Conferences in Europe
CEEGC Budapest brings back the magic to the CEE and Balkans region with the 2022 comeback conference
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 7th 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.
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]
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The EEGS Conference, held on November 27-28, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria, emerged as a landmark event in the gaming industry, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 50 speakers, more than 450 delegates, and participants from over 35 countries. The conference covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the Gaming sector, including the future of iGaming, e-sports betting, evolving payment methods, the quest for regulatory balance in gaming, etc.
Prominent discussions also centered around critical issues such as restrictions on gambling advertising, cybersecurity in gaming, and the future of regulatory frameworks for land-based casinos and betting shops. The evolving trend of gaming tourism and online player protection was also thoroughly explored, highlighting the conference’s commitment to addressing the key challenges and opportunities in the gaming world.
In conjunction with the main event, the third edition of the Affiliate Conference took place on November 26, 2024, attracting over 100 affiliates, making it the only affiliate conference happening in Bulgaria. The event featured expert insights from notable speakers.
An additional masterclass held on November 25, 2024, attracted 50 attendees, with 65% of participants holding management positions from 15 different companies. This session focused on the critical topic of “The Role of the Employer in Gambling Prevention Among Employees,”
All events were hailed as top-notch, providing valuable insights and fostering networking opportunities among industry professionals. The EEGS Conference 2024 has undoubtedly set the stage for future dialogue and collaboration across the gaming sector, reinforcing Sofia’s position as a hub for Gaming innovation and excellence.
The post EEGS Conference 2024 Wrap-Up! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
HIPTHER is thrilled to announce that the agenda draft for the highly anticipated Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 is now ready! Scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, the summit will once again take place at its home, the Vienna House Andel’s Prague. This year’s conference, themed “The A-Flutter of Innovation,” promises an immersive exploration into the future of gaming and technology.
One Agenda, Two Knowledge Hubs
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 continues HIPTHER’s commitment to covering the full spectrum of hot topics in the Gaming and Technology industries. This year’s program features two concurrent conference Knowledge Hubs packed with groundbreaking sessions:
● Compliance & Operations Hub at Conference room 1: (OPAL + TOPAZ)
● TECH Trends, Innovation & Marketing Mastery Hub at Conference room 2: (QUARTZ + SAPPHIRE)
60+ Expert Speakers Already Confirmed!
Over 60 industry leaders and innovators from iGaming, esports, compliance, VR, and more have already confirmed their participation. Among the distinguished speakers:
- Dmitry Starostenkov – CEO At EvenBet Gaming
- Max Sevostianov – Chief Operating Officer At Betbazar
- Filip Sosnowski – CEO At SB Software
- Damir Hasaković – SLOT Manager At Luckia Croatia And Board Member At Croatian Gaming Association
- Ivana Flynn – SEO Igaming Expert
- Gal Ehrlich – CEO At BETER
- Tom Jang Lemke – CEO And Founder At SavageTech
- Joerg Hofmann – Partner At MELCHERS LAW
- Jakub Kolomicenko – Senior Compliance Officer At Kaizen Gaming
- Gustaf Hoffstedt – Secretary-General at the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
- Asif Akram – Co-Founder At Tristratus Ltd
- Becky Liggero Fontana – Reporter, Producer & Host
…And many more! Stay tuned as even more renowned experts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Focus on the Americas: LATAM & North America
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 bridges industries and breaks barriers, offering unparalleled insights and networking opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe – and beyond! This year’s agenda includes two special panels focusing on the Americas:
North America’s Regulatory Landscape: Lessons from the Latest Markets
This panel will examine the latest developments across key markets, highlighting lessons learned from new and maturing jurisdictions. Industry leaders will share insights into navigating compliance requirements, fostering responsible gambling, and leveraging market-specific strategies to ensure sustainable growth in this ever-evolving region.
Navigating the Maze: iGaming Compliance Across LATAM
The LATAM iGaming market is a land of immense opportunity but also significant regulatory complexity, with diverse frameworks and economic landscapes across countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. This panel will explore best practices for navigating fragmented laws, addressing taxation challenges, and fostering trust with local regulators, ensuring sustainable growth in this dynamic region.
A Word from HIPTHER
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about the Agenda and the Summit:
“The future of gaming and tech isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating them. HIPTHER, often imitated but never truly replicated, invites you to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, where innovation takes center stage and the next leap forward begins.”
Explore the Agenda and Register Now!
The full agenda draft is now live! Visit hipther.com/events/prague/agenda/ for details and secure your spot today. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches!
The post HIPTHER Announces Agenda Draft for Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
The Power of Data in Esports Betting: An Exclusive with DATA.BET’s Head of Sales Otto Bonning
The European Gaming Congress 2024 concluded with resounding success, attracting nearly 200 participants who benefitted from premier learning and networking opportunities. In this exclusive Q&A, we’re proud to feature Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET, our Badge, Bracelet & Networking Break Sponsor, discussing the power of data and how DATA.BET leverages it to create innovative esports tools.
Otto, thank you for sitting with us for this interview! Could you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your experience at the European Gaming Congress 2024 from moderating the panel on “The Future of Esports: Opportunities and Challenges”?
The European Gaming Congress 2024 left a lasting impression on me, standing out for its particular format and engaging atmosphere. The event’s structure seamlessly blended educational panels packed with industry insights and an open, relaxed environment that encouraged meaningful interactions with both leaders and potential partners.
