Baltics
Baltic regulators panel discussion and round table confirmed at MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit (Tallinn, Estonia)
Baltic regulators gather this August in Tallinn at the 3rd edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit (live conference).
The Baltic online and land-based gambling industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns and tax revenues of the Baltic states have fallen drastically during the first semester of 2020.
In Estonia, the restrictions imposed due to coronavirus are having a significant impact on gambling tax receipts, to the extent they are paralyzing many activities, including those related to social welfare, financed by the tax and under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the ministry says.
Lithuania’s gambling revenue for Q1 2020 has fallen 2.8% year-on-year to €25.9m, with an increased online contribution not enough to offset land-based declines caused by Covid-19.
Despite the decline in revenue, turnover across all licensees was up 13.8% to €296.5m in the three months to March 31. This was due to a significant jump in the contribution from online betting and gaming, which climbed 54.2% to €201.2m, meaning the channel accounted for 67.9% of market turnover in Q1. With Lithuania’s land-based venues closed from 16 March, turnover for the channel was down 20.8% to €94.3m.
The Latvian parliament (Saeima) has passed a bill on June 5 that effectively allows the return of gaming. Under the bill, both online and land-based gaming operations can return to business. As a result, the gambling industry in Latvia is planning to return as of June 9.
All gaming operations in Latvia were banned after a bill introduced on March 22. This was a direct result of the country’s government aiming at reducing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Back in April, the Latvian government updated the bill, effectively banning online gaming with an instant effect.
At the live edition of MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit that will be held on the 6th of August in Tallinn at Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia Tallinn, the Baltic regulators are joining a unique panel discussion and round table discussion to bring the latest information about the outcome of the lockdowns, but also to discuss together with the industry the way forward.
The panel discussion will be moderated by the MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit Ambassador, Andrius Gabnys (Attorney At Law – Gabnys Law Firm) and will be joined by Sören Meius (Estonian Ministry of Finance), Lolita Sumskaite (Ministry of Finance Lithuania) and Signe Birne (Director of Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of the Republic of Latvia). More names from the Baltic regulatory bodies will be added in the upcoming weeks.
Make sure to book as fast as possible as the seating is limited! You can choose one of the packages that include either delegate pass or delegate pass and accommodation combo (VIP Package)!
As mentioned in earlier press releases, the conference is going ahead as planned and based on official sources, Estonia has allowed from June 1 for citizens from EU and EEA countries with a slow current spread of COVID-19 to enter the country without the requirement of a 14-day self-isolation period.
You can consult the list that is updated weekly on the following link.
As in earlier years, the conference will also feature the next edition of the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards (BSG Awards). Read more here…
MARE BALTICUM – The Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Summit will once again bring together the leading companies in the Baltic and Scandinavian region for a full day of quality learning and networking with local regulators and industry experts.
You can find more details about the Agenda here or you can register here!
Browse the official event website here: www.marebalticumgaming.com
You can view the photo gallery from the inaugural event on the following link.
Browse the video archives of the panel discussions which were recorded on the 7th of May at the virtual edition of the conference.
For further inquiries about the 2020 live edition of MBGS and BSG Awards (6 August – Tallinn, Estonia), speaking/attending/sponsoring options, make sure to send an e-mail to Andrada Bota (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency) or subscribe to the weekly newsletter on the following link.
Visit www.marebalticumgaming.com for more details!
For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency).
Baltics
HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025
HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.
This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.
Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet
The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.
Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony
On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.
Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party
The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.
Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery
In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:
Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.
TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.
Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more – while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.
Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops
Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:
- RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
- Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
- Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
- Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”
The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.
For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
👉 hipther.com/events/vilnius
The post HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
Number of Estonians Using Gambling Self-exclusion Services Rises by Nearly 36% in Five Years
The number of Estonians opting for self-imposed gambling restrictions has grown in five years from just over 14,000 to approximately 19,000. This represents a rise of nearly 36%.
Jekaterina Nikitina, head of the excise department at the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), said: “In the past five years, the number of people with restrictions has increased by about 5000, or more precisely, by 4984 people.”
Restrictions can only be self-imposed by a gambler and not put in place by a family member or anyone else regardless of any problems the individual may be battling with – nor can they be imposed on all types of gambling.
Lottery scratch cards, for instance, cannot be subject to self-restriction, though use of most other games of chance including table games at online and offline casinos, the regular lottery, sports betting and skill games, including the various varieties of poker, can be voluntarily restricted, the EMTA said.
Once imposed and entered on the gambling restriction register, the decision cannot be reversed.
Nikitina noted that a person must choose a period of restriction of between six and 36 months, and must separately apply to be removed from the list once that time has elapsed. The restriction does not end automatically and cannot be terminated at will during the validity period.
Imposing the restrictions can be done via EMTA’s self-service portal. Gambling operators licensed in Estonia cannot permit people to play with them if subject to a ban, including a self-imposed one.
The post Number of Estonians Using Gambling Self-exclusion Services Rises by Nearly 36% in Five Years appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BETER is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in nine categories at the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming (BSG) Awards 2025, organized by HIPTHER. This recognition highlights our continued commitment to delivering top-tier esports, sports betting content and solutions across key European markets.
Our nominations reflect excellence in both Baltic and Nordic categories:
Baltic Categories:
- Best Esports Service Provider in the Baltics
- Rising Star in Baltic Sports Betting Technology
- Best Virtual Sports Provider in the Baltics
- Rising Star in Baltic Virtual Sports
Nordic Categories:
- Best Esports Service Provider in the Nordics
- Best Sports Betting Provider in the Nordics
- Rising Star in Nordic Sports Betting Technology
- Best Virtual Sports Provider in the Nordics
- Rising Star in Nordic Virtual Sports
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us during the voting process. Your trust and recognition inspire us to keep innovating and delivering outstanding content and solutions tailored to the needs of operators and players in these dynamic regions.
The winners will be revealed on 27 May 2025 during the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit in Vilnius — stay tuned!
The post BETER Shortlisted in Nine Categories at the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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