EvenBet CEO on Growth, Innovation, and Asia Strategy

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, shares insights on global growth, poker innovation, and Asia’s iGaming future in this exclusive leadership spotlight.

From mobile apps in the early 2000s to becoming a global iGaming force, Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, shares the pivotal moments, leadership insights, and regional strategies that shaped the company’s rise—particularly in Asia.

A Journey from Startup to Global Brand

EvenBet’s entry into iGaming was almost serendipitous. “In the early 2000s, we were focused on mobile app development,” Dmitry recalls. “Then one of our clients asked us to build a poker game—and we delivered. That opened the door to a whole new sector.”

However, the 2011 “Black Friday” crackdown on online poker in the U.S. nearly derailed their momentum. “We were heavily reliant on the U.S. market. That forced us to pivot and rethink everything—brand strategy, client acquisition, and international focus.”

Between 2012 and 2015, EvenBet doubled down on marketing, global outreach, and product development. Then came 2020, and with it, a major inflection point—not just for EvenBet, but for the entire online industry.

“The pandemic fundamentally changed consumer behavior,” Dmitry explains. “Just like food delivery never went back to pre-COVID levels, online gaming surged—and stayed there. It gave our business a serious boost and accelerated the industry’s shift toward digital.”

With this momentum, EvenBet was perfectly positioned. The company has continued to grow, expanding its product offerings, entering new markets, and doubling down on innovation.

Leadership That Evolves with Scale

As the company grew, Dmitry’s leadership style transformed. “In the early days, I was deep in the technical side—coding, building products. But as we scaled, I had to step back, trust my team, and focus on building a strong structure and long-term strategy.”

He believes leadership is especially crucial in the iGaming sector. “It’s a fast-paced, highly competitive market. A good leader needs to be decisive, innovative, and adaptable. Most importantly, you have to build a culture that can sustain change and growth.”

Asia’s Potential—and the Philippine Advantage

Today, EvenBet has set its sights firmly on Asia, with the Philippines as its strategic gateway.

“The Philippines is one of the largest regulated jurisdictions in the region. We see it becoming the Malta of Asia—a benchmark for regulatory competence,” Dmitry notes. “The market is unique. It blends East and West, with a diverse mix of local and European gaming preferences.”

EvenBet is actively investing in the region, including participation in SiGMA Asia 2025 in Manila. The company will be showcasing a new poker game mode tailored for Asian players, along with Cash Drop, a promotional feature designed to boost player engagement.

Product Innovation and R&D

EvenBet stands out in the poker vertical with a wide portfolio and relentless product development. “We’ve released 23 updates in 2024 alone,” Dmitry shares. “No other provider offers the same breadth in poker and card games.”

That innovation is powered by deep investment in AI, behavioral analysis, machine learning, and big data. “These tools help us understand player profiles, extend gameplay, and offer a more immersive experience.”

Security and responsible gaming are also embedded into EvenBet’s DNA. “It’s both a product priority and a company value. Our technologies are designed to support fair play and player well-being.”

The Future of Online Poker: Blurred Lines, Bigger Vision

According to Dmitry, online poker’s next evolution lies in convergence. “We’ll see real-money games blending with entertainment formats—streaming, influencer content, esports. And vice versa—gamification will start appearing in mainstream entertainment.”

When asked to name the single biggest trend shaping poker’s future, he doesn’t hesitate: “Globalization. The borders are disappearing. Markets that were once insulated are now exposed to international players and competitors. Everyone has to level up.”

EvenBet’s strategy to stay ahead? Constant movement. “This is a tech business. That means relentless development, innovation, and adaptability.”

Final Word

What advice does he offer to other companies navigating this complex space?

“Innovation and adaptability,” Dmitry says. “Focus on solving real problems for your customers, build trust, and never stop evolving.”

As EvenBet Gaming continues expanding its footprint across Asia and beyond, Dmitry Starostenkov’s mix of technical expertise and forward-thinking leadership is proving to be the ace up their sleeve.

Read related article: ACN Spotlight: Sportradar Doubles Down on Sports Integrity in Asia