Conferences in Europe
Greece, Italy and Malta in focus at #EGC2020VE with Dr. Joseph F. Borg (WH Partners), Dr. Yanica Sant (Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)), Panagiotis Skyrlas (Kaizen Gaming), Vasileios Neiadas (Fantasy Sports Interactive), and Domenico Mazzola (Altenar)
Highly recognized experts from Malta, Italy and Greece will join the hot discussion at European Gaming Congress VE (Virtual Edition).
#EGC2020VE – The virtual edition of European Gaming Congress 2020 is taking place between 6-7 October and gathers top names of the gaming industry who will present their insights to create Europe’s largest gaming compliance gathering.
THE EASY REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER FOR FREE HERE NOW!
Among the +28 jurisdictions that will be covered during the event, you will also find some of the most anticipated topics such as the gaming industry opening in Greece, the twisted regulation of the Italian market, and the future vision of the Maltese regulation.
In the autumn of 2019, the Parliament of Greece has passed a package of legislation that includes a bill reforming the country’s gambling laws. The gaming bill will see operators permitted to continue offering Random Number Generator games, such as slots, something omitted from an earlier draft.
Ever since then, the operators are forming lines to hear more about the ways in which they can obtain a license, while just recently the Greek government has implemented tough norms on online gaming and advertising.
In Italy, the Italian betting leadership criticized the parliamentary discussions for slapping a new 0.75% tax on betting and virtual sports revenues for garnering funds for ‘distressed Italian sports.’
The Italian Parliament has started discussions on a proposed ‘Revival Decree’, which is intended to help business and society’s recovery from COVID-19’s long-term consequences.
Some of the members of the parliament talked about a possible implementation of a 0.75% tax on all betting-related wagers – online, retail and virtual sports content.
All Italian gambling trade bodies criticized the proposal, alleging that COVID-19 discussions had been hijacked to further punish the industry.
When it comes to Malta, in exercise of the power conferred by article 7(2) of the Gaming Act, 2018 (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), the Malta Gaming Authority has issued the Directive on the Key Function of the Prevention of Money laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (Directive 3 of 2020).
From the coming into force of this directive, B2C Licensees shall ensure that at least one of the Key Function Holders vested with exercising the Key Function of the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism must also be an FIAU-registered MLRO in accordance with the procedures laid down in the directive.
The directive has come into effect as of the 20th of July 2020, however, B2Cs holding a license before the coming into force of this directive have been afforded a two-month transitory period to align with the requirements specified in the directive.
During the “GAMING REPORT: SOUTHERN EUROPE” panel discussion, you have the opportunity to hear more about these subjects and of course access even more information which will be shared by the panelists under the moderation of Dr. Joseph F. Borg (Partner at WH Partners).
The panel will be joined by Dr. Yanica Sant (Head of International Affairs and Policy at Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)), Domenico Mazzola (Commercial Director at Altenar), Panagiotis Skyrlas (Head of Information Security & Compliance – Group DPO at Kaizen Gaming) and Vasileios Neiadas (Chairman at Fantasy Sports Interactive).
You can find more details about the speakers’ and moderator bios below.
AS MENTIONED ABOVE THE EASY REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER HERE NOW!
The HIPTHER FESTIVAL includes a full week of conferences that are designed to bring together innovation with compliance via several talks and discussions in multiple industries and will run between 5-9 October.
The festival includes the following conferences:
- PICANTE Marketing Summit (#MS2020ve) – 5 October
- European Gaming Congress (#EGC2020ve) – 6-7 October
- PICANTE TECH Conference Europe (#TCE2020AutumnVE) – 8-9 October
The registration is free and you can attend all three conferences with just one registration!
You can find more details about the Agenda here or you can register here!
For further inquiries about the speaking/sponsoring options, make sure to send an e-mail to Andrada Marginean (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency) or subscribe to the weekly newsletter on the following link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency).
