Every single one of us must have experienced at least once the thrill of tearing open a trading card pack, the quality of the feeling is undeniable; one might even say the anticipation of maybe uncovering a rare card creates a rush quite similar to that we can experience while playing the usual casino games, but perhaps in a more innocent fashion. This playful activity has known a pretty amazing increase in popularity throughout time, with brands such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering leading the charge. There are many aspects different to actual gambling activities, perhaps the most important of them all is that opening card packs is accessible to all ages, so even your nephew or son has  or will have experienced the thrill at some point.

In the late 1990s, Pokémon cards became a huge phenomenon, captivating both the hearts of children and adults. Magic: The Gathering, which started its story in 1993, laid the groundwork for collectible card games with cool strategies and rare cards that could be attained for high prices. Today, the market for rare trading cards is surreal, with some individual packs selling for as much as $15,000. The chance of pulling a rare card from these expensive packs makes the collecting more similar to playing a casino game.

Another example would be trading cards with football players (especially during major competitions, such as the World Cup). During the timeframe of the event, it’s usually a huge thrill for people of all ages to start collecting cards with their favourite players. Even following the event and years later, you can find such cards at huge prices.

Continuing the parralel, both activities involve an element of chance and the potential for significant reward or even bigger disappointment. The excitement of possibly uncovering a rare card mirrors the anticipation felt when spinning a roulette wheel or playing a hand of blackjack. This comparison raises the question: Is really opening trading card packs a form of gambling?

In many jurisdictions, gambling is strictly regulated to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors. However, purchasing trading card packs remains largely unregulated, and children can easily participate everywhere in the world. The ethical implications are significant. Without age restrictions or oversight, children are exposed to the same dopamine-inducing mechanics that make casino games so addictive. Some might feel that this exposure could influence their behavior on long term, potentially leading to unhealthy habits, related to the feeling of seeking for rewards and taking risks.

Trading cards is a global thrill. The phenomenon is not isolated to Western cultures. In Japan, for instance, the lines between gaming and gambling blur even further. There are many type of games similar to standard slots, which are available to a broader audience, even young people. There is a tendency to somewhat normalize gambling for all ages.

The presence of this chance based type of experience in entertainment suggests that gambling might be an almost biological part of human nature. From ancient dice games to modern casino games, people have always been drawn to activities that offer an amount of uncertainty.

There are some questions arising from the lack of regulation in the trading card market, we should perhaps address consumer protection and the responsibilities of game manufacturers. Should there be age restrictions or warnings similar to those found in casinos? As the line between gambling and gaming continues to blur, society must consider the potential long-term effects on behavior and ethics, especially among younger generations.

As we’ve seen, there are many common aspects of trading cards and different casino games, such as thrill of the feeling, the rarity of the win, the potential very high win etc. Perhaps regulators should consider re-evaluating how these activities are perceived and under which gaming category they should be placed. Is it an innocent thrill or it could lead to a more clear of future gambling activity as an adult?

As the European gaming landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, all eyes are on the European Gaming Congress (EGC) 2024—an event that has solidified itself as one of the premier networking and knowledge-sharing platforms in the iGaming and affiliate marketing industries. Hosted in Warsaw this year, the event is set to bring together some of the most influential operators, affiliates, and affiliate program leaders to tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities the industry faces today.

With C-level executives and founders from leading gaming companies across Europe in attendance, the EGC 2024 is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of market trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top CEOs and Co-Founders who will be joining the conversation, shaping the future of the industry, and driving the narrative at this year’s Congress.

Key Industry Leaders Attending EGC 2024:

Tomasz Szymanski – CEO at Betwinsoft

As the CEO of Betwinsoft, Tomasz Szymanski has positioned his company as a major player in the iGaming solutions space. Known for its advanced betting software and cutting-edge technology, Betwinsoft continues to lead innovations in sports betting and casino games.

Marina Astrautsova – CEO at BGaming

BGaming has quickly become one of the most dynamic and creative content providers in the iGaming world, and Marina Astrautsova is at the helm of this success. As CEO, Marina has overseen the company’s rapid expansion into new markets while maintaining its focus on delivering engaging, high-quality casino games.

Aneta Tylicka – CEO at Bukmacherska/Fuksiarz.pl

As the CEO of Fuksiarz.pl, Aneta Tylicka leads one of Poland’s most successful sportsbooks. Under her leadership, Fuksiarz.pl has seen impressive growth in the competitive Polish market. Aneta’s participation in the Congress is an exciting opportunity for affiliates and operators alike to gain insight into how localized strategies can capture market share and improve user engagement in regulated markets.

