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Eastern Europe

Exclusive Interview with Vaněk David – General Manager of Fortuna Entertainment Group

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Vanek David - Fortuna Group
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Our colleague Szaló Réka managed to interview Mr.Vaněk David, who is the General Manager of Fortuna Entertainment Group

 

Thank you very much for being available for this interview. First I would like to ask you to shortly introduce yourself. I have read in your CV that you have 17 years experience in Consumer Finance, and you joined the Fortuna Entertainment Group in January 2016. Why did you choose gaming, or may I ask: did the industry choose you?

Vaněk: I joined Fortuna via executive search company who interviewed me back in 2015. I found out about Fortuna later in the interview process. Once I found out the company name I immediately said: “this is the company I want to work for!”. Spontaneus Brand awareness of Fortuna is about 98% in the Czech republic therefore working for such a brand is also very prestigious.

Currently you are the General Manager of Fortuna Entertainment Group. Will you please tell us more about this association, its activity and its goals?

Vaněk: Fortuna Entertainment Group was established in 2009 on the basis of 3 companies operating in the Czech republic, Slovakia and Poland. Czech Fortuna however was established right after “velvet revolution” in 1989 and it is one of the most traditional companies in Central and Eastern Europe.

What role did or does Fortuna undertake in developing the legal gambling framework in your country?

Vaněk: We have been actively involved in development of new law that came to force in January 2017 and replaced old gambling act from 1990´s.

What is your opinion about the actual state of the gambling industry in the Czech Republic and in Europe in general? What are the major issues that should be solved and what role can Fortuna Entertainment Group play in this process?

Vaněk: First of all I would focus on the Czech republic. New law gave us opportunity to enhance our product offer by online casino and lottery products – online slots, poker, bingo. However it is important to state that this is very new to regulators who seems to me need to go through painful process of understanding key elements of this. And it has got impact on licensing, certification process that seems to be very long. From European perspective, there are interesting trends that can be observed also in our region: mobile first, more regulations, more online and less retail as well as consolidation.

I have read on your webpage that the company you represent has a clear vision regarding the future of gaming industry in the Czech Republic and why not of Europe. Please tell us about the future or near future plans of Fortuna.

Vaněk: Our strategy is aligned with trends I have mentioned previously. Our plans consist of expansion of products in markets we operate in and also geographical expansion in Central and Eastern Europe.

Fortuna Entertainment Group betting company operates on three European markets: the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Teel us please more about the characteristics of these three markets, the differences, or similarities of situations you have experienced so far.

Vaněk: I should add that we have recently acquired Irish based company who operates in Romania, Croatia and Spain and their B2B is also in Germany and other European countries.
Back to your original question: Czech, Slovakia market is very similar. Poland has been very specific in terms of size of offshore market (around 90%) and we are happy that Polish government is working now on this with the view to reduce offshore market in the future.

We know that Fortuna is a setter of trends and innovator in the betting industry in the Central European Region. What products do you offer to your clients and which are the most successful, the most popular?

Vaněk: Except traditional sports betting, we launched new online casino in the Czech republic in February as the first operator in the market, so this very fresh experience. Performance as well as feedback from customers is positive.
I’m personally proud of our new mobile app for sports-betting that has won some awards already and we are very excited to work on other features that will bring even better customer experience.

Which has been the most successful experience since you have worked at Fortuna Entertainment Group?

Vaněk: First one relates to 2016 performance where Czech Fortuna achieved all time high performance with year-on-year revenue growth in excess of 20%.
Second one I have mentioned already, that we were the first operator who got the license to operate online casino in the Czech republic. Licensing process has been very demanding and the fact that nobody else has received same license so far (June, 2017) shows how big success we have achieved.

If you could change anything in the world of gambling what would that be?I

Vaněk: My role is to make things happen therefore I don’t spend time thinking about this type of questions 🙂

Who is your favorite actor or actress?

Vaněk: Tom Hanks

Where would you travel the most in Central Europe?

Vaněk: Prague, Budapest and Vienna, of course. In addition I like for example Cesky Krumlov – beautiful city in south of Bohemia (part of Czech republic).

Which are those places in Central Europe that you are not interested in, and you would not like to visit them?

Vaněk: Every place is worth visiting – even places that are not looking nice or attractive will enhance your experience.

 

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Balkans

BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo

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BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo
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The most significant event for the gaming industry in Eastern Europe – the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGE) – will bring together leading companies, innovators, and industry representatives on November 27 and 28 for its 15th-anniversary edition. In celebration of this milestone, the organizers have prepared numerous surprises and special awards.

Once again, BEGE will offer a rich program, uniting industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, technologies, and inspiration. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the latest gaming technologies, try out innovative solutions, and enjoy impressive demonstrations.

Traditionally, the first and second days of the event feature the EEGS conference, where internationally recognized speakers will present analyses and discussions critical to the development of the gaming industry. Special panels will provide a platform for leading gaming experts to discuss the future of the industry, emerging trends, and initiatives promoting responsible gaming practices.

For the first time, BEGE will welcome startups, offering them the opportunity to participate in Gaming StartUp Challenge 6.0. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to meet with key industry figures. The most promising startups will be recognized and granted invaluable access to the experience and insights of industry leaders.

As always, the exhibition begins with the BEGE Awards ceremony, a symbol of recognition for innovation, outstanding achievements, and success across various sectors of the gaming industry, with awards such as “Online Provider of the Year” and “Online Game of the Year.” The awards will be presented on November 27 at an elegant dinner at Black&White club in Sofia’s Grand Hotel Millennium.

A key highlight of the program is the Proximity Zone, providing companies with additional visibility through live-streamed interviews and product presentations with leading global brands and experts.

BEGE is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the gaming industry. This year, more than 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected, making it a place where the passion for gaming and innovation meets business opportunities.

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Eastern Europe

ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino

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ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino
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Live content provider continues to expand into new markets with top online casino operator in Romania now offering its hugely popular games to its players

ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of premium live content, has made its debut in the Romania market through a deal with Princess Casino, one of the top online casino brands in the fast-growing market.

The deal will see Princess Casino gain access to some of the top-performing titles from ICONIC21’s portfolio of live games which have proven to not only meet but exceed player expectations in markets across the world.

This includes classic live table games such as Blackjack and Roulette (including French and Auto Roulette) and popular Asian formats like Baccarat, Bet On Teen Patti and Sic Bo.

Princess Casino players can also experience the provider’s Gravity Series which covers Gravity Blackjack, Gravity Roulette and Gravity Sic Bo. Gravity games take excitement to a new level with additional multipliers of up to 3,000x.

The studio stands out through the quality of its titles, with games broadcast from state-of-the-art studio facilities that make use of the latest audio, visual and streaming technologies. It also has a team of highly experienced game presenters that bring a wow factor to each of its titles.

This has seen ICONIC21 quickly become a must-have provider for operators in regulated markets across Europe and beyond and the provider is confident that players in Romania will be drawn to the high levels of entertainment its games provide.

Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, said: “We are always working hard to bring our games to more players in more markets and this partnership with Princess Casino is the perfect way to make our debut in Romania.

“Princess Casino is aligned with our commitment to provide games that entertain and excite, keeping players on the edge of their seats from the first round to the last.

“Our portfolio is varied, offering a wide range of live games and formats, many with our own unique twist such as our Gravity. We are confident players at Princess Casino will like what each of our games has to offer.”

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Eastern Europe

Stakelogic Announces Romanian Partnership with Game World Casino

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Stakelogic Announces Romanian Partnership with Game World Casino
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Stakelogic continues its expansion into Romania with strategic integration

Stakelogic, has once again strengthened its position in one of Europe’s most exciting jurisdictions, as it today announces that it has completed a strategic integration with one of Romania’s most prominent casino operators – Game World Casino.

Game World Casino is the player’s favorite choice since 1999 when its doors first opened to the land-based market. Since then, and with the emergence of online casino, Game World Casino has received multiple accolades and awards and is one of the most trusted and recognised online casino brands in Romania.

Stakelogic’s slot content will now be featured in front of a loyal new audience. Players can look forward to playing any one of Stakelogic’s slot games including Stone Gaze of Medusa and the developer’s latest release The Watcher™.

Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic said: “Working alongside such a prominent casino in one of the fastest growing regions in Europe, is a great opportunity for us, which is why we are incredibly proud to be partnered with Game World Casino.

“Romania plays such an important part of our expansion strategy and it’s great to see that our online slot content is in such high demand with players.”

Catalin Moise, COO at Game World Casino: “Our players are accustomed to our mission, which is to provide them with exceptional customer experience and to exceed expectations.”

“Bolstering our portfolio with quality slots from providers such as Stakelogic is a normal step that we do to meet player’s expectations, and we are very excited for this new partnership.”

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