Baltics
BSG Awards 2023 Online Voting: Vote for your favorite Baltic or Nordic operators and suppliers
- The online voting phase for the 2023 BSG Awards is now live
- MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit is held between 16-17 May in Riga, Latvia
- Leading speakers from globally recognized companies confirmed
- Discounted rate available until mid-March
The #hipthers are excited to announce that the online voting stage to determine the shortlist of the 2023 BSG Awards is now live.
You can vote for your favorite Baltic and Nordic companies and help them advance to the shortlists. Cast your votes here 👉 https://hipther.com/events/riga/awards/
BSG Awards will be held on 16 May at the luxurious Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga alongside the newly launched BTECH Awards, both awards as part of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit.
Register here | View the program | Become a Sponsor
The awards’ online voting process opened today (6th of March), with the industry invited to vote online up until March 20th.
Totaling 36 nomination categories, the awards are considered the leading accolade in the region, established to provide an independent, fair and representative awards event that recognizes significant achievements across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming industries.
Here are the categories in which you can help decide the finalists:
Baltic | region
- BEST SPORTS BETTING OPERATOR IN THE BALTICS 2023 (OPERATORS)
- BEST SPORTS BETTING PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST ESPORTS SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST FANTASY SPORTS / VIRTUAL SPORTS PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN BALTIC FANTASY SPORTS / VIRTUAL SPORTS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN BALTIC SPORTS BETTING TECHNOLOGY 2023 (B2B)
- BEST PAYMENT SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
- BEST ONLINE CASINO IN THE BALTICS 2023 (OPERATORS)
- BEST ONLINE CASINO PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST SLOTS PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST LIVE CASINO PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN BALTIC ONLINE CASINO TECHNOLOGY 2023 (B2B)
- BEST TESTING LABORATORY IN THE BALTICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
- BEST HOSTING PROVIDER IN THE BALTICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
Nordic | region
- BEST SPORTS BETTING OPERATOR IN THE NORDICS 2023 (OPERATORS)
- BEST SPORTS BETTING PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST ESPORTS SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST FANTASY SPORTS / VIRTUAL SPORTS PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN NORDIC FANTASY SPORTS / VIRTUAL SPORTS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN NORDIC SPORTS BETTING TECHNOLOGY 2023 (B2B)
- BEST PAYMENT SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
- BEST ONLINE CASINO IN THE NORDICS 2023 (OPERATORS)
- BEST ONLINE CASINO PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST SLOTS PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- BEST LIVE CASINO PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (B2B)
- RISING STAR IN NORDIC ONLINE CASINO TECHNOLOGY 2023 (B2B)
- BEST TESTING LABORATORY IN THE NORDICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
- BEST HOSTING PROVIDER IN THE NORDICS 2023 (CONNECTED)
To provide a fully transparent process, the final winners of each shortlist category will be decided by a special voting session held during the day of the conference.
BSG Awards had been launched in 2019 and the awards ceremony is part of MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, a leading boutique style gambling & deep tech industry conference of the Baltic and Scandinavian region. Even at its inaugural edition, BSG Awards has become the most important gaming industry awards in the region.
*BSG Awards stands for Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards
The success of the MARE BALTICUM GAMING & TECH SUMMIT is guaranteed based on the results the team at HIPTHER Agency has seen in the past 7 years when connecting several industry stakeholders during their summits and meetups. Without any doubt, the #hipthers always strive to bring quality discussions for the audience.
In 2023, the 2-day event will feature even more forward-thinking discussions, bring quality compliance reports and share the latest market-related information from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and more.
The event takes place at the luxurious Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, and the delegates are invited to take part in an upgraded event that has always been considered as a must-attend conference in the region for many leaders.
The draft agenda is now available and the organizers invite you to register at the discounted rate that is available until 19 March.
