Itai Zak, a visionary iGaming executive with nearly two decades of experience in the online gaming industry, has been confirmed as a speaker at the annual CasinoBeats Summit in Malta from 21-23 May 2024. Zak will take a seat in an executive leadership panel, ‘Industry Trends and Future Predictions.’

Moderated by Martyn Elliott, the Project Director of SBC Media, the panel will center around the shift in consumer needs and the quest for more engaging and immersive experiences. It will delve into topics such as leveraging player trends and efficient strategies for 2024/2025, the integration of advanced technologies, responsible gaming, and exploring innovative game formats to captivate the next generation of players.

Itai Zak, currently serving as Executive Director for iGaming division of Digicode and is the former CEO of SBTech. Notably, Zak played a pivotal role in the successful growth and transformation of SBTech from a startup to an industry-leading provider of interactive sports betting solutions and services. His expertise in leading organizations through critical transition periods and delivering phenomenal financial results has garnered him recognition in the industry, including being named one of Gaming Intelligence’s ‘Hot 50’ on two separate occasions in 2016 and 2018.

Itai Zak states, ‘I’m thrilled to join this event, share insights, and exchange opinions and predictions with the experts in the niche. It’s a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and drive innovation forward in the gaming industry. I look forward to discussions and networking with fellow enthusiasts, as together, we shape the future landscape of gaming.’

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Itai’s participation at the CasinoBeats Summit is anticipated to offer valuable insights and perspectives on the future of the iGaming industry, further solidifying Digicode’s position as a leading player in the gaming technology space.

The 6th edition of Casino Beats Summit will unite around 3,500 industry professionals, offering opportunities for business, education, and networking. The conference will cover the technical aspects behind casinos, game development, and player psychology. It will also feature separate tracks on leadership and affiliation, interactive SEO workshops, and roundtable discussions on some of the hottest markets in the industry.

From May 21st to 23rd, 2024, InterContinental Malta will host the highly anticipated CasinoBeats Summit. With 4,500 delegates expected, the event will once again be the hub for all things casino, featuring insightful discussions on innovation and providing a firsthand look at the hottest products in the casino world.

A highlight of the event is the keynote address by John Romero, renowned game programmer and designer behind classics like ‘Doom,’ ‘Wolfenstein 3D,’ and ‘Quake.’ Romero will also join returning host Trudy Kerr to co-host the Game Developer Awards on Thursday evening.

The educational component of the event, featuring over 150 experts, will provide in-depth insights into various aspects of the gaming industry, ranging from slot games and live casino experiences to alternative game types. Special attention will be given to areas such as game design, mechanics, creativity, and innovation. Additionally, stages will cover advancements in the industry, leadership topics, marketing, and affiliation.

Notably, SEO will be a focal point across multiple sessions, including the return of the three-part SEO chatshow led by Ivana Flynn, SEO Director at Betinia and Campobet. These sessions will explore the intersection of SEO with AI and the latest updates from Google, among other relevant topics.

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SEO will also be highlighted in a workshop led by International SEO Consultant Aleyda Solis, tackling the audience’s ongoing challenges in the SEO field. Another workshop will focus on grey hat SEO tactics. Additionally, SEO will be a key feature in a hackathon led by technical SEO experts Batuhan Sasi (Medier) and Héctor Izurrategui (888/William Hill). They will demonstrate how tools like ChatGPT can enhance the efficiency of SEO professionals, offering a practical overview of their capabilities.

Workshops and hackathons will be key features of this year’s event, offering more intimate and practical settings for learning about various topics. Workshops will cover areas such as the impact of brand design, led by Philip Sultana (Head of Design/Brand & UX/UI, PressEnter Group), building successful VIP programs with Gali Hartuv (CEO, WarriorLab), ESG with Floris Assies (CEO, Better World Casinos) and harnessing HR technology for strategic excellence. Additionally, hackathon-style sessions will provide opportunities to engage with regulators, including representatives from Curaçao and the UKGC.

Over 50 exhibitors will enliven the exhibition floor, creating a dynamic environment filled with product showcases. The show floor will also host various networking activities, including the Women in Gaming Breakfast and IMGL meet-ups. Special features will include a slot tournament led by casino streamers testing new game releases from the studios debuting their games at the event, as well as a dedicated women in gaming poker tournament.

The poker tournament is just one of the many activities at the event tailored for women in gaming. Female attendees can expect a variety of sessions, including yoga and meditation classes for stress relief, empowerment and leadership workshops, and sessions where real-life experiences of women in the industry will be shared by industry leaders.

Another exciting event highlight will be the abundance of roundtable discussions to join, totalling 19 on Day 1. These intimate discussions, lasting for one and a half hours each, will delve into the regulatory landscape and explore challenges and opportunities in various markets, including the UK, Italy, Malta, Spain, Brazil, and more.

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During the evenings, attendees can enjoy networking in relaxed settings at the networking events. These include the CasinoBeats Malta Opening Party at SKYBEACH on Tuesday, 21st of May, the Official Networking Party at Infinity by Hugo’s on Wednesday, 22nd of May, and the Official Closing Party at Sky Club on Thursday, 23rd of May.

Additional evening networking events comprise the Game Developer Awards, a celebration honouring successful teams and individuals in the casino industry at Hilton (a separate ticket is required) on Thursday, 23rd of May. There are also invite-only VIP Dinners for C-level SBC Leaders at Caviar & Bull on Wednesday, 22nd of May, and for Affiliate Leaders at Sole by Tarragon on the same day.

Due to sustained interest in registering past the original deadlines set by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the regulator has extended the sign-up period for ESG reporting as outlined in the Voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice for the Remote Gaming Sector in Malta.

The Code serves as a specialised framework for reporting with the goal of enhancing transparency and encouraging ESG reporting. Covering 19 ESG areas across Environmental, Social and Governance sectors, this Code offers remote gaming enterprises a strategic blueprint for adhering to best practices. By doing so, companies can effectively respond to the changing expectations of key stakeholders within the sector.

Interested parties now have until Friday, 21 June 2024 to confirm their participation in this initiative by registering through this form. Please note that a licensee will not be able to submit an ESG report covering the reporting period of January to December 2023, unless they complete the registration process via the linked form.

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Although participation to report on the basis of the Code is voluntary, MGA licensees are strongly encouraged to register to better showcase their dedication to sustainability and to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the industry’s ESG profile.