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

Published

5 years ago

October 21, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

Best Slot Developer

Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026

Published

6 hours 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

2 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.

Alina Mihaela Popa Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21

ICONIC21 Expands into Romania, Securing Launch Agreements with Fortuna and Casa Pariurilor

Published

1 month ago

February 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

iconic21-expands-into-romania,-securing-launch-agreements-with-fortuna-and-casa-pariurilor

The provider increased its presence in Romania by launching with two of the market’s leading operators, Casa Pariurilor and Fortuna.

Popular iGaming content provider ICONIC21 launches with Casa Pariurilor and Fortuna. The integrations represent a further strategic move in the provider’s swift expansion within regulated markets.

Casa Pariurilor and Fortuna rank among the most well-known brands in Romania, possessing a robust retail and online presence, relied upon by a large player community. Collaborating with both operators strengthens ICONIC21’s dedication to providing top-notch, tailored content for prominent brands in competitive markets.

A broad range of ICONIC21’s live casino games is now accessible to its players, featuring prominent titles from the Gravity Series like Gravity Roulette and Gravity Blackjack. The Gravity Series incorporates multiplier mechanics into traditional casino formats, enhancing engagement while maintaining a sense of familiarity. The collection additionally features various roulette versions and well-liked Asian games like Sic Bo and Baccarat, guaranteeing wide player attraction.

The growth emphasizes ICONIC21’s rapidly advancing roadmap, covering live casino, slots, virtual and instant games, dedicated studios, and proprietary promotional tools. Every vertical is created to enable flexible integration, customized environments, and expandable growth for operators.

Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, commented: “Romania is a key regulated market for us, and going live with Casa Pariurilor and Fortuna confirms the strong demand for our portfolio. We are growing quickly across regulated jurisdictions, and Romania is a clear example of how our products resonate with established operators who prioritise quality, performance, and flexibility.”

Michael Foster, Group Head of Commercial Gaming Operations, added: “Integrating ICONIC21’s portfolio allows us to enhance our live casino offering with strong, performance driven titles. The Gravity Series in particular brings an extra engagement layer to classic games, which aligns well with our strategy of delivering differentiated experiences to our players.”

The post ICONIC21 Expands into Romania, Securing Launch Agreements with Fortuna and Casa Pariurilor appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.