A former legal expert turned industry innovator, Levan Kavtaradze didn’t just transition into iGaming, but helped redefine it. What started as a passion for poker led to a career spanning product innovation, market expansion, and game-changing leadership. Over the past decade, he has built and scaled businesses, developed groundbreaking products, and led strategic initiatives that have reshaped the competitive landscape.
Levan Kavtaradze, Co-founder of GamiXpert Solutions, answers SBC Eurasia’s 10 questions about the pivotal moments of his career, the most significant industry shifts, and the philosophy that keeps him ahead in the ever-evolving world of iGaming.
– What was your first job, and what led you to pursue a career in the iGaming industry?
– I spent over eight years as the Head of Legal in various commercial firms before stepping into iGaming. But my real passion is poker. Whenever I had free time, I’d dive into the game.
It was mid-2014, and one Saturday morning, I got a call from the support team of a Georgian online poker site. They were running a promo: submit ideas to improve their poker experience, and the best ones would earn a cash reward. I thought: ‘Why not?’ The next day, I sent in my suggestions. A couple of days later, I wasn’t just collecting a prize – I was sitting with the owners, discussing a potential partnership. Just like that, I found myself in the iGaming world.
– What was the single biggest turning point in your career?
– The most significant turning point was moving from law to iGaming management. But this industry has no single trajectory – you must keep evolving, or the competition will leave you behind.
My journey has been about taking bold steps: from Poker Consultant to Head of Poker, then Head of Casino, Casino Managing Director, Gaming Studio Chief Commercial Officer, and now Chief Product Officer. Each role brought new challenges, new skills, and new perspectives.
– What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
– The biggest challenge has always been the learning curve – whether it’s the industry itself, the people, competitors, regulations, politics, psychology, or the countless other facets of the business. But that’s also what keeps it exciting.
For me, the best part is diving into something new, mastering it, and then sharing that knowledge with others. Their feedback helps refine my understanding, making the learning process even stronger. In iGaming, if you stop learning, you stop growing – and that’s not an option in such a fast-moving industry.
– Who has been the key mentor in your career, and what is the best piece of advice you ever received that still drives your work today?
– My key mentors are the ones who helped me grow at different stages of my career. I’ll never forget specific names – people who made me stronger by allowing me to work alongside them, share ideas, and be part of their brainstorming.
Among the best advice I’ve received, a few lessons stand out, and I try to live by them daily: “Believe in your strengths and talents, keep your ego in check, and always invest in people. In iGaming, no one wins alone – the team, the network, and the shared knowledge push you forward.”
– What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in the industry?
– If you’re stepping into iGaming without firsthand player experience, make it your mission to learn. Talk to those who have it, study player psychology, read their stories, and even play in demo mode – anything that helps you understand how players think and feel.
Otherwise, it’s like trying to bake a best-selling cake without tasting a great one yourself. You might get lucky, but real success comes from knowing what makes the experience enjoyable, engaging, and rewarding.
With this extra knowledge, you’ll put yourself among the top 15% of industry professionals who genuinely understand the player’s mindset. And when competing against the remaining 85%, that insight will give you a serious edge that can turn your career into a real success story.
– You’ve seen the iGaming industry evolve over the years. What are the biggest changes you’ve witnessed, and where do you think the industry is heading next?
– The evolution of iGaming has been nothing short of incredible. We’ve gone from simple three-line fruit slots to complex mechanics that push the boundaries of entertainment.
It feels like every five years, something big reshapes the industry. The most recent game-changer was Crash games, which opened the doors to an entirely new customer base. Before that, it was Live Game Shows, Megaways, Mobile Casinos, and other groundbreaking innovations.
Right now, the next revolution is being driven by AI. From personalization to automation, AI is about to transform how we design, market, and operate iGaming products. We’re all waiting to see how crazy these changes will get – but one thing is sure: the industry is heading toward something massive.
– You’ve made bold moves throughout your career. Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that guides your professional decisions?
– My philosophy is simple: adapt, innovate, and stay ahead. iGaming is an industry that never stands still, and neither should you.
I believe in taking calculated risks, constantly learning, and never settling for “good enough.” If you want to succeed here, you can’t just follow trends – you must anticipate them, challenge them, and sometimes even create them yourself.
Another key principle I live by is investing in people. The best ideas, products, and businesses are built by strong teams. No matter how fast the industry moves, the right people will always be the real game-changers.
– What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
– One of the accomplishments still holds a special place in my heart was when our small local online poker room became the #1 ranked platform worldwide on PokerScout.com. Before that, only three industry giants had ever held that spot.
Through relentless product development, strategic promotions, and a team that refused to settle for less, we broke into the top and led the rankings. March 2021 will always be unforgettable. It wasn’t just a win for our company – it was proof that innovation and hard work can disrupt even the most established markets.
– iGaming is known for its fast-paced and innovative environment. How do you stay inspired and maintain your creativity amidst the industry’s rapid evolution?
– I used to believe that iGaming was a truly innovative industry, but over time, I realized the reality is different. The industry itself isn’t inherently innovative – it’s driven by a few key players who take bold steps. When those innovations prove profitable, the rest of the market tends to follow, often through copy-paste strategies with minor adjustments.
For me, inspiration comes from a relentless drive to create something truly special – something that makes my teams feel like they’ve won the iGaming equivalent of a Nobel Prize. That motivation pushes me to seek new ideas, even outside industries, because true innovation often comes from thinking beyond familiar boundaries.
– Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career? What lessons have you learned from any missteps or regrets?
– If I could do anything differently, I would have invested even more in people–building more substantial teams, mentoring more talent, and taking on even more significant challenges.
That said, I truly believe that every past experience was necessary to shape who I am today. I’m happy with where I am and wouldn’t change anything significant in my learning journey. Because in the end, growth comes from constantly moving forward.
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