I’ve always been inspired by the women shaping iGaming: the ones leading teams, creating strategies, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. Their journeys are full of dedication, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. Many have built incredible careers while supporting and inspiring others along the way.
I wanted to bring their voices together here, to share their stories and the advice they’d give to anyone looking to make their mark in iGaming. Reading these experiences is a reminder of what’s possible when talent and determination come together.
Irina Makarova
Marketing Professional, ex-CMO at PIN-UP Global
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I first started out in marketing within the IT and Fintech sectors, working my way up from the ground level. In 2020, I came across an open position for Head of Marketing at an affiliate network company. Honestly, I had no clear idea what that actually meant, but I decided to go for it anyway. That was my first encounter with iGaming, and I was instantly hooked. I still believe iGaming is one of the most exciting and fast-moving industries out there.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
My advice would be to gather as much information as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people in the industry via LinkedIn and build connections. We all started fresh, so there’s absolutely no shame in asking questions or voicing your concerns. It takes time to adjust to new industry standards; don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Olesea Naidion
Brand Manager at Nightrush
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
With over 12 years of experience in marketing, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my expertise in brand strategy and data-driven marketing across various sectors. The iGaming industry caught my attention because it moves quickly and is full of energy, the perfect environment to apply my skills in a rapidly growing field. It encourages experimentation, fosters growth, and constantly pushes me to learn and evolve. I’m passionate about contributing to its development and helping shape its future through impactful marketing strategies.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
My advice to women entering or growing in iGaming is to embrace the fast pace and stay curious. This industry values creativity, so don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table. Build strong connections, stay adaptable, and keep learning. When passion meets planning, the possibilities are endless.
Lusia Barseghyan
Chief Operating Officer at Oddsgate
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I found iGaming by feeling its rhythm, live ops buzzing, support chats breathing, releases landing when they should. Under all that noise was a simple promise: keep playing human. Diagnose with data, fix with clear processes, and lead with transparency.
This industry is like a pulse: compliance = safety, product = motion, risk = truth, marketing = voice. When it all clicks, the system’s alive. I stayed for that.
Challenging myself is my natural state. When our mind is calm and everything feels safe, we rarely fight, chase, or dream big. We rarely step outside our comfort zone. But the moment we begin to feel uncomfortable, even scared, that’s exactly where transformation begins.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
Train resilience. Resilience is not just a word; it’s a muscle. And like any muscle, it grows only when it’s pushed to its limits. Just like at the gym, you don’t build strength by lifting what’s light but from the weight that challenges you, from the fibers that break only to return stronger.
Life and career are no different. It’s the same law: every fall, obstacle, rejection, and sleepless night is training. Resilience, like any muscle, grows only when it’s stretched, torn, and rebuilt. Every rep counts. Every rise after a fall makes your resilience muscle grow. And the more you train it, the stronger and steadier you become.
Desislava Zaharieva
Chief Executive Officer at Vegas Legends
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
Our industry goes hand in hand with sports, and since I come from a sports background myself, it felt like a natural fit. I started my journey in 2016, joining the marketing team of a Bulgarian operator. From there, I kept growing in this direction, step by step, building knowledge, confidence, and eventually a strong marketing team that achieved truly remarkable results together.
What inspires me most is the constant movement, the dynamics, the people, and the endless opportunities to learn something new every single day. iGaming never stands still, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
No matter the industry, growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Don’t limit yourself to what’s written in your job description, and don’t focus too much on the title next to your name. Focus on learning, contributing, and doing things that challenge you, because that’s how you naturally grow into higher positions. Learn the business, understand the numbers, and never underestimate the power of strong communication and empathy in leadership. Most importantly, support other women along the way. We rise faster when we rise together.
Polina Kurte
Chief Financial Officer at Revpanda Group
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
Throughout my professional life, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a variety of industries, including production, outsourcing, GBS, shipbuilding, and fintech. As someone who constantly seeks new challenges and learning opportunities, I’ve always been curious about exploring different sectors.
My journey into iGaming began when I joined as a Finance Manager. From the beginning, I dived headfirst into this industry, eager to understand every detail. Over time, I grew deeply passionate about it, and even after becoming CFO, my curiosity and drive to keep learning never stopped.
