Conferences in Europe

CEEGC Budapest brings back the magic to the CEE and Balkans region with the 2022 comeback conference

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

CEEGC Budapest and CEEG Awards shine again as comeback event brings magic back to the region

Two weeks ago, on 16 September, industry experts of the CEE and Balkans region gathered in Budapest for the 7^th edition of the Central and Eastern European Gaming Conference (CEEGC). The conference was held at its now traditional location, The Ritz-Carlton in Budapest, and the participants enjoyed quality learning and networking sessions throughout the day.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The team at Hipther Agency would like to thank the excellent support of the conference sponsors: Nordic Gambling, Endorphina, UltraPlay, Oddin.gg, Global Bet and NETSHOP ISP.

There have been many hand-shakes, business cards exchanges, hugs, and smiling faces in Budapest during the event and you can find the full photo gallery at the following link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA7Vif

The panel discussions approached regulatory, tax, and operations in markets such as Hungary, Romania, Czechia, Poland, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sweden, Denmark, and Ukraine.

The experts who joined the panel outlined some of the main aspects of each market and here are headlines:

Czechia: “The first step was made, but the improvement will take time.” – Petr Kozák – IFGR Lawyer and Secretary General

Hungary: “It will be a very tricky position for new online gaming operators.” – Gábor Helembai – Counsel in the Corporate Practice Group of the Budapest office of TaylorWessing

Romania: “The good news in Romania is that the law is going to change and hopefully it will change for the benefit of the operators.” – Dan Iliovici – Vice President at Rombet

Romania: “Taxes are really high in the iGaming industry. That’s the bottom line.” – Andrei Cosma – Managing Associate at SIMION & BACIU

Sweden: “We [Sweden] are going from a left-wing government to a centre-right-wing government, so I am expecting some changes.” – Gustaf Hoffstedt – Secretary-General at the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling

Denmark: “We really find these regulatory steps [in Denmark] counterproductive.” – Stephan Normann Østergaard – Nordic Gambling team Denmark

Poland: “I’d like to debunk some of the myths saying that it is difficult to enter the Polish market.” – Marek Plota – Founding Attorney at RM Legal & Gaming In Poland

Ukraine: “I’ve heard some good things about Poland. (…) We [Evoplay] are looking to enter Sweden and Denmark as well.” – Vladimir Malakchi – Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Evoplay Entertainment

Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina: “I believe, the biggest problem we have is the education of the players. (…) That’s also why land-based casinos are so popular.” – Lazar Miučin – CEO and Co-Founder of iGaming Advisor

Serbia, Montenegro: “There is a similar political uncertainty in Montenegro as well. There is a big chance that after the potential elections, the situation will be the same as now, which means the same parties would have to negotiate.” – Luka Popović – Partner at BDK Advokati

Bulgaria: “Despite the new players on the [Bulgarian] market, the competition is still very low.” – Silviia Baykoucheva – Senior Compliance Officer at Amusnet Interactive

The technological advancements of the online gaming industry: “We need to understand where this [AI, NFT, Crypto, Blockchain] is going (…) and how it will effect us.” – Robert Dowling – Chief Commercial Officer at GlobalBet

The technological advancements of the online gaming industry: “It is very likely that crypto will be regulated in some form, and players will understand that it is not anything illegal. (…) Once that happens, the industry will experience a new boost.” – Péter W. Szabó – CEO of AceTech

The technological advancements of the online gaming industry: “[In eSports] most of the betting volume (86%) comes in live. (…) The prize pools of eSports are coming to match normal sports.” – Vladan Blagojevic – Oddin.gg’s Marketing Project Manager

Responsible Gaming: “I think we should let the academics sit down and work out a system that provides information [on problem gaming] that is beyond any doubt.” – Dan Iliovici – Vice President at Rombet

Responsible Gaming: “Entain (…) is getting more and more involved in the prevention of problem gaming.” – Bill Pascrell, III – Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc.

The video recordings of the panel discussions are available on-demand on HIPTHER TV. You can access it here: https://hipther.com/tv/premium-access-ceegc-budapest-2022/

– You can also order the 2022 full collection of conference recordings (4 conferences) and benefit from a substantial discount. You can find more details here: https://hipther.com/tv/premium2022/

“We are delighted about the outcome of CEEGC Budapest and being the final in-person event we host this year, I would personally like to thank all participants who joined us over the course of 2022 in Vilnius, Prague, and recently in Budapest. It has been a very busy year with many conferences colliding in several months, but it is important that the industry has evolved to a new level. We would also like to thank our media partners for the coverage throughout the year. We are looking forward to hosting our final virtual event this year, The HIPTHER FESTIVAL, and will soon announce the 2023 calendar with many new changes coming to our portfolio of in-person events and virtual meetups. So, watch this space for our upcoming announcements,” stated Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at Hipther Agency

Besides the panel discussions and networking session, the winners of the 2022 edition at the CEEG Awards have also been revealed, after a final secret vote by the attending participants.

With all this been being said, the #hipthers are busier than ever and many new announcements will land soon in your inbox, social media channels, and news outlets.

