Among these was Martin Stålros, stepping in as CEO following Simon Hammon’s decision to step down from the role, who immediately set about learning the intricacies of his new role to take the group to the next level.

A little under one year on, Stålros sits down with CasinoBeats to reflect on his journey as CEO thus far; touching on challenges and personal highlights, as well as what we can expect from Relax Gaming through this new year.

CasinoBeats: You were appointed CEO in April, how have you found your first year in this role at Relax?

Martin Stålros: My first year at Relax Gaming has been truly fantastic! I’m incredibly lucky to have a talented team around me, along with a very supportive board who have put their faith and trust in me. 

We’ve made some changes to how we work internally, re-modelling our executive team with the appointments of Fredrik Sandberg and Enrico Bradamante, who both bring great experience and a fresh perspective to the company. 

The Relax culture is as strong as it’s always been and only growing stronger! We’ve made great strides in moving forward and we’re in a solid position to deliver even more in 2025.

CB: What have you learned most this year at Relax and what challenges have you faced?

MS: I’ve learned that change will always come with its challenges. It was clear to me from day one that I could not try and do things in the same way that my predecessors did. 

Even though I had a good grasp on the high-level setup of the company due to the fact that I’ve been with Relax for such a long time, I still had to educate myself on some areas of the business that I had not been as directly involved in, understanding the challenges they face day-to-day, and how I could support them in my new role.

For me to be the best CEO I can be, I know that I need to surround myself with people who have experience in the areas that I don’t. This is why we have been bringing in external professionals that fit and support our long-term strategic goals. 

CB: Do you have a personal highlight from 2024 that stands out?

MS: There’s not one specific moment that stands out, but rather everything so far. Being in this position offers me a constant reminder of what a fantastic group of people we have working at this company. 

I’ve genuinely lost count of how many times over the course of this year that I’ve been well and truly wowed by our culture, and what we’ve achieved. We’re professional, but ‘Relaxed’! 

We’re fortunate to have such a skilled team at Relax and it has been a real team effort. We can all be proud of the successful launch over 50 games this year, stepping into new markets and forging new partnerships with operators to continue our trajectory.

CB: What can we expect from Relax Gaming in 2025?  

MS: We will be putting a lot of effort into adhering to our DNA of tech excellence and innovation. Our ambitions are strong, and we will not settle for second best. We want to excel in offering a fantastic gaming experience to our players.

We’ll also look to continue offering reliable, first-rate services and support to our loyal partners on the aggregation side of the business. 

Watch this space, 2025 is going to be another stellar year for Relax Gaming! 

The post Martin Stålros: Relax Gaming primed for a stellar 2025 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the concluding part of a CasinoBeats special, Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming, Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson, and Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, continue the conversation.

CasinoBeats: What metrics do operators and providers use to measure the success of promotional tools?

Adam Wilson: Every operator will have their own KPIs to measure success. These might concern player deposits and bets placed, comparing periods pre and post-promotion, whereas for suppliers they might be more closely associated with player numbers and overall revenues.

By closely monitoring KPIs, the effectiveness of a particular promotional tool can be carefully measured and lessons can be taken that inform future campaigns. It’s also crucial to look at how promotional tools are performing in real-time, with business intelligence tracking and analysing performance.  

Katarzyna Pysz: The success of promotional tools is measured through several key metrics. Player acquisition is the primary indicator—does the promotion attract players to our games over competitors’?

We then assess session length, ensuring players stay engaged longer during the promotion. Gamification plays a key role here, using features that entertain and motivate players to collect points or progress through stages.

Another important metric is betting activity. Higher qualifying bets set up for promotion require players to increase their wagers to be qualified for promotional prizes. Uplift in wagers is a desired outcome as well. For Chief Product Officers, metrics such as uplift in number of active players, new player acquisition, and longer gaming sessions reflect the overall effectiveness and player experience.

Tailoring metrics to the audience is crucial when presenting results. For commercial teams, metrics like gross gaming revenue and return on investment are critical, as they highlight financial impacts. 

Finally, user feedback is essential for refining our promotional tools. Insights from players help us iterate on features to ensure they remain aligned with industry trends and player expectations, maintaining long-term engagement and satisfaction.

Michael Tadross: The success of promotional tools can be measured using various key metrics, depending on the specific goals of each promotion. From the provider’s perspective, the most important KPIs are bets, unique participants, and GGR.

Operators might focus on deposits, especially for promotions targeting player spend. Comparing metrics such as bets and deposits before and during the promotion, or with the same period last month, offers valuable insights into its success.

Additionally, operators can analyse participant activity against non-participant behaviour to gauge effectiveness. Another common metric used across both sides is the number of rounds, as an increase in bets typically indicates a successful promotion, regardless of whether it comes from more players, higher individual bets, or longer gaming sessions. Tracking these KPIs ensures operators can assess the impact and optimise future promotions for better results.

Marcin Trafiałek: As a provider, we focus on key metrics such as player engagement levels, session duration, and reward appeal, all benchmarked against a variety of KPIs. These data points allow us to evaluate player behavior and optimise promotional tools to maximize growth and retention. With Wazdan, every metric translates into actionable insights and measurable success.

