Interviews
Exclusive Q and A with Tamas Kadar, Founder and CEO of SEON
“The sun literally never sets on SEON”, proudly declares Tamas Kadar while talking about the rapid growth of his company over the last few years.
There is more in this interview than such eye-catching slogans. He talks here about SEON’s origin, what exactly they do and how they do it. He concludes with insightful comments on fraud detection in the gambling industry and new developments.
Jump straight to the interview more such gems of quotes after the following appetizer about the tech start-up space:
“We have also been a profitable company since 2019, which is rarer than you’d think in the tech start-up space, where so many companies rely on rounds of investment rather than solid business fundamentals.”
Q. Let us start from the origin of SEON. Like Google, Facebook and many others, SEON too was founded at a university. While there is a brief intro about it on your website, could you narrate what exactly led to the founding of SEON?
A. Bence Jendruszák and I met at Corvinus University in Budapest and we instantly found that we had a shared interest in cryptocurrency. We saw that there was a gap in the market for a crypto exchange that served Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). When it went live, we were immediately bombarded by fraud attempts, but when we looked at what was currently on the market from legacy anti-fraud companies we found that nothing was really as good as what we knew was possible.
We created our own homebrew anti-fraud solution, and it was so good that other companies asked to use it. We saw that we had a business idea that had far more potential than the crypto exchange, re-focused our efforts, and now four years later here we are.
Q. Talk to us about the growth of the company over the years? Could you provide some statistics?
A. The most important stat is always going to be customer growth: we now have over 5,000 clients ranging from SMEs and start-ups to major international companies. We have also been a profitable company since 2019, which is rarer than you’d think in the tech start-up space, where so many companies rely on rounds of investment rather than solid business fundamentals. Most recently, we hired our hundredth employee, and we’re still growing.
Q. What are the recent developments and expansions? How did the company perform in a pandemic-induced world?
A. We’ve opened offices in four countries now: Budapest, London, the US and Indonesia – the sun literally never sets on SEON.
We also broke a record for the largest ever investment in a Hungarian company when we were funded by Creandum, who were also early investors in Spotify, Klarna and Depop. Their investment and mentorship are already allowing us to create new products and bring them to a much greater audience.
What’s more, we adapted well during the pandemic because we have always worked across multiple offices – changing to home working wasn’t a major challenge to us. The only difficulty was dealing with the sheer quantity of fraud during the past 18 months, but we have been able to continue to support our clients just as well as we had before the pandemic.
Q. SEON offers two products: Intelligence Tool and Sense Platform. Could you describe how SEON’s solution evolved into its present version?
A. The ideas were there from the start, but the technology behind them has gotten more sophisticated. We continually work on increasing speed to detect fraud even faster whilst reducing as much friction as possible for the end customer. At the same time, we build on depth for accuracy to reduce false positives. The more layering and data points we can check gives customers more certainty in each risk score. We also expand our breadth to cover more social signals and digital data points – an all-seeing eye to identify fraud quickly.
Q. How does SEON reduce friction for customers onboarding new users and accounts?
A. We know that customers want a fast, seamless sign-up process. If signing up for a new gaming site takes too long or requires too much work on the part of the player then they will go elsewhere. However, in gaming, as with other high-stakes industries like banking, there are regulatory demands that increase the ‘friction’ that new players are going to feel before they can start playing. It’s also very easy for anyone, whether they are a professional fraudster or just an unscrupulous player, to use throwaway emails, ‘burner’ phones and easy to obtain fake IDs and synthetic identities.
SEON can run a light and invisible customer profiling system in real time during customer signup that can assign risk scores to each customer – those with high scores will be given extra checks while the majority that are fine will go through with less friction. Since it is running in the background, customers will never know that they are being checked.
Q. What are the major types of fraud that SEON encounters and tackles? What sort of fraud do you think will affect the gaming and gambling industry in particular?
A. There are new forms of fraud emerging every day, so this list is going to be by no means extensive, but in iGaming we tend to see a larger number of low-stakes forms of fraud than in other industries. We find that because many gaming platforms give free bets or credit for new signups there is a lot of multi-accounting, which is fairly easy to find because there’s no incentive to create foolproof synthetic identities for a $10 bonus.
We also see a lot of ‘friendly’ fraud from players as opposed to criminals – players who have been banned creating new identities or unsuccessful players starting chargebacks to get back their losses. It’s a very fast-moving space compared to some of the other industries we work with, which is why it’s ideally suited for an AI-based system that can keep up.
Q. How does SEON ensure that it does not breach the user data protection and privacy regulations and protocols?
A. We always only use publicly available sources such as open data from social networks when we collect information—things like your browser, your screen resolution and hundreds of other device features.
