However, at the time the licence is granted only the games included in the initial licensing file are reviewed and approved, including their certifications and platform integration reports issued by the testing labs. As mentioned above, any new addition of games would be reviewed and approved by the gambling authority upon B2C's operator direct submission for approval.

Each system has its specificity, but ultimately each game and each platform is tested before being put to customer’s use, under the same certification and testing standards by reputable test labs, well known throughout the industry, irrespective of the jurisdiction, such as eCogra, GLI, Gaming Associates etc.

It remains for the operators to do the math, but as we know it, a licence in Romania, despite relatively recent and significant tax raises, is more cost efficient and a relatively easy process to obtain. Where Malta’s recognition notice process is one opportunity MGA does not want to miss out on, this seems to be a good path for the operators to check more jurisdictions under an easier and more cost effective process.

Автор: Космина Мария Симион, управляющий партнер, WH Simion & Partners

Офис WH Simion and Partners в Бухаресте — это новый филиал, открытый WH Partners в Румынии, который предоставляет своим клиентам интегрированные услуги

Слово «конвергенция» в последнее время часто используется в Румынии.

В контексте Европейского Союза гармонизация законодательства (или просто «гармонизация») — это процесс создания единых стандартов на внутреннем рынке.

Цели гармонизации:

Создание единообразия законов, правил, стандартов и практик, чтобы одинаковые правила применялись к компаниям, работающим

в нескольких государствах-членах, и чтобы компании из одного государства не получали экономического

из-за различий в правилах. Снижение затрат на соблюдение нормативных требований для компаний, работающих на национальном или транснациональном уровне. Несмотря на наличие общих законов (директив и регламентов), регулирующих области права, такие как AML, закон о защите прав потребителей, регламенты по конфиденциальности,

налогообложение или освобождение от НДС, азартные игры не регулируются на уровне ЕС. Напротив, азартные игры считаются государственной монополией и регулируются или остаются нерегулируемыми по всей Европе.

Индустрия игорных заведений менее подвержена противоречию нормативных актов, поскольку по своей

Нередко национальное законодательство об азартных играх предусматривает возможность получения лицензии, учитывая условия, выполненные в другом государствечлене ЕС или на основании лицензий, выданных в этих странах. Румынское законодательство включало положения о сотрудничестве и соглашениях по обмену информацией с аналогичными органами других государств-членов ЕС. Оно также предусматривало возможность получения лицензии на основании сертификатов, выданных этими органами, подтверждающих выполнение необходимых условий. Однако эта статья никогда не применялась и была отменена при одной из последних ревизий законодательства за последние несколько

Тем не менее, Мальтийское управление по азартным играм (MGA) выдает сертификаты/уведомления о признании. На официальном сайте MGA поясняется, что «Уведомление о

признании — это документ, который признает разрешение, выданное другим государством-членом ЕС или

ЕЭЗ, либо страной, предоставляющей

гарантии, эквивалентные мальтийским.

Такое уведомление имеет ту же силу, что и разрешение, выданное MGA, и позволяет предоставлять игровые услуги на Мальте или с ее территории».

При подаче заявки на сертификат

признания в прошлом году к нам обращались крупные производители игр с просьбой о помощи в процессе и юридических заключениях относительно объема и пределов лицензии, которую они имеют в Румынии. Неудивительно, что MGA пытается установить сходство румынской лицензии B2B с лицензией, которой владеет производитель игр на Мальте. Однако выяснилось, что румынская лицензия не привязана к конкретной игре. Она позволяет производить и распространять любые игры на румынском рынке. Сертификаты для игр выдаются и пересматриваются властями после получения лицензии, каждый раз, когда клиенты B2C хотят добавить новую игру на свою платформу. В отличие от Мальты, где операторы

вопросом

ли румынские лицензии право или, наоборот, обязывают их владельцев предоставлять услуги только на румынском рынке. Хотя очевидно, что румынское регулирование может охватывать только румынскую юрисдикцию, это право, а не обязанность, Румыния не является закрытой юрисдикцией. Таким образом, если румынские лицензии признаются достаточными для ведения деятельности в другой стране ЕС или даже за ее

пределами, согласно законодательству этой страны, то румынское

законодательство не устанавливает никаких дополнительных ограничений в этом контексте.

Аналогично, что касается Уведомления о признании для операторов азартных игр, румынское законодательство предусматривает выдачу лицензий на дистанционные азартные игры для казино (включая покер), ставок с фиксированными коэффициентами, взаимных ставок, биржевых ставок, бинго и кено. Однако на момент выдачи лицензии проверяются и утверждаются только игры, включенные в первоначальный лицензионный файл, включая их сертификацию и отчеты об интеграции платформ, выданные лабораториями тестирования. Как упоминалось выше, любое новое добавление игр будет рассмотрено и

утверждено органом по азартным играм по прямой заявке оператора B2C на одобрение.

Каждая система имеет свои особенности, но в конечном итоге каждая игра и платформа проходят тестирование

перед их передачей заказчикам. Это тестирование проводится в соответствии с одинаковыми стандартами

сертификации и осуществляется авторитетными лабораториями, широко известными в индустрии, такими как eCogra, GLI, Gaming Associates и другие, независимо от юрисдикции.

Решение остается за операторами, но как мы понимаем, лицензия в Румынии, несмотря на относительно недавние

THE HUMAN EDGE:

unlocking global business with local insights

Balazs Kohut explores the evolving dynamics of international business, emphasizing the critical role of human mindset and relationships in navigating global markets, with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe.

Balazs Kohut is an experienced international affairs expert, specialized in strengthening business cooperation between Eastern European and Italian companies. As former secretary of state and diplomat, Balazs has more than 25 years of experience in international affairs using both the diplomatic and the business international channels of his network. Catch his keynote on the 3rd of September.

If we examine the establishment of international business relationships and their longevity, as well as the impact of new technologies, we get an interesting and complex picture.

We've known for years that our world is changing, and so it is with the business landscape. Today business decision-makers are no longer concerned about the fact of change, but more focused on the accelerating pace of change. Questions like, “Do I have to deal with blockchain and AI technologies and to what extent? and “"How much should I digitize our corporate operations and internal processes versus relying on human resources?" are now common.

The answers to these questions are individual and personalized in each case. However, one constant remains: behind every corporate operation, production process, and sales activity lies a structured and organically developing human network that keeps these processes running.

This is especially true for international business. When a company seeks new markets for its products and services, it always begins by understanding the consumer habits, mechanisms, and peculiarities of the target market. In essence, the company starts by building human relationships and, through this, gaining insight into the local mindset and decision-making background.

As we have all experienced, behind every business decision (perhaps the most important decision-making point) lies a human emotion: trust.

If - based on the information I have about the target market as a business environment, based on human experience - I do not believe that they will buy my products in that market (i.e. I do not trust their consumer choices), then I will definitely not decide to enter a new market.

What can we conclude from this? The use of new technologies is necessary and extremely useful for increasing the efficiency of corporate activities. However, ultimately, human minds continue to define almost everything in our business decisions, just as they have for hundreds of years.

эксперт в области международных отношений, специализирующийся

компаниями Восточной Европы и Италии. Как бывший государственный секретарь и дипломат, он обладает более чем 25-летним опытом в международных делах, эффективно используя как дипломатические, так и деловые каналы своей обширной сети. Послушайте его выступление 3 сентября.

Рассматривая установление и долговечность международных бизнес-отношений, а также влияние новых технологий, возникает интересная и сложная картина.

Мы давно знаем, что мир меняется, и это касается и бизнес-сферы. Сегодня бизнес-лидеров беспокоит не столько сам факт изменений, сколько их стремительно ускоряющийся темп. Все чаще можно услышать вопросы вроде «Стоит ли мне внедрять технологии блокчейна и ИИ, и в каком объеме?» или «Насколько следует автоматизировать корпоративные операции и внутренние процессы вместо использования человеческих ресурсов?» Ответы на эти вопросы зависят от конкретной ситуации. Однако одно остается неизменным: за каждой корпоративной операцией, производственным процессом и продажами стоит структурированная и органично развивающаяся человеческая сеть, поддерживающая эти процессы. Это особенно актуально для международного бизнеса. Когда компания выходит на новые рынки, она всегда начинает с изучения

Knowledge of the human mindset is extremely important in the world of global business. The mechanism by which businessmen get to know each other, present their own economic activities and get information about the intentions of potential business partners varies from continent to continent, country to country, and often even from region to region.

If someone is not sensitive to understanding the human mindset when developing a business, they take significant risks, may make poor decisions, or might fail to enter a new market.

I am convinced that this is where the CEE (Central Eastern Europe) region can play a pivotal role in the global economy and in the development of the global human network. Eastern European people are geographically and mentally situated between the Eastern and Western worlds. It’s important for them to understand human relationships, emotions, and the family background of business partners before engaging in business, but they also evaluate cold product features, business calculations, and the most efficient financing methods before making decisions. They avoid rushing into business and believe in allowing time for everything— though not too much time, as that could mean missed opportunities.

The CEE region is indispensable, with most of the world's global transit routes passing through. This isn’t new; historically, the Roman Road, the Silk Road, and the Amber Road also ran through here. The same holds true today.

CEE countries offer an excellent business environment and tailored incentive packages for international companies considering establishing an Eastern European HQ. Whether it is the construction of a logistics center, a distribution center, the relocation of manufacturing activities, or even conducting research and development, it is worth exploring the options by country.

My own country, Hungary, is proud to have had the lowest corporate tax rate in the European Union for the past 15 years and has been voted one of the top 10 investment destinations globally several times over the last decade.

In recent decades, we’ve all observed the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world in global politics, and business life has changed accordingly. Western societies are now looking eastward for business opportunities, while Eastern societies are targeting Western markets with new investments and developments.

The CEE region is an excellent meeting place for the two major poles - West and East. This is where European and Asian railway lines of different gauges meet, where goods are transhipped, where shipments arrive from the farthest reaches of the globe, and where people live who have historically played a transit role in countless international (both east and west) political, economic, and trade processes.

The importance of the CEE region in the global economy may not be measured in terms of GDP, but in the number of major international trade routes passing through and the development potential as the consumption habits of the nearly 500 million people living here continue to grow in all economic sectors.

I encourage you to continuously get to know and adapt new technologies to your corporate operations. It definitely makes their operation more efficient, faster and their decisions more wellfounded.

But always keep in mind: business processes are driven around the world by the human mindset and the network it creates. We need to be sensitive to this and its regional differences. Let’s confidently explore and leverage our human relations in the CEE region. The people here can navigate all directions and help us develop our businesses.

я сомневаюсь

предпочтениях местных потребителей), то я точно не буду выходить на этот рынок.

Использование новых технологий необходимо и чрезвычайно полезно для повышения эффективности корпоративной деятельности. Однако в конечном итоге именно человеческое мышление продолжает определять почти все в наших бизнес-решениях, как это было на протяжении сотен лет.

Понимание человеческого мышления имеет огромное значение в мире глобального бизнеса. Механизмы, с помощью которых бизнесмены знакомятся, представляют свои экономические интересы и получают информацию о намерениях потенциальных партнеров, различаются в зависимости от континента, страны и даже региона.

Если при развитии бизнеса не учитывать особенности человеческого мышления, это может привести к значительным рискам, неверным решениям или неудачному выходу на новый рынок.

Я убежден, что регион Центральной и Восточной Европы (ЦВЕ) может сыграть ключевую роль в глобальной экономике и развитии глобальной сети человеческих связей. Люди из Восточной Европы находятся на стыке Востока и Запада — как географически, так и ментально. Им важно понять человеческие взаимоотношения, эмоции и семейный контекст деловых партнеров перед началом бизнеса, но они также тщательно оценивают характеристики

Моя родная страна, Венгрия, гордится тем, что на протяжении последних 15 лет удерживает самую низкую ставку корпоративного

“The CEE region serves as an excellent meeting point for the two major poles - West and East - where people have historically played a transit role in countless international political, economic, and trade processes.”

The Emergence of a Single EU Crypto Regulation in the CEE Region

Words by Kornel Kalocsai

, Founding President of the Hungary Blockchain Association

The European Union (EU) economy is facing many challenges in the digital world, especially with the proliferation of crypto assets. The EU's response to these challenges is the MiCA (Markets in CryptoAssets) regulation, which will come into force in 2024. This new regulation aims to provide a unified legal framework for managing crypto assets across EU Member States, with significant economic and digital implications.

Introduction of the MiCA Regulation

The MiCA regulation will be binding in all EU Member States and is designed to enhance transparency and security in the crypto asset market. It includes detailed requirements for the issuance, trading, storage, and other services related to crypto assets. These tightened rules are expected to boost investor confidence while preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.

The regulation categorizes crypto assets into three main types: "e-money tokens," "asset-based tokens," and other crypto assets. Each category must meet different regulatory requirements based on its risk level. "E-money tokens" are similar to e-money and are subject to strict regulatory requirements, including material claims on issuers and value stabilization mandates. "Asset-based tokens" are also subject to stringent requirements, especially if they become widely accepted.

The regulation emphasizes consumer protection, prevention of market abuse, and maintaining financial stability. It will ensure that crypto providers maintain adequate capital reserves and provide clear and transparent information to consumers about associated risks.

Economic Impacts

The introduction of MiCA will have a significant economic impact on the EU. Firstly, the single set of rules will reduce market fragmentation, which has existed due to divergent regulatory practices across Member States. The benefits of a single market include easier access to crypto assets and related services across the EU, which will stimulate investment and innovation.

