Connect with us

WINNING COMBINATION - SOFTSWISS develops innovative iGaming software products for online casino, sports betting, and beyond. Our products can be delivered as standalone solutions or combined into a single iGaming Platform.

The future of sports betting: BETBY sportsbook is focused on innovation through deep industry knowledge, state-of-the-art software & endless customization possibilities.

Interviews

Q&A with Simon Dorsen, Director of Gaming at OKTO

Published

on


OKTO bags three prestigious nominations in SBC Awards
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

After another fantastic CEEGC at the end of last month, we sat down with one of our panelists, Simon Dorsen, Director of Gaming at payments specialist OKTO to talk tech disruption, innovation and CEE opportunities.

 

What did you enjoy most at CEEGC?

This was my first time attending the CEEGC and when the team asked me to join a panel on the latest innovations in payments and gaming – I knew I’d be in for an remarkable event. We had a lively fintech discussion on all things blockchain and how mobile payment technologies can spell a new era for betting and gaming.

The content throughout the event was high quality and insightful, along with the attendees, who made my time in Budapest thoroughly enjoyable. I am looking forward to progressing the business relationships we formed during CEEGC into long-standing partnerships.

What lies ahead for OKTO in the CEE betting and gaming scene?

With populations that are growing increasingly tech-savvy and proving to bequick adopters of innovations in mobile technology, Central and Eastern European markets are a major focus for us. The challenge we see in the region – and one that we are well positioned to address – is delivering a mobile, omni-channel payments journey. Gaming and betting are major industries in CEE countries, but at the same time, one where the speed of innovation has not kept pace with advancements elsewhere.

Our OKTO.WALLET is targeted at providing a journey which eases the transition to an entirely paperless retail betting experience. It is clear through discussions at the event that there is real appetite for OKTO’s fully digital solution, which we have tailored to tackle the niche challenges in the region. The next wave of payments disruption is here – and we’re glad to be leading the charge.

What innovation will capture the most attention in 2020?

For OKTOm, the future is absolutely mobile. The wallet revolution has already taken the world by storm, as we see Revolut and Apple Pay achieving high adoption. Gaming and betting operators are now interested to understand how they can leverage our OKTO.WALLET in operations. The next generation of betting customer wants to have the freedom of choice to place their bet both online, via his favorite operators, while also being able to do the same within the shop, through the same payment channel.

We’ve worked hard over the last year to develop a product that, not only reduces cash handling costs, but also speeds up the flow of transactions and delivers a better player experience.

Where do you see an opportunity in the CEE market?

Over the past 10 years, the CEE market has matured immensely, which is largely due the development of formal – albeit fragmented – regulatory regimes. The challenge for operators now lies in navigating the complex web of compliance requirements, whilst at the same time avoiding a fragmented customer journey.

The onboarding process is exactly where payment providers such as us can deliver real benefit. With the relevant licenses to provide an end-to-end service, we enable our partners to unlock a wealth of rich customer data, whilst being fully compliant with local anti-money laundering, data protection and gaming laws. Being able to optimise identification processes in a compliant and cost-effective manner will be a strategic advantage for any business – and that requires state-of-the-art technology and multi-layer security to ensure the process is fast, secure and frictionless for the customer.

Any lessons learned that you’d like to share with others?

The CEE market is diverse, both in terms of customer preferences and different regulatory climates. In this framework, the key is having a payment system that is interoperable across channels, flexible to different environments and can respond to change. Our objective has been to solve the challenges retail operators face today with a solution that is designed for the mobile world.

The region promises to be fascinating in terms of growth, particularly as smart-phone penetration becomes widespread and technological advancements unlock even greater capabilities. It is those that act on mobile innovation now that will become the market leaders of tomorrow.

George Miller started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Level up, Lead The market with AFFINA Partners

Advertisement

Golden Boomerang Awards is a prestigious event that offers the chance to compete against top webmasters worldwide and grab golden figurines, prizes, and cash rewards.

Trending (Top 7)

Discover the Magic of EuropeanGaming.eu – Your Gateway to the Gaming Universe

At the heart of the ever-evolving gaming and gambling industry lies EuropeanGaming.eu, a trailblazing online platform that has become the go-to destination for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders. As part of HIPTHER, we’re redefining how the gaming world connects, informs, and inspires.

More Than News – A Hub of Insight and Innovation

Reaching over 300,000 readers monthly, EuropeanGaming.eu goes beyond headlines to deliver compelling stories, expert insights, and the latest industry news. From regulatory updates and compliance breakthroughs to the pulse-pounding world of esports and technological advancements, we provide comprehensive coverage of the topics that matter most:

  • Online and Land-Based Gaming
  • Betting and Esports
  • Regulatory and Compliance Updates
  • Cutting-Edge Technology in Gaming

Whether it’s daily news, exclusive interviews with industry leaders, in-depth event reports, or press releases that set the tone for the future, our content resonates with a global audience while maintaining a focus on Europe’s dynamic gaming market.

Bringing the Industry Together

Our impact doesn’t stop at digital content. EuropeanGaming.eu is a proud host of virtual meetups and industry-leading conferences that spark dialogue, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. Through detailed reports and live events, we create a space where operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services come together to shape the future of gaming.

Why EuropeanGaming.eu?

At HIPTHER, we believe in empowering the gaming community with knowledge, connection, and opportunity. EuropeanGaming.eu embodies this spirit by serving as a one-stop resource for the latest trends, market developments, and global perspectives. Whether you’re an industry veteran, a rising operator, or a gaming enthusiast, this is where you find the stories that drive progress.

Get In Touch

Let’s shape the future of gaming together!


Copyright © 2015 - 2025
European Gaming is proudly part of HIPTHER. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company Number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605.
Office Address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Târgu Mureș, Romania

Join us as we celebrate a decade of delivering excellence and embrace the magic of what’s to come in 2025 and beyond!

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.