From his early days as a stockbroker to VP of Online at Superbet, Andrei Popa has consistently embraced change and pushed boundaries. With over a decade in the industry – spanning key roles at bwin, Bet Cafe Arena, and now at Superbet – Andrei offers insights into overcoming challenges, embracing change, and staying inspired in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

Andrei Popa answers SBC Eurasia’s 10 questions and reflects on his journey through the iGaming industry, sharing pivotal moments, invaluable lessons, and the mentors who shaped his path.

– What was your first job and what led you to pursue a career in the iGaming industry?

– I began my career as a stockbroker in 2007, but I quickly realized I wanted to change career paths. Therefore, in 2010, I transitioned into the sports betting industry, starting as a bookmaker in Romania, and then became Head of Trading at the same company. On top of that, I love sports and have always liked to be a punter.

– What was the single biggest turning point in your career?

– Two key moments stand out in my career. The first was in 2012 when I decided to move to Gibraltar in search of new opportunities. It was a bold step, leaving my country and a senior role to take the next leap in the industry. That decision played a crucial role in shaping my career.

The second turning point was in 2014, when I started learning SQL and programming languages to build my own reports. Fast forward a couple of months later, I was leading a Business Intelligence department for Trading within the company I worked for.

– What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

– I believe challenges make us stronger, and failures should not be a reason to give up on our goals. The key is learning to recover quickly and build resilience.

One of the most challenging periods in my career was in 2021, during the second year of the pandemic. The industry was rapidly shifting to new ways of working, and we had to constantly adapt. Initially, a downturn was expected, but instead, we found ourselves on a path of rapid growth. Navigating these sudden changes required me to rigorously prioritize, stay balanced, and make sure I set aside time to focus on myself.

– Who has been the key mentor in your career, and what is the best piece of advice you ever received that still drives your work today?

– I had several mentors throughout my career. During my time at bwin, I learned invaluable lessons from my manager and the Head of Trading. Now, at Superbet, I continue to be inspired by the founder, CEO, and COO, who share an ambitious vision and have demonstrated exemplary leadership. Each of them has shaped my approach by sharing unique insights and skills.

One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is: ‘You either focus on improving your weaknesses or double down on your strengths.’ Looking back, I’d say I chose the latter—and it has made all the difference.

– What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in the industry?

– I would recommend developing self-discipline. I often compare the industry to a candy store – there are endless opportunities to explore, almost an unlimited selection. But if you’re not careful, you can get sick of eating too much sugar. Remember to pace yourself, because this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

I firmly believe that six months in our industry is equivalent to 12–18 months in any other field. It’s highly challenging, but equally rewarding.

– You’ve seen the iGaming industry evolve over the years. What are the biggest changes you’ve witnessed, and where do you think the industry is heading next?

The regulatory framework has seen major changes in the past 20 years, across many territories. In some countries, the industry has adapted and found the right balance, while in others, there is still more work to do to build a good relationship between our sector and the public stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the industry is rapidly evolving toward being recognized as an entertainment provider. At the same time, the line between video gaming and gambling/iGaming is becoming increasingly blurred.

– You’ve made bold moves throughout your career. Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that guides your professional decisions?

– “To boldly go where no one has gone before”. I have been a Trekkie since childhood.

– What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?

– What I value most is the positive impact I’ve had on people. Seeing former colleagues and peers growing into new roles – sometimes in new companies – and knowing I supported them either by advice, mentoring, or collaborating in various projects, is incredibly rewarding.

– iGaming is known for its fast-paced and innovative environment. How do you stay inspired and maintain your creativity amidst the industry’s rapid evolution?

– For me, it does not seem like burdening work. I tend to see it as getting paid to solve complex puzzles – some more challenging than others, some more fun, and others necessary even if not particularly exciting. It’s more of embracing the iGaming industry and turning it into a real-life game.  

– Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career? What lessons have you learned from any missteps or regrets?

– As a Sci-Fi fan, I know that if I could go back in time to correct my missteps, I’d create a paradox in the space-time continuum, which would prevent me from becoming the person I am today.

I always encourage people starting a project to be open to making mistakes – and even to test the outcome of those mistakes in a controlled environment. In my view, fear is the killer of progress. In our industry, an error that ultimately benefits the client should not even be viewed as a mistake.

 

 

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