Conferences in Europe

Special panel discussion focusing on the Ukrainian gambling industry at #EGC2020VE

Published

5 years ago

September 14, 2020

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Highly informative panel discussion about the Ukrainian gambling industry has been added to the agenda at European Gaming Congress VE (Virtual Edition).

Little over 2 months ago, the Ukrainian gambling industry had a landmark moment for both the international betting industry and for liberalizing the economy.

“We’re currently seeing history in the making. In short, the Ukrainian gambling industry is coming back. While gambling peaked at almost $1.4 billion in revenue in 2008, the state monopolized the market into lotteries in 2009, making it the only legal form of gambling – and prohibiting anything else” were the words of Vladimir Malakchi, CBDO at Evoplay Entertainment, in a recent interview (read in full here)

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Ukraine’s new gambling legislation would allow the functioning of ground casinos in five-star hotels in the capital city of Kyiv and four-star hotels in regions. The license fee for Kyiv would be $ 2 million for hotels with a capacity of more than 150 rooms and $ 1 million for hotels with a capacity of over 100 rooms but less than 150 rooms.

All-star hotels above three stars can host slot machine facility. The license fee for slot machines would be $ 250000 and $ 100 per month for each slot machine. The facilities can use 50-250 machines with a single license.

Online casinos too will be permitted. The license fee would be $ 230000 or $ 1.150 million for 5 years for one website.

Both online and offline bookmaking activities also will get the nod. The license will cost $ 1 million a year plus $ 500 per month.

As with every newly regulated market, there is information that needs to be digested and this is why we have decided to include a special dedicated panel about the Ukrainian gambling industry at the upcoming European Gaming Congress.

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 AND FREE REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER FOR FREE HERE NOW!

The conference covers +28 jurisdictions and as mentioned above, Ukraine is among them with a dedicated panel.

During the “GAMING REPORT: UKRAINE SPECIAL” panel discussion, you have the opportunity to hear more about how to apply for a license, what are the insights about the market, and more by the panelists under the moderation of Andrius Gabnys (Attorney At Law – Gabnys Law Firm).

The panel will be joined Ievgeniia Derbal (Chief Legal Officer at Parimatch), Vladimir Malakchi (CBDO at Evoplay Entertainment), Sergii Romanenko (Chief Operating Officer at GGPokerok.com), Dainis Niedra (Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe at Enlabs), and Artem Kuzmenko, MBA (Partner at ETERNA LAW).

You can find more details about the speakers’ and moderator bios below.

AS MENTIONED ABOVE THE EASY AND FREE REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SPONSORED BY ALTENAR AND YOU CAN REGISTER HERE NOW!

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).

Ievgeniia Derbal – Chief Legal Officer at Parimatch

Evgenia is Head of Legal for Parimatch, and is responsible for the coordination of the legal function at Parimatch Holding. Evgenia is based at Parimatch’s head office in Cyprus, and is responsible for corporate structuring, tax planning, building commodity – cash flows, protecting the intellectual property of the Holding and coordinating with legal teams at local offices.

Evgenia’s expertise is in gambling taxation, intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance. For seven years, she led Konnov and Sozanovsky’s tax practice and most recently, was Head of Legal at Media Group FILM.UA, where she was responsible for building and coordinating a team of 20 lawyers.

Evgenia has experience in the development of legislative and regulatory acts and has participated in public councils. Evgenia has diplomas in law and economics from the International Science and Technology University in Kiev.

A keen sportswoman, Evgenia enjoys skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and windsurfing. She loves to travel, and spend as much time as possible with her family and two-year-old son.

Vladimir Malakchi – CBDO at Evoplay Entertainment

Heading up Evoplay Entertainment’s rapidly expanding global presence, Vladimir Malakchi has been key to the studio’s outstanding success in 2020 as it continues to go from strength-to-strength as one of the industry’s most revolutionary suppliers.

A start-up entrepreneur at heart, Malakchi has brought a wealth of experience to Evoplay Entertainment since joining the company earlier this year, having successfully scaled multiple early-stage companies across the tech space, including one of the world’s top five blockchain developers.

