Conferences in Europe
Sponsors Spotlight: Winning the iGaming Technology Race – GR8 Tech Shares Winning Formula at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit
Ahead of the highly-anticipated Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, organizer HIPTHER is thrilled to introduce and put the spotlight on the companies and people that help make the magic happen: our conference sponsors! These innovative, accomplished professionals and teams make magic happen everyday, and they will be joining us at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 taking place on 26-27 March, to share insights, network and collaborate with you! Get to know them, connect, and meet them in Prague!
In this Sponsors Spotlight Interview, the #hipthers meet Artur Ashyrov, Chief Technology Officer at GR8 Tech, Main Stage Sponsor of the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Artur will be speaking at the Summit, offering an insightful exploration into the world of cutting-edge technology development.
EG: Hello Artur, thank you for taking the time for this interview. We are delighted to get to know you and introduce you to our readers! Speaking of introductions, let’s kick things off by hearing more about you and your role as a CTO at GR8 Tech.
AA: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to share insights into my journey and the impactful work we do at GR8 Tech. As the CTO, I focus on achieving revenue-driven company goals and developing our engineering team.
My overall journey in tech started in 2006, and since then, I’ve navigated through various sectors, from outsourcing projects to spearheading platform development in industries such as booking systems, CRM, media, iGaming, and more. I love solving complex challenges, driving meaningful tech advancement, and improving large, unwieldy projects to deliver great results, even if it goes along with challenging the status quo in technology, company culture, and mindsets.
At GR8 Tech, I’m also deeply involved in the GR8 Tech Academy, mentoring the next generation of tech professionals. This project, aimed at people entering IT and ensuring they have not just theory but hands-on experience, is very close to my heart. Many of the Academy’s graduates join our team and work to push the boundaries of what’s possible, using technology as a catalyst for growth and transformation.
EG: GR8 Tech’s “About” section on LinkedIn begins with the intro “GR8 Tech is an international iGaming solutions provider”. Breaking this description down, what are the solutions and products that GR8 Tech offers to clients?
AA: We create a full kit of iGaming products necessary to launch and run a long-term successful, profitable iGaming operation. The front and center of our product lineup is, of course, the high-performance GR8 Sportsbook platform, designed to handle high loads with ease and bring tangible financial results to the operators through unique margin management capabilities. The Sportsbook is complemented by many other products, from the Casino platform to the CRM system, payment gateway, iFrame, etc.
EG: So, GR8 Tech boasts a 360° suite for the iGaming industry, including a payment gateway and CRM system, as well as over 15 successful cases worldwide in its first year alone! What is the secret behind that vast and fast success? Something tells us it’s all about Tech – how do you make it “GR8”?
AA: Having a great background in technology, we are able to develop products that scale seamlessly but also evolve alongside our clients’ growing needs. Understanding that every business eventually requires increased processing capacity and flexibility, we preemptively integrate SDKs and APIs, and ensure data-sharing capabilities within our products, connecting and integrating it all into a unified, well-functioning ecosystem. It sets us apart from many competitors – and is rooted in our commitment to a data-driven approach, which creates additional value for our clients.
EG: In this first year of GR8ness in the industry, from your first steps till now, what are the most important milestones the company has conquered and its most significant updates?
AA: We are a young company but an experienced team with the long-standing, well-known tech behind the name. So, the biggest challenges for us were associated with finding our own B2B voice and our unique value proposition and presenting it to the market loud and clear. That’s exactly what we did last year, and I think the recognition our products received with nominations in several respectable industry awards, including the SBC Awards and SiGMA Awards, are our most significant milestones, showcasing the growing recognition of GR8 Tech in the industry. This year, we have already opened the business season exhibiting at ICE London, winning several new clients for GR8 Tech, and shortlisting in SiGMA Eurasia and SiGMA Africa. Quite a start – I’m excited for what comes next!
EG: GR8’s chosen brand language and communications are built around the concept of racing; in the race for innovation in the modern Tech scene – especially in iGaming – which emerging technologies are truly useful, and what’s overhyped?
AA: We are always looking at all emerging technologies, but we are very careful about implementing them for the sake of being “innovative.” We don’t enter the same race for innovation just to put a proud “AI-powered” sticker somewhere on our website for implementing Chat-GPT prompts in our products.
But we look at all trending technologies and implement them when they bring real value to customers. For example, AI has been in our systems for 4-5 years. Now, we are looking at LLM to enhance customer support and other functions.
It is also always interesting to find some useful applications for blockchain, but in our industry, it is really an overhyped technology because it is being pulled everywhere, just like Chat GPT. The metaverse is also very overhyped, and I don’t think this technology will change user habits dramatically because the convenience of AR/VR devices is still far behind the value of the experience. It will be interesting to see what kind of impetus the new Apple Vision Pro will give to this – it seems to me that this is the first step towards making these devices more convenient and mainstream.