With 2025 just around the corner, how do you see promotional tools continuing to evolve?

KP: The future of promotional tools is exciting, with endless opportunities for innovation and personalisation. One key area is social interaction, enabling players to chat and share progress, much like in land-based casinos, fostering community and excitement.

Customisation is another exciting avenue. Imagine players creating personalised avatars, similar to the Tamagotchi craze in the 90’s, which they nurture and develop through in-game achievements. These avatars could unlock new features, deepening players’ emotional connection to the game.

Looking further ahead, augmented reality offers thrilling possibilities. Picture a fortune wheel “jumping” out of the screen into a player’s living room, where they can spin it in real time to win prizes. With technology advancing rapidly, these ideas are within reach, promising a future where promotional tools are immersive, interactive, and truly memorable.

MT (Playson): With the intense level of competition in the RNG product segment, promotional tools look set to evolve at an increasing rate. While high-quality game content remains crucial, promotional tools will play an increasingly vital role in enhancing player interaction with games in a seamless, engaging, and rewarding manner. This evolution will benefit both operators and providers, with more innovative tools expected to emerge as providers strive to revolutionise player engagement.

Looking ahead, it is clear that a single, game-changing idea could disrupt the industry. As we’ve seen in recent years, one well-executed concept can revolutionise the market and introduce new, high-quality competitors. The next big promotional tool may already be in development, waiting for the right moment to redefine how players engage with games and operators maximise player loyalty.

MT (Wazdan): Big surprises are on the horizon. We’re preparing innovations that will redefine player engagement and operator success. With personalisation, gamification, and advanced technology leading the way, the future of promotional tools promises to deliver gains for everyone involved. Stay tuned – there’s more to come.

AW: Promotional tools cannot and should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. To be effective, tools must be personalised to a user’s preferences and their value.

This can include ad hoc promotions to specific players, but the key is to make sure players receive enticing promotions. With so many variables across player preferences, having an engine that can be both cohort and player-specific is mandatory.

Competition for the attention of players will continue to be intense in 2025 and operators cannot afford to neglect tools that engage in a highly targeted, relevant way.

The post Endless opportunities for innovation: the future of promo tools appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Acting as an alternative way of providing users with captivating gameplay, in the first of a two-part special CasinoBeats spoke with Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, and Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming, to find out how have suppliers worked to diversify their offering and create new ways for slot enthusiasts to consume their favourite titles. 

CasinoBeats: With the adoption of promotional tools becoming a norm across the industry for suppliers, how have you worked to diversify your offering?

Michael Tadross: We offer one of the industry’s most diverse promotional tool suites, with five distinct features driven by seven separate mechanics. This variety allows us to deliver a wide range of engaging promotional formats across different player preferences.

To ensure compliance across the 20+ regulated markets we operate in, we have developed functionality that aligns with local rules, including opt-in/out options, automated age filtering, and fixed spins during promotions.

Innovation is at the heart of our approach and we constantly develop fun and diverse tools. One of our latest promo tools, Reel of Fortune, highlights our commitment to rewarding and entertaining tools, offering loyalty rewards and a coins collection system that keeps players engaged for longer.

While we are always striving to set trends in the industry, with exciting future releases, we also continue to enhance our classic promotional tools, such as the jackpot games. 

Marcin Trafiałek: The key to standing out in a landscape where promotional tools are the standard lies in simplicity and efficiency at every stage of collaboration – negotiation, configuration, and execution. At Wazdan, we’ve engineered our tools to be user-friendly, ensuring seamless integration for operators while delivering captivating experiences for players. Ease of use is our hallmark, ensuring smooth cooperation and measurable gains for all.

Adam Wilson: As a supplier, it’s vital to stay abreast of industry trends and to meet the requirements of operators when it comes to player acquisition, retention and cross-sell.

At Splash Tech, we have invested heavily in creating mini-games that allow players to earn free spins on specific slot titles, and more recently to provide a vehicle to promote in-house exclusive games that help differentiate an offering from the competition.

These mini-games provide a risk-free way for operators to promote their games, and for players to receive rewards that enable them to test out unfamiliar titles. It’s about educating players and providing them with an incentive to try games they otherwise might scroll past.

Katarzyna Pysz: Promotional tools have become a standard feature, not only in the igaming industry but across almost every sector. From earning loyalty points at the supermarket to receiving discount codes from online retailers, consumers are constantly being incentivised to return.

The challenge lies in standing out. At 3 Oaks Gaming, we combine entertainment, surprise, and compelling design to create personalised, engaging promotional tools. By merging tradition with innovation, we draw inspiration from land-based casinos, lotteries, as well as modern PC games to develop intricate reward systems that resonate with players.

For instance, we developed Flip to Win cards, which mimic the beloved scratch cards found in the lottery sector. This tool rewards players after they uncover three matching cards as they progress through the game.

It’s a versatile feature, enabling operators to tailor the frequency and type of rewards to meet different player preferences. For those seeking complex challenges and larger prizes, our Tournament Series offers multi-stage competitions where players qualify for a main event. 

