Conferences in Europe
Practicing my free speech: Feminism
Even though this article might not hit the headlines (because the truth is always kept off the record or some might not share it due to their politically correct worldview), I am going to share my thoughts on the current wave that is sweeping the world and the gambling industry.
I have been thinking a lot before engaging into the topic. However, if one keeps silent and just shares Press Releases and Latest News, one question pops up immediately: whatâs the role of journalism in all this?
Growing up in a former communist region (about which some of you have only a theoretical knowledge) makes me raise awareness about the dismaying times towards which we are heading.
“The dual-systems theory of patriarchy and capitalism which was a common form of socialist feminism in the 1970s and â80s was viewed as a failed project by many in the 1990s and beyond. In any event, the fall of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe probably had a negative effect on the popularity of socialist feminism.” (Source:Â monthlyreview.org)
It is clear that if you switch on the TV, listen to the radio, read printed newspapers and browse through the online media, you will find the words âsexismâ and âfeminismâ everywhere. There is no denying that with these public allegations and mainstream media helping the movement, we are heading towards the theory Marx developed in 1844.
Probably the majority of you would contest these facts, stating that Western society is a free one and will never apply Marxism to its social realities. However, the statements of the UK Gambling Commission Chief Executive, Sarah Harrison, and the statements of the representatives of Clarion Gaming Events are exactly related to Marxist theory.
Marxism has always been at the forefront of the cause of womenâs emancipation and the Bolsheviks always took the question of revolutionary work among women workers very seriously. Lenin, in particular, attached an enormous importance to this question, especially in the period of the revolutionary upsurge from 1912-14, and during the First World War. It was at this time that International Womenâs Day (8th March) began to be celebrated with mass workersâ demonstrations. It is not an accident that the February (March, according to the new calendar) revolution arose from disturbances around Womenâs Day, when women demonstrated against the War and the high cost of living.
Now, donât get me wrong here: Iâm a billion miles away from being sexist and was just pointing out the fact that the ideology of these âWonder Womenâ is clearly a sign that the spirit of Marx is living today and has now made its way into all industries.
Just by reading that the British Gambling Commission (GC) issued a demand to halt the promotion of sexism in the Gambling industry, referencing to this weekâs ICE Totally Gaming event and that the regulator emphasized that it could boycott the trade show unless there is some change in this attitude makes you raise an eyebrow and ask: What exactly is the real role of Ms. Harrison?
Itâs utterly funny how she tries to de-eroticise the adult entertainment industry while the modern society is full of women drinking themselves into stupor, parading their naked derriĂšre and flashing of their breasts in public after the booze starts kicking in. Why? Because this is seen as THE attention-grabbing behavior. The cool one.
I guess the women in this picture are all part of some promoterâs group which was contracted by a company active in the gambling industry. Now thatâs class for you! Why not starting an education program about women’s self-esteem in todayâs society if you want to trigger off a movement? Commenting on marketing techniques and promoters just looks like silly tactics towards a straw dummy.
This sounds clearly like some grand plan that will make the world better. Probem is that itâs hooking a large audience and snaking its way into many industries out there. Basically itâs happening in all industries. Just read through the article about Sexism in eSports or just consider what is happening in the auto industry, where the subjects of the new rule have made a statement saying that their activity should not be scrapped because they donât see it as a sexist or exploitative job.
How are the âladiesâ in the picture above âclassierâ than the ones pictured below, who are used for brand or sport promotion? Guess promo girls are being mistreated and forced to strut their bodies. Itâs farcical how feminists from all corners of the world like to dress sexy on dates and go out partying in seminude clothes. Or maybe theyâre going out in their jammies and slippers?
Do you really think that men are going to races or watching live broadcast because they want to see the promo girls? I bet that if there were male models promoting this or that brand, the female audience would be chatting incessantly about them during their girl talk.
Most of the female sports fans are following athletes or racers for their good looks (e.g. Beckham, Ronaldo, HamiltonâŠ). Now, following the slippery logic of feminist vigilance, shouldnât FIFA ban famous players from doing underwear commercials because itâs scandalously sexist?
If you’re smart enough to get this correctly or if you’re an ‘out of the box’ type of person, you will easily see that scrapping stereotype behavior should not be combated by rules. It should be encouraged by the genuine role models via proper education.
Back to the gambling industry and the clear statements meant to abolish sexism in the industryâŠ.