We don’t store this information long-term in all cases – it is deleted after 12 months and not stored in a central database. We are fully compliant with GDPR and the relevant privacy regulations in the areas we operate. More importantly, we are always thinking about the balance between privacy and security in our work.
Q. Could you reveal the expansion plans and product launches in the near future?
A. We have just significantly upgraded our device fingerprinting capabilities based on our research on the kind of setups that fraudsters use to hide their tracks, and this will greatly increase our ability to not just detect fraud but prevent false positives and thereby increase the number of customers.
We also recently rolled out a revenue widget, designed to allow iGaming customers to easily see a snapshot of how much a user has deposited and withdrawn within the past year. Fraudsters usually have high revenue with low deposits as they abuse bonuses and loopholes.
Product updates and improvements are always ongoing as we develop more features that better support our customers and solve real fraud problems that they face.
To learn more about SEON, visit: https://seon.io/
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Dr. Eyal Loz Chief Product Officer at RubyPlay
Built for the branded reality – RubyPlay’s high velocity approach to the US market
With localisation, speed to market, and cross-state scalability at the heart of its strategy, RubyPlay is proving that relevance—and results—come from understanding both the player and the moment. Dr. Eyal Loz, Chief Product Officer at RubyPlay, discusses the company’s fast growing US presence and how its agile, insight-driven approach is resonating with players and operators alike. From crafting bespoke branded content to rolling out favoured mechanics with modern twists, RubyPlay is positioning itself as a key partner in the evolving iGaming landscape.
Just a few months into RubyPlay’s US journey, how has player response shaped your perception of the market? And how will these insights shape your roadmap going forward?
We see very strong player preferences to games that combine a Hold and Spin mechanic with perceived persistence. We also see that American players respond well to classic themes with a clear modern flavour. None of this was very surprising, as we are very well tuned with the preferences of players in America. The RubyPlay offering was always optimised for American players, and it’s nice to see that our roll out is working so well, as we expected it to.
We also explored a handful of innovative mechanics that are less prevalent in traditional land-based casinos, and we are happy to see that these were also well received.
Titles like Mad Hit® Diamonds and Diamond Explosions 7s® SE are a few of your early standouts. What do you think is making these games click with the US audience compared to other markets?
These two titles are solid performers in all markets, so we had high expectations to see these perform very well with American players. Both these mechanics have all the elements that make for a strong US title – Hold and Spin, perceived persistency, Buy Feature and a solid art package with a classic yet modern feel.
The US iGaming market is unique, not just in regulation, but in how players engage with content. How does your strategy for the US differ from other global regions and how do you maintain global competitiveness while staying locally relevant?
It’s important to remember that top performing mechanics tend to transcend time and space. Hold and Spin mechanics have performed well in almost all markets since they were introduced over 10 years ago. What makes a specific game more relevant to one specific region is the theme and flow of the game. For example, games featuring mahjong tiles will perform well in South East Asia but will not perform to the same level of success in the US. Similarly, games with strong Egyptian themes will not perform in Asia but have a good potential in the US.
RubyPlay’s superpower is in our velocity and adaptability. We are able to identify opportunities with operators to support their brand identity and create specialised bespoke content for them, taking into consideration elements such as the relevance of that theme to the market, and the brand of the operator. We live in a branded reality, and we consider our client’s brand a top priority.
You’ve spoken about empowering brands through strong partnerships. How do you approach collaboration in the US market to ensure both RubyPlay and its partners succeed?
Brands are a lifestyle in the USA. We have to understand this first in order to reach the audience in the way that our US partners take as second nature. By focusing on building high velocity, we are able to create relevant bespoke content for our partners that is unique to their needs.
Velocity is really important because branding opportunities don’t last very long. When a client negotiates a collaboration between their brand and a 3rd party, the deal will always close very late and will not last very long. Our ability to be in tune with the reality of such short deliveries on tight schedules, measured in weeks, not years, has given us a disproportionate advantage.
We have a stronger awareness of special events, whether sports, holidays, or cultural, and our responsiveness allow us to always stay relevant through our portfolio or bespoke content with the timings of such events in mind.
What role does localisation play in your expansion strategy?
Localisation is absolutely crucial. As I mentioned before, the combination of a robust and large variety of game mechanics, combined with the ability to minimise time to market thematically, we are able to always stay relevant to new markets we started operating in. When entering a new market, it’s hard to predict what is going to work, so building velocity, and keeping an open mind is key.
With more states opening up, how is RubyPlay preparing to scale its presence across the country? Any new or upcoming experiences or innovations players and partners can expect this year?
