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Program-at-a-Glance


Tuesday, 30 September Wednesday, 1 October Thursday, 2 October
 
top ↓ Show the additional text TUESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER
Time Hall Session Track
08:00 - 17:00 Registration
9:50 - 10:30 Vitosha Official Opening
read moreLegal Framework of Gambling Regulation in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, one of the newest EU member states, changed its gambling laws to achieve further harmony with the principles of the open market. Recently the prospect of regulations being introduced to regulate online gambling has been the topic of debate, with the government stating its intention to regulate this form of gambling.

DIMITAR TERZIEV, Chairman /Bulgarian State Commision on Gambling/
10:30 - 10:40 Coffee Break
10:40 - 11:20 Vitosha
read moreGaming Regulators European Forum; its Establishment and Development

The Gaming Regulators European Forum, or GREF in its abbreviated form, was founded in 1989 and consists of representatives from gaming regulatory organisations throughout Europe. Its main purpose is to provide an informal forum to exchange views and information. This presentation will give an overview of the history of GREF and of the developments in the last 20 years on the European gaming regulation landscape.
ERIC VAN VONDELEN, Secretary /Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF)/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
11:20 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:10 Vitosha
read more Adapting the Gaming Regulation to the 21st Century Societies

Most Western European gaming regulations followed the 1968 Gaming Act in their essential provisions, and remained unchanged for many years, in spite of the new technologies and, even more important, the social changes. The first Eastern regulations were thus based on outdated rules and notions regarding gaming. The time for a substantial change has come. Where, what, how, and when is gaming present are the questions we have to work out with the politicians, the social leaders and the regulators.
The presentation will try to answer some of those questions including all matters related to corporate social responsibility.
EDUARDO ANTOJA, Honorary President /EUROMAT/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
12:10 - 12:50 Lunch Break
12:50 - 13:30 Vitosha
read moreInternational Regulatory Trends

Effective regulation of casino gaming is crucial to attracting international investment. This session will discuss International gaming standards related to licensing, operations and tax collection. Anti-money laundering controls utilized throughout the European Union and United States will also be presented.

FREDRIC GUSHIN, Managing Partner /Spectrum Gaming Group/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
13:30 - 13:40 Coffee Break
13:40 - 14:20 Vitosha
read moreSports Betting Services in the EU

The presentation will take a look at the Case-law of the Court of Justice (Judgments Gambelli, Placanica, etc.). Focus will be made on Infringement proceedings against ten Member States based on Article 49 EC Treaty and Justification of restrictions by Member States while presenting the Position that European Commission takes. It will also take a snapshot on developments in the EU sports betting market - State of play.

KONSTANTINOS DIMITRIADIS, Lawyer /EU Commission/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
14:20 - 14:30 Coffee Break
14:30 - 15:10 Vitosha
read moreThe Evolution of Legalized Gaming in the World and the Relationship and Responsibilities of Industry Participants and Applicable Governments

In this presentation will be spoken about the evolving relationship the gaming industry has to the governments in which the gamers are licensed and regulated. Once simply a license to be purchased, today's gaming institutions are heavily taxed and scrupulously overseen. With that taxation and oversight, comes a responsibility by government to assure that the gaming licensee has an opportunity to be profitable. Governor Miller will showcase best practices by both the government and the private sector and examples of how over-taxation or over-regulation can cripple operators - to the ultimate loss of the government and the licensee - as well as to a lost customer base.

BOB MILLER, Principal /Dutko Worldwide/, Vice President /International Association of Gaming Advisers (IAGA)/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
15:10 - 15:20 Coffee Break
15:20 - 16:00 Vitosha
read more1. Problem Gambling and Responsible Gaming

Gambling and Problem of gambling has always been there. Short historical overview focused on recent trends to problem gambling and responsible gaming. Points of view of the regulators, industry, researchers and treatment specialists and the different actions that can be taken or not:Laissez faire, laissez passer, being re-active or taking a pro-active position. The first careful steps of collaboration between the industry and treatment providers go back to the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s. The developments in the Netherlands including the results of a research project on the effectiveness of the Responsible Gaming policy of Holland Casinos and the developments in other European countries on remote and e-gambling.

