Interviews
Exclusive interview: Betbazar CEO on next-gen demographics

Following on from a hugely successful 2021, which saw tech ecosystem supplier Betbazar capitalise on a surge in interest in Esports and next-gen gaming, we sat down with the company’s CEO, Alex Iaroshenko, to talk through what’s driving the provider’s vision for entertainment.
With plenty of insights on the evolution of next-gen demographics, as well as the latest on European regulation and shifting player preferences, this one’s not to be missed!
Congratulations on a 2021 with plenty of standout achievements being announced previously by us here at European Gaming! Can you talk us through the last 12 months and how that brings the next few months into focus pre-ICE?
The past 12 months have been very exciting for us! Both our team and partners have done an outstanding job in supplying our clients with a wide range of products. I’m very happy to see that our focus and services have evolved beyond our highly successful Esports selection – our ecosystem now encompasses casino, fintech and everything that offers real entertainment.
By creating this Betbazar ecosystem we have been able to better prioritise what we do, our main focus is to continue building our product base across sportsbook, casino and sports games, which sees an incredible combination of casino, fintech and sports merged into one.
We’re also looking at joining the race around bespoke platform services, as I feel this is another significant growth space that offers a wealth of opportunity. In addition to this we’re improving our strategies around KYC and affiliates, allowing both ourselves and our partners to grow.
Betbazar recently announced that it plans to transform what its offer in terms of an ecosystem – with multiple new verticals now stretching beyond sports betting, how does this relate to your vision for the industry in 2022 and beyond?
We believe that the future of the industry is all about meeting the demands of the new generation of player. For us, meeting this demand is all about supplying the right forms of entertainment to them that will engage, excite and ultimately retain them.
Our ecosystem will span multiple verticals – you cannot expect to continue entertainment players with just one standalone product anymore. They demand varied, constant entertainment that cashes out quickly. Effectively we’re catering to the Tik Tok generation who want to jump between multiple forms of entertainment in one evening.
We plan on taking a soft approach to this, easing players from one game to another by offering them something similar to what they initially started with, this way there’s familiarity and they’re not being pushed towards a product they’re not actually interested in.
How do you see the evolution of the casino vertical, given this is now an area you’ll be greatly enhancing your focus? How greatly does the approach to casino differ across emerging European markets?
We’re seeing operators face significant challenges in attracting players in Europe, especially in Central and Eastern regions. Take Ukraine for example, their land-based heritage was viewed negatively for years, and the idea of casino was not considered to part of the social culture. That said, things have started to change since the market has been regulated and big casinos entered the market. Looking at Russia and Kazakhstan, casino is yet to be regulated for online – this will likely change in time.
Looking to this year and the next, I believe emerging markets hold plenty of potential – and with the likes of Georgia and now Ukraine offering plenty of good examples for regulated casino done right. Now it’s key to showcase the benefits of online to jurisdictions yet to regulate and provide products that can suit what regional demographics demand.
From a broad perspective, how can we describe what European casino demographics will be over the next five years? What’s the ideal entertainment environment that needs to be offered by both operator and supplier?
From our perspective, the ideal entertainment environment features high-velocity betting games that offer a combination of casino, social dynamics and gamification such as tournaments. We’re seeing more and more players demand this type of real time, next gen offering that immerses players and makes them feel part of something.
We should expect a future offering that sees players fully immersed in a shared environment that fosters a strong social and community feeling. People want to be in a group, creating a place for gaming that offers a gamified, competition engendered experience (just like video gaming), and that is going to be key for engagement and success over the next decade.
Which verticals do you believe hold the greatest potential over the next five years and how do you see new player interest being created? How much do you see live casino outperforming the likes of slots?
Live casino’s growth trajectory certainly suggests it will continue to grow strongly, it’s a space that’s difficult to disrupt, as you have a number of tier one incumbents that have a hold over the market.
If we’re specifically talking about a new generation and demographic of players, then I think it’s difficult to look beyond Esports. It’s engaging, entertaining and immersive and these new players will be interested in something they were already familiar with, and gaming is one of those things.
Given your extensive experience working across the sports industry with Genius Sports, how will casino evolve alongside sportsbook over the coming years?
In my experience sportsbook has always been a fantastic tool for acquisition in that new players first sign up to place bets on their favourite sports and then move onto casino products, giving them a try. The key is ensuring that product complement each other – without cannibalising spend.
The two need to sit alongside each other and offer different types of entertainment that engages the player whilst still offering something familiar. For example, a fixed odds betting game with a live dealer would appeal to sports fans as they understand the concept.
