Conferences in Europe
Greece, Italy and Malta in focus at #EGC2020VE with Dr. Joseph F. Borg (WH Partners), Dr. Yanica Sant (Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)), Panagiotis Skyrlas (Kaizen Gaming), Vasileios Neiadas (Fantasy Sports Interactive), and Domenico Mazzola (Altenar)
Highly recognized experts from Malta, Italy and Greece will join the hot discussion at European Gaming Congress VE (Virtual Edition).
#EGC2020VE – The virtual edition of European Gaming Congress 2020 is taking place between 6-7 October and gathers top names of the gaming industry who will present their insights to create Europe’s largest gaming compliance gathering.
THE EASY REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER FOR FREE HERE NOW!
Among the +28 jurisdictions that will be covered during the event, you will also find some of the most anticipated topics such as the gaming industry opening in Greece, the twisted regulation of the Italian market, and the future vision of the Maltese regulation.
In the autumn of 2019, the Parliament of Greece has passed a package of legislation that includes a bill reforming the country’s gambling laws. The gaming bill will see operators permitted to continue offering Random Number Generator games, such as slots, something omitted from an earlier draft.
Ever since then, the operators are forming lines to hear more about the ways in which they can obtain a license, while just recently the Greek government has implemented tough norms on online gaming and advertising.
In Italy, the Italian betting leadership criticized the parliamentary discussions for slapping a new 0.75% tax on betting and virtual sports revenues for garnering funds for ‘distressed Italian sports.’
The Italian Parliament has started discussions on a proposed ‘Revival Decree’, which is intended to help business and society’s recovery from COVID-19’s long-term consequences.
Some of the members of the parliament talked about a possible implementation of a 0.75% tax on all betting-related wagers – online, retail and virtual sports content.
All Italian gambling trade bodies criticized the proposal, alleging that COVID-19 discussions had been hijacked to further punish the industry.
When it comes to Malta, in exercise of the power conferred by article 7(2) of the Gaming Act, 2018 (Cap. 583 of the Laws of Malta), the Malta Gaming Authority has issued the Directive on the Key Function of the Prevention of Money laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (Directive 3 of 2020).
From the coming into force of this directive, B2C Licensees shall ensure that at least one of the Key Function Holders vested with exercising the Key Function of the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism must also be an FIAU-registered MLRO in accordance with the procedures laid down in the directive.
The directive has come into effect as of the 20th of July 2020, however, B2Cs holding a license before the coming into force of this directive have been afforded a two-month transitory period to align with the requirements specified in the directive.
During the “GAMING REPORT: SOUTHERN EUROPE” panel discussion, you have the opportunity to hear more about these subjects and of course access even more information which will be shared by the panelists under the moderation of Dr. Joseph F. Borg (Partner at WH Partners).
The panel will be joined by Dr. Yanica Sant (Head of International Affairs and Policy at Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)), Domenico Mazzola (Commercial Director at Altenar), Panagiotis Skyrlas (Head of Information Security & Compliance – Group DPO at Kaizen Gaming) and Vasileios Neiadas (Chairman at Fantasy Sports Interactive).
You can find more details about the speakers’ and moderator bios below.
AS MENTIONED ABOVE THE EASY REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER HERE NOW!
The HIPTHER FESTIVAL includes a full week of conferences that are designed to bring together innovation with compliance via several talks and discussions in multiple industries and will run between 5-9 October.
The festival includes the following conferences:
- PICANTE Marketing Summit (#MS2020ve) – 5 October
- European Gaming Congress (#EGC2020ve) – 6-7 October
- PICANTE TECH Conference Europe (#TCE2020AutumnVE) – 8-9 October
The registration is free and you can attend all three conferences with just one registration!
You can find more details about the Agenda here or you can register here!
For further inquiries about the speaking/sponsoring options, make sure to send an e-mail to Andrada Marginean (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency) or subscribe to the weekly newsletter on the following link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency).
Dr. Yanica Sant – Head of International Affairs and Policy at Malta Gaming Authority
Yanica joined the MGA in 2014, and has occupied the position of Head of International Affairs and Policy since 2019. Her main areas of work include horizon scanning for any international initiatives or industry developments that prompt policy or regulatory intervention. She is responsible for the management of the MGA’s bilateral relations with other gambling regulators, and for all efforts of international cooperation. Yanica is particularly involved within matters relating to responsible gambling and data protection.
Yanica also sits on the board of GREF and is an active participant within the egambling and responsible gambling working groups. She is also a member of IAGR.
Panagiotis Skyrlas – Head of Information Security & Compliance – Group DPO at Betano-Stoiximan (Kaizen Gaming)
Panagiotis Skyrlas holds the position of Head of Information Security and Compliance at Betano-Stoiximan and has over 20 years of experience in the areas of Information Security, Risk Management, Compliance, and Data Privacy. He has completed numerous licensing projects and regulatory consultations in many European countries such as Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Portugal, Austria. He has served as DPO for over 10 years. Since 2018 he also holds the position of Vice President of the Institute of Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
Domenico Mazzola – Commercial Director at Altenar
Domenico Mazzola is Commercial Director of Altenar, a leading sports betting software provider based in Malta. Altenar works collaboratively with licensed operators, combining proven stability with a flexible and personalized service to offer clients the highest quality online sportsbook solutions.
