‘Africa: an untapped territory for bigger brands’ — Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of Evenbet Gaming

Rami Gabriel January 26, 2025
‘Africa: an untapped territory for bigger brands’ — Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of Evenbet Gaming

The gaming industry continues to see remarkable expansion, driven by new regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and evolving consumer behaviours. SiGMA engaged with leading experts during the recent ICE forum to address a key question: which emerging markets hold the greatest potential for growth? Their insights reveal not only the challenges but also the unique opportunities within these burgeoning regions.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SiGMA World (@sigma.world)

Mark Segal, CEO at Gaming Realms, shared his enthusiasm for regulated markets, stating, “We’re very excited about new markets regulating for the industry. I think it gives operators an opportunity to enter these regions in a responsible way.” This optimism is shared across the industry as operators look to responsibly expand their footprints.

From a practical standpoint, David Mahon, CEO of Full Color Games, emphasised the importance of player accessibility: “Emerging markets are really where the players are. It’s not about whether regulations exist or don’t, but about enabling players to participate seamlessly—ensuring they can deposit and withdraw without obstruction.”

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at Evenbet Gaming, highlighted Africa as “an untapped territory for bigger brands,” underscoring its immense potential for growth. This perspective aligns with SiGMA Africa summit in Cape Town, which returns for its third edition this March. The event shines a spotlight on the continent’s growing interest in gaming and sports betting, offering a platform for industry leaders to explore market-specific opportunities and address unique challenges. By bringing together international operators and investors, the Cape Town summit demonstrates how Africa is opening its doors to those eager to contribute to its evolving gaming ecosystem.

Lisa Pulk, Chief Product Officer at Fluid, pinpointed Brazil as a market to watch in 2025. “I think Brazil is going to get a lot of attention as a newly regulated market. With its large population, it presents a significant opportunity,” she remarked. Supporting this view, BiS SiGMA Americas summit in São Paulo has established itself as a key event for exploring the regulatory and market dynamics in Brazil. Scheduled to showcase the thriving gaming and tech sectors, the summit connects global stakeholders with opportunities in one of the largest and most dynamic gaming markets in the region​.

Meanwhile, Evert Montero Cardenas, President of Fecoljuegos in Colombia, highlighted the progress and challenges in his home country: “Colombia has been developing its gaming industry with major challenges. Each day, we are working to create the necessary conditions for growth, not just for entrepreneurs but also with the support of the national government.” Emerging markets are undoubtedly becoming focal points for the gaming industry. These regions, with their distinct opportunities and obstacles, are poised to shape the sector’s future trajectory.

Are you a C-level operator? Reach out to us to become a speaker and share your insights on the main stage. C-level operators are entitled to full concierge VIP service. Click here for more details. This limited-time offer expires on the 10th February. Stakeholders can also join us for the AIBC Eurasia Summit in Dubai from 22–25 February, while keeping track of SiGMA’s year-long global roadshow, fostering collaboration and growth across the gaming sector.

Recommended for you