Ultimately, I don’t think the industry will change much and we’ll have relative stability, the nature of the business has pretty much been the same for the past few years – and will likely continue to be.
Can casino ever come an acquisition tool in its own right given that at present sportsbook usually takes the majority of new sign-ups?
Sports betting will always be one of the major channels for operators to attract new players, and for the majority of markets, this will likely continue to be the same going forward. As mentioned, I believe the key for casino is to create an experience that compliments the sports betting experience, rather than cannibalising the wallet, which results in a shorter customer lifecycle. Of course, there will always be players out there that will give casino a try first ahead of placing a sports bet, but it will always be rarer.
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Conferences in Europe
Elevating Player Experience: Cloudfresh’s Vision for AI-Driven Gaming Support

HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is excited to welcome Cloudfresh as the Networking Break Sponsor, a company empowering businesses with top-tier cloud services. As a Zendesk Premier Partner, Cloudfresh specializes in integrating, optimizing, and scaling the best in-class cloud solutions, acting as a vital link between companies and cloud technologies. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Vita Usatyuk, Sales Executive at Cloudfresh, to explore how AI, omnichannel support, and personalized player interactions are reshaping customer service in gaming.
Player support is becoming a crucial factor in gaming retention. How can integrated customer service solutions enhance player satisfaction and engagement while keeping gamers in the game?
Integrated customer service solutions are essential for enhancing player satisfaction and engagement, ultimately driving player retention. By providing support across various channels like chat, messaging, phone, and email, gaming companies can meet players where they are, offering seamless and convenient assistance. This omnichannel approach ensures that players can easily reach out for help before, during, or after a game. Furthermore, AI-powered tools can provide instant help and personalized interactions, addressing player needs proactively and efficiently. A robust support system contributes significantly to a positive gaming experience, fostering loyalty and encouraging players to stay engaged with the game.
The gaming industry faces unique challenges in customer support, from omnichannel demands to peak traffic surges. How does Cloudfresh leverage Zendesk to help gaming companies streamline support operations and optimize agent workload?
The gaming industry presents unique customer support challenges, including omnichannel demands and peak traffic surges, especially during new release windows. We in Cloudfresh implement Zendesk solution for the customer support to help gaming companies streamline their support operations and optimize agent workload. Zendesk offers a unified platform that integrates various support channels, enabling agents to manage interactions from a single workspace. AI-powered automation can handle routine inquiries, allowing agents to focus on complex issues. Zendesk also provides tools for intelligent ticket routing, workforce management, and performance monitoring, which helps optimize agent efficiency and ensure timely issue resolution.
Personalization is key to delivering a top player experience. How can gaming brands use AI-driven customer support to provide more tailored interactions and proactively address player needs?
Personalization in gaming support is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. AI-driven solutions are empowering gaming companies to meet this demand in innovative ways. Here are some practical examples:
- AI Agents for 24/7 Support and Instant Answers: Players expect support around the clock. Zendesk’s AI Agents can provide instant, accurate answers to common questions, drawing from your knowledge base. This ensures players get the help they need immediately, any time of day.
- Intelligent Triage and Routing: AI can analyze incoming support tickets and route them to the right agent or team based on the player’s issue, game, or platform. This ensures that players are connected with specialists who can address their specific needs efficiently.
- Proactive Support and Personalized Recommendations: By analyzing player data and behavior, AI can help anticipate common issues and proactively offer solutions or tips. This could include in-game notifications, personalized FAQs, or tailored support articles. For example, Kaizen Gaming, a European eGaming company, delivers 95% resolution at first contact with live chat and 360° views of customers. This level of insight allows for highly personalized and proactive support.
- Automation for Scalability: Gaming companies often experience peak support volumes around game releases or updates. Zendesk’s automation capabilities, enhanced by AI, can handle surging ticket volumes and reduce wait times. Play Games24x7, an Indian online gaming company, reduced their resolution time by 68% by leveraging Zendesk automation and analytics. This demonstrates the power of AI in scaling support operations efficiently.
By leveraging Zendesk’s AI-driven features, gaming companies can provide more tailored, efficient, and proactive support experiences, ultimately driving player satisfaction and loyalty.
Cloudfresh has extensive expertise in implementing and optimizing Zendesk solutions for gaming businesses. Can you share a recent success story where your solutions significantly improved customer experience?
Yes, we have many success stories, and one recent example is our work with Bloober Team, a renowned game development studio specializing in psychological horror games. Bloober Team faced challenges in providing efficient player support, especially during peak times around game releases. They needed a solution that could scale, provide comprehensive data from players, and streamline their support workflow.
