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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Conferences in Europe
A Strategic Shift in Gaming and Tech: Zoltan Tundik Announces Event Consolidation
HIPTHER Agency, a leader in organizing pivotal conferences in the gaming and tech industry, today announced a significant evolution in their event lineup. The company is consolidating its Central and Eastern European events into a single, more impactful summit – the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit.
This strategic decision is a response to the dynamic changes in the industry and is aimed at delivering enhanced value to participants.
Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER Agency, elaborated on this development in a message to the community:
“Dear Valued Members of the Gaming and Tech Community,
As we embrace the ever-changing landscape of our industry, our dedication to offering outstanding experiences and value remains unwavering. We are immensely grateful for the support and enthusiasm you have shown towards our events, especially the CEEGC (later rebranded to GamingTECH CEE Summit). Your participation has been vital in our journey.
We are thrilled to announce that the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will integrate all the key features of the CEEGC, further solidifying our commitment to the Central and Eastern European, Balkan, and D-A-CH regions. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance, and overall value of our events.
The new summit will incorporate the strengths of both events, introducing innovative elements and broader opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.
We acknowledge the mixed emotions that change can bring. The CEEGC has been a cornerstone of our portfolio, and its essence will continue to be celebrated in the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit.
This consolidation represents our commitment to the gaming and tech industry’s growth. We aim to create a platform that truly resonates with the needs of our community. Your support and active participation are crucial in this new chapter.
We invite you to join us in making the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit a symbol of innovation and excellence. Your insights and involvement will drive our industry forward.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting new chapter.
Sincerely,
Zoltan Tundik
Co-Founder and Head of Business, HIPTHER Agency”
Set against the vibrant backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, scheduled for March 26-27, promises to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. This summit is not just a conference; it’s a confluence of expertise and innovation in the gaming and tech world.
Over two dynamic days, the summit will feature an impressive lineup of over 100 distinguished speakers, drawing from a rich tapestry of industry leaders and visionaries. These experts will engage in insightful panel discussions, offering a deep dive into the latest trends and challenges in the gaming and tech sectors.
The event is expected to welcome around 250 participants, creating an unparalleled opportunity for networking. Attendees will include a diverse mix of industry stakeholders, from start-ups to established giants, providing a unique platform for collaboration and exchange.
Adding to the excitement, the summit will host a variety of networking gatherings. These events are thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections, opening doors to new collaborations and partnerships in a relaxed yet professional setting.
A highlight of the summit is the expansive networking/expo floor, which serves as a bustling hub of activity. Here, participants can experience the latest innovations first-hand, engage with exhibitors, and explore potential business opportunities in an interactive environment.
Among the high points of the summit will be the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards. This session recognizes and celebrates excellence in the gaming and tech industry, honoring those who have made significant contributions and set new standards of achievement.
In summary, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit is not just an event but a milestone in the gaming and tech calendar. It’s where ideas meet execution, where trends are born, and the future of the industry begins to take shape.
About Hipther:
Hipther Agency is the parent brand of European Gaming, PICANTE, WireUp Zone, Gaming Americas, eSports Connect, the HIPTHER news app, and the WireUp networking app found on the Play Store.
➔ To receive constant updates from the HIPTHER network and conference agenda updates, subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hfyZxf
➔ For sponsorship/speaking inquiries, make sure to reach out to Zoltan Tuendik (Co-Founder and Head of Business at Hipther) at [email protected]
➔ For media-related inquiries, please contact Maria E. Arnidou (Event marketing Coordinator at Hipther) at [email protected]
Hipther Agency press contacts:
Zoltan Tuendik, Head of Business
[email protected] | +40 735 559 234
Maria E. Arnidou, Event Marketing Coordinator
[email protected] | +30 693 1511 965
Compliance Updates
Ukraine’s Evolving Gambling Landscape: Insights from the Panel of European Gaming Congress in Warsaw
The panel discussion last week, at the European Gaming Congress made me feel inspired to contemplate on critical facets of Ukraine’s burgeoning gambling industry, positioning the nation as an appealing prospect for Western European investors. Although unique challenges, including historical financial corruption and external pressures, exist, Ukraine’s European identity makes it an attractive hub for investment. As the country grapples with ongoing conflict, it must simultaneously address customary market concerns such as safeguarding against Russian interference and protecting the personal data of its citizens.
A striking parallel emerged between Ukraine’s gambling landscape and the realm of cryptocurrencies, where combating money laundering and terrorist financing poses significant challenges. The National Bank, equipped with the capacity to monitor financial flows, plays a pivotal role, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies. A comprehensive strategy to combat mis-selling and gray schemes is being executed by the National Bank of Ukraine, alongside the Commission and the Ministry of Finance, resulting in the revocation of licenses, particularly among operators with Russian ties. Comparable license revocations have occurred in several European nations that have issued cryptocurrency licenses.
However, amid the ongoing struggle against these challenges, errors have emerged, exemplified by the imposition of sanctions on prominent Ukrainian industry leaders like Parimatch and Pokermatch. These sanctions have not only significantly impacted the legal gambling sector but have also cast a shadow of caution over Western investors. Notably, the President’s directive to the Cabinet of Ministers, prompted by a citizen petition with 25,000 signatures, seeks to investigate the circumstances leading to the inclusion of Parimatch in the sanctions list of the National Security and Defense Council.
