Exclusive Interview with Desislava Zaharieva: The Strategist Behind Vegas Legends' Remarkable Transformation

Interview with Desislava Zaharieva: Leading Vegas Legends to iGaming Success

In this interview, Desislava shares insights on leadership, crypto's role in iGaming's future, and how Vegas Legends continues to defy expectations in a competitive market.

Desislava, thank you for speaking with us.

Challenging Limits: Leadership and Growth

Joshua: Desislava, welcome - let’s dive right in. You’ve progressed from marketing and affiliate roles to leading Vegas Legends as CEO - an uncommon journey in iGaming. What’s one lesson from your early career that continues to influence your leadership today?

Desislava: From the outside, it might look like I’ve moved from marketing into a CEO seat, but the truth is, I never saw myself strictly as “just marketing.” Even early in my career, I always tried to go beyond the job title, add value across departments, and see the bigger picture.

One lesson I still carry is this: always challenge your limits, never stop learning, and be the person who solves problems, not just the one who points them out.

Desislava Zaharieva's First Major Initiative as CEO

Joshua: Since stepping into the CEO role in 2025, what was the first major initiative you introduced, and how did it shape Vegas Legends' direction?

Desislava: My priority was building the foundation literally. We opened our new office, brought in talent to cover essential departments like CRM, Affiliates, VIP, and Content, and created processes that actually support growth.

That structure allowed us to move fast without chaos. It turned Vegas Legends from a promising idea into a real company with clear direction and rhythm.

Vegas Legends' Unique Casino Brands

Joshua: Vegas Legends promotes proprietary casino brands. Could you share which brands fall under your umbrella and what sets each apart in today’s crowded market?

Desislava: Vegas Legends has quickly become one of the fastest-growing affiliate programs in the industry. In just one year, we’ve picked up some serious recognition awards, partnerships, and most importantly, trust.

We promote brands like Talismania, Roman Casino, and Tiki Casino, each with its own twist.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Joshua: Operating in a competitive landscape, what is your long-term vision for Vegas Legends, and how do you plan to distinguish the company from its rivals?

Desislava: Be different, simple as that. Whether it’s through campaigns, sharp communication, or our brand tone, we want to stand out.

There are hundreds of companies in this space, but not many have personality. My vision is for Vegas Legends to be memorable for users, partners, and the industry. We don’t want to blend in. We want to be the ones you remember.

Balancing Organic Growth and Paid Acquisition at Vegas Legends

Joshua: How does Vegas Legends balance organic growth with paid acquisition across its marketing strategy?

Desislava: Organic growth is a long-term love affair, especially in SEO. We invest in both on-page and off-page strategies, knowing that authority takes time to build but pays dividends.

At the same time, we balance it with tactical paid acquisition when we need to move fast. The key is not choosing one over the other - it’s about aligning both toward sustainable, quality traffic.

Adapting to Regulatory Changes

Joshua: With regulatory changes, particularly in Europe, how is Vegas Legends adapting to ensure compliance while sustaining momentum?

Desislava: Compliance is not an option, it is the entry ticket. Our strategy is to work closely with local partners who know the legal landscape inside out.

We take a country-by-country approach, respecting each market’s rules and adapting our operations accordingly. That flexibility is what keeps us agile without slowing down.

Leveraging Crypto Casinos

Joshua: Among emerging trends like live dealer gaming and crypto casinos, which do you find most promising, and how is Vegas Legends positioned to leverage it?

Desislava: Crypto casinos, hands down. The flexibility, speed, and borderless nature of crypto make it a perfect match for modern iGaming audiences. We're already exploring partnerships and traffic channels within that niche.

Leadership Transition and Momentum

Joshua: Vegas Legends has earned several industry awards this year. To what extent do you attribute this recognition to the company’s leadership transition, and what performance metrics were key?

Desislava: I’d say the awards were just the cherry on top. What really changed was the energy. The leadership shift brought a clear direction, a bit of healthy chaos, and a lot of creative freedom.

We started doing things our way louder, bolder, and unapologetically different. That kind of momentum doesn’t go unnoticed. The recognition felt less like validation and more like a signal: Vegas Legends had officially arrived.

Empowering Women in Leadership

Joshua: What advice would you offer to women aiming for leadership roles in the gambling and tech sectors?

Desislava: Being a woman in a male-heavy industry is... entertaining, to say the least.

My advice? Be bold. Take your seat at the table and don’t wait for someone to offer it to you. Learn, push, lead, and when they tell you it can’t be done, smile and do it anyway.

Exciting Horizons: The Future of Vegas Legends and iGaming

Joshua: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Vegas Legends and the broader iGaming industry?

Desislava: The iGaming space is evolving faster than ever - tech, payments, personalization, regulation, and it’s all shifting.

What excites me is the unknown. Vegas Legends is still writing its story, and I’m lucky to be holding the pen with a team that’s fearless.

The next chapter? Bigger markets, smarter tools, and campaigns people actually remember.