iGaming is more than your favourite online casinos, games, and communities. It also has that cutting-edge technology, innovative platforms, and the capital that powers it all. That's why we decided to get you familiar with the people who do the work behind the scenes.
Today, we sit down with Vladimir Malakchi, CEO & Managing Partner of Xanada Investments, in an effort to learn more about the mission and momentum behind his intriguing investment firm.
Vladimir was kind enough to share with us the company's philosophy and ideas and how they bring them to life, as well as what he thinks about the future of iGaming.
CasinoWow's interview with Vladimir Malakchi
- CW: Hi Vladimir, thank you for agreeing to speak to us! We’d love to hear your view of the current situation in the gambling industry. First of all, you’ve scaled businesses across various industries, but what was it about iGaming that captured your long-term focus?
VM: Thank you for having me. As an investor, my primary focus is always on how a market develops and its potential for long-term growth. When it comes to iGaming, I see a sector that offers incredible opportunities for fast, scalable growth. Unlike traditional industries, iGaming provides a much more flexible environment for developing and scaling businesses quickly. It’s a dynamic market that is constantly evolving, which means there is always space for innovation and improvement.
One of the key factors that make iGaming so appealing is the sheer number of opportunities for adaptation. The industry is open to change, and businesses within iGaming can pivot quickly to meet new demands or capitalise on emerging trends. This adaptability gives investors like us the ability to enter a market with a high potential for growth, whether through expanding existing projects or launching new initiatives.
According to recent reports from Grand View Research, the global iGaming market is expected to grow from $61.5 billion in 2021 to $127.3 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. This growth reflects the opportunities available for businesses to scale rapidly, and it’s something that excites me as an investor.
With such a dynamic market, businesses can not only grow quickly but also adapt to shifts in technology, regulation, and consumer behaviour—all of which are key to long-term success.
- CW: With over 300 nominations and wins tied to your leadership, what do you think is the secret behind consistently creating award-winning strategies?
VM: Of course, awards are nice and they’re a reflection of the hard work we put in. But for me, the real measure of success isn’t in the trophies or titles. It’s in the tangible, lasting impact we make on the businesses we work with. As much as it may sound cliché, we’re all fans of what we do—whether it’s the fund, our partners, or the projects. We all work toward the same goal, and we always support each other.
Awards aren’t just a personal achievement or a business milestone—they reflect the collective effort of all the teams involved. These are experts who love what they do and are committed to progress, quarter after quarter. It's about doing the internal work and also effectively demonstrating our accomplishments. The true indicator of success is the growth of the companies, the progress of our teams, and the sustainable results we help create over time.
There’s no big secret: it’s all about hard work, strategic thinking, and constant progress. We focus on building solid business models that are designed to grow and adapt.
- CW: What major shifts have you observed in the iGaming industry over the past few years, and how should businesses adapt to them?
VM: Since 2020, the iGaming industry has seen substantial shifts, not only in terms of technology but also in market dynamics and regulation. This migration has increased competition, but not just from other iGaming companies—now we are competing for consumer attention with entertainment giants like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok. The focus is no longer solely on gaming content but also on user engagement and experience in a broader entertainment context.
The iGaming sector is evolving, and businesses must adjust by focusing not only on attracting users but also on building lasting relationships with them. This shift has sparked the demand for more tailored solutions, both in technology and in business models, as companies aim to adapt to the new realities of the market.
As regulations evolve globally, we are also seeing more restrictions and the introduction of new legal requirements, particularly in regions like Europe and Latin America. These new regulations will impact both the market entry strategies of iGaming businesses and their ability to scale internationally. Countries are tightening requirements, while at the same time, emerging markets like Latin America are opening up, presenting new opportunities. For businesses, adapting to these changes means ensuring compliance, but also staying ahead of regulatory developments to remain competitive in these expanding markets.
From an investment standpoint, the emphasis is on long-term sustainability. It's no longer just about gaining market share, but about creating scalable, adaptable businesses that can thrive in a regulated environment. The demand is shifting toward quality content, innovative retention strategies, and cross-channel engagement—this is now the baseline for success.
- CW: From a marketing advisor’s lens, what trends do you believe are currently undervalued in iGaming?
VM: Marketing in iGaming has always been rooted in a few core principles, but the platforms and methods we use to engage with audiences are continuously evolving. In the past, media sites were the dominant channels for marketing, while today, influencers and social media have become central to reaching potential customers. Despite these shifts, the essence of the marketing strategy remains the same: it's all about understanding your audience and how best to connect with them.
