The iGaming industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, driven by the passion and innovation of a select group of industry leaders. These individuals, with their strategic vision and creative minds, have shaped the industry into what it is today and continue to push the boundaries of gaming technology and experiences.
Artur Ashyrov (Deputy CEO & CTO at GR8 Tech) prioritizes a user-centric approach, ensuring that the company’s Sportsbook and iGaming platform delivers a pleasant and efficient experience both for operators and players. Scalability is another key focus, with a particular emphasis on handling the rapid growth and peak traffic often associated with industries like iGaming. By employing modular architecture and cloud technologies, Artur ensures that the platform remains robust and adaptable to future challenges.
Seasoned Tech Executive
Artur Ashyrov has always been intrigued by the potential of technology to revolutionize industries and solve real-world problems. This fascination led him to pursue a degree in Engineering of Computer Systems, providing him with a solid foundation for a career in software development.
Over the years, Artur has held various technical roles, progressing from development positions to leadership roles such as Head of Casino Engineering and Vice President of Engineering. These roles allowed him to gain valuable experience in aligning technology with business objectives and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, whether it was building high-performance platforms, integrating new technologies, or optimizing legacy systems.
What truly motivates Artur is the thrill of tackling complex challenges, from scaling platforms to mentoring the next generation of professionals through initiatives like the “Manager’s League” at GR8 Tech. This combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of business needs has shaped his journey from software engineer to his current role as Deputy CEO and CTO.
The Art and Science of Platform Development
Building successful platforms requires more than just technical expertise. It involves creating systems that align with business goals while delivering a seamless user experience, scaling to meet demand, and being adaptable to future needs.
Data-driven decision-making is integral to Artur Ashyrov’s approach. By analyzing data, he identifies inefficiencies, optimizes processes, and designs smarter systems. For example, during the development of an in-house CRM, a data-driven analysis of risks allowed to create a more cost-effective and scalable solution.
Collaboration and continuous improvement are essential to Artur’s approach. By fostering cross-functional teamwork and staying abreast of the latest technological advancements, he ensures that platforms remain innovative and meet the evolving needs of the business.
Optimising for Global Performance
Artur’s recent work on expanding into the Asian market exemplifies his commitment to aligning technology with business goals. Recognizing a critical issue with product load times due to centralized servers in Europe, the team established a new data center in Asia and deployed the platform’s main frontend as a standalone solution. This strategic move resulted in a 25% improvement in web performance metrics.
The project was not just about technical optimization; it was about positioning GR8 Tech for growth in the target region. By enhancing load times and optimizing performance, the team boosted client trust and engagement. The successful collaboration between the SRE, Sportsbook, and Platform teams enabled a faster market launch, showcasing the power of cross-functional teamwork in delivering high-performance infrastructure.
The Strangler Fit Pattern
Artur Ashyrov recognizes that one of the most challenging aspects of working with large-scale systems is deploying changes to live production environments. These changes, akin to open-heart surgery, require precision and meticulous planning to avoid critical failures. To mitigate risks, Artur emphasizes platform resilience, ensuring that the failure of a single component does not bring down the entire system.
A key strategy employed by Artur is the divide-and-conquer approach. By breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable tasks, he simplifies the solution process. Another technique he frequently utilizes is the Strangler Fig pattern. This approach involves building a new system alongside the existing one, gradually replacing components until the new system fully takes over. This method is effective for both code refactoring and organizational restructuring.
Advanced AI Solutions for the Gaming Industry
GR8 Tech is committed to delivering tangible, sustainable value to its clients. The company focuses on continuous improvement and practical innovation, leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to drive long-term success.
For over a decade, GR8 Tech has been at the forefront of AI adoption, integrating it seamlessly into its platform. From personalized player experiences powered by a recommendation engine to automated CRM tasks and enhanced customer support, AI is a core component of the company’s operations. This not only improves player engagement but also streamlines operations for clients.
GR8 Tech has also developed sophisticated AI-driven risk management tools that provide real-time fraud detection, safeguarding both operators and players. The company prioritizes operational efficiency, ensuring that its platform can handle high-volume operations without compromising performance. A robust infrastructure with a 99.96% uptime guarantees seamless service, even during peak periods like major sporting events.
Beyond AI, GR8 Tech emphasizes flexibility and scalability in its platform design. The company’s high-performance architecture, with numerous extension points and APIs, allows operators to adapt and grow as their needs evolve.
Driving Revenue Growth Through Innovation
GR8 Tech’s approach to R&D is focused on creating innovative solutions that directly impact the bottom line. By strategically identifying areas for improvement and investing in cutting-edge technologies, the company has successfully driven revenue growth.
When embarking on R&D projects, GR8 Tech prioritizes the following:
- Identifying high-value opportunities: The team carefully analyzes market trends, customer needs, and technological advancements to identify areas where innovation can create significant value.
- Building strong cross-functional teams: Collaboration between product, engineering, and design teams is essential for successful R&D projects.
- Encouraging a culture of experimentation: A culture of innovation and risk-taking is fostered to encourage experimentation and the exploration of new ideas.
- Measuring success: Key performance indicators are established to track the impact of R&D initiatives and ensure that they align with business objectives.