Bringing to notice some previous editions of the event, the Chief of the UK Gambling Commission spoke about the âscantily cladâ women who were featured on stands to promote certain gambling products and services. Referring to her own visit to the show last year, the authority figure said this is a âsignificant stain on the industryâs reputationâ and that it led her to speak with the senior figures from across the gambling sector about implementing a big change to this.
Taking a look at the situation of the UKâs gambling industry, which is currently being bombarded with irrational changes, we can already declare that the Gambling Commission has started this boycott based on skirt length of mannequins and just goes with the flow to somehow keep the industry on a tight feminist leash.
The photo and some of the promoters were subject to outrage by BBC and, of course, Chief Sarah Harrison, who earlier this week told BBCâs Radio 4 about her dismay at seeing a gender disparity at the show, with some women on exhibition stalls doing promotional work in revealing clothing.
âThe men were wearing smart suits and women were being asked to wear not much more than swimsuits. Thatâs totally unacceptable; itâs not reflective of the modern economy,â she said.
âThis isnât about political correctness. Itâs about good regulation and good governance, because businesses that have a more diverse workforce are more likely to make better decisions. And thatâs critical from a regulatorâs point of view.â
Now I ask you: how is this different than seeing the minds that shape the youth in society doing promotional skits for different brands? See the picture below with Katy Perry showing that she is a fangirl of West Ham United.
Another statement that got under my business owner skin was the statement issued by the organizer of the event. Given the fact that all these companies attending and exhibiting at the event are already obeying thousands of rules and paying heavy money for their participation, they have to commit to promoting their brand names via personalized agendas or pens (freebies that are usually thrown away by delegates anyway) without having any instant presence of their brands in the eyes of attending delegates.
The European Casino Association (ECA) and Clarion Gaming, which are the eventâs organisers, have backed the UKGC, issuing an open letter urging exhibitors to take note of the warning before the event opens tomorrow.
According to The Guardian, the letter said: âIn the spirit of the 21st century, when both women and men play strategic and decision-making roles in businesses, we encourage all exhibitors to mindfully represent support staff promoting their products at the show in a non-offensive and non-stereotyping way.â
The question here is: Are women not allowed to take part in decision-making bodies in the gambling industry? Having the experience in organizing events and discussing marketing plans, 90% of the decision makers which Iâve discussed with and which gave the green light for everything promotional; were women. There is nothing wrong with and the statement makers should closely consider the fact that all the promoters and their outfits are mostly picked by female event planners and event managers working for the exhibiting companies.
Do you really think that âmaleâ business owners are attending these events to ogle at the promo girls? I think that we have passed this point a couple of years ago and the ones that do attend especially for such entertainment are just plain old horny anyway. I mean, letâs not squeeze the male mindset evolution into the stereotype thinking you are claiming to oppose.
Itâs really funny how just 8 â 9 names have evolved to the statuses of leaders of a movement which is backed by their egos and is just shared by fellow industry colleagues (from both genders) just to be associated with the leading company.
As I put it in the articleâs introduction, I donât expect many to share my view on the situation, but just think about how such a rewrite of social codes is taking back open mindedness to a dangerous level where you are inhibited to wear clothing that has been the subject of harsh regulation.
The subject will be a main discuss on “The Morning Show” with Hawkie which is streamed Monday morning on iGamingRadio.com
Make sure you add your comments on our social media channels and look forward to receiving your backlash!
PS: The featured image was picked to lure in the female readers of the article. How stereotypical of meâŠ..
Conferences in Europe
Soft2Bet celebrates a year of growth and innovation at SiGMA Malta Europe 2024
Soft2Bet is set to make a major impact at SiGMA Malta Europe, focusing on MEGA, turnkey solutions and key speaking engagements from senior executives from 12-14 November.
Soft2Bet, the iGaming industryâs leading turnkey solutions provider, is gearing up to unveil a new format for its MEGA Workshop during 4 closed sessions on 12 and 13 November at SiGMA Malta Europe. After a highly successful MEGA Workshop experience at the SBC Summit Lisbon for more than 250 visitors, Soft2Bet intends to showcase how its solution drives engagement, activity and revenues for Soft2Bet and its B2B partners.
