Nadiya Attard AKA ‘Turbo Mode’ on Life as CCO of Elantil

 _{Nadiya Attard, CCO, Elantil. (Image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

Casinos.com was backstage at the NEXT.io event to catch up with some of the keynote speakers. It was a fast and furious experience, as most industry leaders were jetting off to another destination — par for the course in their busy lives.

We’re glad to say that Nadiya Attard, CCO of Elantil, was able to spare some time in her very busy schedule to give us an exclusive interview. We spoke to her outside the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta.

Nadiya has more than 20 years of iGaming experience and knows the industry inside out.

Before joining Elantil, she held senior positions at Relax Gaming, NetEnt, Games Global, and Betfair, expanding their market presence and forging invaluable partnerships to drive growth.

Known for her ability to navigate highly regulated markets, including the U.S., she’s practically a GPS for your iGaming journey, wherever it leads. 

Nicknamed “Turbo Mode” for her unmatched efficiency and energy, Nadiya boasts an impressive track record of exceeding targets. At Elantil, she’s driving innovation and collaboration, providing operators with a rock-solid roadmap to success.

Forging a Path Through Global Regulation

Alan: "Nadiya, the panel discussion you took part in was quite intense, mainly focused on regulations and the way companies are having to navigate different geo-regulations and work with various governments. How much of a struggle is that for a company like yours trying to forge ahead in new markets globally?"

Nadiya: "I think from our side, we are very fortunate because we have a lot of experience. Each of us has a minimum of 20 years in this industry — just within the C-suite group, we have around 250 years of combined experience.

"We’ve been through every regulation, starting from Italy and the UK, through to the U.S. and beyond. So, we know what to do, and even the way we build the product caters to regulations. For us, it's easy. But looking at other B2B or B2C businesses, it’s quite complex.

"It’s challenging in terms of product adaptation, differing requirements, and time.For instance, it takes about 18 months to get a licence to operate in the U.S. due to due diligence and other requirements, not the product. That takes time and effort."

_{Nadiya Attard addresses the challenges of regulation. (Image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

Alan: "How much time do you give to that? Is it draining your time from other priorities?"

Nadiya: "Definitely — it depends.

"At the moment we’re doing GLI certification and we’re doing ISO certification, both of which are needed. We’re also building a product that complies with those certifications.

"But let’s say Germany or the UK introduce a new change — then yes, it’s draining our time. As fast as you comply, others pop up who don’t and go to places where it’s easy pickings — no regulations, no policies, no safeguarding."

Alan: "Why such strong and stringent rules on the regulated when perhaps more effort should go into shutting down the unregulated?"

Nadiya: "Both, actually — it's not so simple to close the unregulated. But also, it has to be simple and, most importantly, knowledgeable.

"People drafting the regulations — as Dino mentioned on the panel — often don’t have a clue what they’re writing. They come up with things without understanding them, and everyone has to comply with something that doesn’t make sense. I think education and listening to what makes sense — those will make everyone’s life easier."

Balancing Career, Family and Leadership

Alan: "Just tell me a bit about you now."

Nadiya: "I love my job; I enjoy it. I give a lot back to work, and this industry is enjoyable. There are so many intriguing people. You learn a lot — so I think it balances out."

Alan: "So just give me a quick tour — the journey of Nadiya Attard to CCO. Where did it all begin?"

Nadiya: "From the very, very bottom. I literally worked my way up from the very beginning. Back in the day, it was all so simple."

Alan: "How simple?"

Nadiya: "I started as an outbound agent. Actually, I began in land-based gaming and then moved to Malta, where I worked for Betfair. 

"Back then, one day you’re working in customer support; the next day you’re marketing manager, simply because you happen to speak the language. Then you’re country manager, again for the same reason.

"I learned a lot and I was never scared to try new things. I enjoy it, and I’m happy to share my experience. 

"I got a question the other day: “What can I do? It’s so difficult to enter gaming.” It’s not. Just try, try hard, and don’t give up."

Alan: "What country are you originally from?"

Nadiya: "I’m actually Maltese, but I was born in Ukraine. Most of my life I’ve lived here, but my family is still in Ukraine."

Alan: "What advice would you give to a young Nadiya, just starting out — going into work, university, or academia? Would you recommend this industry?"

Nadiya: "I wasn’t planning to enter this industry, actually. When I came to Malta, companies were searching for people with gaming knowledge — they literally dragged me into it.

"But I don’t regret it — I enjoy it so much. It’s so interesting, you build something new. I’m on the B2B side, which means I help people do things. And I work with tech.

"I studied tech, I understand tech, and that’s what makes it more enjoyable. When you understand tech and commercial, and you can align both — not just two parties win, but three. It’s a rare skill — understanding everyone and finding solutions. It’s not easy, but that’s what I enjoy."