PIETER REMMERS, Member /European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG)/, Director /Assissa Consultancy Europe/
read more2. Resonsibe Gaming in Russia

The Responsible Gaming Fund (Russia) has developed standards of gaming process organization, which warrant the social danger of gambling to be minimal; educating and informing activity is in progress, and the service of psychological help to the gaming-addicted has been set up in 2006. Since that time the Fund gained abundant experience in a work with addicted gamblers and informing the society about the possible risks associated with gambling. The speaker will share local experience and present the statistics. The business and Fund’s relations will be also described.

LAVRENTY GUBIN, Chief /Responsible Gaming Fund/, Public Relations Director /Storm International/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
16:00 - 16:10 Coffee Break
16:10 - 16:50 Vitosha
read moreInternal Compliance Issues: Meeting Regulators Expectations

Background and purpose for Compliance Committees. Constructing a model Compliance Plan to meet specific internal and regulatory goals. Staffing Compliance Committees. Interfacing of the compliance function with corporate responsibility and ethics issues. Internal and external reporting requirements. Case studies.

JEFF A. SILVER, Shareholder & Chairman of Gaming and Administrative Law Department /Gordon & Silver Ltd./
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
16:50 - 17:00 Coffee Break
16:10 - 16:50 Vitosha
read moreMacro-Economy Climate and Stability after Bulgaria joined the EU

The economy growth and improvement of the living standards of the citizens while substantially advancing the transformation of Bulgaria into a competitive and well functioning market economy.
Maintenance of a sustainable macroeconomic environment; establishment of the conditions for accelerated economic growth; improvement of the Country’s balance of payments; Enhancement of the development of financial markets; Restructure of the state-owned enterprises and natural monopolies as well as reforms of the financial system.

ATANAS KUNCHEV, Former Deputy Minister /Ministry of Finance/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
17:00 - 17:40 Rodopi Round table discussions:
Croatia:
GORAN BRKIC, President
MARIO GLAVAN, Secretary
/Croatian Amusement & Music Operators Association/
Latvia:
JANIS UNGURS, Director of Law and Licensing department /Republic of Latvia Lotteries and Gambling supervisory inspection/
Russia:
EVGENI KOVTUN, Candidate of Law science, Author of the books of history of gaming and its legislative regulation of gambling business, Vice-President /Gaming Business Association (ADIB)/
17:45 - 18:45 Welcome Reception
 
topWEDNESDAY, 1st OCTOBER
Time Hall Session Track
08:00 - 17:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:40 Vitosha
read more Russia: The Opportunities, The Challenges

The future of the Russian gambling industry has been uncertain ever since it decided to close all gaming venues by July 2009 and force them into one of four zones in remote locations. Many prominent gambling operators believe the proposed gambling zones are not feasible and considering moving to other countries or converting their casinos and gambling halls to retail stores or other types of business. Russia is a very attractive gambling market and its economy is booming, but what is the future of its gaming industry? In this session, learn about the opportunities and challenges in Russia.

JOE WEINERT, Sr. Vice President /Spectrum Gaming Group/
LISANDRO PLATZER, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer /Korston Group/
CLIVE TILLEY, President & CEO /Tilley Entertainment/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
9:40 - 9:50 Coffee Break
9:50 - 10.30 Vitosha
read more The Gaming Industry is in Future

There is a downturn in the traditionally strong Las Vegas and Atlantic City gaming revenues. Most countries in Europe suffer from high taxes and over regulation. Casinos in Russia will close next year and apart from Macau, there is not yet another strong player in Asia except maybe The Philippines. So, the topic we will be discussing "The Future of the Gaming Industry" is something that should concern all operators and something that governments should also take not of.

