Baltics
Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO
Bombay Group, renowned for its innovative approach to luxury gaming and hospitality, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter by appointing Kevin McGowen as the new CEO.
“Time has arrived to welcome all suitable discerning players from across the globe to experience our unparalleled gaming offerings,” said Mr McGowen as he sees Bombay Group as a global leader in redefining the gaming experience that combines cutting-edge technology, cashless systems, and private, exclusive environments to reshape the traditional casino industry. “I’m hugely impressed by the Bombay team’s dedication to elevating standards in the high-end gaming industry from a product and compliance perspective. One of my goals for the near future is to engage even broader global experience in the team,” added the new CEO.
The company’s interim CEO, Anita Brinke, has set the stage for Bombay Group’s next phase of growth as the final preparations for the opening of the unique venue are concluded, and the organisation is well-prepared for its ambitious goals. “The ultimate goal of my work of recent years has been to realise the unique vision of a destination that is totally worth a separate journey regardless of how much one has experienced in life. Only a few weeks remain until the opening of The Burman and in combination with the Bombay Club they will complete the redefining of modern high quality entertainment. Now is a good time to pass the baton so that Kevin can give our crown jewel the final shine,” said Brinke assuredly.
Kevin McGowen, a Chief Executive has over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality and relationship marketing. Most recently, he served as CEO of Les Ambassadeurs, a prestigious private members’ casino in Mayfair, London. Kevin’s career spans across major global gaming jurisdictions and client feeder markets, including Las Vegas, The Bahamas, London, the Far East, and the Middle East. Kevin’s extensive experience in both land-based and online gaming will play a pivotal role in realising the Group’s ambitious vision.
The Group is also pleased to announce Dajana Tiitsaar as Chief Operating Officer. Dajana’s strong operational background and extensive knowledge of local market dynamics will play a critical role in ensuring seamless daily operations. Dajana joined Bombay Group from Enefit, an Estonian based energy company where she last held the country manager position, she also has over a dozen years of experience in tourism, hospitality and marketing. Her appointment underscores Bombay Group’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term success.
In August 2024, Bombay Group proudly opened the Bombay Club, alongside world-class restaurant, bars, and lounges in Tallinn. Looking ahead to March 2025, Bombay is set to open its highly anticipated hotel, The Burman, in Tallinn’s historic Old Town. Dating back to 1850, The Burman is among the city’s historic gems. The hotel will open with two additional restaurants, a bakery, and a spa, further enhancing and enriching the character of Tallinn’s historic Hanseatic town. This addition will complete the full buildout of the project, cementing Bombay Group’s commitment of delivering premium world-class experiences in gaming and hospitality.
The post Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
HIPTHER Baltics Launches in Vilnius with Agenda Revealing Lithuania’s 2026 Regulatory Reset
A new Baltic-focused conference era begins on 21 April 2026, uniting iGaming, fintech, compliance, and innovation leaders in Lithuania’s digital-first capital
HIPTHER officially announces the agenda for HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026, the inaugural event of its newly launched Baltic conference series, taking place 21 April 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre.
Marking the evolution of the landmark MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, the new HIPTHER Baltics format introduces targeted, country-focused gatherings designed to deliver deeper regulatory insight, stronger regional dialogue, and practical strategic value for decision-makers operating across gaming, fintech, and digital innovation.
At the heart of the Vilnius edition lies a defining theme: Lithuania’s Great Regulatory Reset — a decisive transition toward stricter supervision, strengthened compliance frameworks, and sustainable, quality-driven growth across financial services and iGaming.
Lithuania 2026: From Easy-Access Hub to Compliance-Driven Ecosystem
As Lithuania sharpens oversight across banking, fintech, blockchain, and gaming, the conference agenda explores four structural shifts shaping the market:
- Banking: Cyber-resilience stress testing, the rise of specialised institutions, and a pivot toward sustainable profitability
- Fintech: Account-to-account dominance, international B2B expansion, and the emergence of agentic AI beyond chatbot automation
- Blockchain: Post-MiCA enforcement, strengthened AML leadership requirements, and institutional tokenisation of real-world assets
- iGaming: Advertising restrictions, ISP blocking acceleration, and intensified identity and source-of-funds compliance
Together, these forces signal a new operational reality for regulated digital industries in the Baltics.
