Eastern European Gaming Summit hosts webinar on Balkan gaming landscape

The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) held its latest free monthly webinar, focusing on the theme "Balkan Gaming Landscape: a Maze or Amaze? Deep dive into the markets". Experts and professionals from the gaming sector convened to explore the latest trends, developments, and challenges encountered in the Balkan markets.

Moderating the webinar was Rossi McKee, Co-founder of Telematic Interactive Bulgaria and Honorary Chairman of the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB). Joining McKee were representatives from various Balkan countries, including Angel Iribozov, Chairman of AGIB; Dan Iliovici, Vice-president of ROMBET, Romania; Ovidiu Iosif, Executive Director of the "Joc Responsabil" Association in Romania; Zoran Puhac from Serbia, Secretary General of the European Organization for Gaming Law (EOGL); and Vasko Ilijevski, President of the Macedonian Sports Betting Association.

The webinar provided valuable insights into the prevailing market conditions in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Key topics such as gambling advertising, responsible gaming policies, and the impact of new laws and regulations were examined.

When asked about the key challenges faced by gaming professionals in the Balkans, Zoran Puhac highlighted the disruptive influence of elections, stating: "During the election time all politicians try to find out something new to improve their image, and that’s the problem." Angel Iribozov echoed these sentiments, noting the persistent taxation pressures faced by the gambling sector.

In an interactive session with the audience, panelists addressed questions regarding the total ban on gambling advertising and the challenges confronting companies directly involved in the industry. Dan Iliovici expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of total advertising bans, citing the lack of scientific evidence to support such measures.

“We have the experience of Italy, which went on this total ban a few years ago and I
haven’t seen any research on the impact of this ban on advertisement. But the
governments nevertheless are not aware of any scientific approach or any kind of
research," he said. "They are purely populistic... Nobody can bring some proof that these measures are effective.”

Each attendee received a Certificate of Attendance after the webinar. The topic generated significant interest, with an active Q&A session prompting speakers to promise a follow-up session to delve deeper into forthcoming changes in the industry.

A recording from the webinar is available to watch for free on the EEGS YouTube channel.