

Conferences in Europe
Evoplay Brings the Future of iGaming to GamingTECH CEE Summit
HIPTHER Agency and the #hipthers are thrilled to introduce the Main Stage Sponsor of the upcoming GamingTECH CEE Summit taking place in Budapest, on 26-27 September, 2023!
GamingTECH CEE is the rebranded CEEGC, the conference having a 7-year tradition of being the leading iGaming industry event in the Central and Eastern European region during Autumn. This year, the most popular in-person industry gathering in CEE proudly features Evoplay as its Main Stage Sponsor!
Being an industry-leading iGame provider dedicated to innovation, with a mission to go beyond the traditional approach to game development and change the global perception of gambling products, Evoplay’s values and future-first outlook perfectly align with the innovative spirit of Hipther and GamingTECH CEE.
We caught up with Ihor Zarechnyi, Head of Sales at Evoplay, to find out more about the company’s achievements, latest news, and the importance of the Central and Eastern European region for the company.
Hello Ihor, thank you for joining the #hipthers for this interview! Would you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your role at Evoplay?
I serve as the Head of Sales at Evoplay. My role primarily involves managing our company’s sales strategies, forging key partnerships, and expanding our footprint in various markets worldwide.
I’ve always been passionate about the iGaming industry and its dynamism. What I find most exciting about working at Evoplay is the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in such a fast-paced environment. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries to create unique, engaging gaming experiences that resonate with players across the globe. As the Head of Sales, I’m privileged to lead the charge in bringing these exceptional products to a broader audience.
Evoplay is a well-known iGaming company by now, boasting an incredible portfolio, Awards, and numerous partnerships, but could you give us a summary and more insight about the company and its achievements?
Evoplay is a pioneering force in the iGaming industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional game development to deliver unique, immersive, and memorable experiences to players across the globe. We are proud to be recognised for our innovative approach, as reflected in our robust portfolio, numerous awards, and strategic partnerships.
The company was established in 2017, and in a relatively short space of time, we’ve successfully developed over 200 engaging slots, table, and instant games that are enjoyed by players in multiple jurisdictions. Our gaming content is distinctive, not just because of our immersive graphics and engaging gameplay but also because we’ve introduced groundbreaking technology such as our Spinential system and various exciting mechanics. For instance, we’re known for pioneering the first 3D/VR slot games in the industry and creating award-winning Instant Games.
Our continuous work for innovation has been recognised and celebrated within the industry, leading to us being awarded Innovator of the Year at the EGR and Mobile Gaming Provider of the Year at the Malta Gaming Awards.
Evoplay launched a major rebranding campaign in 2021. What spurred this decision, and what was the secret of its success – especially amidst the challenging period of the pandemic?
The decision for the rebranding in 2021 was driven by our desire to reflect the immense growth and evolution Evoplay has undergone since our inception in 2017. We had established a strong foothold in the iGaming market, innovated with 3D/VR slots, and won significant industry awards. It felt like the right time to redefine our brand identity to align with our evolved stature and future ambitions.
The rebranding was also an opportunity for us to clarify our mission and values, making it known that we’re not just another gaming company—we’re an innovative entity committed to changing the perception of gambling products and enhancing the player experience.
The pandemic certainly presented its challenges, but it also brought about opportunities. With more people turning to online entertainment, there was a significant potential audience for our products. It was the perfect time to present a new, revitalised brand that stood for innovation, entertainment, and trust.
As for the secret to its success, I believe it was our authenticity and commitment. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the rebranding wasn’t just cosmetic but truly representative of our ethos and vision.
Evoplay recently published about tapping into the next-gen market with crypto iGaming business. How do you facilitate crypto gambling for your clients and their customers, and how do crypto casinos work with Evoplay?
The rapid rise of cryptocurrency, no doubt, has made significant waves across industries. Especially in iGaming, where things like decentralisation, instant transfers, and security are paramount, cryptocurrency offers compelling advantages.
The way in which crypto casinos and Evoplay work together is quite straightforward. These crypto-based platforms incorporate our exciting and popular games into their offerings and we saw an impressive 5.3x increase in bets placed via cryptocurrency in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first one. That alone shows the growing appetite for our innovative products in the crypto gaming space.