CB: How do your specific promotional tools work to strengthen player acquisition and retention?

MT (Wazdan): Our Jackpot Rain tool is designed to keep players continuously engaged by offering a high volume of attainable rewards. This creates a tangible sense of achievement, making every win feel within reach.

Meanwhile, Mystery Drop empowers players with freedom of choice, allowing them to influence the outcome and rewards, heightening both engagement and satisfaction. Together, these tools transform engagement into loyalty and spins into wins.

AW: The most successful mini-games can be used as either acquisition or retention aids, and often both concurrently. With dynamic segmentation, gameplay can be adapted to a player’s placement in an onboarding journey; new players will see more enticing rewards encouraging them to cross the deposit line.

Existing players will see gamified reward journeys where they are encouraged and rewarded for return gameplay. All rewards are tailored to a player’s LTV, ensuring the right rewards are presented to the right user in real-time. In providing players with relevant, timely games that entertain and engage, suppliers of promotional tools can ultimately have a positive impact on the operator’s bottom line.  

KP: When it comes to player acquisition, free bet offers remain highly effective, and we’ve expanded on this with a variety of options. We understand that players want to feel respected and in control, which is why we offer flexible free bets that allow them to adjust stake levels.

We don’t believe in offering the lowest bet levels, as some competitors do; if you’re offering a premium experience, you should treat your players accordingly. To put it simply: if you went to buy a Mercedes and were offered a Fiat, you wouldn’t be impressed.

For retention, we focus on immersive, long-term engagement through tools like Lucky Drop, blending multiple rewards to keep players motivated. With numerous winners and cash prizes, bet multipliers encourage higher wagers with proportionally bigger rewards.

Additionally, our Tournament Series consists of multiple tournaments qualifying for a grand event, rewarding players throughout. This structure encourages repeat participation and fosters achievement as players climb the leaderboard, keeping them engaged longer.

MT (Playson): Our promotional tools strengthen player acquisition and retention in multiple ways by offering a diverse range of engaging and rewarding experiences. For player acquisition, tools like free spins allow operators to offer free gameplay based on various qualification criteria, enticing new players to try our top slots. This tool also serves as a powerful retention and reactivation mechanism, keeping players engaged over time.

Additionally, tools like Reel of Fortune, Tournaments, Cash Blast, and Short Races enhance player experience by offering additional cash prizes, competitive gameplay, and the chance to win on top of organic wins. These features appeal to a broad spectrum of players, from high-value VIPs to casual players, boosting both acquisition and retention.

Our network-wide promotions further amplify these efforts by offering massive prize pools, providing fresh incentives and ensuring players remain engaged with exciting, high-reward opportunities. The 15-minute setup time for these tools, with no integration needed, also allows operators to quickly adapt to player needs and market trends.

The post Roundtable: the evolution of promotional tools appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As the influence of slots streamers continues to soar, the igaming developer is aiming to build on the past successes of the likes of Beast Mode, Sloth Tumble and Epic Dreams, as well as looking to bridge the gap to players through such a strategic alliance.

In addition to touching on how a streaming link-up can heighten a sense of community and lead to considerable success, Leah Neutel, Head of Studio at Relax Gaming, elaborates on the creative plus point of such a relationship, the process behind Immortal 5, what’s next on the horizon and much more.

CasinoBeats: Relax and CasinoDaddy have enjoyed several successful collaborations in the past with the releases of Slot Tumble and Epic Dreams. What is it about your partnership that keeps you both coming back for more?

Leah Neutel: At Relax, we thrive on partnerships that challenge us creatively and push boundaries. CasinoDaddy are a perfect example of a successful collaboration with their deep understanding of player preferences, dynamic presence in the streaming sphere and ability to help us shape games that resonate with players.

What keeps us coming back is the synergy we’ve developed over the years. CasinoDaddy bring a unique player-focused perspective, while our internal team of incredibly skilled developers, mathematicians, audio designers, QA specialists, artists, and animators, ensure world class execution. 

An exceptional collaboration in game development thrives on clear communication, shared creative vision, mutual trust, and well-defined roles, bringing teams together to craft something extraordinary.

This combination of creative direction from both our internal game product owners and CasinoDaddy allows us to consistently deliver innovative games.

CB: Can you talk us through the ideation process as you and CasinoDaddy worked together to decide what Immortal 5 would look and feel like?

LN: It is games like Immortal 5 that demonstrate the power of effective collaboration, ensuring no stone is left unturned from ideation to launch.

Our internal product owners at Relax, Andy Payne and Gabe Pisani, set the direction for the game’s mechanics and overall vision alongside CasinoDaddy. This strong foundation is then passed onto the games studio to address the feasibility, both creatively and technically.

What makes these collaborations successful is the ability to transform creative ideas into a finished product that exceed expectations. They take the ideas from CasinoDaddy and their audience and turn them into features that are not only innovative, but visually and technically seamless. 

