Exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A with Kateryna Goi, CMO of Belatra Games

In this exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A, we sit down with Kateryna Goi, Chief Marketing Officer of Belatra Games, to dive into the brand’s philosophy, innovative approach, and what sets their games apart in the crowded online casino market. With seamless compatibility across all devices and effortless integration for operators, Belatra Games continues to shape the future of online entertainment.

Let’s explore the story behind the scenes, discover insights into the development process, and uncover what’s next for this trailblazing gaming supplier.

Firstly, can you tell us your personal story with Belatra, how long you've been with the company, and some highlights of your work so far?


My journey with Belatra started 1 year ago, so on December 1, we will celebrate my anniversary. For me, one of the main characteristics of a company is how long people work in the company and how long they stay there. And you know what? During my interview, I was told that there are two reasons why people leave Belatra: the first is retirement, and the second is leaving for another country. And now, after a year of working with Belatra, it really seems to be true. I know that Belatra produces excellent, high-quality games, and I want the whole world to know about it - that's my main goal here. 


Belatra Games started back in 1993! How has the journey been from traditional gaming to digital casino games, and what’s changed most in your approach to game design over the years?

Starting in the '90s, Belatra focused on creating engaging experiences through physical gaming machines, but as the world shifted towards online entertainment, so did we. This evolution pushed us to rethink game design, emphasizing user-friendly interfaces, immersive graphics, and mobile compatibility. Over the years, our approach has become more data-driven, enabling us to design games that resonate with specific audiences and adapt to changing trends while retaining the fun and engagement that have been at the heart of Belatra since the beginning.

With over 100 games in your portfolio, including Lucky Bandits and 5 Wild Wild Peppers, which game holds a special place for your team, and why?

While each game has its charm, Mummyland Treasures holds a unique place in our hearts. This game has captured players' imaginations and has been one of our top performers. The Mummy has grown beyond the game to become a standalone, beloved character. At exhibitions like the upcoming SiGMA in Malta, it is treated as a celebrity, with fans regularly stopping by our booth to take photos with The Mummy.

This kind of connection shows the success of our approach to character-driven storytelling and helps build lasting relationships with our players. This game embodies the thrill and adventure we aim to bring to players and serves as a prime example of how Belatra connects with its audience through compelling storytelling and innovative features.

Belatra is making strides in Latin America, especially Brazil. What excites you most about this region, and what unique opportunities do you see there?

Latin America is an incredibly vibrant market that is passionate about entertainment and digital experiences. Look at how they watch football. They live this game, and they are part of it. The energy and enthusiasm of players here are unparalleled, offering us an opportunity to tap into a fast-growing player base.

The local gaming industry is booming, and players actively seek diverse gaming options.

And Belatra has a lot to offer them.

You’re working hard to certify games for the Brazilian market. Can you share some challenges and interesting adjustments made to meet local regulations?

Absolutely. Entering the Brazilian market is both a complex and engaging endeavor. Brazil has a unique regulatory landscape that places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming, transparency, and fair play. One of the main challenges is adjusting our games to meet rigorous certification requirements, covering everything from payout percentages to displaying player information and even the mechanics behind bonuses and features.

For example, Brazil's regulations prioritize responsible gaming and transparency, meaning that in-game disclosures—such as odds, win frequencies, and return-to-player rates—must be displayed clearly and accurately. Certifying our games also requires rigorous testing and collaboration with local regulatory bodies, which adds layers of checks and approvals to ensure every game adheres strictly to Brazilian standards.

In expanding to Latin America, what’s been your most significant learning in terms of catering to player preferences or regional gaming trends?

One of our biggest learnings has been the powerful influence of local streamers and content creators in shaping player expectations and driving engagement. Streamers in Brazil, for instance, play a huge role in connecting with audiences, showcasing new games, and sharing their gaming experiences in real-time. Their feedback helps us understand what resonates and guides us in adjusting to enhance our games' local appeal.

Additionally, participating in regional events is crucial in growing our network of partnerships. People there need to discuss everything live during long conversations. They prefer to be friends, not just partners. Whenever the LatAm team introduces me to their clients, they say: “Please meet our good friend.” And it's not just out of politeness, they have a really great relationship. This distinguishes them from us Europeans, we are focused on business, and they are focused on relationships.

How does Belatra stand out in an increasingly competitive gaming landscape? Are there signature features or innovations in your games that define the brand?

It is very important for Belatra to differentiate itself in the market. And I'm not just talking about the product, but several factors - product, service, employees, image. Regarding the product, it is not enough to improve the quality of each new game. The quality of the product must be considered in close interaction with the needs of the consumer, as even a high-quality product may not meet the needs of the target market. So, we first analyze the market and then create games based on their requests. We've built a reputation for games with immersive graphics, engaging storylines, and distinctive bonus features that capture players’ attention. Our attention to detail in storytelling, as seen in popular games like Mummyland Treasures, creates memorable experiences that resonate well with our audience and keep players coming back.

Service and employees - we are in touch with our customers 24/7 and strive to provide high-quality service. Our employees are endowed with professional skills, attention, delicacy, and a friendly attitude toward the client. They understand customers and know how to communicate with them.

Belatra’s games are available in both fiat and cryptocurrency formats. How has the adoption of cryptocurrency impacted your game development, and do you see this as a growing trend?

The rise of cryptocurrency has opened up new avenues for engagement and broadened our player base significantly. Offering games in both fiat and cryptocurrency formats has added layers of security, transparency, and global accessibility to our offerings. This trend is not just growing but accelerating, and we expect it to become a standard feature across the industry, particularly in markets with a strong affinity for digital currencies.

The iGaming market is evolving rapidly with advancements in AI and VR. Are there any emerging technologies or innovations you’re excited to incorporate into Belatra’s future games?

AI and VR are indeed exciting frontiers for us. AI-driven analytics can help us understand player preferences and offer personalized experiences, while VR could bring a new level of immersion to our games. We’re exploring ways to incorporate these technologies thoughtfully, ensuring they enhance the player experience rather than detract from it. For instance, VR could be a great fit for our storytelling games, allowing players to experience the thrill of being inside a game.

How do you balance creating new games while maintaining the quality and appeal of the existing ones? Any secrets to keeping players engaged across your extensive portfolio?

We’ve adopted a structured approach to game development, with dedicated teams focusing on innovation and maintenance. Each new game undergoes rigorous testing and refinement while our existing games stay relevant. We know our players and our clients, and we use Big Data to analyze everything. To keep players engaged, we incorporate feedback loops, allowing us to make adjustments based on player preferences. Additionally, we run seasonal events and releases, like Halloween or New Year games, to keep our portfolio fresh and exciting.

At major gaming events like the SBC Summit, what’s been the most memorable feedback you’ve received from players or partners about your games?

The most memorable feedback I get is when new big operators approach us and say: “We want your games.” It means we are doing the right things and moving in the right direction.

Another highlight was hearing how recognizable and memorable our heroes have become. As I’ve already mentioned, The Mummy from Mummyland Treasures has become a fan favorite, frequently mentioned by visitors and partners as a character they instantly associate with Belatra. Seeing our characters resonate so deeply is a testament to the impact of our storytelling and design efforts.

Looking ahead 5-10 years, where do you envision Belatra Games? Any big dreams or new markets you’re aiming to conquer?

Our vision for the future is to continue growing globally, strongly focusing on Latin America, Europe, and other emerging markets like Asia and Africa. We aim to be at the forefront of technological advancements in iGaming, exploring the latest trends. We aspire to remain a leader in delivering diverse, exciting gaming experiences and to expand our reach to become a household name in digital gaming.