Q: When did you join CT Gaming’s team? 

RS: I joined CT Gaming’s team in early 2018 when the company had an already established reputation in the local market. I was new to the industry, and I was driven by curiosity and my interest in personal growth. Soon after I started, I realized that the field is very dynamic and that there is always something to learn.

Q: How would you describe the company's evolution since you joined? 

RS: When I first joined the company, the business was flourishing, and the atmosphere was incredibly dynamic. I had the opportunity to integrate smoothly into the team and gain valuable insights into the company's operations. During the initial years, we focused on expanding our client portfolio and increasing our local market share. Progress was gradual but consistent, and as a team, we dedicated considerable effort to enhancing our customer approach. We also spent a lot of time thinking about improving our machines, which involved upgrading the software system from CT6 to AMD, a transition that optimized our slots, making them faster and more efficient.

However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to the industry. Like many others, we experienced a downturn as businesses faced disruptions and market shares shrunk. Shortly after the pandemic subsided, regulatory changes and tax adjustments in Romania added to the turbulence. Despite the adversity, this period provided an opportunity for companies to swiftly adapt to the new norms. I am proud to say that CT Gaming responded adeptly to these challenges, quickly resuming operations and reassuring our clients.

Throughout these years, we encountered numerous obstacles, but our company demonstrated resilience and perseverance. Not only did we uphold our reputation, but we also managed to increase our machine count, a testament to our ability to thrive even in challenging times.

Overall, the Romanian market for casino equipment has experienced growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, tourism, and the expansion of the gambling industry. The market size is influenced by the number of licensed casinos and gaming establishments operating in the country. Its movements also reflect the regulations and governmental requirements.

Q: What insides can you share about the Romanian market? 

RS: The local market has its own specifics, and they change constantly, depending on the operators' and customers’ needs, or as I mentioned above the regulations. However, they are not quite different from the rest of the markets in the Balkan area. Understanding the specifics of the market and adapting strategies accordingly is essential for success in this dynamic industry. For the years we have been operating on the market, we can confirm that CT Gaming’s products are known and loved in Romania. We aim to incorporate the newest product and customers love and receive it very well.

As to the preferences of the clients, visitors to the Romanian gaming landscape tend to prefer modern and technologically advanced equipment that offers enhanced gaming experiences. This includes electronic gaming machines (EGMs), slot machines, roulette tables, and other gaming devices with interactive features and high-quality graphics. Currently, after the new regulatory norms, most of the installations are held by ‘Diamond King’ and ‘Diamond King 2’ paired with Next cabinet.