Inga Varno-Baloglu: "The industry is evolving quickly, and fresh perspectives are incredibly valuable"

Inga Varno-Baloglu, Head of Responsible Gambling at OlyBet, takes a deep dive into the human side of safer gambling, challenging industry misconceptions and outlining a future where player protection is built into the entire process and experience. She highlights soft skills such as empathy and stresses the need for education, and transparency as key pillars, urging operators to see responsibility not as a constraint, but as a foundation for long-term success.

Q: Responsible Gaming is often discussed in regulatory terms. From your perspective, what does it mean on a human level?

Responsible Gaming starts with a very simple truth: gambling is entertainment and must stay on this level. People don’t go to Las Vegas the way they go to the office expecting a stable income. Of course, someone might win a jackpot, but it is not a financial strategy. At the same time, we live in a world where everything is available instantly. Games are accessible 24/7, on our phones, in our homes. Because of that, maintaining balance has become more difficult for many people. Responsible Gaming is really about helping people keep that balance.

Behind every player account is a real person. Someone with emotions, financial responsibilities, maybe stress at work, family challenges, or simply a bad day. When we talk about Responsible Gaming, we are talking about recognizing those realities. For me personally, it’s about empathy and responsibility. It means making sure players understand the risks before they start, giving them tools to stay in control, and creating systems that can step in if play starts to become harmful. In short Responsible Gaming is about remembering that this industry is not about products and platforms, but it is about people.

Q: In your experience, what is the biggest misconception operators have about Responsible Gaming?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Responsible Gaming is somehow "bad for business". At first glance, it can look that way. If you are encouraging balance and limits or sometimes intervening when a player is spending too much time or money, it might feel like you are restricting revenue. Shooting the leg. But the reality is the opposite. Responsible Gaming is what makes the industry sustainable. Operators who truly embrace Responsible Gaming tend to build stronger brands, more loyal players, and better relationships with regulators. So instead of seeing it as a restriction, I see it as a long-term investment in trust.

Q: In your view, what will Responsible Gaming look like five years from now?

I think Responsible Gaming will become much more integrated into the actual design of products. Today, many protection tools still sit a little bit "on the side" such as limits, warnings, or support links that players have to actively find. In the future, these tools will be much more naturally built into the experience.

Another big change that we already see and that will be growing is cultural. Responsible Gaming will gradually move away from being seen as just a compliance requirement and become a core part of how companies design products, communicate with players, and measure success. In five years, I think the conversation will be less about "meeting regulatory requirements" and more about "how do we prove that we are a safe entertainment environment".

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the iGaming industry who want to contribute to safer gambling environments?

Don’t be afraid to challenge existing ideas. The industry is evolving quickly, and fresh perspectives are incredibly valuable. Responsible Gaming is a fascinating field because it sits at the intersection of so many different areas: psychology, technology, regulation, product design, ethics, and even sociology. Understanding player behavior is just as important as understanding data, regulation, or product mechanics. Those fresh ideas and eyes are something that can make a difference.

Q: What does Casino Guru Academy represent to you personally and professionally?

For me, Casino Guru Academy represents something the industry has needed for a long time - a space where people can learn, share experiences, and build real expertise. That is incredibly valuable, especially for newcomers who want to understand the industry. I really appreciate initiatives like this because they help raise the overall level of knowledge and discussion. When education becomes more accessible and transparent, it benefits everyone - operators, regulators, professionals, and most importantly, players.

Q: How important are education and transparency in building a more responsible gambling ecosystem?

They are absolutely essential. Transparency also plays a huge role in building trust. When operators communicate openly about risks, protections, and responsibilities, it creates a healthier relationship between the industry, regulators, and players. And trust is really the foundation of a sustainable gambling environment.

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