In essence, our commitment to pushing boundaries and flexibly responding to market trends makes us an ideal partner for crypto casinos. We’re excited to offer captivating, innovative gaming experiences to players in the crypto space and look forward to the future prospects this brings for our partners and the wider industry.
Looking back to Evoplay’s previous achievements and ongoing breakthroughs, which game titles, moments and partnerships would you consider as key milestones for the company?
In terms of game titles, Dungeon: Immortal Evil and Necromancer are a couple that have created quite a buzz in the industry. They were some of the first games to showcase our prowess in immersive technology and set a new standard for player engagement.
We have joined forces with industry heavyweights such as EveryMatrix, SoftGamings, Relax, and Oryx and this has been monumental for us. These alliances broadened our reach, enabling us to introduce our innovative games to an even wider audience.
But perhaps the most meaningful milestone of all is the growth of our company and the Evoplay team. We started as a small group with a vision, and now we’re a globally recognised name in iGaming, respected for our continuous innovation.
Your social media team recently posted about the most popular characters in slots! Which one do you prefer, and which Evoplay title is your personal favourite?
Each character has its own charm and appeal, and they all play a crucial part in creating the immersive experiences we’re known for. But if I had to pick, I’d probably go with Star Guardians. It’s one of our flagship games, and it’s really a standout because of its unique RPG-inspired gameplay. It’s not just a slot game – it’s an adventure! The game’s choose your own path style mechanics empowers players to select which character they’d like to play as alongside an enticing first-person shooter mechanic and stunning visuals, makes it a truly immersive experience that really showcases what we’re all about at Evoplay.
Taking into consideration Evoplay’s opening to crypto iGaming, and the strategic expansion of Hipther’s Events to technology and the intersection of gambling with blockchain, fintech and web3, we’d say that your Main Stage Sponsorship for GamingTECH CEE is a match made in heaven! What is the message that Evoplay would like to impart to the event’s participants?
Absolutely, it’s indeed a match made in heaven! The core message we at Evoplay want to impart to the participants at the GamingTECH CEE Summit is that the future of iGaming is here, and it’s brimming with opportunities. Our industry is at an incredibly exciting crossroads where innovative technology, such as blockchain, fintech and web3, is opening up new ways to engage and entertain players like never before.
At Evoplay, we’re fully committed to harnessing these cutting-edge technologies to redefine the iGaming experience.
So, be open to change, embrace innovation and join us on this thrilling journey to shape the future of iGaming. Let’s seize these opportunities together and make the iGaming industry even more engaging and inclusive for players across the globe.
Thank you, Ihor for this insightful interview, and thank you, Evoplay for “Bringing the Future of iGaming. Today”!
For more information about the company, and to get in touch with the Future of iGaming, dear readers, Contact Evoplay directly.
We look forward to seeing you in Budapest at GamingTECH CEE for the annual reunion of the best companies and professionals from Gaming and Technology in Central and Eastern Europe!
Speaking of the best in the industry, Evoplay has been Shortlisted in the BEST ONLINE CASINO PROVIDER IN CEE Category of the GamingTECH Awards!
→ Join the #hipthers in an event that will redefine the future of gaming in the CEE region, and vote for Evoplay in the GamingTECH Awards!
Get Your Tickets for GamingTECH CEE Now!
→ Looking to take a leaf out of Evoplay’s strategy book and sponsor Hipther Agency’s next big event? Become A Sponsor!
Conferences in Europe
Belatra ready to make waves at SBC Summit Lisbon with immersive Blast the Bass experience

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is heading to SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 — and it’s bringing more than just its award-winning games.
Visitors to Stand B523 will be treated to an unforgettable experience inspired by Blast the Bass, Belatra’s smash-hit slot that exploded onto the market with massive success. Belatra’s expert team will be laying on a themed bar built around the game’s legendary energy, giving guests a taste of the excitement through a special menu, immersive design, and vibrant conversation.
This unique activation sets the tone for Belatra’s SBC presence, where the fusion of entertainment, innovation, and bold design is front and centre.
