Online poker has been declared “mature” more than once. Yet it continues to evolve.
In this conversation, Dmitri Starostenkov, CEO of Evenbet Gaming, reflects on two decades of building one of the sector’s leading poker platforms and what operators should be preparing for next.
We explore how poker must adapt to younger digital-native audiences, why emerging markets demand structured education rather than simple localisation, and how women are becoming an increasingly important consumer segment. Dmitri also addresses the operational realities of AI integration, the regulatory tension surrounding crypto and blockchain, and the competitive pressures facing platform providers in a tightening global landscape.
Beyond product and technology, this discussion moves into leadership. Dmitri shares candid insights on managing a remote-first organisation, maintaining culture across distributed teams, and the communication discipline required when growth, innovation and regulation are all moving at pace.
For operators evaluating poker as a strategic vertical, considering AI implementation, or navigating emerging market expansion, this conversation offers a grounded perspective from a company that has remained competitive through multiple industry cycles.