Agenda Highlights Across Two Strategic Stages
Stage 1 — Strategy, Compliance & Banking
Key discussions will include:
- Regulators’ Panel: Bank of Lithuania and FNTT on MiCA transition and new iGaming ISP-blocking protocols
- Banking Transformation: How credit unions and specialised banks challenge Nordic incumbents
- Post-MiCA Survival: Maintaining VASP licensing under 2026 regulatory structures
- iGaming Advertising Ban: Operator strategies in a zero-marketing environment
- AML 2.0: Implementing enhanced source-of-wealth requirements for high-stakes players
- Cross-Industry Debate: Can tokenisation solve transparency challenges between blockchain and iGaming?
Stage 2 — Innovation, Blockchain & iGaming Tech
- Agentic AI in Fintech: From conversational tools to autonomous financial advisors
- Tokenising the Real World: Real-estate and debt instruments on-chain in the Baltics
- Next-Generation Payments: A2A integration across gaming and retail ecosystems
- Digital Euro & CBDCs: Technical readiness for the European Central Bank’s 2026 roadmap
A Boutique Summit Built for Decision-Makers
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 will gather 100+ senior attendees, 30+ expert speakers, and 15+ key industry topics in a one-day, high-impact format combining:
- High-level regulatory and industry panels
- Curated networking among operators, fintech leaders, regulators, legal experts, and investors
- A premium, centrally located boutique conference environment
The event is designed for iGaming operators, fintech and payment providers, compliance professionals, regulators, affiliates, startups, and regional investors seeking actionable intelligence in a rapidly tightening regulatory landscape.
From MARE BALTICUM Legacy to HIPTHER Baltics Future
Reflecting on the transition, Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated:
“Lithuania is entering one of the most defining regulatory transitions in its modern digital economy. With HIPTHER Baltics in Vilnius, we are creating a focused platform where regulators, financial institutions, fintech innovators, and iGaming leaders can engage in honest, high-level dialogue about what sustainable growth truly means in 2026 and beyond.”
With HIPTHER Baltics launching in Vilnius, the Baltic region enters a new phase of dialogue — closer to local markets, deeper in expertise, and stronger in cross-industry collaboration.
The journey begins in Vilnius on 21 April 2026.
The post HIPTHER Baltics Launches in Vilnius with Agenda Revealing Lithuania’s 2026 Regulatory Reset appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Amusnet
Amusnet Enters into Strategic Partnership with Twinsbet Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania
Amusnet has expanded its international brand presence through a new strategic partnership with the landmark Twinsbet Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania.
As Lithuania’s largest and most established events venue, Twinsbet Arena hosts approximately 100 major concerts, sporting events and international productions annually. The partnership positions Amusnet within one of the country’s most prominent entertainment venues, reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-visibility, premium collaborations.
The agreement includes brand integration across the Arena environment and with one of the venue’s exclusive hospitality spaces, now operating as the Amusnet Lounge. The premium area offers guests dedicated access, refined hospitality services and exceptional views during live events, further associating the Amusnet brand with elevated audience experiences.
“The former Premium Lounge club will now operate as the ‘Amusnet Lounge’. Guests attending any event who purchase tickets in this club sector will enjoy additional benefits, including a dedicated entrance, complimentary cloakroom service, access to a unique hospitality space, premium snacks and beverages, and some of the best sightlines in the arena,” said Aneta Lauciuvienė, Head of Sales at Twinsbet Arena.
Ivo Georgiev, CEO of Amusnet, said: “Our partnership with Twinsbet Arena reflects Amusnet’s strategic vision to align with iconic venues and institutions that shape their national entertainment landscapes. This collaboration strengthens our brand presence in Lithuania and positions Amusnet at the heart of a venue that brings together global performers, premier sporting events, and diverse audiences. We view this as a long-term partnership built on shared ambition and sustained value creation.”
