Inside Milena Tsankarska’s Journey: Leadership, Responsible Gaming, and the Evolution of the iGaming Industry

In the iGaming industry, many professionals talk about experience. Few explain how that experience translates into long-term impact. As the industry evolves, adaptability, global perspective, and responsible practices are becoming critical differentiators.

iGaming News Today spoke with Milena Tsankarska to understand her journey across gaming, fintech, and international business development, and how these experiences shape her view of the industry today.

With a career spanning multiple sectors and global markets, Milena shares insights into leadership, responsible gaming, and the future direction of iGaming.

Below is the full interview:

Q. What initially attracted you to the gambling and iGaming industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years?

Milena:

My journey in the gambling industry started in 2008 when I joined the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo and the Eastern European Gaming Summit in Bulgaria. These events became major hubs for professionals from both land-based and online gaming sectors around the world.

Before entering the gaming industry, I worked in marketing across different industries. Later, I also gained experience in fintech and payment solutions, where I helped build a brand from scratch and developed sales and marketing strategies to position the company within the gambling sector.

Over the years, I have also led sales teams in companies related to online gaming and worked closely with operators and technology providers. Today, alongside my consulting activities, I collaborate with companies to help them expand into international markets and strengthen their presence within the gambling ecosystem.

Q. With nearly three decades of experience in international business development and marketing, what key advantages have you seen while working in the industry?

Milena:

One of the greatest advantages of working in this industry is the opportunity to connect with professionals from all over the world and build valuable relationships.

The gaming industry is constantly evolving, driven by technology and innovation. Through conferences, events, and collaborations, we have the chance to meet industry leaders, explore new markets, and develop strategic partnerships.

Another important aspect is the ability to contribute to initiatives that support responsible gaming and industry education. Throughout my career, I have participated in projects and foundations that aim to educate operators about responsible gaming practices and help improve industry standards.

Q. What role has responsible gaming played in your professional journey?

Milena:

Responsible gaming has been a very important part of my work. I have been involved in initiatives such as the Responsible Gaming Foundation, where we focused on educating both land-based and online operators about responsible gambling practices.

The goal is to ensure that the industry develops in a sustainable and ethical way. Education and awareness are essential, especially when it comes to protecting players and maintaining trust in the gaming ecosystem.

By working together with operators and industry organizations, we can promote better standards and create a healthier environment for both businesses and players.

Q. Women are increasingly taking leadership roles in the gaming industry. What challenges and opportunities do you see for women in this sector?

Milena:

Women face challenges in many industries, not just gaming. However, in recent years there has been a growing recognition of the important role women play in business.

Women often bring flexibility, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking to leadership positions. These qualities can be extremely valuable for driving innovation and building strong teams.

At the same time, it is important for companies and organizations to continue supporting women through mentorship programs, leadership initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Creating a supportive environment allows more women to succeed and contribute to the growth of the industry.

Q. What major trends do you believe will shape the future of the iGaming industry?

Milena:

Several key trends are already shaping the future of the industry.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important, especially for personalization and operational efficiency. Regulation is also evolving rapidly, with new requirements and frameworks emerging in many markets.

Another major focus is responsible gaming. Operators and regulators are working together to ensure that player protection remains a priority while still allowing businesses to innovate and grow.

These technological and regulatory developments will continue to transform the industry over the coming years.

Q. What motivates you to continue contributing to the industry after so many years of experience?

Milena:

For me, motivation comes from the opportunity to learn something new every day and to contribute to the development of the industry.

When you see that your experience and knowledge help companies grow, inspire professionals, or support new initiatives, it gives you a strong sense of satisfaction.

Curiosity also plays a big role. The gaming industry is dynamic and constantly changing, which means there are always new opportunities, technologies, and ideas to explore. That keeps the work exciting even after many years.

Q. How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional life and personal commitments?

Milena:

Maintaining balance is very important. I try to spend time with my family, engage in sports, and participate in activities outside of work.

These moments help me disconnect from the daily routine and return to work with fresh energy and perspective. Having interests beyond work is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and motivation.

Additional Note on Leadership – We can rewrite: How do you see the evolution of industry leadership in the next decade?

Leadership in the gaming industry requires adaptability, communication, and a strong understanding of both business and technological trends.

Supporting young professionals, sharing knowledge through mentorship programs, and encouraging innovation are essential for ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the industry.

Leadership in the gaming industry requires adaptability, strong communication, and a deep understanding of both business and technology.

From my experience as a mentor and coach, I believe investing in young professionals is essential. Mentorship ensures continuity of knowledge and supports the development of talent across different industry verticals.

At the same time, this expertise must be systematically expanded – both in scale and quality through new technologies that enhance, rather than replace, existing know-how.

Most importantly, innovation should remain customer-focused, delivering entertainment and positive experiences, while upholding ethical standards and avoiding dependency or distortion of values.