During the panel discussions, Lasha Kupatadze, CPO at Atlaslive, a leading B2B software provider, focused on key aspects such as personalization and the evolution of sportsbook tools to meet user demands. I appreciated Lasha’s emphasis on adapting products for operators, as these are critical discussions that align with the challenges the industry is actively navigating
SavageTech CEO and Founder Tom Jang Lemke, a former semi-pro esports player, recalled starting out by managing trading manually for his sportsbook while analyzing streams. He delivered a compelling B2C perspective on esports opportunities and overcoming challenges. What I particularly appreciated was how the panel’s topic was explored from different viewpoints, creating more value for all congress participants and sparking meaningful discussions.
DATA.BET places a strong emphasis on leveraging official data for developing new tools. Could you explain how official data contributes to enhancing user experience and driving revenue growth for your clients?
Official data is fundamental to DATA.BET’s approach in esports, where precision and reliability are paramount.
Firstly, official data from trusted sources like Bayes Esports and GRID, who work directly with tournament organizers, ensures the highest accuracy in betting, reducing errors and enhancing the overall user experience. Combining all that with our own trading and models makes for an industry leading esports product.
Also, official data has allowed us to expand our content offerings significantly. For example, the number of CS markets has increased by 33%, and betting lines now remain open twice as long compared to platforms without official data, providing players with a broader range of options.
Moreover, official data minimizes risks by providing precise and consistent information, allowing operators to build assurance and offer a transparent betting experience. When used effectively, official data enhances platform reliability, expands market opportunities, and improves user retention – ultimately driving higher revenue and profitability for operators.
DATA.BET’s Data Feed combines Odds Feed, Live Score Feed, and in-house Risk Management. How do these elements work together to create a seamless experience for operators and their users?
DATA.BET’s premium Odds Feed, Live Score Feed, and in-house Risk Management are all powered by official data from our partners. With a low latency of 50-200 milliseconds and official data sources, our feed delivers unmatched speed and reliability.
Operators benefit from extensive coverage of 30+ disciplines and dynamic markets, including Player Props and in-game events, while integrated Risk Management ensures balanced exposure and maximized profitability.
Our official data allows us to keep an open betting line twice as long as competitors. Also, the synergy between our highly qualified traders, who possess deep expertise in their disciplines, and the advanced mathematical models developed and regularly updated by our Data Science team enables us to deliver exceptional value to operators, enhancing their performance and profitability. For example, over the past year, our clients have experienced up to 90% GGR.
Your risk management system is an integral part of your product offering. What sets DATA.BET’s Risk Management apart from other solutions on the market?
DATA.BET’s Risk Management system distinguishes itself by combining the expertise of our dedicated in-house team with advanced automated tools, providing operators with risk mitigation and platform security.
Our team of experts thoroughly analyzes betting patterns, particularly those of potentially fraudulent players. With a deep understanding of behavioral tendencies and statistical insights, our specialists identify reliable and unreliable players, proactively anticipate possible issues, and vigilantly monitor for fraud. This data-driven approach enables them to define user profiles based on in-game actions, creating a nuanced view of player behavior that enhances risk assessment.
They also work closely with the Trading team, providing them with a broader, more detailed perspective on user activity. This collaboration is precious when suspicious actions are detected, as our team’s in-depth analysis helps evaluate groups of players, assess risks, and make informed decisions on appropriate next steps.
Given the rapid growth in the esports industry, what future trends do you foresee in how data-driven solutions will impact the betting market?
Firstly, as modern UI takes central stage in sportsbooks, platforms must offer advanced personalization options, letting operators adapt seamlessly to their branding and customer preferences. Our new Single Page Application (SPA) is designed to meet these evolving needs, with features that prioritize flexibility, speed, and a seamless user experience.
Secondly, we expect to see more features from traditional sports adapted and enhanced for the esports environment. This trend will bring proven engagement tactics into esports, tailored to its audiences’ specific dynamics and preferences. For instance, Bet Builder enables users to combine multiple markets into a single bet, offering a tailored and interactive experience that appeals to savvy bettors. Operators benefit through increased stake sizes, broader market utilization, and valuable data insights for tailored marketing efforts.
Furthermore, as there is still demand for casual, fast-bet options, betting solutions will incorporate features inspired by casino gaming, adapting them to esports’ individual tempo and appeal.
Lastly, what advice would you give operators looking to stay competitive by incorporating Esports data feeds and risk management systems?
Operators aiming to stay competitive should choose providers with a full range of offerings, including official data, strong trading teams, reliable data feeds, and versatile tools like Bet Builder, ensuring optimal profitability and player engagement.
Official data from trusted sources will be vital as it ensures accuracy, minimizes risks, and builds user confidence, which is crucial in the fast-paced, highly competitive esports market. Beyond speeding up processes, it enables operators to maximize profitability by offering more reliable options, keeping betting lines open longer, and reducing errors that can lead to financial losses.
Lastly, to succeed in esports, it’s essential to understand your audience’s behavior and stay informed about industry trends. Keep track of tournaments and invest in learning how to promote effectively. While implementing progressive features can enhance your platform, generating significant revenue from esports without a solid marketing strategy is challenging. Numerous examples exist where operators leverage marketing activities to promote major esports tournaments in their projects. It provides an additional boost to the events and drives substantial revenue.
Special thanks to Otto Bonning for expertly moderating the insightful panel “The Future of Esports: Opportunities and Challenges”.
The post The Power of Data in Esports Betting: An Exclusive with DATA.BET’s Head of Sales Otto Bonning appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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