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18 miesięcy w iGaming: Międzynarodowy Dzień Kobiet 2025

Ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, G3 gathers an accomplished roster of iGaming executives who have spent 18 months or less in the industry to discuss their first impressions, mentorship opportunities and advice they’d share to newcomers joining the sector.

What were your first impressions of the iGaming industry when joining, and were there any surprises or challenges?

Ekaterina Mayorova, Business Development Manager, PandaScore: I came into the industry from the world of IT and the difference between the two is stark, especially when it comes to conferences. In my previous role, events were pretty mundane, but I quickly learned the opposite to be true for the online gambling industry. One of the first events I attended was in the Natural History Museum and it was so nice to see everyone networking, chatting and having such a great time. This more relaxed and open approach really helped me to find my feet, make some great connections (especially with other women in gaming) and build out my network – while it’s fun to attend events in cool locations (certainly those with a real-life dinosaur skeleton in the middle of the room) – I still have a job to do and that’s making operators aware of the huge potential esports betting provides and how PandaScore helps them to maximise it.

Elene Dalakishvili, Head of Event Marketing, SPRIBE: I was immediately struck by how dynamic and rapidly evolving the sector is. I knew it was going to be fast-paced but experiencing it firsthand was a bit of an eye-opener. I had to adapt fast to keep up, but it was an exciting challenge at the same time. I was particularly struck by the level of innovation and the relentless drive to stay ahead of trends, especially in technological areas like mobile gaming and live casinos. But I was surprised a few times. I had no idea of the complexity of the regulatory environment and how closely operators need to work with regulators to ensure compliance. I didn’t realise this area was so intricate, but it quickly became clear to me how crucial compliance is to maintain a sustainable business model. In terms of challenges, the sheer levels of competition were both motivating and demanding. With so many brands trying to carve out their space in a crowded market, there’s a constant need for differentiation and a focus on customer experience, and you have to keep up with those demands. Another challenge was understanding the diverse preferences of players across different regions. A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it, and I realised how companies need to tailor their products and services to meet specific cultural and legal nuances. My experience in the iGaming industry has been incredibly rewarding, full of learning opportunities and challenges that have shaped, and continue to form, my approach to the work I do today.

Siphindile Msani, Customer Success Manager Africa, Kiron Interactive: My first impression was that this is a great industry with lots of growth potential. I could see that online sports betting was popular, with slots and casino games starting to gain traction. What I didn’t anticipate was the significant growth that has occurred over the past few years, especially with casino games now generating more than half – if not the vast majority – of operator revenue. It’s been really exciting to be a part of this evolution and to see new operators, suppliers and other stakeholders enter the industry and get in on the action. In terms of surprises, I’d have to say the gender disparity has been a bit of a shock with significantly fewer women than men. It’s been eye-opening to see this imbalance in such a dynamic and fast-paced industry, but it has been equally inspiring to see things changing for the better with more women stepping into influential roles. 

Vanessa Rodriguez, Business Account Manager, BGaming: As a newcomer to the iGaming industry, my first impression was that everyone was incredibly smart and knowledgeable. That turned out to be true—everyone understands the various factors that influence game performance and must be highly adaptable in this ever-changing industry. I was also impressed by the high level of creativity, which is essential for developing effective solutions and staying competitive. One amazing surprise was meeting our team in person for the first time at ICE 2024. I was a bit nervous since it was my first iGaming event, but seeing such a powerful and knowledgeable group of women handling every situation with ease made me feel both comfortable and proud to work with such a well-prepared and friendly team.

Lydia Hill, Product Compliance Officer, Gaming Corps: The fast pace and dynamic energy of the iGaming industry really stood out to me when I first became a part of it.  The rate of growth and the levels of innovation were impressive and I knew I was now working in an industry where it was vital to keep up with new developments. One thing I remember being surprised by was the variety of games available. I soon learned players still wanted traditional casino games like slots and table games but also had a thirst for newer mechanics, like virtual racing. I hadn’t fully realised the scope of this industry before I joined it, and it was interesting to see how each game type has its own audience and unique elements. As innovation is at the forefront of Gaming Corps’ values this was something that became apparent very quickly. Another aspect that surprised me was the sheer effort that goes into a functioning iGaming company. I soon realised you need different specialised teams and departments to bring all aspects of game production together. The complexity of managing all these areas made me appreciate how much coordination and effort goes into a smooth – and crucially, compliant – game release.  

Emily Woods, Compliance Officer, Fincore: Despite its size, the iGaming industry seems to be incredibly well-connected. Everyone seems to know each other and well, that can be a bit daunting.  That said, so far I’ve found everyone very welcoming, it’s a friendly industry and people seem very open to engaging and supporting each other. In fact, that’s what I have found surprising, how collaborative and supportive people are in the industry. It gives me a good feeling that I made a good choice, and this is an industry I’ll be able to thrive in.   In terms of challenge, it’s quite a complex industry to begin with and lots of things keep changing with new regulations etc. It can be hard as someone new to the industry to get your head around, but I’m hoping as time goes by, I’ll understand it more and more.