EG: At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, you will be speaking about “Engineering Excellence”. Can you give our readers and the Summit’s participants an idea of what exactly constitutes Engineering Excellence in today’s Tech, and the key points you will be analyzing at the Conference?
AA: To understand engineering excellence, you should first think about what the industry is like nowadays. With technologies like Chat GPT, tech specialists can now super quickly do tasks for which before they were paid thousands – for their knowledge, expertise, and amazing coding. So these new technologies raise an interesting question: What is engineering excellence in the world where a machine can do a lot of ‘monkey jobs’ for you?
It turns out, today, technological excellence is not so much about technology but about the ability to think ahead, to design, to not overcomplicate things where they can be avoided, and so on. The latter is especially important, as it is a pressing issue in the industry, as everyone just loves to invent some problems and then create even more problems when trying to solve them.
Another interesting aspect is what engineering excellence is from the client’s point of view. I think that engineering excellence can be measured in how little you pay attention to your tech – everything just works, and that’s it. Not thinking about the number of cores in your processor or the capacity of RAM is the best indication that everything is just how it should be. But to make it so, developers should think rather broadly, investing in great technology and creating stable, scalable infrastructure that’s capable of providing this level of customer experience.
EG: Thank you for this very interesting and insightful interview, Artur! We look forward to seeing you in person at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, and hearing all about Engineering Excellence and the development process in your exclusive one-on-one session.
Join us in Prague to connect with Artur and the GR8 Tech Team:
The Gaming in Spain Conference, which will take place June 26 in Madrid, has added several new speakers to its agenda.
Regis Dudena, Secretary of Prizes and Bets at Brazil’s Ministry of Finance (through remote video link), and Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight and Engagement at Clarion Gaming, will both make an appearance at the event.
Dudena and Bakun join an already impressive speaker lineup that includes Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ; Xavi Muñoz, Partner at ECIJA Law Firm; Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital; Ester Martin-Ortega, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Flutter Entertainment; and Ed Birkin, Managing Director of H2 Gambling Capital.
Additionally, we are happy to welcome Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO of affiliate network iGaming.com, who will provide a deep-dive analysis of the search behavior (and preferences) of Spanish iGaming players.
Breakout sessions and networking opportunities
In addition to our main program, the Gaming in Spain Conference also features several highly practical breakout sessions, as well as three certificate-granting workshops (generously provided by Chevron Consultants) on internal audits and the EU’s AI Act, GDPR website checks, and establishing a learning culture in your organization.
The workshops will take place on June 25 – the day prior to the main event – and are free to attend for paying GiS Conference attendees.
Furthermore, the Gaming in Spain Conference offers plenty of networking opportunities during coffee breaks, lunch, and the after-event networking drinks.
Finally, all Gaming in Spain Conference attendees are cordially invited to attend the Jdigital Awards ceremony on June 26. The Jdigital Awards honor outstanding contributions to the improvement of Spain’s regulated online gambling sector.
Registration now open
Registration for the Gaming in Spain Conference is now open. Don’t miss it! Register today: https://bit.ly/GiSC2025.
See you in Madrid!
The post Gaming in Spain Conference announces new speakers, networking opportunities appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SYNOT Group once again took part in the prestigious Belgrade Future Gaming exhibition, held on May 27–28, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia. At booth A3, featuring a brand-new casino-inspired design, SYNOT presented its latest technologies and gaming solutions, which were met with positive feedback from both visitors and business partners.
This year’s presentation built on the successful introduction of the company’s new visual booth concept at the ICE exhibition in Barcelona. Representatives from SYNOT W, SYNOT Games and SYNOT Interactive brought a comprehensive range of products and solutions to the Serbian capital.
SYNOT unveiled its newest product innovations and technological advancements, including a broad portfolio of the latest gaming cabinets and systems. The world premiere of the ST3-27 cabinet, which features 27-inch monitors, attracted significant interest when it was unveiled to the public for the first time in Belgrade.
Among other presented models was the modular ST2-32 cabinet, the first of its kind in the SYNOT portfolio. It was showcased in a configuration featuring an LED jackpot display and the Gamifire Prime gaming system, offering 36 games. Also on display were the brand-new Firebird Gold system, offering a mix of 42 classic and Hold and Respin games, and Firebird Platinum, featuring a combination of 36 classic and linked games.
