Walking into my first iGaming conference was intimidating. I felt like a complete outsider, unfamiliar with the industry and disconnected from everyone there. Representing a little-known product in what I feared would be a resistant industry was daunting.
However, what initially seemed like a disadvantage swiftly revealed itself as a unique advantage. My outsider perspective allowed me to view the industry unfettered by biases and preconceptions. This fresh lens turned into an asset, enabling me to analyze the sector and contribute to its future without the weight of tradition.
My entry into iGaming was unexpected. Before 2021, my professional background was rooted in finance and business, dealing with agricultural companies, management consultancy, and investment funds—none of which had any relation to the gaming world.
In 2021, I joined an investment fund focused on startups using AI and machine learning. By chance, I met an iGaming investor who highlighted that the industry was underutilizing its data potential. Intrigued by this revelation, we began to explore the possibilities, which led me deeper into an area that would ultimately become my focus.
I started as an adviser with Playa and took over as CEO in 2024, a role I had not originally anticipated. Embracing this unexpected opportunity has been fulfilling. Our company stands out by providing AI personalization solutions to businesses in a market ripe for innovation.
Recognizing the need for support, I gathered a talented team to navigate the company’s direction. Over the past two years in my position, I've collaborated with some of the brightest minds in the field, and I'm proud of our progress so far.
Initially, I had reservations about the iGaming sector. It seemed stagnant, with companies content to keep generating revenue without much incentive to innovate, sticking to routines and making only minor adjustments as needed.
However, I have witnessed positive changes in a relatively short time. New regulatory landscapes and heightened competition are driving innovation, compelling companies to adapt or risk obsolescence. This shift has not only sparked creativity within the industry but has also created a welcoming atmosphere for individuals with cross-industry expertise, allowing them to share fresh, effective ideas.
While my journey began as an outsider, it has almost come full circle. Those early conferences, which felt so intimidating, pushed me to network and discover a community I now cherish. Attending these conferences has transformed into a rewarding experience where I connect with individuals I now consider friends. A notable friendship formed with Gali Hartuv, CEO and co-founder of WarriorLab, led us to team up on monthly webinars discussing iGaming.
I've also been heartened by the number of empowered female leaders I've met in my time here. Recently, I joined a WhatsApp group for female C-level executives in the iGaming space, which began with just 20 members and has now grown to 150.
This supportive network has been invaluable, especially in a leadership role, which can feel isolating. The pressures of decision-making can make it hard to maintain friendships in the workplace, and having a group of women who understand these challenges has been significant for me. The support without judgment has been transformative, providing a rare safe space in a professional environment.
Coming into iGaming as an outsider has turned out to be my greatest advantage. Free from preconceived notions about industry norms, I'm not constrained by established protocols. I believe the sector needs more diverse perspectives—individuals who view problems through new lenses and aren't shackled by past experiences.
With technology and AI shaping industries globally, there’s immense value in learning from one another. I encourage both outsiders and progressive thinkers within the industry to question the status quo. By embracing a culture of inquiry and challenging preconceived ideas, we can forge an inclusive, innovative environment that benefits everyone involved in iGaming.