While our mathematicians, game product owners and CasinoDaddy carefully flushed out the idea, the concept was brought to life by our talented studio team. Their creative and technical expertise ensured every detail was executed to the highest standard from the richly detailed characters, intricate mechanics and immersive feel.

Our studio team, audio designers, artists, animators, developers and QA specialists, then brought these ideas to life. It is their passion and ability to translate creative concepts into a visually stunning, immersive experience that sets our games apart. 

I’m incredibly proud of my studio team, as they were able to take feedback and ideas from all sides throughout the production and create an epic game which is both visually and mechanically advanced. 

The result is a game that’s not only innovative but also deeply aligned with what players want, thanks to the input from CasinoDaddy and their community. 

CB: Do you feel that players gravitate towards these collaborative games more so due to the fact they’ve had a hand in the creation process through their favourite streamers?

LN: Absolutely. Collaboration with streamers like CasinoDaddy create a sense of ownership and connection for their audience. Players feel like their voices are heard, and  their preferences directly influence the game’s development. However, collaboration is only one part of the equation. 

The execution, thanks to our incredible studio team, is equally critical. The complex mechanics and polished design of Immortal 5 wouldn’t have been possible without my team’s hard work and expertise. 

It’s this blend of community-driven inspiration and professional craftsmanship that creates a game players truly gravitate towards.

CB: Are there requests that players and streamers want to be added to a game that simply aren’t possible, or do releases such as Immortal 5 offer the perfect opportunities for Relax to give players exactly what they want in a custom game?

LN: Player and streamer requests can sometimes push the boundaries of what’s technically or creatively feasible, but we always see these as opportunities rather than limitations. 

For Immortal 5, our goal was to balance the ambition of CasinoDaddy’s input with our  expertise to create something that felt both unique and achievable. 

That said, some requests do require creative problem-solving, particularly when balancing complex mechanics with a seamless player experience. This is where my team’s adaptability and expertise come into play. We can often take ambitious ideas and shape them into something even better. In that sense, our collaboration works hand in hand.

CasinoDaddy collaborations give us the perfect platform to innovate, push the boundaries and deliver a game that feels tailor-made for its audience.

CB: What’s next in terms of your collab with CasinoDaddy? Could it be a sequel, or can we expect something new entirely?

LN: Our collaborations with CasinoDaddy are only getting started. We’re constantly exploring new ideas that challenge the status quo and excite players in new ways.

Whether it’s a sequel that builds on the success of Immortal 5 or a completely new concept, what’s certain is that we’ll continue leveraging the incredible synergy between our internal teams and CasinoDaddy’s insights. 

Together, we aim to create more unforgettable gaming experiences that keep players coming back for more.

The post Relax Gaming: the art of collaboration – an overview of creating Immortal 5 alongside CasinoDaddy appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Citing specific strategies undertaken in a bid to rise to an elevated position within the Italian online gaming market, Slotjava’s understanding on the nuances of players across the country is also crucial.

Built on a foundation of retail activities, Wallin stresses that Slotjava’s consideration of the uniqueness of the country and its people will see the brand continue to shine through next year and beyond.

In addition to the above, Wallin also elaborates on the importance of making sure that any partnership struck will be mutually beneficial, as well as the strategies that will be deployed to maintain momentum.

CasinoBeats: Slotjava and Nuovicasino each rank highly in Italy. What strategies did you deploy to ensure that this is the case?

Ola Wallin: We have worked with search engine optimisation for a long time. Back in the days, people had different strategies, very different from today. 

I would say that today the main search engines have achieved their goal and the sites ranking in the top positions are the most appreciated by their audience. 

It basically comes down to delivering a product that the audience engages with, and we constantly keep track of how users interact with our product to improve it and stay on top of our game.

CB: What nuances with regards to Italian players do you believe that each appeals to?

OW: Speaking for the free to play part and slot machines I would say that a lot comes down to game selection with the Italian audience. The Italian people have a strong legacy with physical slot machines in brick and mortar venues. 

These game titles are still extremely popular and will continue to be so. It must be the nostalgia and the trust these people put into these game titles. I also think that Italian people are more nationalistic than the average country. The look and feel of an authentic Italian site is something I see as very important.

CB: How do you plan on retaining such a lofty position within the market and what challenges will you have to encounter in order to do so?

OW: We need to stay on top of our game. Continuously challenge and push us to give users a better product and a better experience. There is so much happening with the introduction of AI into our society, we try to be responsive and follow the latest trends on product development, ensuring that our users always can find the latest products, casinos and news on our sites.

CB: How crucial is ensuring that you strike the correct partnerships in maintaining this headway, and how do you assess these to make sure that they are the correct fit?

OW: You are only as good as your latest reputation, and we would never cut corners and recommend casinos which we haven’t done a thorough due diligence on. The people responsible for performing these due diligences have vast experience and have reviewed over 1000 casinos in their past. 

We find this kind of in-house competence crucial as an independent review party, and we can’t disappoint our readers with recommending a casino not living up to our expectations as this would not benefit us long term.

CB: What strategies will you deploy to ensure that you make the necessary progress within Italy to keep appealing to players. What’s next for Slotjava and Nuovicasino?

