Watch: CEO Leonid Pertsovskiy on Magnus Carlsen as Betby's ambassador, industry growth and regulation

Written by Jade Denosta

Leonid Pertsovskiy, the CEO and co-founder of Betby, enthusiastically shared insights into the company’s impressive rise in the competitive iGaming industry. With a solid foundation rooted in e-commerce, Pertsovskiy’s journey began with a simple yet profound curiosity sparked by observing the operations of a friend in the betting business. This initial curiosity laid the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the leading sportsbook-maker companies in the sector.

Pertsovskiy initially entered the iGaming realm as a consultant specialising in the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. Over 11 years, he immersed himself in the industry, gaining valuable insights and identifying a growing demand for B2B sportsbook providers. Recognising this opportunity, he boldly established Betby, which has since grown into a powerhouse within the sports betting market.

Watch: Leonid Pertsovskiy, CEO of Betby shares game-changing insights. Source: SiGMA

Magnus Carlsen as Betby’s main ambassador

Magnus Carlsen, the renowned chess grandmaster, has held the title of world champion for ten years, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the chess community and he’s currently the main ambassador for Betby. When asked about the decision to partner with Carlsen, Betby CEO Pertsovskiy shared, “We share exactly the same values. He is not only a grandmaster but also the best player in the world.”

In a surprising choice among various sports fields, Betby selected chess—one of the most traditional and prestigious sports—as their primary focus. The rich history and strategic depth of chess resonate with the company’s philosophy. Pertsovskiy elaborated on how the game’s simplicity, intrigue, and enduring nature captivated Betby. He expressed excitement about the potential for growth and innovation within the chess domain and the broader industry. As he looks to the future, Pertsovskiy is eager to see how this partnership will impact the sport betting space.

Importance of physical events in the industry

Pertsovskiy emphasised the important role of face-to-face interactions within the industry, particularly in light of the ongoing trend toward remote work. He highlighted notable events such as SiGMA, ICE, and SBC as vital opportunities for networking and relationship-building. Even when deals are not finalised on-site, the time spent together fosters meaningful connections, creating bonds of trust and understanding among attendees.

The personal interactions from the events cultivate a strong rapport between individuals, operators, suppliers, and companies, laying a foundation that facilitates smoother collaboration when they eventually engage in projects together. The relationships forged during these events can ultimately lead to more successful partnerships and more effective teamwork in the long run.

Universal standard on regulation

Pertsovskiy is a supporter of regulated markets, he shared his vision for the future of the global marketplace, expressing his desire for a unified standard that could streamline operations across all borders. He underscored the importance of protecting local businesses yet cautioned that such measures could compromise the quality of services and products offered to consumers.

He raised a concern within the industry about lawmakers and tax collectors often lacking a deep understanding of the gambling sector. This disconnect can result in legislation that appears beneficial on paper but may not just work for the gambling industry, leaving stakeholders to deal with the repercussions after the laws are implemented.

Pertsovskiy also expressed a bleak view of how non-gaming sectors perceive the gambling industry, suggesting that this perception is largely negative and growing increasingly disturbing. He believes that with enhanced regulations that genuinely reflect the market’s needs and realities, the industry’s image can move in a more promising direction.

Stay tuned for more captivating content from the industry, including in-depth interviews and exciting events on SiGMA TV. Don’t miss out on the latest insights and discussions shaping the sector’s future!