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A New Star Is Born: Ukraine’s Role in the Future of the CIS and Eastern European Markets
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.”
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Digital Games
Scientific Games Partners with LEIA to Drive Digital Innovation Across European Lotteries
Scientific Games has strengthened its position in the European digital lottery market after being selected as a strategic digital partner by the Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance (LEIA). The alliance brings together five of Europe’s most prominent lottery operators: Danske Spil (Denmark), FDJ United (France), Norsk Tipping (Norway), Svenska Spel (Sweden), and Veikkaus Oy (Finland).
The partnership positions Scientific Games at the center of LEIA’s mission to accelerate digital transformation across member lotteries. By fostering collaboration and shared innovation, LEIA aims to enhance digital growth, strengthen market positions, and ensure responsible engagement with modern and younger adult audiences.
According to Morten Eriksen, CEO of LEIA, innovation is a cornerstone of the alliance’s strategy. The selection of Scientific Games reflects LEIA’s commitment to developing digital experiences that align with evolving consumer expectations while maintaining responsible gaming standards. Through this collaboration, LEIA seeks to balance technological advancement with social responsibility, a growing priority for European lottery operators.
Formed as a shared innovation platform, LEIA enables its members to access a collective marketplace for digital games and services. This structure allows participating lotteries to benefit from improved scalability, faster time-to-market, and reduced development costs through shared resources and purchasing power. The alliance model is designed to streamline operations while encouraging creativity and experimentation in digital lottery content.
Under the newly signed two-year agreement, Scientific Games will deliver digital game projects aligned with LEIA’s strategic initiatives. As the world’s largest creator and supplier of lottery games, Scientific Games will also provide localized digital titles from its extensive portfolio of more than 270 premium games developed by SG Studios. In addition, the company will design bespoke digital games tailored to the unique preferences and regulatory environments of individual LEIA markets.
Matt Lynch, President of Digital at Scientific Games, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the company and LEIA’s member lotteries. He emphasized that the expanded partnership will support lotteries in reaching new audiences, enhancing engagement, and shaping the future of digital lottery entertainment across Europe.
Through this collaboration, LEIA will gain access to Scientific Games’ expansive library of over 100 licensed brands, alongside a growing catalog of digital instant games distributed via the SG Content Hub. This platform connects innovative third-party studios with lottery operators worldwide, expanding content diversity and accelerating innovation. Studios such as Random State, BWLoto EHF, and Harman Connected Services GmbH have also been selected as part of the LEIA collaboration, further enriching the alliance’s digital ecosystem.
Scientific Games currently serves more than 30 iLottery customers globally, delivering advanced digital solutions including CRM systems, loyalty programs, promotions, mobile and web applications, and second-chance initiatives. With operations spanning 150 lotteries in 50 countries, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping both retail and digital lottery experiences worldwide.
The partnership with LEIA underscores Scientific Games’ commitment to driving digital innovation at scale while supporting responsible growth in the European lottery sector.
The post Scientific Games Partners with LEIA to Drive Digital Innovation Across European Lotteries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Company Will Deliver Digital Game Projects to European Lotteries Group LEIA
Scientific Games has been selected as a digital partner to Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance (LEIA), a collaboration between five leading European lotteries: Danske Spil in Denmark, FDJ United in France, Norsk Tipping in Norway, Svenska Spel in Sweden and Veikkaus Oy in Finland.
“LEIA is an international collaboration between lotteries sharing the same goal to foster open innovation, strengthen market position and boost digital growth locally” said Morten Eriksen, CEO of LEIA. “Our focus on innovation has naturally led to the selection of Scientific Games as our digital partner. We support digital development that meets modern customer expectations, including younger adult audiences in a responsible way.”
LEIA was formed to help its partner lotteries accelerate digital innovation by creating a shared marketplace for relevant games and services. The alliance aims to increase operational efficiency and scalability, enabling each lottery to launch new content faster while reducing costs through collective purchasing power and shared development.
Under the new two-year agreement, Scientific Games—the world’s largest creator and provider of lottery games—will deliver digital games projects to LEIA based on strategic initiatives determined by the Alliance. Scientific Games will also offer localized games from its portfolio of more than 270 premier digital titles developed by SG Studios, and develop bespoke games tailored to specific LEIA markets.
“Scientific Games is a long-time, trusted business partner to the individual lotteries in the alliance, providing a broad portfolio of products and services. We’re thrilled to further extend our collaboration through this strategic digital partnership with LEIA, helping these lotteries expand their reach, engage new audiences and continue shaping the future of lottery entertainment,” said Matt Lynch, President of Digital for Scientific Games.
Through the partnership, LEIA will gain access to Scientific Games’ portfolio of more than 100 licensed brands, as well as a growing library of digital instant games created by partner studios made available through the company’s SG Content Hub, which connects innovative studios and their content to lotteries around the world.
Lynch added, “Scientific Games congratulates our game studio partners, Sweden-based Random State, BWLoto EHF and Harman Connected Services GmbH, who have also been selected for this LEIA collaboration.”
Serving more than 30 iLottery customers globally, Scientific Games offers world-leading digital programs including CRM, loyalty, promotions, second-chance, mobile and web applications. The company provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide, offering entertaining game content featuring the largest portfolio of licensed brands in the lottery industry.
© 2026 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The post Scientific Games Enters Digital Collab with Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
TLDR:
- Movember is partnering with the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, and Game Changers EMEA Championship as the Official Mental Health Partner, supporting players, team staff and the wider community for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Date: January 20, 2026 [London]
What you need to know:
- Riot Games and Movember announce a multi-year partnership focused on embedding mental health and wellbeing into the EMEA esports ecosystem.
- The partnership will integrate mental health and wellbeing frameworks, support systems, and initiatives across the leagues.
- Movember will provide tools and resources to better manage competitive pressure, build healthier habits, and be encouraged to discuss mental health openly.
- Planned initiatives for the upcoming year include mental health training for players and staff, and player-only roundtables on stress and coping strategies, with a view to use this to cascade content and guidance to the wider esports community.
- Movember will share messaging on the broadcasts and on-site during events that highlight the importance of mental health and help reduce the stigma around honest discussions and seeking help when needed.
- Together, Movember and Riot Games aim to make the gaming environment a healthier environment for all.
Quote from Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports, EMEA:
“Supporting the wellbeing of the VCT EMEA community, our players, and team staff is something we are committed to strengthening, so we’re thrilled to welcome Movember as a partner. While supporting open conversations and ensuring our players know trusted resources are available is a priority, this partnership also helps raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing across the wider VCT EMEA community. Movember’s expertise will help normalize these discussions beyond the competitive stage, and provide the tools so everyone connected to our ecosystem feels supported by professionals committed to making a positive impact.”
Quote from Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports, EMEA
“Partnering with Movember allows us to take our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our players and teams to the next level. We want our community to feel empowered to speak openly about the challenges they face and know resources are available if needed. Gaming should be a safe and healthy space for everyone, and this partnership will help us ensure that the environment is maintained and strengthened.”
Quote from Dan Cooper, Global Director, Innovations at Movember:
“Movember is committed to bring community first solutions to today’s most urgent mental health challenges. Esports is a focus area for our work in mental health, and by working with Riot Games we aim to have a real impact and drive positive change in esports.”
The post MOVEMBER TEAMS UP WITH RIOT GAMES EMEA ESPORTS appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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