Turnkey solutions and new launches driving growth
Soft2Bet will also unveil its latest turnkey solution, newly-launched gaming engines and casino solutions that are delivering impressive results for partners as they increase player engagement, retention and drive revenue growth in the most competitive iGaming markets. As Soft2Bet continues to expand into new markets, it will provide exclusive insights into its recently-launched partnerships and brands.
Product focus
The Soft2Bet MEGA workshop will also demonstrate how MEGA seamlessly integrates as a standalone solution through an API, providing the best UX to its players, ensuring quick and efficient deployment for operators looking to elevate their platforms.
The results of these efforts speak for themselves, with the group’s Scandinavian brand Betinia reporting strong growth in Q3 2024.
- Denmark: active player numbers increased 129%, deposits increased 213% and GGR climbed 200%.
- Sweden: active player numbers increased 85%, deposits increased 129% and GGR climbed 58%.
Soft2Bet SiGMA Speakers
Soft2Betâs founder and CEO, Uri Poliavich, will deliver an exclusive Keynote on 12 November at 11:45 where he will update the market on his latest insights.
Senior executives will be joining key industry panels:
- David Yatom Hay, General Counsel, will join a panel discussing the future of player protections in light of potential advertising bans in Northern Europe.
- Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer, will lead a discussion on using collectables to enhance loyalty programmes and increase player retention.
Expansion and growth
Soft2Bet is rapidly expanding and holds more than 13 licences across nine different jurisdictions, while launches in Romania (Don.ro) and Ontario, Canada (Tooniebet), and upcoming expansions into Mexico, Greece and Nigeria demonstrate the companyâs continued focus on growing its commercial and regulatory footprint.
Conferences in Europe
SiGMA Europe Summit Alert
Endorphina is a B2B online slots provider based in Prague, Czech Republic. Up and running since 2012, we operate under the Malta License MGA and release at least 12 thrilling slots every year. In total, we have developed 90 games, including the popular over the world Golden Ox slot machines, Chance Machine 20, 2020 Hit slot, The Rise of AI, 100 Zombies, Buffalo 50, and many more. When it comes to fairness, Endorphina is known to be rigorously tested in 2019 by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to ensure consistent and proven behavior and mathematics.
Endorphina Slot Games
Endorphina games are executed in perfect modern graphics, with original music, thoughtful game elements and a set of exciting features, which make them stand out from the competition. There is a theme crafted for everyone, from old-time classic fruity slots to cultural highlights and to modern themes to keep up with the times. High rollers and beginners will find their favorite games with us at Endorphina. We’ve established ourselves on the market all games can be played on both desktops and mobile devices.
A 2020 wrap-up
In 2020, Endorphina has released 18 catchy games that have successfully caught the attention of users worldwide. As we usually release 12 games each year, 2020 was definitely a highlight as we released 6 more! More than 1,000 online casinos currently house Endorphina games and we have over 50 new affiliates around the world and counting.
As we put forth new games every month, we also love expanding and entering new markets. This past year in 2020, we entered the markets of Romania, Croatia, and Belarus. In the first quarter of 2021, we have successfully partnered with over 75 online casinos worldwide.
Main growth indicators
When it comes to growth overall in 2020, we’ve noticed an increase in Total Bets made by our players in euros (including Q1 of 2021).
There was also a handful of spin gains (total number of spins) as a percentage for the last year (including Q1 2021).
Conferences in Europe
Almost 200 Participants Grace European Gaming Congress 2024, as Organizers Already Plan Warsaw Return
HIPTHER, organizer of the European Gaming Congress (EGC) and other renowned GameTech boutique conferences, is thrilled to announce the triumphant success of EGC 2024 and the exciting news of the conferenceâs return to Warsaw in 2025.
Building on the momentum from its 2023 edition, European Gaming Congress 2024 expanded its program into a multi-faceted, 2-day agenda packed with learning and networking opportunities. Attendance more than doubled to nearly 200 delegates, and all exhibitor spaces sold out.
EGC 2024 brought together the vibrant Polish iGaming market and the broader European GameTech industry for a series of insightful panels, unique networking opportunities, and unforgettable moments. The event educated and connected delegates in a meaningful and constructive way.
Distinguished experts from iGaming, Compliance, Technology, Blockchain, Fintech, Marketing, and Human Capital Management took the stage, offering invaluable insights and hosting workshops on the latest trends and strategies for business growth and success.
