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V赤deo: Innovaci車n y riesgo en la tecnolog赤a del p車quer con Dmitry Starostenkov
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In the latest SiGMA Poker Face Podcast, CEO of EvenBet Gaming Dmitry Starostenkov sat down with host Ivonne Montealegre to discuss how the poker vertical is evolving, from AI integration and player liquidity to navigating the changing face of poker in iGaming.
Betting on risk and innovation
Starostenkov＊s journey from software developer to CEO of a global poker platform has not been linear. ※We were originally just engineers with no marketing or sales. Transforming into an iGaming company with our own brand was a huge risk and we had major deficits.§ he explained. Despite the early hurdles, EvenBet now commands strong market share in regions like India, with over 30 million users in that market alone. Starostenkov＊s calculated risks helped reshape how poker platforms approach scalability and infrastructure.
The challenge of liquidity in a fragmented market
When it comes to poker, liquidity remains one of the industry＊s most complex hurdles. Unlike 諻儦渠 games, poker depends on player concurrency. ※You need players online around the clock. That＊s why different time zones matter§, Starostenkov said.
This challenge is particularly pressing in the U.S., where only a few states have regulated online poker. Still, he＊s optimistic, ※Give it two or three years and I think the U.S. will be totally sustainable as a poker market.§
The role of AI in poker
One of the most thought-provoking parts of the podcast was Starostenkov＊s view on artificial intelligence. While AI was initially demonised, he sees its potential, especially for matchmaking and fraud detection.
※We use AI to protect the ecosystem, detecting collusion, toxic players, bonus abuse. But using bots to squeeze more money from players? That＊s the wrong use,§ he warned. He cited the importance of ensuring recreational players are not matched with pros, preserving fun and fairness.
New players, new expectations
The nature of poker itself hasn＊t changed, it’s still a game of skill, competition and social interaction. What has changed, according to Starostenkov, is player behaviour.
※Today＊s players want more than just gameplay, they want entertainment. Emojis, side games, social features. We have to build poker as part of a broader engagement platform.§
Ensuring player retention
Asked about player retention strategies, Starostenkov shared an increasingly popular approach,? ※Instead of big bonuses, offer daily incentives. We＊ve added strike-based bonuses, log in seven days straight and your reward grows. It keeps users engaged without encouraging abuse.§
He also emphasises poker＊s role beyond revenue. ※Don＊t compare poker to slots for GGR. It＊s about retention, cross-sell and loyalty. A 諻儦渠 player who just lost? Give them a free poker tournament entry. Keep them in the ecosystem.§
Poker＊s evolving value
Poker, Starostenkov believes, is unique in its community-building power. ※It＊s the only gambling vertical where players are proud. They share wins and losses online. That makes it a powerful marketing tool.§ As poker continues to blend tech, social media and strategic play, platforms like EvenBet are setting the pace for how the game can thrive in modern markets.
Join us this September 01-03 at the SiGMA Euro-Med Summit in Malta, where industry leaders, including innovators like Starostenkov, will explore the future of iGaming, poker and beyond.?As part of summit week, don＊t miss the SiGMA Poker Tour, powered in part by EvenBet, bringing together top players, executives and enthusiasts for world-class competition and networking. Whether you＊re in it for the insights or the action, Malta is the place to be.
