Sophia Mengue, Lebledparle.com
His work and activities illustrate how it is possible to achieve commercial success while remaining committed to integrity and community support in difficult times.
Igor Zotko’s Challenges and Successes: From Tough Decisions to Supporting Ukraine
From a small role in a payment terminal company, Igor Zotko grew into a significant entrepreneur, showcasing companies impacting the country’s economy and social life.
At the beginning of his journey, he was a project manager, where he gained essential skills and knowledge that eventually allowed him to take key positions in the industry. His efforts in managing Interkassa and creating the Yedynyy Prostir demonstrate his deep understanding of market needs and technology capabilities. Thus, the entrepreneur can boast commercial understanding and a vision of developing the country’s entertainment industry, moving on to Pin-Up Ukraine online casino.
One of the crucial moments in Igor Zotko’s career was the cooperation of his financial services with the state service Diia. The businessman emphasizes that this cooperation was based on transparency and mutual understanding.
Igor Zotko’s Ukr Game Technology is also committed to social initiatives, including support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition to establishing the Pin-Up Foundation, he shares his experience providing assistance through his efforts and cooperation with the ASKOLD training center. Indeed, corporate and social responsibility is essential, as such initiatives show commitment to the country in the most challenging times of war.
Many would also be interested in his investments in innovative areas such as esports, tech startups, and blockchain. His contributions to the CSGO esports team and the project to make a digital will for crypto assets reflect Zotko’s vision as an entrepreneur ready to invest in the latest technologies and trends.
Igor Zotko and PIN-UP Ukraine: Online Gambling Development and Personal Contributions
Igor Zotko, COO of PIN-UP Ukraine, shared his thoughts on the dynamics of the online gambling market and support for the economy during martial law.
The gambling sector of Ukraine paid UAH 23.4 million in license fees and UAH 247.8 million in taxes in 2022, which shows a significant contribution to the state budget. The industry does not stop functioning, saving jobs despite the most challenging times.
Pin Up is a pioneer in the legalization of gambling in the country. The company continues to fully comply with the regulations despite the market situation stirred up by the presidential decree on sanctions, demonstrating the challenges for some gambling participants. In 2023, 3.4 billion UAH of taxes were paid.
“The government should consider the role of gambling as a part of the economy that can generate significant profits and ensure the development of infrastructure and other industries,” comments Igor Zotko.
Key achievements and initiatives of PIN-UP Ukraine:
- Saving jobs and relocating employees to ensure their safety.
- Organization of free psychological support for the team.
- Volunteer assistance and cooperation with military administrations.
- Over 300 tons of humanitarian aid were purchased for the affected regions.
- Financing the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children in Europe.
- Organizing a charity football match with the participation of stars.
- Regular contributions to the PIN-UP Foundation.
Igor Zotko strongly emphasizes the importance of expanding the range of games and developing mobile applications to attract new users. The company has developed an innovative mobile application that provides convenient games and personalized rewards access.
“PIN-UP Ukraine will continue to hold a leading position in the market and surprise players with new unique offers and services,” commented Igor Zotko.
Igor Zotko and KRAIL: Confirmation of the Absence of Dubious Ties and Important Joint Projects
The Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has officially denied allegations of an alleged connection between Russia and Igor Zotko and external control over the activities of Ukr Game Technology LLC (PIN-UP brand). This is the response the media received from the regulator’s officials.
No evidence could be related to Russian citizens’ control of the company’s activities after the inspections conducted by law enforcement agencies. In addition, this information was refuted by the judicial system, which dismissed the lawsuit against the news agency that disseminated the false information. The issuance of the license for Pin UP did not violate the law, and the references to the owners from Russia were found to be unreliable.
Commenting on the situation, Igor Zotko, owner of Ukr Game Technology LLC (PIN-UP brand), said: “This year, we became the target of an information attack related to the company’s property. I am convinced that it was a pre-planned discrediting of the brand and one of the largest taxpayers in the gambling industry in Ukraine. We won the first court case against the media and continue to protect our reputation.”
The company plans to take legal action to prosecute the media for spreading false information. PIN-UP Ukraine vehemently denies the accusations of receiving commissions for payments through the public services portal and the Diia app. Representatives of the company claim that its activities fully comply with the rules and laws governing the online gambling industry in Ukraine.
Ukr Game Technology is ready to provide the necessary data for press services to avoid spreading false statements, calling on the media to take a responsible approach to publishing information and verifying the facts before disseminating it.
Igor Zotko, Pin-Up Together with Forbes Ukraine and Frontline Businesses
Pin-Up and Forbes Ukraine have launched a grant program to support micro and small businesses in the frontline areas. Igor Zotko emphasizes the importance of this initiative with a comment:
“Supporting each other in difficult times should be a combination of words and actions. Realizing the difficulties of doing business during the war, we want to provide support and show our common strength in pursuing economic recovery.”
To demonstrate the importance of business cooperation in the recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy, 15 winners will receive grants totaling UAH 5,000,000.
Times are indeed changing, so values and priorities have been revised. The example of the largest online casino operator in the country, as well as its owner Igor Zotko, shows the development of the industry even in harsh conditions. Having a clear state policy with responsible leaders in this activity area, there are many ways to grow and maintain transparency.