Ready to offer his insights on all things global and Ukraine, he holds an extensive track record across the country’s venture capital and investment environment, having guided multiple firm through the product development and strategic development process – raising in excess of $60 million.

Sergii Romanenko – Chief Operating Officer at GGPokerok.com

He has been in the gambling & casinos industry, holding several operations and management positions since 2002. He focuses on the day-to-day administration and operation of the business and also responsible for product development. Now, Sergii helps GGNetwork, the world’s largest poker network, developing its business in Eastern Europe.

Dainis Niedra – Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe at Enlabs

15 years of international experience in the B2C gambling/gaming in Baltics and CIS countries. Now is a Managing Director for Central and Eastern Europe for the Baltics’ biggest online gaming operator Enlabs.

Artem Kuzmenko, MBA – Partner at ETERNA LAW

Mr. Kuzmenko has over 10 years of experience in the practice of corporate law and M&A, specializes in advising national and international companies.

He is a member of the working group of the Law on Legalization of Gambling Business in Ukraine.

Mr. Kuzmenko has extensive experience in corporate, commercial and regulatory matters related to the activities of companies in the food industry, telecom, pharmaceuticals, retail and financial services, IT, manufacturing companies. He has a broad experience in establishment and liquidation of the companies. He participated in international projects, provided corporate projects and M&A transactions, was responsible for project management, legal support at all stages, including preparation of project documentation and contracts, advising on corporate structure, support and legal support of the work of the food industry, metallurgy, mining companies and agricultural companies.

Mr. Kuzmenko was involved in the organization of the ‘due diligence’ and ‘vendor due diligence’ checks, as well as consulting in the field of real estate.

Prior to joining in ETERNA LAW Mr. Kuzmenko worked in “Prime” law firm.

Andrius Gabnys – Attorney At Law – Gabnys Law Firm

Andrius Gabnys is an attorney-at-law and a managing partner at Gabnys Law Firm, a legal boutique based in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Tallinn, Estonia. The Firm specializes in entertainment (gambling, media, arts) and technology (IT, cybersecurity) legal aspects. Andrius Gabnys has been working in the online gambling sector for over 10 years and focuses on the multijurisdictional licensing, IP and related matters. He has extensive experience dealing with the gambling authorities in Europe, CIS countries, Africa and South America.

Baltics

HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

Published

12 hours ago

May 12, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

Central Europe

EGT will be a gold sponsor of Casino Operations Summit 2025

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Euro Games Technology will partner with the Casino Operations Summit for another year in a row. The Bulgarian gaming equipment manufacturer will be a gold sponsor of this year’s event, taking place from May 13 to 15 in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.

The conference is tailored to European multi-channel casino operators and will traditionally bring together keynote speakers who will elaborate on the latest topics in the industry. This year’s main themes will focus on how land-based casinos can successfully address the challenges of the modern world, remaininng relevant and attractive to players, and navigate the ever-growing importance of Casino Online Systems and Casino Management Systems.

In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy a selection of EGT’s newest high-potential products. Among the highlights will be the S 32-32 ST cabinet, which is part of the latest Supreme slot series. Following the contemporary design trends with its 2 high-resolution 32-inch UHD 4K monitors and a frameless UHD 4K display, this model will offer visitors an engaging gaming experience thanks to its numerous ergonomic features. It will also present the Supreme Red Selection and Supreme Bonus Prize Bonus Buy Selection multigames. The mixes offer a rich variety of well-known and brand-new slot titles from the company’s portfolio, allowing everyone to find their preferred type of game.

The slot display will be complemented by the jackpot top performer Bell Link with the multigame Bell Link 2, Bell Link Boost, as well as the popular cabinet G 50 J2 ST.

The post EGT will be a gold sponsor of Casino Operations Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Conferences in Europe

Portside Game Assembly announces talks and roundtables for June 27th’s premiere of the conference for indie game leaders

Published

1 week ago

May 5, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Gamecity Hamburg is setting sail with the premiere edition of Portside Game Assembly – a dedicated B2B conference for international indie game leaders – taking place aboard a ship cruising Hamburg’s famous harbour on June 27. With a carefully curated program of keynotes, impulse talks, and roundtables, the conference offers a rare opportunity for studio directors and decision makers to connect in a focused and collaborative setting. Designed to spark fresh perspectives and actionable insights, the event brings together voices from acclaimed indie studios worldwide like Benjamin Laulan (COO & Co-Founder Evil Empire), Philomena Schwab (Founder Stray Fawn Studio), Søren Lundgaard (CEO Ghost Ship Games), Mauricio García (Studio Director The Game Kitchen), Kevin Zuhn (Creative Director & Co-Founder Young Horses Inc.), and more speakers. Tickets for the full conference experience, including a Networking Brunch and the Games Industry Party, are available at portsideassembly.com.

