The inaugural “Game On- Bringing Gambling Back to the Ukraine” is set to kick off in Kyiv October 13 & 14, 2015. Despite political turmoil in the East of the country, the Ukraine lovely place to visit and prior to 2009, was home to a healthy gambling industry.
Glyn Thomas of Ace Publishing is the Event Director and he shared some of his thoughts on why the “Game On- Bringing Gambling Back to the Ukraine” conference is important, exclusively with CalvinAyre.com.
Becky Liggero: Lets start with a quick background on Ace Publishing and why you are in a good position to organize “Game On – Ukraine Gambling”.
Glyn Thomas: Ace Publishing Ltd. was established over a decade ago but I’ve been involved in the gambling industry much longer. Generally, as a company we know all of the key players in the industry and I happen to be in the right place at the right time. I’ve lived here for eight years. The time is right for a professionally organised event addressing the key issues with both international speakers and delegates.
BL: Excellent. Can you summarize the state of gambling regulation in the Ukraine and why now is the time to attend an event such as yours?
GT: Its been banned since 2009 but now the Government want to bring it back to generate tax income. Some forms of gambling is tolerated – sports betting and online – if the business pays tax but it’s not ideal. It’s very unregulated and a hotch potch of requirements. We’ve recommended a more holistic approach and that message seems to have hit home.
BL: Got it, could be a lot of work. What is the allure of the Ukraine gambling market, why is it worth it?
GT: People in Eastern Europe culturally enjoy gambling and that has been denied in its regulated form. It means that there has been a proliferation of underground casinos and shady online betting sites. This will all change. Ukraine is a great place despite all the bad news in the East; Great people – very friendly and a wonderful country to visit. Tourism will prosper significantly.
BL: Sounds great, I would love to visit. Who are some of the key speakers you are expecting at the event and what topics will they be addressing?
GT: Speakers are still being contacted but I can confirm senior Government figures all playing a role starting with a business breakfast with the Country’s Prime Minister on the morning of the first day – an indication of how this is being treated seriously. On the casinos side we have Madis Jaager, CEO of Olympic Group; and Michael Boettcher of Storm Entertainment.
BL: Sounds good. What kind of networking opps will you be hosting for your delegates?
GT: We kick off in style with a delegate reception hosted by Macallan Whisky on the opening night. Our lead sponsor Pari Match will be hosting a VIP reception on the evening of the first day at a newly built sports betting complex set up in the heart of Kyiv already prepared for instant opening once the legislation changes. A number of special guests are planned for the evening.
BL: I like the sounds of special guests…is there anything else you wanted to add about this inaugural event?
GT: Only that it’s not going to be a grey event filled with grey men. The beautiful Marysya Gorobets – ex-super model and Eurovision presenter – is our hostess and is going to put the glamour and oomph into the event over the two days.
Gambling is returning to Ukraine, so, you have a choice – get on the train as it leaves the station or wave as it goes by.
BL: Sounds like you’ve got the ball rolling here, Glyn. Thank you and best of luck with the event.