Industry News
European Safer Gambling Week Sets Records for Safer Gambling Promotion Across Europe
The 2023 edition of the annual European Safer Gambling Week saw a record 8 million safer gambling messages shared on social media platforms across 20 European countries.
The annual European Safer Gambling Week, which took place from 13-19 November, brought together a record number of participants, and led to record levels of safer gambling promotion across many European countries, according to an analysis by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
Various stakeholders from across Europe supported this year’s initiative to raise awareness about safer gambling and provide practical advice to players and the wider public. This third edition saw a series of engaging events across Europe, alongside a dedicated social media campaign, which covered major platforms and saw unprecedented levels of participation and engagement.
More than 160 different partners actively participated, including many operators, trade associations, harm-prevention organisations and national gambling authorities, signifying a notable increase in participation compared to the previous year. The campaign spanned 20 different countries, more than ever before, and delivered a record 8 million safer gambling messages to social media audiences, marking a massive 430% increase from 2022. These messages helped to signpost practical resources, such as safety tools and tips, to players and the wider public, and were translated into over 20 national languages to improve their accessibility.
The initiative also saw the successful coordination of 18 local safer gambling-themed events throughout Europe. These events provide a valuable platform for meaningful discussions and insights into the latest safer gambling practices, regulation, and research. Speakers included industry experts, academics, harm-prevention organisations, experts by experience and representatives from various national gambling authorities.
“We’re pleased to report that this year’s European Safer Gambling Week was a resounding success, setting new records for participation and engagement across Europe. From Spain to Latvia, organisations came together throughout the week with the common purpose of raising awareness about safer gambling. We’re encouraged by the increased participation and support from a range of stakeholders this year and we believe this reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safer gambling across Europe. At EGBA, we’re committed to promoting a strong culture of safer gambling, and the discussions we had during the week will help set our agenda for the next year. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in 2024,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said.
AI
Former German Air Force officer launches Sparky Space AI platform for iGaming teams
Nils Ristau and Daniel Schmitz debut a work enablement platform aimed at day-to-day execution across product, retention and AI adoption.
Sparky Space, a new AI-powered work enablement platform founded by former German Air Force officer Nils Ristau and tech leader Daniel Schmitz, has launched and is now available globally for iGaming operators and suppliers.
The founders are positioning the product around execution support inside daily workflows as teams face tighter regulatory demands, faster product cycles and higher player expectations. The company cited industry research suggesting only 10-20% of learning is consistently applied in day-to-day work, creating a gap between training and on-the-job outcomes.
“In military operations, performance depends on clarity, structure, and disciplined execution in changing environments,” said Ristau. “The iGaming industry operates under similar pressure.
“Competitive advantage does not come from knowledge alone – it comes from how effectively teams apply it every day.”
Sparky Space said its platform supports areas including product development, player retention and AI adoption, with use cases spanning customer-centric experimentation, agile product and game development, decision-making and prioritisation, practical generative AI prompting, and cross-functional collaboration. The company said the tools are intended to help teams launch features, respond to regulatory change, and optimise marketing and support processes.
While initially focused on iGaming, Sparky Space said it has been built for broader use in other fast-moving, technology-driven industries.
Relevant data as follows:
- Sparky Space: https://www.sparkyspace.com Official company site for product and launch details.
- UK Gambling Commission: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Regulatory context referenced in the article’s discussion of increasing compliance pressure.
- Malta Gaming Authority: https://www.mga.org.mt Key European regulator relevant to operators and suppliers navigating shifting regulation.
The post Former German Air Force officer launches Sparky Space AI platform for iGaming teams appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Belatra
Belatra marks 33 years with April anniversary campaign
The slots supplier says its portfolio now exceeds 150 games and highlights recent LatAm expansion from its Buenos Aires base.
Belatra is marking its 33rd birthday with an anniversary campaign running throughout April, the iGaming slots developer said.
The company said it was founded in 1993 and has since transitioned from building gaming machines for land-based casinos to producing digital content. Belatra added that its portfolio has grown to more than 150 games.
Belatra also pointed to its strategic Latin American headquarters in Buenos Aires as a key base for regional partnerships and growth.
Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, said: “We’re only just getting started, but birthdays provide the perfect chance to reflect on our successes and the path that’s brought us here. From launching our innovative ‘multi-universe’ content strategy to our rapid expansion in Latin America, the successful launch of our first Crash game, and multiple high-profile industry award wins — we are always developing, creating, and evolving. 33 years of innovation, dedication, and gaming excellence — and the best is yet to come.”
Belatra did not provide additional detail on upcoming releases or the timing of any new product announcements beyond saying updates will land during April.
The post Belatra marks 33 years with April anniversary campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
iGaming Real Talk
iGaming Real Talk WhatsApp community passes 500 members
Founder Surya Palli positions the group as a real-time extension of the brand’s long-form podcast conversations.
iGaming Real Talk said its WhatsApp community has crossed 500 members, marking what the company described as a growth milestone for the group.
The community is positioned as a space for candid discussion among iGaming professionals, including operators, studios, affiliates, and suppliers. The company attributed the group’s growth to its structure, stating it operates with minimal moderation and allows promotions.
Surya Palli, Founder of iGaming Real Talk, said: “Reaching 500 members is a proud moment, but what matters more is the quality of the conversations happening inside the group every day. This community is built on trust, openness, and a genuine desire to help each other grow.
Our long-form podcasts can only cover so much at a given time, but the WhatsApp community is an always-on, real-time extension of those conversations. We’re just getting started.”
iGaming Real Talk said it plans to expand the community through exclusive content, industry interviews, and collaborative discussions.
Those interested in joining the iGaming Real Talk WhatsApp community can join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/K2UoLJdluQdFJXvV1uDw6Z
The post iGaming Real Talk WhatsApp community passes 500 members appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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