Central Europe
Winners of the historical gala of Polish Gaming Aces 2019 were chosen
For the first time in history after the amendment to the gambling act in Poland, awards were granted to companies in the entertainment industry. The Polish Gaming Aces Gala, which was created on the initiative of the largest Polish entertainment website – Interplay, was held on February 20th at City Hall Production in Warsaw.
The jury awarded seven main prizes and two special prizes. “Totalizator Sportowy” won the most awards, winning in three categories – Company of the Year, Special Grand Prix Award for activities on the e-commerce market, as well as President of the Year.
On April 1, 2017, an amendment to the gambling act entered into force in Poland. The legal provision applies, among others to bookmakers, poker, slot machines and casinos. Pursuant to the Act on games and mutual wagering, the state-owned company Totalizator Sportowy has become a monopolist in the field of number games, cash lotteries, arcades (excluded land-based casinos) and online casinos. According to the regulations, betting in Poland is only legal with entities that have a permit from the Ministry of Finance. Under Polish law, all gambling games are subject to a tax on games – 15% cash lotteries, 12% betting, 20% games, 50% poker. In the case of winnings above PLN 2,280, they are also taxed with 10% personal income tax.
The first main Polish Gaming Aces award in the Provider of the Year category went to IGT. In 2019, the company comprehensively served Totalizator Sportowy in the provision of lottery software. In addition, IGT was distinguished by the fact that company was promoting Diversity & Inclusion with an emphasis on equalizing professional opportunities for women and men in the IT industry.
BETFAN turned out to be the best debutant in 2019. The bookmaker hit the Polish market by storm and built a good base in less than a year to compete on the market with other companies. BETFAN’s success proved to be a tax-free promotion and marketing campaign with Mariusz Pudzianowski, who helped build the brand’s credibility.
The main prize in the Product of the Year category was awarded to the Promatic Group for creating the game Husaria. Designers of the slot from PromaticGroup tried to reflect the most important attributes of Polish cavalry. Gamers were certainly captivated by the animation of Hussar speeding into battle, who took players into the middle of the battle.
OlgierdCieslik became the President of the Year, who successfully led Totalizator Sportowy through the difficult process of technological revolution, which consisted in increasing the e-commerce sector in the operations of the state-owned company. The state-owned company has achieved significant development in every range of products – both online and from the retail network.
In the Marketing Campaign of the Year category, the award was granted to BETFAN together with its ambassador Mariusz Pudzianowski. The best debutant of the previous year needed credibility and Mariusz Pudzianowski assured one. The former strongman and current MMA fighter appeared on the brand’s advertising materials, in social media, but also on the BETFANs’ home page. The slogans promoting the campaign with Pudzianowski were attractive, mentions of cooperation appeared all over the Internet – also on websites that do not deal with gambling or sport on a daily basis.
STS became the winner of Polish Gaming Aces in the Bookmaker of the Year category. The company managed by Mateusz Juroszek maintained its position, and with innovative ideas and creative marketing efforts increased the competitive advantage in many fields. For STS in 2019 there were two breakthrough moments – the introduction of BETGAMES and rebranding with a completely new graphic design of the home page in the desktop, mobile, but also the renewed mobile application. STS has also been operating on foreign markets since last year.
In the last and also the most prestigious category of the Company of the Year, Totalizator Sportowy once again triumphed. Business, which until now was largely associated with activities in retail, in less than two years had to undergo a huge transformation and now Totalizator Sportowy can be considered as a technology company. From the tax on games developed only by the brands of a state-owned company, over 232 milion euro will go to the state budget. Novomatic, IGT and STS were also nominated in the Company of the Year category.
The first special award for contribution in development of the entertainment industry went to Iwo Bulski. Totalizator Sportowy won the Polish Gaming Aces Grand Prix for activities on the e-commerce market.
– I am glad that for the first time in Poland we had the opportunity to organize a Gala with awards for the entertainment industry in Poland. After the event, we received many favorable reviews, which means that we are heading in the right direction as an industry – said the editor-in-chief of Interplay, Maciej Akimow
Central Europe
PRAGMATIC PLAY TAKES SLOTS LIVE WITH TIPSPORT IN CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA
The provider rolls out Slots catalogue in Czech Republic and Slovakia
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has taken its Slots content live with Tipsport, a leading operator in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
The provider’s growing collection of award-winning Slots, which includes iconic titles such as Gates of Olympus and Sweet Bonanza, in addition to recent hits such as Loki’s Riches, is now available to Tipsport players.
Pragmatic Play’s wider portfolio of RNG games, including its two popular Crash titles, Spaceman and Big Bass Crash, is also live with Tipsport, giving their players the chance to enjoy a variety of premium gaming experiences.
Founded in 1991, Tipsport has become the largest betting company in the Czech Republic. With a prominent land-based presence alongside its online casino and sports betting products, it is now one of the leading operators in Eastern and Central Europe.
The partnership with Tipsport widens the reach of Pragmatic Play’s product offering in key regulated markets.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Tipsport, a popular and respected operator in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, bringing Pragmatic Play’s Slots and RNG content to even more players in these markets.”
