Conferences in Europe
Evoplay Brings the Future of iGaming to GamingTECH CEE Summit
HIPTHER Agency and the #hipthers are thrilled to introduce the Main Stage Sponsor of the upcoming GamingTECH CEE Summit taking place in Budapest, on 26-27 September, 2023!
GamingTECH CEE is the rebranded CEEGC, the conference having a 7-year tradition of being the leading iGaming industry event in the Central and Eastern European region during Autumn. This year, the most popular in-person industry gathering in CEE proudly features Evoplay as its Main Stage Sponsor!
Being an industry-leading iGame provider dedicated to innovation, with a mission to go beyond the traditional approach to game development and change the global perception of gambling products, Evoplay’s values and future-first outlook perfectly align with the innovative spirit of Hipther and GamingTECH CEE.
We caught up with Ihor Zarechnyi, Head of Sales at Evoplay, to find out more about the company’s achievements, latest news, and the importance of the Central and Eastern European region for the company.
Hello Ihor, thank you for joining the #hipthers for this interview! Would you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your role at Evoplay?
I serve as the Head of Sales at Evoplay. My role primarily involves managing our company’s sales strategies, forging key partnerships, and expanding our footprint in various markets worldwide.
I’ve always been passionate about the iGaming industry and its dynamism. What I find most exciting about working at Evoplay is the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in such a fast-paced environment. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries to create unique, engaging gaming experiences that resonate with players across the globe. As the Head of Sales, I’m privileged to lead the charge in bringing these exceptional products to a broader audience.
Evoplay is a well-known iGaming company by now, boasting an incredible portfolio, Awards, and numerous partnerships, but could you give us a summary and more insight about the company and its achievements?
Evoplay is a pioneering force in the iGaming industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional game development to deliver unique, immersive, and memorable experiences to players across the globe. We are proud to be recognised for our innovative approach, as reflected in our robust portfolio, numerous awards, and strategic partnerships.
The company was established in 2017, and in a relatively short space of time, we’ve successfully developed over 200 engaging slots, table, and instant games that are enjoyed by players in multiple jurisdictions. Our gaming content is distinctive, not just because of our immersive graphics and engaging gameplay but also because we’ve introduced groundbreaking technology such as our Spinential system and various exciting mechanics. For instance, we’re known for pioneering the first 3D/VR slot games in the industry and creating award-winning Instant Games.
Our continuous work for innovation has been recognised and celebrated within the industry, leading to us being awarded Innovator of the Year at the EGR and Mobile Gaming Provider of the Year at the Malta Gaming Awards.
Evoplay launched a major rebranding campaign in 2021. What spurred this decision, and what was the secret of its success – especially amidst the challenging period of the pandemic?
The decision for the rebranding in 2021 was driven by our desire to reflect the immense growth and evolution Evoplay has undergone since our inception in 2017. We had established a strong foothold in the iGaming market, innovated with 3D/VR slots, and won significant industry awards. It felt like the right time to redefine our brand identity to align with our evolved stature and future ambitions.
The rebranding was also an opportunity for us to clarify our mission and values, making it known that we’re not just another gaming company—we’re an innovative entity committed to changing the perception of gambling products and enhancing the player experience.
The pandemic certainly presented its challenges, but it also brought about opportunities. With more people turning to online entertainment, there was a significant potential audience for our products. It was the perfect time to present a new, revitalised brand that stood for innovation, entertainment, and trust.
As for the secret to its success, I believe it was our authenticity and commitment. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the rebranding wasn’t just cosmetic but truly representative of our ethos and vision.
Evoplay recently published about tapping into the next-gen market with crypto iGaming business. How do you facilitate crypto gambling for your clients and their customers, and how do crypto casinos work with Evoplay?
The rapid rise of cryptocurrency, no doubt, has made significant waves across industries. Especially in iGaming, where things like decentralisation, instant transfers, and security are paramount, cryptocurrency offers compelling advantages.
The way in which crypto casinos and Evoplay work together is quite straightforward. These crypto-based platforms incorporate our exciting and popular games into their offerings and we saw an impressive 5.3x increase in bets placed via cryptocurrency in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first one. That alone shows the growing appetite for our innovative products in the crypto gaming space.
In essence, our commitment to pushing boundaries and flexibly responding to market trends makes us an ideal partner for crypto casinos. We’re excited to offer captivating, innovative gaming experiences to players in the crypto space and look forward to the future prospects this brings for our partners and the wider industry.
Looking back to Evoplay’s previous achievements and ongoing breakthroughs, which game titles, moments and partnerships would you consider as key milestones for the company?
