Redefining iGaming at NEXT.io Valletta: A Post-Event Conversation with DepToWin CEO Daniel Gunba
- Maria Emmanuelle Arnidou
- May 13
- 4 min read
Fresh off the stage of NEXT.io Valletta 2025, where he co-hosted the iGaming Tech Hub and led two forward-looking panels on immersive technologies and gambling on Telegram, Daniel Gunba, CEO of DepToWin and TRIION Gaming, sits down with us to share his reflections. As a leader straddling both affiliate excellence and VR innovation, Daniel brings his unique perspective on how cutting-edge tech and smart partnerships are shaping the future of iGaming.
Hi Daniel, thank you for this interview! Let’s start with your immediate reflections. How did it feel to co-host the iGaming Tech Hub at the NEXT.io Valetta Summit, and what kind of energy did you feel from the attendees?
Co-hosting a conference like NEXT.io is an incredible experience. I had previously attended as a speaker, but I never imagined how much work goes on behind the scenes. While hosting the iGaming Tech Track, I realized how much the audience appreciates insightful knowledge. It was an amazing experience, and the feedback I received from the audience confirmed that.
You moderated the panel “Gaming Reimagined,” which tackled AI, VR, and game engines. What stood out to you the most from that discussion? What’s your biggest takeaway from this session, and were there any surprising insights?
The main point I learned is that people who were skeptical about VR a year ago are changing their minds today. The industry is getting ready for VR - not only from a technological perspective but also from a legal one.
Your second panel, “From Chats to Chips,” explored Telegram’s rise as a hotspot for gambling. In your opinion, what’s the key driver of this evolution, and what should the industry be paying attention to here?
Right now, I can say that Telegram has become a sweet spot for the black market. By introducing in-app decentralized wallets, Telegram is only reinforcing that position. The main question today is: how can regulators govern something developed within a messenger that offers full privacy and no KYC?
I had the pleasure of discussing this with Dr. Gianluca Busuttil, who has far more experience in legal matters than I do. And you know what? The industry is moving at 1000 kph, while regulation is crawling at 50 kph - and I believe that has never been a secret.
You wear two hats: CEO of an affiliate brand (DepToWin Partners) and a VR tech pioneer (TRIION Gaming). How do these roles complement one another when it comes to shaping your long-term vision for DepToWin?
DepToWin Partners and TRIION Gaming are two completely different projects. However, since I have the privilege of running both companies, I’ve naturally considered opportunities for cooperation between them. Will we see affiliate unicorns in VR soon? I’ll have an answer for you in the next couple of months :)
The affiliate space is becoming more competitive, but DepToWin Partners is carving a very distinct identity. What feedback did you receive from industry peers during the summit, and what opportunities did it open up?
First of all, I received a lot of congratulations! A great point that stood out was how much people appreciate our design and brand identity - and that’s exactly where I invested a lot of attention. I also had the pleasure of speaking with several casinos, and so far, the feedback has been entirely positive. But as they say, 'your results are your best argument.' And that’s our focus right now: delivering results.
Innovation can be a buzzword – what does innovation actually look like in practice at DepToWin Partners?
Well, I wouldn’t say we’re innovating something entirely new - I’d say we’ve taken the best the industry has to offer and crafted our own ideal product. In my opinion, phrases like 'We are innovation' feel overused in 2025, much like 'Metaverse' once was.
But hey, have you seen our page? Pretty innovative design, right? :)
And finally, what’s next for DepToWin Partners? Any upcoming launches, initiatives, or bold moves you can tease or share with our readers?
Well, we’ve just launched our partner network, where we welcome both advertisers and publishers. In the next step -which will bring something new to the industry - you can definitely expect a unique offer in collaboration with TRIION Gaming.
Right now, I can say that Telegram has become a sweet spot for the black market. By introducing in-app decentralized wallets, Telegram is only reinforcing that position. The main question today is: how can regulators govern something developed within a messenger that offers full privacy and no KYC?
I had the pleasure of discussing this with Dr. Gianluca Busuttil, who has far more experience in legal matters than I do. And you know what? The industry is moving at 1000 kph, while regulation is crawling at 50 kph - and I believe that has never been a sec