Eastern Europe
Superbet Group announces a strategic partnership with OKTO to provide omnichannel digital payment experiences
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Superbet Group, the leading sports betting operator in Romania and one of the fastest growing betting companies in Central and Eastern Europe, announces a strategic partnership with OKTO, adopting the omnichannel payment technology of the fintech provider.
The unified payment platform has been activated in Superbet’s retail and online channels, creating digital payment experiences across multiple touchpoints for Superbet customers. In particular, the OKTO.WALLET solution is now available in all Self-Service Betting Terminals of the Superbet network, across over 1,000 points of sale nationwide, while the cashless solution will be extended in Electronic Gaming Machines supporting the group’s digitalization strategy to enable a safe, secure, and convenient experience via an advanced digital payment service.
Ciprian Lazăr, Director for Romania Retail & Multichannel Operations at Superbet Group expresses the importance of the partnership: “We are a company with global growth ambitions that pays close attention to its customers’ demands but also to the latest technological developments. OKTO is widely recognized as the market-leading digital payment provider. It offers complementary solutions to Superbet’s digital strategy that are in line with the group’s efforts on responsible gaming and compliance with all legal provisions imposed by market regulators in countries where our group and its brands are active.”
In addition, Superbet online gets quick and easy access to the OKTO.CASH e-Voucher cash payments solution via the integration of the OKTO unified platform with Nuvei’s alternative payment methods (APMs). iGaming customers of Superbet are now able to load their iGaming account with cash in a convenient, streamlined, zero-hassle way, using OKTO’s collaborating network of over 25,000 points-of-sale in Romania.
Luca Giancola, Head of Antifraud, Payments & Risk Payments at Superbet Group, focuses on the benefits of alternative payment methods: “Innovation is in our DNA, and it is important to work with solutions that are coming from people who understand the intricacies of the gaming industry and who use advanced technology to deliver the very best payment solutions to our customers.
Our strategy is in line with the one of OKTO and there is a shared commitment to invest in the delivery of the best possible experience at every stage and channel of the customer journey.”
In turn, Simon Dorsen, OKTO’s Chief Commercial Officer, states: “Our partnership with Superbet is fully aligned with our mission not only to digitalize the physical payment experience as demanded by modern consumers, but also to provide users with the ability to transact across several touchpoints and channels seamlessly, in a secure manner via a unified payment experience.”
Referring to this new partnership, which satisfies both the compliance as well as the safer gaming requirements of industry regulators, Dorsen also acknowledges that it represents a powerful endorsement from a brand whose vision is being backed by one of the world’s largest private equity funds, Blackstone Group.
“OKTO is both proud and delighted to be partnering with the Superbet brand, which is among the most technologically advanced and ambitious sports betting operators in Europe. Also, Romania is a strategic market for our company, and we seek to continue investing in our local presence” adds OKTO’s commercial business leader.
In 2019, with the entry of the American investment fund Blackstone into the shareholding of the Superbet group, technology has become a vector of exponential growth for the Romanian company which aims to access international markets that have a strong regulatory framework for the betting & gaming industry.
Overall, the partnership between Superbet Group and OKTO represents a firm confirmation of the digitalization strategy, which will cover all areas of the business, and an important step in the creation of an omnichannel model that will continue to offer clients a unique, high-quality experience, both in retail and digital.
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Compliance Updates
CEO of PIN-UP Global claims the charges against the Ukrainian partner to be legally absurd
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The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) of Ukraine initiated criminal proceedings against the owner of the PIN-UP Ukraine operator (Ukr Game Technology LLC), Ihor Zotko, on charges of high treason and aiding and abetting Russia. It entailed freezing of the company’s accounts and complete suspension of its operations.
The accusations are based on license payments that Ukr Game Technology LLC (Brand PIN-UP.UA) transferred to PIN-UP Global (GuruFlow Team LTD), an international iGaming holding company registered in a European jurisdiction.
Marina Ilina, CEO of PIN-UP Global, strongly denies the accusations, stating that these are legitimate payments under the software license agreement. She emphasizes that GuruFlow Team LTD has transparent operations, is licensed in Europe and has no financial transactions with Russia.
“These accusations do not stand up to criticism. I am a Ukrainian and openly support my country. All the activities of my company are transparent and can be easily verified. We have no financial transfers to Russia, but only legitimate business operations. The case against Ukr Game Technology LLC may create a dangerous precedent in which standard commercial operations, such as royalty payments to international companies, are equated with a crime,” Ilina said.
According to her, the mere fact of the investigation led by the SBI raises serious concerns and looks like an element of pressure, since, according to the legislation, cases of high treason are in the competence of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), not the SBI.