Secondly, the MiCA regulation is expected to enhance the EU's global competitiveness in the crypto asset market. The EU's strict regulatory framework provides certainty and stability, which could attract global investors. Additionally, the EU could emerge as a leader in global crypto asset regulation, potentially strengthening its economic position in the long term.

Impact on Digitalization

The EU's digital economy has already made significant progress in integrating digital technologies, but MiCA could further accelerate this process. Regulating crypto assets will increase the acceptance and use of digital financial services, facilitating the spread of digital transactions within the EU. Effective implementation of the regulation can help to enhance transparency and security in the digital economy, which is essential for the growth of digital markets. Moreover, MiCA can foster the development of the digital financial infrastructure in the EU. The regulation will require crypto asset providers to adhere to high digital security standards, which could drive technological innovation and development in the financial sector. This will create new opportunities not only for large corporations but also for small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in the digital economy.

EDIH - European Digital Innovation Hubs

The EDIH network, established by the European Commission, aims to support digital transformation across the EU, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the public sector. Members of the EDIH network offer technical expertise, funding guidance, training opportunities, and other innovation services to facilitate the widespread adoption of digital technologies, including free consultancy and training services for businesses.

In Hungary, DigitalTechEDIH is one of these hubs, supporting digital transformation. The hub's services include providing digital skills and training, investment advice, and developing cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, DigitalTechEDIH supports the application of blockchain technology, tokenization, digital financial solutions, and educational technology, thus helping domestic businesses and public sector organizations to evolve digitally.

Regional Impacts

The introduction of the MiCA regulation will have varying impacts across EU CEE countries. In countries where some level of crypto regulation already exists (e.g., Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria), the regulation is expected to further strengthen existing markets. These countries are likely to adapt quickly to the new rules and benefit from a stricter but more predictable regulatory environment. However, they may need to tighten their regulations at certain points, potentially imposing more administrative burdens on businesses.

Conversely, in countries where crypto asset regulation is less developed but digitalization is more advanced (e.g., Slovenia, Poland), the introduction of MiCA may pose challenges for local operators. In Hungary, where no crypto regulation has been introduced, both authorities and businesses may face challenges with the launch of MiCA. However, in the long run, these countries may benefit from a unified regulatory framework, as more transparent markets could become more attractive to investors and help develop the digital economy.

Reducing Crypto Scams and Fraud

The high level of fraud and scams involving cryptocurrencies in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries is a significant concern. According to a report by Chainalysis, Eastern Europe is one of the most affected regions globally, with only Africa experiencing higher levels of illegal crypto activity. This type of small-scale fraud has been challenging for authorities to tackle, but law enforcement has shown significant success in detecting largerscale crimes. With the launch of MiCA, it is expected that the number of such crimes will decrease, as authorities will have a broader framework to catch criminals or even prevent crimes.

The introduction of MiCA legislation in EU Member States, including Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, presents both opportunities and challenges. While the regulation is expected to increase market transparency and security, Member States will need to adapt to stricter legal requirements, which may be particularly challenging for smaller operators. However, successful adaptation could, in the long term, improve the competitiveness of these countries in the EU crypto asset market, while supporting the development of the digital economy and helping to strengthen the EU's global role in digital financial innovation.

MiCA

одновременно снижая риски отмывания денег и финансирования терроризма.

Регламент делит криптоактивы на три основные категории: «токены электронных денег», «токены, обеспеченные активами», и другие криптоактивы. Каждая категория подчиняется различным нормативным требованиям в зависимости от уровня риска. «Токены электронных денег» аналогичны электронным деньгам и подлежат строгому регулированию, включая требования к стабилизации стоимости и материальные обязательства эмитентов. К «токенам, обеспеченным активами», также предъявляются строгие требования, особенно если они получают широкое признание. Регламент акцентирует внимание на защите прав потребителей, предотвращении рыночных

Экономические воздействие

Введение MiCA окажет значительное влияние на экономику ЕС. Во-первых, единый свод правил сократит рыночную фрагментацию, вызванную различиями в регулировании среди стран-членов. Преимущества единого рынка включают более легкий доступ к криптоактивам и сопутствующим услугам по всему ЕС, что будет стимулировать инвестиции и инновации. Во-вторых, ожидается, что регулирование MiCA повысит глобальную конкурентоспособность ЕС на рынке криптоактивов. Строгая нормативноправовая база ЕС обеспечивает предсказуемость и стабильность, что может привлечь международных инвесторов. Более того, ЕС может утвердиться как лидер в глобальном регулировании криптоактивов, что потенциально укрепит его экономические позиции в долгосрочной перспективе.

Влияние на цифровизацию

Цифровая экономика ЕС уже добилась значительного прогресса в интеграции цифровых технологий, но

MiCA может еще больше ускорить этот процесс.

Регулирование криптоактивов расширит признание и использование цифровых финансовых услуг, способствуя распространению цифровых транзакций в пределах ЕС. Эффективное внедрение регламента может повысить прозрачность и безопасность в цифровой экономике, что важно для роста цифровых рынков.

Кроме того, MiCA может стимулировать развитие цифровой финансовой инфраструктуры в ЕС.

Регламент потребует от поставщиков криптоактивов соблюдения высоких стандартов цифровой безопасности, что может способствовать технологическим инновациям и развитию в финансовом секторе. Это создаст новые возможности не только для крупных корпораций, но и для малых и средних предприятий, стремящихся участвовать в цифровой экономике.

EDIH — Европейские центры цифровых инноваций Сеть EDIH, созданная Европейской комиссией, направлена на поддержку цифровой трансформации в ЕС, особенно для малых и средних предприятий (МСП) и государственного сектора. Члены сети EDIH предлагают техническую экспертизу, консультации по финансированию, образовательные возможности и другие инновационные услуги для содействия широкому внедрению цифровых технологий, включая бесплатные консультации

(например, Словакия, Чехия, Австрия), регламент может укрепить существующие рынки. Эти страны, вероятно, быстро адаптируются к новым правилам и извлекут выгоду из более строгой, но предсказуемой регуляторной среды. Однако им, возможно, придется ужесточить свое регулирование в некоторых аспектах, что может привести к дополнительным административным нагрузкам на бизнес.

И наоборот, в странах, где регулирование криптоактивов менее развито, но цифровизация находится на высоком уровне (например, Словения, Польша), внедрение MiCA может создать определенные вызовы для местных операторов. В Венгрии, где регулирование криптовалют еще

Высокий уровень мошенничества с использованием криптовалют

Европы (ЦВЕ)

серьезную озабоченность. Согласно отчету Chainalysis, Восточная Европа является одним из наиболее пострадавших регионов в мире, и только Африка сталкивается с более высоким уровнем незаконной деятельности в криптовалютной сфере. Борьба с этим мелкомасштабным мошенничеством оказалась сложной задачей для властей, однако они добились значительных успехов в пресечении крупных преступлений. Ожидается, что с запуском MiCA количество таких преступлений сократится, поскольку у властей появятся более широкие возможности для поимки преступников или даже предотвращения преступлений.

Введение MiCA в странах-членах ЕС, включая Венгрию, Словакию, Польшу, Чехию и Словению, представляет как возможности, так и вызовы. Хотя регламент направлен на повышение прозрачности и безопасности на рынке, государствам-членам придется адаптироваться к более строгим правовым требованиям,

Words by Samir Ceric, COO, Blocksport

Enhanced Fan Engagement through Tokenization and NFTs

One of the most compelling aspects of Web3 is the ability to create and manage digital assets securely and transparently through blockchain technology. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have already started to make waves in sports, offering a new way for fans to connect with their favourite teams and athletes. NFTs represent ownership of unique digital items such as collectible cards, memorable moments, and even virtual real estate in digital stadiums.

For instance, NBA Top Shot has successfully harnessed NFTs to sell video highlights of iconic basketball plays, creating a new revenue stream and engaging fans in a novel manner. This model can be replicated across various sports, allowing fans to own a piece of sports history while providing teams and leagues with additional revenue sources. Moreover, tokenization can extend to merchandise, ticketing, and exclusive experiences, all verified and secured on the blockchain, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud. Equally the likes of McLaren racing, home to the McLaren Formula 1, Formula E, Extreme E and esports teams and Ronaldo and Binance have also successfully built strong online communities in the digital realm off the back of NFTs.

“Looking to the future, integrating extended reality (XR), combining virtual and augmented reality with blockchain technology, holds immense potential for transforming the sports industry.”

Tokenization and blockchain options also include Fan Token Offerings (FTOs), Tokenized Loyalty Programs, and Digital Collectibles. FTOs offer direct fan involvement by allowing fans to purchase tokens, providing them with a direct stake in the team or community. This innovative monetization strategy generates funds directly from the fan base. Fans, in return, gain access to unique benefits and experiences tied to the team.

Sports and Virtual Football: Redefining the Playing Field

A new dimension of football has evolved in the digital era: virtual football and e-sports. Through the lens of Andy Miah's "eSports and the Changing Context of Football," it becomes clear that competitive gaming has profoundly transformed the sport. It has attracted a new type of fan base and blurred the lines between virtual and real worlds. Football clubs’ ventures into e-sports highlight how digital technology has become integral to the game. The professionalisation of virtual sports contests, especially within the FIFA football game series, has led many to recognize esports as legitimate sports.

Revolutionising the Gaming and Betting Industry

Web3 technologies hold significant promise for the gaming and betting sectors within sports. Decentralised platforms powered by blockchain can offer transparency, security, and fairness - addressing long-standing issues in these industries.

Blockchain technology can transform sports betting by ensuring transparency and fairness. Smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, can automate betting processes, ensuring that payouts are made promptly and without the need for intermediaries. This reduces the risk of fraud and manipulation, fostering trust among bettors.

Additionally, decentralised betting platforms can provide a more inclusive environment by allowing individuals from regions with restrictive betting laws to participate in a secure and legal manner. The peer-to-peer nature of decentralised betting removes the need for traditional bookmakers, potentially offering better odds and reducing costs for participants.

Web3 also promises to elevate the experience of eSports and fantasy sports. By leveraging blockchain technology, fantasy sports platforms can ensure the integrity of player statistics and results, making the games more reliable and appealing to participants. Players can use cryptocurrencies to buy in, trade assets, and receive payouts, providing a seamless and secure financial ecosystem.

In eSports, NFTs can be used to represent in-game assets, skins, and even player contracts. This not only provides a new revenue stream for game developers and professional players but also enhances the gaming experience by offering players true ownership of their digital assets. The ability to trade these assets in decentralised marketplaces adds another layer of engagement and monetization.

The Future Landscape: Extended Reality, Blockchain, and Beyond

Looking into the future, integrating extended reality (XR), combining virtual and augmented reality with blockchain technology, holds immense potential for transforming the sports industry. These technologies can completely change the fan experience, offering immersive and interactive ways to engage with sports. Fans could virtually attend live matches, participate in interactive training sessions with their favourite athletes, or explore detailed, 3D recreations of historic sporting events. By creating these rich, immersive experiences, XR and blockchain can bring fans closer to the action than ever before, enhancing their connection to the sports they love.

In the gaming and betting industry, these innovations can create more immersive and engaging environments, allowing bettors to place wagers in realtime while virtually "sitting" in the stadium or engaging in interactive gaming experiences that blur the line between reality and fantasy.

In conclusion, the advent of Web3 technologies presents numerous opportunities for the sports industry, from enhancing fan engagement through tokenization and NFTs to revolutionising the gaming and betting sectors with blockchain’s transparency and security and let’s not forget, by owning and managing the biggest asset of all, DATA. By embracing these innovations, sports organisations can unlock new revenue streams and improve operational efficiency while fostering a more inclusive and engaged community and offer their sponsors and partners a lot better ROI than currently in place.

As the industry continues to evolve, integrating Web3 will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports, creating a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. Industry leaders must stay informed and proactive in adopting Web3 innovations to ensure they keep pace with the digital revolution and set new standards for the future of sports. And they must also ensure that their biggest asset, their fans, benefit too not just via perks and rewards, but commercially and financially too, as content creators. And that is a lot of what Web3 is about – rewarding those who produce and create content in the process.

In 5 -10 years, blockchain and tokenization initiatives, products, and services are expected to account for more than 50% of the sports industry’s annual revenues. Considering some Premier League clubs already generate hundreds of millions of pounds in annual revenues, this burgeoning sector is poised to become a trillion-dollar industry. The future of sports in Web3 is promising; with blockchain and tokenization initiatives set to revolutionise how sports entities engage with their fans and their sponsors and generate new revenues.

Web3:

Увеличение вовлеченности болельщиков через токенизацию и NFT

Один из самых привлекательных аспектов Web3 — это возможность безопасно и прозрачно создавать цифровые активы и управлять ими с помощью блокчейн-технологии. Невзаимозаменяемые токены (NFT) уже начали набирать популярность в спорте, предлагая новый способ взаимодействования болельщиков с любимыми командами и спортсменами. NFT представляют собой право собственности на уникальные цифровые предметы, такие

EMPOWERING WOMEN in the iGaming Industry

Words by Elvira Lan, CBDO 1win

Imagine a leader. What traits come to mind? Persistence, independence, and determination are often associated with successful managers. Unfortunately, these narratives often tie these qualities to men, making it easier to picture a CEO, Tech Lead, or Product Owner as a male rather than a female. While times are changing, with more women advancing in their careers and stepping into leadership roles, this issue still demands attention and open discussion.

Why is this still a problem?

Stereotypes and established images significantly impact career advancement, especially for women. Labeling traits as masculine or feminine creates mental barriers for both employees and employers in making career development decisions. This imbalance not only affects women's career paths but also the economic growth of companies, as they miss out on working with highly qualified professionals and unlocking their full potential.

