Baltics

“We’re moving and scaling our market presence worldwide”: Exclusive interview with Evoplay CCO

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

As the famous tech-first studio prepares to take the Baltic region by storm following its debut in Estonia, and soon Lithuania, we caught up with Evoplay’s CCO, Vladimir Malakchi to talk about the supplier’s expert insight into the CEE market and player profiles.

Congratulations on Evoplay’s latest market debut! How long have you had your eye on the Baltics?

Thank you, it’s a real milestone for us and we’re very pleased to be expanding and building a first-class network. The Baltics is an important market and we’ve been planning entry for some time.

The growth there has been astounding – in Latvia, for example, Euro 11.5 million was generated by the online casino sector just a few years ago. And in Estonia, a recent survey showed that 80% of adults said they had, at least once, placed bets on games of chance, which shows what a tech-savvy audience we’re dealing with.

Our games have proven to resonate really well with CEE players, and we first entered Romania with WinBet, as well as expanding into Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Alongside that, we have already certified our games with local certificates and we’re about to enter Lithuania with one of its most credible casino operators to continue building our Baltic presence

Tell us about your latest deals – what do they encompass and what are you set to deliver?

We’re moving and scaling our market presence worldwide. The CEE region, Estonia and Lithuania are three markets we’ve been looking at this year, and I’m sure we’ll have plenty more exciting news to announce soon enough.

In 2021, we entered Estonia with Slots.io, and with our Lithuanian regulatory approval added to the mix, one can certainly say that our approach is globally local.

When it comes to our offering, we’ve hand-picked our very best to please not only the regulator but also our new players, including Ice Mania, Fluffy Rangers and Forest Dreams. Having really made a name for ourselves as one of the most tech-first suppliers around, we’re very confident that we’ll be able to bring a truly exciting gaming experience to the table that will showcase just how much we stand out as a unique supplier.

What’s your overall view of the three markets available? How do they compare to other CEE markets where Evoplay is live?

The preferences are similar to the typical CEE player, and accordingly relate to the European player profile. We find that CEE countries have similar tastes with regards to games, but with slightly differing needs from country to country.

What we need to remember here is that mobile is the key channel. This means each of our games need to be designed for a highly discerning audience that knows exactly what they should expect when it comes to next-gen gaming. This means flawless graphics, pitch-perfect sounds and an immersive atmosphere that can compete on a par with other types of mobile-based games that they’re accustomed to outside of gambling.

When it comes to the tech – what’s the primary channel of choice for Estonia and Lithuania, and how do you aim to tailor your offering?

As already mentioned, mobile is king – and this is where we really excel. Of course, we go far deeper than that when it comes to evaluating what we have to offer and tailoring our games accordingly. Now it’s too early to say, as we’re still testing and analysing the feedback from players from these markets and adjusting our offering based on the incoming data and each game’s performance.

This, is of course, means that we plan to bring plenty more of our games to the table as we continue to hone our offering, and we will share more specific data and feedback after six months in these markets, but the initial findings are interesting and positive. As everywhere, players choose quality, interesting games that they find familiar to the ones that they are used to seeing on the market.

So, this fits very well with Evoplay’s approach of giving the games you feel you know, but with a new spin based on stunning graphics, great mechanics, and incredible technological implementations.

Taking a look at the games you have prepared for your partners – what have you selected as the best in your catalogue? What can players look forward to?

For the Estonian and Lithuanian markets, we’ve certified a selection of 40 slot titles and we’re pleased to see that all of them have good performance rates in Estonia already, and in some cases – have knocked even our most optimistic expectations right out of the park. Players really like what we have to offer, and we’re delighted to be making a real difference when it comes to entertainment.

Delving into our titles, we think, for example, that Ice Mania, Forest Dreams and Fluffy Rangers are going to be big hits in Estonia, and we’re confident that this will carry over to Lithuania, too – especially, of course, our worldwide evergreen hits such as Hot Triple Sevens, Elven Princesses and Fruit Nova.

Last but not least, how do you see further CEE expansion fitting into Evoplay’s strategy? Should we expect plenty more news soon enough?