A Focus on Knowledge Gain and Business Growth
Artur Ashyrov views R&D projects, or “exploration projects” as he calls them, as opportunities not only to deliver specific products but also to unlock new avenues for business growth. He believes in approaching these projects strategically, maximizing knowledge gain, whether the outcome is a success or a failure.
For instance, when developing an in-house CRM, Artur insisted on integrating API capabilities to allow customers to connect their backend services to the CRM player journeys. This foresight has proven beneficial, significantly reducing custom development requests for one particular client. Similarly, the development of a unified integration reverse API with automated testing tools for the casino platform has streamlined game provider integration, reducing the need for direct team interaction and enabling scalability.
Empowering Teams to Drive Growth
Artur believes that building a successful team requires a balance of strategic hiring, continuous development, and a strong company culture. He prioritizes recruiting individuals who not only possess strong technical skills but also align with the company’s vision of creating transformative solutions in the iGaming industry.
To foster innovation, Artur creates an environment that encourages experimentation and views failures as valuable learning experiences. He emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that engineers work closely with other teams to understand the broader business context of their work. This approach breaks down silos, encourages creative problem-solving, and ultimately leads to the development of practical, high-value solutions for clients.
From Vendor Lock-in to Strategic Autonomy
Artur Ashyrov faced a significant challenge when the company’s former CRM provider announced a substantial price increase. To mitigate this risk and gain greater control, GR8 Tech embarked on a journey to develop an in-house CRM solution.
While transitioning to an in-house CRM posed challenges, such as the learning curve for CRM managers, it offered numerous advantages. By developing an in-house solution, GR8 Tech could tailor the platform to the specific needs of the iGaming industry, optimizing player journey functionality. Additionally, the integration of the CRM with the data platform empowered operators with valuable insights, enabling faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency. Now, the value of the in-house CRM is evident in the results it brings to GR8 Tech’s clients, improving their average retention rate up to 80%.
A Transformative Mentoring Experience
Artur Ashyrov’s experience mentoring at the GR8 Tech Academy was a transformative journey. Working closely with emerging talent reinforced his belief in the power of hands-on learning and collaborative growth. He learned the importance of patience and clear communication when guiding others.
In mentoring future engineers, Artur emphasized critical thinking, resilience, and a passion for continuous improvement. He encouraged them to embrace challenges, maintain curiosity, and focus on practical problem-solving. The success of GR8 Tech Academy graduates highlights the significance of fostering a culture of education and mentorship to cultivate impactful careers.
Artur emphasizes the importance of a strong company culture built on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. This culture empowers teams to take ownership of their work, leading to high-quality outcomes. He prioritizes adaptability, fostering open communication and collaboration to drive innovation and address complex business challenges. By focusing on measurable results and cross-functional teamwork, Artur ensures that teams are aligned with the company’s goals and deliver impactful solutions.
Delivering Exceptional Player Experiences
GR8 Tech blends cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of user needs. By leveraging practical innovations like AI-driven personalization, the company enhances player experiences and simplifies operations for its partners. For example, advanced recommendation systems tailor content to individual preferences, while AI-powered CRM and risk management tools improve customer engagement and security.
GR8 Tech recognizes the industry’s need for modernization, particularly in product design and user experience. The company focuses on creating dynamic and engaging solutions that appeal to younger audiences. Its high-performance platform empowers operators to adapt and grow as their business evolves.
The Future of Gaming
GR8 Tech is excited about the growing influence of AI, especially in areas like predictive analytics, AIOps, and personalized customer experiences. AI-driven tools are deeply integrated into the company’s optimization of player retention, cross-selling, and risk management.
Another emerging trend that GR8 Tech is monitoring is the increasing focus on immersive and engaging user interfaces, tailored to the preferences of younger audiences. Additionally, the company is exploring the potential of blockchain technology to enhance transparency and security in gaming operations.
Shaping the Future of the Industry
Artur is a visionary leader who is passionate about driving innovation and shaping the future of the gaming industry. He is committed to building a strong company culture that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, GR8 Tech aims to deliver exceptional player experiences and streamline operations for its partners.
Artur’s leadership style is characterized by a focus on practical innovation, collaboration, and a user-centric approach. He is dedicated to empowering teams, fostering a culture of learning, and driving the adoption of emerging technologies. Through his efforts, GR8 Tech is positioned to become a leading force in the gaming industry, delivering innovative solutions and shaping the future of the industry.
Leadership Philosophy for the Digital Age
Artur Ashyrov believes in the importance of continuous learning, fostering strong teams, and embracing complexity. He recognizes that staying curious and exploring how innovations can drive real business results is essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He emphasizes the balance between technical expertise and a clear understanding of practical value.
Leadership, according to Artur, is not just about solving technical problems; it’s about people. He prioritizes building a strong, values-driven culture and investing in team growth. Initiatives like the Manager’s League and Tech Academy at GR8 Tech have demonstrated the power of empowering people and fostering collaboration.
Artur encourages embracing complexity and challenging the status quo. By tackling complex problems and disrupting rigid systems, leaders can unlock significant opportunities for growth and innovation. He believes that true innovation comes from being bold and willing to push the boundaries of technology and culture.
| Company Name: GR8 Tech Company URL: https://gr8.tech/ Featuring Person Name: Artur Ashyrov Designation: Deputy CEO & CTO |
