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Six iGaming Events to Focus on as 2022 Draws to a Close

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

After a scorching summer recess, the iGaming industry’s collective batteries have been recharged in readiness for a return to a series of autumn events.

In what is now a truly global calendar, SBC Summit North America at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Exposition Center set a new attendance record as delegates flocked to a show that – as was the case with iGaming NEXT New York before it – focused on a North American market which continues to boom.

We have now entered an era in which marketing purse strings are being closely examined, both from an operator and supplier perspective. Getting ‘bang for the buck’, to use that US expression, is vital when it comes to assigning budgets to the remaining events of 2022. Bigger is not always necessarily better when it comes to gaining new sales leads and, increasingly, it pays to be smart when planning out an attendance strategy.

In this feature, European Gaming highlights the six events, both on a large and small scale, that top-level executives need to be pushing their sales and executive teams towards as 2022 draws to a conclusion:

iGaming NEXT Valetta ’22 (September 27-29)

Following on from the success of the organisers’ inaugural US event in New York City in May, iGaming NEXT is back to present the latest edition of its popular show in the Maltese capital. As was the case in New York, this is a VP-style show that has a unique vision, promising to cut through the noise with unique networking and learning opportunities provided by the highest level of content. Naturally, there is no shortage of topics to be discussed by the expert line-up of speakers. Everything from the growing popularity of Web3, NFTs, blockchain and the metaverse, to new markets launching in North America and across the world, will be examined. In a world of massive waves of M&A and investment, this is an event that will pose the question of what the industry can do now to secure its place in the future.

SBC Summit Barcelona (September 20-22)

The first major event to follow the summer break takes place against the beautiful background of Barcelona, an appropriately grand city to host a gathering of global leaders in sports betting and iGaming. This year, the show will be split into five distinct zones: Sports Betting, Casino & iGaming, Payments & Compliance, Affiliate Marketing and Media and Emerging Tech, and Blockchain and Metaverse. Each area will have its own conference stage, exhibition floor and networking area, providing up to 6,000 delegates with the chance to connect with fellow professionals, take a deep dive into the insights and ideas shaping the future of each sector, and to view the most exciting new specialist products.

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) (October 10-13)

With the vast potential for sports betting and iGaming in North America being such a hot topic, more attention than ever before will be focused on the second successive in-person Global Gaming Expo on behalf of the online gaming industry. Held at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas, G2E is billed as the world’s premier international gaming trade show and takes place on a vast scale as business leaders convene to shape the future direction of the industry. Key to the event is an education programme that reflects the evolving landscape – essential given the complex, patchwork regulation that exists in North America – while topics covered within the schedule include innovations across online gaming, land-based casino floor, digital payments, crypto and Web3.

SiGMA Europe, Malta (November 14-18)

With a strong focus on the promotion of start-ups, the SiGMA Group once again welcomes industry leaders from all over the world to Europe’s premier iGaming hub. Over 100 free booths are on offer across the expo floor, with SiGMA Pitch – in which competitors vie for a prize pool containing investment and mentorship – provides an insight into some of the iGaming industry’s most compelling innovators. As is always the case with this show, networking opportunities are hardly in short supply and often come with a beautiful sea view, as business leaders gather for drinks, dinner and special gala events within some spectacular venues.

EGR Power Summit (September 13-14)

This invite-only event is being held at the Surf & Sand Resort in California, a state that has hit the headlines recently due to a long-running saga concerning the legalisation of sports betting. Guests attending the Summit will be able to connect through one-to-one meetings and social activities, while also joining in with the debate at expert-led content sessions including topics ranging from fixed-odds horse racing to proactivity in responsible gambling. Keen golfers can get involved in an event tournament, while there’s also a whisky tasting session at which delegates can unwind.

CEEGC 2022 (Central and Eastern European Gaming Conference), Budapest, Hungary (September 16)

Hipther Agency, parent company to betting and gaming media platform European Gaming, is preparing to host the largest edition yet of its CEEGC (Central and Eastern European Gaming Conference) in Budapest, Hungary. The 7^th edition of the event is set to be held on 16^th September at the Ritz-Carlton Budapest, marking the conference’s first return following the last two years.

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From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: