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!

Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026

Nominations Now Open for the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026

Published

4 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

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.

Aurimas Šilys

REEVO Announces Partnership with Betsafe

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

reevo-announces-partnership-with-betsafe

REEVO has announced a new partnership with Betsafe, strengthening REEVO’s growing presence across regulated European markets and reinforcing its expansion strategy in the Baltics region.

Through this collaboration, REEVO’s aggregation platform will support Betsafe’s casino offering in Estonia and Latvia, enabling access to a wide range of premium third-party content through a streamlined integration. The partnership reflects REEVO’s continued commitment to providing operators with scalable technology and an efficient route to expanding their game portfolio.

Betsafe is part of the Betsson Group, a global online gambling company operating more than 20 gaming brands across multiple markets. In the Baltics, Betsson Group operates under the Betsafe brand in Estonia and Latvia, offering a trusted and dynamic entertainment experience.

This partnership marks another important step forward for REEVO as it continues to grow as an aggregator and strengthen its reputation as a trusted partner for leading operators in key regulated territories.

Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO, said: “Estonia and Latvia are exciting markets with strong growth potential, and partnering with Betsafe is a fantastic milestone for REEVO. Betsafe is a well-established and trusted brand in the Baltics, and we’re proud to support their expansion through REEVO’s aggregation platform. This collaboration is another clear step forward in our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to delivering efficient, high-performance solutions that help operators enhance their casino offering.”

Aurimas Šilys, Managing Director Baltics at Betsson Group, said: “Our collaboration with REEVO opens so many doors for Betsson Group brands in Baltics to onboard and launch more game providers and have the biggest and widest casino selection in Baltics markets.”

The post REEVO Announces Partnership with Betsafe appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Acquisitions/Merger

Boonuspart Acquires Kasiino-boonus to Strengthen its Position in the Estonian iGaming Market

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

boonuspart-acquires-kasiino-boonus-to-strengthen-its-position-in-the-estonian-igaming-market

Boonuspart.ee, a leading Estonian portal focused on casino bonuses and online casino comparisons, has acquired Kasiino-boonus.ee, further consolidating its position in the Estonian iGaming affiliate market.

The acquisition brings together two well-established Estonian-language casino resources to enhance content depth, accuracy of comparisons and overall user experience for players seeking up-to-date casino bonuses and reliable information.

Kasiino-boonus.ee has built strong visibility around casino bonus-related search terms in Estonia, while Boonuspart.ee has focused on broader comparisons, editorial content and long-form guides. By combining these strengths, Boonuspart.ee aims to create a more comprehensive and authoritative platform for Estonian players.

“This acquisition supports our long-term strategy of building the most trusted and informative casino bonus resource in Estonia. Kasiino-boonus.ee has a strong legacy in the local market, and we see clear synergies in terms of content, SEO, and player value,” Teemu Pesonen, co-founder of Boonuspart, said.

Following the acquisition, Kasiino-boonus.ee will be gradually integrated into the Boonuspart.ee ecosystem. Existing content will be reviewed, updated and expanded where relevant, with a continued focus on transparency, up-to-date bonus terms and compliance with Estonian regulations.

No changes will be made to player data handling, and no user information is transferred as part of the transaction.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the European iGaming affiliate sector, as established publishers invest in trusted local brands to strengthen editorial quality and long-term sustainability.

The post Boonuspart Acquires Kasiino-boonus to Strengthen its Position in the Estonian iGaming Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.