With a strong background in sales strategy and software development combined with rich experience working across international and European markets, Domenico is an expert in developing successful commercial strategies and establishing and maintaining long-term business relationships.
Domenico previously held the position of Head of Sales at iGamingPlatform.com, where he was responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to achieve and maximize sales targets, solidifying the company’s reputation as a leading gaming solutions provider. Prior to this, Domenico worked as Account Manager at World Match Ltd, spearheading the company’s successful long and short-term sales strategies. Domenico’s professional background also includes over eight years of working as a software developer, honing his technical expertise.
A highly recognized industry figure, Domenico’s in-depth experience in both the business and technical side of the gaming industry places him in the unique position of being able to advise clients on all aspects of their gambling operations, taking into account their wider business objectives.
Vasileios Neiadas – Chairman at Fantasy Sports Interactive
Currently Chairman of FSI’s Board, Mr. Neiadas brings his wealth of experience in a variety of business and sports-related fields to FSI and the wider gaming industry.
Following his extensive experience as a CEO in a major Greek Pharmaceutical company, Mr. Neiadas utilized his know-how in Operations Management by actively contributing to the national Sports and Cultural sector. He offered his services as a General Manager in the emblematic return of the Olympic Games in Greece at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee, in a work cycle that lasted 3,5 years.
His valuable contribution was recognized by OPAP S.A., the leading gaming company in Greece, which sought him out for his expertise; Mr. Neiadas served as OPAP’s CEO between 2005-2007, a position which led him to be elected as an Executive Committee Member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), while he served at the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC / ΕΕΕΠ) as well.
His vast experience in Business Management and Administration and his expert know-how of the global gaming industry led him to more key roles in the Greek and International iGaming industry, such as the Vice President of Business Development in CENTRIC HOLDINGS S.A, the company that promoted Sportingbet’s rights in Greece.
Mr. Neiadas has also been a member of the Board of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmChamGR).
Dr. Joseph F. Borg – Partner at WH Partners
Dr. Joseph F. Borg is an Advocate and Partner at WH Partners, heading the Gaming and Gambling Advisory and the Blockchain Advisory sections of the firm. He also practises in the areas of Esports, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. He also lectures on Gaming Law at the University of Malta. Before joining WH Partners, he occupied the post of Chief Regulatory Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Authority – Malta. Joseph was also an elected Member on the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), a position which he held throughout 2012.
Joseph was conferred with an LL.M. in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow), with Distinction. Earlier, he was awarded an LL.D. from the University of Malta, after writing and successfully defending a thesis entitled, ‘Protection of Trademarks Against Domain Names’. In November 2000, Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Legal and Humanistic Studies. Joseph went on an Erasmus Exchange in 2002 at the Facolta di Giurisprudenza of the Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna. In 2009, he completed a Regulator Development Program organised by the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). In 2012, he was awarded a certificate in Casino Management by the UNLV.
Conferences in Europe
The iGaming Conference Boom: A Catalyst for Industry Growth or Event Overload?
As the iGaming industry rapidly expands, so too has the frequency of events, summits, and conferences held worldwide. While some within the industry have expressed concerns over the seemingly endless cycle of iGaming conferences, many organizers are now strategically responding by integrating multiple industry sectors into single events. This shift could mark a new era where iGaming conferences are not just more numerous but also more impactful, driving sustained growth and collaboration across the industry.
An Industry on the Rise
The iGaming sector has seen phenomenal growth in recent years, with new regions regulating online gaming, an influx of advanced technology, and changing consumer behaviors. Conferences are a direct reflection of this growth. In response to an industry that is evolving at breakneck speed, these gatherings allow professionals to stay informed, network, and showcase innovations in a competitive, fast-paced market. According to recent reports, 2024 has maintained a similarly robust lineup of conferences as seen in 2023, indicating a steady demand for these industry forums.
Consolidation: Bringing Multiple Industries Together
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the move towards event consolidation. Instead of organizing niche, standalone conferences, major event organizers are combining multiple related industries under one roof. For example, some organizers have extended their conferences to cover related fields such as emerging technologies, fintech, and affiliate marketing. This integrated approach creates a unique space for professionals across interconnected sectors to gather, learn, and share insights. This evolution aims to streamline event schedules while providing a more holistic experience for attendees.
Consistency in the Number of Conferences
While some expected the number of iGaming events to decrease in 2024 as the industry reaches a more mature stage, the calendar has remained steady with a full slate of global conferences. Sources highlight extensive lists of major iGaming conferences for the year, covering multiple regions and themes, from regulatory updates to technological advances and new market opportunities. This consistency signals that the demand for these conferences remains high, suggesting that attendees continue to find value in them as essential business and networking platforms.
