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Exclusive Interview with Mihnea Popescu-Grisogono, Founder and President of Casino Life & Business Magazine

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Mihnea Popescu-Grisogono interview EEGaming
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Our colleague, Szaló Réka managed to interview Mr. Mihnea Popescu-Grisogono who is currently the founder and the President of Casino Life & Business Magazine, the first and the most popular gambling magazine in Romania.

The magazine was two times nominated as “The Best Offline Gambling Magazine” in the world at the International Gaming Awards in London, UK and its Facebook profile has more than 12000 fans. Casino Life & Business Magazine is a media partner to the most important gaming trade fairs in the world including ICE – London, UK or G2E – Las Vegas, USA.

Mr.Popescu-Grisogono organized over 100 international events all over the world out of which more than 30% were dedicated to gaming. Mr. Popescu-Grisogono holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics and a NATO Senior Executive Master and he was elected as “Man Of The Year” by the American Biographical Institute in 2004 and included in the “Who’s Who Contemporary” catalogue.

First of all thank you very much for accepting this interview. I would like to ask you to shortly introduce yourself to our readers.

Popescu-Grisogono: I’m 53. I graduated the Airships Faculty and International Economic Relations Academy, both from Bucharest. Afterwards, I also graduated the National Defence College. I have a NATO Senior Executive Master and lots of other qualifications which I’m very proud of. I have a very nice family and I love what I do.

When and why you started working in this industry?

Popescu-Grisogono: I started 11 years ago while thinking where the big money was and how I could reach it. I designed the Casino Life & Business Magazine project from scratch and, year by year, I added some new ideas in order to make it more and more viable and more and more useful.

Which were the most difficult periods in your career and what do you consider your personal success?

Popescu-Grisogono: It is hard to say. But looking into the past I think the most difficult period was 8 years ago when I suffered a heart attack. While I was in the hospital a couple of my employees tried to steal my business and started another magazine using our database, our clients and everything. What is more, they interrupted all our contracts. My personal success is that I have survived both the heart attack and my employees’ attack.

As the founder and the President of Casino Life & Business Magazine, the most popular gambling magazine and the organizer of several international events what is your opinion about the gambling industry in general in Europe and particularly in Romania?

Popescu-Grisogono: I think the gambling industry suffers a lot. Even it is one of the most efficient industries, making all governments rich; it is used like a scapegoat. During elections usually everybody blames it. Afterwards everybody wants to get as much as they can out of it. The same goes for Romania.

What are the major problems, challenges this industry in Romania has to face and what solutions would you suggest for these problems?

Popescu-Grisogono: In this moment Romanian has one of the best gaming legislations in the world. The only problem for Romania is that the people are not rich enough. This leads us to the core: on one hand they can not play as much as they would want to and on the other hand the players want to get rich out of gambling. Gambling is for fun not for getting rich – this is very hard to understand by some.
Also, I’m sure some investors will say that taxes are very high which I totally disagree. If you want to take high advantages from this industry you also have to pay at the same level.

I don’t want to give any suggestions. We are a media vehicle and we want to keep it that way. There are a lot of consultants ready to give suggestions.

What do you think about the future of the Eastern European gambling industry, especially focusing on the markets you have more experience in?

Popescu-Grisogono: There are more points that have to be touched; and not only for the Eastern European countries. One is that all the countries should give full permission to gambling. Gambling is in the human nature. No one can stop it. So, if one country will try to stop or limit it, the players will go underground and the industry will become also dangerous. Another thing is that the investors should try to understand the changes which happen in today’s industry: the mixture between the land-based and the online gambling. Another point is linked to the legislations and regulations. My opinion is that countries should try to relax the regulations and this way they would collect more money out of this business. Last but not least there are the responsible gambling projects. Each country should have something like this.

What upcoming events is the company focusing on nowadays and how prepared is the company for these events?

Popescu-Grisogono: We live out of our new project so, we are ready to perform. We think on projects which are more and more useful to our readers and to our partners. We also propose to our partners news projects and new ideas, tailor-made for them. If they develop we will develop. It is a win-win situation.

Tell us please about the future plans, projects of Casino Life & Business Magazine.

Popescu-Grisogono: The market is global. So, this is our goal; to play in the first league. We started with media partnerships all over the world. After that we start granting the Casino International Awards at ICE. These days we are launching a TV channel, just for gambling events. In the near future we will be involving in international projects. But, most important: we will preserve our high quality products because only having high standards one can succeed.

What can you tell us about your readers? Which are the most popular topics they are interested in, and do you have a permanent communication with your readers? Do you consider this important?

Popescu-Grisogono: Our readers are smarter then others. They believe in us and we treat them well. We ask them 4-5 times a year about their opinion for the Awards Gala (local or international) and we value their answers. We do not cheat on them and they are loyal to us. Actually they are our most valuable asset. We have a drop box were they can leave their suggestions and we keep a permanent contact with them.

Who is your favorite actor or actress?

Popescu-Grisogono: Richard Gere and Salma Hayek

Where would you travel the most in Central Europe?

Popescu-Grisogono: Unfortunately Central Europe is not my favorite place to travel to. I prefer exotic destinations.

What is your hobby?

Popescu-Grisogono: Driving, gardening and above all Philosophy.

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Eastern Europe

EveryMatrix opens new eco-friendly HQ in Bucharest as it announces 1,000th employee

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EveryMatrix opens new eco-friendly HQ in Bucharest as it announces 1,000th employee
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EveryMatrix has officially inaugurated its new development hub, located at the heart of Bucharest, Romania, while also reaching a milestone of 1,000 employees. 

