Key talking points from the event

It's easy to get lost in the thumping music and striking scenes at this week's iGB Live, as the event bids farewell to the city of Amsterdam after many years in the Dutch capital. Eventually, the conference adrenaline will peter out and many will be left unsure of what exactly happened between the beers and handshakes. To combat that feeling, here's a curated roundup of interesting talking points, overheard by the iGB editorial team throughout the day.

"Illegal operators are the pirates of our industry," says new Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) chairman?Michel Groothuizen

Speaking for the first time since taking office as chairman of the Dutch gambling regulator, Groothuizen warned the audience that black market operators were using the KSA logo and Google Maps ads to advertise to self-excluded players.

He made a plea for licensed operators to “do everything they can” to protect players and promised to push for regulatory powers to block illegal sites.

Read the full story on iGB's site

"[Customer] demand is endless and producing content, almost to individual needs, is expensive to do at scale. Other challenges are the operating costs of being a regulated industry," Sam Sadi CEO for LiveScore Group

Sadi has experienced huge success in merging the worlds of sports media and sports betting via the LiveScore brand, but the biggest challenge, he says, is in creating an individualised experience for all uses.

Content is undoubtedly king to the betting sector, but feeding the endlessy hungry sports fan can take up significant resources. The LiveScore model is surely successful because it goes above and beyond the typical betting experience, engaging the user throughout their journey.

Brazil's the shining light in a booming esports market, says Unlocked co-CEO Birger De Geyter

Esports and gaming agency Unlocked's co-CEO Birger De Geyter told the iGB audience that LatAm was at the forefront of the esports industry during his “Full Stream Ahead” presentation. He highlighted the “enormous” success in Brazil and a growing appetite from bettors in Mexico.

LatAm aside, De Geyter also pointed to “significant investment” in esports from Saudi Arabia and how that could help drive interest in esports from the gaming sector.

Retail remains robust in the Balkans, according to Lazar Miucin of iGaming Advisor

iGaming Advisor CEO and co-founder Lazar Miucin has emphasised the resilience of the retail gambling sector in the Balkans, estimating that land-based gambling accounts for approximately 50% of the sector across the Balkans.

Miucin pointed to the social aspect of retail gambling as a key attraction for locals, noting shops in countries like Serbia were on a “different level” compared to other parts of Europe. Localisation, he said, was key for operators looking to make a mark in the region, which includes Greece and Bulgaria.

Tune in tomorrow for the Day Two roundup!