We implemented Zendesk’s Enterprise Suite for Bloober Team, including add-on apps and a custom ticket form to gather essential information from players. We also integrated DeepL for translation to assist with their diverse player base.
The results were transformative. Bloober Team now has a robust system to manage player support, allowing them to react quickly to issues and provide timely solutions. This has significantly improved their ability to maintain contact with players, address concerns, and ultimately enhance the player experience. This case demonstrates our ability to tailor Zendesk solutions to the specific needs of gaming companies, helping them to overcome support challenges and foster stronger player relationships.
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, AI and automation in gaming support will be major discussion points. How do you see AI-driven support evolving in the next few years, and what should gaming operators focus on to stay ahead?
It’s clear that AI is no longer a future possibility in gaming support – it’s the present and the driving force of its evolution. We’re seeing a distinct separation between companies that are embracing AI and those that aren’t. Those “CX Trendsetters” are pulling ahead, and gaming operators need to be in that category. It’s not just about replacing human agents either; it’s about ‘human-centric AI.’ We’re talking about augmenting agents, giving them superpowers to handle complex issues while AI handles the routine.
Looking ahead, expect AI to get even smarter – predictive, hyper-personalized, with more natural conversations. And it’s not just chatbots anymore; AI-powered automation will touch every support channel, creating those seamless omnichannel experiences players demand. Crucially, AI will provide a wealth of data and insights, allowing for data-driven optimization of support strategies.
So, for gaming operators who want to stay ahead, it boils down to this: invest strategically in AI, empower your agents to work alongside it, focus on leveraging those AI-driven insights, build systems that can scale and adapt, and, of course, prioritize data security. That’s from my point of view the roadmap for success in the AI-driven future of gaming support.
With Cloudfresh at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event will showcase the latest innovations in AI-driven player support and customer service strategies. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive insights, and explore the future of gaming support technology!
The post Elevating Player Experience: Cloudfresh’s Vision for AI-Driven Gaming Support appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Ady Totah CEO and co-founder of LuckyStreak
The Evolving Live Dealer Landscape w/Ady Totah, CEO and co-founder of LuckyStreak

How has the live dealer landscape progressed over recent years?
Live dealer has become a core vertical in online gaming, now making up about a third of casino revenue. What’s interesting is that it’s driven by a relatively small number of studios. It’s a capital-intensive business with no guarantees, but if you get it right, the player loyalty is worth the investment.
The industry has evolved in key areas:
- Streaming and quality: HD is standard, but now latency, mobile optimization, and stability are the focus
- Game Variety: the core games – Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat – still dominate, but regional favorites like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar are gaining ground
- Gamification and engagement: jackpots, tournaments, and cash drops are making live dealer more interactive
- Customization: greenscreen technology has been a game-changer, allowing operators to brand and tailor their tables like never before
- Hybrid formats: live dealer is no longer just about table games; game shows, wheels, and interactive experiences are expanding the category
At its core, live dealer is about creating an immersive and social experience. That’s why innovation in engagement and customization continues to be a major growth driver.
With live casino being relatively new to some markets, such as the US, how do players interact with the vertical? How do player preferences differ across geos?
For players new to live dealer, the reaction is almost always ‘feels like a real casino!’ The human interaction and transparency make a big impact.
In the US, live dealer is being embraced quickly, especially in social and sweepstakes casinos. Players there are used to land-based casinos, so high-quality live games feel familiar. Blackjack is the dominant game by a wide margin.
Other parts of the world have different preferences. In Asia, there’s a strong preference for Teen Patti, Dragon Tiger, and Baccarat. Baccarat is also the top choice in Italy and much of Southeast Asia. In Turkey, Roulette is by far the most popular game, though we also see strong affinity toward Blackjack. In Europe, Blackjack leads, but Roulette is consistently strong, particularly in markets like India.
Across all markets, the common thread is that live dealer isn’t just about the game – it’s about the experience. Players want interaction, immersion, and trust in the gameplay.
What technologies resonate well with players, and conversely, what is lacking engagement?
Reliable streaming is the baseline expectation. It needs to work flawlessly, especially on mobile. From an operator’s perspective, greenscreen technology has been a game-changer. It allows for branded and localized environments without physical set builds, giving operators full control over their branding and user experience.
Gamification and promotional tools, such as cash drops, leaderboards, and jackpots, also drive engagement, particularly in social and sweepstakes gaming.
