Eastern Europe
Celebrating six months of outstanding success: Interview with CEO Ivan Kravchuk

Slot studio Evoplay has gone from strength to strength over the past six months with some fantastic new titles as well as celebrating its debut across MGA markets.
Ready for the World Cup and an exciting few months ahead for the company, we sat down with Evoplay CEO Ivan Kravchuk to talk through their CEE team’s perseverance, as well as overcoming the challenges that have made the studio such a standout brand today.
Evoplay has performed fantastically so far this year expanding into multiple new markets – despite the challenges faced in Eastern Europe and Ukraine for your team, how have your team persevered?
The beginning of the war wasn’t an easy time for us and our team, but we managed to overcome the difficulties and continue our story as an outstanding provider of some really fantastic games. In order to do that, we really needed to summon a lot of resources in order to quickly adapt our operations to quickly and ensure the safety of our employees.
Our people are what we value the most, and that is why our first measures were focused on relocating employees to a safe place. As part of our contingency plans, we relocated 15% of our staff to our main office in Cyprus, and opened a new office in a safer area part of the country – in Lviv, the west of Ukraine. Accommodation, transfer, and any other support were our main priorities as we wanted to provide our people with a helping hand at this difficult time.
I am very proud to work with such compassionate and courageous people as from the first days of the war, they have participated in many volunteering activities, and I believe we as a country will return from this stronger than ever.
Following on from an outstanding year of success in 2021, which saw you awarded with SBC Leader of the Year as well as the launch of Star Guardians, how has Evoplay built on its momentum during the first six months of this year?
Star Guardians was presented to the iGaming industry at the end of 2021, so the first half of 2022 was also focused around entertaining players around the world with the release, with the futuristic title snagging two awards at this year’s CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards. As a revolutionary product, it’s received sos much positive attention not only from players and casino providers but also from our team. I should also mention Star Guardian’s artbook and comic book – which were both released this year – have become an unprecedented offering in the industry, and a fan favourite
Of course, Evoplay never wants to rest on its success, we have an ‘eternal engine’ which keeps pushing us to create something new, investing in innovations that other developers are afraid of. During the half-year period, we launched 12 products, supercharging our titles with Bonus Buy, Jackpot, and other gamified features that challenge the traditional concept of gaming. To illustrate this, our April release Goblin Run is an industry-first crash game that turns gameplay on its head to offer something fresh. We totally deviated from the classic crash-style game scenario, creating a fully-fledged storyline with a protagonist, antagonist, an opportunity to change skins, all played out with a very the impressive range of settings for a 3D game.
2022 has also been marked by entering into new partnerships with outstanding representatives of the iGaming business, while we also received a letter of recognition from the MGA and Italian certification for our 62 titles.
Looking to gaming trends – what’s in demand from players right now? What kind of gaming experiences are players looking for now that we’re truly post-pandemic?
More traditional demographics still choose retro-styled slots, while new generations are thirsty for unconventional products and immersive gameplay. At the same time, even retro games fans can find a fresh gaming experience and innovation with retro slots – if they offer something new. That is why we take a new look at classic slots and reconceptualise them with additional features such as multiplayer modes, Bonus Buy, jackpots, etc.
I’m very proud of our team and I believe Evoplay’s uniqueness lies in its ability to deliver excellent, high-quality products for both categories. One of our most commercially successful games is Fruit Super Nova which delivers an old-school ambiance, while Star Guardians offers futuristic take, and both of these are spectacular examples of our diverse product offering. That, I believe is what is key to catering to player demand right now – it’s all about multiple themes that can engage and excite.
With the World Cup on the horizon, we no doubt expect Instant Games to again perform strongly with sports fans looking for additional entertainment. How is Evoplay looking to capitalise on this, given your heritage for Instant Games?
We are well-prepared for the World Cup as we already have an exciting package of titles dedicated to football on our teamsheet, all with a host of exciting features available that we’ve created to wow fans! Currently, we’re working on a new sports-themed title, which is set to win the audience of bettors and instant games fans who have always been our focus of interest. Not to give too much away, suffice to say, it will be a game delivering a multiplayer experience and a completely new level of betting excitement. We see it as the next all-time hit in the vertical of sports-themed games and we’re looking forward to seeing what sports fans make of it.
Last but not least, one for our readers – with Star Guardians still proving to be a one-of-a-kind hit with players – what’s up next for Evoplay’s next flagship game?
Our current flagship game, Star Guardians, is still among ours and ours players’ favourites, so we keep giving it attention, fleshing out its promotional activities and enhancing the gameplay in real-time with user feedback. It’s a launch that has meant to us, and we’re here to keep evolving the game to entertain players even more.
On to the next big news, I’m sure plenty will be delighted to hear that our team has already started developing a conceptual idea for our next flagship game, and we can’t wait to see the result, so stay tuned! We also have several ambitious games in the pipeline, aimed at targeting a real variety of players. One of our primary goals is to extend our audience reach with sports bettors and Esports fans, as we know exactly what kind of exciting fast-action gameplay they’re looking for, being players ourselves. Our job is now to create that for the gaming world!
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Compliance Updates
AOJND and FEDBET to Appoint Expert Task Force to Support ONJN in Combating the Illegal Gambling Market