Paulina Gutierrez, Finance Manager, Winpot: I was impressed, that’s for sure. When you look at an online casino you are not aware of the technologies, game providers, payment gateways, security solutions and other pieces of the puzzle that are required to deliver the experience that players enjoy so much. For me, the number of people who play at an online casino, the value of the transactions that pass through the platform and the habits and preferences of players have been eye-opening, too. Ultimately, an online casino is a highly sophisticated operation run and managed by a large team of specialists, with millions of dollars going in and out of the business on a daily basis. This makes for a fast-paced and fluid environment against which we must operate what is an incredibly complex business, but this makes it super exciting for me. 

Leila Flack, Marketing Lead, Rokker & RokkerX: Joining the iGaming industry felt like stepping into an entirely new world. Fresh out of university, I started as Marketing Executive at Rokker a professional services company sup-porting iGaming businesses. At the time, I knew little about the industry, and it wasn’t until I attended my first major event that I truly grasped the scale and energy of it. While I wasn’t necessarily surprised that iGaming is a male-dominated space, I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented and inspiring women who continue to break barriers and drive change. Their presence and leadership have motivated me to push forward, knowing that there’s a growing space for women to thrive in this industry. One of the biggest challenges for me was navigating B2B marketing in such a competitive land-scape. As a smaller company, establishing credibility and building meaningful relationships with industry leaders has been crucial. However, I’ve learned that with the right approach, persistence, and a strong network, making an impact is absolutely possible.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned during this time?

Emily Woods: I knew the industry was fast-moving, but I didn’t quite appreciate just how quickly things evolve until I was in it. There’s always something new – whether it’s regulatory changes, emerging technologies, or shifts in player behaviour. It’s exciting, but it also means you have to stay on your toes. What’s surprised me the most is how much innovation happens in areas like AI, cryptocurrency, and responsible gaming, often before clear regulations are even in place. It’s made me realise that success in this industry isn’t just about understanding the rules – it’s about thinking ahead, being adaptable, and staying informed so you can anticipate what’s coming next.

What challenges have you faced and what advice would you give to others starting out in iGaming?

Siphindile Msani: For me, the biggest challenge has been adjusting to the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the industry. What is super relevant today is outdated tomorrow, so it’s crucial to stay on top of trends and to be nimble and adaptable when the winds change direction. For those starting out in the industry, I would say be curious, make sure you have a deep understanding of customer interests and needs, and embrace change. If you have this mindset, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the curve. It’s also important to identify the right company to work for – I have been really fortunate to work alongside both men and women who have provided incredible support, equipping me with the tools I need to succeed in my role. My leaders have also been mentors and have always been willing to share their wealth of knowledge with me. This has been invaluable to my growth. 

Vanessa Rodriguez: Starting in a new field is always challenging, but as everyone knows, challenges help us grow—and this was no exception. I wouldn’t say there was one specific challenge; rather, adapting to the industry itself was the main hurdle. The good news is that technical skills can be learned. However, soft skills are just as important and will help you succeed in this industry, even if you don’t have prior experience. My advice? Be open, curious, and creative. Ask plenty of questions – the more you ask, the more you learn. Also, learn to manage your time effectively and prioritise your tasks. You will quickly find that it’s a fast-paced industry! (But it’s also incredibly rewarding and exciting).

Lydia Hill: One of the main challenges I’ve faced is understanding and navigating the regulatory landscape. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules, which can be subject to change. So staying compliant and keeping abreast of regulatory changes requires careful attention to detail and continual learning. I’m fortunate to work with a great team at Gaming Corps, which is dedicated to staying up to date with all the regulations and keeps compliance at the heart of everything it does. My advice to new joiners would be to research and familiarise yourself with the broader landscape of iGaming. It’s important to understand not only the technical aspects and trends of this industry but also to know the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern it. This will help you navigate challenges more effectively and give you a clearer sense of how various departments and teams work together. 

Emily Woods: One of the biggest challenges has been getting up to speed with how complex and fast-paced everything is. The industry never stands still, and there’s a lot to learn, from regulations and compliance to technology and market trends. At times, it can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found that being proactive really helps. Staying curious, asking questions, and making use of resources like industry newsletters and events has been invaluable. Another challenge is that iGaming is still quite male-dominated in certain areas, which can feel intimidating at first. But I’ve found that building connections and seeking out supportive net-works makes a huge difference. Attending events like ICE and SBC has helped me meet people who are happy to share their experiences and advice. So my biggest piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—get involved, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a welcoming industry, and there’s a place for everyone willing to put in the effort.

Paulina Gutierrez: From a financial management perspective, the first challenge I faced was getting to grips with the sheer amount of information to analyse, as well as the movement of money, volume of transactions and the position of the banks in the wider ecosystem. The scope of my role is also vast, so it’s been a bit of a learning curve when it comes to ensuring I have enough time to do the tasks required to the highest standard. This includes things like financial statements, expense control, income and expense reports, payments to suppliers, cashflow control and budget management, to name a few. You need to be able to spin a lot of plates and really need a team around you to provide assistance and support, which I have at Winpot. For those making a start in the industry, my advice is to not be afraid of the complexity of the sector and the sizeable workload you often have to take on and really embrace it. This is a very interesting industry to work in, and the effort you put in is rewarded. 

