EGT Georgia CEO Discusses Collaboration with SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024, Industry Challenges, and Growth Opportunities 

Recently, SBC Summit Tbilisi welcomed EGT Georgia as a presenting partner for the 2024 event, jointly organized by SBC and SMH. In an interview with Forbes Georgia Radostina Valcheva, CEO of EGT and Amusnet Georgia, talked about the significance of the SBC Summit, the value of collaboration with SMH Global, and much more. 

SBC Summit Tbilisi is the biggest event of its kind in the region, and according to Valcheva, market leaders like, EGT and Amusnet (AIG), shall be represented here: 

“The SBC Summit plays a crucial role in driving growth and innovation within our region’s iGaming and sports betting sectors. By convening top executives in one location, the summit becomes a hub for idea generation, innovation, and the emergence of new trends.

The event brings together participants from both highly developed and less developed markets, facilitating valuable exchanges on topics such as regulatory frameworks, responsible gambling, and market-specific adaptation strategies. This environment often sparks new collaborations and opportunities to tailor products to the unique needs of specific markets.”

Focusing on Georgia, Valcheva also noted that there are several important challenges in the country’s gambling and casino industry. 

“One of the primary challenges confronting the gambling and casino sector in Georgia, akin to many other markets, is the escalating burden of taxes, fees, and regulatory requirements. While acknowledging the necessity of taxes and regulation within the industry, it is imperative that these measures are balanced and aligned with the economic outcomes of the sector. The rising taxes and fees in Georgia pose a threat of business closures and impede the sector’s potential for growth, which is especially concerning given gambling’s pivotal role in supporting the country’s tourism industry and broader economic development.”

She added that to address these challenges effectively, it is crucial for the government to view the gambling sector as a strategic partner and collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop equitable and growth-oriented solutions. “We recognize the importance of tax contributions but emphasize the need for taxes to be proportionate and conducive to industry development rather than hindering it.” 

Moreover, according to Valcheva, the more restrictions and regulations there are, the more the shadow sector develops, which does not lead to positive results. Therefore, it is important that the existing rules ensure fair and responsible play for everyone.

SBC Summit Tbilisi is scheduled for 25-26 June at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. With over 1,500 senior sports betting and iGaming executives in attendance, this gathering in Georgia’s capital aims to strengthen ties and provide insights into the ever-changing dynamics of the industry within the rapidly growing markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Tickets for the SBC Summit Tbilisi are available on the official event website. Currently, the active Early Bird deal provides full access to the event at the price of $200 (a $100 saving from the regular ticket price).

Operators and affiliates are eligible for complimentary admission to the event. Simply complete the operator formand the affiliate form, and the relevant teams will be in touch with you.

Those interested in exhibitor, sponsorship and speaking opportunities are invited to express their interest by filling out this form.

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