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SiGMA 2018 Launches in 2 Weeks

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SiGMA 2018 Launches in 2 Weeks

 

As a well-established staple on the iGaming calendar, it is unsurprising that the interest from the iGaming industry has been intense. In 2 weeks time the super-show plans to welcome 12,500 guests, including 400 sponsors and exhibitors and 200 speakers through its doors. To keep pace with demand, the sold-out MFCC floor space has been expanded and an extra day added to the Summit dates – SiGMA will run from the 28th until the 30th of November and will be held at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.

SiGMA will also be bolstered by a glamorous evening on the 27th – the iGaming Awards will seat a 1000 guests and pay tribute to companies who are shaking up the industry in Malta. Elevating the charitable event is Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, President of Malta and tenor Joseph Calleja, one of the most recognisable faces in the opera world.

Following the black-tie event is a Poker Tournament. Held at the Portomaso Casino, the friendly-competitive event will offer an evening of relaxed networking to delegates looking to unwind before the start of the Summit.

SiGMA Pitch will make a triumphant return, providing a space for innovative young start-ups to gain valuable exposure. Finalists will gain a unique opportunity to win a space on the expo floor, score valuable invites to networking events and reel in potential funding and mentoring from industry veterans.

Since its inception, the flagship show has evolved from a local event capitalising on an untapped niche of opportunity, to a global influencer on the iGaming world stage. If last year’s numbers are any prediction, 2018 is set to smash all previously held records, giving the company’s ambitions plenty of space to play out.

In keeping with the global theme, SiGMA 2018 will host 6 conferences and workshops, several of which will tackle the evolution of the industry from a broader perspective, with highlights including a focus on pan-African regulation and sports gambling in the USA.

Starting on the 28th of November, the Regulatory Conference will cover important aspects of Malta’s iGaming Act, as well as iGaming Law in a broader sense – including its influence on sister topics, such as AI. The Conference will feature prestigious speakers, such as Heathcliff Farrugia, CEO at the MGA, AI guru, Angelo Dalli, and an introduction from the Honourable Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta.

The first day of the show will also host a conference for Blockchain, with Mark Suwan, CEO of Blockchip taking the chair. Taking the panels to the next level is a line-up of elite guest speakers. Individuals such as Brock Pierce, an Advisor on Open Data Exchange and Joseph F. Borg, a Partner at WH Partners, will tackle complex issues, such as transparency and the right to be forgotten, blockchain investment and ICO regulation.

The second day of the Summit will see a further two conferences play out, the Conference for Payments, which is hosted by BitBay and the Conference for Affiliates and CMO’s, hosted by InternetVikings.

The Payments Conference also offers a global perspective; from building smoother transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa, to navigating the licensing regime in Scandinavia. Other highlights include a panel on banking the unbanked and a feature on AML and social responsibility.

Chairing the Conference for Affiliates and CMOs is Richard Vikström, Founder at InternetVikings, who will also offer a welcome note and a talk on SEO brand protection. Other interesting topics include Humanism in Technology and a panel discussion on the Italian ban on marketing for gaming.

Kicking off the last day of the conference is the DGaming Conference, which offers an overview of a decentralised gaming industry, as well as creative AI solutions to optimise language. Hosted by DGaming Media, the conference will feature prominent speakers such as John Kamara, Director of Development at Global Gaming Media, and Marc Lesnick, President at Ticonderoga Ventures.

Rounding off the Summit is the final conference of the day – the eSports Conference, chaired by Ivan Filetti, Head of Business Development at Gaming Malta.

The Summit calendar will also provide delegates with plenty of opportunity for networking and entertainment. A fiercly competitive Hackathon has already drawn interest from developers through a generous $50k prize pool, whilst lavish dinners will feature throughout SiGMA. The Summit will also host a Crypto Cruise, and a phenomenal Closing Night event. A decadent Champagne Brunch brings things to a close on the 1st of December.

There can be no doubt that SiGMA has been a boon to the Maltese economy, operating in tandem with local growth and encouraging business to flourish on the islands. We’re not resting on our laurels however, SiGMA 2018 is all set to carry on this tradition of quality and, as Malta continues to position itself as a haven for industry, can expect to continue outgrowing their limitations.

