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:
Affiliate Industry
Affiliate Leaders Summit Grows 40% as Global Operators and Affiliates Flock to Lisbon
Following a successful run, the Affiliate Leaders Summit will make its return to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) this September, now expanded to a three-day format and featuring the debut of the Affiliate Leaders Awards.
Taking place from 16–18 September, the Affiliate Leaders Summit runs alongside SBC Summit as a focused, standalone platform for affiliates, affiliate managers, and enabling suppliers. It also delivers a more targeted networking and learning experience, with a dedicated content stage and curated audience of 8,000 operator representatives and 3,500 affiliates.
Affiliate Leaders Summit delegates will also enjoy full access to wider SBC Summit features, including evening socials, the main expo floor, and Super Stage keynotes from leading voices such as Gary Vaynerchuk.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Last year’s launch of the Affiliate Leaders Summit was a big milestone for us. The response was incredible, but we knew we could do even more. That’s why this year, we’re giving it the time it deserves; three full days to ensure attendees can take in everything this event has to offer.
“We’re also introducing the Affiliate Leaders Awards, which I’m personally very excited about. Affiliates play a vital role in this industry, and it’s time we had a platform that truly celebrates their work alongside the operator programmes and suppliers who help make it all happen.”
A 40% expansion of the 2025 show floor also underscores the event’s rising influence, following 2024’s debut that earned standout NPS ratings—79 from affiliates and 68 from operators. This year’s exhibitor list is stacked with leaders of the field, including Catena Media, Clever Advertising, Evoke, Flashscore, Kaizen Gaming, Medier, Megapari, Novibet, and Shake, offering attendees direct access to key players across the affiliate and operator landscape.
On the conference side of things, the Affiliate Leaders Stage at this year’s summit delivers a powerful three-day journey through the evolution of affiliate marketing, starting with the martech tools redefining performance and partnerships, moving into audience-focused strategies that tap into community-driven SEO and smarter collaboration, and culminating in a forward-looking exploration of AI, diversification beyond Google, and the future role of affiliate managers.
With debates, CEO insights, hands-on workshops, and panels tackling everything from automation and CRM to content authenticity and deal transparency, this stage arms attendees with the ideas, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
The conference sessions will bring together some of the biggest names in affiliate marketing, including Jonathan Edelshaim (CEO, Natural Intelligence), Elaine Gardiner-Ruddock (Managing Director, TAG Media), Peter Gunni (CEO, Traffic Lab), Filip Komljenovic (Head of Sales, Sofascore), Deb Lee (Director of AI & Data Operations, CILA, Entain), Andre Machado (CCO, Clever Advertising), Leanne Muleba (Chief Operations Officer, Matching Visions), and Johan Styren (CEO & Co-founder, Dilanti Media).
Those joining the Affiliate Leaders Summit will benefit not only from the tailored content on the dedicated stage and Super Stage but also from the addition of the Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages. With affiliates and operators among the most curious about cross-border growth, these new stages provide an ideal opportunity to explore regional strategies and understand new audiences.
Affiliate and operator attendees can expect the VIP treatment at the Affiliate Leaders Summit, with complimentary access to the event’s premium evening networking lineup. That includes the high-energy Opening Party with Joel Corry and Imanbek, and the return of INFINITY Lisbon, featuring electrifying performances from Alok and Timmy Trumpet.
Sojmark added: “The Affiliate Leaders Summit is designed to make networking and easier by giving you a dedicated space to connect. But the hospitality doesn’t stop there. You’re part of the full SBC Summit experience. With access to all six stages, complimentary food and drinks at the Food Festival, and the freedom to explore every area of the event, you’re welcome to engage as widely as you like. The Affiliate Leaders Summit simply helps you focus your efforts where they matter most.”
Affiliate or operator? Get your free pass now.
Not an operator or affiliate? Here’s how to get a pass:
VIP Event Pass – Enjoy full access to the event, including: all conference sessions, evening networking parties, pre-loaded food festival wristband with €30, and post-event access to all content.
Group VIP Event Pass – Get VIP Event Passes for just €400 each (a saving of €200 per ticket!) when you buy three or more passes (Perfect for bringing the team along!)
Expo+ Pass: Gain access to the full exhibition floor and all conference sessions across the three days. This does not include access to our exclusive VIP evening networking events.
Expo Only Pass: Free to attend, this pass gives you access to the exhibition floor – perfect for networking and exploring the show without attending the conference sessions.
The post Affiliate Leaders Summit Grows 40% as Global Operators and Affiliates Flock to Lisbon appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
2025 Gaming in Germany Conference to address black market data, business developments & more!
The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference, set to take place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, will once again be THE place to get the latest information on Germany’s online gambling market.
Speakers & topics
The Gaming in Germany Conference is an annual event for everyone who is professionally involved in Germany’s regulated online gambling industry.