Jiří Švarc, Casino Director at Tipsport, added: “As a market leader in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we’re excited to welcome Pragmatic Play to our platform and begin to offer our players a more diverse and unparalleled number of immersive Slots.
“Pragmatic Play is easily one of the most well-known providers in the industry, so we’re glad to finally be welcoming them to Tipsport. We believe this will be an extremely successful partnership, and we look forward to seeing the results.”
Central Europe
Sponsors Spotlight: Pixpel Makes Crypto Games Safe and Fun for Players and Developers in Web3
Ahead of the highly-anticipated Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, organizer HIPTHER is thrilled to introduce and put the spotlight on the companies and people that help make the magic happen: our conference sponsors! These innovative, accomplished professionals and teams make magic happen everyday, and they will be joining us at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 taking place on 26-27 March, to share insights, network and collaborate with you! Get to know them, connect, and meet them in Prague!
In this Sponsors Spotlight Interview the #hipthers meet Mariela Rojas, Community Builder & Social Manager at Pixpel.io, Delegates Bag Sponsors of the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Mariela will be a Speaker at the Summit, offering valuable insights at the panel about “Navigating the Future: Integrating iGaming, AI, Fintech, and Advertising with Compliance and Data Privacy”.
Dear Mariela, it is a great pleasure to meet you, and have Pixpel as a Delegate Bag Sponsor at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit! Could you please take a moment to introduce yourself and your role in Pixpel to our readers?
Hello everyone! Thanks so much for having me. I’m Mariela Rojas, Community Builder and Social Manager at Pixpel.io. I’m thrilled to be here, although I have to admit – this is my first time as a speaker at a Web3 summit! A little nervous, but mostly excited to be part of the conversation. I’ve been with Pixpel since May 2023, and building our community has been an incredible journey. Looking forward to connecting with all of you!
Can you share with us the inspiration behind the founding of Pixpel and how does its multiplatform work?
Pixpel’s story began with a real-world challenge. In 2021, our founder, Juan Vivas fell victim to a rug pull, a common issue in the early days of Web3. This experience fueled his passion to create a more secure and trustworthy Web3 environment.
That’s why Pixpel offers a safety NFT warranty, protecting your assets and bringing peace of mind to the community.
But Pixpel goes beyond security! We’re building an entire ecosystem that’s easy to navigate and accessible to everyone. Imagine a user-friendly platform integrating Fintech, iGaming, data privacy, and compliance – all rolled into one! It’s like having a next-generation gaming console for the Web3 world, ready to take your experience to the next level.
Pixpel is known for pioneering secure and accessible gaming experiences. How does the company ensure both security and accessibility for gamers and developers within the Web3 ecosystem?
Sure, that’s a great question. At Pixpel, we believe security and accessibility are two sides of the same coin. On the security side, we offer a first-of-its-kind NFT warranty system. Think of it as a safety net for gamers’ in-game assets, protecting them from scams and fraud. This builds trust and allows players to focus on enjoying the games they love.
We also prioritize building on secure and established blockchains ( Layer-1 Concordium Blockchain and Zetachain Blockchain). This leverages existing security measures that have been thoroughly tested over time. Additionally, we implement secure transaction protocols to further minimize the risk of hacks or fraudulent activity within the platform.
On the accessibility front, we recognize that navigating Web3 can be daunting for newcomers. That’s why we’re developing a user-friendly platform that’s easy to navigate, even for those new to the world of Web3. Our application offers intuitive usability for users of all experience levels.
As the Community Builder & Social Manager at Pixpel, you play a crucial role in fostering engagement and trust within the community. Can you elaborate on your strategies for building and maintaining a strong and vibrant community around Pixpel?
Absolutely! As the Community Builder at Pixpel, even before launch, fostering engagement and trust is crucial. Transparency and open communication are at the forefront of our strategy. We regularly share updates on our vision for the future, the problems we’re aiming to solve in Web3 gaming, and the exciting solutions we’re developing. We actively seek feedback on our ideas and concepts, listening closely to the needs and pain points of our potential community. This two-way dialogue is essential for building a product that truly resonates with the people who will use it.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is also key. We want Pixpel to be a space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, sharing their thoughts, and being a part of something bigger. Early on, we’re focusing on building relationships with potential users and fostering a sense of belonging. This can involve hosting online discussions, AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions with the founders, or even interactive polls and surveys to gauge interest and gather valuable insights. By engaging with potential users early and often, we’re laying the groundwork for a strong and vibrant community that’s invested in Pixpel’s success.
Could you share some insights into Pixpel’s approach to security and safety within the Web3 space, particularly in addressing the concerns surrounding DeFi platforms?
Security is paramount at Pixpel. We understand the concerns surrounding DeFi platforms, and we’re taking a multi-pronged approach to ensure a safe and reliable experience for our users within the Web3 space:
- Focus on Established Blockchains: We’re carefully considering building on well-established blockchains with a proven track record of security. These blockchains have robust security measures in place, having been battle-tested over time.