MICHAEL BOETTCHER, President & CEO /Storm International/
Integration of Gaming and Tourism
10:30 - 10:40 Coffee Break
10:40 - 11:20 Vitosha
read moreExpansion - the Olympic way

A presentation of the route of the Olympic Entertainment Group, from the very first idea to today’s operations added with some reflections on the future

ANDERS GALFVENSJO, Expansion Director /Olympic Entertainment Group/
Best Business Practices
11:20 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:10 Vitosha
read moreGambling Regulations in Serbia, Improvement of Cooperation with other Countries in Region and Problem of Gambling and Responsible Gaming

This presentation will cover Position of gaming organizers, servicers and producers of slot machines and equipment for games. Willingness for new technologies and what we could be done technique to be more acceptable in Serbia will be explored. Presentation will be focused on preparation for changes in the games of chanse Law in Serbia.

MIRJANA ACIMOVIC, President /Association of Gaming Organizers, autorized Services and Producers of Gaming Equipment (JAKTA)/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
12:10 - 12:50 Lunch Break
Vitosha
read moreTechnology - Where we have come from... Where we are going


Technology: Where we have come from…Where we are going…What is the rate of change…What the risks are… New developments in gaming technology are rapidly becoming reality. In this presentation conference-goers will see an overview of where we have been and the changes in the technology that will impact our future. As the Risk Profile changes the way in which the Regulator, Operator and Supplier manages their environment has to be adapted to fit the new circumstances. The presentation highlights these different types of technology and how they will impact daily operations. Learn about some of the items that you will have to think about, and how to start putting together that plan for the future.
ROGER FARRELL, Director – International Operations /GLI Italy/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
12:50 - 13:30 Musala
read more Gaming Industry - Resouces for Bulgarian Tourism

Development of gaming -and-entertainment tourist resorts offer more comprehensive experiences and relaxation. Such all-inclusive experiences in modern gaming-and-entertainment resorts – designed to a certain theme and expressing the typical offer of the location increase number of bed nights spent by foreign tourists in collective accommodation establishments. The income and profits spent come from foreign economies, thus generating net inflows of foreign money. In addition to that, gaming guests buy other tourist services, as well. The more structured the gaming tourist product, the stronger the effects of the multiplier of gaming-guest spending.

BLAGOI RAGIN, Chairman /Bulgarian Hotel & Restaurant Association/
Integration of Gaming and Tourism
13:30 - 13:40 Coffee Break
Vitosha Malta’s Gambling Market Overview
MARIO GALEA, CEO /Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
13:40 - 14:20 Musala KRASIMIR GERGOV, Chairman /National Tourism Board/ Integration of Gaming and Tourism
14:20 - 14:30 Coffee Break
Vitosha
read moreGaming Supervision in Slovenia and its Dependency on Usage of Modern Gaming Technologies

New technologies are entering into the field of gaming everyday and they always bring a challenge also to regulators and supervisors. There is certainly a close dependency of gaming supervision upon the introduction of new technologies into the field of gaming. Considering the nature of games of chance Slovenia insists at providing a high level of control of all processes of gaming organization. The intent of the presentation is not to give an answer in what way to implement certain technological novelty into legislation, but to present the Slovenian way of regulating new gaming technologies and gaming supervision.

JANJA JEREB, Inspector, Councilor, Head of Legal Service /State Office for Gaming Supervision/
SRECO KUNCIC, Inspector – Senior Councillor /State Office for Gaming Supervision/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
14:30 - 15:10 Musala
read moreBalkan Regional Tourism: Achieving the Proper Balance

A formalized public-private partnership among governmental leadership and private sector tourism providers in today's competitive marketplace is imperative. Commonly called 'National Visitor Bureaus' or 'Visitor Authorities,' these important groups of industry and governmental leaders give priority to the appropriate allocation of funds toward necessary infrastructure improvements in a city, region or country, and are crucially responsible for the creation, application and management of the tourism promotion campaign. The strengths of tourism promotion synergy and offer practical examples of funding mechanisms for realizing this goal will be documented.