In terms of game titles, Dungeon: Immortal Evil and Necromancer are a couple that have created quite a buzz in the industry. They were some of the first games to showcase our prowess in immersive technology and set a new standard for player engagement.
We have joined forces with industry heavyweights such as EveryMatrix, SoftGamings, Relax, and Oryx and this has been monumental for us. These alliances broadened our reach, enabling us to introduce our innovative games to an even wider audience.
But perhaps the most meaningful milestone of all is the growth of our company and the Evoplay team. We started as a small group with a vision, and now we’re a globally recognised name in iGaming, respected for our continuous innovation.
Your social media team recently posted about the most popular characters in slots! Which one do you prefer, and which Evoplay title is your personal favourite?
Each character has its own charm and appeal, and they all play a crucial part in creating the immersive experiences we’re known for. But if I had to pick, I’d probably go with Star Guardians. It’s one of our flagship games, and it’s really a standout because of its unique RPG-inspired gameplay. It’s not just a slot game – it’s an adventure! The game’s choose your own path style mechanics empowers players to select which character they’d like to play as alongside an enticing first-person shooter mechanic and stunning visuals, makes it a truly immersive experience that really showcases what we’re all about at Evoplay.
Taking into consideration Evoplay’s opening to crypto iGaming, and the strategic expansion of Hipther’s Events to technology and the intersection of gambling with blockchain, fintech and web3, we’d say that your Main Stage Sponsorship for GamingTECH CEE is a match made in heaven! What is the message that Evoplay would like to impart to the event’s participants?
Absolutely, it’s indeed a match made in heaven! The core message we at Evoplay want to impart to the participants at the GamingTECH CEE Summit is that the future of iGaming is here, and it’s brimming with opportunities. Our industry is at an incredibly exciting crossroads where innovative technology, such as blockchain, fintech and web3, is opening up new ways to engage and entertain players like never before.
At Evoplay, we’re fully committed to harnessing these cutting-edge technologies to redefine the iGaming experience.
So, be open to change, embrace innovation and join us on this thrilling journey to shape the future of iGaming. Let’s seize these opportunities together and make the iGaming industry even more engaging and inclusive for players across the globe.
Thank you, Ihor for this insightful interview, and thank you, Evoplay for “Bringing the Future of iGaming. Today”!
For more information about the company, and to get in touch with the Future of iGaming, dear readers, Contact Evoplay directly.
We look forward to seeing you in Budapest at GamingTECH CEE for the annual reunion of the best companies and professionals from Gaming and Technology in Central and Eastern Europe!
Speaking of the best in the industry, Evoplay has been Shortlisted in the BEST ONLINE CASINO PROVIDER IN CEE Category of the GamingTECH Awards!
→ Join the #hipthers in an event that will redefine the future of gaming in the CEE region, and vote for Evoplay in the GamingTECH Awards!
Get Your Tickets for GamingTECH CEE Now!
→ Looking to take a leaf out of Evoplay’s strategy book and sponsor Hipther Agency’s next big event? Become A Sponsor!
Conferences in Europe
EEGS Conference 2024 Wrap-Up!
The EEGS Conference, held on November 27-28, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria, emerged as a landmark event in the gaming industry, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 50 speakers, more than 450 delegates, and participants from over 35 countries. The conference covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the Gaming sector, including the future of iGaming, e-sports betting, evolving payment methods, the quest for regulatory balance in gaming, etc.
Prominent discussions also centered around critical issues such as restrictions on gambling advertising, cybersecurity in gaming, and the future of regulatory frameworks for land-based casinos and betting shops. The evolving trend of gaming tourism and online player protection was also thoroughly explored, highlighting the conference’s commitment to addressing the key challenges and opportunities in the gaming world.
In conjunction with the main event, the third edition of the Affiliate Conference took place on November 26, 2024, attracting over 100 affiliates, making it the only affiliate conference happening in Bulgaria. The event featured expert insights from notable speakers.
An additional masterclass held on November 25, 2024, attracted 50 attendees, with 65% of participants holding management positions from 15 different companies. This session focused on the critical topic of “The Role of the Employer in Gambling Prevention Among Employees,”
All events were hailed as top-notch, providing valuable insights and fostering networking opportunities among industry professionals. The EEGS Conference 2024 has undoubtedly set the stage for future dialogue and collaboration across the gaming sector, reinforcing Sofia’s position as a hub for Gaming innovation and excellence.
The post EEGS Conference 2024 Wrap-Up! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
HIPTHER Announces Agenda Draft for Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025
HIPTHER is thrilled to announce that the agenda draft for the highly anticipated Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 is now ready! Scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, the summit will once again take place at its home, the Vienna House Andel’s Prague. This year’s conference, themed “The A-Flutter of Innovation,” promises an immersive exploration into the future of gaming and technology.
