Eastern Europe

Parimatch appoints Dmitry Sergeev to lead Eastern European expansion

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Parimatch Russia (a franchise-based partner of Parimatch Tech) has announced its latest move as it eyes further rapid expansion across the CIS and Eastern European (CEE) Regions, with the appointment of Dmitry Sergeev.

Formerly CEO of Parimatch CIS, Sergeev will be tasked with developing the brand in Russia, as well as taking charge of Parimatch Tech’s franchise implementation as Parimatch Russia separates from Parimatch CIS to develop independently, effective at the start of next year.

As part of its separation, Sergeev will also take charge of Parimatch Russia’s expansion across the CEE region based on local betting licences.

Parimatch CIS will now be headed by Yuliya Leshkova, current Deputy CEO Parimatch Belarus, a key veteran of the company for almost a decade, with her appointment following a track record of consistent outstanding quarterly growth across the Belarusian market.

Despite the changes, no additional structural transformations of the Russian based arm of the company are expected to be announced.

Led by its current CEO Ruslan Medved, Parimatch Russia will aim to continue to target its recent legacy of outstanding growth across multiple sectors. More specific development plans for the Eastern European regions will be announced later next year.

Commenting on his appointment, Dmitry Sergeev, who will be responsible for the development of Russia and new regions in Eastern Europe, said:

“Russia represents a huge potential for future growth, and our continued expansion across the region increasingly demands more and more from each of us on the team, which I’m delighted to be leading.

“Our franchise-based development in the Eastern Europe is a new direction and will prove a highly ambitious challenge massive that both myself and our team will relish. Always dedicated to delivering the best, we will do our utmost to deliver upon the expectations of our shareholders and raise brand awareness in Europe.

“I appreciate the cooperation on the part of the holding and stand proud of the achievements we have earned together. Each of our CIS regional markets have evolved into a strong business unit demonstrating great financial performance and exponential growth. I wish all the best to Yuliya in her new role and will support and help her in every way possible.”

Already considered an established figure at Parimatch, Sergeev was appointed to Parimatch CIS in May 2020 as part of the brand’s business development ambitions across its core markets – with his leadership proving integral to the company’s closing of 2021 with its key goals met.

Under Sergeev’s leadership, Parimatch CIS has recorded exponential growth across its core markets, while simultaneously tripling the base of active players across all CIS regions where the brand is live.

With extensive experience across marketing, business development, and commercial growth, Sergeev was the founder of “Championat” in 2005, which is now considered one of the major sports media platforms across Russia and the CIS region.

Between 2016 and 2019 Sergeev played a crucial role in establishing Parimatch as the first international betting player on the Russian market, having previously served as CEO for bwin Russia. In 2019 and 2020 Dmitry Sergeev was ranked among the leading top managers in the Top 1000 Russian Managers, a rating organised by the Association of Managers and Kommersant Publishing House.

Recipient of multiple additional accolades, the international Bispo Awards presented awarded Sergeev Discovery of the Year award for his work with Parimatch CIS in 2020, and later that year MarSpo Awards rated him one of the top 100 sports industry managers. In 2021 Sport Business Awards acknowledged him as Manager of the Year.

Compliance Updates

Ukrainian Gambling Regulator Rolls Out Digital Complaints Platform

Published

2 weeks ago

May 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

ukrainian-gambling-regulator-rolls-out-digital-complaints-platform

The Ukrainian gambling regulator, PlayCity, has rolled out a new digital complaints platform that’s intended to streamline how the public can report illegal gambling advertisements. The complaints form is now live in the “For Citizens” section of PlayCity’s website, giving Ukrainian citizens a direct channel to help monitor and curb illegal gambling advertising.

The system enables citizens to flag suspected violations across multiple formats, including social media, websites, television, radio, outdoor billboards and other public spaces. Users submitting a complaint must identify the platform type, provide a direct link to the advertisement and attach supporting evidence such as screenshots or video clips.

The system is designed to automatically archive submissions and capture ephemeral content like social media “stories” so regulators can review material even after it disappears. PlayCity staff will screen each complaint to assess whether the content breaches Ukraine’s advertising rules.

If violations are confirmed, the regulator can request removal of content from platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber and Twitch. PlayCity said it could also seek to block social media accounts that repeatedly share unlawful gambling promotions, fine responsible parties or escalate cases to law enforcement when identities cannot be verified.

The statutory fine for illegal gambling advertising stands at cca. €100,900.

The new enforcement framework stems from Law No.9526d, the same legislation that abolished the previous gambling regulator KRAIL.

The post Ukrainian Gambling Regulator Rolls Out Digital Complaints Platform appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Eastern Europe

Soft2Bet launches Zinx iGaming and sportsbook brand in Romania

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2026

Wladimir P.

Soft2Bet has launched Zinx in Romania, rolling out a new digital platform that combines online casino content and sports betting for local players.

Soft2Bet said Zinx was built with localisation in mind, with product design and marketing tailored to Romanian player preferences. The company positioned the brand around “safe, transparent play,” but did not share launch timing beyond the announcement or provide performance targets.

The platform includes a retention mechanic called MEGA Round, a prize-wheel feature integrated into Soft2Bet’s MEGA gamification engine. Soft2Bet said players can earn spins through deposits, with prizes awarded at random.

Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet, stated, “With Zinx, we are bringing an incredibly competitive and relevant digital product to Romania, perfectly balancing thrilling, electric gameplay with safe and transparent operations. Our powerful dragon mascot and the innovative MEGA Round gamification engine help define the Zinx experience across both casino and sports betting. We are confident Zinx will set a new benchmark for Romanian players seeking a modern, diverse and secure entertainment platform.”

Soft2Bet said the Romania launch supports its broader strategy of building localised iGaming brands that combine product features with targeted local marketing.

The post Soft2Bet launches Zinx iGaming and sportsbook brand in Romania appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications

Published

4 weeks ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ukraine-launches-online-portal-for-gambling-licence-applications

Businesses can now obtain licenses for organising and conducting gambling activities online through the Diia portal, without paper documents or in-person interaction with the state, according to a statement by PlayCity, the state agency regulating Ukraine’s gambling and lottery market.

According to the release, applications can be generated in the Diia electronic cabinet and signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Some data will be automatically retrieved from state registries, including information about the company, its owners and beneficiaries.

PlayCity will review submitted applications, and applicants will receive decisions on license issuance or refusal online via Diia.

Companies will be able to apply for licenses covering casino operations, bookmaking, slot machine halls, online poker, as well as B2B services in the gambling sector.

Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Borniakov said on Telegram that the ministry, together with PlayCity, has also prepared amendments to sector-specific legislation aimed at strengthening entry checks for companies in terms of reputation, integrity, ownership structure and absence of ties to the aggressor state.

“Our goal is to create a transparent and controlled market in which digital tools ensure both convenience for businesses and trust in the state,” Borniakov said.

The post Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.