Why this happens: external and internal factors

Women tend to doubt their expertise and worth. Even with strong skills and experience, they may focus on what they are missing, questioning whether they should apply for a job or ask for a promotion. This can be caused by personal concerns, the environment in which a woman was raised, as well as a company's lack of motivation to develop its employees and inform them about opportunities within the team.

Numbers evidence the impact of these mental barriers. Despite increased leadership development programs and progress toward workplace equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. As of 2023, only 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women.

According to the World Economic Forum's 2023 Global Gender Gap report, women hold just 32 2 % of senior leadership roles, while the overall percentage of women in the workforce is 10% higher. In traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the numbers are even lower: women make up 29 9% of the total workforce but only 12 4% of senior management. In technology, information, and media—sectors where innovation should drive gender diversity—women hold only 33 2 % of leadership roles.

требует внимания и открытого обсуждения.

Почему это все еще проблема?

Стереотипы и устоявшиеся модели поведения

для женщин. Разделение черт характера на мужские и женские создает психологические барьеры и для сотрудников, и для работодателей в процессе принятия решений о карьерном росте. Подобный дисбаланс влияет не только на карьерный рост женщин, но и на экономический рост компаний, поскольку они упускают возможность работать с высококвалифицированными специалистами и раскрывать их потенциал в полной мере.

Почему так происходит: внешние и внутренние факторы

Женщины склонны сомневаться в своей компетентности и ценности. Даже обладая сильными навыками и опытом, они могут сконцентрироваться на недостатках, сомневаясь, стоит ли им подавать

What about the iGaming industry?

Today, women make up 46% of the iGaming industry workforce, a strong presence in a traditionally male domain. Interestingly, 22 % of executives in the industry are women. However, significant shifts toward inclusivity and diversity have only emerged in recent years.

For example, in the UK, around 20% of new iGaming companies founded in 2022 were led by women. In Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, the iGaming sector represents a unique case: more than 60% of employees are women.

1win cultivates gender-neutral leadership in the company

Beyond challenging stereotypes, it's crucial to support initiatives that encourage young women to pursue careers in technology and other traditionally male-dominated fields.

At 1win, we don't believe in "male" or "female" qualities, professions, or positions. For us, the only important criteria are professionalism and alignment with our values and corporate culture. This is reflected in our leadership: 59% are men, and 41% are women. While we haven't achieved full parity, we're close.

Our company offers various training sessions for employee career development. We encourage growth not only within departments but across the entire 1win ecosystem. Female leaders in our company serve as role models and mentors, guiding junior employees.

My own experience is a great example of how 1win supports women's growth. In three years, I advanced from Junior Affiliate Manager to Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO). Of course, hard work played a part, but the support from executives and colleagues was crucial. Motivation, mentorship, training, trust, and the opportunity to prove oneself—1win offers all of this to anyone who wants to grow, regardless of their gender.

“In three years, I advanced from Junior Affiliate Manager to Chief Business Development Officer. Support from executives and colleagues was crucial.”

числа сотрудников, но только 12,4% из них среди высшего руководства. В секторе технологий, информации и СМИ, где инновации должны способствовать гендерному разнообразию, женщины занимают лишь 33,2% руководящих должностей.

А как насчет индустрии iGaming?

Сегодня женщины составляют 46% сотрудников индустрии iGaming, что свидетельствует о значительном присутствии в традиционно мужской сфере. Интересно, что 22% руководителей в этой отрасли — женщины.

Однако значительные сдвиги в сторону инклюзивности и разнообразия наметились только в последние годы. Например, в Великобритании около 20% новых игорных компаний, основанных в 2022 году, возглавили женщины. В Восточной Европе, в частности в Болгарии, сектор iGaming

сотрудников — женщины.

Today, 1win initiates numerous development and support programs for employees. My female colleagues are driven to grow professionally and take on leadership roles. They aren't afraid to present ideas, take responsibility, and serve as role models for others. These women are the future leaders of the iGaming industry.

iGaming companies today are working to ensure that the next generation of leaders is inclusive, just as the customer base they serve is diverse. Industry leaders must continue setting examples for other companies.

This trend needs to be supported and expanded. Recognizing and valuing the strengths and perspectives women bring—rather than clinging to outdated norms—is essential to fully unlocking leadership potential and creating a stronger, more progressive industry for everyone.

уникальный случай:

культивирует гендерно-нейтральное лидерство в компании Помимо борьбы со стереотипами, очень важно поддерживать инициативы, которые поощряют молодых женщин к карьере

доминируют мужчины. В компании 1win мы не верим в "мужские" или "женские" качества, профессии или должности. Для нас единственными важными критериями являются профессионализм и соответствие нашим ценностям и корпоративной культуре. Это отражается в нашем руководстве: 59% — мужчины, 41% — женщины. Хотя мы не достигли полного паритета, мы близки к этому.

Наша компания предлагает различные тренинги для развития карьеры сотрудников. Мы поощряем рост не только внутри отделов, но и во всей экосистеме 1win. Женщинылидеры в нашей компании служат примером для подражания и наставниками, направляя младших сотрудников. Мой собственный опыт — отличный пример того, как 1win поддерживает рост женщин. За три года я прошла путь от младшего менеджера по работе с партнерами до главного специалиста по развитию бизнеса (CBDO). Конечно,

RELIVE THE MOMENT

We’re known for pulling off great networking evenings and 2024 held some of our most memorable events. From intimate dinners to relaxed get-togethers, this year stands out as one of our busiest, with global events lighting up the night sky throughout the year. Take a look back at some of the highlight gallery moments from a year of milestone moments.

Winning strategies: The SiGMA Asia Awards 2024

Dive into the insights of pioneering minds. Explore highlights from exclusive interviews with SiGMA Award winners from SiGMA Asia, revealing their strategies, visions, and triumphs.

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Navigating the Challenging World of Affiliate Marketing

Words by: Matej Cechvala, COO Affiliate World Conferences

Affiliate World Conferences

Matej has recently been appointed as the COO of Affiliate World Conferences, bringing his extensive industry knowledge to the table. With 25 years of first-hand experience in launching and managing affiliate campaigns, he perfectly understands the landscape and needs of affiliates.

Affiliate marketing has been my bread and butter since my late university years. I built my first website in 1998, and affiliate marketing turned out to be the perfect means of monetizing the traffic I was getting.

Over the years, I have learned to love this industry, which can be very rewarding but also challenging. "Adapt or die" is the ultimate motto of affiliates worldwide! Fail to keep up with the trends, and you stand no chance in the market. But those who can adapt keep reaping the rewards year after year, ultimately becoming the most valued commodity within the marketing world. Seasoned affiliates are the most marketing-savvy people in the world, and companies weigh their value in gold, literally.

The Biggest Challenge: Getting The Right Information!

Affiliate marketing is simple at its core. You need an offer, users to sell to, and creatives to make them interested and convert into leads or sales. But where to get the good traffic, what offers are good, and what makes a solid creative? These are the million-dollar questions.

Let’s admit it, affiliate marketing tends to be a lonely business. Many of us operate out of our homes, running lone-wolf operations where we have to know a little bit of everything. Naturally, this can be challenging, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the ocean of information out there. Needless to say, a large part of the publicly available information is often contradictory or just outdated. Learning by failing is the name of the game.

What’s the solution to this problem, you might ask? Build Your Network!

Every single experienced affiliate marketer could confirm that networking played a large part in their success. It was the same in my case; meeting with other affiliates expanded my horizons more than I could have ever imagined. And it also made the whole journey more fun!

I credit my success to two platforms that I relied upon for my networking needs over the years. One was an online forum known as STM, recently rebranded to AffiliateWorld Forum.com. This place and its members literally opened my eyes and showed me what was possible in the world of affiliate marketing. Several of the members I met online this way have become my real-life friends or business partners with whom I exchange information to this day.

What really took my networking to new heights was attending the Affiliate World conferences in person. Nothing beats in-person interaction! It’s at these events where special deals are made and information flows freely.

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Affiliate World, or any conference for that matter, can be a game changer for your business, but you need to work for it! Talk to company reps at their booths. Attend presentations of speakers from your verticals or niches. Participate in networking sessions and go to the parties, even when you’re tired. A relaxed atmosphere and a few beers can dramatically increase your chances of scoring a gold information nugget or two!

Your success in affiliate marketing depends on knowing what works right now, not a year ago. Verticals come and go, networks can run into financial problems, regulations change all the time… you’re either on top of the game or you’re out.

There is no better place to achieve this than an in-person conference. Being the largest affiliate conference in Europe, Affiliate World brings together 6,000+ industry professionals at every single event. This is the crowd you need to meet and network with.

Just one “right” connection can pay for your ticket, flight, hotel, and completely change the way you do business. Keep that in mind.

See you in Budapest?

Affiliate World Europe takes place in Budapest on 5-6 September, right after SiGMA East Europe closes its doors, at the same venue. It has never been this easy to attend both events at the same time, just extend your stay.

Whether you’re an affiliate or a company looking for top affiliates, we would love to welcome you at our event.

Матей Чехвала недавно занял пост исполнительного

Партнерский

моим основным источником дохода с последнего курса университета. Я создал свой

первый сайт в 1998 году, и партнерский маркетинг оказался

идеальным средством для монетизации трафика, который я получал.

Со временем я полюбил эту сферу. Партнерский маркетинг требует много усилий, но приносит щедрые плоды. «Приспособься или умри» — это главный девиз партнеров

по всему миру! Не успеете за трендами — не будет шансов на рынке. Однако те, кто умеет адаптироваться, продолжают пожинать плоды, становясь самой ценной частью маркетингового мира. Опытные партнеры — самые подкованные специалисты в маркетинге, и компании буквально ценят их на вес золота.

Самая большая

Партнерский маркетинг прост в своей основе: вам нужно предложение, целевая аудитория и креативные материалы, которые могут заинтересовать эту аудиторию и конвертировать ее в лиды или продажи. Но где взять хороший трафик, какие предложения работают, и что делает креатив эффективным? Это вопросы на миллион долларов.

Признаем, партнерский маркетинг часто бывает одиноким делом. Многие из нас работают из дома, управляя своими операциями и самостоятельно разбираясь во всех

аспектах. Это может быть сложно, и многие теряются в

огромном потоке информации. К тому же, большая часть

доступной

Как же решить эту проблему?

Создавайте свою сеть!

Каждый

успехе. В моем случае было то же самое; встречи с другими партнерами расширили мои

Выйдите из зоны комфорта

Affiliate World или любая другая конференция может стать поворотным моментом для вашего бизнеса, но вам нужно постараться! Разговаривайте с представителями компаний у их стендов, посещайте презентации спикеров, ходите на нетворкингвстречи и вечеринки, даже если устали. Непринужденная атмосфера и пара кружек пива могут значительно увеличить ваши шансы на получение ценной информации!

Ваш успех в партнерском маркетинге зависит от того, знаете ли вы, что работает сейчас, а не что работало год назад. Вертикали появляются и исчезают, сети могут столкнуться с финансовыми трудностями, правила постоянно меняются... Вы либо преуспеваете, либо выбываете из игры. Нет лучшего места для этого, чем конференция вживую. На крупнейшие партнерские конференции в Европе, организуемые Affiliate World, съезжаются более 6 000 профессионалов индустрии. Именно с этой аудиторией вам нужно знакомиться и работать.

Всего одно правильное знакомство может окупить ваш билет, перелет, проживание в гостинице и полностью изменить ваш бизнес. Помните об этом.

До встречи в Будапеште?

Affiliate World Europe состоится в Будапеште 5-6 сентября, сразу после саммита SiGMA Восточная Европа, который пройдет в том же месте. Это отличная возможность посетить два мероприятия подряд — просто

SEASONED AFFILIATES ARE THE MOST marketing-savvy people in the world, and companies weigh their value in gold, literally.

Words by: Ivan Kurochkin, Partner and Co-Founder of 4H Agency

High stakes and hidden opportunities: Cracking Hungary’s gambling code

Hungary’s gambling market, though restrictive, offers significant opportunities. Ivan Kurochkin of 4H Agency explores its challenges, recent regulatory changes, and potential for operators willing to navigate its complexities.

THE HUNGARIAN GAMBLING market is highly challenging and predominantly restrictive. Despite that, the market still holds some opportunities for interested operators. In 2022, Hungary’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) was approximately USD 750 million, with an estimated population of 9.6 million and an internet penetration rate of 89%. According to the regulator, land-based and online casinos and card rooms registered approximately 1.14 million players in 2021, with total stakes exceeding ~US$ 1,3 billion. In January 2023, new gambling regulations legalised online sports betting licences and ended the Szerencsejáték monopoly.

For land-based casinos, there are two primary categories. Category I casinos require a minimum of 100 game types and 1,000 slot machines, and must be operated by organisations with at least US$2.9 million in capital.Category II casinos, on the other hand, allow fewer than 100 game types and up to 300 slot machines, with a minimum capital requirement of US$280,000 (or US$840,000 in Budapest and Pest County). The administration and service fees for these casinos are capped at US$2,800, with the same supervision fee percentage as Category I, but with a maximum of US$14,000. Gambling taxes for both categories include a 30% tax on NGR up to US$28 million, and a 10% tax on NGR exceeding US$28 million. Licences are generally granted through public tender for up to 35 years, although many current licensees have bypassed this process by being deemed «reliable operators.»

Online casinos and slots require operators to first secure a land-based casino licence. The associated fees include an administration and service fee of approximately US$7,000. The gambling tax is 30% on NGR up to US$28 million and 10% on NGR exceeding US$28 million. There is also a supervision fee of 2.5% of NGR, capped at US$14,000, and an additional tax of 15% on the positive difference between online and land-based casino NGR operated by the same entity. Online slots are treated as online casinos, with the same licensing requirements.