We’re exploring all opportunities with regards to our CEE market expansion – it’s a strong marketing that’s ripe for our gaming experience. In many ways, we’re only just getting started – with the Balkan markets proving especially exciting as player interest continues to surge there.

Moving southwards, of special interest to us is Greece – and we’re working hard to assemble a catalogue of regulation-friendly products as we undergo the suppliers’ licencing process, adapted this year. This changing nature of regulation is something I predict to continue to be a hot topic throughout 2021 on the continent, and it’s all about being innovative and agile to adapt to both the regulator and our partners’ needs.

Further afield, we’re open and looking to new markets to reach in Central Western Europe, LatAm and emerging markets. Having a global reach, but with locally relevant games, is a core driver for us, and we’re very much looking forward to keeping our momentum going from last year, which was a record-breaking time for us, across markets, launches and new games. Do stay tuned for plenty more exciting announcements soon enough!

Baltics

Digitain Named Best Sportsbook Provider at HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

digitain-named-best-sportsbook-provider-at-hipther-baltic-&-nordics-gaming-awards-2026

Digitain has been recognised as Best Sportsbook Provider at the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, showcasing its continued commitment to delivering high-performance sportsbook technology for operators across regulated markets.

The HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards celebrate the operators, suppliers, technology innovators and industry leaders shaping the gaming ecosystem across the Baltic and Nordic regions. Receiving this award reflects Digitain’s ongoing investment in product innovation, trading excellence and technology designed to support long-term operator success.

Digitain’s sportsbook combines proprietary trading, advanced risk management, flexible localisation and scalable infrastructure, enabling operators to deliver competitive betting experiences across diverse markets.

This recognition is shared with the operators who trust Digitain to power their businesses and with the teams across a company whose expertise continues to drive innovation across every product and market.

As Digitain continues to expand its global presence, their mission remains unchanged: empowering ambitious operators with technology built for performance, partnership, and sustainable growth.

The post Digitain Named Best Sportsbook Provider at HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

7bet

Comtrade Gaming Announces Strategic Partnership with 7bet

Published

2 weeks ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

comtrade-gaming-announces-strategic-partnership-with-7bet

Comtrade Gaming, a leading iGaming platform provider delivering enterprise‑level technology for operators worldwide, announced a strategic partnership with 7bet to support the operator’s continued growth across Northern and Eastern Europe.

Under the agreement, 7bet will deploy Comtrade Gaming’s advanced iGaming platform to launch operations in Latvia and Estonia, as well as enter the newly regulated Finnish market upon its opening.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining 7bet’s strong regional presence with Comtrade Gaming’s proven platform capabilities, designed to deliver flexibility, compliance and high-performance player experiences.

Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer at Comtrade Gaming, said: “We are delighted to partner with 7bet at such an exciting stage of their growth journey. This agreement reflects the strength and scalability of our iGaming platform, particularly in regulated and soon-to-regulate markets such as Finland. Supporting 7bet’s expansion across Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, highlights our ability to deliver seamless multi-market solutions for established operators who want to expand. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”

Justinas Sliazas, CEO of 7bet, said: “Partnering with Comtrade Gaming is a key step in our strategy to expand and strengthen our presence across regulated European markets. Their technology provides the flexibility and reliability we need to scale efficiently while maintaining a high-quality player experience. We are particularly excited about the opportunities in Finland and confident that this partnership positions us strongly for future growth.”

The collaboration underscores Comtrade Gaming’s continued momentum in regulated markets and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for ambitious operators seeking scalable, compliant and future-ready iGaming solutions.

The post Comtrade Gaming Announces Strategic Partnership with 7bet appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Baltics

HIPTHER Baltics 2026 Concludes Landmark Three-City Series, Bringing Together 430 Industry Leaders

Published

2 weeks ago

June 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-baltics-2026-concludes-landmark-three-city-series,-bringing-together-430-industry-leaders

HIPTHER proudly concludes the inaugural edition of its expanded HIPTHER Baltics 2026 conference series, successfully bringing together a total of 430 participants across three dedicated events in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.

