homepage_name! > Editions > Number 186 > Interview - Savo Bakmaz MAXBET

MaxBet on the Global Stage: Savo Bakmaz on a Turning Point That Is Transforming the Industry

“True leaders don’t follow trends – they create them.”

This business philosophy of Savo Bakmaz, CEO of MaxBet, has become the foundation that transformed a local gaming operator into an integral part of the global giant – Flutter International, the world’s largest sports betting and iGaming group.

Under his leadership, MaxBet has evolved into a multinational company, employing professionals from the United Kingdom, Georgia, Australia, and Spain, blending global expertise with a distinctive “MaxBet spirit.” This is a spirit of innovation, responsible business practices, and strategic development that transcends the boundaries of a single industry and lays the groundwork for broader societal change.

1. In January 2025, MaxBet celebrated its first anniversary as part of the Flutter International familythe world’s leading company in sports betting and iGaming. How did this acquisition come about, and what does it mean for MaxBet?

The partnership with Flutter International was no coincidence – it was the result of a long-term growth strategy. As a company, we have always pursued innovation and progress, and our business model, corporate culture, and long-term ambitions made us a natural partner for Flutter.

The acquisition has provided us not only with a capital investment but also with access to global resources, technologies, and expertise. We now work with the best in the industry, implement cutting-edge systems, and learn from companies operating in the world’s most advanced markets. Flutter Entertainment is the leading global operator in sports betting and iGaming, with an average of 12.3 million monthly active players worldwide in 2023. The company operates some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars, Paddy Power, and Betfair.

“Leadership is not just about making decisions, but about empowering people to grow alongside the company. Our goal is to inspire change, set new standards, and prove that a local vision can have a global impact.”

2. How has this strategic move opened the door to innovation and development?

Joining the Flutter Group has unlocked numerous new opportunities, primarily in technology, user experience, and market expansion. We are now part of a global ecosystem, where we have access to tools that enhance analytics, trend forecasting, and the overall gaming experience.

Our vision is to be leaders in innovation, setting new industry standards in the gaming sector. We believe that the future of this industry is closely tied to transparency and security, and our collaboration with Flutter allows us to invest in advanced technologies that promote responsible gaming.

Specifically, we have implemented innovations such as cashless payments and digital tools for responsible gaming, which have significantly enhanced safety and the quality of the user experience.

3. How does MaxBet stand out in the area of responsible gaming?

Responsible gaming is not just a regulatory requirement we comply with – it is a core part of our business philosophy and a fundamental pillar of how we shape our future. We believe that the gaming industry can only be sustainable if it is built on a foundation of responsibility and ethics.

We invest in technologies that support responsible gaming, such as advanced AI systems designed to identify risky behavior patterns and take proactive measures to provide users with guidance and solutions that help protect them.

Additionally, through our “Play Smart” program, we offer clear guidelines to help users keep their gaming safe and responsible, while also raising awareness about the importance of making informed decisions.

4. What role does MaxBet play in local initiatives and corporate social responsibility?

Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our operations, and through numerous projects, we actively support the communities in which we operate. We believe that a successful company should also be a pillar of local community development.

For example, through partnerships with sports clubs and organizations, we have funded infrastructure improvements and provided better training conditions, with a particular focus on young talent and the development of women's sports. We invest in sports not just as sponsors, but as partners who want to contribute to building a healthier society.

We also actively participate in humanitarian initiatives, such as donations to hospitals and educational programs that promote financial literacy and responsible gaming.

“We do not measure success by numbers alone, but by the impact we have on the community. When we invest in young talent, in health, in education – we are investing in the future.”

5. What has been one of the most visible indicators of the company’s development over the past year?

Over the past year, one of the most striking indicators of our company’s growth has been the strengthening of local management and strategic leadership in Serbia. Our team of experienced professionals continuously makes innovative decisions that drive the company’s growth and stability in the regional market.

The combination of global expertise and local knowledge enables us to develop strategies tailored to market specificities and customer needs, while maintaining high standards of corporate governance and ethics. We can confidently say that in the past year, we have improved work processes, increased efficiency, and implemented cutting-edge management methods, further reinforcing our market position. Our local management team in Serbia is composed of experienced professionals who understand market needs and make strategic decisions aligned with the company’s values.

