ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, announces that its representatives will participate in panel discussions to share industry insights at the upcoming SBC Summit Malta on June 11, 2025, at the Casino Innovation stage.

2:00 – 2:45 pm: The Art of the Sequel: Balancing Innovation, Success, and Influencer Impact on Gaming Audiences

This panel discusses how sequels are a key tool for studios to refresh content and develop existing player relationships. Yaroslav Soloshenko, Business Development Team Lead, will highlight ELA Games’ approach to creating recognisable and memorable series while capitalising on success and positive momentum. Additionally, he’ll discuss the studio’s philosophy regarding creativity and game development.

3:45 – 4:30 pm: Platforms and Aggregators: Catalysts or Constraints in the Gaming Industry’s Future?

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director, will take part in a panel discussion on the financial and business side of iGaming. Specifically, she will cover the relationship between game studios, content aggregators and platforms. She will provide key insights on the finances of these partnerships and how studios can utilise the increased reach these platforms provide to focus on innovation.

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BGaming collaborates with top iGaming companies to support the creation of the new DAR Bjorn Respite Centre in Malta

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming recently partnered with White Label Casinos and NEXT.io to host a charity gala event to raise funds and awareness for the DAR Bjorn, Malta’s pioneering neurological home for individuals with ALS, MS, and other neurological conditions.

DAR Bjorn Charity Gala, held at Villa Bighi on May 9th, stood out as one of the most remarkable charity events in Malta. All three organising companies were proud of their collective achievement on the night. Beyond fundraising, the event aimed to strengthen relationships within the iGaming community and beyond, fostering a spirit of unity and collective philanthropy.

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BGaming, White Label Casinos, and Next.io demonstrated their commitment to corporate social responsibility by raising €200,000 to support the construction of the new DAR Bjorn Respite Centre.

The event gathered over 400 guests and brought together familiar faces from leading companies in the iGaming industry as well as the local Maltese community. All attendees contributed significantly to the fundraising effort by purchasing tickets, bidding in the art auction, and buying exclusive merchandise from the “Dream Big. Give Bigger.” collection, created in partnership with Swag42.

BGaming contributed €20,000 to the cause, which will fund the construction of a vital room within the DAR Bjorn Respite Centre. As BGaming continues its expansion in Malta, the company remains committed not only to business growth but also to positively impacting the local community. Supporting initiatives that enhance people’s lives is a cornerstone of BGaming’s corporate philosophy, with charitable efforts playing a key role in its social responsibility strategy.

Marina Ostrovtsova, Chief Executive Officer at BGaming, said: “I’m so proud of what BGaming team has managed to accomplish with this event, and I couldn’t be more grateful for our partners, NEXT.io and White Label Casinos, as well as to everyone who contributed. This event demonstrates how our industry can be a force for good, showing that we can make a meaningful difference through collective action.

“The DAR Bjorn Neurological Home is a remarkable centre that profoundly improves people’s lives. We’re honoured to support their mission and help raise awareness of the vital work they do.”

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BGaming, White Label Casinos, and NEXT.io thank all the companies that supported this meaningful initiative. Their contributions played a vital role in making the event a remarkable success. Special thanks go to our Golden Sponsor Visit Malta; Silver Sponsors: Amusnet, 1spin4win, Focus Gaming News, MyAffiliates, and Matthew Gera; Prize Sponsors: iGP, YOLO Group; and On-the-Night Catering Sponsors: Neriku, Cisk, Huskie, Stretta, Island 8, Cassar Camilleri, Molecular Fusion, Charles Grech, and Delicata.

We also thank Villa Bighi and GMR for setup and venue support; Entertainment partners Versatile, Joseph Chetcuti, 360 Camera, and Testatesmar; Entertainment Sponsors Chili Partners and TaDa Gaming; Merchandise Partner Swag42; and Media Partners: Times of Malta and ONE Media. Additional thanks go to SiGMA and Alea for their generous support.

From the 7th to the 8th of May, the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta, Malta, transformed into the global hub of iGaming innovation at NEXT Summit Valletta, and BETBY made a memorable mark with a powerful blend of star power, strategic thought leadership, and engaging tournament action.

The highlight of BETBY’s presence was the appearance of Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion and BETBY’s global brand ambassador, who captivated the audience as the headline speaker of the summit. In an exclusive fireside chat titled “iGaming Chess World Championships – Hosted by Magnus Carlsen & BETBY,” Carlsen joined NEXT.io co-founder and managing-director Pierre Lindh on stage to explore the synergies between chess, poker, and iGaming. The chess GOAT shared personal reflections on his journey from prodigy to world champion, discussed how strategic thinking shaped his mindset, and drew parallels between classic board games and modern betting dynamics, offering a unique perspective that resonated deeply with both chess lovers and iGaming professionals.

Magnus Carlsen’s keynote was followed by a thrilling showpiece: a blindfold chess match against the winner of the inaugural iGaming World Chess Championship, a tournament hosted by BETBY in partnership with the Malta Chess Federation. Open to all delegates, the tournament offered a rare opportunity to go head-to-head in a high-stakes strategic challenge, with the once-in-a-lifetime prize being a live match against Carlsen himself. The tournament underscored BETBY’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and connecting gaming communities in new and exciting ways.

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Continuing its thought leadership momentum, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Nikolopoulos, took the stage on the second day of the event, contributing to a high-level panel discussion titled “LATAM – A flash in the pan or a long-term powerhouse?” Sharing the stage with fellow industry leaders, Nikolopoulos provided insights on the evolving dynamics of Latin America’s iGaming market. Topics included Brazil’s standout role, the growth potential in Colombia and Peru, and strategies for balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability. His participation cemented BETBY’s position as a key voice in the global conversation about emerging market opportunities and investment strategies.

NEXT Summit Valletta 2025 was a celebration of innovation, connection, and cross-industry creativity, with BETBY standing at the heart of it all. From inspiring keynotes and a groundbreaking tournament to meaningful conversations and strategic insights with both existing and potential partners, the event reinforced BETBY’s position as a bold, forward-thinking leader in the iGaming industry.