THOMAS TAIT, President & CEO /Nevada Tourism Alliance/
Integration of Gaming and Tourism
15:10 - 15:20 Coffee Break
Vitosha
read moreHistory, Background and Legal Framework of Gambling in Austria

How Austrian companies did became so successful in the world market and why do you find Austrian gambling machines, gambling software or copies of them all over the world? An overview of the circumstances which led to this success.An inside view of the past developments, the present, the problems and what might be the future.

HELMUT KAFKA, President /Austrian Gaming Association/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
15:20 - 16:00 Musala
read moreDevelopment of Gambling (Entertainment) Facilities and Services – another Opportunity for prolonging the Tourist Season in the Resorts

The activities aiming at prolonging the tourist season have not been particularly successful because of poor efficiency (low occupancy rates, high costs, lack of exciting activities). In addition, we have the costs for transportation and the inconvenient flights - in low season our coastal airports operate at below 5% of their capacity. The tourist industry must make a focused effort to increase the number of visits in the wings of the season. Much can be achieved by developing facilities and services for golf and sports tourism, spa, bird watching, etc. The greater number of visitors would increase the flight density and facilitate access to Bulgaria's tourist attractions.

TODOR RADEV, Associate Professor and Rector /International University College/
Integration of Gaming and Tourism
16:00 - 16:10 Coffee Break
Vitosha
read moreLatvia’s Gambling Market Overview - historical developement

Overwiew of how the gambling legally began in Latvia, what was made in wrong way and consequences in further market situation – e.g. technical requirements for gaming equipment will be in force just from 1st July 2009, and there are many machines in the market, which now have to be removed, because it is impossible due certification now and the equipment is incompliance with Law. Positive and negative Lessons Learnt from the point of view in Latvia – fixed taxes or percentage from revenues, local municipalities rights, responsible gaming policy, cooperation with other structures (police, State tax revenue office, non-political organizations, health and social wellness institutions) to supervise gambling – problems and possible developments.

JANIS UNGURS, Director of Law and Licensing department /Republic of Latvia Lotteries and Gambling supervisory inspection/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
16:10 - 16:50 Musala
read moreSpa and Casino Tourism

Due to the increasing consumer demand of elite tourist package services offering opportunities for combining SPA and Wellness procedures with entertainment and gambling, the possibility for development of this type of services in Bulgaria is put under consideration. According to the retrospective analysis of their combined offering as well as the upcoming development in a positive direction after the EU-integration of Bulgaria, there are some conclusions in supporting the increase of competitiveness and expansion of the centers for specialized gambling and SPA tourism. An important factor for the successful development appears to be the human factor and it is emphasized on the target professional training associated with a solid practice in a real environment
JORDAN JORDANOV, National Consultant of Balneo & SPA, Member of Bulgarian Association for Rural and Ecological Tourism (BARET)
Integration of Gaming and Tourism
16:50 - 17:00 Coffee Break
Vitosha
read moreSupervision and Control Activities of SCG
SIMEON SIMEONOV, General Director, Department of Permissions and Supervision Gambling Activities /Bulgarian State Commision on Gambling/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
17:00 - 17:40 Rodopi Round Table discussion:
Macedonia: GRIGOR JOSIFOV, owner /Casino-Hotel Atlantic/,
Bulgaria: NADIA HRISTOVA, Senior Legal Advisor /BTAMOGI/,
Serbia: MIRJANA ACIMOVIC, President /JAKTA/,
Romania: AMALA M.M. MARARU, Senior Partner /Mararu & Mararu Sca./, BOGDAN MARARU, Senior Partner / Mararu & Mararu Sca./
Greece: HERO SINANIDOU-SIDERIDOU, lawyer/Sinanides and Sinanides Law Firm/
 
topTHURSDAY, 2nd OCTOBER
Time Hall Session Track
08:00 - 17:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:40 Vitosha
read moreCars Don't Fit in Bill Acceptors

What do PLAYERS really want?! A presentation about the hundreds ofcars casinos and slot halls award to their players every year; and how none ofthe players visit casinos because of these cars. The big winners? The carsalesmen!