The Association of Remote Gambling Operators (AOJND) and the Federation of Gambling Organizers (FEDBET) — the two leading representative organizations of the gambling industry in Romania — have announced a joint initiative to form a multidisciplinary team of experts. This team will support the National Gambling Office (ONJN) in efforts to combat the illegal gambling market.
At the same time, both organizations are calling on their members — licensed gambling operators in Romania — as well as the general public, to actively contribute any relevant information that may assist authorities in addressing this issue. To facilitate this, an email address has been created: [email protected], where individuals can report gambling activities carried out without the necessary licenses and authorizations. All reports will be collected, verified, and forwarded promptly to ONJN.
This initiative comes in response to a recent ONJN statement reiterating that it is illegal to directly or indirectly provide services related to gambling to entities lacking a Class I license issued by ONJN, particularly if they offer access to players residing in Romania or to Romanian citizens without tax residency in another country.
“AOJND members are firmly committed to combating the illegal gambling market — a growing phenomenon that harms not only legitimate operators but, more importantly, players, who become vulnerable and unprotected. Our members — licensed operators — are focused on building honest and sustainable businesses, and that begins with ensuring safe conditions for players,” said Odeta Nestor, President of AOJND.
“For FEDBET, eliminating the black market in gambling is a top priority — not just to protect the interests of our members, but to ensure a fair and secure market for all players. Unlicensed operators directly undermine market stability by violating regulations and attracting players into unregulated environments. The consequences are severe: increased player vulnerability, losses to the state budget, and additional fiscal pressure on licensed operators. We fully support the authorities and are committed to using all available resources to identify and report illegal practices,” said Alexandru Domșa, General Director of FEDBET.
Both FEDBET and AOJND emphasize that only through active collaboration between industry stakeholders, authorities, and civil society can Romania maintain a legal, fair, and secure gambling market that provides both consumer protection and regulatory safeguards for society at large.
The black market in gambling presents serious challenges: a complete lack of legal protection for players — especially those in vulnerable groups — tax evasion, disruption of fair competition, and the generation of funds for criminal groups, fueling their influence, corruption, and ultimately leading to the loss of thousands of jobs.
In this spirit, the two organizations remain open to dialogue and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in support of building a responsible, sustainable, and transparent gambling industry in Romania.
The post AOJND and FEDBET to Appoint Expert Task Force to Support ONJN in Combating the Illegal Gambling Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Altenar Steps in as General Sponsor of EEGS 2025

The prestigious Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is set to welcome Altenar, a prominent sports betting software provider, as a General Sponsor for its 2025 edition. Scheduled for 26th and 27th November at the IEC in Sofia, Bulgaria, this partnership exemplifies Altenar’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and growth within the gaming and entertainment sectors. This long-standing collaboration has consistently generated mutual benefits and opportunities for both Altenar and the event, as well as for all participants involved.
Altenar continues to deliver top-tier solutions for licensed operators across the globe. From standalone sportsbook offerings to comprehensive turnkey solutions, Altenar combines proven reliability with tailored services to meet diverse client needs.
Since its inception in 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting platforms, while their self-service betting terminals and mobile applications adapt to the evolving demands of operators, leading to a rapidly expanding client portfolio in over 30 countries.
Altenar’s involvement as a sponsor underscores their essential contribution to the overall success of the EEGS, emphasizing a collective dedication to excellence and advancement in the industry. This year’s event promises to be a critical platform for industry leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs to discover and discuss the latest trends in gaming, entertainment, and hospitality.
As the foremost conference in the region, the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) offers an engaging setting for industry pioneers to network, collaborate, and delve into the opportunities shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.
Align your company with this esteemed conference and take advantage of the insights and expertise shared at the event.
Check the available sponsorship options here.
The post Altenar Steps in as General Sponsor of EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
BEGE and EEGS Unveil Visionary 2025 Concept Focusing on Proximity, Collaboration, and AI

BEGE (Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo) and EEGS (Eastern European Gaming Summit) are excited to announce their groundbreaking 2025 concept, which emphasizes the critical importance of proximity, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies – all while integrating the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
At the heart of this initiative is a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the industry. Together, BEGE and EEGS are creating a vibrant platform for networking and idea exchange, bringing industry leaders together to explore the future of gaming. With multiple networking opportunities throughout the BEGE and EEGS, attendees will have countless chances to engage with one another, share insights, and forge valuable partnerships.
“The power of community is essential to our mission,” says Natalia Baevska, Project Manager of BEGE and EEGS. “By collaborating, we can harness our collective strengths to unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.”
Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager, highlights the significance of the initiative’s theme, “Proximity to Potential: Where Every Piece Matters.” She explains, “This slogan captures the essence of our vision. It underscores the idea that every connection and collaboration serves as a vital piece of a larger puzzle, driving innovation and success in our industry. We are excited to create an environment where companies can showcase their achievements, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful dialogue.”
In addition to the networking events, the initiative will feature an impressive lineup of thought-provoking lectures and lively panel discussions led by industry experts, all designed to spark engagement and collaboration.
Furthermore, the integration of AI into this initiative promises to elevate gaming experiences and enhance operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark for innovation in the sector.
With this ambitious initiative, BEGE and EEGS are poised to transform the gaming landscape in the Balkans, encouraging all stakeholders to come together and actively shape the industry’s future.
The post BEGE and EEGS Unveil Visionary 2025 Concept Focusing on Proximity, Collaboration, and AI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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