In collaboration with STRABAG Real Estate, construction on the cutting-edge business hub commenced in 2022 with the building now open, providing the tier-1 iGaming supplier’s Bucharest-based team of 400+ staff and growing with a modern, eco-conscious workspace.

EveryMatrix has also surpassed the 1,000-employee mark, just 16 years after it was founded in 2008. The company’s purely organic growth has sky-rocketed in the last four years, with the number of staff increasing by 90%, up from 525 employees in 2020 to 1,000 today. The business announced record profitability in 2023.

The new office is situated near University Square, the city’s focal point with the central location streamlining commute times, making it easily accessible to employees, clients, and partners.

Equipped with a large in-house gym, spa, pool, garden and state-of-the-art amenities across six dedicated floors, as well as free electric car charging points for all staff to encourage switching from fossil fuelled transport, Arghezi 4 was designed to offer the best working experience and environment, catering to the diverse needs of EveryMatrix’s employees.

Click here for an exclusive glimpse into the office and the benefits and features of the building’s beautifully crafted interiors.

The building meets rigorous LEED V4 Gold green certification using sustainable construction practices to minimise environmental and human health risks. Employing building materials and construction methods that are not harmful to the climate and environment, the new office sets a new standard for corporate and environmental responsibility.

Ebbe Groes, Group CEO, EveryMatrix, said: “Building our own HQ has been very exciting but has equally involved a great deal of work. This is our first purpose-built office here, so its opening, combined with our 1,000th employee represents a special moment in the company’s 16-year history.

“We are continually investing in the development of the business and its culture for both the well-being of our employees and to futureproof EveryMatrix, and I know from speaking to many of the teams here that it ticks all the boxes for our colleagues’ happiness.”

Marius Iancu, Global Head of HR, EveryMatrix, added: “This building is not just a new office; it also serves as an important part of our talent acquisition strategy from 2024 onwards. Every one of its elements has been designed to position EveryMatrix as an employer of choice and provide our teams with a work-life experience that goes beyond expectations.

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Eastern Europe

Wazdan boosts Romania footprint with Totogaming deal

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Wazdan boosts Romania footprint with Totogaming deal
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Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, has further bolstered its presence in the regulated Romanian market after partnering with Totogaming.

The agreement has initially seen Wazdan provide 12 of its most popular titles to the online casino, including Magic Spins™, Hot Slot™:777 Rubies, Sizzling Eggs™ and the player-favourite Coins™ series.

Following the first tranche of games, more will be rolled out over the coming months as the supplier continues to deliver proven titles that resonate well with local customers.

It is the latest commercial expansion by Wazdan, which has enjoyed a strong start to the year, launching a number of key titles as well as undergoing a rebrand, which was revealed at ICE London.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “Our commercial expansion into key European regulated markets is a focal point for us, and we’re very happy to further grow our Romanian footprint in partnership with Totogaming.

“Our products have been well received in Romania already and we’re confident that we can add more value to Totogaming’s casino offering.”

Totogaming’s Product Directions Development Unit Manager, Kamօ Mayilyan said: “Wazdan has a reputation for creating exceptional, tech-friendly products and we’re delighted to add 12 of its best-performing games to our online portfolio.

With a long-term approach to our rollout collaboration, we look forward to enjoying an exciting relationship together.”

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Eastern Europe

Betano and the Romanian Football Federation extend partnership until 2030

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Betano and the Romanian Football Federation extend partnership until 2030
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s premium brand, announced the extension of their strategic partnership with the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) until 2030. The announcement represents a major milestone in this partnership and demonstrates Betano’s and FRF’s shared commitment to promoting excellence in sport in Romania.

Over the past two years, Betano and FRF have combined their vision and expertise for the growth of the Cupa Romaniei Betano, one of the most loved football competitions in Romania. The current competition season introduced a new format of the Cup, bringing the game closer to the fans in the stands and at home.

As part of the collaboration, Betano has been actively involved in marketing efforts, working alongside an extensive ecosystem of partners, including FRF, media partners and representatives of the teams that qualified for Cupa Romaniei Betano’s group stage. Their common goal is to develop campaigns that will increase the visibility of the competition and facilitate engaging football fans even more. The latest initiative is the development of the TV and digital show Bate Cupa. This is the first show putting a spotlight on all 24 qualified teams and showcasing the players’ skills in an unconventional and entertaining way.

Both Betano and FRF are dedicated to delivering even more initiatives to support Romanian football within this year.

“During the past two years, we have shared a common vision with the Romanian Football Federation to take Cupa Romaniei Betano to new heights. The new format of the competition has been a great step down that route. We believe that the enthusiasm and the prestige surrounding Cupa Romaniei Betano will rise even higher. The new multi-year agreement shows the belief we have in this competition and our burning passion for football. At Kaizen Gaming we remain committed to supporting the growth of sports in Romania with integrity and responsibility”, said Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer of Kaizen Gaming, owner of Betano.

On his part, the President of the FRF, Răzvan Burleanu, commented: “This is a special moment, as it marks the longest extension of a partnership ever recorded by the FRF – a 6-year extension of our collaboration with Betano for the Romanian Cup. This new contract reflects the mutual trust between the Romanian Football Federation and Betano, as well as the recognition of our partnership’s essential contribution to the development and promotion of Romanian football. Together, we aim to take the Betano Romanian Cup to another level and consolidate the position of this competition as one of the most important sports events in our country. Our work with Betano reflects our common commitment to promoting sports values. One of the remarkable achievements of this collaboration is Betano’s sustained effort in marketing projects dedicated to increasing the visibility and popularity of the Betano Romanian Cup”.

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