As the premiere of the Portside Game Assembly on June 27 is approaching, the laser-focused program for indie game leaders takes shape.

Keynotes, impulse talks and roundtables: This is the program

By offering a confidential setting for studio directors, the Portside provides value through relevant conversations and strategic networking, which is also reflected in the diverse yet focused conference program. These are some of the program highlights:

Keynote: Benjamin Laulan (COO & Co-Founder Evil Empire): The “Triple-i Initiative Deep Dive” keynote on how to create your own announcement space and talk directly to your audience when you can’t really relate to other existing showcases.

Impulse Blocks:Impulse Blocks consist of two to three impulse talks, all of which relate to an overarching topic, followed by an open discussion about the perspectives shown and an opportunity for participants to share their own experiences. The discussions will be moderated by Mariève Beauchemin (Programs Director & Co-Founder Indie Asylum) and Andreas Suika (Creative Director & Game Designer).

Mining for Your Next Gem – How to Decide which Games to Develop

A defining and crucial decision for every indie game studio is: what of the (probably many) game ideas should be pursued? Where should studios allocate their resources – and what game will help a studio prevail? Three speakers will share their approaches to these questions in 10-minute impulse talks:

- Philomena Schwab (Founder Stray Fawn Studio): Game Idea Validation
- Jonas Tyroller (Founder Grizzly Games): You Don’t Need a Hook
- René Habermann (Director bippinbits): Don’t Ship the Wrong Game

Games Are Made by People – How to Foster a Good Company Culture

Founding and maintaining an independent game studio and managing a small to mid-size team comes with a lot of responsibility: from growing or having to downsize a team to maintaining a company culture where talent is nurtured, developed, and kept long-term.

- Mauricio García (Studio Director The Game Kitchen): Keeping the Indie Mindset while Going Big
- Kevin Zuhn (Creative Director & Co-Founder Young Horses Inc.): Hold Your Horses: Why Slow is How We Grow

From Dev to Dev – Why to Invest in Other Studios

More and more indie studios take the leap to market not only their own games but also put their resources and experiences on games from other developers. Two speakers will share their motivations and learnings from investing in games and studios that are not their own:

- Søren Lundgaard (CEO Ghost Ship Publishing): Developer by Day, Publisher by Night
- Christian Nyhus Andreasen (COO Fair Games): How to Lose 50% and Still Prosper – Angel Investment Lifestyle

Roundtables:

Roundtables have a more interactive concept than impulse blocks and encourage participants to discuss all aspects of the overarching question from the very beginning

Roundtable 1: Mobile Ports – When, Why & How? Moderated by Ali Farha (Senior Producer Star Stable Entertainment)
Roundtable 2: Stronger Together – Business Cooperations Between Indies. Moderated by Manny Hachey (Creative Director Positive Impact Games)
Roundtable 3: (Self-)Publishing – The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. Moderated by Sophie Atkin (Director & Founder Secret Sauce)
Roundtable 4: Longtail FTW – How to Make the Most out of Your Game. Moderated by Leonie Wolf (Associate Art Director Maschinen-Mensch)

The Portside Game Assembly website offers a detailed view on speakers, program topics and participating studios: https://portsideassembly.com/program/

The premiere of the Portside Game Assembly is supported by these great sponsors and partners: Photon and Twin Harbour Interactive!

Selection of already confirmed participants:

More than 60 studios from over 15 countries have already registered for the Portside Game Assembly conference on board the MS Princess. Besides already announced participants like Evil Empire, Stray Fawn Studio, The Game Kitchen, Toukana Interactive, Ghostship Publishing, and others, further acclaimed studios join the conference: