Conferences in Europe
Riga Gaming Congress: speaker interview with Steve Donoughue
Steve Donoughue: A well-regulated and taxable industry is the best development option
Running a gambling business abroad not knowing the subtleties of its legislative regulation in a specific country is a huge risk for an entrepreneur. To avoid negative consequences, you should always consult industry experts.
One of them is Steve Donoughue, a consultant on business strategies and policies in the gambling industry. We talked to him about the specifics of his work, unusual situations with customers, and discussed which countries have the most loyal policy towards gambling business.
Steve! Could you please tell us about your responsibilities as a business strategies and policy consultant for the gambling industry?
I do four types of work.
I am a management consultant who specializes in gambling. I do strategic work for operators, such as casino feasibility studies, white papers and market entry strategies. I also provide licensing and compliance advice, so I help people get online gambling licenses in the UK and then advise them on how to stay compliant with UK regulations.
I am also in my final year as a PhD student and I am writing about the Gambling Act 2005, which is the law that governs Britain’s gambling industry, why it happened and the impact it has had. I’ve been researching it for four years and Iām writing the final chapter.
I am the Secretariat of the Parliamentary All Party Betting & Gaming Group. This means I look after 40 members of the British Parliament who are interested in gambling. I arrange a series of seminars that are held in Parliament where we get members of the industry and associated stakeholders to discuss topics of interest to do with gambling in front of an invited audience of Parliamentarians and members of the UK gambling industry.
Over the 20 years of experience, what were the most controversial events that you’ve encountered during your work?
The really controversial stuff is kept secret. A management consultant is like a doctor and keeps his clientsā secrets secret!
The most interesting work I do is when I am advising governments as then you are dealing with the very heart of the big issues about gambling: How much? What kind? Who can provide? Who will regulate it and how? You usually only have one go at it because governments have bigger priorities than just gambling and then there is always the fun of dealing with the anti-gamblers.
Are there any organizations that you’d particularly like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with governments in Eastern Europe because I find the countries fascinating and the people so much fun.
I also like working with governments in the Caribbean!
In your opinion, what European country has the most gambling-friendly policy?
I think the UK is probably one of the best of the big countries but it is getting less gambling-friendly. The wonderful thing about gambling politics is that things never stay the same. Itās like a pendulum, some years countries love gambling, some years they hate it. It depends on the relationships the gambling industry has with the government and also how much gambling has become a political issue.
Small countries, like Malta, which have a large proportion of their economy based on gambling, will always be gambling-friendly.
And if we’re talking about the whole world?
Fortunately, for our business the majority of the world is still developing when it comes to gambling. This doesn’t particularly mean they’re gambling-friendly, just that there are opportunities out there. Hopefully, countries realize that having well-regulated and taxed gambling industries is the best way forward.
What interesting issues will you be addressing as part of your presentation at Riga Gaming Congress?
I hope all I have to say will be of interest! I will be comparing Latvian regulation with the UK and, hopefully, showing how both countries can learn from each other.
Baltics
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Symphony of Innovation Takes Center Stage in Vilnius
HIPTHER, the organizer of renowned conferences in the Gaming and Technology industries and the parent brand of GameTech media, is thrilled to announce the dates for the 2025 MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit. Mark your calendars for May 27-28, 2025, as the event will take center stage at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva in Vilnius!
In this edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, the āSymphony of Innovationā will echo through the Baltic and Nordic regions. This summit continues its legacy as the regionās premier boutique-style gathering for leaders in technology, gaming, and beyond.
Since its inception in 2018, the MARE BALTICUM Summit has been at the forefront of industry transformation, offering a unique platform for C-level executives, compliance specialists, and government leaders to converge, share insights, and foster strategic partnerships. This yearās theme, āThe Symphony of Innovation,ā perfectly captures the essence of the eventāa harmonious blend of tradition and cutting-edge advancements across diverse sectors.
Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience, exploring the seamless integration of industries such as iGaming, Fintech, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality, FashionTech, Mobility, Climate Change, and EdTech. The summit promises to be a fertile ground for idea exchange, collaborative ventures, and a deep dive into the trends that are shaping the future of these industries.
Key Highlights of the Summit:
- Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Connect with top decision-makers and influencers from across the globe in an intimate, boutique-style setting.
- Insightful Keynotes and Panels: Learn from industry experts leading insightful discussions on the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the gaming and tech landscapes.
- A Harmonious Fusion of Industries: Discover how diverse fields are coming together to drive forward-thinking solutions and create new avenues for growth!
Zoltan Tuendik, Head of Business and Co-Founder at HIPTHER, stated about the 2025 edition of MARE BALTICUM: “Going back to Vilnius for the third time feels like returning to a place where innovation meets tradition, where every street echoes with memories of past conversations that shaped new ideas. Thereās something special about this city ā its warmth, its spirit, its ability to host brilliant minds from across the globe. Iām excited to once again walk these streets, knowing that this time, the āSymphony of Innovationā will play louder and more harmoniously than ever. Each time we return, we donāt just revisit Vilnius ā we build upon its legacy, creating new stories and connections that push our industry forward.”
Ā
Join Us in Vilnius: Each year, the MARE BALTICUM Summit celebrates and honors a Baltic capital, and in 2025, we invite you to experience this transformative event in beautiful Lithuania as spring breathes new life into the city. The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit is more than just a conference ā itās a vital forum for shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Register today – Super Early Bird Tickets Available: secure your spot at the 2025 MARE BALTICUM Summit and be part of the symphony of groundbreaking ideas that will resonate throughout the industry.
