Ahead of International Women’s Day, Game Lounge COO Rosi Bremec writes for iGBA on proving that professional growth in igaming has nothing to do with gender or background and everything to do with commitment, skill and a supportive culture. She shares how focusing on merit creates a level playing field where talent thrives, regardless of gender.
Although they are constant buzzwords in igaming – or indeed, in any industry – diversity, gender equality, and inclusion are hotter topics than ever right now.
Especially as International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, the same conversations resurface: “How do we support more women into leadership?” or “What’s being done to break gender barriers in igaming?”
I understand why the industry asks these questions, but I believe it’s time we shift the conversation. Where once igaming companies may have focused on fulfilling quotas, overcoming gender bias now means not even factoring it into the equation of professional growth.
Many industries are still perceived as male-dominated, and igaming is no different. But should we even consider that a barrier anymore? Women in igaming are leading by example and showing that we can do anything. Opportunities exist, and women are earning them.
Success doesn’t mean gender
At Game Lounge, success doesn’t mean gender. It’s all about skills, innovation, dedication and merit. And frankly, that’s exactly how it should be.
Women in igaming are leading by example and showing that we can do anything. Opportunities exist, and women are earning them
Yet, success needs more than opportunity, so we place as much emphasis on employee wellbeing, trust and empowerment as we do on merit-based career progression. Game Lounge’s EVP, launched last year, helped take wellbeing to a different level, with flexibility and inclusivity at our culture’s core. We value performance over proximity, working quality over working quantity, and ability over gender. We always say that if you’re good at what you do and are driven to become even better, you’ll go far at Game Lounge.
That doesn’t mean speed is of the essence, however. One of the biggest misconceptions about career growth is that everyone wants the same path and to climb the ladder as fast as possible. But all that approach offers is a quick way for your best employees to burn out and move to another company – or even another industry – that is better suited to their lifestyle.
Rockstar vs. superstar
To keep talent within igaming precisely where it needs and wants to be, at Game Lounge, we embrace the ‘Rockstar vs Superstar’ concept, inspired by Kim Scott’s book, Radical Candor. There are the ‘Superstars’ – those who thrive through rapid career advancement. Then there are the ‘Rockstars’ – people who are exceptional at what they do, who form the foundation of our business and who may not want constant upward movement. And that’s okay, too. Affiliates should strive to meet people where they are and guide them towards their personal definition of success, on their terms, at their pace.
One of the biggest misconceptions about career growth is that everyone wants the same path and to climb the ladder as fast as possible
Not everyone wants to take on more responsibility at every stage of their life. Sometimes, personal circumstances mean you just want to focus on excelling at your current role and prioritising your wellbeing. I believe everyone should feel valued and not pressured, no matter their career choices.
Chipping away at gender divide
Since our culture applies to everyone at the company, we’ve found that the focus on choice is also chipping away at the traditional gender divide on pursuing leadership, especially for working parents. Once, men in igaming were expected to sacrifice family presence for career growth, while women felt forced to take a career break to raise children, risking their leadership potential. Equality at Game Lounge means anyone of any gender can take the time they need to focus on family or personal development, in parallel to their career, reaching their next milestone when they – and only they – are ready for it.
We’ve seen the concept’s success, first-hand. There’s a woman who has been working with us for years, doing her job exceptionally well and exceeding expectations. Recently, she shared that it’s time for her to spread her wings and expand her role – and we will be with her for every step of that transition.
Equality means anyone of any gender can take the time they need to focus on family or personal development, in parallel to their career
That kind of open-minded balance and support wasn’t always available in my career, but I love that we offer it here. My own journey towards leadership at Game Lounge is a testament that it works.
Genderless focus on wellbeing
The numbers also speak for themselves: around half of Game Lounge’s workforce is female. In 2024, we promoted 40 people, of which 19 were women. Of those, 13 moved into leadership positions.
While our working environment is breaking barriers, we’ve found that our genderless focus on employee wellbeing is both mirroring company growth and reshaping the igaming landscape. Year-round – and particularly as the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day – I’ve placed big emphasis on us standing as an example of how championing merit over gender drives true inclusivity, creating a fairer industry for all and empowering igaming professionals, irrespective of gender, to reach their full potential.
Each year, I see more women at industry conferences stepping into leadership roles and making their mark. This trend will continue to drive forward, providing opportunities for career development in igaming to anyone of any gender willing to take the leap.
The future is not ‘women in igaming’, but everyone in igaming.
Rosi Bremec
COO of Game Lounge, fosters an inclusive, data-driven work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Her progressive leadership champions equality and is redefining success in the tech industry through employee satisfaction and purposeful strategy.