One Agenda, Two Knowledge Hubs
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 continues HIPTHER’s commitment to covering the full spectrum of hot topics in the Gaming and Technology industries. This year’s program features two concurrent conference Knowledge Hubs packed with groundbreaking sessions:
● Compliance & Operations Hub at Conference room 1: (OPAL + TOPAZ)
● TECH Trends, Innovation & Marketing Mastery Hub at Conference room 2: (QUARTZ + SAPPHIRE)
60+ Expert Speakers Already Confirmed!
Over 60 industry leaders and innovators from iGaming, esports, compliance, VR, and more have already confirmed their participation. Among the distinguished speakers:
- Dmitry Starostenkov – CEO At EvenBet Gaming
- Max Sevostianov – Chief Operating Officer At Betbazar
- Filip Sosnowski – CEO At SB Software
- Damir Hasaković – SLOT Manager At Luckia Croatia And Board Member At Croatian Gaming Association
- Ivana Flynn – SEO Igaming Expert
- Gal Ehrlich – CEO At BETER
- Tom Jang Lemke – CEO And Founder At SavageTech
- Joerg Hofmann – Partner At MELCHERS LAW
- Jakub Kolomicenko – Senior Compliance Officer At Kaizen Gaming
- Gustaf Hoffstedt – Secretary-General at the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
- Asif Akram – Co-Founder At Tristratus Ltd
- Becky Liggero Fontana – Reporter, Producer & Host
…And many more! Stay tuned as even more renowned experts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Focus on the Americas: LATAM & North America
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 bridges industries and breaks barriers, offering unparalleled insights and networking opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe – and beyond! This year’s agenda includes two special panels focusing on the Americas:
North America’s Regulatory Landscape: Lessons from the Latest Markets
This panel will examine the latest developments across key markets, highlighting lessons learned from new and maturing jurisdictions. Industry leaders will share insights into navigating compliance requirements, fostering responsible gambling, and leveraging market-specific strategies to ensure sustainable growth in this ever-evolving region.
Navigating the Maze: iGaming Compliance Across LATAM
The LATAM iGaming market is a land of immense opportunity but also significant regulatory complexity, with diverse frameworks and economic landscapes across countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. This panel will explore best practices for navigating fragmented laws, addressing taxation challenges, and fostering trust with local regulators, ensuring sustainable growth in this dynamic region.
A Word from HIPTHER
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about the Agenda and the Summit:
“The future of gaming and tech isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating them. HIPTHER, often imitated but never truly replicated, invites you to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, where innovation takes center stage and the next leap forward begins.”
Explore the Agenda and Register Now!
The full agenda draft is now live! Visit hipther.com/events/prague/agenda/ for details and secure your spot today. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches!
The post HIPTHER Announces Agenda Draft for Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
The Power of Data in Esports Betting: An Exclusive with DATA.BET’s Head of Sales Otto Bonning
The European Gaming Congress 2024 concluded with resounding success, attracting nearly 200 participants who benefitted from premier learning and networking opportunities. In this exclusive Q&A, we’re proud to feature Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET, our Badge, Bracelet & Networking Break Sponsor, discussing the power of data and how DATA.BET leverages it to create innovative esports tools.
Otto, thank you for sitting with us for this interview! Could you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your experience at the European Gaming Congress 2024 from moderating the panel on “The Future of Esports: Opportunities and Challenges”?
The European Gaming Congress 2024 left a lasting impression on me, standing out for its particular format and engaging atmosphere. The event’s structure seamlessly blended educational panels packed with industry insights and an open, relaxed environment that encouraged meaningful interactions with both leaders and potential partners.
During the panel discussions, Lasha Kupatadze, CPO at Atlaslive, a leading B2B software provider, focused on key aspects such as personalization and the evolution of sportsbook tools to meet user demands. I appreciated Lasha’s emphasis on adapting products for operators, as these are critical discussions that align with the challenges the industry is actively navigating
SavageTech CEO and Founder Tom Jang Lemke, a former semi-pro esports player, recalled starting out by managing trading manually for his sportsbook while analyzing streams. He delivered a compelling B2C perspective on esports opportunities and overcoming challenges. What I particularly appreciated was how the panel’s topic was explored from different viewpoints, creating more value for all congress participants and sparking meaningful discussions.
DATA.BET places a strong emphasis on leveraging official data for developing new tools. Could you explain how official data contributes to enhancing user experience and driving revenue growth for your clients?
Official data is fundamental to DATA.BET’s approach in esports, where precision and reliability are paramount.
