Martin Ivanov: “Essential topics for CT Interactive at the SBC Summit 2025 will be global and emerging markets, along with the latest technological advancements”
Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, spoke to Focus Gaming News about the company’s upcoming presentation at SBC Summit Lisbon.
Exclusive interview.- Ahead of SBC Summit Lisbon, Martin Ivanov, chief operating officer at CT Interactive sat down with Focus Gaming News to discuss the company’s expectations for the event, strategic expansion across Europe and LatAm, and the debut of titles like 20 Mega Star alongside innovations such as the Diamond Tree progressive jackpot and dynamic‑reels gameplay.
In September, CT Interactive will be present at SBC Summit in Lisbon. What expectations do you have about the event?
I have great expectations for CT Interactive’s participation at SBC Summit in Lisbon this September. This is one of the leading events in the industry, offering an excellent platform to showcase innovative solutions and establish strategic partnerships. The fresh location in Lisbon adds additional value and a new perspective for all attendees.
“[SBC Summit] is one of the leading events in the industry, offering an excellent platform to showcase innovative solutions and establish strategic partnerships.”
Martin Ivanov, vhief operating officer at CT Interactive.
SBC Summit 2025 will feature conference stages about Global Markets, Emerging Markets, Technology, Affiliation, and Player Protection. What do you consider to be the most relevant issues on the agenda at the event?
Essential topics for CT Interactive at the SBC Summit 2025 will be global and emerging markets, along with the latest technological advancements. High-growth regions offer significant opportunities, while innovation continues to transform how we operate and engage with customers. Prioritising these factors is key to securing a strong position in this dynamic industry.
Within this global context, the Balkans stand out as a dynamic subregion of the emerging markets landscape — marked by rapid regulatory developments, strong player engagement, and unique cross-border opportunities. I will take the chance to announce that Mrs. Rossi McKee, co-founder and vice president of Telematic Interactive, CT Interactive, and CT Gaming, will moderate the high-stakes panel Crossing Borders: Cross-Selling in Balkan Markets at the SBC Summit 2025 conference.
With her visionary leadership and industry insight, Mrs. McKee will reveal the secrets and strategies of cross-selling in a region where the game is changing fast. She will be with the panellists, Dan Alexandru Ghita, president, RomBet, Marinos Shiapanis, CEO & co-founder, Campeon Gaming Partners, Aleksandar Popov, director, Bulgarian National Revenue Agency, and Artem Skrypnyk, CEO, FAVBET. This will be a must-attend session with bold predictions and unfiltered truths.
What are your key growth markets in Europe for the following months?
Our key growth markets in Europe for the upcoming months include the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Italy, Belgium, and our domestic market in Bulgaria. LaTam is also a focus of our Business Development department. Each of these markets offers significant potential due to evolving regulatory environments and growing demand. We are focused on strengthening our presence and adapting our services to meet the specific needs of customers in these regions.
“Our key growth markets in Europe for the upcoming months include the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Italy, Belgium, and our domestic market in Bulgaria.”
Martin Ivanov, chief operating officer at CT Interactive.
Can you tell us about your most recent game releases, like 20 Mega Star, and how players and partners have received them?
20 Mega Star has delivered extraordinary results and has been very well received by both players and partners. Its exciting features, excellent math model, and optimised prize distribution effectively extend the thrill for players. The game is currently certified for several regulated markets, including those under MGA regulation, opening significant new opportunities for expansion and growth.
Are there any new game mechanics or unique features that CT Interactive is focusing on in its upcoming releases?
The company’s extensive portfolio features over 290 slot games that blend classic and innovative concepts. We have recently introduced a brand-new multigame and multicurrency progressive jackpot – Diamond Tree – as well as a fresh Buy Bonus product line, offering multiple bonus levels and catering to all types of players. Looking ahead, our focus is on delivering a new generation of titles featuring dynamic reels, where the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, creating an even more engaging and unpredictable gameplay experience.
How does CT Interactive tailor its portfolio to meet the cultural and regulatory specifics of different jurisdictions? What do you think are the main differences between the European, Latin American and North American players?
As a European company, we have a deep understanding of player preferences across the continent. In Western Europe, audiences tend to favour feature-rich games with high potential multipliers. In contrast, players from Eastern and Central Europe prefer more classic-style slots with straightforward mechanics and smaller, yet attainable, multipliers — an approach that often results in longer gameplay sessions.
In Latin America—excluding Brazil—player preferences align closely with those of Eastern and Central Europe. Brazilian players, however, have their unique tastes, gravitating toward fast-paced games with rich visuals and an abundance of multipliers.
In North America, modern graphics are highly sought after, and player preferences are strongly shaped by land-based casino trends, which are increasingly moving into the online space.