Last minute tickets are still available. Visit the website to book a pass now.

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QMRA Research – Warning on potential Affiliate Ban in Finland

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QMRA Research - Warning on potential Affiliate Ban in Finland

 

Lessons from the Netherlands Show the Risks of Eliminating Regulated SEO Affiliates

Finland is planning to ban affiliate marketing in its newly regulated online gambling market. The Finnish Government proposal HE 16/2025 VP sees affiliate marketing as problematic for the following reasons: risk of misuse by presenting incorrect information, blurring legal boundaries (difficulty distinguishing licensed and unlicensed operators), a lack of consumer protection (by not being neutral) and tax avoidance (as most affiliate operators are foreign registered).

New research from Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) warns that such a ban could have severe unintended consequences, including a rise in illegal gambling operators dominating search engine results.

Drawing on lessons from the Dutch market, where online gambling has been regulated since 2021, the report underscores the crucial role of SEO affiliates in directing consumers to legal, licensed operators and countering the influence of unregulated platforms.

The Netherlands has witnessed firsthand the challenges of illegal gambling platforms using SEO and Google Ads to attract vulnerable players. Research by Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) found that when legal affiliates are restricted, search results are quickly overrun by unlicensed operators. These sites often target minors and self-excluded gamblers, lack responsible gambling protections, and operate with minimal oversight.

Steven Vrolijk, QMRA Director: “The Dutch market has taught us a lot about how illegal operators adapt. We’ve also seen that proactive, responsible affiliates play a crucial role in pushing back against them. SEO affiliation is a form of advertising that only appears when a consumer is actively searching for gambling options. If Finland bans legal affiliates, its search results may soon be dominated by illegal results.”

The report highlights key risks associated with an affiliate marketing ban:

  • Increased visibility of illegal gambling sites – Without regulated affiliates, players will primarily encounter unlicensed operators.
  • Lack of consumer protections – Illegal sites do not enforce responsible gambling measures or age verification.
  • Higher risk of fraud and money laundering – Many unlicensed operators accept cryptocurrency and other anonymous payment methods.
  • Targeting of vulnerable players – Minors and problem gamblers are more likely to be exposed to unregulated gambling.

Instead of a full ban, QMRA recommends Finland implement a structured affiliate marketing framework.

Download the full report

The full report provides an in-depth analysis of the risks and offers data-driven recommendations.

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Gurhan Kiziloz Secures Gaming License to Drive Nexus International’s $1.54 Billion Vision In 2025

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Gurhan Kiziloz Secures Gaming License to Drive Nexus International’s $1.54 Billion Vision In 2025

 

Gurhan Kiziloz, the strategic force behind Nexus International, is accelerating his presence in the online gaming sector, leading the company’s rapid expansion. Under Nexus International, two brands—MegaPosta and Lanistar—sit at the core of its growth strategy.

While Lanistar continues to develop, it is MegaPosta that has already established itself as a major revenue driver. In 2024, MegaPosta generated $400 million, marking a significant milestone in Kiziloz’s aggressive scaling efforts.

With further expansion planned, projections indicate that revenue could climb to $1.54 billion in 2025. As he continues to push into new markets, Kiziloz’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and capitalize on high-growth sectors will determine whether Nexus can meet its ambitious targets.

A major step in this expansion involves securing a Brazilian gaming license and granting Nexus International access to one of the largest regulated betting markets globally. Meeting Brazil’s strict financial and operational compliance standards was a key requirement—an effort that Kiziloz personally oversaw as part of his mission to establish the company in fully regulated spaces.

With this approval, Nexus International is now authorized to operate and expand within Brazil, a market that has intensified regulations to curb unlicensed operators.

Kiziloz’s Strategy for Growing Nexus International

Kiziloz has ventured into multiple industries, with his entry into online gaming reflecting a deliberate move to leverage emerging regulatory shifts. Before entering this sector, he developed Lanistar as a fintech company, but under his leadership, it has evolved into an online gaming enterprise. This shift aligns with his broader approach to reshaping and scaling business models in response to market trends.

His direct involvement has fueled Nexus International’s expansion across Latin America. Megaposta has already gained traction in several countries, and with the Brazilian gaming license, Kiziloz has positioned the company for further growth. He has played a key role in negotiating strategic partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and setting a competitive direction against well-established gaming firms.

