Interviews
Exclusive Interview with Milena Tsankarska, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline
At the beginning of May, Milena Tsankarska stepped into her new role as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline, a prominent Bulgarian company known for its expertise in Software Development, Technical Compliance, Managed DevOps Services, and Cloud Hosting solutions. With a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Africa, ZettaOnline continues to expand its impact in various business industries. In this interview, Milena shares insights into her new role and ZettaOnline’s ambitious vision for the future. Let’s dive in to hear what she has to say!
Can you start by giving us an overview of ZettaOnline and its mission? How does it stand out in the fintech services industry?
In the fintech industry, technical compliance and software development are closely intertwined, as the sector is heavily regulated and requires adherence to strict standards. ZettaOnline has a strong focus on delivering innovative and all-encompassing solutions to help the business not only to meet the legal requirements, but to integrate those requirements into the very fabric of software development. Our mission is to provide businesses with state-of-the-art technology, helping them remain competitive and compliant in a constantly changing digital world. By adopting a compliance first-approach, ZettaOnline helps the fintech companies avoid costly fines, build trust with users, and create secure, reliable products that can scale in a highly regulated environment.
ZettaOnline operates in multiple regulated markets across the globe. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you face in different regions like the UK, USA, Germany, and South Africa?
To operate in diverse markets such as the UK, USA, Germany, and South Africa is both challenging and full of possibilities. Each market has its own diverse and unique regulatory framework requirements that we have to tailor and adjust in the delivery of our services to our clients. The opportunity lies in utilizing our expertise across these regions to provide global solutions that are fine for local impact. For instance, as businesses strive to comply with data protection laws and industry standards, partners like ZettaOnline that offer compliance, security, and data protection are in high demand.
ZettaOnline offers a broad range of services, including software development, technical compliance, and managed IT services. Which of these services do you see as the most in-demand among your clients, and why?
Technical compliance is currently seeing the highest demand, especially in the heavily regulated sectors. Clients increasingly seek customized software solutions that can be easily integrated with their existing systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in which they operate. With the rise of cyber threats, businesses need to ensure their systems meet specific security requirements, making compliance a priority. Our clients appreciate our ability to deliver both cutting-edge software and the assurance of meeting compliance requirements. After the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more of our clients are seeking security of their operations, data, and payments. We do detect and respond to threats using real-time and proprietary analysis and threat data, offering flexibility and personalization.
Your company provides auditing and certification according to PCI-DSS and ISO standards. How important are these certifications for your clients, and what role do they play in maintaining trust and security?
Certifications like PCI-DSS are vital for our clients, as they guarantee that their operations adhere to the highest security and quality standards. We also ensure compliance with other applicable requirements stemming from the financial regulations. And of course, this builds trust between the company and the customers, which gives the clients trustworthiness and more opportunity to grow.
Cloud hosting solutions are a critical part of your offerings. Can you share how ZettaOnline ensures the reliability and security of these services for your clients?
At ZettaOnline, this is a top priority, and we offer a real-time strategic advantage: instant business insights. We implement advanced security protocols; we regularly audit and continuously monitor our systems in order to achieve efficiency with sustainability. Thus, our clients trust us to provide a secure and stable environment for their operations, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
With the fintech industry rapidly evolving, how does ZettaOnline stay ahead of technological trends and ensure its services remain cutting-edge?
Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving fintech sector requires ZettaOnline to be proactive, innovative, and adaptable. We allocate resources to continuous research and development to explore new technology, trends, and market needs. We aim to incorporate the latest technology into our services and products. This allows us to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet future demands in the fintech sector.
As the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, what strategies do you implement to drive growth and expand ZettaOnline’s market presence? Our plans include determining a marketing strategy that develops and strengthens relations with existing clients. One of our topics is also to expand our services to different markets by establishing and cultivating long-term partnerships with new clients. One of my personal goals is to strengthen the company’s group of different brands and keep their level high in both the fintech and gaming markets. We also aim to achieve additional certifications, which will confirm our leading position in fintech and IT solutions worldwide.
What role does strategic partnerships and collaborations play in ZettaOnline’s growth? Can you highlight any key partnerships that have been particularly impactful?
Yes, the strategic partnerships are a key component of ZettaOnline’s growth strategy. By collaborating with some of the industry leaders, we can offer more comprehensive services and enter new markets. For example, our partnership with The Betting Coach. This collaboration will allow us to promote our fintech solutions, increase their visibility, and attract new users in the online gaming market. For us, those partnerships are crucial to our success and expansion.
Given the competitive nature of the fintech industry, how does ZettaOnline differentiate itself from other service providers?