In the wake of the Parimatch case, it’s worth noting that the Cosmolot brand has also recently faced heightened scrutiny, with law enforcement agencies conducting searches and investigations, further emphasizing the need for a robust law enforcement process. Ukrainian Gambling Council, representing 80% of licensed gambling operators, committed to serving its members by actively working on player protection, advertising regulation, and acting as a valuable business ombudsman for the industry, contributing to a more secure and transparent gambling landscape in Ukraine.
As technical impediments are surmounted, the regulatory body demonstrates its efficiency. Critical issues, such as streamlining market access through license issuance, promoting responsible gambling, stricter advertisement rules, and reinvigorating investments, are coming to the fore.
Once the security concerns are addressed, Ukraine is poised to unleash pent-up demand in its gambling sector. This situation will spur investors to contemplate their entry into the market, whether through direct investment, partnerships, or mergers and acquisitions, underlining the evolving landscape of opportunities in Ukraine’s vibrant gambling industry.
Article by Viktoriya Zakrevskaya, Founding Member and Deputy Chairwoman for Communications, Ukrainian Gambling Council
Viktoriya was a speaker at the European Gaming Congress by Hipther, that took place on 31 October at the InterContinental Warsaw. She discussed the emerging Ukrainian iGaming market at the Panel “The Greek Odyssey, La Dolce Vita, La Fiesta Española, The Ukrainian Spirit, and The Portuguese Fado”.
Conferences in Europe
Hipther Agency announces Endless Knowledge Journey ‘Via Infinita’ with launch of 2024 Event Calendar
New guiding principle ‘Via Infinita’ highlights limitless knowledge to be gained at trio of events
Hipther Agency, a leading Gaming and Technology sector event organizer and parent brand of acclaimed global media outlets, has revealed its event calendar for 2024, along with its guiding principle, ‘Via Infinita’.
Ahead of next week’s highly-anticipated European Gaming Conference on October 30th and 31st in Warsaw, Poland, Hipther has announced its event line-up for 2024, all united by a common purpose, with ‘Via Infinita’ representing infinite growth.
To kick start its unmissable 2024 line-up, Hipther will return with the hugely popular Prague Gaming & TECH Summit from March 26th to 27th, at Vienna House Andel’s Prague, Czech Republic. Industry professionals are promised an endless voyage of discovery, exploring the boundless opportunities, innovations and developments that are shaping the future of gaming and technology.
With a jam-packed schedule of speaking slots and discussions, delegates will receive new insights into the ever-evolving sectors of iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, AI, Fintech, Virtual Reality and more.
The event will also see the launch of the GamingTECH Awards, formerly held under the GamingTECH CEE Budapest Conference. The awards recognize and honour the best companies of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.
In June, MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit returns on the 4th and 5th, transforming Tallinn, Estonia, into the epicenter of gaming and tech excellence. Industry leaders and innovators from the aforementioned sectors, along with FashionTech, Mobility, Climate Change and EdTech will meet to discuss new developments and findings.
In addition, the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards (BSG) 2024 will take place to celebrate the most successful and popular companies in the Nordics and Baltics.
As the Baltic Sea region’s leading in-person event, MARE BALTICUM Gaming & Tech Summit promises to be a groundbreaking opportunity for insightful discussions and invaluable networking opportunities to share the future of the industry.
The third event in Hipther’s unmissable calendar is the European Gaming Congress 2024, hosted in October, in Amsterdam, bringing together compliance experts, regulators and gaming industry professionals to discuss the latest updates on gambling industry compliance in Europe.
From the Nordics and the D-A-CH region, to Poland, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy and Greece, the European Gaming Congress unites the gaming industry with blockchain, AI and Fintech experts.
Following this year’s inaugural European iGaming Excellent Awards (EiGE Awards), the second edition returns to celebrate the accomplishments of significant contributors to the European iGaming sector.
The embodiment of prestige and recognition, they provide an exceptional platform for industry leaders, innovators and influencers, from online gambling, operators to suppliers, testing laboratories and payment providers.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder of Hipther, said: “Reflecting on 2023, our events portfolio flourished with unparalleled success, setting a golden precedent.
“As we stride into 2024, we embrace the infinite possibilities with Via Infinita ahead of Prague, Tallinn, and Amsterdam. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, participants, and media partners for journeying with us. Our path is boundless, our ambition limitless.”
Mark your calendars for the most significant in-person events for Gaming and Technology in Europe and let Hipther Agency be your guide in the Infinite Way to growth.
Join the #hipthers in a constructive and enjoyable journey of discovery throughout 2024, filled with networking adventures and learning opportunities!
About Hipther:
Hipther Agency is the parent brand of European Gaming, PICANTE, WireUp Zone, Gaming Americas, eSports Connect, the HIPTHER news app, and the WireUp networking app found on the Play Store.
➔ To receive constant updates from the HIPTHER network and conference agenda updates, subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hfyZxf
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