The SiGMA East Europe Summit is currently in full swing at Hungexpo, the largest exhibition venue in Budapest. With over 200 exhibitors showcasing their brands, each booth has its own unique story to tell. From payment systems to sports platforms, anti-fraud solutions, and niche providers, the event highlights the growing interest in the iGaming market across Eastern Europe.
Growth of iGaming in Eastern Europe
The iGaming market in Eastern Europe is expanding rapidly, attracting global interest. At this year’s SiGMA event, representatives from various sectors, including payment systems, niche providers, and game developers, are sharing their stories and showcasing innovative products.
Old Money Payments: Leading Trends in Payment Systems
Old Money Payments, a payment system from Kazakhstan, prides itself on being a trustworthy partner with a focus on honesty and integrity. Their mission is to create a secure business environment in online payments, ensuring participants can work with mutual trust without concerns over fund security.
Key Payment Trends in the iGaming Market:
- Open banking is gaining traction among payment systems and merchants in the EU.
- Regulatory changes in Canada now require MSBs to register with the Central Bank of Canada.
- Mobile commerce is booming in Kazakhstan, and there’s growing demand in Africa and India.
- Expansion plans: Old Money Payments currently operates in Australia, Brazil, Japan, India, and South Korea, with plans to expand into Argentina, Peru, Portugal, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The company is also aiming to win a SiGMA award, showcasing the trust they’ve built with their partners.
Aviatrix: Product as a Service
Aviatrix, a crash games provider, has successfully expanded into the Indian and African markets. The company is also present in LATAM, Asia, and the CIS region. According to Victoria Lambruso, Senior Account Manager for CIS, Aviatrix’s crash game has a high engagement rate, particularly in the CIS, where the average bet is €4.
Aviatrix offers a single, highly customizable game where players can personalize their planes, use loyalty bonuses, and participate in tournaments. The company’s approach falls under the “Product as a Service” model, focusing on continuous development to enhance player engagement.
Aviatrix has already won a SiGMA award in Africa and is now eyeing another award at the upcoming summit in Malta.
Altenar: White-Label Opportunities in Eastern Europe
Altenar, a global sports betting platform provider, focuses on turnkey solutions for LATAM and Eastern Europe. Sales Manager Diego Sallas explained the company’s emphasis on product localization in the CIS region. Altenar’s strategy includes finding regulatory solutions tailored to each market, helping operators launch fully legal online casinos.
Recent Developments:
- Altenar recently obtained a license in Georgia and launched its first white-label operator.
- The company also partnered with a leading provider in Bulgaria.
Altenar has won several SiGMA awards and aims to continue innovating to stay ahead in the iGaming space.
Winfinity: Flexibility of a Niche Provider
Winfinity, a Latvian company specializing in live casino games, prides itself on being a flexible niche provider. According to Maria Sverdlova, Head of Marketing, Winfinity’s smaller size allows them to adapt quickly to market needs. Their team’s deep understanding and personal enjoyment of casino games give them an edge in delivering products that meet player needs.
Key Features:
- Responsible gaming: Winfinity emphasizes responsible gaming principles, with a support team trained to identify risky behavior.
- Unique game designs: Their games, like Cabaret Roulette, feature distinctive studio designs.
Winfinity has won multiple SiGMA awards, including one for Best Live Provider, and they plan to expand their collection of awards in the future.
Sumsub: Compliance and Certifications
Sumsub, a KYC and anti-fraud solutions provider, helps iGaming operators meet regulatory standards. Arina Rumyantseva, a legal advisor at Sumsub, explained the company’s efforts in achieving certifications such as EGBA and GDIC. These certifications require extensive product checks and collaboration across development, marketing, and legal teams.
Sumsub’s commitment to compliance keeps them ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring their solutions meet the latest standards. Their e-signature solution, compliant with EGBA standards, is particularly noteworthy for its applications beyond iGaming.
SPRIBE: Expanding in 2025
SPRIBE, known for developing crash games, continues to grow its list of licenses and release new online slots. According to George Tsutsikridze, Commercial Director, SPRIBE is working on obtaining a license in New Jersey and plans to expand its presence in the U.S. market.
Future Plans:
- The company is developing the Broadway Platform, a project that earned them the SiGMA Award for Rising Star of the Year.
- SPRIBE’s expansion into Eastern Europe is driven by the region’s unique niches and growing interest in iGaming.
SiGMA East Europe 2024 Booth Awards
The SiGMA East Europe Booth Awards will take place on the second day of the summit at 15:50, highlighting the most innovative and captivating booths at the expo. Categories include Best Platinum Booth Design, Best Gold Booth Design, Best Silver Booth Design, and Best Bronze Booth Design.
These awards celebrate exhibitors who stand out with their exceptional use of design, color, lighting, and interactive experiences. Attendees can vote for their favorite booths, which offer engaging activities, live performances, and creative giveaways.