For online betting, which has been recently legalised, the administration and service fee is about US$28,000. The supervision fee is 2.5% of quarterly NGR, with a minimum of US$280 and a maximum of US$28,000. There is also a gambling tax of 15% of NGR and an organisation fee of US$1.6 million for the licence duration. Online betting licences are issued for seven years and can be organised as totalizator or fixed-odds betting. Currently, there are only two issued licences.

Card rooms have different regulations. The administration and service fee for card rooms is approximately US$50 per card table. The supervision fee is 0.5% of quarterly NGR, with a minimum fee of US$14 and a maximum of US$2,800. The gambling tax is 40% of NGR. Applicants for card room licences must have at least US$70,000 in share capital, and the licence allows operation for up to 15 years.

In summary, Hungary’s gambling landscape is tightly regulated with various categories for land-based and online operations, each with specific requirements and fees. While online betting and card rooms are relatively accessible, online casino licences are tied to land-based operations, ensuring stringent control over the industry.

Hungary’s gambling market, dominated by state monopoly or limited concessions, presents challenges and opportunities for compliant operators. Sports betting and lotteries on land are monopolised. Although land-based casino licences are supposedly available to all through public tenders, they are mostly given through private tenders to a limited group of “reliable operators”. Despite its restrictions, Hungary aligns with the general European trend in the sector, contributing significant revenue to the state.

MARKET SIZE

$750 mln.

made up the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2022

(GGR)

Budapest

9.6 mln

estimated population

Recent years have seen Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Georgia, and Serbia emerge as some of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated online markets.

1.14 mln players in 2021

$1.3 bln

total stakes in 2021 общие ставки 2021

However, compared to Eastern European giants like Georgia, Ukraine, and Romania, Hungary’s market is weaker, characterised by a less open regulatory environment and infrequent positive regulatory changes. Nevertheless, Hungary, like other Eastern European countries, follows a unified trend of development in gambling. Recent years have seen Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Georgia, and Serbia emerge as some of Europe’s fastestgrowing regulated online markets, largely dominated by local specialists rather than Western European brands.

This collective progression indicates positive strides as countries learn from each other and move steadily towards a regulated and open market across Europe. Hungary also is known for its tech-savvy population and their increasing preference for online platforms, which drive sectoral growth. With promising market dynamics signalling robust potential, Hungary presents an attractive opportunity for gambling operators who can navigate its regulatory landscape. Adherence to local regulations and consumer preferences is crucial for securing substantial returns and establishing a solid presence in Hungary’s evolving and expanding market.

While online betting and card rooms are relatively accessible, online casino licences are tied to land-based operations, ensuring stringent control over the industry. В

NUMBER OF ISSUED LICENSES

Венгерский рынок азартных игр, несмотря на свои ограничения, предлагает отличные возможности. Иван Курочкин из 4H Agency рассказывает о проблемах этого рынка, последних изменениях в законодательстве и потенциале для операторов, готовых разобраться в его сложностях.

ВЕНГЕРСКИЙ РЫНОК АЗАРТНЫХ ИГР очень сложен, и в целом на нем много ограничений. Несмотря на это, рынок все еще предлагает возможности для заинтересованных операторов. В 2022 году валовой доход Венгрии

11 3 1 7

Only one monopolist, no other operators

NGR и организационный сбор в размере $1,6 млн на весь срок действия лицензии. Лицензии на онлайн-ставки выдаются

время выдано только две лицензии.

В карточных залах действуют другие правила. Административный и сервисный сбор для карточных залов составляет приблизительно $50 за карточный стол. Плата за надзор насчитывает 0,5% от квартального NGR, при этом минимальная плата составляет $14, а максимальная — $2 800. Налог на азартные игры составляет 40% от NGR. Заявители на лицензии на игровые залы должны иметь не менее $70 000 акционерного

Wicked Games has long operated behind the scenes as a third-party provider. How has the recent acquisition by Ikigai Ventures impacted the studio’s trajectory, and what does it mean for your entry into more prominent markets?

The acquisition by Ikigai Ventures has been transformative for us. For years, we quietly developed high-quality slot and crash games for major industry players, primarily targeting the Asian market. However, this acquisition has provided us with the resources, talent, and visibility needed to redefine our role in the global market. We’re no longer content with being a background player—we’re stepping confidently onto the global stage with a clear vision and a strategy that aligns perfectly with the opportunities ahead.

Our decision to relocate to Limassol and expand to Belgrade isn’t just about logistics; it’s a strategic move designed to fuel our growth and innovation. These hubs are set to become centres of excellence, where we’ll establish new benchmarks for the company on levels previously unimaginable. With Ikigai Ventures backing us, we’re not just entering the market—we’re making bold moves that will position us among industry leaders in the coming years.

The acquisition must be a pivotal moment for Wicked Games. How has it influenced your brand and company direction?

The acquisition has completely reshaped our potential. Previously, our growth was steady but limited. Now, with the support and resources from Ikigai, we’ve set an ambitious new roadmap—one that was unimaginable just a year ago. The most significant impact has been on our ability to attract top talent. In this industry, success is driven by the people behind the products, and we’re already seeing the benefits of our hires in both innovation and execution.

Our visibility in the industry has increased dramatically too. With the backing of Ikigai Ventures, founded by industry heavyweights like the SiGMA Group, we now have access to exposure on an unprecedented level. This opens up new opportunities for partnerships, giving us a clear competitive edge and solidifying our position as a serious player in the market.

WICKED GAMES: A New Era Begins

James Davies, Sales Director at Wicked Games, discusses the studio's transformation, strategic direction, and why

Can you elaborate on what this new brand stands for and how it influences your product and game design?

Our rebrand marks a significant turning point for Wicked Games— one that reflects more than just an expanded game portfolio. This new roadmap embodies our transformed identity, shaped by fresh perspectives from new stakeholders, a revitalised team, and a strong commitment to redefining our place in the industry. At Wicked Games, we believe that gaming should deeply engage players and leave a lasting impact. Our goal is to create games that not only stand out in a crowded market but also connect meaningfully with players.

We recognize that a brand’s strength is rooted in its people. That’s why we’ve assembled a team that embodies the true spirit of Wicked Games—ambitious, well-humoured, and aligned in both vision and execution. These qualities are at the core of our flagship games, and we’ve ensured we have the right talent in place to bring this vision to life. For us, cultural fit is essential because shared values and mindsets foster genuine innovation and excellence. This approach guides our future direction. The titles we’re developing represent a clear departure from our past and set the stage for our new trajectory. With our flagship releases, we aim to make a distinct impression—being direct, unapologetic, and creating the kind of word-of-mouth momentum that comes from truly standing out.

Wicked Games is clearly undergoing a significant transformation. Can you share more about the expansion efforts currently underway, and how these will shape the studio’s future?

We’re in the midst of a significant evolution, driven by strategic foresight and the strong partnerships we’re building. But we’re not just expanding—we’re evolving with purpose. Our initial goal is to roll out 24 games per year, but this is just the beginning. By the end of 2025, we aim to scale up significantly, establishing four distinct production lines, each focused on different game styles and player demographics. Our target is to deliver one game per week from each line—a bold goal that reflects our confidence in our team and our vision for the future.

Belgrade will be central to this evolution. We’re setting up a new development studio there, dedicated to building Wicked Games’ flagship content. The early previews at the Budapest Eastern Europe Expo will offer a first look at what’s to come—a showcase of the quality and creativity we’re committed to delivering, even in early access. The expansion doesn’t stop there. We’ve acquired a major live studio in Armenia, home to a 200-strong team focused on custombranded live casino products. This strategic move strengthens our live casino offerings and diversifies our product portfolio, offering clients outstanding and varied products through a single integration.

Additionally, we’ve secured a partnership with a leading production partner in India, significantly expanding our production capacity as we head into 2025. At the same time, we’re advancing our WKD-PRNT GDK and rebuilding our Remote Gaming Server (RGS) to ensure we deliver a product that provides our partners with unparalleled scalability, a seamless integration, and a superior player experience— all while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.

These ambitions are huge, and we recognize that achieving them requires scaling both our talent and technology. That’s why we’ve launched an intensive talent acquisition drive and invested heavily in upgrading our tech infrastructure. Our focus is on creating scalability, expanding into new verticals, and maintaining the high volume of output we’re committing to. In summary, our roadmap is as ambitious as it is achievable. With the strong foundations we’re laying down today, we’re not just aiming to meet our targets—we’re positioning Wicked Games to exceed them and reach new heights that were once considered out of reach.

“Our goal is to create games that not only stand out in a crowded market but also connect meaningfully with players.”

«Наша

How can potential partners learn more about Wicked Games and your exciting new direction?

Join us at Stand D-186 during SiGMA East Europe to explore our new direction and discover how Wicked Games can be a valuable partner to your business. You can also reach out to us at sales@wicked.games—we’d love to connect.

Also, if our vision excites you and you think you’d be a great fit, don’t hesitate to drop us an email. We have exciting roles opening up and would like to hear from you.

“We’re

no longer content with being a background player— we’re stepping confidently onto the global stage with a clear vision and a strategy that aligns perfectly with the opportunities ahead.”

работает команда из 200 человек, занимающаяся разработкой кастомизированных продуктов для live-казино. Этот стратегический шаг укрепляет наши предложения в сфере live-казино и диверсифицирует продуктовый портфель, предлагая клиентам отличные и разнообразные продукты через единую интеграцию.

Кроме того, мы заключили партнерство с ведущим производственным партнером в Индии, значительно расширив свою производственную мощность на 2025 год. Одновременно мы совершенствуем WKD-PRNT GDK и модернизируем удаленный игровой сервер (RGS), чтобы предложить продукт, обеспечивающий нашим партнерам исключительную масштабируемость, удобную интеграцию и превосходный игровой опыт — при этом строго соблюдая высочайшие стандарты безопасности

The Women Empowerment Project

In Ethiopia, the Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of women through its Women Empowerment Project. This initiative focuses on providing women with tailored educational programs and vocational training designed to enhance their skills and foster economic independence. By offering resources and instruction in areas such as IT, culinary arts, tailoring, and hairdressing, the project aims to equip women with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable livelihoods. Ultimately, this effort is geared towards promoting social empowerment and economic growth within the community, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.

In this feature we meet Tsion Tekle, a 19-year-old graduate from the project who has since launched her own hair salon in Bonga, and 2 generous sponsors helping bring the project to fruition - Focus Gaming, and Alea.

профессионального обучения, ориентированных на повышение их квалификации и достижение экономической независимости. Предоставляя ресурсы и обучение в таких областях, как IT, кулинарное искусство, шитье и парикмахерское дело, проект ставит своей целью вооружить их необходимыми знаниями и инструментами для устойчивого дохода. В конечном итоге, этот проект способствует социальному развитию и экономическому росту в сообществе, прокладывая путь к более светлому и справедливому будущему. В этом выпуске мы знакомимся с Цион Текле, 19-летней выпускницей проекта, которая открыла собственный салон в Бонге, а также с двумя щедрыми спонсорами, которые помогли воплотить проект в жизнь — Focus Gaming и Alea.

A CUT ABOVE: Empowerment in Bonga

Tsion's story is one of determination and hope. After completing her 10th grade, she faced the harsh reality of unemployment despite numerous job applications. Frustration and uncertainty clouded her future until she discovered the SiGMA Foundation´s women and girls empowerment project. This vocational training program in hairdressing is one of 4 areas of training offered by the Foundation, teaching her the art of cutting, styling, and colouring hair, along with essential business management skills.

"With the skills I gained, I was able to open my own small hair salon in my local community," Tsion shares. "It's been challenging starting my own business, but I'm proud that I'm now earning an income and supporting myself. I enjoy the flexibility and creativity that comes with being a hairdresser. It's very rewarding to make my clients feel confident and beautiful."

From uncertainty to empowerment

The empowerment project offered Tsion and many other women a holistic training experience. Beyond the technical aspects, the program covers small business management, financial literacy, and marketing. This comprehensive approach equipped Tsion with the skills needed not only to excel in hairstyling but also to navigate the complexities of running a business.

"Some of the key areas I was trained in included cutting and styling techniques for different hair types, colouring and highlighting methods, and sanitation protocols," Tsion explains. "The hands-on practice in a simulated salon environment was invaluable. Learning about chemical treatments like colouring and perming has also been fascinating. It's intricate work that requires precision and an artistic eye."Additionally, learning about small business management has been vital for successfully running my own salon."

Building a client base in a competitive market has been one of Tsion's most significant challenges. However, her perseverance and commitment to delivering excellent customer service have started to pay off. "Attracting and retaining customers has been an ongoing challenge, especially as a new business. But I've worked hard on building my reputation and customer service skills."

The training program has significantly impacted Tsion's daily routine, introducing structure and purpose. Her days are now filled with skillbuilding activities, commuting to and from the training facility, and intentional self-care to manage the demands of her new career. "The structured class schedule has given my days a new rhythm. I now have a clear career path and direction, replacing the uncertainty I previously felt about my future."

The program's impact on Tsion's self-confidence and outlook on life is profound. "As I've become more proficient in technical hairstyling skills, I've gained a real sense of confidence. The encouragement and constructive feedback from instructors have reinforced my capabilities. I now feel more self-reliant and capable of being my own boss."

New opportunities and aspirations

The hairdressing training program has opened a world of opportunities for Tsion. She now envisions opening her own eco-friendly salon, offering specialised bridal hair and makeup services, and creating a dedicated studio for hair extensions and weaving. Tsion also plans to give back to her community through workshops and demonstrations on hair care and styling.

"My primary goal is to open a successful, women-owned hair salon in the heart of Bonga. I've developed a robust business plan and am actively exploring financing options to make this dream a reality. Once I've established my salon, I want to create apprenticeship opportunities for young women looking to enter the hairdressing field."

Shaping the future for women in Bonga

The training programs are more than a vocational course; it is a catalyst for social change in Bonga. By providing women with in-demand skills, the program is equipping them with the means to achieve financial independence and security. Expanding the perceived boundaries of what women can achieve, and creating a positive ripple effect on their families and wider communities.

"Successful graduates of the program are inspirational role models for women in the community," Tsion observes. "Seeing their friends and family achieve economic independence and fulfilling careers opens up new possibilities and expands the horizons of what women in Bonga can aspire to."

The women who have graduated from the Foundation's programs have gone on to become role models and agents of change in Bonga. Building successful businesses and achieving financial security, but also inspiring the next generation of girls to dream big and defy societal expectations.

“As I have witnessed firsthand, when you empower a woman, you empower an entire community.”

Tsion's message to the SiGMA community is clear: "The transformative power of initiatives that invest in women's skill development, entrepreneurship, and economic independence cannot be overstated.

In the heart of Bonga a remarkable transformation is underway. Women, once constrained by limited economic opportunities, are now forging paths of independence and success through the SiGMA Foundation´s Women Empowerment training projects. We catch up with Tsion Tekle, a 19-yearold hairdresser with big plans for the future.

“Together, let us continue to champion empowerment and unlock the potential that lies within every woman. The time to act is now, for the future we envision depends on the actions we take today.”

If Tsion could sum up her experience in one word, it would be resilience - a testament to the power of investing in women and a rallying call to the SiGMA community and beyond.

"It's a reminder that when we empower women, we unleash a force of nature – one that can reshape communities, economies, and the very fabric of society itself."

It becomes evident that women's empowerment is not just an individual triumph but a collective victory for the entire community. Through skill development, entrepreneurship, and unwavering resilience, women like Tsion are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future in Bonga and beyond.

Partnering for Good: Meet Our Project Champions

Alexandre Tomic explains why Alea is on a mission to drive meaningful change, empower women, and foster sustainable community growth.

Our participation in the Awards and the SiGMA Foundation comes from our constant push to create positive change in the world. At Alea we truly believe in the power of collective effort that can drive social and human progress and help communities in need. We want to give back - and this opportunity allows Alea to contribute to a broader cause and support initiatives that make a real difference. We are more than proud to support SiGMA Foundation in their efforts to create opportunities, drive innovation, and help communities in need.

It’s an honour for us to participate in the Women Empowerment Project and we are thrilled to join it. This opportunity completely aligns with Alea’s core values and our commitment to push for positive changes in communities in need.

Our support of the SiGMA Foundation’s projects aims to create a lasting impact that on one side overcomes immediate benefits and on the other incentives sustainable development. We hope to see a long-term positive effect where empowered women can support their families and communities, playing a pivotal role and leading their communities to a greater social and economic stability. We hope this participation will create a scenario where these women not only gain valuable skills but also inspire others to follow similar opportunities for growth and self-reliance.

We strongly believe that the partnership with the SiGMA Foundation will continue. We will keep exploring opportunities to expand our contributions to other areas where we can make a meaningful and lasting impact.

As businesses that operate globally and benefit from diverse markets, we have a responsibility to give back to the communities. Supporting initiatives like the SiGMA Foundation’s projects helps to reduce gaps in education, skill development, and economic opportunities. Additionally, participating in philanthropic projects enhances our industry’s reputation among stakeholders, customers, employees, and partners. It demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility and our dedication to making a positive impact beyond our business operations.

Both Alea and I have high expectations for it to be an inspiring event. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the efforts and achievements of everyone involved in this project. We look forward to seeing the potential of the women who will be involved in the project. I truly believe that this ceremony will strengthen our relationship with the SiGMA Foundation. I believe that the event will highlight the results of our collaborative efforts and push our dedication to continuing this important work together.

The project inauguration is the perfect place to engage with other stakeholders and partners, giving a sense of community and shared purpose. I hope it will inspire our team and other companies in the industry to see the impact of these kinds of projects, encouraging more collaboration and support.

Мы очень гордимся тем, что можем поддерживать Фонд SiGMA в его усилиях по созданию новых возможностей, продвижению инноваций и помощи нуждающимся.

Для нас большая честь участвовать в проекте по расширению прав и возможностей женщин, и мы рады присоединиться к нему. Эта возможность полностью соответствует основным ценностям Alea и нашему стремлению привносить позитивные изменения в нуждающиеся сообщества.

Наша поддержка проектов Фонда SiGMA направлена на создание долговременного эффекта, который не только приносит немедленные результаты, но и способствует устойчивому развитию. Мы надеемся увидеть долгосрочный положительный эффект, при котором женщины, получившие нашу поддержку, смогут поддерживать свои семьи и общины, играя ключевую роль в достижении социальной и экономической стабильности. Мы надеемся, что это участие создаст условия, при которых эти

уровне и извлекает выгоду из множества рынков, мы несем ответственность перед обществом. Поддержка таких инициатив, как проекты Фонда SiGMA, помогает сокращать разрывы в образовании, развитии навыков и экономических возможностях. Участие в благотворительных проектах также улучшает репутацию нашей отрасли среди заинтересованных сторон, клиентов, сотрудников и партнеров, демонстрируя нашу приверженность социальной ответственности и стремление приносить пользу не только в бизнесе, но и в обществе.

Мы в Alea возлагаем большие надежды на это вдохновляющее событие. Оно станет возможностью отметить усилия и достижения всех участников проекта. Мы с нетерпением ждем, чтобы увидеть потенциал женщин, которые будут участвовать в проекте. Мы уверены, что эта

“As businesses that operate globally and benefit from diverse markets, we have a responsibility to give back to the communities

Alexandre Tomic - Founder

Partnering for Good: Meet Our Project Champions

Fernando Saffores, Founder and CEO at Focus Gaming News on supporting the SiGMA Foundation to champion gender equality and inspire change through collective action and community engagement.

At Focus Gaming News, we believe in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change. I remember last year, after an epic bidding war for a nice painting with my dear friend Vigen Badalyan, from SoftConstruct, I went up on the stage and said a few words to the audience. "These auctions represent a very small percentage of our EBITDA companies. If we can donate just 0.1% of our earnings, we can make a great difference to many people."

And this is why we try to do our bit for many people in need of the most essential things in life. The SiGMA Awards Art Auctions presented a unique opportunity for us to support a cause that aligns with our values of social responsibility and community engagement.

Focus Gaming News is incredibly honoured and excited to be invited to participate in the Women Empowerment Project. This initiative resonates deeply with our commitment to promoting gender equality. Becoming part of this project allows us to not only support a worthy cause but also to witness and contribute to the positive transformation of women's lives. We are very proud to stand alongside the SiGMA Foundation in this impactful endeavour.

Supporting the SiGMA Foundation is more than just doing our bit: it's the way we understand how to live this life, and how to be emphatic with others. We hope to achieve sustainable and long-lasting improvements in the communities we engage with. Our goal is to help create environments where individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

We are committed to leveraging our resources to raise awareness about the foundation’s projects and to encourage others in our industry to get involved. By backing education, healthcare, and empowerment projects, we hope to help people stand on their own feet.

Focus Gaming News will explore new opportunities for collaboration, such as sponsoring specific projects or organising fundraising events. Our goal is to build a long-term, strategic partnership that amplifies our collective impact.

Being close to these support causes is essential for companies in our industry because it reflects our broader responsibility to society. We are always talking about Social Responsibility in gambling: it's time to talk about SR also in real life.

Philanthropy helps to build a positive corporate image, fosters community goodwill, and enhances employee morale and engagement. Moreover, it enables us to give back to the communities that support our industry, creating a virtuous cycle of mutual benefit and sustainable development.

“We believe in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.”

Fernando Saffores - Founder & CEO

In an interview with Justin San, CEO & Founder of iCargo Pacific, and AIBC Startup Pitch winner, we examine its impact on their logistics innovations, and future plans for expansion and strategic partnerships.

SiGMA: Congratulations on your winning pitch at the AIBC Startup Pitch competition! Can you share what this win means for iCargo Pacific and how you plan to leverage this achievement?

Winning this recognition is a testament to our hard work and dedication to revolutionising the logistics industry in the Philippines. It validates our mission and gives us a platform to amplify our impact. We plan to leverage this achievement by expanding our technology solutions, forming strategic partnerships, and reaching more logistics companies, not only within the Philippines but also across Southeast Asia.

S.: What inspired you to venture into the logistics technology sector, and what keeps you motivated in your role?

As an entrepreneur, I faced significant challenges with last-mile delivery in the Philippines due to its 7,641 islands. Understanding these difficulties, I engaged with logistics companies to identify why deliveries were often expensive and slow. It became clear that the lack of technology infrastructure, efficient systems, and streamlined processes were major obstacles. This inspired me to create iCargo Pacific to address these issues. What keeps me motivated is the tangible difference we make in improving logistics efficiency and helping businesses grow.

S.: iCargo Pacific specialises in innovative solutions for logistics-focused SMEs. Can you elaborate on the specific problems your solutions address within the logistics industry?

iCargo provides technology solutions tailored for small and medium-sized logistics companies. Our offerings include tracking and monitoring systems, freight forwarding, last-mile delivery optimization, and data analytics. These solutions help streamline daily operations, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service reliability.

S.: You mentioned that your main passion is to solve problems in the logistics industry. What are some of the most common logistic hurdles your clients face, and how does iCargo Pacific help them overcome these challenges and optimise their operations?

One of the most common challenges our logistics clients face is the loss of parcels due to the lack of a robust tracking and monitoring system. iCargo’s technology addresses this issue by providing realtime tracking and inventory management. Additionally, inter-island delivery is a

В рамках интервью с Джастином Саном, генеральным директором и основателем iCargo Pacific, а также победителем стартаппитча AIBC, мы обсудили его инновационный подход к логистике и будущие планы по расширению и стратегическим партнерствам.

SiGMA: Поздравляем с победой в конкурсе стартапов AIBC! Что эта победа означает для iCargo Pacific?

Как вы планируете использовать ее преимущества?

Победа в стартап-питче стала признанием

стремления

логистическую отрасль на Филиппинах. Она подтверждает нашу миссию и предоставляет платформу для большего влияния. Мы планируем развивать свои технологические решения, формировать стратегические партнерства и охватывать больше логистических компаний не только на Филиппинах, но

во всей Юго-Восточной Азии.

S.: Что вдохновило вас работать в секторе логистических технологий? Что поддерживает вашу мотивацию в этой роли?

Как предприниматель, я столкнулся со значительными сложностями в сфере доставки на Филиппинах изза географического фактора: страна состоит из 7 641 острова. Понимая эти трудности, я начал сотрудничать с логистическими компаниями, чтобы понять, почему доставка часто бывает такой дорогой и медленной. Стало ясно, что основными препятствиями являются отсутствие технологической инфраструктуры, эффективных систем и оптимизированных процессов. Решение этих проблем вдохновило меня создать iCargo Pacific.

повседневные операции, повышать эффективность, снижать

что ваша главная цель — решать проблемы в логистической

ми. Кроме того, межостровные доставки на Филиппинах представляют собой значительную сложность из-за географических особенностей. Наши решения по перевозке грузов помогают клиентам находить наиболее эффективных и доступных логистических партнеров, обеспечивая беспроблемную доставку.

S.: Какие новые тенденции в логистике и технологиях вас особенно вдохновляют, и как iCargo Pacific планирует их использовать? Нас особенно вдохновляет распространение технологий искусственного интеллекта (ИИ). В iCargo мы приветствуем изменения и инновации. Мы верим, что ИИ сможет автоматизировать процессы и обеспечить хорошую интеграцию

significant burden due to the geographical complexity of the Philippines. Our freight forwarding solutions connect clients with the most efficient and accessible logistics partners to ensure seamless delivery.

S.: What emerging trends in logistics and technology are you most excited about, and how is iCargo Pacific positioned to take advantage of these trends?

We are particularly excited about the growth of AI technology. At iCargo, we embrace change and innovation. We believe that AI will automate processes and provide seamless technology integration in the logistics industry, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Our adaptive approach positions us well to leverage these advancements and continue offering cutting-edge solutions.

S.: With AIBC Asia being a great partner for outreach, what specific collaborative opportunities are you most excited about following this event?

We have received numerous inquiries from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and many other parts of the world. AIBC Asia presents a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with potential partners and collaborators in these regions, fostering relationships that can lead to mutual growth and success.

We are excited about AIBC Asia 2025 and plan to showcase our innovative solutions while meeting potential clients and partners. We will prepare by enhancing our technology demonstrations, engaging with attendees, and forming strategic partnerships that can help us expand our reach and impact.

S.: What are your expectations for the next AIBC Asia conference, and how do you think it will contribute to the growth and visibility of iCargo Pacific?

We are grateful to AIBC Asia for providing this platform. We expect the conference to significantly contribute to our growth by allowing us to present our solutions to a wider audience, fostering new partnerships, and gaining insights from industry leaders. This visibility will help us accelerate our expansion plans and enhance our services.

S.: What key pieces of advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech and logistics sectors?

As a believer in Zen Buddhism, I follow the concept of “good karma.” If we prioritise helping people first, good things will follow. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on creating value and solutions that benefit the community. When you solve real problems and help others, success and financial rewards will naturally follow.

