In three weeks, the 3rd annual SPiCE Central Asia 2026 will convene at The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi in Georgia on September 24-25, offering a platform for operators, affiliates, and providers to address the complexities of the Central Asian gaming market beyond mere growth. The event aims to unite industry leaders from Central Asia and the Caucasus who possess in-depth knowledge of the region's unique challenges and opportunities, enabling them to share insights on their operational experiences and the potential for future advancements.
This year, women will take center stage at SPiCE Central Asia, representing various sectors of the gaming industry. These leaders have shared their insights on topics they will discuss during the event.
Ekaterine Bibiluri, the Human Resources Department Manager at Casino Adjara, emphasized the necessity of fostering authentic pathways for talented women to ascend into leadership roles. She stated, "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." Bibiluri illustrated that the gaming sector must create inclusive workplace cultures to enhance women's career development and retention. She suggested prioritizing genuine career opportunities, mentoring, and performance-based recognition to empower capable employees.
"Confidence, adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence will be essential," Bibiluri added regarding the skills future female leaders should cultivate. She also argued for a broader vision, stating, "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, underscored the importance of localizing retention strategies to suit cultural contexts rather than relying on direct translations. She explained that retention requires adapting to local preferences in language, payments, and communication styles. Kanashvili asserted that understanding player behavior is crucial for effective personalization, noting, "The most effective personalization starts with understanding behaviour, not simply adding a player’s name to a message."
Kanashvili believes that the key to long-term player retention will hinge on providing personalized experiences instead of merely offering bonuses. "Building trust and providing a smooth overall experience will be key to long-term retention," she said.
Maka Gorgadze, CMO of Casino Adjara, focused on the need for regulatory clarity and consistency to foster confidence among operators, players, and regulators. Gorgadze stated, "Transparency, clear rules, and consistent enforcement are key factors." She stressed the importance of operators understanding regulatory expectations while ensuring players feel secure and protected.
Gorgadze expressed her eagerness for networking and sharing ideas during SPiCE Central Asia 2026, stating, "I’m looking forward to exchanging experiences with people from markets that are developing in different ways, sharing Georgia’s experience, understanding where the region is heading next, and, of course, networking."
