In the latest episode of iGaming Accent, host Vakho Mdivani welcomes Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, for a deep dive into the evolution of online poker, the challenges of B2B innovation, and the shifting landscape of global iGaming regulation.
Dmitry opens by discussing the beginnings of his path in the industry. “We started as a software development company… Then we developed our first product, an online multiplayer poker game. That was 20 years ago, and poker has been our core ever since.”
Dmitry recounts how EvenBet’s entry into iGaming was sparked by the global poker boom of 2005, and how the company weathered industry-defining moments like the US “Black Friday” in 2011, which forced a pivot toward emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.
The conversation explores how player expectations and product design differ across regions. “In Europe and the US, players are used to desktop applications and deep, multi-table sessions. In Latin America and Asia, it’s all about mobile-first, casual play, and gamification – emojis, animations, and quick formats.”
Dmitry explains that understanding these cultural and generational differences is key to product success: “Younger players expect more gamification and social elements, influenced by mobile games and apps outside our industry.”
Dmitry also shares EvenBet’s approach to staying ahead in a competitive B2B market: “Our edge is innovation. We consciously balance resources between serving existing customers and developing new features. Some years, it’s 90% on client needs, 10% on innovation; other years, we shift the focus. The key is to keep innovation as part of the company culture and roadmap.”
The discussion turns to the realities of scaling a B2B platform across continents. Dmitry and Vakho reflect on the challenges of balancing long-term vision with short-term demands, especially as client requests and market events (like the World Cup) can dominate development priorities.
Dmitry’s advice: “Quantify everything. Use data and expert estimation to prioritize features and initiatives, balancing immediate business needs with long-term growth.”
On the state of poker as an iGaming vertical, Dmitry offers a nuanced view: “Poker is stable and growing slowly in Europe and CIS, booming in the US as regulation opens up, and expanding rapidly in Latin America and Asia. Africa is just starting, and we’re experimenting with new user flows to onboard players more easily.”
He notes that poker’s role varies by market – sometimes a core product, sometimes a supplementary offering – but its appeal endures thanks to its unique blend of skill, community, and innovation.
Dmitry also admits that, years later, the industry remains a source of inspiration for him. “This is a unique industry where there’s still room for new products and companies. Every expo, you see new brands and ideas. It’s easier to get overwhelmed than bored. The constant transformation keeps me excited and motivated.”
Нe also responded to a question from Setanta Bet’s Tamar Badashvili and posed one of his own for the next guest.
To hear the whole conversation and gain even deeper insights, listen to the complete podcast episode of iGaming Accent.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