и логистическом секторах?

Как приверженец дзен-буддизма, я следую принципу «хорошей кармы». Если мы делаем помощь людям нашим главным приоритетом, все остальное придет само собой. Мой совет для начинающих предпринимателей — сфокусироваться на создании ценного продукта и решениях, которые принесут пользу обществу. Когда вы решаете реальные проблемы и помогаете другим, успех и финансовое вознаграждение придут естественным образом.

«My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on creating value and solutions that benefit the community. When you solve real problems and help others, success and financial rewards will naturally follow.»

Redefining iGaming Analytics

with AI and Big Data

Blask is transforming the way we approach iGaming analytics. From developing their MVP to signing their first client, their journey showcases remarkable determination and innovation. Following their victory at SiGMA Pitch Asia 2024, we spoke with CEO & Co Founder Max Tesla about leveraging this success to accelerate growth, expand market reach, and continue pushing the boundaries of the iGaming industry.

SiGMA: What inspired you to create Blask, and how did you identify the need for such a platform in the iGaming industry?

The inspiration for Blask came from observing the intense competition in the iGaming market. It’s a red ocean, and companies are constantly fighting for market share. We saw a gap in the market for a tool that could provide comprehensive, data-driven insights to help companies make faster, smarter decisions. Our research, including insights from Les Binet’s work on Share of Search, highlighted the need for a tool that could benchmark market performance and support strategic decisionmaking. We wanted to create a platform that could simplify the data intelligence process, giving iGaming managers the information they need to thrive in a highly competitive environment.

S.: You’ve described Blask as the “Swiss army knife for B2B iGaming analytics.” Can you elaborate on what makes your platform unique? Blask stands out because we focus on brandlevel analytics. We aggregate data from various OSINT sources, including gambling commissions, regulators, and public companies, to create the Blask Index and calculate the Relative Market Share. The index itself offers a unique perspective on user interest in brands and allows for benchmarking market performance across different countries. Our use of AI and machine learning enables us to provide insights, such as predicting FTD and GGR metrics, discovering operators using computer vision worldwide, and tracking the change in positions of various casino games. At the core of our functionality are two state-of-the-art models that work in tandem to extract valuable insights from this vast pool of data:

Computer Vision Model: Our custom-built model identifies and classifies iGaming-related websites with exceptional accuracy, up to 91%. By analysing visual elements and layout patterns, it ensures that only the most relevant data points are considered.

SiGMA:

хватает инструмента, который мог бы предоставлять всестороннюю

менеджерам игорного бизнеса информацию, необходимую

Natural Language Processing (NLP) Model: Once potential iGaming websites are identified, our advanced NLP model, fine-tuned for the unique language and terminology of the iGaming industry, takes over. It processes and interprets the textual content of each website, determining the specific nature of the site, such as whether it is an operator or an affiliate.

Our platform offers instant market segmentation, enabling companies to easily track their nearest competitors, whether they are the top brand in Brazil or the 47th in Bangladesh.

Additionally, Blask’s daily brand discovery feature keeps users informed about new entrants in their target markets. By continuously monitoring the market for new brands, Blask helps users quickly assess the potential impact of these newcomers on their market share and devise strategies to maintain their competitive edge.

S.: What are your plans for Blask in the next few years? Are there any new features or expansions we can look forward to?

By the end of 2024, we aim to cover the entire world, moving beyond the United States, which is slated for 2025. Since the beta-version release in May 2024, we also added several new features that provide even deeper insights into market trends and user behaviour.

One key addition is the Marketing Mix feature, which will show the marketing channels where brands are being presented. This will give our partners and customers a comprehensive view of the marketing strategies and their effectiveness for the specific country market.

We also developed the Sport Calendar API, which includes extensive sports data with our own metrics. It showcases the interest, impact, and importance of every single league or individual match within specific geos of interest. This will be invaluable for companies looking to align their marketing efforts with major sporting events.

Another exciting feature in the pipeline is the Games & Game Providers section. Using computer vision technology, we identify all games and slots on operator websites and track their positions. This led to the creation of the Country Lobby, where all important information on user interest in games will be shown both at the brand level and the country level.

Additionally, we built an Affiliate DB, which tracks all affiliate offers in the country of interest. This provides our customers and partners with a highlevel overview of the affiliate market.

We are also enhancing our AI and machine learning algorithms to offer more precise predictive analytics and expanding our data sources to include more international markets, giving our clients a truly global perspective. Furthermore, we are looking to form strategic partnerships with other industry leaders to further enhance our platform’s value.

Our goal is to continue innovating and providing our clients with the tools they need to succeed in the ever-evolving iGaming industry. The journey ahead is exciting, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to better serve our clients.

две ИИ-модели SOTA (state-of-the-art), которые работают в тандеме для извлечения ценных инсайтов из этого обширного пула данных: Модель компьютерного зрения: Наша специально разработанная модель идентифицирует и классифицирует сайты, связанные с азартными играми, с исключительной точностью — до 91%. Анализируя визуальные элементы и шаблоны макета, она обеспечивает учет только наиболее релевантных данных. Модель обработки естественного языка (NLP): Как только выявляются потенциальные сайты, связанные с деятельностью iGaming, в действие вступает наша усовершенствованная модель NLP, адаптированная к уникальному языку и терминологии индустрии онлайн-гемблинга. Она обрабатывает и интерпретирует текстовый контент каждого сайта, определяя специфический характер сайта, будь то оператор или аффилиат.

Наша платформа позволяет быстро сегментировать рынок, что помогает компаниям легко отслеживать своих ближайших конкурентов, будь то ведущий бренд в Бразилии или 47-й по популярности в Бангладеш.

Кроме того, функция ежедневного ознакомления с брендами Blask

позволяет пользователям получать информацию о новых представителях на их целевых рынках. Постоянно мониторя рынок на

наличие новых брендов, Blask

помогает пользователям быстро

оценивать потенциальное воздействие этих новичков на их долю рынка и разрабатывать стратегии для поддержания конкурентного преимущества. S.: Какие у вас планы на Blask на

Это позволяет нашим клиентам и партнерам получить полное представление о партнерском рынке. Мы также совершенствуем наши алгоритмы ИИ и машинного обучения для более точной прогнозной аналитики, а также расширяем источники данных,

клиентам поистине глобальную перспективу. Кроме

1xSlots partners offers multiple solutions to clients and represents a fast-growing online casino brand. Various payment options, weekly payments, no extra fee and no negative balance for affiliates and provision of marketing tools to ease the experience and to reach desired goals.

1xSlots Partners is network you can trust and be profitable with.

Sarkis Karapetyan Head of SEO

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22Bet is among the most respected sportsbook and casino brands on the market, operating in 20+ regions, including Europe, LATAM, Africa and South-East Asia. 22Bet Partners affiliate program offers partners quality products, huge sports and casino games selection, variety of languages and local payment methods for top GEOs.

22bet.com

1XBET is an international bookmaker with over 10 years of experience. We offer casino games, slots and live casino products from world-leading providers. We offer an inhouse agent scheme and an affiliate program, and support more than 250 payment solutions from all over the world.

Customer Support is available in 30 languages, 24/7.

1xbet.com/en/

7StarsPartners is a leading multi-brand affiliate program with a track record of 10,000+ successful partnerships! Affiliates are the cornerstone of our success story, and we value them as our biggest asset! Since our launch in 2016, we’ve expanded our portfolio to include 7 reputable online casinos and sportsbooks. (Swiper, Spinanga, Rabona, Nomini, LibraBet, Buran and Casinia)

Krystal

Tsiattalos

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Adcash is a global ad platform for media buyers, affiliates, ad networks, and publishers. Our smart ad tech enables advertisers to reach international audiences and publishers to monetize web traffic with minimal effort. Spend less, achieve more or turn your traffic into cash - it’s up to you!

Katerina Wilde Senior Advertiser Manager

adcash.com

Alfaleads Group is an international holding company that includes the affiliate program Alfaleads Network, the search marketing agency Alfa:search and the influencer marketing company AAA Agency. Alfaleads Network is an international Affiliate Marketing agency with expertise in iGaming and Betting. Alfa:search is a search marketing agency, specializing in SEO, ASO, and Media Buying. AAA Agency is an international influence and special projects agency dedicated to transforming marketing campaigns into unforgettable experiences.

Roman Manuylov Alfaleads Group

alfaleads.net

Altenar is a leading turnkey sportsbook provider committed to meeting the unique needs of its clients. Renowned for its flexibility and customer-centric approach, Altenar specialises in customising solutions to new markets and audiences with the aim of being the most partner-oriented iGaming software provider in the industry.

Diego Salas Sales

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Alea is the number one casino game aggregator. Our platform currently aggregates over 15,000 games from top providers, distributing them to casinos worldwide. We provide our clients with unique insights into players behaviour and preferences, markets, and trends; with a secure and reliable single API. Nameand

Alexandre Tomic CEO of Alea alea.co

Alpha Affiliates is an industry-leading direct advertiser with a decade of experience in iGaming. The company’s unique brands, licensed by Malta and Curacao gaming authorities, are part of its extensive portfolio. With over 12,000 partners across 38 countries, Alpha Affiliates aims to emerge as a global player in iGaming.

Boris Pashnev CEO at Alpha Affiliates

alpha-affiliates.com

Amusnet is a leading provider, offering over 260+ captivating slots, table games, and an immersive Live Casino studio, boosting sign-ups and revenue for 800+ operators in 31 markets. The latest addition to our portfolio was the launch of our premium Land-based vertical in February 2024. We Master Gaming.

amusnet.com

Aviatrix is a next-generation online casino crash game featuring the best engagement mechanics on the market. The game has grown rapidly since launching last year, and has won numerous industry awards, including ‘Crash Game Supplier’ at the EGR B2B Awards 2024 and ‘Game Designer of the Year’ at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards 2024.

Anastasia Rimskaya Chief Account Officer www.aviatrix.bet

BetaTransfer Kassa is a reliable and secure payment service that will help you make payments in fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies from almost all over the world. The company has been working with leading brands on the igaming market for more than 8 years.

Alex Volk Business Development Manager Betatransfer Kassa betatransfer-merchant.com

It’s been an exciting two years for ATMOSFERA, as we’ve continued to captivate the market with our live casino games. We take pride in being a trusted and unwavering partner for over 50 market participants. Our dedication is fuelled by our ambitions, and our reputation is built on transparency and professionalism. I’m eager to connect in person!

Yury Ermantraut CEO, ATMOSFERA atmosfera.is

Barbara Bang has entered the LatAm iGaming industry, recently signing Brazil’s tier 1 operators. «Brazilian Carnival» will debut at SiGMA Americas, adding to the brand’s portfolio of 70+ games across over 1000 casinos worldwide. Certifications for Peru and Colombia are underway. The region can also enjoy the Drops&Wheels loyalty program.

Ahikam Raviv Head of Partnerships and Business Development barbarabang.com

BetConstruct is a global award-winning technology and services provider for online and land-based gaming industry. BetConstruct’s innovative and proven offerings include Online and Retail Sportsbook, Classic RNG and Live Casinos, Esports, Poker, Skill Games, Social Gaming Platform, Sports Data Solutions and more – all ready to be launched and managed through SpringBME, its pioneering Business Management Environment.

Sergio Gabriel Longo Regional Director Uruguay betconstruct.com

PBpay is a leading Crypto Payment Processor and OTC Broker, giving the opportunity to seamlessly accept and manage cryptocurrencies. We empower businesses to use the potential of crypto payments. Whether you’re looking to accept, buy or sell cryptocurrencies in large volumes, we’re ready to take your business to new heights.

Przemysław Borecki

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BGaming is a rapidly expanding iGaming content provider with a robust player-centric approach, constantly analysing player needs and preferences. With a presence on 1,100+ online platforms worldwide, the studio offers 150+ highquality games, including video slots, scratch, crash, and casual games with top industry mechanics.

Marina Ostrovtsova CEO BGaming bgaming.com

An iGaming and sports betting crypto brand with 3 years of experience, Bets.io supplies inclusive gambling to 20,000+ clients monthly and allies with 1,000+ partners to revolutionize gambling. Recognized by 3 consecutive SiGMA awards, Bets.io aspires to leverage the foremost of Web 3.0 in its upcoming ecosystem.

Amy Head of Digital bets.io

BETWINNER Sportsbook includes over 1,000 events daily. Over 400,000 online users bet with BETWINNER.com. We endeavour to give you the best experience. We use a personal approach for every partner, helping to maximize benefits by taking into account the peculiarities of the platform the partner is willing to use.

Niklas Fagerström Head of Affiliates betwinner.com

Bilderlings Pay is a financial institution with an EMI license in the UK, boasting 9 years of experience servicing the e-commerce and gaming industries. We offer reliable payment solutions tailored to the needs of the gaming sector. Our reputation and expertise underscore our leadership in the field of financial technologies.

Arturs Kocjurbenko Head of E-commerce Department bilderlings.com

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Alea is at the forefront of iGaming technology, offering seamless, secure, and scalable API standards. Our robust integration process not only meets but exceeds industry standards, ensuring the highest level of security and trust for our partners.

Top-performing brands that deliver real profit are at the heart of Boss Partners. With an excellent commission structure and dedicated support, thousands of partners trust and rely on a «Boss» partnership. Offering expert guidance and fostering mutual success, Boss Partners sets the benchmark for profitability and trust in the affiliate industry.

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With over 2000+ affiliates and successful partnerships. We represent a selection of the greatest online casino and sportsbook brands, built on top-tier software. Our team is built with dedicated affiliate managers who are ready to nurture partnerships into long-term relationships and help our affiliates optimize their traffic.

