Eastern Europe
“As the CIS’s second largest country, we’re looking at one of Europe’s greatest growth opportunities.” Exclusive Ukraine interview with BetGames.TV’s Yury Mikhaylov
With the stage now set for history in the making, Ukraine is preparing to open its market for the first time in more than a decade.
Proven as one of Europe’s most in-demand live casino suppliers and headquartered in neighbouring Vilnius, we caught up with BetGames.TV’s CIS Sales Director Yury Mikhaylov to get his views on Ukraine’s potential, as well as his own plans for the market.
With BetGames.TV gearing up to bring its products to the Ukrainian market in the near-term, how do you see prospects here?
As the CIS’s second largest country, we’re looking at one of Europe’s greatest growth opportunities. Infrastructure factors, such as widespread internet access and the prevalence of online banking, have laid a great foundation for a digital-first approach from the outset. Twinned with a market crammed with tech savvy players, and you’re looking at a serious boost for national revenue with plenty of potential for online casino, making it an exciting time for all involved.
I would encourage anyone who remains sceptical of the benefits of regulation to consider the example offered by neighbouring Georgia (on a smaller population scale of course!). The country has improved player safety, widened consumer choice and boosted the national economy by attracting new investment. For that reason, it’s pleasing to see Ukraine follow the example set by several other regional European markets by putting a framework in place to establish its own gambling industry, and we look forward to playing a part in the market’s development.
Has BetGames.TV already established a footprint in the region? Are there any further steps which the regulator needs to take before you do so in Ukraine?
We already have a well-established network with Ukraine’s biggest global hitters (such as Favbet and Parimatch), who, as regional heavyweights, are going to be key in shaping how the market develops in its early stages. Both operate an extensive network across the CIS and Europe, and we are on excellent terms with them given the number of jurisdictions we’re actively working in together.
On a macro level, the Ukrainian regulator has certainly taken steps in the right direction, although having said that, several inconsistencies remain within the proposed framework, which the authorities must work to clarify in order to fully realise all the advantages of regulation. I’m confident this will be addressed and look forward to seeing updates on this soon enough.
And what are your plans for the market going forward?
From what we’ve seen so far, I’m certain that the full legalisation and improved transparency of the Ukrainian market will add a wealth of new opportunities for us, particularly when it comes to online casino.
We’ve been hugely successful in Belarus in a similar format – where we went online with the country’s first digital offering (launched by Parimatch) and have already outperformed every slot supplier on the market there. We also offer far superior margins to our competitors, and in many cases, theseare greater than sports betting itself, so I see plenty of potential for us to sit alongside newly established Ukrainian sportsbooks too without cannibalising spend.
Accordingly, I believe we’re in a strong position to capitalise on the Ukrainian market’s likely huge customer base as soon as we go live there, and I’m sure we’ll prove to be key in helping operators make their mark on the territory. As well as our award-winning live dealer offering (fully developed in-house), we’ve also got a raft of marketing and promotional services that are going to be tailored to a jurisdiction where we are already familiar with what players are looking for.
How do you envisage Ukraine’s commercial landscape will shape up in the coming years? Do you expect to see a lot of competition?
New market entries require considerable resources. Compliance procedures can be complex, time-consuming and geographically differentiated. For that reason, local knowledge and contact networks tend to play an important role. Ukraine is no different: with a high bar set for entry, many anticipate that the territory’s commercial future belongs to those who are already present within it.
Of course, given a population of close to 40 million, we’re dealing with one of Europe’s largest markets in terms of potential– so I’m sure plenty of our international operator friends and partners will also be eyeing it with interest. Given how pivotal we have been this year in boosting global partners’ operating revenue and acquisition efforts, I’m also sure we’ll prove ourselves to be a valuable asset in helping our partners’ operations get going there as soon as they go live.
Powered by WPeMatico
BEGE (Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo) and EEGS (Eastern European Gaming Summit) are excited to announce their groundbreaking 2025 concept, which emphasizes the critical importance of proximity, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies – all while integrating the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
At the heart of this initiative is a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the industry. Together, BEGE and EEGS are creating a vibrant platform for networking and idea exchange, bringing industry leaders together to explore the future of gaming. With multiple networking opportunities throughout the BEGE and EEGS, attendees will have countless chances to engage with one another, share insights, and forge valuable partnerships.
