In just three weeks, the 3rd annual SPiCE Central Asia 2026 will take place at The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi in Georgia on September 24-25. This event will address more than just market growth for gaming businesses in Central Asia, as key figures from the region’s gaming sector convene to share crucial insights.
Rather than approaching Central Asia as a monolithic market, attendees—including operators, affiliates, and service providers—will gain insights from leaders who deeply understand the unique nuances of the region. These industry professionals will discuss their experiences, revealing the challenges they encounter and the opportunities they see on the horizon.
A Highlight on Women's Contributions
This year, women leaders in the gaming industry will take center stage at SPiCE Central Asia. They bring a wealth of experience from various sides of the business, contributing vital perspectives to the discussions.
Ekaterine Bibiluri, the Human Resources Department Manager at Casino Adjara, emphasized the necessity of fostering pathways for women to ascend into leadership roles. "One of the biggest barriers is not a lack of talented women, but a lack of equal opportunities to be seen, trusted, and developed as future leaders," she explained. Bibiluri noted that some women, despite being strong performers, lacked the external recognition required to leap to the next stage of their careers.
Highlighting the steps gaming companies can take, she stated, "Companies should focus on real career opportunities, strong managers, mentoring, and a culture where performance matters more than gender." She believes that empowering employees to lead projects can significantly enhance their confidence and career growth.
When discussing the skills essential for the next generation of women leaders in gaming, Bibiluri identified confidence, adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence as crucial traits. Additionally, she noted the importance of ambition in leadership, saying, "Real leadership is not only about achieving your own success, but also about having the courage to create something bigger than yourself and inspire others to grow."
Anano Kanashvili, a Customer Retention Specialist at Betlive.com, highlighted the necessity for businesses to look beyond simple translations when entering different markets. She stressed that successful retention strategies must adapt to local language, culture, payment methods, and communication preferences. "What works in one market cannot always be directly applied to another," Kanashvili stated.
She further distinguished effective player interactions from intrusive ones, asserting that genuine personalization should derive from behavioral understanding rather than merely appending names to messages. According to her, "Understanding players, building trust, and providing a smooth overall experience will be key to long-term retention."
Maka Gorgadze, Chief Marketing Officer at Casino Adjara, remarked on the vital role of regulatory clarity in building confidence within the industry. She outlined that transparency, clear regulations, and consistent enforcement are essential for fostering trust among operators, players, and regulators alike. Gorgadze expressed eagerness to share Georgia's experiences with others and learn about various market developments at SPiCE Central Asia 2026.
While preparations are underway, opportunities remain for organizations to engage with the gaming community in the region. Various delegate, sponsorship, and exhibition packages are still available for those looking to showcase their brands, forge partnerships, and build valuable industry connections.
