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

Published

4 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.”

Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance™

Inspired Brings Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance to Online, Mobile and Retail Markets

Published

39 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

inspired-brings-golden-horsey-winner-grand-chance-to-online,-mobile-and-retail-markets

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is thrilled to unveil the debut of Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance in the UK and Maltese iGaming markets as well as in UK B3/CAT C retail.

Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance races onto the reels as a progression of the acclaimed slot, Golden Winner Grand Chance, fusing the franchise’s successful, record-setting mechanics with an energetic horse racing motif. It provides participants with a new, seasonal adventure that’s filled with significant winning possibilities and dynamic gameplay for top-tier omni-channel gaming enjoyment.

Participants can take part via various bonus entry options, such as Free Spins, Gold Bar Stack, Gamble, Fortune Spins offered in both retail and interactive formats, along with Fortune Bet and Bonus Buy in the interactive version. Collector Jockeys, paired with the advanced Grand Chance mechanic, creates multipliers and uncovers pot prizes for thrilling, nail-biting moments. Unexpected reel modifiers and adjustable volatility in the interactive format guarantee that each spin brings thrill and suspense, providing both online and brick-and-mortar operators with a flexible and captivating game suitable for a wide range of players, just in time for the eagerly awaited UK horse-racing season.

Dave Johnston, Head of Inspired’s Bell-Fruit Game Studio, said: “Golden Winner Grand Chance has been a fan favourite for both online players and retail audiences, so bringing it to life with a horse racing twist felt like the perfect next step. It is a playful, fast-paced slot, that’s full of fun, winning moments, precisely what players love, and we can’t wait to see them enjoy this seasonal spin on what has become, a classic favourite.”

The post Inspired Brings Golden Horsey Winner Grand Chance to Online, Mobile and Retail Markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Abby Merk

CoinPoker Debuts New App with Rake Free Poker, Signs Abby Merk and Papo MC

Published

39 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

coinpoker-debuts-new-app-with-rake-free-poker,-signs-abby-merk-and-papo-mc

Online poker platform CoinPoker rolled out a new software client and mobile app in March 2026, alongside rake-free poker games and new additions to its sponsored player roster.

Joining CoinPoker’s ambassador team—already featuring top poker names such as three-time Triton Series champion Mario Mosböck and WSOP Online Main Event champion Benjamin ‘Bencb’ Rolle—are Abby Merk and Alejandro ‘Papo MC’ Lococo.

Abby Merk, known as Abigail ‘Abby Poker’, is a top-ranked professional from Chicago and an award-winning poker content creator. She brings extensive experience in mentoring and leadership, having trained women in strategic thinking through poker.
Papo MC, a freestyle rapper and live tournament star, has over $15 million in earnings, ranks #2 in Argentina behind Nacho Barbero, and holds a World Series of Poker bracelet.

Other notable poker names recently partnering with CoinPoker include Jean-Robert Bellande, Faraz Jaka, Mariano, YoH ViraL, Nik Airball, and Brantzen Wong.

Rake-Free Poker Games

Throughout March, CoinPoker is hosting rake-free poker action, returning all cash game rake and tournament fees to players daily.

First half of March: Players can earn 100% flat rakeback, credited at 08:00 UTC each day.
Second half of March: All rake is returned via Splash Pot cash drops, CoinRaces leaderboards, and the Level Up Series tournaments, featuring boosted prize pools and refunded buy-ins—effectively offering free poker tournaments through March 31.

Level Up Series

The Level Up tournament series introduces CoinPoker’s new multi-day tournaments with features such as bubble protection, blind rollback, and final table deals. Running alongside regular freerolls and MTTs, the series offers extra prize value plus full rake rebates.

The promotion gained coverage on PokerStrategy, while the 100% rakeback offer was highlighted by Esports Insider.

New Software and App Features

Following the software and app launch, CoinPoker has been recognized among the top poker apps by Card Player Magazine and Gambling Insider, recording launch-day traffic of over 7,000 players online—rivaling GGPoker.

