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A New Star Is Born: Ukraine’s Role in the Future of the CIS and Eastern European Markets

Published

5 years ago

October 13, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

International betting and gaming industry event organizer SBC launches a brand new in-person conference and exhibition for the CIS and Eastern European markets. Presented by Parimatch, SBC Summit CIS brings together regional market leaders, national state authorities, and international partners to discuss the future development of the region.

Holding an event of this magnitude in Kyiv confirms Ukraine is becoming a significant new player on the gambling industry map. On the summit panels, state authorities and business representatives discussed the prospects for the region’s development as a gaming hub for Eastern Europe and the increased interest in the Ukrainian market from global players.

The participation of the Olympic gold medal-winner and First Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Youth and Sports, Zhan Beleniuk, who opened the summit, served as a powerful reminder of the strong connection between sport, government, and the entertainment industry.

Oleksiy Kucher, Head of Executive Body, State Regulatory Agency of Ukraine:

“It’s our firm position that regulation needs to be simple, transparent, and understandable for business. The state approves such a positive goal as the step out from the shadow of the gambling business, but it can fail at the stage of implementation. If we do not regulate relations between clients, businesses, and regulators, gambling may step into the shadows again. We do not want this, and we will not let it happen. Gambling in Ukraine is doing well now, and it will be even more accessible, so keep it up and develop.”

Besides the latest developments in Ukraine, the conference sees renowned expert speakers examine the scale of the opportunities in other markets in the region and the potential impact of the latest technological developments that will filter through into next-generation iGaming products, and how could we forget the region’s leading suppliers who came to demonstrate their latest innovations.

Maksym Liashko, co-CEO at Parimatch Tech, said:

“The legalization of the market has opened up many opportunities for the development of the industry, attracting international capital and benefits for the state. The betting and gaming industry brings innovative technologies, high-tech jobs, and increasing technical expertise among Ukrainian specialists, thanks to the legalization. Proof of this was evident in the showcases presented at the exhibition. And this is just the beginning of Ukraine unleashing its potential.”

Another integral part of the in-person SBC Summit CIS was responsible gambling. The development of responsible gambling became essential in Ukraine to establish a legal market and comply with international industry standards.

Paul Dent, Gambling Therapy Manager:

“Gambling Therapy is very pleased to be working in partnership with Parimatch, the first of its kind in Ukraine to develop and progress more responsible gambling. Through Gambling Therapy, an online and international service offered by Gordon Moody, we will be offering free practical and emotional support to those struggling with gambling as well as supporting affected others. This will take the form of a helpline available in Ukrainian and Russian with access to highly experienced counselors, along with native-speaking groups and forums available 24 hours a day.”

Rostyslav Maikovich, Chief Analytics Officer, leader of the Parimatch’s Responsible Gambling Project:

“Responsible gaming is a significant part of Parimatch’s business development and caring for customers. We take experiences from successful world practices and European countries in this area: Parimatch’s Responsible Gambling Project is being implemented in development, analytics, and communications with clients. For example, the absolute world heavyweight boxing champion and gold medal-winner of the 2012 Olympics, Oleksandr Usyk, joins Parimatch brand as the Responsible Gambling ambassador. Oleksandr helps us to highlight the values of responsible gambling to audiences around the world.”

Casino Malta

EvenBet Gaming and SBC set private poker tournament for SBC Summit Malta

Published

12 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

evenbet-gaming-and-sbc-set-private-poker-tournament-for-sbc-summit-malta

Invite-only No Limit Hold’em event runs 30 April at Casino Malta, InterContinental Hotel, with prizes for SBC Summit attendees.

EvenBet Gaming will host an invite-only No Limit Hold’em poker tournament with SBC on 30 April, the final day of SBC Summit Malta. The event will take place at Casino Malta at the InterContinental Hotel and is restricted to conference delegates.

The companies are positioning the tournament as a networking format built around a “premium, fast-paced poker experience,” with professional hosting at the venue.