At ZettaOnline, we don’t just provide services; we offer customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. We set us apart through a combination of deep technical expertise, knowledge of global regulatory aspects, and a client-centric approach. We are very dedicated to innovation, security, and compliance, and these ensure that we offer high-quality and reliable services that help our clients achieve their objectives.
10. Looking ahead, what are some of the key trends in fintech and IT services that you believe will shape the future of the industry?
AI is playing a transformative role in the fintech and IT sectors. The key areas AI is being leveraged are fraud detection and prevention, personalized financial services, regtech and compliance, customer onboarding, and identity verification, along with many other areas. The offering of customer-centric solutions should consider compliance with the requirements for developing or deploying AI.
What are ZettaOnline’s future goals and objectives, and how do you plan to achieve them in the next 3-5 years?
Of course, our plans are with a glance for the future and especially to how to expand our global presence, particularly in emerging markets, while continuing to innovate our service offerings. We intend to invest both in AI and machine learning to stay ahead of industry trends and provide even more robust solutions to our clients. Our goal is to be recognized as a leader in the fintech services industry, known for our innovation, reliability, and client-focused approach.
Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline? What experiences have shaped your approach to leadership and strategy?
My professional experience belongs to different managing roles in marketing, business development, and strategic planning across multiple industries. Each of them gave me more and more added values that shaped me in the way to drive growth and lead teams effectively. My personal approach emphasizes collaboration, team leadership, and maintaining a strong focus on the client’s needs.
In your opinion, what are the most critical skills and attributes needed to succeed in the fintech industry today?
It is crucial to adapt rapidly to the latest innovation in the industry, to have strong technical expertise, and to have a deep understanding of regulatory environments. Of course, to have strong problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. We have to quickly adapt to new technologies and market dynamics as the industry evolves.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to enter the fintech or IT services sector?
My advice to those that are looking to enter both the fintech and IT services sectors is to stay close to the innovation and trends of both industries in order to be up-to-date with the latest developments. That will assure them some advantage in the future and will put them in a stronger position.
Finally, is there anything else you would like our audience to know about ZettaOnline or any upcoming projects you are particularly excited about?
I am excited to share that our team will be attending five major gaming events before the end of 2024. With our deep interest in the gaming industry, it is only fitting that we showcase our services at these significant events. We are kicking off with Sigma East Europe, scheduled for September 2-4, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. This event is set to be one of the largest and most influential in the gaming industry, offering significant events and valuable industry insights. We continue with SBC Events, 24-26 September in Lisboa, and in November, 11-14, 2024, ZettaOnline is going to attend Sigma Europe.
After that, we are going to attend BEGE and EEGS, which are two of the premier events in the gaming and entertainment industry (Sofia on November 27-28, 2024). If you want to find out what ZettaOnline’s services are, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange a meeting.
The post Exclusive Interview with Milena Tsankarska, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Following the announcement of its new publishing vertical and the successful debut of Royal Drop, we sat down with Tanja Bergman, Head of Growth RGS at Tequity, to discuss how this new arm is set to dismantle technical barriers for ambitious studios and why scalability is the new frontier for the ‘Burst Games’ genre.
Tequity has just officially launched its Publishing vertical. What was the primary catalyst behind this move?
The industry is currently in a fascinating place. There is no shortage of creative talent among studios, but there is a massive technical bottleneck. We have seen so many ambitious studios with incredible concepts – especially those moving beyond traditional slots – who have been getting bogged down in terms of getting those concepts out into the marketplace.
The catalyst for Tequity Publishing was simple. We wanted to break down those technical barriers. By handling the infrastructure, distribution, and compliance frameworks, we allow studios to do what they do best, which is build outstanding games. It’s about speed-to-market without compromising on the quality or the vision of their content.
The launch coincides with the release of Royal Drop. How does this game, and the partnership with Mirror Image Gaming and The Fortune Engine, showcase what Tequity Publishing is all about?
Royal Drop is the perfect proof of concept. It’s a collaboration that highlights three important pillars of modern game delivery. You have Mirror Image Gaming bringing that fresh, video-game-influenced Burst Games energy, The Fortune Engine provide the math tools and templates, and Tequity Publishing offers the global scale and distribution pathway.
It shows that when you remove operational friction, you can create a game-first experience that appeals to a new generation of players who want something more interactive than a standard 5×3 reel.
Tequity Publishing offers two models: RGSaaS and RGS-to-RGS. Can you walk us through the strategic benefits of each?
Flexibility is key, because no two studios are at the same stage of their journey. The RGSaaS model is our full-service offering. It’s designed for studios that want to focus 100% on the creative side. We provide the entire infrastructure and publishing framework and it is essentially a business-in-a-box for game creators.