One area often overlooked in B2B marketing is the potential of partnerships with streamers and media-buying teams. Many businesses continue to underestimate how working with influencers and media buyers can unlock significant opportunities for growth and visibility. These relationships can drive more targeted engagement, especially in niche markets, and increase exposure in new ways.
On the B2C side, there is a tendency to rely heavily on strategies that are already proven to work, leading to a lack of experimentation. However, this approach can leave companies stuck in a comfort zone and missing out on emerging trends. For example, the success of games like Aviator demonstrates that breaking away from the norm, testing new ideas, and challenging established methods can uncover fresh trends with the potential to transform the industry.
The key to staying ahead of the competition in iGaming is striking a balance between tried-and-tested methods and being open to experimentation. Companies that embrace new approaches and explore fresh avenues for growth will be better positioned to navigate the ever-changing iGaming landscape, driving sustained success in the long run.
- CW: What role do you think innovation should play in the future of iGaming—is it tech-driven, player-driven, or brand-driven?
VM: I’ve always been a strong advocate for innovation, but it must be the kind that truly meets demand and has a clear path for implementation. Too often, businesses chase after innovation driven by ambition, without considering whether their product is something players actually need or will use. Innovation should be grounded in practical application.
It's important to maintain a balance. Without practical usage, innovation is of little value—not to businesses or to players. In iGaming, we need innovations that solve real problems and create tangible improvements, not just for the sake of novelty. When you find the right balance between technology, player needs, and brand direction, that’s when innovation truly drives growth and engagement.
- CW: How do you envision the iGaming landscape in five years, both in terms of market dynamics and investment opportunities?
VM: The iGaming investment market is still in its early stages, and while it is rapidly growing, it is not yet as structured or well-defined as more established industries like IT. In the IT sector, we have clear benchmarks and a developed ecosystem of funds, investors, and accelerators. The iGaming space, on the other hand, is still maturing, with new challenges and opportunities emerging daily. As early pioneers in this field, we are actively contributing to shaping its development, collaborating with other funds and projects to create a thriving ecosystem.
At the moment, most investments are focused on Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, as the industry is still building the necessary infrastructure to support later-stage investments, such as Series A and beyond. However, I expect that in the next five years, we will see significant maturation in this area. Investment rounds will become more structured, and the ecosystem will evolve into something much more comprehensive and organised.
In terms of market dynamics, we will see the emergence of new types of businesses, not just traditional game providers or casinos. Expect to see specialised solutions focused on retention and engagement, businesses that are deeply integrated into the player journey. There will be a greater emphasis on cross-channel strategies, with companies looking to capture audiences across various verticals outside of just the gambling sector. iGaming will become more intertwined with entertainment and other industries.
- CW: Do you think AI is truly a game-changer for iGaming, or just buzzwords right now?
VM: AI is indeed a significant force in iGaming, with its market growing rapidly. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for every business. AI should only be integrated when it truly adds value, whether it’s for personalisation, improving security, or enhancing analytics. Many companies add AI just for the sake of appearing innovative, but without a clear application, it can lead to problems and missed opportunities.
The key to success lies in using AI to solve real business challenges. For example, AI-driven personalisation can create tailored experiences, while anti-fraud tools help secure platforms. However, it’s essential to integrate AI tools thoughtfully with business goals to avoid relying on trends that don't benefit the bottom line. If used effectively, AI will undoubtedly help shape the future of iGaming.
- CW: And last but not least, if you had to give one piece of advice to a new entrepreneur entering the iGaming world today, what would it be?
VM: My advice is straightforward: listen, analyse, and never stop learning. The iGaming world is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so it’s vital to stay open to feedback and continually assess your strategies. Don't just follow the trends: understand them, and most importantly, know when to pivot.
In addition, expand your network and stay connected with the industry's ecosystem. Follow the latest developments, attend conferences, and collaborate with others in the field. There are plenty of opportunities in iGaming, but you need to spot them and make the most of them. Success lies in critical thinking, adaptability, and being in the right place at the right time to take advantage of what the industry has to offer.
Thank you, Vladimir!
It was a pleasure hearing your vision behind Xanada Investments and insights about the iGaming sector. Keep following CasinoWow to discover the stories that shape the industry.
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Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets
Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.
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Last updated: May 7, 2025
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