OW: We work a lot with these sites as brands people remember. Our content should be cutting edge and a role model for other review sites when it comes to the time and effort put into testing the casinos. 

The reason we went with a free to play slot machine focused site is that we are truly passionate about slots. This enables us to really cater for the different kinds of games everyone prefers, think of it like a cinema back in the days. 

You had these big posters with the latest movies. If the movie didn’t become popular within a certain time even though it had that exposure, it was removed. It was also a delicate process to select movies that had the highest probability of becoming a success. 

That is how we see slot machines, the ones we believe in are the ones we give the greatest exposure to.

The post Ola Wallin, Slotjava: nostalgia and trust critical to stay ahead of the game appeared first on CasinoBeats.

These, they say, aren’t your average slots. With advanced animations, rich visuals, and modern mechanics, they’re designed to captivate players and bring a fresh perspective to casino gaming.

Game Mathematician, Marko Galić, and Product Manager, Benjamin Nazdrajić, have confessed to pouring their hearts into every detail of these games. From the vibrant designs to the innovative features, everything is crafted to keep players engaged and satisfied.

Let’s dive into what makes these games so special, and let’s hear it directly from the pair on what they believe makes the NSoft portfolio stand out.

What makes NSoft stand out

“Our goal was to deliver games that feel alive, immersive, and packed with surprises,” says Galić. “We’ve included features and mechanics that players won’t just enjoy – they’ll talk about.”

The animations are intended to be a step above. From the glittering treasures in Gold of Egypt to the cascading action of Fishy Guy, every detail is designed to pull players in to be a part of the story, adding depth to the experience.

“Features were our biggest focus,” adds Nazdrajić. “Modern players expect more than basic spins. They want interaction, strategy, and excitement. That’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”

These games combine traditional elements with modern twists and aim to offer players something new with every spin. Whether it’s jackpot systems, cascading reels, or bonus rounds packed with choices, the features that are implemented are intended to entertain, increase playtime and, ultimately, revenue for operators.

Explore the games

Each of these titles aims to offer something unique, while promising variety, excitement, and potential rewards. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look under the hood.

Gold of Egypt: you’re in charge of the wins

“This game is different from anything else,” Nazdrajić states. “Gold of Egypt puts you in control. It’s a single-reel slot with one symbol per spin. Simple, right?

“But the real excitement comes directly from the player’s decision: collect your winnings or take a risk for bigger rewards.

“Your choices can make a big difference. The RTP shifts based on what you do, ranging from 80.17% to an impressive 99.95%. The game also keeps you on your toes with a dead symbol, adding an extra layer of suspense.”

Here’s a few things you need to know about this game:

• Strategic gameplay: The presence of a ‘dead symbol’ aims to add an edge of strategy, challenging players to weigh risk versus reward.
• Eye-catching design: The Egyptian theme is brought to life with golden hieroglyphics and a backdrop of pyramids under the desert sun.
• Exclusive features: The Cashpot feature lets players track their earnings, while the Bonus Buy option allows for risk-free spins at a solid RTP of 96.26%. The Top Prize mechanism, with its dual-tower system, promises players a chance at x20,000 their bet, a jaw-dropping potential payout.

“Gold of Egypt is a journey of decision-making and suspense, perfect for players seeking a fresh, strategic challenge, risk, and huge rewards,” Nazdrajić adds.

Fishy guy: cascading fun

“If you like action, Fishy Guy is your game,” Galić comments. “It’s a 5-reel, 6-row slot with cascading reels and a unique respin mechanic. When you win, the symbols disappear, keeping the energy high.

“Players love the cascading reels. It keeps the game dynamic, with every win feeling like a gateway to something bigger.”

The top row has special symbols that can increase your potential wins, and if they don’t drop into play right away, their value grows for the next spin. The slot comes complete with an RTP of 96.31% and a max win of x50,000.

Considering its medium volatility, the game strives to strike the perfect balance between excitement and accessibility.

Additional details to be aware of:

• Dynamic gameplay: Each win triggers cascading reels, where winning symbols vanish to make room for new ones.
• Feature-packed experience: The Collect feature lets you grab cash rewards using the Fisherman symbol, while special modes let you unlock bigger rewards. The Bonus Game gives you free spins with five levels.
• Even bigger wins: Want to skip ahead? You can buy into the bonus rounds or activate the collect feature with the Collect Buy option.

“Fishy Guy is all about non-stop action, fun features, and big wins,” added Galić.

Cherry blast & cherry xmas: classic slots with a twist

“If you’re a fan of classic slots, these games will hit the sweet spot,” Nazdrajić statess. “Cherry Blast and its holiday version, Cherry Xmas, are 4×3 grid slots with sticky wilds, free spins, and a bonus game.

“They bring back the charm of old-school slots with some exciting upgrades.”

