Interview with Anton Loginov, CEO of “Smile-Expo” company

News4Amuse (further N4A): What was it?
Anton Loginov (further А.L): (He’s smiling) Last time it is the most popular question. There were not any mass media representatives who didn’t ask: “there is no gambling business in Russia but there is the exhibition, how”? In fact the situation isn’t so there are some limitations. But there are gambling zones which take an attempt for development. There is a bookmaker business. There is a lottery. There is Internet which feels itself free and even broadcasts on central TV.

N4A: How many companies have taken part at the exhibition?
А.L.: There were 45 participants. Yes, it is not so much as it was in time of blossom of gambling business but these are the companies which haven’t left the industry and work in legal field.  The foreigners are concerned about all Russian ideas because many of them lost their money because of gambling ban in Russia and Ukraine. And what is more important they don’t understand the dimension of the market. There is only one working casino and all others are in process of creation now. Of course it is not the demention that was before but they also don’t want to lose such great potential market.   That’s why all the largest companies have sent the representatives and showed the great interest. There were many interesting booths presented by foreign tourist companies and hotels.  Special for Russian gamblers they make junket tours. 

N4A: You’ve mentioned about gambling zones. What do you think about its creation?
А.L.:  Gambling zones is a very interesting idea. I don’t want to judge good it or bad but really interesting. Only “Azov-City” is working at the moment. Information about “Primorye” and “Siberian coin” all the time appears in mass media but without any result.  The representatives of both zones “Azov-City” and “Primorye” were at our exhibition. Visitors were interested very much in their speech. And everyone asks about future. What will be? We shouldn’t stay on one place. Zones understand it too. Now they are trying to combine gambling and amusement segments.

N4A:  How do you appreciate the results of the exhibition?
А.L.: Participants and visitors are very pleased by the event. We succeeded in highlighting of all the branches of gambling that exist now at the market.  Let the expo wasn’t big enough but it was full of the events, presentations, business meetings, tournaments.

 
News4Amuse