Central Europe
Ukraine, Slovakia and Poland among the hot topics at Prague Gaming Summit 2020
There is no doubt that some Eastern and Central European jurisdictions are popular among gambling industry shareholders due to their population size and in some cases even the passion of the players in those particular countries.
At Prague Gaming Summit, you have the possibility to catch up on some very informative content about the recent changes in the regulation, taxis and compliance updates coming from Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine.
There is no doubt that the recent taxing changes from Czechia have been in the focus of many operators, but the future doesn’t look so bleak when they consider the growth and recognition of the industry.
However, the most talked-about jurisdictions lately have been the Ukrainian, Slovakian and Polish gambling industry.
Major updates from Ukraine by important operators
Just recently the Ukrainian Parliament has adopted Bill 2285-D in its first reading and paved way for the legislative regulation of gambling in Ukraine.
The bill will now face a second reading, before which further details – such as the tax rate on gambling – may be worked out for inclusion in the final bill.
Once legalized, the market will create thousands of jobs, contribute to both state and local budgets, lead to an increase in tourism, and will help to counter corruption in professional sports.
If passed at the second reading, it will be presented to President Volodymyr Zelensky and if signed will become law.
When it comes to first-hand information about the Ukrainian gambling industry, you have the opportunity to hear more about the licensing scheme, taxes at the Prague Gaming Summit from leading industry operator representatives such as Ievgeniia Derbal (Head of Legal at Parimatch) and Maksym Liashko (Partner at Parimatch).
Make sure to book your ticket now in order to avoid disappointment. The seats are limited and are selling out fast!
Order your Delegate Pass or VIP Package (Delegate Pass +Accommodation) now!
Focus on Slovakia with local knowledge
Diving deeper into the region, Prague Gaming Summit will also highlight the possibilities of expansion into Slovakia and Poland.
The online gambling industry in Slovakia has been the debate for many operators in the region which are all interested in taking their share piece from the small jurisdiction. Nevertheless, Slovakia has some of the most passionate players when it comes to sports betting and casino.
The updates from the Slovakian gambling industry will be presented by Dr. Robert Skalina (Senior Advisor at WH Partners), who is a specialist when it comes to the Slovakian regulation, advising the entry of many of the major European operators.
Reports and opportunities in Poland with leading European Operators and Industry Experts
When discussing Eastern and Central European jurisdictions, we can’t avoid talking about the possibilities and updates of one of the largest jurisdictions in the region. The gambling industry in Poland is considered one of the most competitive and flourishing jurisdictions in the region and has recorded significant growth in the past year. The regulated bookmakers in Poland have generated a combined turnover of €1.58bn in 2019, a 28.8% year-on-year increase but less than the unlicensed market, according to figures from legal association Graj Legalnie.
At the end of last year, the Minister of Finance, Investment, and Development has signed an ordinance amending the ordinance on lottery devices, gaming devices, and slot machines, securing information regarding the organized lottery and obtaining, calculating and paying out winnings.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Gambling Act, only the minister competent for public finances decides whether playing on a given device is a game on slot machines within the meaning of the Gambling Act.
The opinion of the testing entity is only an attachment to the application for issuing the decision. This opinion must contain information that it serves only to issue a decision by the minister competent for public finance.
At Prague Gaming Summit, you have the unique opportunity to hear more about the Polish gambling industry form the legal side and also from the operator’s side.
Kamil Popiolek (Legal Counsel at Superbet) and Piotr Dynowski (Partner/Attorney at Law/Head of IP/Media/Tech&Comms Practice at Bird & Bird Poland) will both share some of the most vital information and investment possibilities the market has to offer.
As mentioned in earlier press releases, the conference will once again bring together a large community of gambling industry experts which vary in the form of operators, software providers, platform, compliance experts, government officials and more.
For constant updates, you can view the Program / Agenda here: https://praguegamingsummit.com/program-agenda-2020/
Besides the quality content, Prague Gaming Summit includes several networking opportunities during the specially designed networking sessions.
Central Europe
GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market
The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has published the results of the study “Investigation of the Black Market and Channeling of Online Gambling Based on a Survey of Gamblers”. The study was commissioned by the GGL and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH.
The study concludes that the market volume of illegal and unregulated online gambling is 22.97%. This results in a channeling rate of 77.03%, meaning that legal or regulated offerings account for more than three-quarters of the online gambling market.
“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.
The study also confirms the methodological approach of the GGL.
The investigation also confirms the GGL’s methodological approach to analysing the black market. The study’s findings are essentially consistent with the agency’s existing knowledge.
In particular, the method of reference value-based analysis, which has been used by the countries so far and adopted by the GGL, has been scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal gambling market on the Internet.
Contribution to the evaluation process of the State Treaty on Gambling
The study has already been presented to the state gambling authorities. The results will be incorporated into the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.
“We are in discussions with the states regarding the extent to which the results of this study may necessitate adjustments to the legal requirements. Furthermore, we are awaiting the results of the currently ongoing study on online player protection,” said Benter.
Consistent fight against illegal online gambling
The GGL’s aim is to further reduce the share of illegal online gambling offerings. The authority pursues a holistic approach, addressing the entire value chain of illegal online gambling, from game developers and providers to payment service providers and marketing and platform structures.
“Our measures will also be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint,” explains Benter.
Networking and coordinated approaches are crucial here. A key component of the strategy is therefore cooperation with legal providers and other European regulatory authorities to limit the reach of illegal operators. The GGL reiterates its appeal to legal providers to make greater use of their options to curb illegal services.