A few key highlights you should know:

• Classic appeal, modern thrills: Think cherries, bells, and wilds that feel nostalgic, but the modern mechanics, like sticky wilds that hold their positions during free spins and a dynamic bonus game, intend to add a whole new layer of fun.
• Sticky Wild Spin: Land at least three bonus symbols to activate free spins with sticky wilds. Depending on how many bonus symbols you hit, you can unlock 10 free spins with Sticky Spin Delight or 15 free spins with Mega Sticky Spins.
• Cash Link bonus game: Triggered by landing four cash or jackpot symbols, this feature grants three respins. Land a symbol – cash, jackpot, or multiplier – and your respins reset to three. Fill the reels, and the global multiplier kicks in, doubling all your winnings, including jackpots. 
• Bonus Buy options: Choose between Sticky Spin Delight, Mega Sticky Spins, or Cherry Harvesting to jump straight into the bonus rounds. Each option gives you a shot at jackpots and sticky wilds, with RTPs ranging from 96.27% to 96.31%.

“Cherry Blast and Cherry Xmas prove that sometimes, the classics, when done right, are all you need,” Nazdrajić continues. “Cherry Blast is a perfect mix of old-school charm and fresh features. Cherry Xmas wraps it all in a festive vibe.”

Toluca Fortune: a jackpot fiesta

“Coming in January, Toluca Fortune combines bold visuals with exciting gameplay,” Nazdrajić says. “The Mexican-inspired theme adds vibrant energy to every spin, while the features keep you coming back for more.”

Breaking down the main features:

• Expanding gameplay: Players can buy their way into exclusive bonus features like the Fortune Expanding Spins, which increase chances of winning big.
• Three unique bonus modes: Choose between sticky Aztec spins, expanding sticky wilds, or the Cash Link Bonus game, each tailored for different styles of play.
• Big jackpots: With three jackpots available in the Cash Link Bonus game, players are blessed with opportunities.

“Toluca Fortune combines vibrant visuals with feature-rich gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of jackpot slots,” Nazdrajić concludes.

“Everything about Toluca Fortune feels vibrant and alive. The bonus modes and jackpots are designed to cater to different player styles, making it a versatile choice for operators.”

Why should operators pay attention

“NSoft’s new line-up delivers innovation that stands out in the crowded igaming space,” adds Galić. “These games are designed with operators in mind, promising high engagement rates, diverse audiences, and lucrative revenue streams.”

“From the strategic gameplay of Gold of Egypt to the festive fun of Cherry Xmas, there’s something for everyone.

“Whether you’re looking to attract high-stakes players or casual gamers, NSoft’s latest releases are packed with features that cater to all preferences. With release dates perfectly timed for peak gaming seasons, now is the time to add these titles to your portfolio.”

The post NSoft: the future of online casino – beautiful design & brilliant engineering appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As the igaming industry evolves new challenges and opportunities are presented. Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero Systems, shares insights with CasinoBeats on navigating new markets, capitalising on emerging trends, and planning for a successful future.

CasinoBeats: 2024 has been a year of numerous significant developments across the igaming space. From the industry’s perspective, where has Habanero identified significant opportunities, and how did you best take advantage of them?

Arcangelo Lonoce: It has been a groundbreaking year for the igaming industry, and Habanero has tapped into some exciting opportunities through innovation and smart regional expansions. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on crafting games with outstanding mathematics and immersive experiences that resonate with players around the globe.

By strengthening our partnerships and focusing on localised strategies, like tailored offerings for Italy, South Africa, and Latin America, we’ve solidified our presence in key markets, and our recent ventures into Greece and Switzerland further highlight our dedication to expanding internationally.

The success of games like Scopa, originally created for the Italian market, highlights the importance of creating great content that can connect with people everywhere. Its distinct cultural vibe resonated with players worldwide, showing how innovative storytelling and solid gameplay can break local boundaries. Similarly, our Haunted Harbor slot has truly made its mark with an immersive audiovisual experience, and it raised the bar for engaging gameplay.

CB: In assessing the next 12 months from a product development perspective, what do you expect to witness in pushing the boundaries of online casino gaming to the next level?

AL: As we approach the next year, we see some exciting trends in the igaming industry, particularly around personalisation and gamification. At Habanero, we’re dedicated to creating immersive games that mix classic elements with exciting new features. Our goal is to offer players a unique experience every time they play.

We also expect to see more ways to connect with players, like introducing tournaments and community-focused tools such as our unique Jackpot Race. These innovations create shared experiences and help build player loyalty while ensuring we meet all regional regulations.

CB: Building on the previous questions, let’s adopt a more market-based approach. Where do you expect the greatest opportunities from new markets opening up and embracing igaming?

AL: Brazil is gearing up for its big market launch on January 1, and it’s creating a buzz in the global igaming scene. This opening day is more than just a date; it’s a chance for Brazil to shine and become a significant player for both local and international operators. Habanero is excited to build on its strong presence in Latin America and has plans in place to really explore what the new market has to offer.

On another front, Africa is showing impressive growth, especially in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. We’ve teamed up with major names like Betway to establish a strong presence in these areas. Our focus is on creating innovative games that resonate with the diverse tastes of players in these regions while also navigating the unique challenges each market presents.

