Expanse Studios, the B2B game development division of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has received official certification from Croatia’s Ministry of Finance for its flagship game Super Heli, with additional titles in the company’s 56-game portfolio expected to receive approval in the coming weeks for the EU member state.

The certification marks a strategic entry into a market that generated US$484.70m in 2024, with projected growth at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2024-2030. Super Heli, Expanse’s most popular crash-style game, becomes the first of the studio’s titles approved for the Croatian market, paving the way for broader portfolio distribution.

Tapping Into High-Growth European Market

Croatia represents a compelling opportunity for B2B gaming suppliers, with the Online Casinos segment alone projected at US$218.10m in 2024. According to iGamingToday’s latest market research, Croatia’s gambling market will reach €720.42 million by 2025, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.

Among the key market benefits are:

• Accelerating digital adoption – Internet penetration jumped from 76% in 2020 to 83% in 2023
• Over 20.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 following Schengen Zone entry
• Over 500,000 Croatians expected to engage in regular online gambling by 2027

Strategic Value for the Company

The certification strengthens Expanse Studios’ European footprint at a critical juncture. With 56 proprietary titles and 500+ B2B partners globally, Expanse is expected to capture a meaningful share in the growing EU market.

“Croatia certification is more than market access—it’s validation of our content quality and compliance capabilities in demanding EU jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “With our flagship title Super Heli already approved and more games in the pipeline, we’re very excited for the opportunities this markets brings us”

Competitive Advantage in Regulated Markets

Croatia’s regulatory framework favors established, compliant B2B providers. Operators must obtain licenses requiring significant capital investment, and only licensed casino games operators who have at least one brick-and-mortar casino can offer online gambling. This creates high barriers to entry and positions certified B2B suppliers like Expanse as essential partners for operators.

SBC Summit 2025 will debut two new conference stages – Global Markets and Emerging Markets – targeting region-specific insights as the event prepares to welcome over 30,000 attendees from more than 130 countries from September 16-18.

Following sharp international growth in 2024, with Latin America attendance up 126%, Asia up 80% with delegates from 30 countries, Africa up 45% with 29 nations represented, and North America up 127%, two additional conference stages were introduced to meet the event’s expanding global appeal.

Each stage will deliver targeted, actionable insights and create market-specific networking opportunities for delegates operating across the covered jurisdictions.

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “SBC Summit is now a truly global meeting point, so building an agenda that reflects that was the natural next step. 

“With the addition of the Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages, we’re offering market-specific insights—and the networking lounges attached to each stage let delegates connect immediately with the people driving growth in those regions. It’s all about continuing the conversations that start on stage with the people most invested in those markets.”

Global Markets Stage

The Global Markets stage is designed for stakeholders looking to optimise their strategies in established, high-value territories where regulatory frameworks are constantly evolving. Across three days, stakeholders can attend a series of panels focusing on key regions, including Latin America and  Brazil, Western Europe, and North America.

Tuesday – Latin America & Brazil Focus: The opening day will examine Latin America’s diverse landscape, from maximising Brazil’s post-regulation opportunities to the latest developments in markets such as Mexico and Peru. Sessions will bring together leaders from LATAM and Brazil to discuss market entry strategies, payment solutions, and successful partnership models across the region’s diverse regulatory environments.

Wednesday – Western Europe Deep Dive: The second day will shift focus to Western Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape, examining how businesses can tackle compliance challenges while leveraging new opportunities. Sessions will address the growing threat of black markets, Italy’s revamped online gambling framework, the Netherlands’ increased regulatory requirements, and potential pathways for iGaming expansion into Finland and the broader Nordic region.

Thursday – North America Analysis: The final day will examine US expansion opportunities following rapid iGaming growth across multiple states. These sessions will explore the rise of alternative betting models, including sweepstakes and prediction markets, alongside the growing popularity of peer-to-peer betting in the region.

Emerging Markets Stage

The Emerging Markets stage will spotlight the most promising regions making waves across the industry. Covering Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and Asia, these sessions focus on markets experiencing rising player bases, regulatory reforms, and technological innovations.

Tuesday – Africa Innovation: The opening day will explore mobile-first innovation strategies that are reshaping the African gaming landscape. Sessions will cover payment infrastructure challenges, how operators can successfully engage stakeholders at a local level, and the importance of player protection in the region.

Wednesday – Expansion in Eurasia & the Middle East: Day two will focus on business expansion opportunities in Eurasia, with exciting growth prospects emerging across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Sessions will also examine the potential for expansion into the Middle East, with panels analysing the UAE’s move towards introducing a gambling framework in the region.

Thursday – Asia Growth Potential: The closing day will examine market entry tactics for Asia’s diverse regulatory environments, with sessions covering licensing pathways, cultural localisation, and strategies for long-term, sustainable growth across key markets like India, the Philippines, and Macau.

The Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages make up two of the six conference stages at SBC Summit 2025. These include dedicated stages for technology, affiliation, player protection, and the Super Stage.

Secure your ticket to SBC Summit 2025 today. 

Choose from three pass types: VIP Event Pass, Expo+ Pass, or Expo Only Pass. Please note that an Expo Only Pass does not include access to conference panels.

Operators and affiliates may be eligible for a complimentary pass — simply apply and allow up to three working days for our team to process your request.