The ninth Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS), held in Sofia, Bulgaria at the end of November, was the most successful and beneficial of all editions of the conference according to the feedback received from its regular delegates. EEGS has once again proven to be the nexus linking experts, professionals, representatives of land-based and online gaming. Organised by the Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry (BTAMOGI), the summit aroused an extraordinary interest from the representatives of the industry. Around 200 visitors and more took part in conference’s panels and discussions that got together more than 60 seasoned experts.
The chairman of the Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry (BTAMOGI) Mr. Angel Iribozov and the chairman of the Bulgaria’s State Commission on Gambling Mr. Ognemir Mitev performed the official opening of the Conference. In his opening remarks Mr. Angel Iribozov pointed out that the gaming industry is stable and the revenues in the state budget are exceeding the expectations and guarantee the stability. According to Mr. Ognemir Mitev, the conference serves as a great opportunity to exchange information and good practice on the manufacturing, operating and regulatory aspects of the gaming business. Local companies and operators showed great interest in the summit that proved once again their open mindedness about the European experience in all topics, related to developments in the gaming industry.
The regulatory changes and challenges in Europe were the most debated issues during the first day of the summit. As there are different regulations in every country, the talks were very fruitful and led to more understanding of the various markets. The compliance in emerging European markets was a hot topic as well and the speakers succeeded to present the matter in all possible angles, explaining the standards and factors in the process of certification in the emerging European jurisdictions.
The Q&A session, led by Dr. Simon Planzer was also of a great significance. Bertil Vagnhammar, policy officer, European Commission, presented an update on the enforcement and the key compliance facts regarding the 4th Anti-money Laundering Directive and its implementation for gambling establishments.