And what doesn’t work? Laggy or low-quality streams are killers. If the experience isn’t seamless, players leave instantly. And fake ‘live’ games, such as pre-recorded tables and AI dealers, miss the point of live casino. Players want real human interaction.
What is the most unexpected or disruptive trend you’ve seen in live casino development that you didn’t anticipate, and how has it shaped your approach?
One of the biggest surprises has been the rise of live dealer in social casinos and sweepstakes gaming. For a long time, social casinos were all about slots, but now we’re seeing massive demand for live dealer in that space. Players want the real casino atmosphere, even when they’re playing with virtual currency.
We’ve adapted to this by optimizing our live dealer games for sweepstakes casinos – adjusting the UI, adding engagement tools, and better game pacing to better fit the model. This shift has forced a change in the way we think about live gaming – not just as a real-money product, but as an entertainment experience that works across different models.
In which markets is live casino experiencing the most growth, and why?
Our core markets of Europe, CIS, and the Middle East continue to show strong, stable growth, with high retention rates among existing players. We’re also expanding into high-growth regions like Italy and Asia where Baccarat is driving adoption. In Africa and LatAm, growth is fueled by higher gambling activity and better internet access. And in Africa specifically, our adaptive streaming technology optimizes for lower bandwidth, making live dealer more accessible in this huge and emerging market.
And it’s not just about where live dealer is growing, it’s also about how it’s expanding into new verticals like social and hybrid models. For us it’s about being ready, agile, adaptive.
How do you expect the live dealer landscape to develop? Are there any emerging technologies that you believe will become game changers in this space?
AI gets a lot of attention, and while I don’t see it replacing human dealers, I do see it as a powerful tool for personalization.
We can expect to see AI-driven table recommendations which may suggest games based on player behavior data, as well as personalised and dynamic challenges and offers that adapt in real-time.
Beyond AI, greenscreen technology will continue to redefine the industry. It makes localization and branding far more cost-effective by allowing digitally generated studio environments. It unlocks innovation and imagination, and empowers operators to create unique and exclusive gaming experiences.
Live dealer is also starting to merge with other formats, so expect to see more game-show-style mechanics, interactive social elements, and even potential crossover with streaming platforms.
Final Thoughts?
Live dealer is no longer a niche product; it’s a dominant vertical in online gaming. The challenge now is differentiation.
At LuckyStreak, we’re focused on making live dealer more customizable, engaging, and adaptable. Whether it’s through branded tables, gamification, or expanding into new markets, the goal is to give operators more flexibility and players a better experience.
About LuckyStreak
LuckyStreak has been producing and streaming world-class live dealer online games since 2014. Launched and led by veterans of the land-based and online casino industry, they have a deep passion for entertainment, innovation and quality service, providing players with an unforgettable, unique and thrilling gaming experience, and impeccably delivered with an unwavering commitment to the highest levels of production, video streaming and reliability.
LuckyConnect was launched in 2017 and is the proprietary integration API for operators, connecting them to a library of over 4000 live dealer and third-party games from leading providers like Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Ruby Play, PG Soft and Red Rake Gaming via seamless wallet API, and one-stop shop of critical services including invoicing, player management, reporting and billing, support centre and content management, with one fast and easy integration.
LuckyStreak products and services are built on a highly secure robust technical infrastructure: utilizing a microservices architecture developed using a cloud-native approach enabling high availability (99.9% uptime), security and flexibility; whilst our critical API technology is protected by symmetric encryption and secure server-to-server connections. Ensuring an optimal playing experience without compromising our service to our customers.
The post The Evolving Live Dealer Landscape w/Ady Totah, CEO and co-founder of LuckyStreak appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences in Europe
Pioneering Compliance and Innovation: Atlaslive’s Strategy in the Evolving iGaming Landscape

HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is excited to welcome Atlaslive, a cutting-edge iGaming platform provider, as the Badge & Bracelet Sponsor and key participant in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Lasha Kupatadze, Chief Product Officer at Atlaslive, to explore the company’s readiness for Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape, its approach to industry certifications, responsible gambling, and the product innovations driving the future of iGaming.
Atlaslive has achieved the Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification for its iGaming Platform in Brazil. What were the most critical compliance requirements for entering Brazil’s newly regulated gaming market, and how does this certification position Atlaslive for long-term success in the region? What are your next strategic steps?
Entering Brazil’s newly regulated gaming market presented a unique set of compliance requirements that companies must navigate carefully. For Atlaslive, achieving the Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification was a significant milestone, as it demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high standards of fairness, security, and player protection.