However, his strategy comes with obstacles. Brazil enforces strict regulations covering advertising, taxation, and consumer protection. Any compliance lapses could result in financial penalties or even the loss of the company’s operating license. Kiziloz now faces the challenge of ensuring Nexus International adheres to all legal requirements while navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace.

How Kiziloz Aims to Scale Nexus International

Under Kiziloz’s direction, Nexus International is targeting regions where legal online gaming  is expanding. Megaposta has already established a foothold in Latin America, and the new Brazilian license enables the company to operate openly, unlike unlicensed competitors facing regulatory constraints.

Lanistar’s transformation from fintech to gaming was a calculated move by Kiziloz, allowing Nexus International to strengthen its position in sports betting and online casinos. By managing two platforms under one umbrella, Kiziloz diversifies revenue streams and broadens market reach.

Brazil’s updated gaming regulations have created a competitive environment where only licensed operators can legally offer betting services. By securing Nexus International’s place in this regulated market, Kiziloz ensures the company can advertise, collaborate with local businesses, and scale its user base without the uncertainties associated with unlicensed operations. However, increased compliance costs and operational restrictions remain challenges.

Revenue Goals & Industry Challenges

Kiziloz aims to drive Nexus International’s revenue to $1.45 billion through market expansion and higher user engagement. His approach focuses on attracting new users and increasing participation in sports betting and casino games, two of the most lucrative segments in online gaming.

Yet, the industry presents multiple challenges. Regulatory frameworks remain fluid, with governments frequently revising tax policies, imposing new restrictions, or tightening compliance requirements. Any legal adjustments in Brazil could directly impact Nexus International’s profitability.

Additionally, Nexus International faces competition from established gaming brands with strong customer loyalty and extensive marketing resources. To stay competitive, the company must prioritize user retention, introduce exclusive offerings, and deploy strategic marketing campaigns—all while complying with strict regulations.

Cybersecurity is another pressing concern. Online gaming platforms are often targeted by fraud and cyberattacks. To safeguard user data and maintain trust, Kiziloz must ensure Nexus International heavily invests in security infrastructure. Any security breach could lead to financial losses and reputational harm.

Where Kiziloz is Taking Nexus International Next

Beyond Brazil, Kiziloz is exploring opportunities to expand Nexus International into additional regulated markets.

Securing new licenses is a complex, time-intensive endeavor requiring compliance with diverse tax regulations, advertising laws, and consumer protection policies. Kiziloz must oversee negotiations, obtain regulatory approvals, and implement tailored marketing strategies to facilitate smooth market entry.

While the Brazilian license has laid the groundwork for expansion, Nexus International’s long-term success hinges on Kiziloz’s ability to tackle industry challenges. Ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and competing against major gaming operators will be critical in sustaining growth. His strategies in regulation, marketing, and technological investment will ultimately shape Nexus International’s trajectory in the coming years.

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Raketech Chairman Ulrik Bengtsson to Step Down Following New CEO Appointment

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Raketech Chairman Ulrik Bengtsson to Step Down Following New CEO Appointment

 

Raketech has been informed that Ulrik Bengtsson has accepted a role as full-time CEO of an international company. Ulrik has consequently informed the Board that this new role will eventually require him to step down from Chairman and Board member, but Ulrik remains available for re-election at Raketech’s AGM in May and is committed to stay on up until July 30th to assisting Raketech in the transition period. The nomination committee has started the process of finding a new board member, who may also assume the role of Non-Executive Chair. A further update will be provided in due course.

The Company appreciates this is an opportunity for Ulrik and thanks him for his contribution and dedication to the Raketech board since joining in May 2021.

“Stepping back into a full-time CEO role feels like the right professional move for me, and the opportunity I have been presented with is compelling. I am confident that the entire Raketech board and executive team remain dedicated to strengthening the balance sheet and shaping an exciting strategy that I expect will be unveiled to investors in the coming months. I firmly believe Raketech has the potential to be a key player in the global iGaming ecosystem, both now and in the future, and that the company is well-positioned to generate substantial returns for all shareholders over time.”

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