On top of that, Belatra will be dropping exclusive merch that is as bold and fun as its games. Guests to the stand will be able to get their hands on fantastic designs, top-tier quality, and 100% Belatra vibes.
The biggest catch of the day will be for the quickest winners during Lisbon’s show. Belatra is launching something totally new, breathtaking, and — most importantly — unforgettable, but only for the champions.
Kateryna Goi, Belatra Games’ CMO, said: “SBC Summit Lisbon is one of the standout events on the iGaming event tour. As ever, Belatra is not just rolling up, we’re showcasing what drives our success – creativity, energy, and unforgettable experiences.”
The post Belatra ready to make waves at SBC Summit Lisbon with immersive Blast the Bass experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Peter Schmeichel Returns as SBC Awards 2025 Host as Finalists Are Announced

SBC has officially announced the shortlisted nominees for the 12th edition of the SBC Awards, set to take place at Lisbon’s MEO Arena on Thursday, 18 September, the final day of SBC Summit 2025.
Celebrating excellence across the global betting and gaming industry, the ceremony will spotlight standout achievements from operators, industry leaders, and suppliers across a broad spectrum of sectors, including payments, marketing, and platform innovation.
This year’s edition has already broken records, with the highest number of nominations ever received across its 37 diverse categories, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to delivering exceptional performance.
Leading the shortlist are Pragmatic Play and Sportradar, each earning seven nominations. Close contenders include BetConstruct and Betsson Group with six nominations apiece. Other standout nominees include Bragg Gaming, Campeon Gaming, Novibet, Playtech, and Top Bet, each securing five nominations.
Returning to co-host the ceremony is football legend Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper and UEFA European Championship winner, who previously brought his trademark charisma to the stage in 2024.
The 2025 edition of the SBC Awards will also mark the first year without dedicated affiliate categories. Instead, SBC will host a dedicated and expanded Affiliate Leaders Awards on Wednesday, 17th September, at the same venue.
Commenting on the upcoming SBC Awards ceremony, Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “This industry never stands still. New talent, ideas, and technologies are constantly changing the game. The SBC Awards are our way of recognising those who are making a real impact and giving the community a moment to celebrate together.”
In the operator categories, alongside Betsson Group’s notable six nominations, TotoGaming also stands out with four nominations, including Marketing Campaign of the Year and Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment. Meanwhile, Kaizen Gaming and Campeón Gaming return to defend their titles in the Operator of the Year – Medium and Large categories, respectively.
The hotly contested Casino Operator of the Year category includes names such as LeoVegas, Bally’s, Codere Online, and Winbet. 1xBet, EstrelaBet, and Sportsbet.io are among the frontrunners for Sportsbook Operator of the Year.
In the operator and supplier categories, competition for Employer of the Year includes Alea, Flutter Entertainment, Parimatch, and Play’n GO, all aiming to take the crown from reigning champions SOFTSWISS. The Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year category features nominees such as Associação de Mulheres da Indústria do Gaming (AMIG), BGaming, EveryMatrix, and Pay4Fun.
The highly anticipated Leader of the Year award will be kept under wraps until the night, with nominees and the winner to be revealed live during the ceremony.
In the payments and compliance categories, Noda and payabl. lead the way with nominations in all three awards: Payment Solution of the Year, Payment Innovation of the Year, and Fraud & Compliance Solution of the Year. MiFinity, Monnet Payments, OKTO, Pay4Fun, Paysecure, and Trustly have also earned multiple nods across the categories.
The supplier categories, which will span 22 awards, will include several new additions this year, such as Aggregator of the Year and Crash Game of the Year.
Fast Track and BETBY will look to retain their titles in Acquisition & Retention Partner and Esports Supplier of the Year, respectively. Meanwhile, Delasport, Evolution, Evoplay, iGP, Optimove, and Spotlight Sports Group are among the fifteen companies competing for the Industry Innovation of the Year award.
Soft2Bet will return in pursuit of back-to-back wins for Innovation in Casino Entertainment and Innovation in Mobile, while Digitain will aim to defend its title as Sportsbook Supplier of the Year.
