Nikita Akulov, EvenBet: “We’re bridging the gap between the casino player and a poker player”

Shows & conferences - 23 April, 2026

During the Bis SiGMA South America 2026 event in Brazil, Focus Gaming News had the opportunity to speak with Nikita Akulov, Chief Customer Officer at EvenBet. The interview delved into the vibrant Brazilian poker market, EvenBet's strategic approach, and the company's commitment to innovation and game integrity.   Akulov kicked off the discussion by expressing enthusiasm for the Brazilian market, noting the country's inherent passion. "There's so much passion," he remarked, explaining how this characteristic, evident in everything from football to food, "translates to poker very well." He acknowledged that whilst the history of poker in Brazil might not be exceptionally long, it is undoubtedly "rich," with a strong community element that aligns perfectly with poker's nature.   EvenBet capitalises on this passion by providing operators with robust tools designed to cultivate and nurture poker communities. These include private poker rooms, clubs, and various interactive features. A key offering is the ability to share liquidity across different networks, a crucial feature Akulov affirmed with an emphatic "Absolutely. We have that throughout networks, and that does help share liquidity." EvenBet has been a global player for over two decades, having launched its own network approximately five years ago during the pandemic, a period that "created some opportunities despite all of the challenges" for worldwide growth, including in Latin America.   Reflecting on the Bis SiGMA event itself, Akulov described it as a resounding success, characterised by "a lot of engagement." He observed a significant interest from operators, traditionally focused on casino and sportsbook, in diversifying into poker, as it's "no longer a niche thing anymore."   EvenBet is expanding its identity beyond just poker. Akulov stated, "We are really calling ourselves not just the poker company, but the card game company and provider." This encompasses a vast array of game variations – so many, in fact, that he admitted to having "lost count." A major focus is "bridging the gap between the casino player and a poker player" by simplifying the poker experience for newcomers. This led to the introduction of "one click poker," which, much like a slot game, allows a player to "literally something that you click... and without anything else, you are at a table."   Regarding integration, EvenBet offers multiple options, including HTML5, iframe, and API, ensuring seamless implementation for operators. The product is also "highly customizable," allowing operators to brand the experience fully and align it with their existing platforms.   Looking to the future, Akulov highlighted EvenBet\'s continued efforts to blend casino and poker experiences. He teased Spins Poker, a variation designed to "simulate the casino experience... by just making these very short, high-energy sessions," catering to fast-paced modern lifestyles.   Finally, the conversation touched upon the critical issue of game integrity, especially concerning the potential misuse of AI. Akulov clarified that while human collusion remains a concern, AI isn't currently seen as a significant threat in this regard. He stressed that "game integrity is the backbone" of their operations, providing comprehensive out-of-the-box tools for operators and partnering with leading game integrity providers for more complex projects.