Marina Ostrovtsova: “At SiGMA Central Europe, we’re showing how BGaming is moving beyond being just a game provider”
BGaming CEO Marina Ostrovtsova spoke with Focus Gaming News about the company’s upcoming attendance at SiGMA Central Europe.
Exclusive interview.- Ahead of SiGMA Central Europe, Focus Gaming News spoke with Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, about the company’s refreshed portfolio classification, its data-driven approach to enhancing player engagement, and the balance between viral success and sustainable game design. Ostrovtsova also discussed BGaming’s growing presence in Italy and the trends shaping the evolving igaming landscape across Central Europe.
BGaming is well-known for its creative approach to slot development. What new titles or features will you be showcasing at SiGMA Central Europe, and how do they reflect the company’s current direction?
At SiGMA Central Europe, we’re showing how BGaming is moving beyond being just a game provider with our updated portfolio classification: Casual, Classic, and Entertainment. It highlights the variety and direction of our content: quick and engaging casual games, timeless classic slots, and feature-rich Entertainment titles built for modern audiences. This update reflects BGaming’s growth as a creative brand, a team that goes beyond making games to create experiences that connect with players worldwide.
Personalisation and player engagement remain key drivers of success in igaming. How is BGaming using innovation — both in game design and technology — to elevate the player experience?
We take a data-driven approach to make our games more engaging and meaningful for players. Partnering with Strmlytics provides us with valuable insights from streamers and gameplay statistics, enabling us to fine-tune our math models and design games that resonate with different audiences. With Scatters Club, a community of gambling players and streamers, we test new titles early and gather direct feedback from them. It’s a great way to see what works, what doesn’t, and what excites people most. This process helps us continually improve and create balanced, genuinely engaging titles.
Aviamasters became a viral success, and you’ve hinted at its sequel. How do you strike the right balance between creating viral hits and developing sustainable game mechanics that ensure long-term performance across different markets?
Viral games like Aviamasters are great for grabbing attention and bringing in new audiences, including affiliates who help drive that buzz. But for us, the real goal is long-term engagement. Behind every hit, there’s solid math and gameplay that keep players coming back. We also ensure that our portfolio remains diverse and adaptable to different markets, so that each region receives content tailored to its audience. Additionally, our promotional tools, such as B-Rush Challenges and other add-ons, help operators maintain strong performance well beyond the initial hype.
BGaming recently introduced a refreshed classification of its portfolio — Casual, Classic, and Entertainment. How does this new structure help your partners better navigate and leverage the diversity of your games?
With over 200 games in our portfolio, we wanted to make it easier for partners to see the whole picture and find what best fits their goals. That’s why we introduced the new structure — Casual, Classic, and Entertainment. Each category caters to a distinct type of player and operator strategy: quick and simple Casual titles, traditional Classic slots, and feature-packed Entertainment games designed for high engagement. This classification makes communication clearer, helps partners navigate our portfolio more efficiently, and facilitates positioning the right games for the right audiences.
Italy is now one of BGaming’s key markets. How do you see your recent initiatives — including donations to San Patrignano and the new licence — shaping your long-term strategy in the region?
Italy is one of our key strategic markets, and obtaining a local licence earlier this year marks a significant milestone for BGaming’s growth in the region. Alongside this, we’ve made a significant financial contribution to San Patrignano, a local nonprofit organisation that supports people struggling with gambling and other addictions. The donation will help fund the community’s recovery program dedicated to the rehabilitation of people with gambling addiction, reinforcing BGaming’s focus on responsible gaming and player well-being. Together, these initiatives underscore our commitment to establishing a sustainable and socially responsible presence in Italy for the long term.
“Italy is one of our key strategic markets, and obtaining a local licence earlier this year marks a significant milestone for BGaming’s growth in the region.”
Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming.
Looking ahead, which trends do you think will define the online slots and entertainment market in Central Europe, both from a player and operator perspective?
Many trends we see in Central Europe mirror those happening in other regions — such as personalisation, gamification, and the more innovative use of data. However, there are also some specific factors shaping this market. I’d highlight a stronger focus on responsible gaming and local certification, which are becoming must-haves for operators. We’re also seeing growing interest in interactive and streaming-friendly formats, as players look for more dynamic experiences. Another exciting direction is the rise of hybrid models that blend slots with casual gameplay, such as our Aviamasters, which bring new energy and variety to the player experience.
