Baltics
Nominations period open for the BSG Awards 2023 & BTECH Awards 2023 (Riga, Latvia – 16-17 May)

- The leading conference in the Baltic and Nordic region returning under a new format and title
- Register to attend the live conference which will be held at Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga in Latvia between 16-17 May 2023
- Nominations period is open for 2 prestigious awards
After announcing the registration kick-off for MARE BALTICUM GAMING & TECH SUMMIT, the #hipthers are ready and excited to announce that the nomination period for the BSG Awards (Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards) and BTECH Awards (Baltic TECH Awards) are now open.
As announced earlier, by combining multiple industries that are already cooperating in certain ways, a new conference is born, the MARE BALTICUM GAMING & TECH SUMMIT.
The success of the MARE BALTICUM GAMING & TECH SUMMIT is guaranteed based on the results we have seen in the past 6 years when connecting several industry stakeholders during our summits and meetups.
The event, taking place at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga in Latvia, will feature 65 speakers, 300 attendees, 15 panels, two networking parties, and two award ceremonies.
To secure your seat and be part of this unique event, follow this link: https://hipther.com/events/riga/regriga2023/
The prestigious BSG Awards and the inaugural BTECH Awards
- Nomination period: 01.01.2023 – 19.02.2023 (session is ongoing)
- Online voting session: 01.03.2022 – 19.03.2022
- Shortlist announcement: 03.04.2023
- Final vote: 16.05.2023
To top all the talks, discussions, and networking opportunities, the organizers are also continuing the traditional Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards (BSG Awards). You are invited to nominate your company in the following categories:
Baltics: Operators
- Best Online Casino in the Baltics
- Best Sports Betting Operator in the Baltics
Baltics: B2B
- B2B Providers (Sports): Best eSports Service Provider in the Baltics
- Best Fantasy Sports / Virtual Sports Provider in the Baltics
- Rising Star in Baltic Fantasy Sports / Virtual Sports
- Rising Star in Baltic Sports Betting Technology
- Best Sports Betting Provider in the Baltics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Online Casino Provider in the Baltics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Slots Provider in the Baltics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Live Casino Provider in the Baltics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Rising Star in Baltic Online Casino Technology
- Connected Services – Best Payment Service Provider in the Baltics
- Connected Services – Best Testing Laboratory Provider in the Baltics
- Connected Services – Best Hosting Provider in the Baltics
Nordics: Operators
- Nordics: Best Online Casino in the Nordics
- Nordics: Best Sports Betting Operator in the Nordics
Nordics: B2B
- B2B Providers (Sports): Best eSports Service Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Sports): Best Fantasy Sports / Virtual Sports Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Sports): Rising Star in Nordic Fantasy Sports / Virtual Sports
- B2B Providers (Sports): Rising Star in Nordic Sports Betting Technology
- B2B Providers (Sports): Best Sports Betting Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Online Casino Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Slots Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Best Live Casino Provider in the Nordics
- B2B Providers (Casino): Rising Star in Nordic Online Casino Technology
- Connected Services – Best Payment Service Provider in the Baltics
- Connected Services – Best Testing Laboratory Provider in the Baltics
- Connected Services – Best Hosting Provider in the Baltics
With the launch of the new format of the event, the #hipthers are launching a new yearly award that aims to reward the Baltic TECH companies for their achievements in the region.
The categories for the Baltic TECH Awards (BTECH Awards) are the following:
- AI: Best Startup
- AI: Rising Star
- AI: Company of the Year
- Blockchain: Best Startup
- Blockchain: Rising Star
- Blockchain: Company of the Year
- Fintech: Best Startup
- Fintech: Rising Star
- Fintech: Company of the Year
You can nominate your company on the following link: https://hipther.com/events/riga/awards/
As always, the team is continuing their initiative for a sustainable future are taking even more steps that directly impact the conservation of the planet’s ecosystem and biodiversity
Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on the European Gaming Quarterly Meetups, which also offer a virtual opportunity to stay up to date with the gaming industry throughout the year.
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 the HIPTHER network 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) at z[email protected]
For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther) at [email protected]
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Baltics
CT Interactive Expands its Certified Game Portfolio in Latvia

CT Interactive has expanded its international footprint in Latvia with 60 newly certified games and a three-level jackpot tailored for the regulated iGaming market. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, engaging content.
“The certification in Latvia is an important step in our ongoing European expansion. We’re proud to introduce a diverse portfolio of games to this regulated market and to further strengthen our presence in the Baltic region,” said Martin Ivanov, COO at CT Interactive.
The newly certified portfolio includes 60 games, featuring top-performing titles that are part of CT Interactive’s three-level jackpot system — Hot Luck. Built on the principles of surprise and inclusivity, this jackpot system delivers a dynamic and rewarding experience for players of all types.
The Hot Luck Jackpot boosts player engagement with its three-level random rewards, making gameplay more exciting and unpredictable. Players can now enjoy popular titles like Win Storm, Wild Clover and Hot 7’s x2 with added thrill thanks to the Hot Luck Jackpot. These games have proven successful across multiple markets and maintain a loyal player base.
The portfolio also features new titles from CT Interactive’s Buy Bonus product line, based on popular games like Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein and Nanook the White Ghost. These upgraded versions include one- or three-level Buy Bonus features for even more dynamic gameplay.
The post CT Interactive Expands its Certified Game Portfolio in Latvia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
All Gambling Halls in Riga Threatened with Closure – Industry Raises Alarm