The sought-after Platform Provider of the Year award features a strong field of contenders, including EGT Digital, GiG, GR8 Tech, Sportingtech, and White Hat Gaming.
Continuing SBC’s commitment to shining a light on the future stars of the industry, the evening will once again feature four ‘Rising Star‘ awards: Rising Star in Casino, Rising Star in Sports Betting, Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation / Software, and Rising Star in Casino Innovation / Software.
The post Peter Schmeichel Returns as SBC Awards 2025 Host as Finalists Are Announced appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
SBC Summit 2025 to Tackle Regulation and Retention in Europe’s Most Competitive Gaming Markets

SBC Summit 2025 will sharpen its focus on one of the world’s most tightly regulated and commercially significant regions with the launch of the Global Markets – Western Europe track.
Taking place on Wednesday, 17 September at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the track will deliver strategic insights into how major operators are navigating escalating compliance demands, shifting player expectations, and intensifying global competition.
As part of the summit’s broader Global Markets programme, the Western Europe track will equip delegates with actionable strategies for thriving in regulation-heavy markets like Italy, the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Portugal. From revised licensing frameworks to new consumer protection mandates, the sessions will unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities facing operators on the ground. Whether expanding regionally or maintaining position in legacy markets, attendees will gain critical tools to drive innovation, compliance, and player retention in a changing European landscape.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Western Europe has long set the standard for gambling regulation, but the landscape continues to evolve. Today’s leading operators must build strong relationships with regulators, drive responsible innovation, and retain customers in an increasingly complex global environment. This track provides the practical insight and expert guidance delegates need to succeed in Western Europe.”
The track will open with the European Leaders Panel: Old World, New Way Forward – How the Most Established Brands Are Rethinking Regulation and Retention, bringing together some of the industry’s most prominent voices to discuss how operators can navigate tightening regulations, foster player loyalty, and remain competitive. Pascal Chaffard (CFO & Strategy Officer, FDJ), Axel Hefer (CEO, Tipico), Vlad Kaltenieks (CEO, BoyleSports), Mattias Wedar (CEO, LeoVegas), and moderator Martin Collins (Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2bet) will share their strategies for maintaining compliance while continuing to innovate, engage players, and thrive in Western Europe’s highly regulated markets.
Conversation will then turn to Italy’s post-licensing landscape in Italy’s New Online Gambling Regime: A Game-Changer for the Industry. The session will explore how stricter regulations, higher licensing fees, and enhanced player protection measures are reshaping the market. Industry leaders Fabio A. Bufalini (Country Director Italy, Stake), Marco Castaldo (CEO, Microgame), Will Shuckburgh (CEO, eCogra), Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro), Stefano Tino (Managing Director Italy, Betsson), and Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), will examine whether this transition has the potential to strengthen market sustainability or create unforeseen roadblocks, as they offer delegates practical strategies for navigating Italy’s new framework.
The session Portugal: Smooth Sailing or Danger Ahead? will bring together Tiago Bessa (Partner, Vieira de Almeida), Tomas Goncalves (Managing Director, Apostas Sociais (Santa Casa)), Americo Loureiro (Director, Solverde), Rui Magalhães (CEO, Estoril Sol Digital), Bernardo Neves (Secretary General, APAJO), and Tiago Pereira (Head of Portugal, LeBull.pt) to examine the current state of Portugal’s sports betting and iGaming market. With iCasino activity growing while sports betting declines, the panel will consider whether this could signal tighter regulation.
Other sessions featured in the track include Over the Finnish Line: Regulation in the Nordics, which will analyse Finland’s upcoming move to open its market to private operators, and Dutch Courage: Collaboration in the Changing Face of Regulations, which will look at Dutch proposals to raise the age threshold for online slots and introduce stricter deposit limits.
The Global Markets – Western Europe track forms part of SBC Summit 2025’s Global Markets series. Other markets explored across 16–18 September include Global Markets – Latin America and Brazil, and Global Markets – North America, each offering delegates region-specific insights to support international growth and strategic market entry.
The post SBC Summit 2025 to Tackle Regulation and Retention in Europe’s Most Competitive Gaming Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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