The new desktop and mobile clients feature:

In-built player stats powered by PokerIntel
New poker formats including PLO6, All-in or Fold, and Bomb Pot
Enhanced features like EV cashouts, Interactive Emojis, and Throwables
Improved lobby and table interface for No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and PLO5

Throughout March, all games are effectively free to play, with the platform’s welcome bonus of 150% up to $2,000 returning from April onward.

About CoinPoker

CoinPoker is an online poker platform available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and a web browser client for mobile.

All poker games are played in Tether (USDT), with additional crypto support including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC.
Players in 25+ countries can also deposit via bank transfer.
The site also features a crypto casino and sportsbook alongside poker against real opponents worldwide.

Website: coinpoker.com
Media Contact: [email protected]

The post CoinPoker Debuts New App with Rake Free Poker, Signs Abby Merk and Papo MC appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Abby Merk

CoinPoker Debuts New App with Rake Free Poker, Signs Abby Merk and Papo MC

Published

39 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Online poker site CoinPoker launched a new software client and mobile app in March 2026 alongside rake-free poker games and the signing of new sponsored players.

Joining the site’s ambassador team – already including some of the top names in poker, such as three-time Triton Series champion Mario Mosböck and WSOP Online main event champion Benjamin ‘Bencb’ Rolle – are Abby Merk and Alejandro ‘Papo MC’ Lococo.

https://x.com/CoinPoker_OFF/status/2030009912424849452

United States pro Abigail ‘Abby Poker’ Merk is an award-winning poker content creator from Chicago, ranked among the top female players in Illinois. With a background in volunteering, tutoring, and mentorship, Abby has also trained women in leadership skills and strategic thinking through the game of poker.

Freestyle rapper Papo MC has over $15 million in live tournament earnings – the #2 ranked player in Argentina behind Nacho Barbero – and a World Series of Poker bracelet.

Other household names of poker, such as Jean-Robert Bellande, Faraz Jaka, Mariano, YoH ViraL, Nik Airball, and Brantzen Wong have also recently announced partnerships with CoinPoker.

https://x.com/mariomosboeck/status/2030247270378020932

Rake-Free Poker Games

Throughout March, CoinPoker is hosting rake-free poker games – players receive all cash game rake and tournament fees back daily, in the form of various promotions. In the first half of the month, players can potentially earn 100% flat rakeback credited to their accounts at 08:00 UTC each day.

In the second half of March, CoinPoker is returning all rake to players in the form of Splash Pot cash drops, CoinRaces leaderboards, and a Level Up Series of tournaments with boosted prizepools and refunded buy-ins – making for free poker tournaments until March 31.

Level Up Series

The Level Up tournament series debuts the site’s new multi-day tournaments and features such as bubble protection, blind rollback, final table deals and more. These events run alongside the site’s regular freerolls and MTTs, with added value in the prizepool and a full rebate on the rake.

That free poker event made headlines on PokerStrategy, and the 100% rakeback promotion was featured on Esports Insider.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/BKGIzgG3_Jo (embedded video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKGIzgG3_Jo

Following its new software rollout, CoinPoker has also been rated among the best poker apps by the likes of Card Player Magazine and Gambling Insider and seen record traffic, rivalling the likes of GGPoker with over 7,000 players online for launch day.

The new poker app and desktop client include in-built player stats powered by PokerIntel, new games like PLO6, All in or Fold, and Bomb Pot formats, and new features like EV cashouts, Interactive Emojis, and Throwables at the tables. No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and PLO5 are also available, now with an improved lobby and table interface.

Throughout March, all of its poker games are essentially free to play to debut the new software, and its welcome bonus offer of 150% up to $2000 also returns in April onwards.

About CoinPoker

CoinPoker is an online poker site available for download on Windows, Mac, iOS or Android, alongside an in-browser web client for free poker on mobile.

The platform’s tournaments and cash games are played in stablecoin Tether (USDT). Other major cryptocurrencies are also accepted such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDC, and 25+ countries can also deposit by bank transfer.

Alongside free poker action against real opponents around the world, the site also has an attached crypto casino and sportsbook.

Website: https://coinpoker.com/