Dr. Yanica Sant – Head of International Affairs and Policy at Malta Gaming Authority
Yanica joined the MGA in 2014, and has occupied the position of Head of International Affairs and Policy since 2019. Her main areas of work include horizon scanning for any international initiatives or industry developments that prompt policy or regulatory intervention. She is responsible for the management of the MGA’s bilateral relations with other gambling regulators, and for all efforts of international cooperation. Yanica is particularly involved within matters relating to responsible gambling and data protection.
Yanica also sits on the board of GREF and is an active participant within the egambling and responsible gambling working groups. She is also a member of IAGR.
Panagiotis Skyrlas – Head of Information Security & Compliance – Group DPO at Betano-Stoiximan (Kaizen Gaming)
Panagiotis Skyrlas holds the position of Head of Information Security and Compliance at Betano-Stoiximan and has over 20 years of experience in the areas of Information Security, Risk Management, Compliance, and Data Privacy. He has completed numerous licensing projects and regulatory consultations in many European countries such as Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Portugal, Austria. He has served as DPO for over 10 years. Since 2018 he also holds the position of Vice President of the Institute of Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
Domenico Mazzola – Commercial Director at Altenar
Domenico Mazzola is Commercial Director of Altenar, a leading sports betting software provider based in Malta. Altenar works collaboratively with licensed operators, combining proven stability with a flexible and personalized service to offer clients the highest quality online sportsbook solutions.
With a strong background in sales strategy and software development combined with rich experience working across international and European markets, Domenico is an expert in developing successful commercial strategies and establishing and maintaining long-term business relationships.
Domenico previously held the position of Head of Sales at iGamingPlatform.com, where he was responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to achieve and maximize sales targets, solidifying the company’s reputation as a leading gaming solutions provider. Prior to this, Domenico worked as Account Manager at World Match Ltd, spearheading the company’s successful long and short-term sales strategies. Domenico’s professional background also includes over eight years of working as a software developer, honing his technical expertise.
A highly recognized industry figure, Domenico’s in-depth experience in both the business and technical side of the gaming industry places him in the unique position of being able to advise clients on all aspects of their gambling operations, taking into account their wider business objectives.
Vasileios Neiadas – Chairman at Fantasy Sports Interactive
Currently Chairman of FSI’s Board, Mr. Neiadas brings his wealth of experience in a variety of business and sports-related fields to FSI and the wider gaming industry.
Following his extensive experience as a CEO in a major Greek Pharmaceutical company, Mr. Neiadas utilized his know-how in Operations Management by actively contributing to the national Sports and Cultural sector. He offered his services as a General Manager in the emblematic return of the Olympic Games in Greece at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee, in a work cycle that lasted 3,5 years.
His valuable contribution was recognized by OPAP S.A., the leading gaming company in Greece, which sought him out for his expertise; Mr. Neiadas served as OPAP’s CEO between 2005-2007, a position which led him to be elected as an Executive Committee Member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), while he served at the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC / ΕΕΕΠ) as well.
His vast experience in Business Management and Administration and his expert know-how of the global gaming industry led him to more key roles in the Greek and International iGaming industry, such as the Vice President of Business Development in CENTRIC HOLDINGS S.A, the company that promoted Sportingbet’s rights in Greece.
Mr. Neiadas has also been a member of the Board of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmChamGR).
Dr. Joseph F. Borg – Partner at WH Partners
Dr. Joseph F. Borg is an Advocate and Partner at WH Partners, heading the Gaming and Gambling Advisory and the Blockchain Advisory sections of the firm. He also practises in the areas of Esports, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. He also lectures on Gaming Law at the University of Malta. Before joining WH Partners, he occupied the post of Chief Regulatory Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority – Malta. Joseph was also an elected Member on the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), a position which he held throughout 2012.
Joseph was conferred with an LL.M. in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow), with Distinction. Earlier, he was awarded an LL.D. from the University of Malta, after writing and successfully defending a thesis entitled, ‘Protection of Trademarks Against Domain Names’. In November 2000, Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Legal and Humanistic Studies. Joseph went on an Erasmus Exchange in 2002 at the Facolta di Giurisprudenza of the Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna. In 2009, he completed a Regulator Development Program organised by the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). In 2012, he was awarded a certificate in Casino Management by the UNLV.
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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.
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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