The conference will cover topics such as the latest regulatory developments (including the upcoming review of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty), IP blocking, black market growth, player protection, marketing, compliance, and much more.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner, Melchers Law
- Senior GGL representative
- Senior ZEAL representative
- Mathias Dahms, President, DSWV
- Dirk Quermann, President, DOCV
- Christian Heins, Director iGaming, Tipico
- Birgitte Sand, CEO, Birgitte Sand & Associates
- Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital
Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Germany, commented: “Like in many other European markets, calls for stricter regulations have put black-market growth in the spotlight. In Germany in particular, there exists significant controversy about the true market share of offshore operators. We intend to share specific and concrete data at this year’s conference. We are very happy that the German regulator will be present, as well as all the major industry voices. If you are in any way interested in the future of the German iGaming market, this event is not to be missed.”
Business operations & breakout sessions
In addition to high-level regulatory and policy-related information, the 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference also offers profoundly practical information on topics such as KYC, AML, data protection, payment solutions, and much more. Breakout sessions will be hosted by trained experts and are highly interactive.
Get practical information to give your day-to-day operations a boost!
Call for speakers
If you are interested in delivering a presentation or participating in a product or service-themed breakout session, please contact Gaming in Germany founder Willem van Oort for more information regarding opportunities and possibilities.
We are specifically looking for expertise on business topics such as media & marketing, affiliation, compliance, and operations.
Practical information
The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm!
Registration for the event is now open: https://bit.ly/GiGC2025
See you in Berlin!
The post 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference to address black market data, business developments & more! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
From 16–18 September 2025, the global sports betting and iGaming community will converge at the Feira Internacional De Lisboa for SBC Summit 2025 – an industry-defining exhibition and conference designed to bring scale, structure, strategic dialogue and actionable business opportunities to the evolving gaming landscape.
This year’s edition is set to welcome 30,000 delegates and will unfold across an expanded 135,000 square metre venue space. With 700+ exhibitors, 550+ speakers, and a structured layout spanning 5 vertical-specific zones, the event reflects both the complexity and global reach of today’s gaming ecosystem.
An Evolving Format to Match Industry Needs
The layout of SBC Summit 2025 has been carefully designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry. Each of the five dedicated zones will focus on a key vertical, with its own exhibition floor, conference stage, and networking areas. This format aims to enhance relevance for attendees by enabling more focused exploration, conversation, and business development.
In addition to these zones, the event will host two specialist summits:
- Affiliate Leaders Summit
- Payment Expert Summit
These dedicated summits allow for deeper interaction among professionals operating in specific areas of the gaming value chain.
A Multi-Stage Conference Agenda
The conference programme will span seven stages, hosting over 550 speakers. Among many highlights will be headline speaker appearances from global superstars – such as marketing & tech pioneer Gary Vaynerchuck, with others to be announced shortly. Sessions are set to address core topics such as:
- Application and implementation of Web3.0, AI, Blockchain and other booming technologies
- Player protection and responsible gaming
- Evolving regulation and compliance in Global & Emerging markets
- Payment solutions and financial innovation
- Advances in iGaming and casino tech
- Affiliate strategies and performance marketing
Session formats will vary – including keynotes, workshops, and roundtable discussions– designed to encourage both knowledge sharing and interactive dialogue.
Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Media Infrastructure
To support both formal and informal engagement, the venue will also feature a dedicated media headquarters and a food festival area – offering relaxed settings for interviews, content creation, and spontaneous networking.
SBC Summit 2025 continues to position itself as a significant touchpoint for industry professionals seeking not only visibility, but also long-term growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Evenings of Connection: Networking Events & Infinity Lisbon Closing Party
SBC Summit 2025 isn’t just about the sessions and exhibition floor – it’s about the connections that spark after hours. This year’s lineup of networking events invites delegates to experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife through a curated series of parties, dinners, and celebrations hosted at the city’s most iconic venues.
The week kicks off with the SBC Summit Opening Party on Tuesday, 16 September, at Urban Beach – one of Lisbon’s hottest night spots – featuring headline sets by international DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, network, and set the tone for the days ahead.
On Wednesday, 17 September, a trio of exclusive events will unfold across Lisbon:
- The C-Level & Operator VIP Dinner & Networking Party at SUD Lisboa, offering luxury dining and breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril Bridge from its rooftop terrace
- The Payment Expert Summit VIP Dinner & Party at Kais Restaurante Bar, designed for professionals in the Emerging Tech and Payments sphere
- And the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 at MEO Arena, celebrating affiliate excellence with a glamorous awards ceremony and gala dinner
The Summit culminates in a spectacular finale: the Infinity Lisbon Closing Party 2025, held on Thursday, 18 September at the iconic MEO Arena. With superstar DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet headlining, this event promises to be a high-energy, unforgettable close to an impactful week of business and celebration.
From casual mingling to VIP experiences, SBC Summit 2025 ensures that meaningful connections happen at every level – both on and off the show floor.
For full details, visit the official event site: sbcevents.com/sbc-summit
The post SBC Summit 2025: Scaling Connections and Industry Dialogue in Lisbon appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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