The RGS-to-RGS model is a more streamlined, tech-first approach for studios that already have their own RGS but lack the distribution muscle. It allows them to plug into our growing operator and aggregator network instantly. Both models are built on the same philosophy: helping studios reach parts of the market they otherwise couldn’t access on their own.
You mentioned reaching new generations of players. How does this vertical specifically empower studios to innovate in ways they couldn’t before?
When a studio is concerned about how they are going to integrate with a multitude of different operators or how to navigate complex jurisdictional requirements, they tend to play it safe. They stick to what they know.
By taking that weight off their shoulders, we give them the opportunity to be brave. Studios like Mirror Image Gaming are pushing the boundaries of modern iGaming, taking influences from the video game world. This is exactly what the new generation of players is looking for. We provide the scalability so that these niche, innovative ideas can achieve mass-market impact.
It’s been a busy period for Tequity, following the success of your Originals series and the iBankroll partnership. How does the Publishing vertical fit into the broader Tequity roadmap for 2026?
It’s all part of becoming the ultimate technology partner for the gaming industry. Whether it’s our streamer-friendly Originals or our Bankroll-as-a-Service offering, the goal is to provide scalable, customisable solutions. Tequity Publishing is the natural evolution of that mission. We aren’t only providing the tools anymore, but also the pathway to the player. Looking ahead, you can expect a series of further launches through our three-way collaborations. We’re proving that the barrier to entry for innovation has never been lower.
Finally, for studios looking to scale quickly, what is your main message to them?
Don’t let technical noise drown out your creative signal. If you have a game concept that breaks the mould, you shouldn’t have to spend years building the distribution architecture to get it seen. That’s what we’re here for. We want to help you launch at a speed and scale that matches your ambition, so that you can make a significant splash in the industry.
The post Scaling innovation through the launch of Tequity Publishing appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
We speak to Charles Mott, CEO & Co-Founder at S Gaming, about the provider’s move into the US market with BetMGM and why more casual gameplay hits the mark with players stateside
Congratulations on your deal with BetMGM in the USA. Why is this such a milestone market launch for S Gaming?
The deal with BetMGM marks our hotly-anticipated launch in the US market, and sees our games go live to players in core regulated states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan. We see huge potential for our content in the North American market, and to make our debut with such a high-calibre operator is a testament to this. The US is still just finding its feet as a regulated online casino market, and our games, with their focus on sustainability and high entertainment, are the perfect fit for audiences who are used to land-based slots and are increasingly moving online. They are simple, easy to understand and play, and ultimately deliver tons of fun over longer playing sessions – just like the slot machines found on the floors of casinos in Las Vegas and beyond.
Just how important was it to go live with a tier-one operator like BetMGM? And how will the deal allow you to quickly build momentum in the US?
It’s mission critical. Going live with BetMGM allows us to build immediate trust with players, tap into a large and loyal playerbase, and simultaneously enter multiple regulated iCasino states at the same time. Now that we are up and running with BetMGM, we are turning our attention to striking partnerships with other operators active in the market. It’s pretty much the same blueprint that we’ve followed in our home market of the UK where we are now live with all but a handful of brands – something we have been able to achieve in a little over two years. We know the US is a slightly different market, but we are confident in our approach to game development and, as we gather more data on how US players interact with our games, will use this feedback loop to guide our product roadmap going forwards so that each title is better than the last and more suited to the preferences of US players.
You mentioned that your games are aimed at more casual players. How does this align with the preferences of US consumers?
If you walk onto the gaming floor of any Las Vegas casino, you’ll see row after row of slot machines. Increasingly, these machines are designed to keep players entertained for longer through gripping gameplay and regular wins. A lot of online slot content delivers high risk/high reward gameplay, where players can quickly clear through their balance as they hunt down big wins – wins that don’t land all that often. In a market where operators care deeply about retention and lifetime value, games that keep players spinning for longer really matter. Our approach to producing sustainable, fun games for players in the UK and Europe has allowed us to not only stand out but to engage players at scale, and we are confident players in the US, especially those who enjoy land-based slotting, will also be drawn to them at scale.
Has launching in the US been a major undertaking for S Gaming, or did it prove to be plain sailing for the most part?
When planning our move into the US market we identified two routes. We have our own remote game server, so we could build on that, secure licences in each state we wanted to enter, and then deploy our content directly with operators. The other option would be to work with a third-party RGS provider that already has the licences and integrations we needed. While the first option might sound like the best, in reality, especially for a smaller studio, the cost of and resources required for securing individual state licences can be prohibitive. So instead, we joined forces with Gaming Realms as they have the cutting-edge RGS and licences (in both the US and Europe) we were looking for. This means we simply need to build a US version of each game on the Gaming Realms RGS and can then deploy content with the wide range of operator partners they are connected with in regulated iCasino states across the US.
Tell us more about the initial run of games you’ve launched with BetMGM.