What I love most about iGaming is that it’s never routine; every day brings new challenges, new knowledge, and new excitement. It’s an industry that keeps you constantly engaged and motivated to evolve.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
There is one principle I always remind myself of: don’t be afraid of challenges, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.
The key is to stay curious, keep asking questions, and never let anything or anyone stop you from moving forward.
In iGaming, confidence and curiosity are your greatest assets. Believe in your abilities, stay open-minded, and remember, every challenge you face is a step toward becoming stronger and more experienced.
Sevda Okur
Head of B2B at Omnigame
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I started my journey in iGaming from the ground up, working in customer service. From the very beginning, what made me truly happy in my job was helping people, solving their problems, understanding their needs, and creating positive outcomes. I realised early on that I genuinely enjoyed being the bridge between demand and supply, and that sense of “matchmaking” between people and solutions brought me real satisfaction. Over time, that passion naturally drove my growth within the industry and eventually inspired the name of my consultancy company, iBridge.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
The iGaming industry has long been male-dominated, but that’s changing for the better. My advice is simple: know your strengths, keep learning, find mentors (and follow their posts), join events, be visible, build a strong network, and support other women along the way.
Eva Berkova
Chief Operating Officer at BETBY
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My background is in finance, and six years ago, I had no direct experience with iGaming. It all started when a friend mentioned that a “group of brilliant individuals is building something incredible and is obsessed with an idea to create the best Sportsbook on the market”. Inspired by their vision and passion, I joined BETBY as one of the early team members. Witnessing our growth from a team of just 15 to a thriving company of 300 has been truly inspiring. The incredible minds around me continuously fuel my passion.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
Be fearless. The iGaming industry is full of opportunities for those willing to step up and challenge the status quo. Bring your unique perspective and don’t hesitate to voice your ideas; this industry thrives on innovation and diverse thinking. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who push you to grow and never shy away from taking on bold challenges. Your voice isn’t just important; it’s essential for shaping the future of this industry. Trust in your abilities and forge your own path; the industry needs strong, confident women to lead the way.
Karyna Tsyporyna
Influencer Marketing Manager at Royal Partners
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My journey into the iGaming world was a classic case of the path finding the traveller rather than the other way around. It began not from within the industry, but through my role as an Influencer Marketing Manager, where I first got a taste of working with iGaming brands. I learned a lot, but I never planned to join the industry myself.
As the saying goes, sometimes the most rewarding destinations are the ones you least expect. The industry truly chose me when I was approached by Royal Partners. Their team spoke about the industry with so much energy and passion that I became genuinely excited. I decided to take a chance, and I’m glad I did.
What inspires me most is the industry’s fast pace. Things change constantly, so you can never stop learning and adapting. That constant challenge is what drives me to do my best every day.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
My main advice is to trust yourself and your abilities. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong in this industry because you’re a woman. Unfortunately, you might still encounter people with that old-fashioned mindset, but the best response is to focus on your work and prove your value through your skills and results. Let your success speak for itself.
Also, remember you’re not alone. Connect with other women in iGaming for support. By lifting each other up, we make the entire industry stronger.
Sandra Bondare
Founder at SWAG42
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
About three years ago, my company and I naturally entered the iGaming market. For the past eight years, I’ve been focused on creating stylish, high-quality merchandise for tech teams. But when we started working with iGaming companies, something just clicked.
I’ve always appreciated confidence in style, boldness in design, and a desire to push boundaries. And it turned out to be exactly what iGaming brands were looking for. It felt like a perfect match for them and for us. That connection became a true source of inspiration, sparking so many interesting ideas.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
In many ways, the iGaming industry is made for explorers, people who love to grow, embrace challenges, and thrive in a dynamic environment. The speed of development here is incredible. And it constantly pushes me and my company to evolve at the same pace.
My main advice is: Keep going. Keep trying. Don’t give up. This industry welcomes anyone ready to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Giusy Campo
Business Development Director at Groove Technologies
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My adventure in the iGaming industry kicked off at the age of 26 when I started working with a casino and a sports platform. It was an exciting entry point that ignited my passion for the sector. Driven by a desire for both professional and financial growth, I dived into the world of gambling, one of the most lucrative industries out there.
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible managers who have not only guided me but also encouraged me to shine and fully utilise my skills.
