The Importance of Community and Support in the iGaming Industry

Why is a supportive environment so important if you want to succeed in the iGaming industry? As part of this roundtable discussion, we’ve sat down with three female executives at BGaming, one of the industry’s fastest-growing content providers, to discuss how they empower one another and how this has helped their company prosper.

Kate Puteiko, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer; Kate Verbitskaya, the Chief Delivery Officer; and Olga Levshina, the Chief Commercial Officer, come together to offer their perspectives on mentorship, inclusivity, essential skills, and the future of iGaming, as well as some helpful advice for newcomers looking to make waves in the industry.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in the iGaming world? And what lessons would you pass on to new starters in the business?

Kate Puteiko, CMO: I’d tell my younger self to focus. iGaming offers many paths, but I’ve found that the most successful people are the ones who stick to one or two paths early on. Trying everything at once can dilute your efforts. For newcomers, I’d say slow down, be strategic, and focus on the best path for you.

Kate Verbitskaya, CDO: Honestly, I would do everything the same way. But for newcomers, I’d advise being bolder and more fearless—both in their plans and in their decisions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. iGaming is an industry that rewards bold moves.

Olga Levshina, CCO: Be curious and proactive. iGaming is a fast-paced, highly competitive environment where changes happen every second. You must be ready to learn and adapt quickly. It’s also essential to remember iGaming is not just about technology; it’s about relationships and people. Partnerships, trust, personal branding, and connections play a huge role. The work you put in with these things early will pay off as you advance through your career.

Have you had any mentors who have been particularly influential in your career?

Kate Puteiko, CMO: Yes, I began working with a mentor last year, especially as my scope of responsibilities grew. Early at BGaming, I was fortunate to collaborate with highly experienced professionals who readily shared their knowledge and immersed me in the industry, which was invaluable.

Kate Verbitskaya, CDO: Specifically at BGaming, yes, I have two key mentors: Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO, and Julia Alekseeva, CPO. I learned everything I know about how the industry works from them, and they’ve played a crucial role in helping me shape my career.

Olga Levshina, CCO: Absolutely! Throughout my career, I’ve had people who helped me grow and pushed me to reach new levels. A sense of unity really helps a company grow together. At BGaming, our CEO allows us to go and make things happen, and this is invaluable. I think that’s why our team continues to grow all the way up to the C-suite level.

Is there anything you feel the industry can do to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone?

Kate Puteiko, CMO: I appreciate that in iGaming, you’re recognized for your professionalism rather than your background or gender. If you can make a difference, you’re given the freedom and support to do so. This approach fosters a genuinely inclusive environment and encourages everyone to contribute their best.

Kate Verbitskaya, CDO: The industry can promote transparency and fairness, not just in games, but in workplace culture. Encouraging open discussions, diverse hiring practices, and fostering an environment where different perspectives are valued will only strengthen the industry.

Olga Levshina, CCO: The iGaming industry used to be a predominantly male environment, but things are changing. I see more women in leadership roles, but challenges still exist. Perhaps more mentorship programs for women and young professionals would help bridge the gap.

What do you believe are the most essential personal and professional skills needed to succeed in iGaming?

Kate Puteiko, CMO: You need to be willing to take calculated risks, adapt quickly, and know how to set the right priorities. A strong sense of confidence in your decisions and an ability to choose meaningful opportunities will pave the way to success.

Kate Verbitskaya, CDO: Be ready to learn something new every single day and stay deeply engaged with the product, the industry, and its ongoing changes. You can’t just be a manager following a script—you need to be a highly skilled specialist in your field to deliver outstanding results.

Olga Levshina, CCO: Strong communication skills, the ability to negotiate and build long-term partnerships, and cultural awareness have always helped me as we work with markets worldwide. Understanding how operators function, their pain points, and the structure of casinos is essential. Being flexible and honest with both clients and players is equally important.

What kind of impact do you believe you and BGaming as a whole can make in the wider iGaming industry?

Kate Puteiko, CMO: I love that we go beyond standard boundaries, creating genuine collaborations with our industry partners to deliver fresh, exciting experiences. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we expand what’s possible in iGaming. I truly believe this open-minded approach is what drives real progress for everyone involved.

Kate Verbitskaya, CDO: BGaming is elevating the industry through both our games and our service — these are our strongest advantages. Beyond that, we strive to set new standards in player-centric game development, innovation, and responsible gaming, ensuring a more engaging and sustainable future for the industry.

Olga Levshina, CCO: We are committed to creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with both operators and players while also fostering a more ethical, responsible, and inclusive gaming environment. Personally, I believe leadership is also about inspiring change. By supporting industry collaborations, and embracing fresh ideas, we can help evolve the market and make iGaming not only more entertaining but also more sustainable and forward-thinking.