In order to be able to observe developments over time, the GGL plans to continue the survey in a suitable form.
“A reliable database is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work,” said Benter.
The post GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central Europe
Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026
HIPTHER proudly announces the return of the Endorphina Club Awards Party & Ceremony, the official celebration of the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, taking place on 24 March 2026 at 20:00 at the iconic Buddha Bar Prague.
Organised by Endorphina, the Awards & Party Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the evening marks one of the most anticipated moments of the summit’s 10th anniversary edition, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to celebrate excellence across the Central and Eastern European gaming and technology ecosystem.
This year’s edition continues the successful partnership between HIPTHER and Endorphina, which began in 2023, with the Endorphina Events Team once again curating an unforgettable awards celebration concept and selecting one of Prague’s most elegant venues for the occasion.
A Celebration of Innovation, Community, and Excellence
The GamingTECH CEE Awards shine a spotlight on the companies, products, teams, and individuals shaping the future of gaming and technology across the region.
As part of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across a wide spectrum of categories spanning iGaming innovation, compliance leadership, technological advancement, and industry growth.
The Endorphina Club Awards Party elevates the awards ceremony into a full evening experience, where the community gathers to celebrate achievements in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
Guests can expect an exclusive evening where sophistication meets the spirit of Asia, featuring premium drinks, vibrant entertainment, and the unmistakable energy of one of Prague’s most iconic venues.
RSVP Required for Summit Participants
All HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 participants who wish to attend the Awards Party are invited to confirm their participation in advance.
To secure a place on the official Endorphina Club guest list, attendees should contact the organiser to RSVP, at:
Due to the exclusive nature of the venue and limited capacity, online RSVP is mandatory.
Celebrating a Continued Partnership
The ongoing collaboration between HIPTHER and Endorphina has become a cherished tradition within the Prague Summit experience, with each edition introducing new creative concepts and memorable venues for the industry’s celebration night.
Commenting on the partnership, Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated: “The GamingTECH CEE Awards have always been about recognising the people and companies who push our industry forward. Over the years, the Endorphina Club celebration has become one of the most anticipated moments of the Prague Summit. It’s a place where competitors turn into collaborators and the community comes together to celebrate innovation, resilience, and creativity. We are thrilled to once again partner with the Endorphina team to host this special evening in one of Prague’s most iconic venues as we mark the summit’s 10-year milestone.”
The Endorphina Club Party for GamingTECH Awards 2026 takes place during the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Praha, gathering regulators, operators, technology providers, affiliates, fintech innovators, and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond.
“Prague is our home – and as a Czech company, there’s nowhere we’d rather bring the industry together! Hosting The GamingTECH CEE Awards here isn’t just convenient, it’s personal. That’s why our collaboration with HIPTHER means so much to us: together we get to welcome partners, friends, and colleagues from across the industry to the city that made Endorphina what it is today. The Endorphina Club evening is one of those nights we pour our hearts into-because home games are always the best ones.” — Irina Veselkova, Head of Marketing at Endorphina
Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the summit explores the intersection of technology, regulation, and innovation through expert panels, workshops, and curated networking opportunities.
HIPTHER and the Endorphina Club Awards Party promises to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements, creativity, and spirit of collaboration that define the gaming and tech community.
More information about HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026:
https://hipther.com/events/prague/
The post Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Austria
Blueprint Gaming Strengthens European Reach with Austria Debut on win2day
Collaboration allows the UK’s top slot provider to introduce a range of high-performing games to Austria’s sole licensed online gaming platform.
Blueprint Gaming
has reinforced its presence in Europe by launching in the Austrian iGaming sector with win2day.
The significant partnership with Austria’s sole regulated operator will allow win2day players to enjoy a selection of Blueprint Gaming’s renowned titles, with Eye of Horus and Cash Strike making up the initial set of available games.
Blueprint has established a solid reputation for providing feature-rich, localized content for various countries throughout the continent, and its newest market entry marks another phase in its ongoing European growth and greater global focus.
win2day is managed by Austrian Lotteries, established over 50 years ago and is the sole licensed online casino operator in Austria. The brand has developed a strong legacy as a reliable name in the market, taking pride in being one of the most accountable players in the industry.
The partnership is poised to enhance the entertainment experience for Austrian players by merging Blueprint’s esteemed status for creating immersive games with engaging mechanics and win2day’s strong market presence.
Samuel Haggblom, Director of Business Development at Blueprint Gaming
, said: “Entering Austria with win2day represents a significant milestone in our European growth strategy. As the country’s only licensed online casino operator, it sets the standard for quality and responsibility, and we are proud to see our content launch on such a dynamic platform.
“Our portfolio has consistently delivered strong performance across regulated markets, and we look forward to introducing Austrian players to iconic titles, with more high-performing releases set to follow.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of win2day, added: “As Austria’s only licensed online gaming operator, win2day is committed to delivering premium, secure and fully compliant entertainment to our players. With Blueprint Gaming, we are adding a well-established and internationally recognised studio to our portfolio, known for its strong brands and high production standards.
“In close cooperation, we ensure that every title is carefully aligned with Austria’s strict regulatory framework and our comprehensive player protection policies. This guarantees that innovation and entertainment always go hand in hand with responsibility and safety. Blueprint Gaming’s portfolio will be a strong and exciting enhancement to the win2day offering.”
The post Blueprint Gaming Strengthens European Reach with Austria Debut on win2day appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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