Hipther Agency is the parent brand of European Gaming, PICANTE, WireUp Zone, Gaming Americas, eSports Connect, the HIPTHER news app, and the WireUp networking app found on the Play Store.

To receive constant updates from Hipther Agency and conference agenda updates, subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hfyZxf

For sponsorship/speaking inquiries, make sure to reach out to Zoltan Tuendik (Co-Founder and Head of Business at Hipther Agency) at [email protected] / [email protected]

For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency) at [email protected]

Conferences in Europe

The iGaming Conference Boom: A Catalyst for Industry Growth or Event Overload?

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

the-igaming-conference-boom:-a-catalyst-for-industry-growth-or-event-overload?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As the iGaming industry rapidly expands, so too has the frequency of events, summits, and conferences held worldwide. While some within the industry have expressed concerns over the seemingly endless cycle of iGaming conferences, many organizers are now strategically responding by integrating multiple industry sectors into single events. This shift could mark a new era where iGaming conferences are not just more numerous but also more impactful, driving sustained growth and collaboration across the industry.

An Industry on the Rise

The iGaming sector has seen phenomenal growth in recent years, with new regions regulating online gaming, an influx of advanced technology, and changing consumer behaviors. Conferences are a direct reflection of this growth. In response to an industry that is evolving at breakneck speed, these gatherings allow professionals to stay informed, network, and showcase innovations in a competitive, fast-paced market. According to recent reports, 2024 has maintained a similarly robust lineup of conferences as seen in 2023, indicating a steady demand for these industry forums.

Consolidation: Bringing Multiple Industries Together

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the move towards event consolidation. Instead of organizing niche, standalone conferences, major event organizers are combining multiple related industries under one roof. For example, some organizers have extended their conferences to cover related fields such as emerging technologies, fintech, and affiliate marketing. This integrated approach creates a unique space for professionals across interconnected sectors to gather, learn, and share insights. This evolution aims to streamline event schedules while providing a more holistic experience for attendees.

Consistency in the Number of Conferences

While some expected the number of iGaming events to decrease in 2024 as the industry reaches a more mature stage, the calendar has remained steady with a full slate of global conferences. Sources highlight extensive lists of major iGaming conferences for the year, covering multiple regions and themes, from regulatory updates to technological advances and new market opportunities. This consistency signals that the demand for these conferences remains high, suggesting that attendees continue to find value in them as essential business and networking platforms.

Why More Conferences Might Actually Be Beneficial

The prevalence of iGaming conferences can be viewed positively when considering the growth trajectory of the industry. These events provide valuable exposure for startups, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster collaborations that might not happen otherwise. For industry veterans, they’re an opportunity to reconnect, reassess strategies, and stay informed about the latest trends. For newcomers, conferences offer a way into the industry through educational sessions, networking, and visibility.

Furthermore, the diversity in conference topics allows professionals to choose events that best align with their interests or expertise. The range of events caters to everyone from affiliate marketers and game developers to regulators and financial specialists. The right conference can provide insight into specific challenges or growth areas, helping companies refine their strategies.

Balancing Act: Growth Without Saturation

While it’s clear that iGaming conferences play a crucial role in the industry, there’s an argument to be made for balancing quantity with quality. Some attendees feel that with too many events, resources and attention can become stretched thin. To counteract this, organizers who offer integrated, multi-industry conferences are not only addressing the issue of event overload but are also creating more comprehensive forums that offer greater value and insight. A well-curated, diverse conference can draw higher-quality attendance and provide a richer experience for those participating.

Conclusion

The iGaming conference landscape in 2024 reflects an industry that continues to expand, innovate, and adapt to the demands of a global, interconnected world. While the sheer number of conferences may be daunting to some, the strategic consolidation of industries within these events speaks to a forward-thinking approach by organizers. The trend toward integrated, multi-focus conferences provides an opportunity for even greater collaboration, allowing the industry to continue thriving. As long as these events evolve to meet the needs of their audiences, the iGaming industry stands to benefit immensely from its vibrant and active conference ecosystem.

The post The iGaming Conference Boom: A Catalyst for Industry Growth or Event Overload? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Conferences in Europe

Soft2Bet celebrates a year of growth and innovation at SiGMA Malta Europe 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

October 25, 2024

George Miller

soft2bet-celebrates-a-year-of-growth-and-innovation-at-sigma-malta-europe-2024

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Soft2Bet is set to make a major impact at SiGMA Malta Europe, focusing on MEGA, turnkey solutions and key speaking engagements from senior executives from 12-14 November.

Soft2Bet, the iGaming industry’s leading turnkey solutions provider, is gearing up to unveil a new format for its MEGA Workshop during 4 closed sessions on 12 and 13 November at SiGMA Malta Europe. After a highly successful MEGA Workshop experience at the SBC Summit Lisbon for more than 250 visitors, Soft2Bet intends to showcase how its solution drives engagement, activity and revenues for Soft2Bet and its B2B partners.

Turnkey solutions and new launches driving growth

Soft2Bet will also unveil its latest turnkey solution, newly-launched gaming engines and casino solutions that are delivering impressive results for partners as they increase player engagement, retention and drive revenue growth in the most competitive iGaming markets. As Soft2Bet continues to expand into new markets, it will provide exclusive insights into its recently-launched partnerships and brands.