Visitors could also see other proven models, including the UP2-32, UP1-27, and Eclipse FL-32. The presentation was further enriched by updated jackpot systems, such as the new version of SUPER LINK for slot machines with 8 linked games, presented in the UP2-32 cabinet with LED display; MAGIC BALL LINK in the Eclipse FL-32 setup; and the well-known Firebird Red, Blue and Explosive Games Premium+, which drew significant attention.
A key part of the SYNOT presentation was the SYNNET Casino Management System, introduced by experts from SYNOT Interactive. The company also showcased its complete portfolio of iGaming software solutions. Meanwhile, SYNOT Games highlighted its growing offer of over 200 online games, including the innovative retention tool PEAK, which enables operators to launch targeted promotional campaigns.
“Belgrade Future Gaming is traditionally an important event for us. It provides the opportunity to present our latest innovations, meet with partners, and explore new business opportunities. We were very pleased with the high attendance at our booth and the positive reactions to both our new products and booth design. Throughout the exhibition, we held numerous productive meetings that opened up further opportunities for collaboration. This strong interest from industry professionals confirms that BFG remains a key platform for strengthening the SYNOT brand and expanding our business in the region,” said Roland Andrýsek, Sales Director of SYNOT GROUP.
The post SYNOT Group Showcased its Latest Products at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The HIPTHER Team is proud to celebrate another highly successful event for Gaming and Tech, in a powerful edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit in Vilnius!
The full-house conference was a fitting closure to the groundbreaking MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH series that united the Baltics and became a pivotal meeting point and beacon of ideas in the region for seven incredible years.
HIPTHER is grateful to all of our extraordinary speakers who generously shared their expertise with our audience, and to all the fantastic participants dynamically engaging, connecting, and spurring the future of the local industries.
Panels, Workshops & Powerful Takeaways
From the very first session to the final farewell, MARE BALTICUM 2025 delivered two days packed with meaningful insight, future-facing dialogue, and high-impact learning.
Across the Compliance & Operations Lab and the TechXperience Stage, C-level executives, innovators, and thought leaders came together to unpack the most urgent topics shaping Gaming, Tech, Fintech, and Regulation today. From navigating multi-jurisdictional compliance and decoding AI’s role in iGaming, to understanding consumer protection under MiCA and mapping the rise of decentralized platforms, each panel reflected HIPTHER’s mission: to bring clarity, context, and challenge to every conversation.
A key highlight of this year’s edition was the HIPTHER Academy Workshops – a brand-new initiative designed to elevate professional skills through actionable, hands-on sessions. Participants engaged directly with experts in focused workshops, earning digital diplomas marking their attendance and new learning achievement.
Sessions included:
- Crypto Custody, Transparency & Consumer Protection Under MiCA with Anna Agu
- Creative Rights, Real Risks by Andrius Gabnys & Jovita Morta Gabne
- RegTech in Action with Viktorija Poluektova
- Neuroshift by Dr. Maria Loumpourdi
Each workshop offered a deep, hands-on dive into its subject matter, blending real-world scenarios with strategic tools for sustained professional growth.
Awards, Networking & the Signature HIPTHER Experience
The conference went beyond panels and progress: it was also a celebration of the people and companies driving the industry forward.
This year’s BSG Awards Ceremony honored excellence across the Baltic and Nordic regions, with standout winners including Betsson Group, Amusnet Gaming, Digitain, BETER, Coinspaid, and GLI, as well as individual honors for visionaries like Daniel Gunba, Irakli Davarashvili, and Vladimir Malakchi.
Every evening brought the HIPTHER community together in unforgettable venues: from the cozy buzz of the Welcome Meet at Piano Man Bar, to the jazz-infused elegance of the Awards Night at Jazz Cellar 11, and finally the intimate conversations and clinking glasses of the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius. As always, HIPTHER’s signature hospitality turned networking into genuine connection, where business cards meet genuine moments, and partnerships are sparked over stories instead of mere pitches.
What’s Next: 2026 and Beyond
2018 – 2025: MARE BALTICUM SUMMIT ➝ 2026 → ???
For seven unforgettable years, the MARE BALTICUM GAMING & TECH SUMMIT brought the Baltic region together, uniting industries, people, and progress under one roof. The 2025 edition in Vilnius marked the summit’s grand finale, and it did not disappoint: a full house, full hearts, and a bold step forward.
So… is that the end?
Not quite.
In 2026, something new is coming! Something grounded in the values that defined MARE BALTICUM, but reimagined for a new era of regional collaboration.
More local. More focused. More connected.
We’re not ready to say too much (yet).
But if you’ve ever been part of the #hipthers journey… you’ll want to be part of what comes next. Stay tuned!
The post MARE BALTICUM 2025 Wrapped: Paving the Way for Gaming & Tech in the Baltics appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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