Kate Puteiko: "Different projects but the same philosophy - making a positive impact beyond business"

In this interview with Casino Guru News, BGaming’s CMO Kate Puteiko discusses corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and community impact across markets, focusing on Portugal and Brazil. Puteiko explains how BGaming aims to make a positive difference beyond business through local partnerships, environmental initiatives and projects supporting families, young people and women. Despite regulatory uncertainty in some markets, BGaming remains committed to its social responsibility efforts, which are central to the company’s identity.

Q: iGaming is growing globally, and there’s increasing pressure on companies to show value beyond innovation and tax revenue, often through sustainability work. How is BGaming responding to that trend?

As our industry grows, so does our responsibility towards the communities and markets where we operate. At BGaming, we believe our role goes beyond developing games. We want to make a positive contribution through projects with a clear purpose that create real value.

That's the philosophy behind BGaming's corporate social responsibility approach. Whether it's supporting local communities in Brazil or introducing more sustainable practices in Portugal, we focus on turning our values into tangible actions rather than simply making statements.

Q2: BGaming recently extended its WE CARE. WE ACT. initiative to Portugal at SBC Summit, with recycled materials, a beach clean-up in Lisbon, and a partnership with Porto-based VIVA Lab. How do you measure whether the initiative is having a lasting impact, and what’s next for it?

For me, the key is to look beyond the event itself and measure what we've actually achieved.
In Portugal, we launched our sustainability initiative. We incorporated recycled materials into our stand and merchandise, saved 16 kg of paper by switching to digital information, and used 7 kg of recycled plastic to produce carabiners. Our team also collected 2 kg of plastic and 1 kg of cigarette butts during a beach clean-up in Lisbon.

But I'm particularly happy about our partnership with VIVA Lab in Porto. We donated €15,000 to support 10 recycling workshops for up to 240 students, helping young people learn how to give plastic waste a second life.

The educational aspect is especially important because its impact can continue beyond the project itself. Going forward, we'd like to build on this experience and explore more meaningful local partnerships.

Q:. Beyond Portugal, you have also been working in other markets to advance social impact goals. One such is your tie-up with Centurion in Brazil. Could you tell us a little more about the initiative and why it is important to you?

Brazil is a very important market for BGaming, and we believe that being part of a market also means caring about its communities. That's why we partnered with Centurion Association to support local families and young people through social and educational initiatives.

Our collaboration includes providing food baskets to 150 families, as well as martial arts workshops and youth development activities.

We're also supporting Centurion's new initiative, Fight Like a Woman, launched in São Paulo during Pink October. The project aims to empower around 600 women through education on their rights, psychological support, and practical self-protection skills.

What I particularly appreciate about this partnership is that it combines immediate assistance with long-term opportunities for different communities. For us, it's about building meaningful local relationships that go beyond business.

Q: Brazil banned online betting and casino gaming on September 25, a sharp reversal after the market was regulated less than two years ago. How has this affected BGaming, its operator partners, and its initiatives in the region?

We're closely following regulatory developments in Brazil and staying in contact with our partners to understand how the situation is evolving. Our priority is to remain flexible, support our partners, and ensure that our activities comply with local requirements.

At the same time, our social commitments are not tied to short-term market conditions. Partnerships like the one with Centurion are about supporting local communities, and that remains important to us regardless of regulatory developments.

Q: The ban’s future now depends on Congress, the Supreme Court, and the October 25 runoff. What scenarios is BGaming planning for, and how does the company think about regulatory risk in other markets?

It's too early to predict how the situation will develop, so we're preparing for different regulatory scenarios while staying close to our partners. Operating across multiple markets has taught us the importance of diversification, localization, and compliance.

BGaming’s focus is on building a business that can adapt to regulatory changes while maintaining strong partnerships and a long-term approach to each market.

Q: Returning to social responsibility, you have taken a distinct approach in each market you join. What is your driving principle when you commit to an initiative this way?

I don't believe in taking one CSR concept and simply repeating it across different countries. Every market has its own needs, and our initiatives should reflect that.

In Brazil, we're supporting local communities through Centurion Association, from helping families and young people to empowering women. In Portugal, we focused on sustainability through recycling education, more conscious material choices, and hands-on environmental action.

We also prioritize working with local organizations that understand their communities and can help create lasting impact.

Different projects, but the same philosophy: making a positive impact beyond business.

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