Eastern Europe
Iași, Romania Set to Host the IESF 2023 World Esports Championships
The International Esports Federation (IESF) held a press conference today with the future host city of the 15th World Esports Championships Finals, Iași, Romania. This will be the second time the WE Championships will be staged in Romania after the country’s capital Bucharest hosted IESF’s flagship event in 2013.
Iași is the second-largest city in Romania and is home to multiple well-known universities. As the most youthful city in Romania, Iași will provide a fresh take on the WE Championships, offer new and exciting participation opportunities and bring together the World Esports Family once again for esports’ biggest event.
IESF President Vlad Marinescu said: “We are so excited to bring the World Esports Championships back to Romania. The WE Championships have a rich history of generating international exposure for esports and uniting the World Esports Family, and the 2023 edition is expected to be the largest edition ever with at least 130 countries participating. We are thrilled that we can continue to provide our athletes with the ultimate environment to perform at their full potential on the world stage.
Deputy Mayor of Iași Daniel Juravle joined the press conference and said: “Iasi is the youngest city in Romania and the largest after the country’s capital. We are ready to host the World Esports Championships, an event that will bring great energy to our city and turn it into the capital of esports. We are waiting for gamers from all over the world with open arms. Together we can create the future of this industry. We will make sure that you have fun and that you will make history in this great city.”
IESF Secretary General Boban Totovski said: “We are very grateful for the support and collaboration of Deputy Mayor Jurvale and the local organizers. I have no doubt that Iași will be an amazing host for the 15th WE Championships Finals. The thriving university city of Iași perfectly embodies IESF’s values of respect and friendship, so we look forward to what’s in store in 2023.”
Bali, Indonesia is currently preparing to host the 2022 WE Championships, set to take place from 27 November to 9 December and is expected to be the largest and most geographically diverse installment of the event, featuring a record $500,000 total prize pool and a new Women’s Featured Division.
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Compliance Updates
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
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
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.
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