BGaming event manager Lubov Stelmakh, White Label Casinos head of marketing Niamh Carberry and NEXT.io co-founder and managing director Pierre Lindh offer their insights.
NEXT: Lubov, what inspired you to get involved with DAR Bjorn, and why is this cause personally meaningful to you?
Lubov Stelmakh: For me, DAR Bjorn isn’t just another project. I volunteered there long before this event was even an idea. When I met Bjorn and the residents, I was deeply moved by their strength and resilience.
Nine months ago, I helped out at one of their charity dinners. We raised a few thousand euros, but it became clear that the need was far greater. I shared the idea of a large-scale gala with Bjorn, the founder of DAR Bjorn, Pierre from NEXT.io, and my boss, Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming.
Luckily, Niamh from White Label Casinos confirmed they were ready to organise the event with us, and that’s how it all started!
NEXT: What were the biggest challenges you faced while planning the charity gala?
LS: The biggest challenge was balancing impact with cost. Since it was a charity event, we relied heavily on partners who could offer their services pro bono or at reduced rates. Our goal was to create an unforgettable evening while minimising expenses so we could donate as much as possible.
Securing high-level sponsors, coordinating logistics, and delivering a experience on a tight budget was no small task. But I believed in the mission and the industry’s capacity to unite for a greater cause. That belief, and the from so many generous people, kept us going.
NEXT: Why does BGaming believe it is important for the iGaming industry to give something back in this way?
LS: At BGaming, we see social responsibility as essential, not optional. The iGaming industry is growing fast and has a significant influence, especially in regions like Malta. With that comes a responsibility to contribute to the communities around us.
ing DAR Bjorn was a way to channel our resources and platform into something meaningful. We don’t just want to create great content, we want to be part of something greater. Events like this show that our industry can come together for innovation, competition, and comion.
NEXT: Niamh, you’ve been involved with many charitable projects in the past. What made you choose DAR Bjorn for your latest fundraising initiative?
Niamh Carberry: I first heard of DAR Bjorn during my two years living in Malta, and their work always stuck with me. At a SiGMA event in 2024, I connected with Lubov from BGaming, and our shared iration for each other’s brands and CSR goals sparked the idea to collaborate.
Hearing about her volunteering experience and the €3m annual cost to run DAR Bjorn really moved me. ing DAR Bjorn felt like a meaningful mission, especially with their new respite centre underway. We’re proud to have raised €200,000 and hope it inspires more unity in iGaming around causes that matter.
NEXT: What part did you play in the delivery of this incredibly successful event?
NC: It took a lot of coordination — late nights, long calls, and meticulous planning across both the White Label Casinos and BGaming teams. But what made it truly special was working so closely with Bjorn, his wife Maria, and his right-hand man Malcolm.
Their ion and drive gave the gala real heart. It was a pleasure to collaborate with the BGaming team, and together we created something meaningful. Seeing the iGaming community come together for such an important cause was powerful, and to raise €200,000 made every bit of effort feel worth it.
NEXT: Pierre, DAR Bjorn is a charity close to your heart. Tell us about your relationship with its founder, Bjorn Formosa.
Pierre Lindh: Bjorn is an old friend and, while lots of people know him through his charitable work and awareness-raising around ALS and other neurological disorders, not everyone knows he used to be an manager in the iGaming industry.
I have witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work Bjorn has done since his diagnosis with ALS 10 years ago, building two homes to those with neurological conditions, with a third on the way, and truly dedicating himself to helping others in need.
Bjorn is a continuing inspiration to me and so many others, serving as an incredible reminder of the power of comion, dedication and charity.
NEXT: Why do you believe it is important for businesses to efforts like these?
PL: Given Bjorn’s background in the iGaming sector, I have seen time and time again the industry’s power to rally around those in need.
Although different parts of the industry are in competition with each other from Monday to Friday, it’s inspiring to know they can always put their differences aside in collaboration towards a common goal.
When it comes to issues like these, providing care to people in exceptionally difficult circumstances, it serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters most in life. That is why I am proud to pledge my to DAR Bjorn and to collaborate in whatever ways I can to extraordinary events like this charity gala.