After five transformative years in Malta, I transitioned to another company that allowed me to move to Spain. That’s where my journey took a remarkable turn when I joined GLI as a Business Development Manager. Over my seven years there, I developed a strategic mindset and built a strong reputation in the industry. While I learnt so much at GLI, I felt it was time for a new challenge.
Recently, I took on the role of Business Development Director at Groovetech, and I’m excited to make Groovetech more visible and influential in the market. The blend of innovation and technology in this industry continues to inspire me, and I’m eager to contribute to its evolution.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
To women looking to break into the iGaming world, I want to say: it’s a thrilling ride, but it comes with its challenges. This industry can be tough for us; sometimes, men may feel threatened by our abilities, which means you might need to navigate the landscape carefully, depending on your work environment.
However, in this predominantly male industry, you’ll also find exceptional individuals who will support and uplift you. I’m incredibly grateful for my current manager, who gives me the freedom to innovate and believes in my potential. When you find the right mentors, they can make all the difference.
Always showcase your talents and embrace your unique perspective—there’s a place for you here! With perseverance and the right support, you can achieve amazing things in this dynamic field. Remember, it’s all about believing in yourself and seizing the opportunities that come your way! Be smart!
Evelina Sladnikova
Director at Tonybet Sourcing limited
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My journey in the iGaming industry started back in 2013, when I began working as a game presenter, dealing cards in an online casino. This early hands-on experience gave me valuable insight into the operational side of the business and the player experience.
After taking a short break, I returned to the industry with even more drive, stepping into an HR role. Over time, I was promoted several times, which allowed me to build strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of team dynamics. Along the way, I was also actively involved in event management, which helped me develop a versatile skill set that goes beyond traditional management.
Today, I live in Gibraltar and lead the company which is based there. My professional background and competencies allow me to deal with daily challenges, manage the team and reach the targets set by the group strategy.
What continues to inspire me is the dynamic and innovative nature of iGaming; it’s an industry that never stands still.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
My biggest piece of advice is to believe in your abilities and not hesitate to take on new challenges. I started my career as a game presenter and, through dedication and continuous growth, worked my way up to senior management. The iGaming industry values initiative, strategic thinking, and adaptability, qualities that women bring in abundance.
Build a strong professional foundation, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make independent decisions that influence the direction of your company or team. Also, don’t underestimate the impact of marketing and strategic positioning. From my experience, a strong marketing focus can significantly enhance a company’s potential and open doors to new opportunities, whether it’s obtaining licences, entering new markets, or strengthening your brand.
Natalia Hurina
Head of Affiliates at V.Partners
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My journey into iGaming started quite unexpectedly. About six years ago, I didn’t even know much about affiliate marketing. A friend told me about an open position, and something clicked. I felt a strong urge to give it a try. Despite having no prior experience, I was eager to learn and immerse myself in a fast-paced, international environment. A few months later, I attended my first conference in Spain, and that experience completely solidified my decision. I realised how dynamic and creative this industry is, combining data-driven strategy, communication, and constant innovation. From that moment, I knew this was where I wanted to grow professionally.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
My biggest advice is to be confident and curious. iGaming is an industry that values initiative and adaptability above all else. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn continuously, and take responsibility for your ideas. Also, surround yourself with professionals who inspire you; mentorship and networking are extremely powerful. For women especially, it’s important to bring your perspective and creativity to the table; diversity drives progress. Believe in your expertise, stay consistent, and the results will always follow.
Darina Sharban
Affiliate Team Lead at Boomerang Partners
Can you share your journey into iGaming and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
With over 8 years in the iGaming industry, my career began in affiliate management in Paris, progressed through brand ambassadorship, and evolved into product development. At Boomerang Partners, I utilise my in-depth product knowledge to develop highly effective and streamlined affiliate processes. I thrive on the iGaming industry’s dynamism, where no two days are the same. What truly energises me is collaborating with my professional team, brainstorming new approaches, and seeing our company and affiliate partners succeed.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter or grow in the iGaming industry?
Stay curious and proactive; the iGaming world moves quickly, and those who continually learn always stand out. Don’t be afraid to take space in conversations or leadership roles, because confidence grows with practice. Build genuine connections, not just for career growth but for shared support. Find mentors who inspire you, and when the time comes, become one yourself. And don’t forget to protect your energy, find your balance and find ways to unwind so you don’t burn out along the way.