Central Europe
Winners of the historical gala of Polish Gaming Aces 2019 were chosen
For the first time in history after the amendment to the gambling act in Poland, awards were granted to companies in the entertainment industry. The Polish Gaming Aces Gala, which was created on the initiative of the largest Polish entertainment website – Interplay, was held on February 20th at City Hall Production in Warsaw.
The jury awarded seven main prizes and two special prizes. “Totalizator Sportowy” won the most awards, winning in three categories – Company of the Year, Special Grand Prix Award for activities on the e-commerce market, as well as President of the Year.
On April 1, 2017, an amendment to the gambling act entered into force in Poland. The legal provision applies, among others to bookmakers, poker, slot machines and casinos. Pursuant to the Act on games and mutual wagering, the state-owned company Totalizator Sportowy has become a monopolist in the field of number games, cash lotteries, arcades (excluded land-based casinos) and online casinos. According to the regulations, betting in Poland is only legal with entities that have a permit from the Ministry of Finance. Under Polish law, all gambling games are subject to a tax on games – 15% cash lotteries, 12% betting, 20% games, 50% poker. In the case of winnings above PLN 2,280, they are also taxed with 10% personal income tax.
The first main Polish Gaming Aces award in the Provider of the Year category went to IGT. In 2019, the company comprehensively served Totalizator Sportowy in the provision of lottery software. In addition, IGT was distinguished by the fact that company was promoting Diversity & Inclusion with an emphasis on equalizing professional opportunities for women and men in the IT industry.
BETFAN turned out to be the best debutant in 2019. The bookmaker hit the Polish market by storm and built a good base in less than a year to compete on the market with other companies. BETFAN’s success proved to be a tax-free promotion and marketing campaign with Mariusz Pudzianowski, who helped build the brand’s credibility.
The main prize in the Product of the Year category was awarded to the Promatic Group for creating the game Husaria. Designers of the slot from PromaticGroup tried to reflect the most important attributes of Polish cavalry. Gamers were certainly captivated by the animation of Hussar speeding into battle, who took players into the middle of the battle.
OlgierdCieslik became the President of the Year, who successfully led Totalizator Sportowy through the difficult process of technological revolution, which consisted in increasing the e-commerce sector in the operations of the state-owned company. The state-owned company has achieved significant development in every range of products – both online and from the retail network.
In the Marketing Campaign of the Year category, the award was granted to BETFAN together with its ambassador Mariusz Pudzianowski. The best debutant of the previous year needed credibility and Mariusz Pudzianowski assured one. The former strongman and current MMA fighter appeared on the brand’s advertising materials, in social media, but also on the BETFANs’ home page. The slogans promoting the campaign with Pudzianowski were attractive, mentions of cooperation appeared all over the Internet – also on websites that do not deal with gambling or sport on a daily basis.
STS became the winner of Polish Gaming Aces in the Bookmaker of the Year category. The company managed by Mateusz Juroszek maintained its position, and with innovative ideas and creative marketing efforts increased the competitive advantage in many fields. For STS in 2019 there were two breakthrough moments – the introduction of BETGAMES and rebranding with a completely new graphic design of the home page in the desktop, mobile, but also the renewed mobile application. STS has also been operating on foreign markets since last year.
In the last and also the most prestigious category of the Company of the Year, Totalizator Sportowy once again triumphed. Business, which until now was largely associated with activities in retail, in less than two years had to undergo a huge transformation and now Totalizator Sportowy can be considered as a technology company. From the tax on games developed only by the brands of a state-owned company, over 232 milion euro will go to the state budget. Novomatic, IGT and STS were also nominated in the Company of the Year category.
The first special award for contribution in development of the entertainment industry went to Iwo Bulski. Totalizator Sportowy won the Polish Gaming Aces Grand Prix for activities on the e-commerce market.
