iGaming industry convenes in Rome for Online Casino Summit Italia 2023

The first day of Online Casino Summit Italia 2023 (OCSI) was a resounding success as attendees enjoyed a day of networking and insightful talks on the hottest topics in Italian iGaming. Chairperson Helen Walton (CCO & Founder, g.games) welcomed an impressive group of international guests to the luxurious Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora, using her opening address to emphasise the significance of intimate networking events like OCSI and their critical role in shaping the future of the industry.

Giovanni Carboni (Managing Director, EGLA) began proceedings with a keynote address on Italy’s Gaming Market Growth compared to EU peers, highlighting that Italy is the largest iGaming market in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world. This provided a foundation for the next panel discussion on balancing online and retail products to capture a wider customer base, with industry experts Liam Mulvaney (B2B Specialist), Emmanuele Cangianelli (Chairman of the Board, EGP-FIPE), Paolo Di Feo (CEO, Giochi24), and Marco Castaldo (CEO, Microgame)sharing insights on understanding player preferences and adapting business strategies for evolving customer preferences.

Following the morning sessions, attendees gathered in the exhibition area and networking lounge to connect and enjoy refreshments. The exhibition featured innovative products from industry leaders such as Global Transaction Charge, XR Casino, Run Your Own Poker Site, and Betting Software, generating excitement and interest from the delegates. The exhibitors were on-hand to provide comprehensive information and guidance, fostering valuable connections and relationships with attendees.

The afternoon sessions featured two insightful panels. The first focused on promoting responsible iGaming practices for business sustainability, with Tom Banks, Sophie Platts (Group Head Sustainability, Entain), Marko Jakovetic, and Emmanuele Cangianelli sharing their expertise. The second panel, led by Maja Jovančević (Head of SEO (Casino), Gaming Innovation Group), included SEO experts Patrick Georgiev (Global SEO Lead, Betsson), Marijana Škrivanko (Head of SEO, WYN Global Media), and Warren Summut, and delved into the future of SEO and the impact of new search engines and Artificial Intelligence on the industry.

I really enjoy the fact that Eventus International conferences are knowledge-sharing focused. You can always learn something new, even about an aged, regulated market such as Italian. The networking is on another level as well.

Maja Jovančević, Head of SEO (Casino), Gaming Innovation Group

The networking continued over a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine served in a stunning venue with breathtaking views of the Rome skyline. The dining room was filled with an energetic buzz of conversation and laughter. The palpable excitement in the room highlighted the value of networking events like OCSI in creating opportunities for industry professionals to connect and build long-lasting relationships.

Matthias Ciappara (CCO, CompetitionLabs) and Fabrizio Bergamaschi (VP of Sales iGaming, Nuvei)delivered captivating presentations after the networking lunch. Matthias provided valuable advice on how to create an immersive and engaging experience for online casino players using mobile applications, despite limitations in small screens, sound quality, and limited user attention. Meanwhile, Fabrizio’s presentation on the global payments industry provided the audience with valuable insights on how to choose the best payment providers based on important factors such as security and reliability.

In the final discussion, Dustin Plantholt, the Count of MonteCrypto, moderated a panel of metaverse experts including Dan Martinez (CEO, XR Casino), Norbert Steff (CTO, Neotach Finance), Conor Thacker (MD, Polker), and Frederic Chesnais (Founder & CEO, Crypto Blockchain Industries). These speakers discussed how operators can position their casinos in the virtual world and shared invaluable insights for attendees to position their casinos for success in this new landscape.

At the end of the successful opening day, Helen Walton reflected on the event’s value and the range of insights that has been shared. Attendees then made their way to a networking reception where they enjoyed a selection of Italy’s finest wines. They raised glasses to toast a day of networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation against the stunning backdrop of the Eternal City. Day 2 promises even more insights and networking opportunities to all in attendance.