iGaming Crossfire: Vladimir Malakchi and Dmitry Starostenkov

Xanada Investments Managing Partner Vladimir Malakchi and Evenbet Gaming CEO Dmitry Starostenkov joined Casino Guru News at SBC Summit Lisbon for the publication’s newest format – iGaming Crossfire, in which prominent insiders clash over their opinions on the industry.

The host offered a statement, and then Malakchi and Starostenkov flipped a sign to indicate whether they "Agree" or "Disagree."

"Poker is making a comeback in online gaming."

Right from the start, a "crossfire" occurred, with Starostenkov agreeing with the statement: "Poker is making a comeback in online gaming," citing the fact that this is a global phenomenon, and not limited to a single geography or jurisdiction.

However, Malakchi disagreed slightly with the phrasing of "comeback." It’s not a comeback per se, he argued, but rather, online gambling has been growing, and online poker along with it.

Yet, he cautions that there is a limited number of companies offering worthwhile products, perhaps three or five bidding players in the whole world. It is, however, a good business opportunity, but with the caveat that it still accounts for a small part of the overall revenue.

"Companies talk about AI more than they actually use it."

Malakchi and Starostenkov saw eye to eye on this one, calling it a buzzword that does not necessarily translate into tangible value for everyone. Starostenkov threw in a few quick examples of other trends, such as the blockchain and metaverse, that have not necessarily translated into something deeply transformative.

"Tighter regulation enhances long-term industry credibility."

Malakchi disagreed, as he argues that the government and regulators must understand the industry from "inside out." Right now, Malakchi believes, too few people who regulate the industry are actually its alumni, meaning that they do not fully comprehend the inner workings that could lead to better regulation overall.

Starostenkov agrees that good regulation will boost the industry’s credibility, but also acknowledges Malakchi’s argument, which takes into consideration what is currently happening with regulators. Some regulators are equally concerned about the political situation, Starostenkov argues, as they are about crafting sustainable regulation.

"The sake of iGaming is social, not individual."

Both Malakchi and Starostenkov agree (to disagree here). Starostenkov is more confident that this is indeed the future, and Malakchi acknowledges the pull of social games and the solutions deployed to sustain this trend. However, he also cautions that there are other factors to consider – such as how much value in terms of money is derived from social-centric products. It is not even ten percent, he cautions, and this should matter.

The conversation continued with more similar statements, and Malakchi and Starostenkov offered their unfiltered opinions as they sought to explore various topics in the industry. The full video is well worth watching in its entirety, and you can find more similar video interviews on the Casino Guru News’ official YouTube channel.

Image credit: Casino Guru News