“The power of community is essential to our mission,” says Natalia Baevska, Project Manager of BEGE and EEGS. “By collaborating, we can harness our collective strengths to unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.”
Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager, highlights the significance of the initiative’s theme, “Proximity to Potential: Where Every Piece Matters.” She explains, “This slogan captures the essence of our vision. It underscores the idea that every connection and collaboration serves as a vital piece of a larger puzzle, driving innovation and success in our industry. We are excited to create an environment where companies can showcase their achievements, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful dialogue.”
In addition to the networking events, the initiative will feature an impressive lineup of thought-provoking lectures and lively panel discussions led by industry experts, all designed to spark engagement and collaboration.
Furthermore, the integration of AI into this initiative promises to elevate gaming experiences and enhance operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark for innovation in the sector.
With this ambitious initiative, BEGE and EEGS are poised to transform the gaming landscape in the Balkans, encouraging all stakeholders to come together and actively shape the industry’s future.
The post BEGE and EEGS Unveil Visionary 2025 Concept Focusing on Proximity, Collaboration, and AI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Ukraine has created a new agency named “PlayCity” to control state policy in the field of gambling and lotteries.
The work of “PlayCity” will be coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers through the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology — Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.
In 2025, the agency will be financed within the budget of the liquidated Gambling Commission (CRGL).
In December 2024, the parliament decided to liquidate CRGL and transfer gambling regulation functions to the Ministry of Digital Economy. It was decided to automate licenses to remove the human factor from the process and reduce corruption.
The post Ukraine Creates New Agency Named “PlayCity” to Control Gambling and Lotteries appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Eastern Europe
GGBET UA is expanding its presence in football: first press conference with FC Zorya held in Kyiv
The first media event as part of FC Zorya Luhansk’s partnership with their title sponsor, GGBET UA, has taken place in Kyiv. Zorya is the second Ukrainian football team that the brand has successfully collaborated with. The partnership with the leading betting brand has boosted Zorya’s media activity and brought the club closer to fans.
By working with GGBET UA, Zorya have strengthened their presence on social media, regularly sharing engaging and interactive content. Thanks to this new strategy for interacting with fans, the reach and engagement of certain types of social media posts have doubled. The club have launched an updated version of their official site, where you can now find all the information about their history and current activities. Zorya will also soon be delighting fans by launching an official fan shop.
This approach to the partnership between GGBET UA and FC Zorya Luhansk is bringing the team closer to their fans, creating real value for all involved, and promoting Ukrainian football.
GGBET UA CEO Sergii Mishchenko shared his thoughts about the collaboration and the future of the partnership: “GGBET chooses its partners carefully. Signing football clubs just for the sake of a portfolio is not the approach we take. Shared values, a drive for growth, and a desire to evolve and improve are all important to us. Our partnership with FC Zorya is a brilliant example of our philosophy when it comes to collaboration. We only started working together at the end of 2024, and we’re already seeing results. And we have many new and interesting things to look forward to in the future.”
During the press conference, club representatives also shared the results of their winter training sessions and discussed how the team is preparing for the second half of the Ukrainian Premier League season. The club also announced that it has signed some new players: Bosnia’s Dejan Popara and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Bilotserkovets.
You may recall that previously GGBET UA broadened its support for Ukrainian football by partnering with FC Dynamo Kyiv. A press conference with the club was held in autumn 2024 and was an important step forward in terms of strengthening the brand’s ties with Ukrainian football.
The post GGBET UA is expanding its presence in football: first press conference with FC Zorya held in Kyiv appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Canada7 days agoOnline casino with a Nordic twist enters yet another market as it continues to deploy its ambitious international expansion plans
-
Aristocrat Interactive5 days ago
Aristocrat Interactive Delivers Custom Branded Game “Caesars Ultimate Stars” for Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
-
Asia7 days ago
Parimatch Hosts Rooftop Meet & Greet with Sunil Narine
-
4ThePlayer7 days ago
4ThePlayer Games Secures Certification for the Brazilian Market!
-
Asia7 days ago
UFC Names Parimatch as Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner in Asia
-
Latest News5 days ago
Embark on an Epic Adventure with Jenny Nevada in the Diamond Temple at SlotsCapital.lv – Enjoy a 150% Deposit Bonus
-
Blokotech6 days ago
Blokotech appoints Nicolas Castearena as Commercial Director LATAM
-
BCLC6 days ago
BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign
