Key Moments:
- Gali Hartiv attributes effective VIP management to 13 years of strategic experience and a focus on data-driven client relationships.
- Prominent industry challenges include reliance on generic approaches and a shortage of VIP talent.
- Adaptation to regulatory changes and innovative VIP strategies are highlighted as critical for long-term industry growth.
Experience and Strategic Thinking Shape VIP Management Approaches
During a recent podcast led by Ihor Zarechnyi, CCO at Evoplay, Gali Hartiv, CEO and Co-Founder of WarriorLab, detailed how a commitment to strategy and more than a decade of industry expertise have been pivotal to driving successful VIP management in the gaming sector. He emphasized that deep experience, analytical approaches, and dedicated client engagement are essential elements for achieving results in this space.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The discussion addressed persistent industry pain points, notably the widespread use of templated, repetitive strategies. According to Gali, while such methods can appear to streamline processes, they frequently compromise long-term performance. In his view, the belief that previously successful methods can always be duplicated for future gains is misguided. Gali stated: “It’s a recurring pain point within the industry, where businesses tend to template, copy, and repurchase past successes in an effort to save time and accelerate deployment.”
He stressed the significance of making meaningful changes that integrate strategy, data alignment, and operational execution. Relying on automation or standard tiered programs, he suggested, often falls short without the backing of specialized expertise. The shortage of experienced professionals further hinders progress, with industry demand for VIP skills outpacing supply. Ihor Zarechnyi commented on this prevailing issue: “The lack of a proper strategy stands in the way of a lot of businesses. Many operators do not view their clients as partners and fail to nurture their relationship as such. This is short-term thinking and many businesses fail because of it.”
The Value of Independent Consulting Perspective
Through his consulting work, Gali highlighted the advantage gained from exposure to a broad spectrum of companies and markets. This broad vantage enables him to accurately identify trends and recurring challenges, allowing for the development of strategies tailored to each client’s unique context. He reflected: “I think my superpower as a consultant is the ability to translate broad industry insights into more practical and high impact strategies for my clients.” The ability and responsibility to challenge client assumptions are also central to his consulting philosophy, ensuring realistic and manageable outcomes.
Adapting to Regulatory Developments
Gali discussed the importance of adapting to ongoing regulatory shifts within significant markets. He shared: “some of the biggest lessons I learnt from major regulatory changes were adaptation, resilience, and collaboration.” He underscored that effective VIP management must be tightly integrated with compliance efforts, particularly as regulations become increasingly stringent.
Innovating VIP Programs for Competitive Leadership
The conversation also contrasted standard, transactional VIP programs with more advanced, data-driven approaches. Gali noted that the majority of industry offerings still rely on one-size-fits-all solutions, while leading operators proactively respond to player behavior and anticipate client needs. He stated, “most business failures in VIP programmes boil down to unchanged company tradition,” stressing the necessity of continual evolution: “But as the industry evolves, so must VIP.”
| Pain Point | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|
| Template-based, repetitive VIP strategies | Incorporate tailored, data-driven approaches |
| Lack of specialist VIP talent | Invest in skills development and specialized resources |
| Compliance challenges | Integrate compliance with VIP strategy and operations |
Principles for Sustainable VIP Management
The narrative concluded by emphasizing the necessity for forward-thinking strategies that incorporate data analysis and adaptability to regulatory conditions. According to Gali, adhering to these principles enables VIP initiatives to deliver value, personalization, and sustainable success in an increasingly competitive market.
Industry Event Highlight
Attention is drawn to the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe event, scheduled for 03–06 November 2025 at Fiera Roma. This conference anticipates the participation of 30,000 delegates, over 1,000 exhibitors, and more than 550 speakers, providing a forum for industry leaders and innovators to connect and shape the industry’s future.
- Author
Daniel Williams