For more information and to register, visit hipther.com/events/vilnius.
Conferences in Europe
European iGaming Excellence Awards 2024: Online Voting Now Open ā Cast Your Vote for the Shortlists!
HIPTHER is thrilled to announce that the online voting stage for the European iGaming Excellence Awards (EiGE Awards 2024) is now open to the public and for the iGaming industry professionals to vote, in order to determine the Awards Shortlists.
European iGaming Excellence Awards (EiGE Awards) 2024: Celebrating Industry Excellence
The European iGaming Excellence Awards (EiGE Awards) 2024 marks its second edition, hosted as part of HIPTHERās annual European Gaming Congress. These prestigious awards spotlight outstanding contributions across the European iGaming sector, including online gambling operators, suppliers, testing laboratories, payment providers, affiliate programs, and industry innovators.
This year, the EiGE Awards are back, better than ever, and ready to celebrate every facet of iGaming excellence. Weāre introducing new categories to recognize the contributions of industry leaders and influencers, as well as highlight creative achievements in areas like Company Launch, Marketing Campaign, Tech Innovation, and more!
Online Voting Process: When, How, Why
The Online Voting session for the EiGE Awards 2024 is now live and will be open from 8 August 2024 until 26 August 2024.
How to Vote:
- Visit the main Voting Page featuring all 16 categories: https://hipther.com/events/egc/eige-awards/Ā
- You can vote for one or more categories, or for all categories.
- Each IP address is allowed one vote per category throughout the voting period.
Whatās Next:
- The online voting stage will determine the Shortlisted Companies.
- The Preliminary Shortlists* will be announced on 1 September 2024.
- The final vote will take place at the European Gaming Congress, where event participants will cast their votes.
*The results from the online voting will produce Preliminary Shortlists. To finalize these shortlists, shortlisted companies must confirm their acceptance to attend the event as Finalists. Only those who commit to participating in the event will be officially included in the Final Shortlists.
Promote Your Vote – Rally Your Network!
During the online voting period, HIPTHER will be sharing reminders on social media, and we encourage you, our Nominees, to do the same!
Leverage your network and prompt your followers, colleagues, partners, and clients to cast their votes. Make the most of your social media channels, blogs, and any other media platforms to share the exciting news, highlight your achievements, and rally support from the industry.
Promoting Fair Play & Community EngagementĀ
HIPTHER is raising the iGaming Awards standards by introducing the one-time-vote policy per category, while maintaining an open and democratic process that empowers the iGaming community.
To further enhance engagement, weāre introducing social share buttons for each category! After you vote, you can easily share your participation and encourage your network to vote as well. Rest assured, sharing doesnāt reveal your vote – it will just let people know you voted for a specific category in the EiGE Awardsā online voting session, urging them to follow your example.
Excelling Together!
Weāre excited to see your enthusiasm and engagement as we celebrate excellence in the iGaming industry. Your participation in the online voting stage is crucial to recognizing and honouring the standout achievements within our vibrant community.
Thank you all for being a part of this journey, and best of luck to our esteemed Nominees!
Let’s make the EiGE Awards 2024 a remarkable event together!
Conferences in Europe
iGB L!VE reaches new heights with 2024 attendance up 35% year-on-year
iGB L!VE has confirmed itsā status as iGamingās fastest growing and most valuable business exhibition, with the last edition to be held in Amsterdam prior to the 2025 relocation to London attracting a record 9,788 visitors from 131 nations.Ā
The unique attendance, which generated more than 20,400 show floor visits over the two exhibition days, represented a 35% year-on-year increase and was nearly double the 5,022 who were present at iGB L!VE 2022.
Reflecting on the historic event iGB Portfolio Director Naomi Barton said: āThis was the best possible way to say a massive thanks to the team at the RAI Amsterdam for all of their fantastic support and their contributions in helping to ensure iGB L!VEās status as the most popular and valuable showcase for the international iGaming industry.
āI am delighted that industry professionals turned out in record numbers to participate in what was the biggest ever edition of iGB L!VE, delivering over 300 exhibitors and sponsors.
āThe world-class exhibitor line-up was complemented by high profile features including the first iGB L!VE LaunchPad which was won by Match Hype whose product focused on delivering AI driven videos for sports matches and iGB ASCEND, iGB L!VEās mentoring and leadership initiative aimed at supporting women early in their gaming careers.
āThe first Sustainable Gambling Zone showcased the latest thinking on safer gambling, and the 21 session Conference Program featured over 50 thought leaders and industry disrupters.
āHighlights of the Conference Program included an opening address from Michel Groothuizen, the recently appointed chair of the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit, an Operator Key Note delivered by Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group and a presentation by Travis Geiger, CXO and Co-Founder of LA-based sports betting marketplace and affiliate WagerWire.ā
Looking ahead to iGB L!VEās relocation to London, Naomi Barton added: āThereās no doubt that we are moving to ExCeL London in the best possible shape having set new records across the board.
āOur vision is to take the show to a whole new level as the industry continues to scale. By 2028 we aim to grow iGB L!VE to 30,000 visitors and 550+ exhibitors and sponsors. We are working in partnership with an industry Advisory Board, made up of the most influential and pioneering stakeholders In order to realise the showās vision.
āThe new home at ExCeL London has established a fantastic track record of helping events to fulfil their potential and all of the building blocks are in place for iGB L!VE to achieve the type of growth targets that our stakeholders want, as well as delivering on the business value that they need.ā
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