Prizes listed for the event include an iPad Air, Apple Watch 11, and AirPods Pro 3.

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, said: “This tournament is sure to be one of the highlights of SBC Summit Malta, combining the thrill of competition with the social and strategic elements that make poker such a powerful connector.

“Taking place in Casino Malta, the event is reserved exclusively for conference attendees, and we look forward to welcoming them to the table to create new connections while enjoying one of the industry’s most iconic card games.”

The post EvenBet Gaming and SBC set private poker tournament for SBC Summit Malta appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Just Slots

QTech Games adds Just Slots to its aggregation platform

Published

12 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

qtech-games-adds-just-slots-to-its-aggregation-platform

Deal expands distribution for Just Slots titles via QTech’s operator network, with a focus on Africa and Latin America.

QTech Games has signed a new content partnership with slots studio Just Slots, adding the supplier’s catalogue to QTech’s aggregation platform for its operator clients.

The integration makes a range of Just Slots titles available via QTech, including Shogun Skylord, Rain and Ruin, Book of Abyss, and Shadow Pirates. The companies said the deal is aimed at extending distribution across emerging markets, particularly Africa and Latin America.

QTech Games CEO Philip Doftvik said: “We’re dedicated to rolling out more and more elite content and product innovation that drives revenue for our partners. So, this deal with Just Slots extends our impressive sequential pipeline into 2026 – and we’ve so much more to come this year! In today’s marketplace, only premium games of the highest standard separate you from the crowd. So, we look forward to sharing their wide spectrum of games with both leading and challenger operator brands in emerging markets worldwide.

“Just Slots’ stunning portfolio will assist any platform partner ensure a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return to, driving dwell-time and fresh revenue streams. Their games introduce compelling narrative twists to their features, appealing to the culturally varied proclivities of new players across a swathe of untapped territories.”

Nick Formosa, Head of Client Strategy at Just Slots, said: “This is a partnership we’re genuinely excited about. QTech has the reach, the operator relationships, and the on-the-ground expertise in markets where slot demand is growing fastest. Being part of their platform puts our content exactly where we want it to be, and we’re looking forward to seeing our games find new audiences across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.”

The post QTech Games adds Just Slots to its aggregation platform appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BettingStartups

Defy the Odds partners with BettingStartups to boost early-stage igaming support

Published

12 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

defy-the-odds-partners-with-bettingstartups-to-boost-early-stage-igaming-support

The groups will collaborate on startup programming starting at SBC Summit Americas on June 9–11 in Fort Lauderdale.

Defy the Odds (DTO) and BettingStartups have announced a strategic partnership to support early-stage startups across igaming and sports betting. The first public collaboration is scheduled for SBC Summit Americas (June 9–11) in Fort Lauderdale, where both organisations said they will support startup-focused programming.

DTO, which advises early-stage founders in igaming, sports betting, sportstech and fintech, and BettingStartups, which focuses on the real money gaming early-stage ecosystem, said the partnership aims to improve access to community, collaboration and capital for founders.

The organisations said the combined effort is intended to increase visibility for emerging companies, improve connections across fragmented industry networks, and help founders become “investor-ready,” including support such as pitch preparation, financial modelling and introductions to investors active in the sector.

Kelly Kehn, Co-Founder of Defy the Odds said of the partnership, “Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when founders connect, share ideas and push each other forward. That’s what community does. This partnership with BettingStartups is about bringing more startups together and making sure the wider industry pays attention to what they’re building. Because the future of our industry is being shaped by these founders.”

Jesse Learmonth, founder of BettingStartups, adds “We’ve always been about providing high-signal infrastructure for founders to scale. This partnership with DTO doubles down on that mission, linking our audience with a community that actually opens doors. Starting with the Startup Zone at SBC Americas, we’re giving founders a direct, affordable line to the operators and investors who define this industry.

Both organisations said additional joint initiatives are planned throughout 2026.

The post Defy the Odds partners with BettingStartups to boost early-stage igaming support appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.