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Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

iGaming Industry

Exclusive Interview with Jospeh Borg

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Exclusive interview with Joseph Borg

Our colleague, Szaló Réka interviewed Joseph Borg who is Vice-President of Bitmalta, and also a senior advisor at WH Partners, a law firm specializing in Gaming, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. He also lectures Gaming Law at the University of Malta and is the Secretary General of the Malta IT Law Association.

 

Thank you for being available and accepting this interview. First of all will you please introduce yourself and the company you represent?

Borg: Thank you for inviting me to give this interview. It is my pleasure. I am an advocate by profession, and I’m currently a Senior Advisor to WH Partners, practising mainly in the areas of Gaming, Blockchain, Esports, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. I also lecture Gaming Law at the University of Malta. Currently I’m also the Vice-President of Bitmalta, which is a non-profit organization that I co-founded, with a mission to promoting and stimulating discussion about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Malta. Before joining WH Partners I occupied the post of Chief Regulatory Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority – Malta (now the Malta Gaming Authority), where I worked for almost 7 years. During my tenure at the MGA, I was elected as a Member on the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). 

You have rich experience in providing advice to the Gaming industry. Why did you choose gaming, or may I ask: did the industry choose you?

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Borg: I believe the industry chose me when I joined the Lotteries and Gaming Authority in Malta in 2017. The MGA (then known as the LGA), was set up in 2004 and became fully operational by 2006. I was one of its first employees and I witnessed the growth of the industry in Malta first hand. I was coming from a telecoms and IT law background after obtaining a Masters degree in the subject and 3 years experience as Legal Counsel to Vodafone Malta. Coming from a vibrant and dynamic industry like the telecoms industry I thought that this is as interesting and exciting as it can get. But when I got into the gaming industry I felt that this is the industry I want to focus on. If the telecoms industry is vibrant, dynamic and exciting, the gaming industry is all of that ten times over.

What is your personal opinion about the European gambling industry and could you make a comparison with the market that you know better and the European situation in terms of gaming and gambling?

Borg: Unfortunately the fragmentation of the European market is bad news for the industry and players. It is next to impossible for the industry to grow across the European market and we have situations where customers from different European Union member states are not able to obtain their services legally from their preferred provider. It has created first class and 2nd class EU citizens where 1st class citizens where some citizens are spoilt for choice in terms of which operator they want to play with while 2nd class citizens are bound to choose from a few operators that have little or no competition and that can take the attitude of ‘take it or leave it’ or worse still that would like to offer a better product but cannot because they are stifled by outrages taxes and irrational limitations. It is a ridiculous situation, where in a common market that is supposed to present equal opportunities to everyone.

What advice would you give for those investors who are planning to set up a business in the gaming and gambling sector in Europe?

Borg: It is difficult to set up a new gaming business and succeed in Europe at the moment, unless you come up with an innovative business model or innovative products that will give you the edge. Currently I see room for growth in the Esports betting sectors, blockchain technology based products, virtual reality and augmented reality products, as well as niche operators. Most successful startups will be taken over by the big boys in the industry. But that’s a lifecycle we have to adapt to.

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According to you which are the values of Bitcoin that can make it very effective and due to which it will enhance the gaming industry?

Borg: The technology behind Bitcoin is the real game changer. Blockchain technology brings with it massive advantages to the gaming offerings especially when it comes to security, trust, player protection and cost efficiency.

With this technology everyone is a winner. Operators benefit from security and cost efficiency, customers befit from added security, trust and player protection while the regulator benefits from all of the above as well as a higher degree of monitoring possibilities.

With blockchain technology, everyone is a winner!

Cryptocurrencies are the blood running to the blockchain veins. Cryptocurrencies bring a number of challenges and opportunities. But all the challenges can be overcome with a little bit of effort and common sense from all parties involved.

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You are Co-Founder and Vice-President at Bitmalta, a non-profit organisation. What mission does this organisation undertake? Will you please tell us more about this organisation?

Borg: I set up Bitmalta together with Jonathan Galea, who has been actively involved in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies for over 5 years, when very few people had any idea of what this technology entails.

It is a non-profit organization that I co-founded, with a mission to promoting and stimulating discussion about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Malta. The aim is to lobby in favour of the adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies with the government as well as with regulatory authorities. It also aims at educating people through seminars and other initiatives about this revolutionary technology.