Register here | View the program | Become a Sponsor
The draft agenda includes the following panels and topics:
- Gambling Industry Spotlight: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
- Blockchain in the Baltic region
- Fintechs in the Baltic region and beyond
- Gambling Industry Spotlight: Nordics
- SEO for the Baltic region, localization and translation
- Gambling Industry Spotlight: D-A-CH
- Blockchain in gaming and the future of Web3
- The opportunity and challenges of entering the Baltic
- IMGL MasterClass
- Marketing in the metaverse
- VRevolution – XR, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
- Responsible Gaming
- AI at the tip of our fingers, changing the world rapidly
- Esports, Sports Betting and Fantasy Sports in the Baltic and Nordic region
- Slots, Gamification, game development, streaming by the masters
- BSG Awards 2023 & BTECH Awards 2023
Besides the speakers and moderator, the top decision-makers and business influencers are joining the key event of the Baltic and Nordic region during Spring time and be ready to gain access to a wealth of information while also enjoying some quality networking.
C-level executives, compliance experts, government officials who are active in the iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, and many more are going to share their knowledge and are ready to meet you in Riga between 16-17 May 2023.
Participants also have the opportunity to explore the future by entering the metaverse via virtual reality goggles onsite during the show.
At the moment you can enjoy a substantial discount by opting to register early. You can find more details here: https://hipther.com/events/riga/regriga2023/
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.
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The Rīga city council is planning to ban gambling in the Latvian capital almost completely according to new regulations it has prepared.
The municipality has developed new binding regulations that will determine the territories in which the organisation of gambling will be prohibited. Rīga Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis said at a press conference that the main goal of the binding regulations is to make Riga gambling-free.
However, the plan is not in fact a blanket ban, though it stipulates that gambling is only possible in a few small areas.
Gambling will not be allowed to be organised in municipal real estate, neighbourhood centres, cultural monuments and their territories, their protective zones and in the building protection territories specified in the Riga spatial plan.
Juris Celmārs, Chairman of the Board of Olympic Casino Latvia Ltd., said that the planned restrictions could promote the development of a new niche of the shadow economy – unregulated, illegal gambling halls which would not generate any tax revenue.
“By preventing a legal and strictly supervised industry from operating, illegal places will begin to satisfy consumer demand,” Celmārs said.
The Latvian Interactive Gambling Association (LIAB) said that decisions must be proportionate and legal, otherwise the industry will be forced to go to court to defend its rights. There have already been lengthy legal battles over the matter.
“As a result, the industry’s losses and legal expenses may have to be compensated from the city budget,” LIAB representatives said.
The post Rīga City Council to Ban Gambling Halls in the Latvian Capital appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Bombay Group, renowned for its innovative approach to luxury gaming and hospitality, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter by appointing Kevin McGowen as the new CEO.
“Time has arrived to welcome all suitable discerning players from across the globe to experience our unparalleled gaming offerings,” said Mr McGowen as he sees Bombay Group as a global leader in redefining the gaming experience that combines cutting-edge technology, cashless systems, and private, exclusive environments to reshape the traditional casino industry. “I’m hugely impressed by the Bombay team’s dedication to elevating standards in the high-end gaming industry from a product and compliance perspective. One of my goals for the near future is to engage even broader global experience in the team,” added the new CEO.
The company’s interim CEO, Anita Brinke, has set the stage for Bombay Group’s next phase of growth as the final preparations for the opening of the unique venue are concluded, and the organisation is well-prepared for its ambitious goals. “The ultimate goal of my work of recent years has been to realise the unique vision of a destination that is totally worth a separate journey regardless of how much one has experienced in life. Only a few weeks remain until the opening of The Burman and in combination with the Bombay Club they will complete the redefining of modern high quality entertainment. Now is a good time to pass the baton so that Kevin can give our crown jewel the final shine,” said Brinke assuredly.
Kevin McGowen, a Chief Executive has over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality and relationship marketing. Most recently, he served as CEO of Les Ambassadeurs, a prestigious private members’ casino in Mayfair, London. Kevin’s career spans across major global gaming jurisdictions and client feeder markets, including Las Vegas, The Bahamas, London, the Far East, and the Middle East. Kevin’s extensive experience in both land-based and online gaming will play a pivotal role in realising the Group’s ambitious vision.
The Group is also pleased to announce Dajana Tiitsaar as Chief Operating Officer. Dajana’s strong operational background and extensive knowledge of local market dynamics will play a critical role in ensuring seamless daily operations. Dajana joined Bombay Group from Enefit, an Estonian based energy company where she last held the country manager position, she also has over a dozen years of experience in tourism, hospitality and marketing. Her appointment underscores Bombay Group’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term success.