CB: In terms of either new or legacy jurisdictions, where has Habanero itself identified as possessing the best growth prospects, and what strategies will you deploy to achieve these goals?

AL: Looking ahead, we know the coming year will bring its own set of challenges, particularly with the rise of new regulations and shifting player preferences. At Habanero, we genuinely believe that regulation can be a positive influence, fostering a safer and more transparent gaming industry. Our focus on compliance means we’re always ready to adapt, fine-tuning our offerings to meet the latest standards.

On a broader scale, the industry is grappling with issues like integrating new technologies and dealing with market saturation, which will call for some innovative thinking. By staying true to what we do best: crafting engaging, math-driven gameplay and captivating stories, Habanero feels equipped to navigate these hurdles and come out stronger.

CB: What are the biggest challenges the industry will face during the coming 12 months, and how will these be overcome?

AL: Habanero is set on a clear path for 2025 and the future. We want to innovate, adapt, and grow. By honing our strong game design skills and the connections we’ve built in various regions, we’re excited to explore new markets while tackling the challenges in the industry. As we continue to break new ground in the igaming world, our focus on creating fantastic experiences for players is as strong as ever.

The post Habanero: expanding horizons in igaming appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the latest of a three-part CasinoBeats series, the studio builds on a previous analysis of the history of these games that took a deep dive into just why it is inevitable that players across the globe, and not just those within its Asian stronghold, will grow to love these shooting style titles.

Developing on these points, Chung elaborates on the inner workings of these, as well as looking at key features, variations from traditional slots and just why giving players a greater sense of controlling their own fate is the ultimate appeal.

CasinoBeats: Now that we have delved into the history of fish shooting games and JDB Gaming itself, let’s look a little deeper into the make-up of the titles themselves. What are the key  themes and features of these?  

Sharon Chung: As mentioned in our previous share, fish shooting games were primarily based on land based machines in the past, with the core concept presented on large box-shaped machines with huge screens depicting underwater atmospheres. 

Thus, the themes of fish shooting games predominantly revolve around the underwater world, which is also the origin of the name ‘fish shooting games’. 

The main gameplay involves shooting underwater creatures, and even without specific  explanations, players can guess different multipliers based on the size and uniqueness of the  fish, combined with the shooting probability. 

This catalyses players to develop their own strategies. The need for a bit of technical skill, the ability to play based on one’s own insights, and the opportunity to compete and enjoy the game with other players are some of  the reasons why fish shooting games are so popular among players.  

The game features can be somewhat inferred based on the theme, and at JDB Gaming, adhering to our core philosophy of ‘just do the best,” we aim to break out of the mould by launching dark-themed fish shooting games, reaching new heights in our gaming empire!  

CB: Slots remain a dominant leader within the global online casino space, but, in your opinion, how can fish shooting games muscle in and take a portion of this market share?  

SC: Undoubtedly, slots are leaders in the gaming world due to their easy-to-understand  gameplay and thematic diversity. However, based on the unique and diverse gameplay and  eye-catching, glamorous graphics, we firmly believe that fish shooting games are gems waiting to be discovered. 

JDB Gaming will continue to optimise for the market which has not-yet to know these gems, enabling players to get to know and fall in love with them, ensuring that fish shooting games shine on the international stage!  

CB: What are the key differences and variations between these two types of online gaming titles, and what key facets do you believe appeals to players?  

SC: The transition between different scenes in fish shooting games, combined with the shooting strategies players develop on their own, leads to deeper interaction between players and the game. 

Additionally, the variety of possible game experiences makes these games particularly captivating, resulting in higher player engagement and retention for fish shooting games.  

CB: Offering players a greater sense of control over the outcome of an online casino game is consistently addressed. Is this a key attraction of these games, and how do fish  shooting games achieve this? 

SC: The key gameplay of fish shooting games lies in the player’s ability to choose their  shooting targets freely, coupled with a fair probability mechanism, which provides different  gaming experiences based on the player’s approach. Therefore, fish shooting games indeed  offer players a greater sense of control.

Players who enjoy high multipliers and the thrill of big wins may choose to attack only special  objects; those who prefer a more stable, continuous play might opt for objects with lower  multipliers that are easier to hit. 

Of course, there are also many players who mix both strategies. This indicates that fish shooting games provide a relatively high level of control for players, allowing them to adjust the pace of the game and experience it differently through various play styles.  

CB: It would be fair to suggest that fish shooting games seem fairly limited when it comes to themes. How can this be broadened in order to widen the attraction of such games to a broader player base globally?  

SC: In the past, fish shooting games were based on land-based machines in standard formats, using large box-shaped machines with huge screens on top to create underwater atmospheres, naturally establishing a set thematic image for this type of game in the regions of origin. 

Over years of mature development, this genre has gradually become a recognised game type in the market, incorporating various elements such as the God of Wealth, symbolising Asian prosperity, and the dragon, representing supreme status. However, traditions are meant to be broken! 

As experts in fish shooting games, JDB Gaming has dared to break the mould by launching a dinosaur-themed fish shooting game with 3D  graphics, which has also been a big hit in the market. 