We are well on our way to enter Pennsylvania and West Virginia as we are well aware that US. operators are heavily focused on a cross-state strategy regarding promotions. If we can support this by having the top states, we ensure a stronger and more effective experience for players with branding in mind. After all, markets are one of the most important product features.
Other than that, we are planning to roll out our Awarded Feature with many of our direct clients. This will allow operators to award the Buy Feature for free via a back-office campaign. We saw this can be very effective in branding, retention and acquisition, and allow operators to either award players with the best part of the gaming experience, or up-sell promotions via their CRMs.
I’m very excited to see the impact the Awarded Feature will have with our partners on all areas of their business.
The post Built for the branded reality – RubyPlay’s high velocity approach to the US market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Revolutionising Cricket Premier League: Max Sevostianov – COO at Betbazar, shares insights on how AI-Cricket and hyper-local data products are helping Operators engage, convert, and retain players year-round
With the start of the Premier League cricket season in India, what key trends are you seeing in the iGaming industry around this sport?
We’re witnessing explosive demand for faster, more immersive cricket content. Ball-by-ball gaming is really taking off, driven by players who crave real-time action and micro-engagements. This has pushed Operators to double down on mobile-first experiences — speed, accessibility, and UX are everything in this space.
Another standout trend is hyper-localisation. It’s no longer enough to offer cricket content in English — platforms are integrating regional languages, tailoring promotions based on local fandoms, and weaving in fantasy-style formats that resonate deeply with Indian audiences.
Perhaps the biggest shift we’re seeing is strategic: cricket is evolving from a seasonal event to a sustainable, year-round revenue channel. Operators aren’t just riding the IPL wave — they’re building ecosystems around domestic leagues, international fixtures, and even niche formats, ensuring engagement doesn’t drop off after the final.
Do you think the league will trigger a revenue surge for South Asian Operators? What should they focus on to make the most of this opportunity?
Absolutely — the Premier League is essentially Black Friday for cricket in India and the wider South Asian market. It’s the peak of the calendar, where user engagement and volumes skyrocket. But high traffic alone doesn’t guarantee high returns.
To truly capitalize on this opportunity, Operators need robust infrastructure. That means rock-solid uptime, especially during critical moments like the toss or final overs when activity spikes. Fast bet settlements, wide market coverage — from traditional formats to more niche or prop bets — and content that keeps users hooked, like virtuals or eCricket, are all must-haves.
This season, the winners won’t just be those with the most users — they’ll be the ones who can scale seamlessly, automate efficiently, and deliver content that’s as thrilling as the match itself.
What cricket-related products are currently making the biggest impact in the iGaming market?
Three products are really making waves right now.
First, Virtual (AI) and eCricket formats are proving to be game-changers. These always-on experiences keep players engaged even between live matches, maintaining momentum throughout the season and beyond.
Second, high-frequency data feeds are unlocking a new level of interactivity. Instant markets, player props, and ball-by-ball gaming are now the norm, providing users with a dynamic and deeply immersive experience, especially appealing to mobile users who seek fast, responsive gameplay.
Finally, localised and gamified content is crucial. We’re seeing strong traction with fantasy-style elements and UI’s designed specifically for cricket fans. When combined with regional language support and tailored promotions, this kind of personalisation boosts both engagement and long-term retention.
These innovations are driving serious volume — and, more importantly, keeping players coming back.
Betbazar recently launched a new product – AI Cricket. Can you walk us through its key features and what makes it so promising?
AI-Cricket is the latest innovation on Betbazar’s marketplace, and it’s setting a new benchmark for virtual sports. At its core, it delivers 24/7 AI-powered cricket matches with realistic gameplay that mirrors live action — from batting styles to fielding dynamics — all generated by advanced algorithms.
What truly sets AI Cricket apart is its end-to-end automation. Everything from match creation to odds generation is fully automated, allowing Operators to run with minimal overhead and maintain a consistent 8% margin, without the need for manual trading.
On the user side, it’s all about engagement. The product supports fantasy-inspired modes and even customisable avatars, offering a highly immersive experience that feels fresh every time. And because it’s always available, it gives Operators a powerful tool to drive retention, even during downtime in the real-world sports calendar.
So AI-Cricket blends innovation with profitability, making it a standout product for today’s cricket-focused iGaming market.
Сricket coverage in Betbazar’s Live Data Feed is described as unique. How broad is the coverage, and what specific advantages does it offer to operators?
Betbazar’s Live Data Feed offers one of the most comprehensive and operator-friendly cricket solutions in the market today. We’re talking about 15,000+ pre-match and over 9,000 live Cricket & Kabaddi Events, and an additional 10,000+ AI Cricket events each year — a scale that ensures operators can engage users year-round.