Building on the legacy of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit and introducing a new, country-focused format, HIPTHER Baltics 2026 delivered three high-impact conferences designed around the most pressing regulatory, technological, and business developments shaping the Baltic and Nordic regions. The series focused on creating meaningful dialogue between regulators, operators, fintech leaders, technology innovators, legal experts, investors, and compliance professionals.

The 2026 edition featured:

HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius – iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
HIPTHER Baltics: Riga – Cross-Border Compliance & Player Protection
HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics: Tallinn – Digital Governance & Startup Innovation

Vilnius: Exploring Lithuania’s Regulatory Transformation

The series launched on 21 April in Vilnius, where discussions focused on Lithuania’s evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing convergence of fintech, payments, blockchain, and iGaming.

Industry leaders examined topics including MiCA implementation, AML requirements, digital assets, banking transformation, tokenisation, AI adoption in financial services, next-generation payments, and the growing role of compliance in sustainable business growth. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Baltic-focused industry conversations and set the tone for the months ahead.

Riga: Regulation, Risk and Growth in a Changing Market

On 11 May, HIPTHER Baltics arrived in Riga, bringing together experts from gaming, fintech, legal, compliance, and technology sectors for a day dedicated to practical business realities.

Key conversations addressed responsible gaming, player protection, AML implementation, fraud prevention, AI in supervision and taxation, payments innovation, cross-border licensing, data protection, affiliate marketing, and the transition from traditional SEO to AI-powered discoverability. The Riga edition highlighted how businesses can remain compliant while continuing to innovate and grow in increasingly regulated environments.

Tallinn: Digital Governance Meets Innovation

The series concluded on 2 June in Tallinn, one of Europe’s most digitally advanced capitals.

The event explored the intersection of digital governance, startup ecosystems, digital identity, compliance, investment, fintech innovation, and iGaming. Discussions ranged from eIDAS 2.0 and trusted digital onboarding to sustainable player acquisition, operational partnerships, AI-powered business growth, and the future of digital societies.

Tallinn also hosted the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across operators, suppliers, technology providers, and industry leaders from the Baltic and Nordic regions.

Beyond Conferences: Building a Regional Community

Throughout all three events, participants benefited from curated networking opportunities and practical learning sessions through the HIPTHER Academy, HIPTHER’s educational platform focused on delivering hands-on skills, professional development, and industry certifications.

The combination of boutique-format events, high-level content, and meaningful networking once again demonstrated why the Baltics continue to attract increasing attention as a hub for innovation, regulation, and cross-border collaboration.

Looking Ahead – HIPTHER Baltics 2027

Reflecting on the success of the series, Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, commented: “We are incredibly proud of what we achieved across the Baltics in 2026, but this is only the beginning. The success of the three-city series has provided us with valuable insights, feedback, and inspiration that we are already incorporating into the planning of HIPTHER Baltics 2027. The Baltics have a unique energy when it comes to business events, innovation, and networking, and we are excited to continue growing alongside this vibrant community. Our commitment remains the same: delivering meaningful conversations, practical learning opportunities, and exceptional networking experiences that bring together the region’s most influential stakeholders.”

After the successful completion of HIPTHER Baltics 2026 and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants, the #hipthers team is already working on an exciting and enhanced next edition.

With the HIPTHER Warsaw Summit set to take place on 27–28 October 2026 and an ambitious roadmap for 2027–2030 already taking shape, HIPTHER continues its mission of connecting industries, markets, and ideas through premium learning, meaningful networking, and cross-border collaboration across Europe.

About HIPTHER

HIPTHER is a media hub and events organizer serving the Gaming and Technology industries, including Fintech, Blockchain, Crypto, AI, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Digital Innovation. Through its conferences, media platforms, awards programs, and community initiatives, HIPTHER connects decision-makers, innovators, regulators, and business leaders across Europe and beyond.

The post HIPTHER Baltics 2026 Concludes Landmark Three-City Series, Bringing Together 430 Industry Leaders appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.