Following applications by three companies, the Constitutional Court (CC) has initiated a case concerning restrictions on gambling operations in Riga, the court announced.
This is not the first time the issue of gambling regulation in Riga has reached the CC. Just last year, the court ruled in another case that a blanket ban on gambling across the entire administrative territory of Riga was unconstitutional. Afterwards, the city council promised to propose a new mechanism for restricting gambling. That mechanism is now also under review by the court.
The new case was initiated on the basis of applications by SIA Alfor, SIA Klondaika and SIA Olympic Casino Latvia regarding sections 2 and 3 of the Riga City Council’s binding regulations “On Restrictions of Gambling Operations in the Administrative Territory of Riga” adopted on the 26th of March.
The contested provisions define the places and areas in Riga where gambling is not allowed, as well as the municipality’s actions in cases where permits have already been issued for locations where gambling is now prohibited.
Gambling is prohibited in municipal-owned properties, neighbourhood centres, educational institution premises and within 300 meters of them, as well as in railway stations, bus stations, airports and passenger ports, within 500 meters of such transport hubs and within 300 meters of other public transport stops. Restrictions also apply to certain functional zones, cultural monuments and protected areas defined in Riga’s spatial plan. However, the restrictions do not apply to four- and five-star hotels.
In addition, the contested provisions stipulate the cancellation of previously issued permits if gambling takes place in prohibited areas, and that any issued permit automatically expires five years after the relevant Riga City Council decision comes into force.
The applicant companies, which hold permits to operate gambling halls in Riga, argue that although the contested rules define specific places and areas where gambling is prohibited, in practice they amount to a blanket ban on such business throughout the city.
They argue that the restrictions limit business activity and property rights, and violate the principles of legal certainty and legitimate expectations. Therefore, they claim the rules are inconsistent with Articles 1 and 105 of the Constitution.
Article 1 states that Latvia is an independent democratic republic. Article 105 provides that everyone has the right to property, that property must not be used against the public interest and that property rights may only be restricted by law.
The Constitutional Court has invited the Riga City Council to submit a written response by the 27th of October, outlining the facts and legal reasoning. The case preparation deadline is the 27th of January, 2026. The court will decide on the type and date of proceedings after preparation.
As previously reported by LETA, the new gambling restriction rules in Riga entered into force on the 1st of April.
A five-year transition period is provided for the cancellation of previously issued permits.
After adopting the rules, municipal officials admitted that all currently known gambling halls are located in areas where gambling will be banned, meaning the new regulations foresee the closure of all existing gambling halls in Riga.
At the same time, the municipality emphasized that the restrictions do not cover the entire city and do not affect operators’ rights to open or expand gambling facilities in four- and five-star hotels.
The council also claimed that the rules were developed based on Constitutional Court recommendations and the results of public consultations held in February this year.
The Latvian Licensed Gambling Association had already announced in the spring that it would most likely challenge the new restrictions in the Constitutional Court, arguing that they are “neither proportionate nor lawful.”
Source: bnn-news.com
The post All Gambling Halls in Riga Threatened with Closure – Industry Raises Alarm appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
Lithuanian Basketball League Becomes Betsson-LKL from 2025

Betsson Group has announced that from the 2025-26 season, Lithuania’s premier basketball league will be officially known as Betsson-LKL.
This marks a new phase in Betsson’s long-standing partnership with the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Since 2017, the Betsafe brand has served as the league’s title sponsor, supporting the continued development of professional basketball in the country. Earlier this year, Betsafe in Lithuania was rebranded to Betsson.
A refreshed visual identity for the league has also been unveiled, marking the beginning of this new chapter.
“This step allows us to further strengthen our position in the market, offer customers the benefits of our technology platform, and continue upholding high standards of responsible gaming,” said Aurimas Šilys, Head of Betsson Lithuania.
“We are grateful for a partnership that goes beyond branding. Our work with Betsson Group is rooted in a shared vision – to develop a top-tier basketball league in Lithuania that inspires fans and players alike,” said Rasa Liuimienė, General Director of the LKL.
The upcoming Betsson-LKL season will officially commence in autumn 2025.
The post Lithuanian Basketball League Becomes Betsson-LKL from 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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