Ilina believes that the development of the situation around Ukr Game Technology LLC may affect the international business perception of the investment climate in Ukraine and create risks for operation of foreign iGaming companies in the country.
The post CEO of PIN-UP Global claims the charges against the Ukrainian partner to be legally absurd appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Imagine Live Receives ONJN License
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Imagine Live, the live casino provider has been approved by ONJN – the Romanian regulator
Imagine Live is thrilled to announce that it has successfully obtained the Class II license in Romania through its subsidiary ImagineLive Ro for the streaming of Live Casino games.
Martin Martirosyan Imagine Live Group CEO, commented: “Imagine Live is an established brand committed to delivering exceptional products and gaming experiences by putting the player at the centre of the live gaming experience. Imagine Live is equally committed to providing premium and customised live dealer solutions with bespoke tables and studios for our Romanian operator partners to ensure a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return, which drives deeper engagement and revenue opportunities.
The successful regulatory Class II approval from the Romanian ONJN regulatory authority further underpins our company’s growth plans and investments for state-of-the-art live dealer studios and customised live dealer product experiences.”
The post Imagine Live Receives ONJN License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025: The Online Voting Battle Begins February 12!
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The highly anticipated GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 is entering its next thrilling phase as the online voting period kicks off on February 12 and runs through February 28, 2025. Nominees, get ready to enter the spotlight and prepare your communications campaigns! From the moment voting opens, all nominated companies and individual professionals will be visible, giving them the opportunity to rally support via social media and beyond to secure votes.
The GamingTECH CEE Awards celebrates outstanding achievements, embracing the latest advancements and industry trends in the region. Following a rigorous nomination process that concluded on January 19, the upcoming online voting session will determine the shortlists.
Key Dates:
- Online Voting Period: February 12–28, 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: March 4, 2025
- Final Live Vote & Awards Ceremony: March 25, 2025, at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit
New Rule for 2025:
This year, the GamingTECH CEE Awards introduces an important update: Each voter will only be allowed one vote for the entire online voting period. Nominees are encouraged to actively engage their industry peers and supporters to maximize their chances of advancing to the finals.
From “Shortlisted” to “Finalist”
Additionally, only shortlisted nominees who confirm their attendance at the Awards by purchasing a ticket for the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will be eligible to advance to the final voting stage. This ensures a fair competition for the Awards between equally committed finalists, and a strong industry presence at the Summit to foster greater networking and engagement.
The final live vote will take place at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit on March 25, 2025, where all event participants will have the opportunity to cast their votes and determine the ultimate winners. The winners will then be officially announced at the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony, proudly sponsored and presented by Endorphina.
Awards Categories:
Company Categories:
- Best Support for Responsible Gambling
- Best Testing Laboratory
- Best Payments Service Provider
- Best Affiliate
- Best Affiliate Program
- Best Sports Betting Provider
- Rising Star – Sports Betting Technology
- Best Esports Service Provider
- Best Online Casino Platform
- Rising Star – Online Casino Technology
- Online Casino Innovator
- Best Online Casino
- Best Sports Betting Operator
Individual Categories:
- CEE iGaming Leader of the Year: Recognizing an individual from the CEE region who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a strong impact in the iGaming industry. This person has driven growth and innovation in the region, setting the benchmark for others.
- CEE Rising Star in iGaming: Celebrating an individual from the CEE region who has shown remarkable promise and potential in the iGaming industry early in their career. This award highlights emerging talent that is expected to shape the future of iGaming in the region.
- CEE Innovator of the Year: Awarding the individual who has introduced the most groundbreaking innovations in the CEE iGaming sector. This person has significantly contributed to the evolution of the industry through unique products, services, or technologies tailored to the regional market.
- CEE iGaming Influencer of the Year: Honoring a prominent individual whose influence and insights have significantly shaped the CEE iGaming community. Their thought leadership, content, or social presence has driven trends and fostered growth within the regional iGaming space.
- Best iGaming CEO in CEE: Recognizing the CEO based in the CEE region who has led their company to new heights with outstanding strategic direction and business acumen. This award honors their ability to navigate the unique challenges of the CEE market and achieve exceptional business growth.
Get Involved & Secure Your Spot
Set your reminders and be ready for action on 12 February 2025! Encourage your peers, partners, and clients to participate in the voting process and ensure that your company or favorite nominee makes it to the final stage!
For more details on the awards, voting process, and ticketing information, visit https://hipther.com/events/prague/gamingtech-awards/ or contact HIPTHER at [email protected].
Join us in shaping the future of gaming and technology in CEE – Cast your vote and be part of the journey!
The post GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025: The Online Voting Battle Begins February 12! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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