Product focus

The Soft2Bet MEGA workshop will also demonstrate how MEGA seamlessly integrates as a standalone solution through an API, providing the best UX to its players, ensuring quick and efficient deployment for operators looking to elevate their platforms.

The results of these efforts speak for themselves, with the group’s Scandinavian brand Betinia reporting strong growth in Q3 2024.

Denmark: active player numbers increased 129%, deposits increased 213% and GGR climbed 200%.
Sweden: active player numbers increased 85%, deposits increased 129% and GGR climbed 58%.

Soft2Bet SiGMA Speakers

Soft2Bet’s founder and CEO, Uri Poliavich, will deliver an exclusive Keynote on 12 November at 11:45 where he will update the market on his latest insights.

Senior executives will be joining key industry panels:

David Yatom Hay, General Counsel, will join a panel discussing the future of player protections in light of potential advertising bans in Northern Europe.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer, will lead a discussion on using collectables to enhance loyalty programmes and increase player retention.

Expansion and growth

Soft2Bet is rapidly expanding and holds more than 13 licences across nine different jurisdictions, while launches in Romania (Don.ro) and Ontario, Canada (Tooniebet), and upcoming expansions into Mexico, Greece and Nigeria demonstrate the company’s continued focus on growing its commercial and regulatory footprint.

The post Soft2Bet celebrates a year of growth and innovation at SiGMA Malta Europe 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Conferences in Europe

Almost 200 Participants Grace European Gaming Congress 2024, as Organizers Already Plan Warsaw Return

Published

1 month ago

October 23, 2024

George Miller

almost-200-participants-grace-european-gaming-congress-2024,-as-organizers-already-plan-warsaw-return

Reading Time: 3 minutes

HIPTHER, organizer of the European Gaming Congress (EGC) and other renowned GameTech boutique conferences, is thrilled to announce the triumphant success of EGC 2024 and the exciting news of the conference’s return to Warsaw in 2025.

Building on the momentum from its 2023 edition, European Gaming Congress 2024 expanded its program into a multi-faceted, 2-day agenda packed with learning and networking opportunities. Attendance more than doubled to nearly 200 delegates, and all exhibitor spaces sold out.

EGC 2024 brought together the vibrant Polish iGaming market and the broader European GameTech industry for a series of insightful panels, unique networking opportunities, and unforgettable moments. The event educated and connected delegates in a meaningful and constructive way.

Distinguished experts from iGaming, Compliance, Technology, Blockchain, Fintech, Marketing, and Human Capital Management took the stage, offering invaluable insights and hosting workshops on the latest trends and strategies for business growth and success.

In an innovative move to validate expertise and reward continuous learning, all attendees were awarded a Certificate of Professional Distinction for their successful participation in the European Gaming Congress 2024.

One of the event’s highlights was the prestigious European iGaming Excellence Awards 2024, celebrating the best companies and brightest professionals in the European iGaming industry, as voted by their peers. And the winners are:

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Promatic Group

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Gaming Laboratories International, LLC

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: CoinsPaid

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Miss Joker Show (by Promatic Group)

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: SOFTSWISS Managed Services

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Evoplay (Adrenaline Rush)

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Mindway AI

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Evoplay

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Promatic Group

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Evoplay

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: ICONIC21

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: N1 Partners Group

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: DATA.BET

🏆 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: SOFTSWISS

🏆 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Xanada Investments

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Superbet

🏆 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Ivan Montik, Founder at SOFTSWISS

🏆 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Gal Ehrlich, CEO at BETER

🏆 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay

🏆 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: Aleksandra Mouton, CEO at Amarix

The illustrious event was Sponsored by top-tier companies, including:

Promatic Games by Promatic Group – Platinum & Welcome Meet Sponsor
Xanada Investments – Main Stage Sponsor
BET – Badge, Bracelet and Networking Break Sponsor
NSoft – Pen and Paper Sponsor
Nordic Gambling – Scandinavian Legal Expertise Sponsor
RM Legal – General Sponsor
Gaming In Poland – General Sponsor
Zondacrypto – Selfie Mirror Sponsor
Superbet – General Sponsor
LV Bet – General Sponsor
PIGBRiB – General Sponsor

The European Gaming Congress has been warmly embraced by both the Polish gaming market and the wider European iGaming industry, solidifying its status as a must-attend event and key meeting point for the industry.

Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, commented: “We are thrilled with the incredible success of the European Gaming Congress 2024, and we are grateful to our esteemed sponsors, participants, and the remarkable Polish Gaming Community who made it possible. We’re excited to announce our return to Warsaw for another year, but stay tuned – we have a few surprises in the works for the years ahead!”.

The #hipthers team is already planning the grand return of the European Gaming Congress to Warsaw in mid-to-late October 2025. Stay tuned for more, and we’ll see you in Warsaw!

The post Almost 200 Participants Grace European Gaming Congress 2024, as Organizers Already Plan Warsaw Return appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.