Eastern Europe
Ukraine urged to get a move on with gambling regulatory update
Ukraine’s Attorney General has restated his approval of the country legalizing gambling, but operators are growing impatient at the slow pace of regulatory change.
Last week, Ukraine’s Attorney General Yuriy Lutsenko paid a visit to the town of Uzhgorod, where he staged a mock raid on an illegal gambling den and accused local officials of protecting the proprietors. Lutsenko insisted he wasn’t anti-gambling, but insisted that operators must obtain the government’s formal blessing.
Trouble is, Ukraine currently doesn’t permit legal gambling, having banned pretty much everything except lotteries in 2009. Legislation that would have legalized both land-based and online gambling was floated in 2015, but its unpalatable combination of high fees and other licensing restrictions left would-be licensees unimpressed, and the legislation was ultimately scrapped.
In April, Ukraine’s government offered assurances to the International Monetary Fund that the country would have a viable gambling regime in place by 2018, in keeping with the terms of the IMF’s economic aid package. Industry stakeholders offered to help the government craft more viable legislation but tangible signs of legislative progress remain elusive.
Last month, businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky, considered one of Ukraine’s 10 richest individuals, publicly rebuked the government for dragging its heels on reforming the country’s “shadow” gambling market, which he claimed was worth “about half a billion dollars.”
Yaroslavsky also reminded the government that it had required him to include a casino in the plans for his Premier Palace Hotel in Kharkiv prior to the country co-hosting the UEFA Euro 2012 football tournament. But despite having invested $12m to incorporate a casino into the hotel’s design, Yaroslavsky said “the requisite facilities remain idle.”
UGS 2017
Stay up to date with the latest developments by attending the Ukrainian Gaming Summit 2017. The seminary type conference is scheduled to be held on the 17th of November at the Hyatt Regency Kiev. The Summit will give way for the delegates to network with regulators, gaming experts, operators, software providers and investors.
A special report will be given about the Ukrainian gambling market and about the possible amendment that will take effect in 2018. The Summit will also focus on bringing a wealth of information about regulation, responsible gambling and technology from Eastern European region with world class speakers and regulators sharing their updates and advice.
Ukraine’s online gamblers certainly aren’t sitting idly by waiting for their government to act. The Internet Association of Ukraine (InAU) recently published an online traffic report for September, which identified Russian bookmaker Parimatch as the 16th most-visited website, with roughly one-quarter of Ukraine’s online population paying the site a visit last month.
Parimatch’s international marketing director recently announced that the company had seen its Ukrainian online customer base grow by nearly 30% in just the past year. The average bet per Ukrainian customer was just $5, with 60% of wagers made on football, followed by basketball (11%), tennis (10%) and hockey (5%).
Ukraine’s parliament intends to discuss its draft budget for 2018 at a meeting scheduled for October 19. The government has planned for 3% GDP growth next year and recently suggested that it was “open for any proposals” that would spur the “development and success of international and local business in Ukraine.”
Balkans
BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo
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.
Eastern Europe
ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino
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.”
Eastern Europe
Stakelogic Announces Romanian Partnership with Game World Casino
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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