– I am glad that for the first time in Poland we had the opportunity to organize a Gala with awards for the entertainment industry in Poland. After the event, we received many favorable reviews, which means that we are heading in the right direction as an industry – said the editor-in-chief of Interplay, Maciej Akimow
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Betsson Group is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place in Rome, Italy, from 3–6 November. As one of the region’s most awaited iGaming conferences, SiGMA Central Europe brings together top industry leaders to explore new technologies, business opportunities and market trends shaping the future of the industry.
Betsson Group Joins the Stage at SiGMA Central Europe
Two of Betsson Group’s leaders will take the stage to discuss regulated markets, compliance and brand strategy.
4 November | 10:15–10:45 CET
Speaker: Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel, Betsson Group
Panel: Licence to Launch: Winning Strategies for Entering Regulated Markets
This panel will explore key strategies for operators expanding from emerging to regulated markets, focusing on compliance, customer protection and cultural adaptation.
4 November | 13:20–13:35 CET
Speaker:Ronni Hartvig, Chief Commercial Officer, Betsson Group
Keynote: Global Power, Local Passion: Evolving Betsson’s Brand for a Regulated World
Ronni will discuss how Betsson Group has evolved its global strategy – rebranding, navigating regulation and uniting multiple brands under one identity while maintaining local relevance.
The post Betsson to Attend SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Palasino Group has revealed it will soon open its fourth casino operation in the Czech Republic.
The Hong Kong-listed casino operator was previously part of global real estate giant Far East Consortium – itself a partner and substantial shareholder of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group – before being spun off as a separate entity in March 2024.
In a social media update, Palasino said that the new branch, Palasino Mikulov, is scheduled to open in the coming months with construction already well underway.
The casino will, it added, feature a “modern, design-forward interior – bright, airy and welcoming” as well as a “premium gaming selection” including a wide range of slot machines and live table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. The casino will also host a bar, buffet restaurant and social spaces
Mikulov, located close to the Austrian border, is described as a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The group’s existing casinos include Palasino Excalibur City in South Moravia, Palasino Wullowitz in South Bohemia and Palasino Furth im Wald on the Bavarian and Czech border. It also operates five hotels.
The post Palasino Group Preparing to Open Fourth Czech Republic Casino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 November in Rome.
Strengthening its position as an all-casino provider, the company will present a comprehensive portfolio of Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based products, complemented by exciting live experiences tied to its latest slot release, Roman Coins, which draws inspiration from the rich history and spirit of the Eternal City and offers a chance for great instant win gifts to visitors. This participation is further distinguished by the company’s triple nomination at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards for Best Casino Provider, B2B Industry Leader Italy and Best Game Provider Italy, underscoring its pivotal role in defining the future of gaming.
“Italy is a key strategic market for Amusnet, and our participation at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 underscores our commitment to product excellence and local partnerships. Together with the debut of our Type S slot cabinets in Italy, we will showcase our New Bonus Platform and latest slot releases, including Roman Coins, already proving to be a standout hit. Visitors can anticipate a dynamic, high-value experience, and we look forward to connecting and exploring strategic growth opportunities for our existing and new clients,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy
Amusnet’s showcase will feature a powerful mix of beloved classics and new titles: 20 Pirate Bombs, 27 Eternal Hot, Coin Gobbler, Latin Heart, Stoichkov#8, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo, 20 Golden Coins. Leading the charge is Roman Coins, the first 3-pot video slot that transports players to the majestic era of the Roman Empire, where vibrant imperial symbols and a powerful soundtrack set the stage for conquest.
In the spotlight will be Amusnet’s powerful suite of engagement tools, featuring its latest New Bonus Platform, the Golden Coins Link jackpot system, and Cash Bomb – a high-impact addition to the signature Jackpot Cards. This trio of innovations is engineered to captivate players, boosting retention and personalising their journey. Simultaneously, it equips operators with versatile instruments to deploy customised promotions and optimise commercial performance.
At the expo, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Amusnet’s Type S premium slot cabinets, powered by the AmuseBox platform, which offers a carefully selected lineup of top-performing and exciting new titles.
The post Amusnet Presents Full Suite of Casino Solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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