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“‘The Wall’ is just a mental hurdle”: FGN founder Fernando Saffores shares his core business values
Fernando Saffores, founder of Focus Gaming News, shares the core values that have guided him through over 20 years of success in the iGaming industry in a new interview with Slotegrator. He also highlights what business leaders can learn from running marathons and flying private planes, as well as the biggest challenges new operators face and the markets and trends that will shape the future of iGaming.
Fernando Saffores, founder of Focus Gaming News, has seen some massive changes in the iGaming industry in his 20+ years of experience: the shift from an unregulated “Wild West” to a sophisticated, multi-billion dollar industry, the overturning of PASPA, and the introduction of AI tools, which his company quickly adopted. He shares the core values that have guided him to success throughout it all in a new interview with Slotegrator.
The wisdom you need to rise to the top of an industry like iGaming can come from anywhere: In addition to running one of the industry’s most prominent media brands, Fernando finds time to run marathons. In his view, the planning, discipline, and mental fortitude it takes to run 42 km mirror what it takes to run a business. One key is consistency: “You don’t run a marathon on the day of the race; you run it during the months of training at 5:30 AM.”
Another parallel is Fernando’s experience as a private pilot. Flying requires extreme focus and an ability to make split-second decisions under pressure, skills that belong in the boardroom as well as in the cockpit — he shares other concrete takeaways in the interview.
Fernando also breaks down the biggest challenges facing new operators today: “meaningful differentiation in a saturated market.” New iGaming businesses have to contend with soaring CAC, complex compliance requirements, and the struggle of finding the right unique niche — whether that’s through hyper-localized content, superior UX, innovative gamification, or something else. In the interview, Fernando shares the one approach he sees making the biggest difference for emerging operators.
Every business makes scaling a priority, but navigating varying laws, tax structures, and cultural nuances across global jurisdictions is no small task; in the interview, Fernando highlights the one strategic misstep he sees operators make again and again that stops them from becoming a global player.
Fernando also covers the markets and trends that will shape the near future of the iGaming industry, the brands he first turned to for support when founding FGN, the extent of FGN’s reach, his thoughts on the global AI boom, and more — read the full interview here to learn more about Fernando’s lessons in resilience, inspiration, and commitment.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
The post “‘The Wall’ is just a mental hurdle”: FGN founder Fernando Saffores shares his core business values appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Diana Larina CMO at Evoplay
Evoplay promotes Diana Larina to Chief Marketing Officer
Evoplay has promoted Diana Larina to Chief Marketing Officer, expanding its senior leadership team.
Larina joined Evoplay in 2022 as Head of B2B Marketing. She was promoted to Head of Growth Marketing in 2023 and appointed Head of Marketing in November 2024.
Evoplay said Larina has led marketing initiatives spanning brand, performance and partner-focused campaigns, and contributed to a shift towards a more B2C-focused approach aimed at strengthening player engagement.
Diana Larina, CMO at Evoplay, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the marketing team has achieved at Evoplay and I’m excited about what comes next. This promotion is a reflection of the hard work of everyone around me, and I look forward to continuing to push boundaries, build the brand and drive growth as we expand our presence across global markets.”
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, added: “From the moment Diana joined us, she demonstrated exceptional drive, leadership and ambition. Her journey through the company is a testament to both her talent and dedication, and this promotion to CMO is incredibly well deserved. Diana has consistently delivered impactful results while inspiring those around her, and I’m confident she will continue to play a key role in shaping Evoplay’s future.”
The post Evoplay promotes Diana Larina to Chief Marketing Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
casino suppliers
Playson supplies slots to StarVegas in Switzerland deal via Greentube
Playson has partnered with Swiss online casino operator StarVegas to distribute its slot content in Switzerland, with integration handled via Greentube.
StarVegas is operated by Casino Interlaken. Under the agreement, StarVegas players in Switzerland gain access to Playson titles including Thunder Coins XXL: Hold and Win, Coin Strike: Hold and Win and Pink Joker: Hold and Win.
Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “Switzerland is a key area of opportunity and growth for Playson, and through StarVegas, we look forward to reaching even more local players and meeting the high demand for our games with a highly regarded and responsible partner.”
Mayke Wolf, COO at StarVegas, said: “As one of the first licensed Swiss online casinos, StarVegas offers a wide selection of games from leading international providers and a high-quality gaming experience tailored to the Swiss market. Our players are huge fans of Playson’s thoughtfully crafted portfolio, with its larger-than-life slots and characters that resonate strongly and stand the test of time. This makes the integration a natural addition to our platform, and we are delighted to bring this highly requested content to our players. The full portfolio can be accessed via starvegas.ch as well as through the popular StarVegas mobile apps.”
The post Playson supplies slots to StarVegas in Switzerland deal via Greentube appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
csr
UAE Lottery and Zulekha Hospital run orthopaedic workshop for Berkeley UAE workers
The UAE Lottery, operated by The Game L.L.C (a Momentum Group company), partnered with Zulekha Hospital to deliver an orthopaedic workshop for residents in Berkeley UAE’s shared accommodation on April 30, 2026.
The one-hour session, titled “Stronger Body, Safer Work”, focused on injury prevention, posture improvement, safer lifting techniques, and basic exercises for workers in physically demanding roles involving lifting, movement, and repetitive tasks.
Zulekha Hospital specialists led the workshop, including Dr. Saleh Kagzi, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, and physiotherapist Ms. Ceona Prakash Chopde, who delivered live stretching and strengthening demonstrations. Organisers also offered optional onsite medical consultations for participants to discuss back, neck, shoulder, and joint concerns.
Commenting on the initiative, Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director of CSR at Momentum – The UAE Lottery, said: “Through H.O.P.E. we are proud to deliver initiatives that promote health and wellbeing across various communities in the UAE. This workshop reflects our commitment to bringing practical, accessible support directly to those who can benefit most.”
Dr. Aniruddha Lahiri, Senior Director Administration at Zulekha Hospital added: “We were delighted to partner with The UAE Lottery on this important initiative. Prevention, movement, and early care play a vital role in maintaining long-term health, particularly for individuals in physically demanding professions. We hope that our practical advice helps participants in their daily lives.”
The post UAE Lottery and Zulekha Hospital run orthopaedic workshop for Berkeley UAE workers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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