LUCIEN WIJSMAN, Principal /Slot Academy/
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
9:40 - 9:50 Coffee Break
9:50 - 10:30 Vitosha
read moreEmerging Issue: Smoke-free Gaming Trends and Regulations

Karen Blumenfeld is an attorney specializing in emerging trends in tobacco control. She serves as Executive Director, and Director of the Policy and Legal Resource Center, of New Jersey GASP, a 35 year old nonprofit organization, based in the USA. She provides technical assistance to governments, policymakers, industry, advocates and the public-at-large, on smoke-free issues, and is a globally recognized expert on smoke-free gaming trends. Last autumn, Ms. Blumenfeld presented at the European Conference on Tobacco or Health. She's written two articles on marketing smoke-free casinos that appeared in Michael Pollock's Gaming Industry Observer.

KAREN BLUMENFELD, Attorney, Executive Director and Director of the Policy and Legal Resource Center /New Jersey GASP/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
10:30 - 10:40 Coffee Break
10:40 - 11:20 Vitosha
read moreGetting to Know You: Loyalty Marketing in Eastern Europe

Rewarding players has always been a key element in creating loyalty in the casino industry. Gathering data using a players club, and then leveraging it through direct mail, e-mail, and text messaging channels is responsible for much of the organic growth at casinos around the world. But does it work in Eastern Europe? Learn the unique challenges in this region and the tools, tricks, and capabilities to motivate players here. One of the industry's leading relationship marketing strategists will discuss proven methods to design and leverage tiered clubs, cash back, incentives, promotions, special events and more.

MARLENE REYES, Senior Associate /The Fine Point Group/
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
11:20 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:10 Vitosha
read moreBases of Legal Regulation of a Gaming in the World

This session will present responsible bodies for regulation of a gaming worldwide, licensing of a gaming, the taxation of a gaming as well as restrictions for subjects of a gaming (accommodation of objects of a gaming, the admission of minors in gambling institutions, etc.)

EVGENI KOVTUN, Candidate of Law science, Author of the books of history of gaming and its legislative regulation of gambling business, Vice-President /Gaming Business Association (ADIB)/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
12:10 - 12:50 Lunch Break
12:50 - 13:30 Vitosha
read moreContribution of Bulgarian Metrology Institute of Examination and Confirmation of Gaming Equipment, under the terms of Law Gaming Legislation.

The activity of Bulgarian Institute of Meteorology in testing and approving of gaming equipment type is chronologically introduces, as well as initial and subsequent checking up. A statistic of the approved gaming equipment types is submitted. Testing and approving methods of gaming equipment are briefly examined. The necessity of effected law and normative documents updating is commented. The joint activity of Bulgarian Institute of Meteorology with State Gaming Control Board, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Court of Law and Prosecutor’s Office in gambling law controlling and enforcing is treated too.
KATERIN KATERINOV, Chairman /National Metrology Institute of Bulgaria/
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
13:30 - 13:40 Coffee Break
13:40 - 14:20 Vitosha
read moreIntellectual Property in Gaming and Entertainment Industry - Identification of Possible Objects of Protection; Administration of Protection on the National and International level. Strategy for Protection and Practices.

The International and national protection of "Literary and Artistic Property", as a main field of Intellectual Property, is the dominating impulse for the author (creator) and the business organizations, which guarantees their exclusive rights to use and gain respectively from the results of the creative labor and the accomplished risky investment.
Specific copyright industries, within the framework of the general term "Entertainment industry" may fully acquire distinction (among competitors) by the means of development of market strategies, upon implementation of trade marks and original design, as well as gaining advantage by innovations, resulting in inventions and utility models. Trade marks, industrial design, inventions, utility models etc., are objects of legal protection and in particular objects of "Industrial Property" – the other main field of Intellectual Property.