Piotr Rogowski – CEO at ETOTO Poland

ETOTO is a leading sports betting platform in Poland, and Piotr Rogowski has been instrumental in shaping its trajectory.

Marcin Doszczeczko – CEO at LVBet

Leading LVBet, one of Europe’s most trusted and recognized betting platforms, Marcin Doszczeczko is no stranger to navigating regulatory changes while ensuring operational excellence. At EGC 2024, Marcin will likely address the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving market and how LVBet continues to thrive by combining technology with a customer-first approach.

Adam Lamentowicz – CEO at Polish Gaming Chamber

Representing the broader interests of Poland’s gaming industry, Adam Lamentowicz heads the Polish Gaming Chamber and is a critical voice in regulatory affairs. With his background and influence, Adam’s contributions at the EGC will be vital in understanding how gaming companies can work collaboratively with regulators to foster growth, innovation, and responsible gaming.

Filip Sosnowski – CEO at SB Software

As the driving force behind SB Software, Filip Sosnowski has played a pivotal role in delivering innovative betting and gaming solutions. SB Software has become known for its robust technology, which helps operators streamline their operations and enhance user experiences. Filip’s insights will no doubt cover the intersection of software innovation and business scalability, topics critical for iGaming operators.

Dariusz Łęczyński – CEO at STATSCORE

STATSCORE is renowned for its cutting-edge sports data and analytics solutions, and Dariusz Łęczyński has been leading the charge. His appearance at the EGC will likely revolve around the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in sports betting and gaming.

Marcin Giera – CEO at Totalbet

Totalbet, another dominant player in the Polish betting scene, is led by Marcin Giera, whose expertise spans both operational leadership and regulatory compliance.

Lukasz Seweryniak – Country Manager at SUPERBET Poland

As the Country Manager for SUPERBET Poland, Lukasz Seweryniak plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s success in the Polish market. Superbet is well-known for its innovative customer engagement strategies, and Lukasz will bring valuable insights on balancing growth with regulatory compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Stanisław Szostak – CEO and Founder at Astral Forest

Leading Astral Forest, a data analytics and consulting agency, Stanisław Szostak has deep experience in leveraging data to optimize operations, marketing, and compliance for iGaming operators. His appearance at the EGC promises to shed light on the importance of data governance and how it can shape the future of responsible gaming.

Adam Gontarz – CEO at CrustLab

CrustLab, under Adam Gontarz’s leadership, specializes in building software solutions for iGaming platforms. Adam’s insights on optimizing digital infrastructures and developing scalable iGaming products will be a valuable contribution to discussions on tech innovation in gaming.

Bartek Borkowski – CSO / CEO and Co-Founder at createIT.pl

Bartek Borkowski heads createIT.pl, a tech solutions provider with a strong focus on iGaming. His experience in crafting tailor-made solutions for operators will provide useful insights into the role of technology in shaping customer experiences and improving operational efficiency.

Irakli Davarashvili – CEO & Co-Founder at Promofy

As the Co-Founder of Promofy, a company that specializes in influencer marketing for the gaming sector, Irakli Davarashvili will offer a fresh perspective on how gaming companies can leverage influencer partnerships to boost brand visibility and customer engagement.

Vladimir Malakchi – CEO and Managing Partner at XANADA Investments

Vladimir Malakchi brings a wealth of knowledge in investment and scaling gaming companies. As Managing Partner at XANADA Investments, he has supported various successful ventures, and his insights at the EGC will be valuable for both operators and affiliates looking to scale their businesses effectively.

Alexis Wicén – CEO and Founder at Unibo/Scatters

Alexis Wicén, Founder of Unibo/Scatters, is known for driving innovation in gamification within the iGaming space. Alexis’ thoughts on enhancing player engagement and loyalty through gamification strategies will be highly anticipated at the EGC.

Get Ready for Game-Changing Discussions

The European Gaming Congress 2024 is shaping up to be a game-changing event, where the leading minds of the industry will gather to share insights, strategies, and innovations. This lineup of top CEOs, founders, and industry leaders promises to deliver unparalleled expertise, making EGC the place to be for anyone serious about iGaming and affiliate marketing.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation—final tickets are available here: EGC 2024 Tickets.

For a full list of attendees and agenda, visit EGC Attendees and Agenda.