Eastern Europe
“As the CIS’s second largest country, we’re looking at one of Europe’s greatest growth opportunities.” Exclusive Ukraine interview with BetGames.TV’s Yury Mikhaylov
With the stage now set for history in the making, Ukraine is preparing to open its market for the first time in more than a decade.
Proven as one of Europe’s most in-demand live casino suppliers and headquartered in neighbouring Vilnius, we caught up with BetGames.TV’s CIS Sales Director Yury Mikhaylov to get his views on Ukraine’s potential, as well as his own plans for the market.
With BetGames.TV gearing up to bring its products to the Ukrainian market in the near-term, how do you see prospects here?
As the CIS’s second largest country, we’re looking at one of Europe’s greatest growth opportunities. Infrastructure factors, such as widespread internet access and the prevalence of online banking, have laid a great foundation for a digital-first approach from the outset. Twinned with a market crammed with tech savvy players, and you’re looking at a serious boost for national revenue with plenty of potential for online casino, making it an exciting time for all involved.
I would encourage anyone who remains sceptical of the benefits of regulation to consider the example offered by neighbouring Georgia (on a smaller population scale of course!). The country has improved player safety, widened consumer choice and boosted the national economy by attracting new investment. For that reason, it’s pleasing to see Ukraine follow the example set by several other regional European markets by putting a framework in place to establish its own gambling industry, and we look forward to playing a part in the market’s development.
Has BetGames.TV already established a footprint in the region? Are there any further steps which the regulator needs to take before you do so in Ukraine?
We already have a well-established network with Ukraine’s biggest global hitters (such as Favbet and Parimatch), who, as regional heavyweights, are going to be key in shaping how the market develops in its early stages. Both operate an extensive network across the CIS and Europe, and we are on excellent terms with them given the number of jurisdictions we’re actively working in together.
On a macro level, the Ukrainian regulator has certainly taken steps in the right direction, although having said that, several inconsistencies remain within the proposed framework, which the authorities must work to clarify in order to fully realise all the advantages of regulation. I’m confident this will be addressed and look forward to seeing updates on this soon enough.
And what are your plans for the market going forward?
From what we’ve seen so far, I’m certain that the full legalisation and improved transparency of the Ukrainian market will add a wealth of new opportunities for us, particularly when it comes to online casino.
We’ve been hugely successful in Belarus in a similar format – where we went online with the country’s first digital offering (launched by Parimatch) and have already outperformed every slot supplier on the market there. We also offer far superior margins to our competitors, and in many cases, theseare greater than sports betting itself, so I see plenty of potential for us to sit alongside newly established Ukrainian sportsbooks too without cannibalising spend.
Accordingly, I believe we’re in a strong position to capitalise on the Ukrainian market’s likely huge customer base as soon as we go live there, and I’m sure we’ll prove to be key in helping operators make their mark on the territory. As well as our award-winning live dealer offering (fully developed in-house), we’ve also got a raft of marketing and promotional services that are going to be tailored to a jurisdiction where we are already familiar with what players are looking for.
How do you envisage Ukraine’s commercial landscape will shape up in the coming years? Do you expect to see a lot of competition?
New market entries require considerable resources. Compliance procedures can be complex, time-consuming and geographically differentiated. For that reason, local knowledge and contact networks tend to play an important role. Ukraine is no different: with a high bar set for entry, many anticipate that the territory’s commercial future belongs to those who are already present within it.
Of course, given a population of close to 40 million, we’re dealing with one of Europe’s largest markets in terms of potential– so I’m sure plenty of our international operator friends and partners will also be eyeing it with interest. Given how pivotal we have been this year in boosting global partners’ operating revenue and acquisition efforts, I’m also sure we’ll prove ourselves to be a valuable asset in helping our partners’ operations get going there as soon as they go live.
Eastern Europe
EveryMatrix launches ‘Academy for Heroes’ to help Ukraine military veterans develop IT careers
A new fully EveryMatrix-funded project aimed at helping veterans of the war in Ukraine transition to develop new careers in technology has launched in Lviv.
The NGO, entitled ‘Academy for Heroes’, is spearheaded by EveryMatrix and was inspired by its 300+ employees, based in Lviv in Ukraine, some of whom are fighting in the war.
There are hundreds of thousands of combatants in Ukraine, a number that is rising every day. Following their return from war, sometimes with serious injuries, many need social adaptation and work that can provide a more certain future.
The Academy will organise courses designed by leading experts in the IT industry, enabling former military personnel to gain the knowledge and skills needed for successful IT careers.
Beyond its primary goal of equipping veterans with IT skills, it also aims to help them successfully integrate into today’s labour market. EveryMatrix and several other local IT companies will be involved in the employment of veterans after they have completed courses.
Ebbe Groes, Group CEO and Co-Founder, EveryMatrix, said: “Our Lviv office is central to our continued success and growth. Ever since the country has experienced conflict we have supported our friends and colleagues, as well as charities, with much needed funds committing more than €2 million to date, and we will continue to help them.
“Now, we’re taking that one step further by setting up our second company NGO to ensure veterans receive the training and skills they need to return to work and develop successful careers in technology.
“The IT industry is one of the strongest parts of the Ukrainian economy, renowned worldwide for technical skills. I hope many will either join us or go on to join other IT companies, giving them hope and a more certain future for themselves and their families.”
Professor Oleksiy Druhov, CEO, Academy for Heroes, said: “This is the only continuously operating project of its kind in Ukraine for military veterans. Our goal is to teach four groups of veterans every year.
“Each group will have its own specialisation such as Project Management, Quality Assurance and Full stack to name just a few areas. We carefully monitor the Ukrainian IT market and only train the specialisms required.
“All participants will undergo internships at EveryMatrix and other leading Ukrainian IT companies during their studies and they will have the best teachers from the IT Industry. We are also planning to open a specialised, inclusive-friendly training centre at the end of 2024.”
This is the second fully funded NGO that EveryMatrix has initiated. In 2015 the iGaming technology provider established TeachStream supplying much needed funds and resources to disadvantaged children in Romania who might otherwise never have the opportunity to develop IT, computer science, mathematics and English skills.
The post EveryMatrix launches ‘Academy for Heroes’ to help Ukraine military veterans develop IT careers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Eastern Europe
Imagine Live Expands Partnership with Betera: Launching a Dedicated Studio for the Belarusian Market
Imagine Live, a live casino solutions provider, announces a significant expansion in its partnership with Betera, a leading iGaming operator in Belarus. This collaboration will see the launch of a dedicated studio designed to deliver a highly competitive gaming experience for Betera’s players featuring a branded studio offering both Roulette and
Blackjack tables.
Strengthening Ties and Presence in the Belarusian Market
This new collaboration marks a milestone for Imagine Live as it further demonstrates its commitment to the Belarusian market. The beautifully designed studio provides a gaming experience that aligns perfectly with Belarusian players’ expectations.
Betera Studio Features
Standards in the Live Casino space are extremely competitive and as expected imagine live HD Streaming, Multi-lingual dealers and superb back office combined with the best studio designs in the market will surpass expectations of the both the partner and their players.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Betera through the launch of this dedicated studio,” said Hakob Manukyan, CEO of Imagine Live Armenia. “This initiative underscores our commitment to delivering top-quality, localized gaming experiences. By leveraging our bespoke technology and industry knowledge, we are poised to set new standards in the Belarusian iGaming market.”
Pavel Chernik, Head of Gambling Products at Betera, shared: “Our collaboration with Imagine Live, a live casino solutions provider, continues to expand. We are proud to unveil the launch of the dedicated studio, designed to deliver superior gaming experience featuring exclusive branded tables – Betera Blackjack 1 and Betera Roulette. This is a significant step for both companies, and we are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead with this collaboration.”
The post Imagine Live Expands Partnership with Betera: Launching a Dedicated Studio for the Belarusian Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Eastern Europe
EGT Digital has been awarded with “Best Game Soundtrack 2024” accolade from SIGMA Awards East Europe
EGT Digital’s top-performing game Sugar Duke has been distinguished in the “Best Game Soundtrack 2024″ category of the SIGMA Awards East Europe. This year’s edition of the competition, honoring the leaders who bring change and progress in the gaming industry, took place on 02 September in the ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in Budapest.
“I am extremely happy to accept this award on behalf of EGT Digital,” shared Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at the company. “Sugar Duke is among our most popular slot games, and along with the attractive characters and numerous bonuses, it undoubtedly owes its impressive performance to its original and memorable soundtrack as well. This achievement is a result of the hard work and the innovative ideas of our team of devoted professionals, without whom our success would not have been possible. We would like to extend our gratitude to our partners and clients, who give us unwavering support.”
The post EGT Digital has been awarded with “Best Game Soundtrack 2024” accolade from SIGMA Awards East Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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