Industry News
OKTO strengthens commercial team with two new management appointments
Ignacio García del Frade named as Country Manager Spain and Dimitar Shopov as Business Development Manager
OKTO Group, the financial technology provider specialising in digital payment and player engagement applications, has expanded its commercial talent with the recruitment of Ignacio García del Frade and Dimitar Shopov in key company roles.
García del Frade has come on board as Country Manager Spain to lead the company’s Spanish operations and help build its client portfolio in the local market. Shopov, OKTO’s new Business Development Manager, will be responsible for driving the commercial strategy and securing key partnerships in the gaming, retail and financial industries.
Frade joins OKTO from Win Systems, where he successfully accomplished the first installation of Wigos casino management system at several Spanish operators as Business Development Manager. His broad experience and network of contacts in the local gaming industry will be instrumental to accelerating OKTO’s growth in the country.
Shopov also brings a broad range of experience to the new role, having proved his project management skills as Partner Manager at Edentix, as well as serving as Sales Director for specialist payment and technology companies including Cashflows, Skrill and IBM.
Simon Dorsen, Director of Gaming at OKTO, said: “The talent we have in our company continues to grow and it is fantastic to see our team expand internationally with individuals that we know will play a major part in OKTO’s journey.
“Ignacio and Dimitar both bring valuable knowledge, skills and expertise to their respective roles and we are positive they will continue to drive our commercial success and business growth.”
Ignacio García del Frade, Country Manager Spain, said: “I am delighted to be joining the OKTO team at such a pivotal point in its journey and am looking forward to delivering results in the Spanish market.
“OKTO’s suite of payment applications for the betting and gaming sector will deliver real value for operators in terms of building customer acquisition and retention, and I believe its business in Spain will go from strength to strength.
Dimitar Shopov, Business Development Manager, said: “I have been incredibly impressed not only with OKTO’s fast and seamless mobile payment technology but also with its value-added services that will significantly enhance the customer experience both in online and retail environments.
“I’m excited to be working with my new talent colleagues to help drive the business forward and cement its position as the go-to mobile payment provider for gaming.”
OKTO is currently attending ICE London 2020 to showcase its industry-leading payment solutions for gaming.
Affiliate Industry
Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System

Gamblorium, a trusted online casino affiliate platform, announces its new and improved casino rating system. This updated system is designed to give players even more accurate and transparent rankings for online casinos. Since 2020, Gamblorium has been known for providing honest and expert-tested casino reviews. With this updated rating system, Gamblorium continues to ensure players can easily find the best gambling sites.
The new rating system combines three key components: Gamblorium Score, Player Score and Market Score. These scores are based on a 100-point scale, providing players with a clear and reliable way to choose casinos that meet their preferences.
Main features of Gamblorium’s new rating system:
• Gamblorium score: The Gamblorium Score evaluates casinos based on over 100 criteria, including payment methods, game options, security and user experience. Unlike other platforms, Gamblorium uses a relative and flexible approach, meaning casinos are ranked based on their strengths within their market. This score also incorporates Expert Scoring, ensuring that the most important factors are weighted appropriately.
• Player score: The Player Score is based on feedback from real users. Players can leave reviews only if they have registered or played at the casino, ensuring honest and up-to-date feedback. This makes the reviews highly reliable and reflective of the actual player experience.
• Market score: The Market Score helps balance the overall rating by considering the views of other trusted gambling platforms. This adds another layer of objectivity and ensures that Gamblorium’s reviews remain fair and unbiased.
The post Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco received on Tuesday, March 18, the inaugural Regulatory Landmark Award during this year’s Asia Gaming Awards at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La, The Fort in Taguig.
The Regulatory Landmark Award, a newly added category to the prestigious Asia Gaming Awards, was bestowed upon the PAGCOR chief for his significant contributions to the growth of the Philippine gaming industry.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tengco acknowledged the efforts of the PAGCOR team and industry stakeholders, emphasizing that the recognition was a testament to their dedication, resilience, and commitment to regulatory excellence.
“This award reaffirms our efforts in fostering a well-regulated gaming sector in the Philippines,” he said. “It will serve as an inspiration for all of us to continue shaping an industry that is not only profitable but also ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve.”
Under Mr. Tengco’s leadership, the Philippine gaming industry posted a record-breaking gross gaming revenue (GGR) of Php410 billion in 2024 – a 25% increase from the previous year’s GGR.
Likewise, PAGCOR recorded unprecedented revenues of Php112 billion in 2024, a 41% growth year-on-year.
The Asia Gaming Awards, now on its fifth year, recognizes the achievements of key players and leaders in the gaming industry across the region.
The post PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR

Despite the implemented ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), the gaming industry in the country continues to boom, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
In his keynote address at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Tengco said the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will rise to Php410 billion in 2024, up 25% from the Php329 billion GGR in 2023.
“As offshore gaming exits, PAGCOR recognizes that the future of Philippine gaming will continue to become more technology-driven,” he said. “This is why PAGCOR will continue to closely regulate electronic gaming while ensuring strict oversight to combat illegal operators.”
The PAGCOR chairman emphasized that while land-based casinos contributed Php201 billion—almost half of the total GGR in 2024—revenue from the E-Games and E-Bingo sector grew significantly, grossing Php154.51 billion, 165% higher than in 2023.
“We partly attribute the strong performance of the local gaming industry to the strategic policy adjustments that we have implemented, such as the gradual reduction of fee rates for E-Games since 2023,” Tengco’s explanation.
He said that in 2023, PAGCOR was charging 50% to 55% license fees which was an obstacle to the increase in operators. “But effective January 1, 2025, our fee rates for E-Games stand at only 30% of GGR,” he added.
As a result, more operators have come under regulation, voluntary closures of businesses have been avoided, and the profits of licensed companies have been maintained. Also as a result of the said reforms, the E-Games sector reached its target of Php100 billion in GGR revenue as early as September 2024. Tengco also mentioned PAGCOR’s focus on more intensified “responsible gaming programs” to promote a “more sustainable and ethical gaming industry.”
“We wish to assure our industry stakeholders that even as we strive for greater success, responsible gaming and market integrity will continue to be at the heart of our efforts,” Tengco said.
The PAGCOR chief is also fully confident in the direction of the industry.
“The best days of Philippine gaming are still ahead of us, and we look forward to working with all of you to shape what comes next,” he said.
The ASEAN Gaming Summit, organized by Asian Gaming Brief, serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges and new opportunities in the region’s gaming landscape.
Translated article.
The post Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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