Eastern Europe

Iași, Romania Set to Host the IESF 2023 World Esports Championships

Published

4 years ago

March 30, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The International Esports Federation (IESF) held a press conference today with the future host city of the 15th World Esports Championships Finals, Iași, Romania. This will be the second time the WE Championships will be staged in Romania after the country’s capital Bucharest hosted IESF’s flagship event in 2013.

Iași is the second-largest city in Romania and is home to multiple well-known universities. As the most youthful city in Romania, Iași will provide a fresh take on the WE Championships, offer new and exciting participation opportunities and bring together the World Esports Family once again for esports’ biggest event.

IESF President Vlad Marinescu said: “We are so excited to bring the World Esports Championships back to Romania. The WE Championships have a rich history of generating international exposure for esports and uniting the World Esports Family, and the 2023 edition is expected to be the largest edition ever with at least 130 countries participating. We are thrilled that we can continue to provide our athletes with the ultimate environment to perform at their full potential on the world stage.

Deputy Mayor of Iași Daniel Juravle joined the press conference and said: “Iasi is the youngest city in Romania and the largest after the country’s capital. We are ready to host the World Esports Championships, an event that will bring great energy to our city and turn it into the capital of esports. We are waiting for gamers from all over the world with open arms. Together we can create the future of this industry. We will make sure that you have fun and that you will make history in this great city.”

IESF Secretary General Boban Totovski said: “We are very grateful for the support and collaboration of Deputy Mayor Jurvale and the local organizers. I have no doubt that Iași will be an amazing host for the 15th WE Championships Finals. The thriving university city of Iași perfectly embodies IESF’s values of respect and friendship, so we look forward to what’s in store in 2023.”

Bali, Indonesia is currently preparing to host the 2022 WE Championships, set to take place from 27 November to 9 December and is expected to be the largest and most geographically diverse installment of the event, featuring a record $500,000 total prize pool and a new Women’s Featured Division.

Compliance Updates

Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications

Published

22 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ukraine-launches-online-portal-for-gambling-licence-applications

Businesses can now obtain licenses for organising and conducting gambling activities online through the Diia portal, without paper documents or in-person interaction with the state, according to a statement by PlayCity, the state agency regulating Ukraine’s gambling and lottery market.

According to the release, applications can be generated in the Diia electronic cabinet and signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Some data will be automatically retrieved from state registries, including information about the company, its owners and beneficiaries.

PlayCity will review submitted applications, and applicants will receive decisions on license issuance or refusal online via Diia.

Companies will be able to apply for licenses covering casino operations, bookmaking, slot machine halls, online poker, as well as B2B services in the gambling sector.

Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Borniakov said on Telegram that the ministry, together with PlayCity, has also prepared amendments to sector-specific legislation aimed at strengthening entry checks for companies in terms of reputation, integrity, ownership structure and absence of ties to the aggressor state.

“Our goal is to create a transparent and controlled market in which digital tools ensure both convenience for businesses and trust in the state,” Borniakov said.

The post Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Best Slot Developer

Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-named-best-slot-developer-at-gamingtech-awards-2026

Amusnet has been awarded the title of Best Slot Developer at the GamingTECH Awards 2026, marking a notable acknowledgment of the company’s innovative and technical prowess. Unveiled on March 25th in Prague at the 10th-anniversary edition of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, this recognition emphasizes the influence of the company’s varied, high-achieving slot collection throughout Central and Eastern European markets.

This accolade highlights the organization’s capacity to provide a diverse array of titles that satisfy the changing needs of both operators and players. By prioritizing technical dependability, dynamic animations, and captivating features, Amusnet has positioned itself as a key partner in the area.

“We are truly honoured to receive the Best Slot Developer award,” commented Julia Peeva-Sertov, CEO & Director at Amusnet Gaming, Malta. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences for players. Empowering our partners continues to inspire us to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the industry.”

The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit united industry leaders and top executives to explore the connection between gaming, AI, and fintech. During the event, representatives from Amusnet Gaming participated in strategic networking and high-level discussions within the industry, enhancing connections with partners in the CEE area. Winning this title at a milestone anniversary occasion reinforces the company’s position as an innovative leader in the digital entertainment industry.

The post Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

GLI Becomes First International Gaming Lab to be Accredited in Ukraine

Published

4 weeks ago

March 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

gli-becomes-first-international-gaming-lab-to-be-accredited-in-ukraine

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has become the first international gaming lab to be accredited in Ukraine.

GLI Europe B.V. was appointed by Ukrainian regulatory authority, PlayCity, as both a testing/certification and inspection body for gambling equipment in the country and is currently the only foreign entity to be accredited.

GLI Europe B.V. will perform testing and certification of all gaming related hardware and software in accordance with the requirements of PlayCity and the Ukrainian gaming regulatory framework. GLI will deliver all Ukrainian certification services through its European operational hub, GLI Europe B.V., ensuring certification is conducted under GLI’s ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, and 17065 accreditations.

The company will work with both foreign and Ukrainian suppliers, whereas Ukraine is considered a regulated market, and suppliers will need to hold a certificate of approval from PlayCity in order to request certification for the market.

“We are grateful for the trust PlayCity has placed in GLI. At GLI, we work with regulators in more than 710 jurisdictions, and we will bring our global expertise to PlayCity and to suppliers who wish to enter the Ukrainian market, guaranteeing the highest levels of testing quality and compliance,” said James Boje, Managing Director, EMEIA.

The post GLI Becomes First International Gaming Lab to be Accredited in Ukraine appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.