In an innovative move to validate expertise and reward continuous learning, all attendees were awarded a Certificate of Professional Distinction for their successful participation in the European Gaming Congress 2024.
One of the event’s highlights was the prestigious European iGaming Excellence Awards 2024, celebrating the best companies and brightest professionals in the European iGaming industry, as voted by their peers. And the winners are:
đ đđđŹđ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđźđ©đ©đ„đąđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Promatic Group
đ đđđŹđ đđđŹđđąđ§đ đđđđšđ«đđđšđ«đČ đąđ§ đđđđ: Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
đ đđđŹđ đđđČđŠđđ§đ đđ«đšđŻđąđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: CoinsPaid
đ đđđŹđ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđ«đšđđźđđ đąđ§ đđđđ: Miss Joker Show (by Promatic Group)
đ đđđŹđ đđźđŹđđšđŠđđ« đđđ«đŻđąđđ đąđ§ đđđđ: SOFTSWISS Managed Services
đ đđđŹđ đđđ«đ€đđđąđ§đ đđđŠđ©đđąđ đ§ đąđ§ đđđđ: Evoplay (Adrenaline Rush)
đ đđđŹđ đđđŹđ©đšđ§đŹđąđđ„đ đđđŠđąđ§đ đđ«đšđ đ«đđŠ đąđ§ đđđđ: Mindway AI
đ đđđŹđ đđđŠđ đđđŻđđ„đšđ©đđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Evoplay
đ đđđŹđ đđŠđđ«đ đąđ§đ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđšđŠđ©đđ§đČ đąđ§ đđđđ: Promatic Group
đ đđđŹđ đđšđđąđ„đ đđđŠđąđ§đ đđ«đšđŻđąđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Evoplay
đ đđđŹđ đđąđŻđ đđđđ„đđ« đđ«đšđŻđąđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: ICONIC21
đ đđđŹđ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđđđąđ„đąđđđ đđ«đšđ đ«đđŠ đąđ§ đđđđ: N1 Partners Group
đ đđđŹđ đđđ©đšđ«đđŹ đđđđđąđ§đ đđ«đšđŻđąđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: DATA.BET
đ đđ§đ§đšđŻđđđąđšđ§ đąđ§ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđđđĄđ§đšđ„đšđ đČ đąđ§ đđđđ: SOFTSWISS
đ đđšđŠđ©đđ§đČ đđđźđ§đđĄ đšđ đđĄđ đđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Xanada Investments
đ đđđŹđ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđ©đđ«đđđšđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Superbet
đ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđđđđđ« đšđ đđĄđ đđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Ivan Montik, Founder at SOFTSWISS
đ đđąđŹđąđ§đ đđđđ« đąđ§ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đąđ§ đđđđ: Gal Ehrlich, CEO at BETER
đ đđ§đ§đšđŻđđđšđ« đšđ đđĄđ đđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay
đ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđ§đđ„đźđđ§đđđ« đšđ đđĄđ đđđđ« đąđ§ đđđđ: Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS
đ đđđŹđ đąđđđŠđąđ§đ đđđ đąđ§ đđđđ: Aleksandra Mouton, CEO at Amarix
The illustrious event was Sponsored by top-tier companies, including:
- Promatic Games by Promatic Group – Platinum & Welcome Meet Sponsor
- Xanada Investments – Main Stage Sponsor
- BET – Badge, Bracelet and Networking Break Sponsor
- NSoft – Pen and Paper Sponsor
- Nordic Gambling – Scandinavian Legal Expertise Sponsor
- RM Legal – General Sponsor
- Gaming In Poland – General Sponsor
- Zondacrypto – Selfie Mirror Sponsor
- Superbet – General Sponsor
- LV Bet – General Sponsor
- PIGBRiB – General Sponsor
The European Gaming Congress has been warmly embraced by both the Polish gaming market and the wider European iGaming industry, solidifying its status as a must-attend event and key meeting point for the industry.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, commented: âWe are thrilled with the incredible success of the European Gaming Congress 2024, and we are grateful to our esteemed sponsors, participants, and the remarkable Polish Gaming Community who made it possible. We’re excited to announce our return to Warsaw for another year, but stay tuned – we have a few surprises in the works for the years ahead!â.
The #hipthers team is already planning the grand return of the European Gaming Congress to Warsaw in mid-to-late October 2025. Stay tuned for more, and weâll see you in Warsaw!
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