In 2025, the iGaming sector witnessed the remarkable influence of women leaders who have been pivotal in shaping the industry’s future. Nadiya Attard, Olha Yatsnya, and Oksana Tsyhankova have all showcased their commitment to diversity, innovation, and leadership, illustrating the changing dynamics within the industry.
In September 2025, Nadiya Attard joined Elantil as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing with her a wealth of experience from major firms such as Betfair, NetEnt, and Relax Gaming. Her approach to diversity goes beyond gender, emphasizing the importance of cultural and national diversity for company success. “A diverse team with varied experiences can create the best products and drive a company to new heights,” she often reflects. Nadiya argues that the focus should not solely be on gender balance but also on integrating a wide range of perspectives to enhance performance.
Nadiya’s tenure at Elantil is marked by her drive to push boundaries and focus on customer experience. She insists that to thrive amidst fierce competition, companies must deliver superior products and services. Europe, she notes, is leading in promoting gender equality within the gambling sector, having long embraced diversity and inclusion. Yet, she points out the slower progress in the US, where gender parity remains elusive, despite gradual improvements.
Olha Yatsnya’s journey to becoming Chief Marketing Officer at VeliTech is unconventional, encompassing experiences in both industrial and agricultural sectors. Her diverse career path has instilled a respect for teamwork and a dedication to mentoring her team. Olha credits her team with her nomination as one of the Most Influential Women in 2025, reflecting that their hard work and support are integral to her success. Under her leadership, VeliTech has grown from a startup to a formidable force in the global market.
Olha is a firm advocate for work-life balance, challenging the industry’s relentless pace. She encourages women to take necessary breaks without fear of being perceived as less professional. “Pausing doesn’t diminish ambition or efficiency; it can enhance it,” she shares, promoting a culture where maternity leave and mental health breaks are embraced. Her vision for VeliTech ensures that women are supported and empowered, with notable female leaders within the company’s ranks.
Meanwhile, Oksana Tsyhankova has been instrumental at Soft2Bet, leading projects that have garnered international recognition. Her work on the Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) highlights her ability to innovate and drive engagement through personalized gaming experiences. Oksana’s leadership has been crucial in launching successful brands across Europe and North America, earning the company significant industry accolades.
Oksana’s efforts have also contributed to Soft2Bet winning the B2B Excellence Award at the Women in Gaming Diversity Awards 2025. Her peers commend her for setting new standards in the iGaming industry by blending narrative with tangible results, emphasizing her role in educational initiatives that align with market trends.
These leaders represent a shift towards a more inclusive and innovative iGaming industry. Each brings a unique perspective and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, setting a precedent for future industry practices.
However, some voices in the industry caution against focusing solely on diversity metrics, arguing that true inclusion requires substantive changes in company culture and policies. While the progress is commendable, there remains a need for ongoing dialogue and action to ensure that diversity efforts are genuine and effective.
As the iGaming sector continues to evolve, the influence of these women signifies a broader change towards embracing diversity and inclusion as key components of business strategy. Their achievements not only inspire but also challenge the industry to continue progressing towards equity and excellence.
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