“About success and the future, filled with over-arching goals and ambitious plans”: Interview of Mr. Vladimir Dokov, CEO of EGT, for Casino International

In this exclusive interview for the July issue of Casino International magazine EGT’s CEO Mr. Dokov speaks about the secret of successful leadership and the challenges he faces every day. He also shares his opinion on the prevalent trends in the gaming industry and sheds light on the company’s goals and plans in the near and long term.

Casino International’s Matt Broughton spoke with EGT’s CEO, Vladimir Dokov.

Matt Broughton: What is the secret to being a successful leader of a global gaming company for more than 20 years?
Vladimir Dokov: Undoubtedly, being a successful leader requires a combination of many personal qualities and long-term vision. I believe that one of the most important is the ability to create a culture where people feel genuinely heard and empowered to express their ideas. It’s essential to foster an environment that not only encourages open dialogue but also values and defends diverse perspectives. Setting clear goals and motivating teams to pursue them with focus and commitment is equally important.

That mindset has been fundamental in keeping our company among the key players in the industry for more than two decades.

MB: As the CEO of EGT, what are the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis?
VD: Challenges are a natural part of leadership, especially at the executive level. Every day I face situations of varying complexity, which I view as opportunities to grow and gain perspective. In my experience, the key to navigating any difficult situation lies in striking the right balance between the interests of everyone involved. As CEO, this often means making decisions that align immediate business needs with our long-term strategic vision, while maintaining focus on people and performance.

MB: Are there any over-arching goals for the company to achieve in 2025?
VD: Our main goal is to continue to strengthen our position as one of the leading global manufacturers and suppliers of gaming equipment. We are focused on expanding our foothold in established markets while strategically entering new jurisdictions with high growth potential.

Among our top priorities are further enhancing the digitalization of work processes, as well as the increasingly widespread application of artificial intelligence across various processes within the company. These efforts are essential to driving efficiency, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

MB: Are there any prevalent trends in the sector right now that EGT is looking to address?
VD: At EGT, staying ahead of industry trends has always been a core part of our strategy. Our work remains deeply player-centric, focused on understanding evolving behaviors, expectations, and preferences in order to deliver more immersive and rewarding experiences. We are continuously developing innovative solutions that enhance player engagement, extend gaming sessions, and elevate the overall experience. By anticipating customer expectations and responding with precision, we ensure our products remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with the future of the gaming industry.

MB: How is climate change, energy use, or sustainability entering the conversation in hardware-based gaming?
VD: Sustainability has long been part of our agenda at EGT. Our production takes place in buildings constructed or renovated using materials that meet all modern energy efficiency requirements. We do not use solid fuels in our production activities. The main part of the materials for our products are supplied by Western European manufacturers of low-carbon steel, or the so-called “green steel”. As a result, we have reduced carbon emissions into the atmosphere many times over. Residual materials are responsibly recycled, contributing to a more circular production cycle.

In line with our broader commitment to environmental responsibility, our company fleet is predominantly made up of hybrid vehicles. We’re also investing in renewable energy: two photovoltaic power plants, which will supply our factories in Bulgaria, are currently at different stages of implementation. All these efforts reflect a broader shift in the land-based gaming industry, where sustainability is playing increasingly vital role.

MB: What can we expect from EGT over the next 12 months?
VD: Over the next 12 months, we plan to significantly accelerate the development of our video lottery solutions. Following our strong performance in Europe, our focus is now shifting toward adapting and expanding these products for newly regulated jurisdictions in Latin America. This region has traditionally been one of our strongest markets, where our portfolio has consistently delivered outstanding results. I see this as a key step in further strengthening our leadership position and deepening our long-term presence in the region. So, there’s certainly more exciting news to come in the months ahead.

MB: What personal principle or belief most shapes your decision-making as a CEO?
VD: In both life and business, I follow several core principles that have consistently brought meaningful results. The two that stand out most are perseverance and responsibility perseverance in pursuing ambitious goals and responsibility for every decision made and its implementation. Over the years, my team and I have set high targets and stayed focused and consistent in reaching them. I’m proud to say that, so far, we’ve successfully delivered on every plan we’ve committed to.

Customer satisfaction is equally fundamental to how I lead. At EGT, we’ve always worked to stay close to our clients and deliver the high-quality products they truly need. As a result, many of our partners have been with us since the very beginning, and EGT continues to grow as a trusted name in more and more markets around the world. At the end of the day, I believe leadership is about staying true to your values, being accountable, and staying connected to the people you work with.