Andreza Majela Director of Affiliate Marketing campeonaffiliates.com

Our goal at Boomerang Partners is to be a game-changer in the iGaming industry. We manage 12 top gambling brands in 40 countries. In 2023, our partner network grew by 135%. Strategic initiatives, such as ‘Golden Boomerang Awards’ and our partnership with AC Milan, highlight our dedication to leadership.

Ivan Kraynov Co-founder Boomerang boomerang-partners.com

Experience rapid cryptocurrency transactions with BTCBIT, offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies, flexible payment options and seamless on/off ramp solutions. Scorex takes team management to a new level, allowing to identify team talents, weaknesses and strengths to make informed decisions. Scorex enhances your business processes swiftly, expediting employee productivity evaluation.

Jevgenijs Podbrezskis CEO

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Cash Bulls provides the best payment solution service on the market. Payment Service Provider, Gateway, White-label PSP, FTD Visa/MC, Personalized IBANs, Open Banking Solutions, INSTANT SEPA.

Oleg Slon Founder cashbulls.io

CCPayment is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency payment solution providing seamless, secure, and efficient transactions for global merchants. With a competitive 0.3% service fee, fast processing, and robust blockchain infrastructure, we help businesses thrive in the digital economy by offering innovative and compliant payment solutions.

Camelia Wang Product Officer at CCPayment ccpayment.com

COLIBRIX is a UK-based FCA-authorised EMI that provides payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes and types through a broad range of easy-to-use and cost-effective services including global card acquiring, digital wallet operations, cross-border merchant accounts, multiple APMs support, and current corporate accounts for legal entities.

Alexandra Westfal Kitina Head of Marketing colibrix.io

Belatra Games is a company with decades of experience in iGaming industry. Thanks to the right strategy and team of inspired professionals, we have an ability to create high-end games that fully complied with global standards and trends. Belatra games have unique mathematics and algorithms, outstanding design, various themes and diverse bonus features. We’re passionate about our product, and proud of our portfolio of exceptional games.

Misha Voinich Business Development Manager

belatra.games

CMC Consulting is a boutique HR & Recruitment Consultancy aiming to revolutionise the way that Gaming and Technology businesses approach HR & Recruitment. Based on their market understanding and client base, the company has quickly become a trusted partner within the industry. They are a one stop shop for everything HR & Recruitment related to help support businesses on their growth journey.

Cordelia Morgan – Cooper Founder

cmcconsultingmalta.com

Digitain is a sportsbook and casino platform provider offering best-of-breed turnkey and API solutions. With 20+ years of demonstrable experience, it has been awarded over 30 industry awards for its leading status. Digitain employs 3,000+ of the brightest minds, including 1,000+ traders, to provide a one-stop shop for its global partners.

Gevorg Rushanyan

LatAm Sales Team Manager digitain.com

Factory39® is a strategic consultancy engineering brands & digital products to drive business growth for some of the most ambitious companies in the world. We partner with growing businesses at crucial crossroads, helping them unlock the next growth phase. Recently, we rebranded Sigma, positioning them as the global iGaming authority.

Martin Zarian Co-founder & Full Stack Brand Builder factory39.io

Fintech Harbor Consulting is a trusted legal partner for gaming enterprises. With expertise in fintech law, we cater to the unique needs of gambling businesses. Our services include company setup, licensing, banking facilitation, IP protection, and trademark registration.

Bohdan Popovchenko

Senior

lawyer fintecharbor.com

EGT Digital is a Bulgarian fast-growing company in the iGaming sector. Its product portfolio includes a wide range of developments: casino and instant games, sports betting and the all-in-one betting platform X-Nave, providing operators with the technology and tools they need to create and maintain a successful online business.

Tsvetomira Drumeva Head of Sales at EGT Digital egt-digital.com

Fast Track is a disruptive technology company, recognised as the iGaming industry CRM leader and was certified as one of Europe’s best tech employers by Great Place to Work™. Fast Track provides over 150 operators a new way of working through a flexible, open platform, enabling teams to focus on innovation and growth.

Simon Lidzen CEO & Co-Founder

fasttrack-solutions.com

Unlock the potential of partnership with GG.BET Affilliates the direct affiliate program of GG.BET. GG.Affilliates thrives in top-tier markets across Europe, South America, and Asia, welcoming traffic from all sources. We promise long-term partnerships, accompanied by regular, reliable payouts: simplicity of CPA ongoing rewards of RevShare (up to 50%) or the best of both worlds with our Hybrid model .Seize the opportunity to align with a global leader in the esports betting industry.

Alina Vaselenko Affiliate Team Lead

ggbetaff.com

Considered the leader in tackling bonus abuse, Greco is the industry’s first Gameplay Risk Engine dedicated to identifying gameplay risks, and determining the true value of every player. Greco works with more than 40 operators to save time, save money, and improve the player experience.

Ozric

CEO

Vondervelden

thegreco.com

GlobiancePay is a NeoBank that offers a comprehensive suite of services for businesses of all types, including highvolume sales, online gaming, and various types of industries. The GlobiancePay online payment gateway, enables instant payments in multiple currencies—fiat, crypto, or digital funds, including stablecoin. Transactions are processed in seconds and fees are minimal.

Oliver Marco La Rosa

Founder

globiancepay.com

The trusted payment service provider in the gaming industry, offering card processing, open banking, and a selection of alternative payment options worldwide. As the stable and innovative payment partner, GumBallPay has industry-leading transaction approval rates, making it the preferred choice for iGaming operators worldwide.

Berta Shioz Partnership Executive

gumballpay.com

Groove Technologies, an innovative platform and game aggregator, is a one stop shop for all igaming content. With an extensive portfolio, advanced marketing tools, robust analytics, seamless integration, personalized lobbies, game recommender and so much more, at Groove we pride ourselves on helping operators and casinos flourish.

Yahale Meltzer COO Groove Technologies groovetech.com

Launched in April 2021, Highbet is a premier online casino and sportsbook offering seamless, exciting gaming. Licensed by MGA and UKGC, it ensures top security and fair play. With a user-friendly platform and a high-quality game library, customers can easily jump into the action.

Luis Alberto Lopez

acuna CEO

highbet.com

Intelligent Game is a leading online game developer which engaged in the industry for 25+ years. We have a strong, talented and fast reaction R&D team, dedicate to ensure exciting entertainment, experiences and player appeal, also consistently deliver very excellent game solution for different types of operators.

IREV delivers top-notch performance marketing solutions for advertisers, affiliate networks, and media-buying teams. Designed to launch and scale your affiliate program, IREV’s Partner Platform and Lead Distribution products are ideal for iGaming, Finance, and E-commerce business verticals. Experience true business growth, exceptional customer service, and complete reliability and safety with IREV.

Eli Vaksman

CEO

Irev.com

IGA Group maximizes client business potential in the gaming sector with expertise in legal, finance, compliance, AML, licensing, and more. Specializing in online gaming, we assist with MGA licensing and provide services in Malta, UK, Romania, and Curacao. We also offer online payment solutions and e-money licensing consultancy

Mario Fiorini

Co-Founder & Director

igagroup.com

Inwizo is a modern financial technology platform. Partnering with us lets you shortcut your way to a complete payments setup. Getting card payments up and running can be a complicated task, especially if you’re managing multiple areas. That’s where we come in.

Amir Babaev CBDO

inwizo.com

Dive into the unique world of Fish Shooting games with us! Beyond gaming, we offer comprehensive iGaming solutions and reliable 24/7 service to ensure your ultimate gaming adventure.

jdbgaming.com

JoinAff represents a cutting-edge affiliate program designed to cater to both seasoned iGaming affiliates and those new to the industry. The program offers a variety of compensation structures, including revenue share, cost per acquisition (CPA), and hybrid deals, ensuring that every partner can identify the optimal model for their business strategy. Company’s revenue share agreements are highly competitive, reaching up to 50%.

Artem Andriienko CMO

joinaff.com andriienko.a@joinaff.com

Lenkep is an International Recruitment agency specializing in High risk and IT. We connect top talents with unique job opportunities, ensuring a perfect fit for both candidates and companies. With the operations in over 20 countries, we facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships and foster professional growth worldwide.

Elena Rzianina CEO at Lenkep

enkep.io

With years of experience in many high-risk verticals JA Global provides solutions in banking, corporate services, acquiring and mass pay-outs. Led by Jim Austin, Founder and CEO, award winning entrepreneur, industry veteran and, motivational speaker.

Jim Austin CEO/Founder jimaustin.global

KNG Partners, is the ultimate casino and sportsbook referral platform empowering our partners to reign supreme. Our flagship brand, Kingmaker is a realm of opportunities where players can seize the throne and become true ‘kings’ by claiming monumental jackpot prizes. As a pioneering affiliate program, we aim to redefine the standards of conversion, retention and profitability in the industry.

Lena Oceretova

Head of Acquisition kngpartners.com

MARICORP CYPRUS CONSULTANCY LIMITED is an award winning Corporate Service Provider with its headquarters in the city of Larnaca and offices in Limassol. MARICORP is offering a comprehensive range of professional services including Company Formation, Banking, iGaming Licensing, Tax Planning and IP BOX.

Marinos Marinou CEO cyprusconsultancy.com

With over half a decade of experience in iGaming, Mate Affiliates stands as a premium and trusted Affiliate Program, boasting thousands of satisfied partners. Securing multiple recognitions in the field, Mate Affiliates offers one of the best commission structures in the industry, setting the gold standard for profitability and partnership trustworthiness.

Adam S. CCO

mateaffiliates.com

MelBet is a direct advertiser in the iGaming industry with headquarters in Cyprus. We have over 100,000 partners earning up to 60% profit from referred clients. We offer timely payments for CPA, Hybrid, RevShare, CPL, and CPI commissions, lucrative bonuses, and lifetime revenue share. Chosen by over 1 million players in 40+ GEOs.

Anastasiia Shcherbyna CMO MelBet Partners & Affiliates melbetpartners.com

Mascot Gaming is an exciting slot development studio on a mission to create engaging games that provide players with the most thrilling experience possible. Its slots combine striking design with sophisticated mechanics to deliver slots that stand out from the crowd. Its team regularly pushes boundaries, creating unique products.

Margarita Malysheva The Head of Marketing mascot.games

Megapari Partners is a top-notch affiliate program of the Megapari brand, established in 2019. Megapari offers its partners a reliable and transparent way to run profitable campaigns within its affiliate program. More than 15,000 affiliates benefit from a wide selection of payout options including individual deals, Lifetime RevShare, CPA and Hybrid programs. MegaPari is eagerly broadening its affiliate partnership base, paying attention to the industry research and talent acquisition.

Tatiana Baianova Head of Public Relations

megaparipartners.com

Lambda 8BIT Gaming, innovating with engaging 8-bit games, won a pitch at SiGMA 2023, Malta, and appeared in Barcelona and Sao Paulo, marking growth. With a 2024 focus on new 8-bit releases, we’re set for further recognition, reinforcing our niche and influence in the gaming industry.

David Sichinava CEO

lambdagaming.io

Old Money is a payment service provider that offers over 150 payment methods in 30+ currencies, customized terms, and the flexibility to adapt quickly to market changes. We take pride in our gentlemanly approach and professionalism, which helps us meet our clients’ expectations at the highest level and a competitive rate

Roman Chebotarev Head of Business Development oldmoney.group

Safe and honest crypto payment gateway We provide highsecurity crypto processing services, allowing you to accept payments in 50+ cryptocurrencies from clients. No hidden fees, no chargebacks, no holds. Enjoy instant top-ups with static addresses, automatic crypto conversion, and oneclick payments via Metamask and other Web3 wallets.

Eva Vilma Viana Sales Manager

passimpay.io

Next-on is your payment provider for merchants in the iGaming industry, offering a wide range of local and international solutions in a single integration. With us, you have access to over 100 popular payment methods in more than 300 fiat and cryptocurrencies to increase conversion rates and elevate your business.

Maksim Glibin CTO NextOn Next-on.pro

Optimove is the first Customer-Led Marketing Platform, and the #1 CRM Marketing Solution used by iGaming operators. Optimove’s CRM Marketing Solution provides iGaming and Sports Betting operators with unified player data, AI-led multichannel orchestration, and statistically credible incrementality measurement for every promotion, campaign, and journey.

Pini Yakuel Founder & CEO, Optimove optimove.com

Pay2Play is a leading payment service provider in the CIS region. Company is specialising in innovative payments for betting and online casino industries, understanding and meeting their unique needs. We provide secure and trusted solutions with simple integration and 24/7 custom support. Experience the future of payments with Pay2Play!

Anna Accounting Director

pay2play.cash

Paynovate delivers robust payment solutions, acquiring, issuing, and IBAN services. A licensed EMI ensures secure, compliant transactions, effective fraud prevention, empowering businesses with seamless payment processing.

Pieter Geeraerts

Managing Director

paynovate.com

Pocket Affiliate is an affiliate program of the trading platform Pocket Options. Among the many advantages are the availability of all GEO, up to 80% RevShare, and bonuses of up to 30% of earnings per week, one of the most profitable offers on the market.

Aleksandr CMO

affiliate.pocketoption.com

Payment.Center is a global payment service provider, enabling merchants to accept payments worldwide.

Founded in 2014, we serve more than 500+ merchants across various industries with more than $6B processed in annual volume.

Alexander Aukhariev CEO payment.center

PIN-UP is a full-cycle business with in-house products and services for the gambling industry. Our professionals are engaged in software development, investments, legal and financial support, management, affiliate marketing, and much more. PIN-UP Global constantly improves its products and services. We are always open to new partnerships.