What initiatives or mentorship opportunities have been most valuable to you, and how can the industry better support women joining?

Elene Dalakishvili: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me through the industry’s complexities and pitfalls from day one. They gave me valuable advice in my early days on navigating the technical and the business aspects, explaining terminology and bringing me up to speed with how the industry operates. You can feel uncertain when you’re in one of your first meetings and someone discusses a part of the business you don’t understand, using iGaming-specific terms. Having people explain what I needed to know at an early stage soon demystified the industry for me. All that advice played a pivotal part in my development and helped me learn fast. I’ve also found networking events and industry conferences for professional development particularly valuable. Training programmes focused on leadership development, especially those designed for women, have helped hone my management skills. There are a few key actions that can make a real difference to women who enter the iGaming space: Creating more accessible mentorship programs targeted specifically at women would be immensely beneficial. Connecting aspiring female professionals with established leaders in the industry allows for shared knowledge, support, and inspiration. There also needs to be a continued focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By creating environments where women feel empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute, the industry can ensure a broader range of ideas and solutions. Finally, the industry could benefit from highlighting successful women in iGaming. Promoting these role models will not only inspire others but also demonstrate that women can excel in all aspects of the business, from technology to leadership, creating a more balanced industry overall.

Siphindile Msani: Women in Gaming Africa has been instrumental, it has really shaped my journey through the industry. It’s provided me with access to some of the most influential female leaders in iGaming and allowed me into a community of women where we can network, mentor and inspire each other to foster growth and empowerment. For me, initiatives like this are essential as they help newcomers find their feet through a strong community of like-minded individuals who have navigated a similar path. To encourage women to join the industry, and to better support those in it, we need more platforms like Women in Gaming Africa that encourage mentorship, knowledge sharing and ultimately offer a sense of belonging.

Have you felt supported in your new role? If so, in what ways?

Ekaterina Mayorova: PandaScore has given me the freedom to make the role my own. This includes working remotely – at times from Kenya – and being able to focus on the Africa region. I’ve been able to attend loads of events and use this as a way to connect with other women in gaming, and what a welcoming, supportive bunch they have turned out to be. By attending meet-ups for women in gaming, to bumping into people in the toilet, to listening to talks and even becoming a speaker myself, I’ve met some truly great women along the way and with the full backing of PandaScore when it comes to what the role ultimately looks like, what I focus on, where I work from and forging my own brand within the industry, all while pushing PandaScore’s award-winning suite of esports betting solutions.

Elene Dalakishvili: I have definitely felt supported in my new role, which played a crucial part in my growth and success within the company. From the very beginning, my team and managers have provided me with the guidance, resources, and trust needed to excel. This collaborative environment has allowed me to adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully to our projects. One of the most significant aspects of the support I’ve received is the mentorship, feedback and encouragement from senior leaders, who have been invested in my development from day one. I’m particularly proud of the promotion I received, transitioning from a Business Development Officer to Head of Events Marketing. This was not only a recognition of my hard work and contributions, but also a reflection of the confidence our management had in my ability to take on more strategic responsibilities. There are no guarantees in life, but hard work usually does pay off. However, if you have great support from those around you, the odds of success get better and better. 

Vanessa Rodriguez: Absolutely! I consider myself very lucky to have entered the world of iGaming with BGaming, especially because of my team, who have always supported me. I truly enjoy working with them. Since the beginning, I’ve had many questions and frequently reached out to senior team members for clarification. I always received kind, thoughtful answers and a wealth of useful information that has helped me grow in my role.

Leila Flack: Absolutely. I’m very fortunate that my company actively supports my development by providing opportunities to attend in-person-events. These have been the most valuable for both learning and building relationships, as they offer real insights into the industry and allow for meaningful conversations. I have found the iGaming community to be very welcoming, people are open to sharing their experiences, offering advice and providing support which makes a real difference. These inter-actions have not only helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the industry but have also given me more confidence in my role. Having access to such a supportive network has been a key part of my growth so far.

What’s a key learning moment from your first 18 months, and how has it shaped your path?

Ekaterina Mayorova: You need to create awareness of who you are, the company you work for and the products, solutions and services they provide. Branding really is everything. If you’re not branding yourself and your company, people simply won’t know who you are. This is really relevant to PandaScore as we are focused on esports betting, which is still seen as a niche vertical by most operators. That’s not the case – this is a significant vertical riding a steep upward growth trajectory and operators need to jump on board now to maximise its potential. This is why I’ve been working hard to improve my profile within the industry and among key stakeholders so that I can open the door to discussions about esports betting and how PandaScore is the key to unlocking the potential it offers. There’s a generational gap between the owners of online sportsbooks and the players they are looking to engage and while esports betting bridges this gap, it still needs buy-in from the top and that’s where a lot of my efforts are focused, especially in educating owners and senior managers as to the value esports betting brings to their brand and the boost it provides to their bottom line.