What is your main hobby?

Borg: My passion is football. I am a big Juventus fan, a season ticket holder at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. I was also the President and Co-Founder of the largest Juventus official fan club outside of Italy. Unfortunately, due to work and family commitments (I’m a father of 2 year old twins) I had to resign from the club and I’m travelling to Turin less frequently. However, I would not miss a Juventus match, irrespectively of where I am in the world and on which time zone I am in.

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I also try to go to the gym 3 times a week, when possible.

Where would you travel the most in Central Europe?

Borg: My favourite cities are Turin (for obvious reasons), Stockholm and Edinburgh. However, my most memorable travels have been to the wilderness of the countryside of Sweden, Ireland, Scotland and Alaska.

The post Exclusive Interview with Jospeh Borg appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.


Source: EEGaming.

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Alejandro Navarro

Betski Secures $345,000 in Pre-Seed Funding for First-ever Tokenized Casino Ownership Platform

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Betski is set to launch its online casino ownership platform in Q1 of 2025, enabling users to earn casino profits through digital tokens. The system will allow anyone to receive a share of casino earnings without managing casino operations, marking a new chapter in the multi-billion-dollar iGaming industry. Supported by a $345,000 pre-seed funding round, the platform aims to democratize access to casino earnings and reshape the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.

Opening Casino Ownership to Everyone

The platform’s tokenization system reshapes traditional casino business rules through an automatic profit-sharing program. Token holders receive a percentage of every bet placed on the platform.

This system eliminates steep entry costs, such as operational expenses, licensing fees, and administrative management. Users can start earning returns without previous casino experience or large capital investments.

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“A small group have exclusively enjoyed casino industry profits until now. Our platform opens these earnings to everyone through our tokenized profit-sharing system, turning users into online casino owners,” said Alejandro Navarro, founder and CEO of Betski.

Direct Profit-Sharing Through Tokens

Through a verified digital system, the ownership program distributes Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) among token holders. Investors have recognized this potential, contributing $345,000 in pre-seed funding that combines gaming entertainment with digital asset ownership. The platform maintains strict security protocols and automated distribution systems for reliable profit sharing.

“The platform distributes real money to token holders from every bet placed by players. This creates a steady income stream for online casino owners – something the traditional casino structure has never offered,” said Navarro.

Global Growth of Online Casino Ownership

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The platform has attracted 2400 active Discord members and over 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). These early adopters are expected to participate in test runs of the profit-sharing system once it goes live. Over the next 24 months, the platform will roll out first in Latin America, followed by expansion into European and select Asian markets.

Betski offers casino games, live casino experiences, eSports betting, global lotteries, fantasy sports, and traditional sportsbooks. This variety creates multiple revenue streams for online casino owners. Players can access all gaming options through a single interface, which streamlines the betting experience and maximizes potential returns for token holders.

The team has partnered with major payment processors and marketing agencies to support the platform’s global expansion. These collaborations will facilitate smooth transactions and user acquisition across different regions. The platform meets all regulatory requirements in its target markets, certifying long-term stability for token holders.

New Opportunities for Investment

Following the successful pre-seed round, Betski is now opening its seed funding round to welcome additional participants into its casino ownership platform. This investment opportunity enables individuals and entities to join the platform’s growth journey ahead of its official launch in Q1 2025.

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Bradley Khoury

eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama

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eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.

This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.

Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.

In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.

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“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.

Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”

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BetConstruct

BetConstruct to Showcase Latest Innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2024

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BetConstruct, a global leader in the iGaming industry, is going to showcase its cutting-edge solutions at the highly anticipated Global Gaming Expo (G2E), taking place from October 7-10.

As the premier event for the global gaming industry, G2E serves as a hub for innovation, driving growth by bringing together industry professionals from around the world to foster business opportunities.

Taking place at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, this all-in-one event features both an education program from October 7-10 and an expansive expo hall running from October 8-10.

BetConstruct’s stand is 5230, where the team will showcase an exciting range of products, including the newly launched the Last Battle, a novel loyalty system that is the byproduct of BetConstruct’s commitment to innovation. The company will also demonstrate its comprehensive Sportsbook and Casino Suite, along with DECA, its next-level decentralised casino platform, and Umbrella, an AI-powered risk management solution. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of operators, ensuring seamless and engaging experiences for players across the regulated market.

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