On day 2 of SBC Summit Barcelona – Digital, a panel of experts gathered to look at an overview of the ongoing developments in the CIS region, Russian market, and the swift implementation of gambling laws in ‘CIS & the Balkans – The next big thing?

What is it?

The CIS states are ramping up their gambling regulations, with Georgia pariculrly advanced. What opportunities are there for operators, given some of the bigger firms have already made their move?  

Who is it?

Maxim Afanasyev, CPO, Ligastavok

Minja Bolesnikov, CEO, MaxBet

Irakli Davarashvili, CMO, Adjarabet

Lasha Machavariani, CEO/founder, Setanta Sports Media

Ilya Machavariani, Head of Russian & CIS gambling & Gaming Practice, Dentons.

What is being said?

Machavariani: “I have a feeling that generally CIS has started to open up and I mean that Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Russia; all of these countries are trying to somehow work on their regulations, or already existing ones, and introduce some new ones.

“And the main thing about these countries is that I see, as a lawyer at least, that the regulators and people who are responsible for these new laws are really looking towards the best international practices. At least from my point of view.

“For instance, if we look at Ukraine here, I think it’s really good that Ukraine is trying to be open to the international community and everybody will notice that because the Ukrainian legislation, which basically has happened a couple of month ago, was covered in each and every international igaming magazine and igaming media.”

Why should I watch it?

Insight into the CIS region’s betting and gaming industry looking at regulation, when is the best time to enter the various markets and what the future holds for the regions. 

Where can I see more?

Source: SBC YouTube Channel

You can catch our write up on the ‘Payments in CIS’ panel also shown at SBC Digital Summit CIS which discussed a range of relevant topics including APMs, current trends and the cashless-COVID relationship. Here.

SBC Barcelona: Developments in the CIS region