We’ve launched the partnership with Barnyard Bash Chicken Chase which will be followed by Triple 7 Jackpot in February and Cat and Mouse Collect in March – with one new game a month to follow as we build out our US portfolio. If players were to try just one of our games, it would be Barnyard Bash Chicken Chase. It gets players clucking as they spin the reels, collect Eggs and add them to the growing Nest – the more eggs collected, the bigger the Nest Egg becomes. Not only that, Eggs can randomly activate the matching colour-coded Nest Egg and award entry to the Chicken Trail feature, drop Egg-stra Free Spins or lay an Instant Prize.
But once they’ve tried it, they’ll definitely want to take Triple 7 Jackpot for a spin. This classic slot is dripping in neon action – the Triple 7 feature is always on screen but is locked until a spin lands three Bonus 777 symbols. This unlocks the feature with on spin awarded, giving players a shot at the 500x Jackpot prize. Free Spins are also up for grabs with seven Free Games awarded when three Scatters land in the base game.
Finally, Cat and Mouse Collect is a playful, feature-rich slot built around a simple but engaging Collect mechanic. Players pin the reels, collect up the cheeses and feed the hungry mice until they’re fit to burst. Green plates will serve up an instant prize, Blue will start the wild and wacky Cheese Chase and Red dishes out some feisty Free Spins. With regular feature triggers and plenty of on-reel interaction, it’s designed to keep players engaged from spin to spin without relying on extreme volatility.
What does success in the US look like for S Gaming over the next 12-18 months?
Success for us isn’t about one big hit, it’s about becoming a trusted, widely-distributed supplier in regulated iCasino states. Over the next year we want to significantly expand beyond BetMGM, roll out a steady pipeline of US-optimised titles and build the kind of player data and
operator relationships that let us grow sustainably. If players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan are regularly choosing S Gaming titles as part of their core rotation, then we’ll know we’re really breaking into the market.
The post Breaking America with BetMGM appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
What innovation consists of within the slots industry is often debated. While there are often calls for more groundbreaking features to be introduced, the reality is that the progression of trusted and popular concepts is what drives the industry forward with new releases.
We caught up with the Kendoo’s Commercial Director, Kate Romanenko, to understand more on how long-term retention is often underpinned by controlled evolution of proven concepts, as shown in the company’s success over the past year.
In an industry driven by novelty, why do you think long-term consistency is becoming just as valuable as innovation?
In the competitive iGaming market, everyone is obsessed with “what’s next,” long-term consistency has become a signal of trust. Operators are increasingly cautious: they want games that perform predictably over time, not just those who grow only on launch. Controlled evolution, like we showed with 3 Pots and 4 Pots games, such as 3 Fortune Trees, 3 Gates of Pyramid, 4 Egypt Scarabs etc., proves that you can refresh mechanics and visuals without breaking what already works. Innovation still matters, but when it’s backed by performance data and retention, it becomes scalable, sustainable value rather than short-lived hype.
How does Kendoo ensure technical and gameplay stability across its growing portfolio, especially as it scales into new markets?
At Kendoo, we build on a select set of well-tested core mechanics, evolving them thoughtfully rather than introducing unproven systems. Each game reflects our research, experience, and deep understanding of player needs. This approach lets us expand into new markets without compromising reliability, delivering operators consistent performance and players a smooth, familiar experience they can trust.
What role does reliability play in building strong partnerships with aggregators and platforms?
Reliability is the foundation of trust with aggregators and platforms. When integrations are stable, launches are predictable, and games perform consistently, partners can scale with confidence. For Kendoo, reliability reduces operational friction on their side, fewer incidents, faster rollouts, and clearer performance expectations. Over time, this turns a supplier relationship into a long-term partnership, where growth is planned together rather than driven by constant risk around new releases.
Do you think players are beginning to value dependable, well-balanced games over constant experimentation?
Players enjoy novelty, but they return to games that feel fair, familiar, and well-balanced. Constant experimentation can create friction, while dependable mechanics build confidence and habit. That’s why evolved formats with proven performance tend to retain better: players know what to expect, and that reliability turns curiosity into long-term engagement. For example, taking mechanics like Pots, which originated in land-based casinos, and successfully adapting them for online play.
Can you point to a Kendoo title that’s become a steady performer over time and what that tells you about what players really value?
A clear example is 3 Fortune Trees. Since launch, it has consistently driven strong retention and engagement across markets, with an average of 500 bets per player, which is excellent. The game demonstrates that players value Pots mechanics and reliable, well-balanced gameplay over flashy, one-off features. Its engaging mechanics, popular theme, and premium art and animation all come together to create a game that players love to play.
The post Kendoo interview: Can stability be the new innovation? appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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