Why More Conferences Might Actually Be Beneficial
The prevalence of iGaming conferences can be viewed positively when considering the growth trajectory of the industry. These events provide valuable exposure for startups, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster collaborations that might not happen otherwise. For industry veterans, they’re an opportunity to reconnect, reassess strategies, and stay informed about the latest trends. For newcomers, conferences offer a way into the industry through educational sessions, networking, and visibility.
Furthermore, the diversity in conference topics allows professionals to choose events that best align with their interests or expertise. The range of events caters to everyone from affiliate marketers and game developers to regulators and financial specialists. The right conference can provide insight into specific challenges or growth areas, helping companies refine their strategies.
Balancing Act: Growth Without Saturation
While it’s clear that iGaming conferences play a crucial role in the industry, there’s an argument to be made for balancing quantity with quality. Some attendees feel that with too many events, resources and attention can become stretched thin. To counteract this, organizers who offer integrated, multi-industry conferences are not only addressing the issue of event overload but are also creating more comprehensive forums that offer greater value and insight. A well-curated, diverse conference can draw higher-quality attendance and provide a richer experience for those participating.
Conclusion
The iGaming conference landscape in 2024 reflects an industry that continues to expand, innovate, and adapt to the demands of a global, interconnected world. While the sheer number of conferences may be daunting to some, the strategic consolidation of industries within these events speaks to a forward-thinking approach by organizers. The trend toward integrated, multi-focus conferences provides an opportunity for even greater collaboration, allowing the industry to continue thriving. As long as these events evolve to meet the needs of their audiences, the iGaming industry stands to benefit immensely from its vibrant and active conference ecosystem.
The post The iGaming Conference Boom: A Catalyst for Industry Growth or Event Overload? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Milena Tsankarska, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, represented ZettaOnline at the SBC Summit, leaving the event with promising new opportunities for the company. The summit, held from September 24th to 26th, 2024, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, brought together some of the top global experts in the gaming industry in the Portuguese capital.
“We have the chance to exchange ideas and form promising new partnerships which faced directly our marketing strategy to expand our services to different markets by establishing and cultivating long-term partnerships with new clients,” shared Milena Tsankarska. “At Lisbon our team was actively involved in engaging with industry peers, showcasing our cutting-edge solutions, and discussing potential collaborations that could drive mutual growth and success,” she added afterwords.
More than 600 exhibitors showed their new products and services within the gaming and entertainment industry in Lisbon. There also were a variety of dynamic conference formats where 450+ speakers shared their experience, and everyone had the opportunity to connect with 25,000 industry professionals.
“We would like to thank the organizers for hosting such an outstanding event. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to our esteemed partners and clients for the opportunity to reconnect, explore new possibilities, and create memorable moments together,” said Milena after the SCB Summit. At the SBC Summit, there were several themed areas like the Casino & iGaming Zone, Sports Betting Zone, Player Protection Zone, ESI Lisbon – Esports, Gaming & Creators Zone, and two summits: Payment Expert Summit and Affiliate Leaders’ Summit.
Next stop for Zettaonline’s team is BEGE/EEGS, which are two of the premier events in the gaming and entertainment industry. The Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) will showcase the latest innovative technologies and trends from across the sector. The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is an annual gaming conference, just parallel to BEGE, with more than 400 industry representatives from 25 countries. For more information about our participation and to book a meeting with us, please contact [email protected].
The post NEW HORIZONS FOR ZETTAONLINE AFTER SBC SUMMIT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ELA Games, an innovative game studio, successfully concluded its participation in the prestigious SBC Summit in Lisbon. Over the course of the multiday event, the team demonstrated multiple games and new content to guests.
Over 25,000 delegates attended the networking conference, and the ELA Games team welcomed iGaming professionals, operators and industry leaders at its accommodating stand. Interest and attention around the studio’s new games and upcoming titles flourished as current and prospective partners and customers visited the stand to demo ELA Games’ offerings.
Joker Cashpot and Devil’s Treasures were key points of interest for visitors. The team described Joker Cashpot’s unique gameplay mechanics and outlined the game’s success. Visitors were also intrigued by Devil’s Treasures’ captivating PopWins™ mechanics, which allows players to chain together massive wins. Apart from these two key games, the team highlighted new releases like AquaMafia and Farm Hunt.
David Fall, ELA Games’ Business Development Manager, commented on the studio’s attendance at the event, saying, “It’s always a pleasure to meet current and prospective partners, as it allows ELA Games to gather feedback and communicate with the public directly. The SBC Summit was a great success for our studio as we made valuable additions to our professional network and feel motivated to close 2024 strong. We look forward to future events where we can continue to demonstrate our growth.”
The ELA Games studio held key discussions with industry figures and outlined the company’s recent expansion. In 2024, ELA Games committed to double its game output to two titles per month. To facilitate this increase in production, the studio underwent a massive change, doubling its creative and technical teams. This news was well-received by partners, who are excited to see how ELA Games will continue to create innovative and high-performing games.
ELA Games has more expansive plans for 2024 Q4. It will continue to publish two games per month and attend key industry events. You can meet David Fall and the team at the SiGMA Summit Europe in Malta from November 11 to 14.
The post ELA Games Concludes a Successful SBC Summit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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