Eastern Europe
Exclusive Interview with Iryna Sergienko, CEO of the Ukrainian Gaming Industry Association
Iryna is the CEO of the Ukrainian Gaming Industry Association since August 2016 and also a Board Member of the All-Ukrainian Union for bookmaking development from 2014
As an Attorney at Law, her specialization includes gambling, IT – business and sports law. A member of the Interagency Working Group for consideration and resolution of problematic issues in the field of gambling and lotteries (2015).
Consultant of Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Family, Youth and Sports issues. Member of the Committee on Ethics and Fair Play of the Foot-ball Federation of Ukraine. Author (co-author, editor) publication “Legal regulation of gambling business. European experience. Practices in post-soviet countries. Perspectives for Ukraine” (Eng, Ukr. 2015)
Participant (speaker) of numerous specialized international conferences on issues of legal regulation of gambling., partici-pated in the draftng of Tax Code of Ukraine in the version 2014 in part of tax issues for the gambling industry.
What is the key mission of the event, since there are many rumors that the market will be opened for licensing in 2018?
Iryna: Ukraine today has come to the crucial point in legalization of the gambling industry. There is more and more understanding that this business should be transparent and profitable for the investors, the State and society.
The Summit is designed as a platform where the experts, officials and businessmen from across the world can share their ideas and experience on how the gaming industry become legal, safe and properly regulated, so it can attract investors, generate revenues for the State budget and be consumer friendly and responsible.
Therefore, we organize this event in order to convert the public discussion into particular legislation framework.
Can you share with us the reason why delegates should attend the inaugural edition of the Ukrainian Gaming Summit?
Iryna: The situation in Ukraine is very dynamic, and each month the Parliament launches large-scale reforms. We can see a political commitment to reforms agenda and the Parliament’s capability to adopt necessary laws. It may occur, gaming industry will become legalized in the very nearest future and this event will directly influence market access conditions. The Cabinet of Ministers registered its draft gambling law #4663. Along with other drafts, they all are at the current legislative agenda of the Parliament.
Therefore, participants of the Summit will be discussing all possible ways of legislating the gaming industry properly. Every visitor has a chance to share his views and ideas. Comments foreign participants will be mostly valued – world markets have more experience and practices in implementing different types of legislation with good or bad consequences.
The event is also a good opportunity for investors looking for new markets or finding new partners in the developing markets.
As far as we know, there will be plenty of keynote speakers from the local government. What is the opinion of the regulators and legislators about the online and land-based industry in Ukraine?
Iryna: Most officials and lawmakers view the gaming industry (both online and offline) as an additional source of budget revenues, and that is legitimate part of their job. Ukrainian government needs more money for building new infrastructure, keeping the army and funding social programs. Financial aid from the IMF, the key international donor, was also made dependent upon legalization of the gaming industry (implementation of gaming laws is written in the IMF memorandum agreed with Ukraine).
The only thing that has to be taken into consideration – how to build the legislation in a proper way by taking into account the interests of all stakeholders: business, the State and society. The taxation should not distract business, the investor’s rights should be protected, the society should be protected from fraud and abuses.
The Summit will discuss all these topics.
Given the fact the 2017 has been a year where some EU countries have made important steps towards opening up their markets for remote operators to apply for local licenses, do you think that this will be the case in Ukraine?
Iryna: It is simply inevitable. Ukraine has quite developed IT infrastructure, in particular in payments sector, and plenty of human resources. Even now, when the Ukrainian industry functions in shadow, online gambling dominates and continues to develop.
As a closing question, we would like to ask about the main takeaways of the event. What will be the main takeaways of the event?
Iryna: The first and important outcome of this event should be a creation of the legislation with adequate and sound market access. In addition, we expect the Summit to become a place for businesses, both Ukrainian and foreign, to meet each other and discuss investment projects in Ukraine.
You can register for the Ukrainian Gaming Summit (UGS 2017) by clicking on the banner below:
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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