Aggelos Karonis
Head of Information Security at Kaizen Gaming
The online gaming sector has undergone significant regulatory and technological changes in recent years. Kaizen Gaming, which operates the Betano sports betting brand across multiple continents, has positioned itself through technological development and robust security measures.
The company’s operations span 19 markets across Europe, the Americas and Africa. Each new jurisdiction requires specific security protocols, data protection measures, and responsible gaming tools that must integrate with existing systems.
“Since the utmost goal is the protection of the customer and their data, they need to have a safe environment where they can enjoy their gaming experience,” explains Aggelos Karonis, Head of Information Security at Kaizen Gaming.
With a workforce of 2,700 people across multiple time zones and regulatory frameworks, Kaizen Gaming has experienced significant growth during a period of change in gaming technology, including AI tools, sophisticated cyber threats and evolving regulations. This growth led to recognition at the 2024 EGR Operator Awards, where the company secured seven awards, including Operator of the Year.
The company's development of in-house technology solutions demonstrates its approach to maintaining control over security and customer experience, enabling them to be "faster and more efficient" in business development.
Security framework and infrastructure
Kaizen Gaming’s technology operations span multiple domains, with infrastructure requirements determined by market regulations and technical needs. The security team operates as part of the infrastructure department, enabling direct integration of security measures into system development.
“Information security is a very broad domain. It covers both cybersecurity and all other aspects of security. We’re a technological organisation, so cybersecurity is the focus,” explains Aggelos.
The company utilizes ISO 27001 certification as a framework that provides strategy and initiatives covering all business aspects. “It is also a big enabler when it comes to releasing new markets,” Aggelos notes.
Kaizen Gaming’s security framework integrates governance, risk management, compliance protocols and engineering operations across territories. Physical security measures are crucial given the company's distributed global offices. The framework also incorporates employee security awareness, with Aggelos noting that “our company and our employees are very security cautious.”
Cloud strategy and security challenges
Kaizen Gaming selectively implements cloud computing based on operational requirements and security considerations. “Cloud is a very appealing product... but it’s not something that covers everything,” explains Aggelos. “For Kaizen Gaming, it was a conscious decision to utilise cloud where it makes sense.”
The company navigates evolving security threats including AI implementations, sophisticated cyber attacks, and market-specific requirements. “AI being brought into this discussion works in two ways. It enables the attackers and makes them smarter, but it also enables the defenders,” Aggelos notes.
Kaizen Gaming maintains strategic partnerships with technology providers to support operations across territories. The company has developed expertise in enterprise applications including Atlassian and Slack, with Bryd providing technical support for communication and workflow requirements.
Looking forward, Kaizen Gaming’s development strategy incorporates emerging regulatory requirements, particularly EU legislation concerning AI implementation. The company continues to add innovations to its gaming platform while incorporating workplace technology implementations and responsible gaming requirements.
“What we aim to do is focus on new technologies. The AI trend is not just a trend, it’s a new way of working, a new way of living actually. So we are adapting to that as well,” says Aggelos.
The company's recruitment focuses on security professionals eager to learn. “We want people that want to do great work and that are not just thinking of today, they're thinking of tomorrow,” Aggelos concludes. “This is continuous improvement. Focusing on tomorrow will always keep you relevant and make you become a leader in any industry.”
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