Firstly, official data from trusted sources like Bayes Esports and GRID, who work directly with tournament organizers, ensures the highest accuracy in betting, reducing errors and enhancing the overall user experience. Combining all that with our own trading and models makes for an industry leading esports product.
Also, official data has allowed us to expand our content offerings significantly. For example, the number of CS markets has increased by 33%, and betting lines now remain open twice as long compared to platforms without official data, providing players with a broader range of options.
Moreover, official data minimizes risks by providing precise and consistent information, allowing operators to build assurance and offer a transparent betting experience. When used effectively, official data enhances platform reliability, expands market opportunities, and improves user retention – ultimately driving higher revenue and profitability for operators.
DATA.BET’s Data Feed combines Odds Feed, Live Score Feed, and in-house Risk Management. How do these elements work together to create a seamless experience for operators and their users?
DATA.BET’s premium Odds Feed, Live Score Feed, and in-house Risk Management are all powered by official data from our partners. With a low latency of 50-200 milliseconds and official data sources, our feed delivers unmatched speed and reliability.
Operators benefit from extensive coverage of 30+ disciplines and dynamic markets, including Player Props and in-game events, while integrated Risk Management ensures balanced exposure and maximized profitability.
Our official data allows us to keep an open betting line twice as long as competitors. Also, the synergy between our highly qualified traders, who possess deep expertise in their disciplines, and the advanced mathematical models developed and regularly updated by our Data Science team enables us to deliver exceptional value to operators, enhancing their performance and profitability. For example, over the past year, our clients have experienced up to 90% GGR.
Your risk management system is an integral part of your product offering. What sets DATA.BET’s Risk Management apart from other solutions on the market?
DATA.BET’s Risk Management system distinguishes itself by combining the expertise of our dedicated in-house team with advanced automated tools, providing operators with risk mitigation and platform security.
Our team of experts thoroughly analyzes betting patterns, particularly those of potentially fraudulent players. With a deep understanding of behavioral tendencies and statistical insights, our specialists identify reliable and unreliable players, proactively anticipate possible issues, and vigilantly monitor for fraud. This data-driven approach enables them to define user profiles based on in-game actions, creating a nuanced view of player behavior that enhances risk assessment.
They also work closely with the Trading team, providing them with a broader, more detailed perspective on user activity. This collaboration is precious when suspicious actions are detected, as our team’s in-depth analysis helps evaluate groups of players, assess risks, and make informed decisions on appropriate next steps.
Given the rapid growth in the esports industry, what future trends do you foresee in how data-driven solutions will impact the betting market?
Firstly, as modern UI takes central stage in sportsbooks, platforms must offer advanced personalization options, letting operators adapt seamlessly to their branding and customer preferences. Our new Single Page Application (SPA) is designed to meet these evolving needs, with features that prioritize flexibility, speed, and a seamless user experience.
Secondly, we expect to see more features from traditional sports adapted and enhanced for the esports environment. This trend will bring proven engagement tactics into esports, tailored to its audiences’ specific dynamics and preferences. For instance, Bet Builder enables users to combine multiple markets into a single bet, offering a tailored and interactive experience that appeals to savvy bettors. Operators benefit through increased stake sizes, broader market utilization, and valuable data insights for tailored marketing efforts.
Furthermore, as there is still demand for casual, fast-bet options, betting solutions will incorporate features inspired by casino gaming, adapting them to esports’ individual tempo and appeal.
Lastly, what advice would you give operators looking to stay competitive by incorporating Esports data feeds and risk management systems?
Operators aiming to stay competitive should choose providers with a full range of offerings, including official data, strong trading teams, reliable data feeds, and versatile tools like Bet Builder, ensuring optimal profitability and player engagement.
Official data from trusted sources will be vital as it ensures accuracy, minimizes risks, and builds user confidence, which is crucial in the fast-paced, highly competitive esports market. Beyond speeding up processes, it enables operators to maximize profitability by offering more reliable options, keeping betting lines open longer, and reducing errors that can lead to financial losses.
Lastly, to succeed in esports, it’s essential to understand your audience’s behavior and stay informed about industry trends. Keep track of tournaments and invest in learning how to promote effectively. While implementing progressive features can enhance your platform, generating significant revenue from esports without a solid marketing strategy is challenging. Numerous examples exist where operators leverage marketing activities to promote major esports tournaments in their projects. It provides an additional boost to the events and drives substantial revenue.
Special thanks to Otto Bonning for expertly moderating the insightful panel “The Future of Esports: Opportunities and Challenges”.
The post The Power of Data in Esports Betting: An Exclusive with DATA.BET’s Head of Sales Otto Bonning appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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