Conferences in Europe
When 5 Votes Make All the Difference: A Special Moment at the GamingTECH CEE Awards

At this year’s GamingTECH CEE Awards, we witnessed something rare—and pretty remarkable—in the “Best iGaming CEO in CEE” category.
With 214 total votes cast across 9 nominees, two names clearly rose to the top, standing apart from a highly competitive field:
- Vlastimil Venclik, CEO at Oddin.gg
- Dario Jurčić, CEO at NSoft
But here’s where it gets interesting: the difference between them? Just 5 votes.
That’s right—after weeks of online voting and a live secret ballot from summit participants, the final count came down to a 5-vote margin. In a category filled with respected leaders, innovators, and visionaries, two CEOs clearly resonated with the industry in a big way.
And while only one person can technically take home the winner’s trophy, this razor-thin result was too significant to ignore. So, for the first time in the history of the GamingTECH CEE Awards, we decided to introduce something new:
- An Honorary Runner-Up Trophy for “Best iGaming CEO in CEE” awarded to Dario Jurčić, CEO of NSoft.
Why This Matters
The intent behind this decision is simple: When excellence is nearly indistinguishable, it deserves to be recognized.
Dario Jurčić has played a vital role in expanding NSoft’s influence, strengthening its presence in new markets, and leading with a people-first approach in a rapidly evolving sector. His visibility, leadership, and impact were clearly acknowledged by the voting community—and with just a handful of votes separating him from the top spot, it felt only right to shine a spotlight on that achievement.
A Testament to a Vibrant Industry
The closeness of this race also speaks volumes about the caliber of leadership we’re seeing in the Central and Eastern European iGaming space. With companies like Oddin.gg and NSoft pushing boundaries in their respective verticals, the region continues to establish itself as a dynamic force in the global gaming landscape.
We congratulate Vlastimil Venclik on his well-earned win, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation and applause to Dario Jurčić for standing out in such a competitive field.
Sometimes, even second place can tell a powerful story—and this year, it certainly did.
The post When 5 Votes Make All the Difference: A Special Moment at the GamingTECH CEE Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Gaming in Spain Conference announces agenda

The Gaming in Spain Conference, which will take place June 26 at Auditorio ECIJA in Madrid, has announced its initial agenda.
A select number of confirmed conference sessions are listed below. A more comprehensive agenda is available here: https://www.gaminginspain.com/agenda2025
Gaming in Spain Conference – Preliminary agenda
(Please note that all session titles are provisional.)
Algorithms, advertising & deposit limits: Outlines and obligations
Mikel Arana, Director General, DGOJ
Regulatory update
Xavi Muñoz, Partner, ECIJA Law Firm
The Spanish iGaming market in numbers: Increasing black-market popularity?
Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital
Regulatory burdens and licensed market sustainability
Jorge Hinojosa, Director General, Jdigital; Ester Martin-Ortega, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Flutter Entertainment; Camille Gonzálvez, Gaming Lawyer, ECIJA
The Brazilian market: A regulatory update
Matheus Puppe, Partner, ECIJA Brazil
The state of play in promising LatAm markets (panel)
Eduardo Benavides, Managing Partner, ECIJA Peru; Matheus Puppe, Partner, ECIJA Brazil; Polibio Velenzuela, Partner, ECIJA Dominican Republic
For additional sessions, click here: https://www.gaminginspain.com/agenda2025
Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Spain, commented: “This year, we have decided to look a bit beyond Spain’s borders – at the opportunities offered by Latin America’s booming and increasingly regulated markets. I am, of course, very proud to welcome several local experts to our event who can tell us more about these opportunities. Even so, Spain remains the focal point of our event. The Spanish government’s efforts to turn gambling primarily into a public health issue ensures that there will be plenty to discuss this year.”
Breakout sessions, workshops, networking & more
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 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 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.
Further details will be made available after registering for the Conference.
The post Gaming in Spain Conference announces agenda appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.
This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.
Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet
The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.
Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony
On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.
Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party
The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.
Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery
In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:
Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.
TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.
Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more – while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.
Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops
Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:
- RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
- Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
- Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
- Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”
The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.
For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
👉 hipther.com/events/vilnius
The post HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
EGT will be a gold sponsor of Casino Operations Summit 2025

Euro Games Technology will partner with the Casino Operations Summit for another year in a row. The Bulgarian gaming equipment manufacturer will be a gold sponsor of this year’s event, taking place from May 13 to 15 in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
The conference is tailored to European multi-channel casino operators and will traditionally bring together keynote speakers who will elaborate on the latest topics in the industry. This year’s main themes will focus on how land-based casinos can successfully address the challenges of the modern world, remaininng relevant and attractive to players, and navigate the ever-growing importance of Casino Online Systems and Casino Management Systems.
In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy a selection of EGT’s newest high-potential products. Among the highlights will be the S 32-32 ST cabinet, which is part of the latest Supreme slot series. Following the contemporary design trends with its 2 high-resolution 32-inch UHD 4K monitors and a frameless UHD 4K display, this model will offer visitors an engaging gaming experience thanks to its numerous ergonomic features. It will also present the Supreme Red Selection and Supreme Bonus Prize Bonus Buy Selection multigames. The mixes offer a rich variety of well-known and brand-new slot titles from the company’s portfolio, allowing everyone to find their preferred type of game.
The slot display will be complemented by the jackpot top performer Bell Link with the multigame Bell Link 2, Bell Link Boost, as well as the popular cabinet G 50 J2 ST.
The post EGT will be a gold sponsor of Casino Operations Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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