In August 2024, Bombay Group proudly opened the Bombay Club, alongside world-class restaurant, bars, and lounges in Tallinn. Looking ahead to March 2025, Bombay is set to open its highly anticipated hotel, The Burman, in Tallinn’s historic Old Town. Dating back to 1850, The Burman is among the city’s historic gems. The hotel will open with two additional restaurants, a bakery, and a spa, further enhancing and enriching the character of Tallinn’s historic Hanseatic town. This addition will complete the full buildout of the project, cementing Bombay Group’s commitment of delivering premium world-class experiences in gaming and hospitality.
The post Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
iDenfy’s advanced KYC tools will help streamline the onboarding process for 7bet’s gaming platform, minimizing multi-accounting or promo abuse rates
iDenfy, a Lithuania-based RegTech company specializing in AI-powered ID verification and fraud prevention solutions, partnered with 7bet, a leading Lithuanian iGaming operator offering sports betting and iGaming services. iDenfy’s Know Your Customer (KYC) software will help 7bet’s gamers access the platform quicker while ensuring legal compliance and minimizing fraudulent accounts, such as those who abuse the bonus system or want to overcome bans using multi-accounting.
In 2024, the iGaming industry witnessed a significant surge in fraudulent activities, with overall fraud increasing by 64% compared to previous years. Much of this fraud is due to duplicate accounts, commonly known as multi-accounting. According to Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy, e-commerce marketplaces and iGaming establishments are the leading industries for multiple account fraud. This is part of the convenient nature of such services: you can access games or shop multiple items easily online.
However, D. Ciulde stresses that from a business perspective, this results in major financial losses, especially since fraud rings use bots and other techniques to bypass weak authentication measures. In regions like Western and Central Asia, sign-up and welcome bonuses are usually prevalent, which caused a decline rate in new signups due to fraudsters attempting to exploit these promotions through multiple accounts.
iDenfy’s newest partner, 7bet, offers a dynamic platform for sports betting and online gaming, focusing on providing a secure and engaging environment for users. Operating in a high-risk sector, 7bet faced challenges managing suspicious registrations, including users who are attempting to bypass KYC checks with duplicate accounts, fraudulent documentation, or automated bots. To detect multiple accounts, blocklisted users, or simply players who are abusing the promo system more efficiently, the iGaming business understood they needed a fully automated solution. As a result, by integrating iDenfy’s innovative solutions, 7bet has implemented a highly scalable and automated player onboarding process that helps to fully reduce the reliance on manual reviews and boost verification accuracy.
By integrating iDenfy’s identity verification software, 7bet benefits from an innovative system that is capable of recognizing, verifying and extracting data from over 3,000 identity documents across 200 countries and territories. This technology supports global compliance while providing 24/7 expert oversight to minimize fraud and system errors. Additionally, advanced biometric algorithms, including facial recognition and 3D liveness detection, ensure that only legitimate users are granted access. The system prevents attempts to use fake images, 3D masks, or other forgeries in the verification process, offering bulletproof authentication and security.
In addition to that, with iDenfy’s passive liveness checks, the company now ensures a frictionless onboarding experience, reducing duplicate account rates as the innovation evaluates the validity of a user’s selfie without requiring them to perform additional actions, such as turning their head. This dual approach, coupled with document verification, not only saves time for the user but also obscures security processes, deterring potential fraudsters from accessing exploitable information. According to iDenfy, this also works as a way to spot underage users who are trying to bypass KYC checks. “Our solution ensures that only age-appropriate, legitimate players access their beloved games, which is the key to maintaining transparent and fair play in this age-restricted sector,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy.
Justinas Bakšys, the COO of 7bet, highlighted, “Working with iDenfy has revolutionized our KYC procedure, allowing us to onboard consumers easily while guaranteeing regulatory compliance. Specifically, the passive liveness feature has lowered onboarding friction, giving our users a seamless and safe experience while safeguarding the platform against fraud.”
Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy, added: “We’re thrilled to work with 7bet and bring up-to-date ID verification technology to their platform. Our goal is to deliver secure and user-friendly solutions that build trust while safeguarding the integrity of iGaming operations.”
The post iDenfy and 7bet team up to stop multi-accounting with AI-powered ID verification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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