Soft2Bet has officially launched ElaBet.gr in Greece, marking another major milestone in its strategic expansion across Europe. Securing a Greek operating licence reinforces the company’s commitment to regulated markets, bringing its industry-leading gamification features to one of Europe’s most established gaming landscapes.

This achievement reflects a collaborative effort between Soft2Bet’s product, compliance, and marketing teams, ensuring full alignment with the high standards set by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). Greece represents one of the region’s most dynamic and promising markets, and Soft2Bet is confident that ElaBet.gr unique offerings will introduce new opportunities for both the group and Greek players.

ElaBet.gr enters the market with a fully tailored approach, delivering a highly localised gaming experience that sets it apart from existing operators. The brand features Greek-speaking live casino tables and three exclusive games inspired by Greek mythology. Gates of Hades, River of Styx, and Medusa’s Madness have all been designed to resonate with local players and enhance engagement.

Advertisement

In addition to its bespoke content, ElaBet.gr is powered by Soft2Bet’s award-winning gamification mechanics, providing a dynamic, mission-based experience that strengthens player engagement and retention. The brand’s launch builds on Soft2Bet’s proven track record in markets such as Sweden, Denmark, Romania, Malta, Ontario, and Mexico, with an application currently underway for a New Jersey licence.

Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet, Uri Poliavich, commented: “We are not just launching a product. We are setting a new benchmark for the gaming industry in Greece. ElaBet.gr represents the highest standards of innovation and compliance, achieved through exceptional teamwork across our product, compliance, and marketing departments. By responding to both regulatory expectations and market demands, we are confident that our gamification-driven approach will redefine the player experience in Greece.”

ELA Bet’s launch is a key step in Soft2Bet’s broader European expansion strategy, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt, localise, and innovate in highly competitive regulated markets. As Soft2Bet continues to grow, it remains committed to introducing market-leading products, strengthening its global presence, and delivering exceptional experiences to players and partners alike.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has appointed Ms Suzy Neilan, a highly experienced leader with nearly 20 years of senior executive expertise in both public and private sectors, as its new CEO.

Ms Neilan brings significant senior leadership experience in regulation, transformation and customer service, and a track record delivering large scale technology and legislative change programs in highly regulated settings.

Ms Neilan is the Executive Director, Strategy at the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), having held the position for over 3.5 years, including periods of Acting CEO. Prior to her current role, Ms Neilan had an extensive career in leadership and regulation positions within and with the Victorian public sector, as Executive Director, Service Delivery at the Victorian Building Authority, and General Manager, Infringement Management Enforcement Services at Tenix Solutions, managing the outsourced systems and services contract for the former Department of Justice.

Advertisement

VGCCC Chair, Mr Chris O’Neill, said Ms Neilan would bring to bear many years of contributions to Australian communities and public sector accomplishments to the VGCCC.

“As the VGCCC enters the next phase of the program of transformation we began three years ago, Suzy’s experience leading digital and technology transformation, and her deep understanding of education, enforcement and compliance will continue to ensure the Commission is well placed to meet future challenges and ensure the integrity, safety and fairness of the gambling industry.

“Suzy’s commitment to achieving regulatory outcomes that benefit Victorians makes her a strong leader to support the Commission and head the agency’s executive leadership team.”

Mr O’Neill thanked Ms Annette Kimmitt AM for her leadership over the last three years, remarking that her stewardship of the VGCCC since taking up the inaugural CEO position in 2022 had been instrumental in the regulator’s evolution.

“Annette’s holistic vision and tenacious drive led the Commission’s transformation in its first years and with strategic focus, determined how we would work with the industry to ensure that our mandate to regulate in the public interest would be met.

Advertisement

“On behalf of all at the VGCCC, I thank Annette for her exemplary service and dedication, and we wish her all the best for the future.”

Ms Neilan said she was looking forward to being part of the Commission’s continued evolution.

“I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the VGCCC’s success and look forward to working with the dedicated and talented people at the VGCCC to make a positive difference for Victorian communities,” she said.

Ms Neilan will commence as CEO on 1 April 2025.

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has dismantled several illegal poker tournaments during the autumn 2024. Tens of thousands of euros in cash were found. The Authority also recently imposed a penalty payment order of up to €110,000 on an organiser of poker without a license.

Illegal poker tournaments are often part of undermining crime, where criminals use legal businesses (such as catering establishments) or citizens for criminal activities. In addition, poker players are at risk of gambling addiction, especially when playing in an uncontrolled environment with high stakes.

The KSA combats illegal gambling, including illegal poker. In the last quarter of 2024, KSA inspectors dismantled illegal poker tournaments in six operations, often in collaboration with the police and municipalities, in Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam and Tilburg. Large amounts of cash were often found at the locations in question; in one case even 40,000 euros. In one of the operations, the catering establishment in question was permanently closed by order of the municipality.

Advertisement

Organising poker tournaments on location where money can be won is only allowed by one party in the Netherlands. Since 1975, that has been Holland Casino. Outside of that, tournaments for prizes or bonuses (money or something that can be exchanged for money) are prohibited, unless in a closed circle (an existing group of people who know each other such as a family, relatives, nursing home, a company or members of an association) is being played.