Igor Zotko is a prominent figure in Ukrainian business and a personality at the intersection of high technology and gambling. He has created many startups, grand projects, and technological innovations in the entertainment industry. His career exemplifies how ambitious ideas can be realized through vision and perseverance. Next, we will examine how the entrepreneur is developing Ukraine’s modern tech and gaming industries by offering innovative solutions. In addition, it is all about supporting the country and its citizens in the darkest times of history.
Igor Zotko: An entrepreneur who has significantly advanced the Ukrainian technology and gaming industry
Igor Zotko, a Ukrainian entrepreneur known for his leadership in tech companies, primarily through the Ediniy Prostir payment system, is actively involved in payment services within the state Diia. Igor Zotko became the sole owner of the Ukrainian online casino PIN-UP Ukraine.
The businessman was challenged by a scandal about his company’s cooperation with the Diia service. He said that this event did not cause much damage to the business, emphasizing that both business lines – the payment system and online casino – have excellent teams and business models.
Zotko said:
“We don’t have enough money to cover the commissions, so the money we earn goes to increase the company’s turnover and cover the cash gaps, which, unfortunately, reach tens of millions of hryvnias.”
According to the entrepreneur, the scandal resulted from raising the technological topic of accepting payments in the Diia app, and he notes that the actual reporting of his financial company is transparent and controlled by the regulator.
He explains:
“This is the desire of certain people or companies to inflate the ‘betrayal’ and replace the Yedynyy Prostir.”
Igor Zotko worked his way up from project manager at a payment terminal company to founding his own business. He recalls his experience in the state lottery and working for a gambling company, which helped him gain the necessary knowledge to create his own business.
His new investments and startups include a project to make a digital will for crypto assets and an esports team with Ukrainian players, which is now among the top 100 teams in the world.
Such an exciting and intense story demonstrates how it is possible to successfully combine different areas of activity, from technology to the gaming industry, while maintaining the economic stability of Ukraine.
Igor Zotko and KRAIL: Debunking myths and large contributions
The Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries of Ukraine (KRAIL) found no reason to believe that the Russian leadership backs Igor Zotko’s Ukr Game Technology LLC (PIN-UP brand) activities.
PIN-UP Ukraine topped the ranking of the most reputable companies in the gambling industry according to the results of the analysis by Opendatabot, which determines market leaders based on several criteria, including financial stability and the absence of Igor Zotko’s ties to Russia or Belarus.
Significant actions on the part of the company and the businessman:
- PIN-UP Foundation initiated the restoration of an architectural monument in Kharkiv that was damaged by shelling.
- According to 2023 data, PIN-UP Ukraine paid UAH 3.4 billion in taxes to the state budget and allocated UAH 179.7 million to charity and humanitarian initiatives.
- The company has also launched a grant program to support micro and small businesses in the frontline areas in collaboration with Forbes Ukraine.
Zotko added:
“Modern business must be socially responsible and support the country’s economic stability. We continue to develop our services and maintain a competitive market.”
According to KRAIL, Igor Zotko and his company have overcome legal challenges, confirming no licensing violations.
Support for Ukraine from Igor Zotko and PIN-UP in hard times of war
As mentioned, PIN-UP is a prominent online gambling company that actively strengthens the Ukrainian economy and comprehensively helps citizens during challenging times.
The company set up an internal humanitarian headquarters at the beginning of the war to help its employees:
- Organizing the evacuation of employees from areas that could be under occupation.
- Paying additional one-time payments and providing power banks and charging stations during energy crises.
- Continued salary payments and financial support to mobilized employees.
The LINE-UP project by the PIN-UP Foundation is one of the key initiatives aimed at helping Ukrainians in the frontline areas:
- Over nine months, volunteers have delivered more than 300 tons of food and other essential goods to 100 settlements affected by the de-occupation.
- We provide support in various areas, including delivering generators for socially significant facilities and heating settlements during the cold season.
Support for children and educational initiatives:
- Cooperation with TulSun Foundation to insulate the facades of a center for children with special needs.
- Financing the renovation of a children’s center for IDPs, which provides support to children whose families have been affected by the war.
Individual contribution from Igor Zotko:
- Funding for the ASKOLD Mobilization Training Center, which trains soldiers according to Ukrainian and international standards.
- Responding to the needs of various military units and helping them regularly.
PIN-UP and Igor Zotko: Strengthening national security and social stability
PIN-UP Ukraine continues to play an essential role in maintaining national security and social stability, as confirmed by its high trust and reputation in the gambling industry. This sector of the economy has great potential for development. With responsible leaders like Igor Zotko, we can see great success in business and significant steps to provide everything necessary for those who need it most.