Eastern Europe
Anticipating Gambling Legalisation in Ukraine, Hilton Kyiv Plans to Open 2 Casinos

Hospitality giant Hilton has announced its plans to open two casinos on the premises of its Kyiv hotel, anticipating gambling legalisation in Ukraine.
The co-owner of the hotel’s Ukrainian branch, who has also co-founded the 1+1 Media Group, Boris Fuchsman, plans to invest $30 million in the project.
The project’s start date remains unknown amid ongoing efforts to legalise gambling in hotels.
A draft bill legalising gambling in hotels has to undergo a few more steps before it comes into effect: while it was passed in the first reading on January 16, parliament still has to vote for it in the second reading before Ukraine’s president signs it.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for legalising gambling in Ukraine: he ordered a new gambling bill in September 2019 and supported it in December when parliament votes for it in the first reading. As a result, 260 lawmakers voted for the draft law.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk echoed Zelensky’s support for the bill. The easiest way to eliminate the vast network of underground illegal gambling spots would be to legalise the activity, which could also bring over $120 million in tax revenues to the state budget, Honcharuk said during a briefing in November 2019.
Meanwhile, the head of the parliament’s committee on finance, taxation and customs policy, Danylo Hetmantsev estimates the tax revenue could be as high a $190 million.
According to the draft, casinos will be only be permitted in five-star hotels in designated tourist areas.
The government’s ambition is to ensure that “gambling will be conducted exclusively on the territory of hotels” while removing “gambling halls and slot machines from streets,” Honcharuk said.
In Kyiv, only hotels with more than 200 rooms will be eligible, while in smaller cities such as Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Lviv, hotels will be allowed to install casinos if they have at least 120 rooms.
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.
Compliance Updates
Ukraine Creates New Agency Named “PlayCity” to Control Gambling and Lotteries

Ukraine has created a new agency named “PlayCity” to control state policy in the field of gambling and lotteries.
The work of “PlayCity” will be coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers through the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology — Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.
In 2025, the agency will be financed within the budget of the liquidated Gambling Commission (CRGL).
In December 2024, the parliament decided to liquidate CRGL and transfer gambling regulation functions to the Ministry of Digital Economy. It was decided to automate licenses to remove the human factor from the process and reduce corruption.
The post Ukraine Creates New Agency Named “PlayCity” to Control Gambling and Lotteries appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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