Achieving this certification gives us a solid foundation for long-term success in Brazil. It not only enhances our credibility but also streamlines the regulatory approval process for entering the market. This positioning can help us attract investors and partners who prioritize ethical operations in their collaborations.
As we look to the future, our strategic focus will be on enhancing partnerships within the region. By fostering relationships with local payment processors and regulatory authorities, we can ensure a more seamless entry into the market. We also recognize the importance of creating a marketing strategy that resonates with Brazilian players, emphasizing responsible gaming and community engagement.
Furthermore, we plan to localize our game content to align with Brazilian culture, ensuring that we enhance the user experience. As we progress, continuous monitoring of compliance requirements will be vital to adapt to any regulatory changes. Investing in the technology behind our platform will also support our ability to scale and engage players effectively.
You have recently shared insights about how AI revolutionizes responsible gaming and player protection. Can you share Atlaslive’s perspective with our readers?
At Atlaslive, we see artificial intelligence as a real game-changer in ensuring player well-being. By using AI-driven analytics, we can detect potential risk behaviors early and proactively assist players who might need a break or additional support. We offer self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and other responsible gaming tools. Also we’ve found that these real-time insights help us personalize responsible gaming measures and gain genuine trust with our audience. We will continue leveraging AI-driven insights to make Atlaslive a safer and more enjoyable platform for players worldwide!
Responsible gambling and KYC compliance are growing priorities worldwide. How does Atlaslive integrate these crucial elements into its platform to ensure a secure and player-focused experience?
At Atlaslive, we understand that responsible gambling and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance are not just regulatory necessities but essential elements in delivering a secure and player-focused experience. Our commitment to these priorities is seamlessly integrated into our platform, particularly as we tailor our solutions for the Brazilian market.
A key component of our KYC compliance strategy is a strategic partnership with Brazil’s leading identity verification technology provider. This partnership allows us to leverage advanced tools that meet the specific requirements of the Brazilian market. Utilizing document examination through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and 3D facial identification, our partner provides comprehensive identity verification in fewer than 30 seconds. This innovation not only streamlines the registration process, reducing player registration time by an impressive 30%, but also significantly minimizes fraud risks and ensures strict adherence to Brazilian regulations.
In addition to our robust KYC services, we are devoted to promoting responsible gaming. Atlaslive has developed a suite of features designed to empower players to engage in gaming safely and responsibly. We offer customizable settings that allow users to set their own limits on deposits, wagers, and gaming sessions. Self-exclusion options and cool-off periods are also available, providing players with the tools they need to manage their gaming behavior effectively.
We additionally provide educational resources on our platform to inform players about the risks associated with gambling. Our customer support team is well-trained to identify signs of distress and offer appropriate guidance, ensuring that support is always available when needed.
Atlaslive is known for its adaptable and scalable platform. Can you share some of the latest product innovations and enhancements that set you apart in the competitive iGaming landscape?
At Atlaslive, we focus on developing a platform that seamlessly adapts to our partners’ evolving needs. That means we’re constantly refining everything—both the user-facing interface and the powerful backend behind it. Recently, we have prioritized real-time data analytics, enabling operators to swiftly identify player trends and adapt to engagement shifts seamlessly. We’ve also introduced flexible integrations, making it effortless for businesses to plug in third-party services while keeping everything running smoothly. On top of that, we’re unveiling personalization features that let operators fine-tune everything from lobby layouts to bonus offerings according to each player’s preferences. Altogether, these updates give our clients the agility and creativity they need to stay ahead in a market that never slows down!
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, you’ll be speaking on the panel “Regulatory Crossroads: Lessons & Compliance Strategies from North America & LATAM.” Can you share a sneak peek of the key regulatory challenges and strategies you’ll be discussing with the audience?
During the panel, I’ll dive into how our platform is built to adapt to Brazil’s unique regulatory requirements, which can change quickly as legislation matures. I plan to highlight two core areas: first, how to navigate the nuanced compliance landscape to ensure operators are always a step ahead, and second, how technology-driven solutions—like real-time monitoring and reporting—make that possible. We’ll also touch on the importance of forging strong relationships with local authorities, so you can seamlessly enter and thrive in the market. When you boil it all down, a flexible, tech-savvy approach to compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting players, earning trust, and ultimately growing a strong brand in one of the world’s most dynamic iGaming arenas!
With Atlaslive at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Pioneering Compliance and Innovation: Atlaslive’s Strategy in the Evolving iGaming Landscape appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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