But what really sets it apart is the quality behind the quantity. Settlement times for top events are incredibly fast, typically within five minutes after the match, giving players confidence and keeping the gaming process flow smooth.
From a technical perspective, we’ve built it for performance, featuring low-latency updates, a high SLA for reliability, and customisable margins that allow Operators to fine-tune their offerings to suit different markets and risk profiles.
In short, it’s a powerful, high-performance data solution designed to meet the fast-paced demands of modern cricket, enabling operators to stay ahead of the game.
About Betbazar
Betbazar is a B2B worldwide iGaming marketplace which has set a new sales standard, sourcing specialist iGaming products and advising on their role within existing strategies to deliver growth to our partners. The company’s ambition is to build a digital iGaming marketplace that connects creators with operators, accelerating growth through best-in-class products.
The post Betbazar Explores Cricket in iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences in Europe
Speaking the Player’s Language: Promatic Group’s Take on Game Localization in CEE
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 brought together some of the brightest minds in the iGaming and tech industries – and the conversation didn’t stop when the curtains closed. As this year’s General Sponsor through its Promatic Games brand, Promatic Group made a powerful impact on-stage and behind the scenes. In a dynamic keynote presentation titled “Localizing Slot Games: Does the Central European Player Need Localized Content?”, Maciej Makuszewski, iGaming Director, and Luka Oblak, Head of Product Design, explored how cultural nuances shape player engagement and game performance across regional markets.
Now, post-event, we caught up with Maciej Makuszewski to delve deeper into the topic of localization, player behavior, and what makes content truly resonate in Central and Eastern Europe.
Maciej, your keynote at the Summit offered compelling insights into how culture and language affect game engagement. What do you believe is the biggest misconception about localization in the iGaming industry today?
It is that it is enough to hire a translator of a game to deliver localized content. This is not the end of the road – on the contrary – this is just the beginning. This may sound like saying the sun rises in the east, but I still would say there can be a lot more attention paid to giving games a local touch.
But coming back to translations, nowadays, even at this basic level, we can observe so many pitfalls and mistakes that could have been avoided if people really had the player at the core of their strategy. I guess we are past this time in history of globalization that unified products and content simply entered new markets with no tailoring whatsoever and there was demand for them, because there hadn’t been much of a choice of anything else. We’d like to see companies try harder when they enter new markets. I hope we will become one that actually gets the hyperlocalization just right.
You and Luka presented some standout cases on localized content. Could you share one example that truly surprised your team – either by outperforming expectations or revealing a cultural insight you hadn’t anticipated?
I guess that would be the transformation of a simple fruit game launched as Red Hot Jackpot in Poland, into a rich animations theme game it became in Nigeria. The nigerian version of Red Hot Jackpot is called Naija Wheels and it is the exact the same math model and game logic as Red Hot Jackpot, but what makes it appealing to the local customers of slot halls in Nigeria is its hyperlocal theme. Naija Wheels is a funny story of things you see in Lagos traffic. So instead of a Cherry symbol you have a symbol of a police officer. Instead of a plum symbol, you have an okada driver from Lagos etc.
Very different game themes, same logics, same business effects – the game is a great performing slot in Poland and a superb hit in Nigeria.
In your view, what are the non-negotiables when designing localized slot content for Central and Eastern European markets? Are there elements developers often overlook?
There are so many local markets in the CEE that it is really hard to unify this. But in a nutshell – we know in our region, highly volatile fruit themed games are very popular. Having said that, it is not a surfire way to success. You may want to localize the content even further through cultural and humor references.
The ROI of local-branded slots is often debated. Based on Promatic Group’s experience, when does it make strategic and commercial sense to invest in hyper-local content – and when is it better to focus on broader appeal?
It all depends why you do this and how you measure the ROI. If you measure a single game ROI this might be a trap. It will very much depend on the math model and features of the particular game. Apart from revenue stream, there are also costs to be considered. If we’re talking about a “game reskin” then certification will be something you can optimize and so on. There are numerous ways to tackle this issue. Sometimes you can come up with a hyper local game and just launch it somewhere else to test if it works, which will boost your revenue stream and the total ROI. All in all we are very happy with our local approach and we intend to stick to it.
Let’s talk about the future. With shifting player expectations and tech advancements like AI personalization, how do you see the localization strategy evolving over the next 2–3 years at Promatic Group?
I would expect this hyperlocalization becomes a commodity in the industry. This will also require a lot of human factor so that it is done the right way. AI will speed things up, but I believe that the human touch will be key. We already have amazing tools, but using them the right way is what will make a great difference.
The post Speaking the Player’s Language: Promatic Group’s Take on Game Localization in CEE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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