Through this strategic collaboration, Amusnet further strengthens its international brand positioning and deepens its presence in one of the Baltic region’s most dynamic markets.
The post Amusnet Enters into Strategic Partnership with Twinsbet Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026
Nominations Now Open for the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026
Recognising Excellence Across the Baltics & Nordics
The spotlight is officially on!
HIPTHER has opened nominations for the Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, the region’s defining celebration of innovation, leadership, and operational excellence across the gaming and technology ecosystem.
From pioneering operators and cutting-edge suppliers to infrastructure leaders and visionary individuals, the awards honour the companies and people shaping the future of regulated gaming across the Baltic and Nordic regions.
And this year, the journey culminates on a single stage.
Winners will be revealed on 2 June 2026 in Tallinn, during the prestigious Awards Ceremony & Closing Party of HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics: Tallinn — the grand finale of the HIPTHER Baltics 2026 conference series.
One region. One stage. One official awards night.
Key Dates to Remember
- Nomination period: 18 February – 12 April 2026
- Online voting session: 21 – 30 April 2026
- Shortlist announcement: 5 May 2026
- Final decision: 29 May 2026 – Secret Jury Vote
- Winners announced: 2 June 2026 – Tallinn Awards Ceremony
Part of the HIPTHER Baltics 2026 Journey
The Awards form the grand finale of HIPTHER BALTICS 2026 – Three Capitals, One Vision, a high-level regional conference series exploring regulation, fintech, compliance, and innovation across three Baltic capitals:
- Vilnius – 21 April 2026
iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration - Riga – 11 May 2026
Cross-Border Compliance & Player Protection - Tallinn – 2 June 2026
Digital Governance & Startup Innovation
+ Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards Ceremony
Together, the series delivers HIPTHER’s signature blend of policy insight, technological vision, and meaningful networking — culminating in the region’s most anticipated awards night.
Award Categories Across Six Industry Pillars
The 2026 edition features a comprehensive structure recognising excellence across:
- Baltics – Operators
- Nordics – Operators
- Suppliers – Casino & Content
- Suppliers – Sports & Odds
- Connected & Infrastructure
- Individual Industry Awards
This multi-layered approach ensures recognition not only for market leaders, but also for rising innovators, technology disruptors, and influential personalities driving the sector forward.
Why These Awards Matter
The Baltic and Nordic regions continue to stand at the forefront of regulation, digital governance, fintech integration, and responsible innovation in global gaming.
The HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards serve as:
- A benchmark of trust and excellence
- A platform for regional and international visibility
- A celebration of the people and technologies shaping tomorrow’s industry
In short — recognition here resonates far beyond the stage.
Submit Your Nomination
Industry stakeholders, partners, and community members are invited to nominate the companies and leaders defining excellence in 2026.
Nominations are open until 12 April 2026.
Submit your nominations here.
Join the journey toward Tallinn — and be part of the night where the region’s finest step into the spotlight!
The post Nominations Now Open for the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
ELA Games7 days ago“Patrick’s Treasure Pots”: Hunt for the Pot of Gold in ELA Games’ Celtic Adventure
-
Andrzej Hyla Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan7 days agoFisherman’s Luck™ Gains Exciting Gainer™ Mechanic from Wazdan
-
HAPPY MONEY HENS6 days agoINSPIRED UNVEILS HAPPY MONEY HENS™, GOLDEN WINNER GRAND CHANCE SUPER WHEEL™ & GOLD CASH FREE SPINS RISING WINS™ ACROSS ONLINE & MOBILE
-
Bragg Gaming Group6 days agoBragg Strengthens Executive Team for Enhanced Content Strategy, North American Growth, and AI-First Transformation
-
Latest News6 days agoNorwegian Football and Norsk Tipping Extend Their Cooperation
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoArizona Division of Problem Gambling and the Arizona Lottery / Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoIsle of Man Govt Publishes its National Risk Assessment (NRA) Covering Money Laundering Risk in Gambling Sector
-
apuestas6 days agoExpansión de los VLT en Brasil y crecimiento del sector hotelero



