The 3rd annual SPiCE Central Asia 2026 is set to take place at The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi in Georgia on September 24-25. This year’s event will focus on the regulatory shifts, investment prospects, technological advancements, and cross-border interactions shaping the region.
Situated between Europe and Asia and increasingly significant in the Middle Corridor, Georgia offers a strategic connection for discussions involving Central Asia and the Caucasus. While the region presents numerous opportunities, the approach to capturing them is varied and complex. SPiCE Central Asia will gather operators, affiliates, and providers, all equipped with deep insights into these markets, to share effective strategies, highlight ongoing challenges, and pinpoint critical areas for attention.
**Key Topics to Look Forward to**
**Day 1 | Thursday, September 24, 2026**
– Central Asia's Gaming Market: Regulation, Investment & Future Growth
– Channelisation & Market Sustainability in Emerging Gaming Jurisdictions
– Georgia's Export-Only Online Gaming Model: A New Opportunity for International Operators
**Day 2 | Friday, September 25, 2026**
– Fintech-Enabled Payments: Strengthening Trust & Security in the Region's Online Gaming Market
– Localisation Strategies That Drive Player Engagement
– Prediction Markets & the Future of Digital Wagering: Where Are We Heading?
**What the Region’s Industry Leaders Will Be Covering**
Maka Gorgadze from Casino Adjara will address prediction markets and the evolving landscape of digital wagering. She noted, "The gaming industry is changing rapidly as digital technologies reshape how operators reach players and how markets continue to evolve. I’ll share my perspective on the growing role of digital marketing, online versus land-based gaming, and how the opening of new markets will influence the future of the industry in Georgia and beyond."
Gorgadze will also discuss market sustainability in emerging gaming jurisdictions: "I’m looking forward to sharing Georgia’s experience in developing a well-regulated gaming market. My session will focus on recent regulatory developments, compliance monitoring in casinos, and the necessity of effective regulation and trust for a sustainable gaming market."
Sergei Mosolov, Head of Sportsbook at Deep Games, will emphasize the importance of localisation in sportsbook operations. He stated, "Successful localisation requires more than just translating a platform; it involves adapting sports content, product features, promotions, and communication to local player behavior. There is no universal playbook — the strongest products blend global expertise with local insights."
Gigi Giorgobiani, Senior Fraud Analyst, will highlight AI's role in risk management. She remarked, "AI and automation are essential for filtering noise and detecting patterns at scale; however, the human analyst must remain the ultimate decision-maker in iGaming risk management. At SPiCE Central Asia 2026, I'll discuss balancing predictive algorithms with human judgment to combat evolving fraud schemes while ensuring player protection."
Stasya Yautodzyeva, Head of Analytics at 4H Agency, will focus on Georgia's rise as a global iGaming jurisdiction: "Georgia’s export-only online gaming model presents a unique opportunity for international operators in a well-regulated environment. The model’s success hinges on balancing regulatory stability with commercial competitiveness."
George Mamulaishvili from the Georgian Gambling Association will address efforts to combat illegal gambling through coordinated enforcement: "I will evaluate how illegal operators engage players using affiliate networks, social media, messaging platforms, and alternative payment methods. Effective enforcement requires a coordinated ecosystem comprising technology, financial controls, AML and KYC mechanisms, regulatory cooperation, and continuous market monitoring."
