More than 6,000 people visited the industry’s exhibition

The Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) for 14^th time gathered companies and representatives of the industry from three continents to showcase innovative products and services. Firms from the sector satiated their stand in Inter Expo Center Sofia on 7800 square metres. The massive event gathered companies from dozen countries, among which USA, China, Germany, Spain, England, The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria and others. Organizer of the event is the first sectoral organization in Bulgaria – Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB) that was founded din 1992.

BEGE is the largest annual meeting of professionals in the industry in Europe: producers, developers, land-based and online operators, affiliates, providers of payment services, media, and associations. The organisers view the online sector as having more interest. This year, the event was visited by more than 6,000 people from countries like Germany, England, Austria, Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, and others.

“Bulgaria is turning into a technological hub for industry professionals. Companies from all over the world chose to invest in the country and situate their offices here. Already, more than 30 foreign companies situate their studios for streaming, technical support, and client services in Sofia and Plovdiv”, said Angel Iribozov, chairman of the management board of AGIB. He shared data according to which the state income from gaming activities for the period 01.01.2023 – 30.09.2023 are BGN 286 million.

Traditionally, BEGE awards for outstanding achievements in the gaming and entertainment industry. This happened during a lavish ceremony at the Palms Royale Sofia in the Grand Hotel Millenium. In 22 categories, companies, organisations, and people who have contributed to the development of the industry in the past year were awarded. The crystal statuettes were in different categories, among which Online provider of the year; Online game of the year; Supplier of the year; Innovative Online Product of the year; Executive of the year and more.

Parallel with BEGE 2023 the Eastern European Gamming Summit took place, which presented information and analyses for the latest regulated and technological changes in the gaming industry in Europe and the whole world. The topics of the forum this year were gamblification and AI, tendencies in the digital market, and the present and future of regulation and responsible gaming. Panellists in the 2-day forum were leading international experts in the sector from more than 20 countries.

On November 21 and 22, there were two accompanying events: Master Class 2023 on the topic “Effective use of social media in the gambling industry” and an affiliate conference with representatives of companies related to the gaming industry that exchanged ideas and experiences and developed new business contacts.

In 2024, the 15^th edition of BEGE and EGGS will take place, when the representatives of the industry will cover the most important topics for the sector. During the years, BEGE managed to establish itself as one of the most important gaming events in the whole world.