We can say with certainty that we have leaders who not only manage operations but also shape the future of the gaming industry in the region. Their ability to make decisions, adapt to trends, and lead teams toward success is crucial for our continued growth and development.

The combination of global expertise and local knowledge enables us to develop strategies tailored to market specificities and customer needs, while maintaining high standards of corporate governance and ethics.

6. Does moving to a new space reflect your ambitions and commitment to continuous improvement?

Relocating to a new, modern office space is not just about the physical expansion of our company, it is a clear symbol of our long-term growth strategy. Our new space is not just a workplace – it is a hub of innovation, creativity, and strategic planning.

When transitioning from a local leader to a global player, it is important for all aspects of the business to operate at the highest level. Our new space reflects the values we aim to foster – innovation, agility, and top-tier work standards. We have invested heavily in infrastructure that allows our teams to work in an environment that enhances productivity and collaboration.

Additionally, the move to a new space comes at a time when the gaming industry is evolving and expanding. We don’t just want to keep up with change – we want to lead it. Our new space is part of that vision.

7. Responsible gaming is a key aspect of the industry's future. How does MaxBet plan to stand out in this segment?

Responsible gaming is not just a regulatory requirement we comply with – it is a core part of our business philosophy and a fundamental pillar of how we shape our future.

As part of Flutter International, we are committed to setting the highest standards in user protection and responsible business practices. In this context, we have developed multiple tools and initiatives to help players maintain control over their gaming habits. Our platform allows users to set personal limits, receive personalized recommendations for maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming, and access educational resources to better understand the risks involved.

One of the standout initiatives is our “Play Smart” program, which provides users with practical guidelines to ensure their gaming remains responsible and safe. Through this campaign, we raise awareness about the importance of informed decision-making and offer support to those who need it.

We also use AI technology to detect risky behavior patterns and take proactive steps to offer users guidance and solutions for their protection. This is the standard we aim to set not only in Serbia but across the region.

Our ultimate goal is not just to provide players with a fun and secure experience, but to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and responsible industry. We know that the future of gaming depends on transparency, security, and an ethical approach – and that is why we want to be leaders in this segment.

8. MaxBet sponsors numerous competitions and clubs across Serbia. What drives this interest in investing in sports?

Sports and gaming are inherently connected, but our investment in sports is not just about brand visibility – it is part of our broader corporate social responsibility strategy. We believe in sports as a driving force that brings people together, strengthens communities, and inspires young generations to strive for outstanding results.

For this reason, MaxBet supports numerous sports clubs, professional leagues, as well as amateur and youth athletes. We believe that sports promote important values – team spirit, dedication, discipline, and fair play – all of which align with the principles we uphold at MaxBet.

Beyond sponsoring professional sports teams, we also invest in the development of local sports centers and youth sports programs. Our goal is not just to support established athletes, but to help young talents gain opportunities to grow and succeed.

For us, this is a long-term investment in the future – because sports are about more than just competition; they also promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen communities.

9. How many locally implemented projects have directly contributed to these goals?

Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our operations, and through numerous projects, we actively support the communities in which we operate.

Beyond education and sports, MaxBet is also committed to initiatives that promote health. The “Life is Blood” campaign, launched by MaxBet in 2017, has become a permanent initiative in collaboration with the Blood Transfusion Institute and the Red Cross, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation. So far, we have organized 65 blood drives, collected 4,800 units of blood, and potentially saved 14,400 lives, reinforcing our company’s commitment to social responsibility and the global goals of Flutter International’s “Do More” strategy.

We also place special emphasis on men's health, focusing on both our employees and customers, through preventive screenings. We recognize that raising awareness on this issue is essential for society, and we want to be part of the solution.

We have successfully created a business model where economic success goes hand in hand with community care. Our goal is not just to be a leader in the gaming industry, but to be a company that leaves a positive impact on the society.

10. How does MaxBet see the future?

Our vision is clear – we aim to remain a leader in innovation, responsible gaming, and technological advancement.

The industry is changing, and we want to not only be part of the change but also be the company leading it.

MaxBet doesn’t play local – we play global.

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