Dr. NIKOLAY EVGENIEV KRUSHKOV, lecturer / University of National and World Economy/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
14:20 - 14:30 Coffee Break
14:30 - 15:10 Vitosha
read moreBulgarian Gaming Market Overview: Trends and Future Developments

Bulgaria, one of the newest EU member states, changed its gambling laws to achieve further harmony with the principles of the open market. Recently the prospect of regulations being introduced to regulate online gambling has been the topic of debate, with the government stating its intention to regulate this form of gambling.
ANGEL IRIBOZOV, Chairman /Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators in the Gaming Industry (BTAMOGI)/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
14:30 - 15:10 Musala
read moreGaming Equipment Production Control System - Effective Transition to Quality Management System

Each production needs effective control. The control is the base of each Quality Management system (QMS). The presentation shows the shortest way to the QMS in the gaming equipment production. The building and implementation (as a first step) of all main tools for each control system (documentation and documented control procedures, control records, measuring equipment etc.) creates the steady foundation of the QMS (second step).
GEORGI SAPUNDJIEV, manager /European Academy for professional Excellence Ltd./
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
15:10 - 15:20 Coffee Break
15:20 - 16:00 Vitosha
read moreTurning Occasional Visitors into Regular Customers

Swiss Gaming Corporation received a request from a leading European casino organization to provide a solution to a retention problem: how to get occasional visitors to come back more often?
The proposal is to use the Digi Playcard as a marketing and public relations mechanism to convert occasional visitors into regular visitors.
The first visit is the moment when a person will often decide whether to return or not.
The Playcard closely resembles a slot machine and, with its strong branding, continually reminds players about playing the games at the casino where there is a chance to win further rewards.

RENE LINDSEN, European & African Sales Director /Global Gaming Business Magazine/
Casino Marketing: Strategies for Success
Vihren REGULATORS MEETING /Organized by STATE COMMISION ON GAMBLING/ by Invitations only
16:00 - 16:10 Coffee Break
16:10 - 16:50 Vitosha
read moreChallenges in Gambling Industry in Bulgaria & Possible Solutions

It could be possible to consider that at the present moment every market segment of gambling in Bulgaria is reached its optimum development according to the effected normative frame and economic conditions in which this business is working in Bulgaria. Bulgarian membership in European Union put new challenges in all spheres of economic life including gambling. It may be reasonable to accent principally on normative basis updating with regard to measures against money laundering and terrorism financing, and limit the possibilities for gambling organization by unscrupulous persons, and arising of organizer’s social responsibility, as well as normative basis conformity to coming interactive technologies.

ANGEL ANGELOV, Member of Bulgarian Association of Entertainment and Gambling /BAEG/
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
Musala
read moreSlot Machines – Assessment of Compliance and Conformity with the International Regulations

The Lecture considers some specific steps for ensuring of conformity assessment of the Slot machines hardware like European EN 60335-1, EN 60335-2-82 standards, North American Standard UL22 and Canadian Standards CSA E335-1/CSA-E60335, as well as the software compliance in different laboratories like GLI, SIQ, EZU, ITC, and BMM.
GEORGI SAPUNDJIEV, manager /European Academy for professional Excellence Ltd./
Gaming Regulation Across Eastern Europe
16:50 - 17:00 Coffee Break
17:00 - 17:40 Vitosha
read moreMachine & Game Mix-Choice of Vendors from Operator’s Perspective

To point out the importance of cooperative partnership between operator and manufacturer/distributor of gaming machines for a successful business. A brief description of analysis and benchmarking methods will be presented.
PETER AMLING, Director Products International /Merkur Spielothek, Merkur Casino/
Rodopi Round Table Discussion:
Austria: HELMUT KAFKA, President /Austrian Gaming Association/
Malta: MARIO GALEA, CEO /Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority/
British Channel Islands: ROBIN LE PREVOST, Head of E-Commerce Development / States of Alderney/
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