Marina Ilina CEO PIN-UP Global pin-up.global

R2D Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program in gambling and betting sectors, offering unique deals from well-known brands like LEON and Twin with over 15-year history. R2D Partners aims to combine fresh ideas and extensive experience, providing affiliates with a reliable and profitable partnership.

Andrejs Proskurins Head of User Acquisition R2D Partner

r2d.partners

Royal Partners stands as a premier direct advertiser within the gambling sector with 10 in-house multilingual licensed casino products, including SOL, STARDA, DRIP, MONRO, and 1GO. The program offers custom-made hybrid, CPA and revshare commission models, significantly enhancing partners’ profitability levels.

Lena Royal Partners

Team leader of Influence&Affiliate at Royal Partners royal.partners

Smartbet is a leading iGaming software developer, offering innovative white label and turnkey solutions for online casinos. We provide a wide range of casino games, a flexible sportsbook, live casino, advanced CRM, and comprehensive back-office management.

Anush Apikyan

Head

of Sales at Smartbet

smartbet.llc

Revpanda, an award-winning digital marketing agency, empowers top iGaming brands in enhancing their marketing revenues through services such as SEO, PR & Link building, copywriting, translation, and payment method testing. If you’re looking to expand your online presence and increase organic traffic for your brand, meet the Revpanda team at Sigma!

Faruk Aydin Chief Revenue Officer

revpanda.com

Experience rapid cryptocurrency transactions with BTCBIT, offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies, flexible payment options and seamless on/off ramp solutions. Scorex takes team management to a new level, allowing to identify team talents, weaknesses and strengths to make informed decisions. Scorex enhances your business processes swiftly, expediting employee productivity evaluation.

Jevgenijs Podbrezskis CEO

scorex.me

Soft2Bet is a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators. The company is known for its Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), proven to enhance retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has deployed numerous successful iGaming brands and holds 11+ global licences.

Uri

Poliavich

Founder and CEO

www.soft2bet.com

SOFTSWISS is a global tech expert with over 15 years of experience in providing innovative iGaming solutions. The company’s ecosystem includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator, the Crypto Solution, the Jackpot Aggregator, Affilka, and Managed Services. SOFTSWISS transforms the iGaming industry for the better through tech innovations.

Max Trafimovich

CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) softswiss.com

Sumsub is a global full-cycle verification platform that secures the whole user journey with customizable KYC, KYB, transaction monitoring and fraud prevention solutions. Sumsub has over 2,000 clients across the gaming, fintech, crypto, transportation, trading and e-commerce industries including 10bet, Yolo Group, CopyBet, Unlimint, Kaizen Gaming and Chilli Partners.

Andrew Sever

Co-founder and CEO

sumsub.com

SoftGamings is a leading iGaming developer since 2008, offering its customers Turnkey and White Label Casino solutions, all top game and payment providers under a single integration, licensing and banking solutions and much more. SoftGamings is focused on becoming the best iGaming software solution provider and aggregator in the market with the help of our tailored solutions that meet the needs of every single one of our clients.

Raman Tsivonchyk

Chief Sales Officer

softgamings.com

Established in 2018, SPRIBE transformed iGaming with Crash games vertical. With 5000+ global operators, its flagship «Aviator» attracts over 12 million monthly players from Gen Y and Z. SPRIBE pioneers innovation with turbo games, poker, slots, and the Broadway Platform, offering quality and diverse gaming experiences.

Giorgi Tsutskiridze

Chief Commercial Officer

spribe.co/welcome

Swag42 is a premium corporate merch provider with production in the EU. We create merchandise collections and offer the largest catalog of designer merch clothes in the EU/US. Since 2018, we’ve delivered swag to 1K+ customers from 153 countries. We collaborate with renowned brands and offer a merch management platform.

Sandra Bondare Co-founder and Chief Designer of Swag42

Alex Bondar Co-founder of Swag42

swag42.com

The Kingdom Bank proudly offers personalised, secure, nextgeneration digital banking services and alternative payment options to international customers from around the globe and provides corporate and correspondent banking services, competitive FX rates and liquidity services, and payments in local currencies in over 80 countries. It delivers lower-cost and faster cross-border trade by challenging traditional payment methods, enabling you to send and receive compatible cryptocurrency payments to other businesses to make effortless B2B, B2C, SEPA, or SWIFT payments from wherever you are.

Pari Cross CEO

thekingdombank.com

TrafficManager is an affiliate tracking and management platform designed for direct advertisers, operators, whitelabel providers, and affiliate networks. It serves various industries, including gaming, online casino, and betting, offering comprehensive solutions for effective affiliate program management and performance tracking.

Florin Simovici Co-founder & CEO trafficmanager.com

TaDa Gaming excels in crafting top-tier, innovative games for mobile, consoles, and H5 platforms. With a focus on excellence and originality, our team delivers unparalleled gaming experiences and specializes in slots, fishing, crash and table games. We aim to provide better game content and new electronic gaming experiences to players.

Andy Huang

CEO

tadagaming.com

The Power Plugin is the first marketing tool for Gaming & Betting operators to attract and reward customers with unique sports collectibles. Create campaigns that offer memorabilia as Jersey worn by Messi or Cristiano. Use this innovative solution to build customer loyalty and stay ahead of competitors.

Giovanni

Falzone

CEO & Founder

thepowerplugin.com

Trueplay stands firmly at the vanguard of iGaming innovation, consistently dedicating its vast expertise to significantly enhance user engagement and retention. Through meticulously crafting and seamlessly integrating advanced gamification solutions, Trueplay redefines the player journey and offers unparalleled experiences that captivate, entertain, and guarantee players remain loyal and continuously return.

Alex Antsyferov Chief Business Officer

trueplay.io

Upgaming is a cutting-edge igaming solutions provider leading the market since 2014, providing a white label, Turnkey, and API solutions for Sportsbook and Casino products. Upgaming’s proven track record of providing reliable and scalable iGaming solutions has made it the trusted choice for businesses looking to enter or expand their presence in the iGaming industry.

Tornike Tvauri

CEO

upgaming.com

Vegas Legends might seem like a newcomer, but its founders are true legends in the iGaming industry. In just one year, they’ve launched three brands, revolutionizing the bonus system, gamification, and player treatment. Their affiliate system is dependable, offering exclusive deals for partners.

Bilyan Balinov CEO

vegaslegends.com

UltraPlay, an iGaming software provider, boasts extensive industry expertise, offering diverse products and services. It’s a component of ODDS Group, uniting ODDS.GG, NFT Pay, and Galaxy.bet. Mario Ovcharov, CEO of UltraPlay, with over a decade of experience in gambling and betting, spearheads the operation.

Mario Ovcharov

CEO

ultraplay.co

Uplatform is an award-winning online betting and casino platform provider. We specialize in delivering comprehensive sportsbook and casino solutions. With expertise in localization and seamless solutions, we empower businesses to thrive. Committed to understanding clients’ needs, we offer cutting-edge tech and ensure an exceptional iGaming experience.

Nelli Melik Head of Sales

uplatform.com

VIALET is a leading Lithuanian EMI, provides comprehensive digital banking solutions, including dedicated IBANs (SEPA Instant, SWIFT), multi-currency support, virtual corporate cards, acquiring, and open banking services, ensuring seamless C2B, B2B, and B2C payments.

Mantas Staliunas CEO

vialet.eu

Whether you’re looking to host your next meeting, or a memorable incentive trip to a Mediterranean location, the Maltese Islands are your next destination!

Whitelist Pron is an advertising agency providing tailored solutions to media buyers and publishers eager to grow their online business seamlessly. We are shaping the future of digital advertising.

Nello Stabile

CEO

whitelist.pro

Welcome to Winfinity, your guide to live casino excellence. Dive into timeless classics: roulette, baccarat, blackjack, enhanced by unique patented features. And get ready to be carried away by our debut game show! Luxurious studios, expertly crafted UI, faultless gameplay - we are here to deliver the best live casino experience.

Alex Holodnuks

Head of AM

winfinity.live

Voonix is a state-of-the-art stat collector and BI platform designed to save affiliates time and money. Our mission at Voonix is to empower iGaming affiliates by providing them with a comprehensive overview of their data, enabling them to make informed business decisions.

Morten Marcussen CEO voonix.net

Why play nice when you can play Wicked? We create slot games that are fun, fast, and straight to the point. Our current lineup? We’ll call it lean and mean—just how our players like it. We may not boast the most crowded catalogue, but each game we launch is a finely-tuned adventure, easy to pick up and impossible to put down.

James Davies COO

wicked.games

ZingBrain AI is a revenue-driving platform for igaming that uses machine learning so operators can deliver a truly personal experience to all users. It focuses on deep personalization and customization of the casino lobby, which generates a 5-15 percent GGR increase. ZingBrain was recently named best ‘Acquisition and Retention Partner’ at the EGR B2B Awards 2024.

Oleg Smolerov Chief Product Officer

zingbrain.ai

3SNET

Our partner, the international affiliate 3SNET provides around 1,300 offers from direct advertisers worldwide in the most lucrative niches: betting, gambling, dating, loans, and eSports. It provides individual rates for HQ traffic after the test run, ready-to-use creatives and links, API, smartlinks and a generous Referral Bonus of 2% and more.

Affiliate World

Affiliate World is the largest performance and ecommerce marketing mastermind you’ll ever experience. More than 5,000 of the top performance marketers around the world attend for enhanced networking opportunities and key takeaways to increase profits.

Affpapa

AffPapa stands as the ultimate iGaming directory, seamlessly connecting affiliates and operators to foster fruitful partnerships. Boasting a network of over 1700 affiliates and 300+ top-tier operators, AffPapa also hosts the prestigious AffPapa iGaming Awards and iGaming Club, a series of networking events, creating opportunities for valuable connections to flourish.

AW Summit

AWSummit, a multi-vertical conference in Bucharest, Romania, from September 12-15, provides affiliates, influencers, and companies exceptional networking opportunities, including engaging with exhibitors at the Expo Center, learning from industry leaders, collaborating with influencers in the Creators Area, scheduling private meetings in the Executive Lounge, and enjoying evening meet-ups and parties.

BEGE

Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) is one of the most significant gaming events in Europe. Every year BEGE features more than 80 companies from all sectors of the gaming industry as they showcase their newest cutting-edge products, services and solutions

Conversion Club

Conversion Club, a place of discussion where marketers from both sides of the spectrum can turn to for ideas on a new traffic source, check the legitimacy of a new network, or look for guidance with a stubborn campaign.

CPA.Club

CPA.Club is an international business community for exchanging experience in the field of affiliate marketing. The club was created in 2014 as a forum dedicated to Internet marketing. Today it has evolved into an open CIS community of professionals. It is the ecosystem which includes chat, events, cataloge, rankings, media, blog etc.

G3 Media

G3 Media provides global news, research, and expert insights to the gaming community via print, digital, and podcasts, across our brands: Pulse, Newswire, Wire and Insight, covering the land-based, sports betting and interactive markets.

Gambling Insider

Gambling Insider is the premier business-to-business publication and daily news website for the gaming industry. Our editorial team brings you the inside track on the global gambling market, interviews with the field’s biggest movers and shakers, and in-depth analysis from some of the sharpest minds in the business. Gambling Insider offers expert perspective on all the industry’s major talking points.

Gaming Intelligence

Gaming Intelligence serves the information and advertising needs of the global interactive gaming industry through digital and print channels, both in English and Spanish, and recognises industry excellence with the annual Gaming Intelligence Hot 50 awards

GBC Time

GBC TIME – an online magazine dedicated to gambling, betting, affiliate marketing and crypto in iGaming. GBC is operated by a team of experts who know everything about the most popular gambling and iGaming news

Global Gambling News

Our partner, the international affiliate 3SNET provides around 1,300 offers from direct advertisers worldwide in the most lucrative niches: betting, gambling, dating, loans, and eSports. It provides individual rates for HQ traffic after the test run, ready-to-use creatives and links, API, smartlinks and a generous Referral Bonus of 2% and more.

Grupo Zona3w & Zona de Azar

Zona de Azar® pioneers digital media by curating daily “News Clippings,” condensing expertise, experience, and professionalism. Our daily Newsletter informs over 12,000 Active Subscribers with the day’s key content, delivered promptly each morning.

IdolMe Agency has been propelling crypto businesses to unicorn status since 2013 by boosting brand awareness and unlocking the potential of early-stage projects. Their services include brand promotion, AMA sessions, and influence marketing, with tailored strategies that cater to the unique needs of each client in the dynamic crypto landscape.

iGamingFuture

iGF is a community powered media platform, created with the sole purpose of driving the industry forward, equipping our audience for what’s coming next.

iNTERGAMINGi Magazine

Published bi-monthly for the global online gaming sector in print and digital format, each issue of iNTERGAMINGi contains industry news, analytical features & interviews and includes sections dedicated to the sports betting, casino gaming and affiliate sectors

ISA-GUIDE

ISA-GUIDE.de stands for up-to-date and carefully researched news from the international world of gambling, exciting reports and interviews with industry representatives, product news as well as the latest court decisions in gambling law.

Traffic Cardinal

Traffic Cardinal is a top-tier affiliate marketing media containing tons of information: tools, tips, wide range of marketing services, and more.

Você no Hype

We are an influencer marketing agency focused on original productions and 360 degree experiences. We have exclusive influencer campaigns and strategies focused on branding, experience and conversion.

Yogonet

Yogonet.com is a digital newspaper dedicated to the gaming industry with daily editions in English, Spanish and Portuguese. With an average monthly readership of 200,000, Yogonet brings you the latest news on the gaming business every day.