- Innovative NFT Warranty System: Pixpel offers a first-of-its-kind NFT warranty system. This acts as a safety net for in-game assets, potentially protecting users from scams and fraudulent activity. It’s still under development, but the goal is to provide an additional layer of security and peace of mind for gamers.
- Secure Transaction Protocols: We’re committed to implementing secure transaction protocols within the platform. This helps minimize the risk of hacks and fraudulent activity, further safeguarding user assets.
It’s important to note that Pixpel’s specific features and functionalities are still under development. However, we prioritize building a secure and trustworthy environment by leveraging established technologies and innovative solutions. We’ll continue to adapt and evolve our approach as the Web3 landscape continues to develop.
Your background includes experience in marketing for a law firm in Mexico, which provided exposure to blockchain law. How has this prior experience influenced your role at Pixpel, especially in terms of compliance and regulations in the Web3 landscape?
Absolutely! My background in marketing for a law firm specializing in Mexico actually proved to be incredibly valuable in my transition to Pixpel. While there, I gained significant exposure to the emerging field of blockchain law. This gave me a foundational understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding this new technology.
At Pixpel, this knowledge comes in particularly handy when it comes to compliance and regulations within the Web3 space. The world of Web3 is constantly evolving, and the regulatory environment is still taking shape. However, my experience with blockchain law allows me to stay informed about the latest developments and potential regulatory hurdles. This awareness helps us proactively navigate the complexities of the space and ensure Pixpel operates with the utmost compliance.
It’s not just about following the rules – understanding the regulations also helps us build a more trustworthy and sustainable future for Pixpel and the Web3 gaming community as a whole.
Considering Pixpel’s work, its milestones, and your experience at the forefront of compliance and blockchain law, what is the general message you wish to share in your panel discussion about “Navigating the Future: Integrating iGaming, AI, Fintech, and Advertising with Compliance and Data Privacy”, and with the Summit’s participants?
Imagine a world where secure and seamless gaming merges with the power of Fintech, iGaming, and cutting-edge AI – all wrapped in a user-friendly console for the Web3 era. That’s the future Pixpel is building! But with such innovation comes the responsibility of navigating the ever-evolving world of compliance and data privacy.
At Pixpel, my legal background keeps me at the forefront of these challenges. It’s thrilling to see how blockchain law can be a bridge, not a barrier, as we integrate these powerful technologies. Here’s the key takeaway I want to share: compliance isn’t a roadblock, it’s the roadmap to a thriving Web3 future.
By embracing strong compliance practices and prioritizing data privacy, we can build a secure and trustworthy ecosystem where everyone can enjoy the benefits of iGaming, AI, Fintech, and more. This Summit is a fantastic place to explore these ideas together. I’m excited to learn from the experts and collaborate on building a future where innovation meets responsibility in the Web3 space!
Thank you for this informative interview, Mariela! We look forward to meeting you at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, and hearing your valuable insights on Integrating iGaming, AI, Fintech, and Advertising with Compliance and Data Privacy.
Join us in Prague to connect with Mariela and the Pixpel Team: Get your Tickets to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit Now!
Affiliate Industry
Casino Guru shortlisted for GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024 in two prestigious categories
Casino Guru, the biggest and most up-to-date online casino database and an online gambling authority, has been shortlisted for two esteemed categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024. The company has been recognized for its exceptional performance and dedication to excellence in the field of online gambling.
Casino Guru is proud to announce its shortlisting for the categories of “Best Affiliate in CEE” and “Best Support for Responsible Gambling”. This acknowledgement highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to providing a safe and responsible gaming environment while delivering outstanding affiliate services in the Central and Eastern European region.
Casino Guru has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in both categories, thanks to its consistent delivery of top-notch services across all facets of the iGaming industry. The company’s dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices has been particularly noteworthy.
In the category of “Best Support for Responsible Gambling,” Casino Guru’s participation in safer gambling stands as a testament to its innovative approach towards ensuring player safety. The company’s Gamtegrity platform, home to groundbreaking projects like the Global Self-Exclusion System (GSES), the Casino Guru Academy, and the Casino Guru Awards, has set a new standard for responsible gaming initiatives.
Moreover, Casino Guru’s commitment to transparency and integrity in providing comprehensive information about casino operators and brands has earned it a well-deserved place on the shortlist for Best Casino Affiliate. The company’s efforts in this regard have significantly contributed to enhancing the overall player experience in the iGaming industry.
The final voting for the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024 will take place on March 26th during the prestigious Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their votes, and the winners will be announced and honored at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024 Ceremony, which will be held at the exclusive Endorphina Club 777 Networking Party.
The Endorphina Club 777 Networking Party, sponsored and hosted by Endorphina, is scheduled to take place on March 26 at 19:00 at the Theater Royal, Vinohradská 2165, 120 00 Vinohrady. The Awards Ceremony is set to commence around 21:30, promising an evening of celebration and recognition for the industry’s top performers.
Casino Guru extends its gratitude to GamingTECH for the nominations and looks forward to the final results with great anticipation.
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