In response to market anticipation, JDB Gaming will soon launch a new dark and thrilling themed fish shooting game next year, set to take the international market by storm!

The post JDB Gaming: fish shooting games are gems waiting to be discovered appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The popularity of the initial concept has led to the creation of two new iterations of the Gold Blitz series – Extreme and Ultimate – which supercharge the original game, taking things to the next level and beyond. 

Walter Bugno, CEO of Games Global, gives his insights into the brand’s evolution and why it resonates so strongly with a worldwide audience. 

The birth of Gold Blitz

The original game concept was initially launched in early 2022 with the release of Fortune Factory Studios’ Mask of Amun, although visually, the symbols used were totally different to the iconic lightning bolts of Gold Blitz that have become globally renowned today. However, it was instantly apparent that the game concept had promise, with very strong results across the key performance metrics.

Having received confirmation that the game concept was definitely well received by players, the team at Fortune Factory then applied themselves to visually enhancing the game so as to create a ‘striking’ gaming and visual experience at the same time.

The result was the development of a new set of symbols that reflect the inherent motion and constant anticipation that are integral factors in Gold Blitz games, as well as mirroring the charged energy of the frequently occurring Cash Collect feature.

The dynamic, high-end graphics were inspired from console-based interactive video games, and the incorporation of these into Gold Blitz ensured we achieved the desired visual impact.

Whilst there were no guarantees this game would strike a chord with players, we knew the Fortune Factory team had done a brilliant job at creating both an excellent visual and gameplay experience for players. The original Gold Blitz title launched in December 2022 and immediately began its climb toward the top of the charts.

Merging popular brands

One of the key success drivers of the Gold Blitz franchise is the consistency with which the Gold Blitz game concept is fused with other popular brands in the Games Global content portfolio. There are now a total of 32 games that utilise the Gold Blitz concept, including Fishin’ Pots of Gold: Gold Blitz, Blazing Bison Gold Blitz, and the recently released Thunderstruck Gold Blitz Extreme.

Combining fan-favourite brands allows us to leverage the audience of each to expand the overall player base. While there will naturally be some overlap in players, a small section of unique players will be attracted to these releases due to their affiliation with either brand, allowing Games Global to increase visibility and player numbers on behalf of its operator partners.

This emphasis on amalgamating brands has been pivotal in the ongoing success of the Gold Blitz series since its original launch, resulting in the highest number of lifetime players globally when compared to Games Global’s wider portfolio, and continuing to constantly feature among the top performing slots in many regulated markets worldwide.

2024 has also seen Games Global reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a market-leading IP content portfolio, including new partnerships with prestigious global names, and linking those global brands to some of our most successful game franchises. 

Our specific focus on the combat sports sector, and the collaboration with both Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment, two juggernauts in the media and entertainment landscape, has led to the development of a number of new slot games that provide players with an entirely new way to interact with the sporting superstars of those two organisations.

UFC Gold Blitz Extreme and WWE Bonus Rumble: Gold Blitz are centred around the likes of Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, John Cena, The Undertaker, and more. Fortune Factory successfully harnessed the popularity of these icons by placing them at the heart of the action, making these Gold Blitz series additions attractive to non-regular players. Once again, by capitalising on existing audiences and merging universal brands, we have further enhanced the performance of the Gold Blitz collection.

Continual evolution: the secret to success

Nurturing a brand and ensuring its continued success can be achieved through consistent evolution. This means the evolution of graphics, math models, and gameplay features, which are all vital in bolstering series longevity. 

The initial breakthrough of Gold Blitz can be attributed to several factors. Those factors are all unique, driven by data, run through different iterations of A-B-C testing and more, these all add up to the secret sauce around why Gold Blitz has transitioned from a single game to a franchise of ever-evolving games for the brand. 

It would have been remiss of us, however, to leave Gold Blitz as is. Instead, we have continually evolved the concept, first with Gold Blitz Extreme, and now, with Gold Blitz Ultimate.

Gold Blitz Ultimate introduces 5x multipliers in the base game and 10x multipliers during the bonus, boosting payouts. It also sees the integration of the brand-new Blitz Boost feature that either doubles the frequency of Blitz symbols or guarantees at least one to land with every spin.

When you also consider the now fully configurable bonus buy, which allows players to enter the bonus at any level, it is evident that Fortune Factory Studios has refined and advanced the brand to optimise gameplay and deliver a compelling player-centric experience.

Prize collection is the essence of Gold Blitz, and the opportunities to expand this genre are endless. As we look ahead to 2025, there are a number of new titles in the works that integrate fresh mechanics to progress the series. 

Gold Blitz has already turned into a global franchise, but we are not done quite yet. Games Global is regularly partnering with new studios to license the brand to reach even more players in markets across the world, as we pursue our goal of providing truly memorable gaming experiences. 

The post Striking gold – the success of the Gold Blitz franchise appeared first on CasinoBeats.

With the new Elysium Studios release, driven by Swintt, Chessmas, set to hit players’ screens on November 28, we caught up with Swintt Head of Business Development, Lars Kollind, to learn more about the difficulties of developing holiday-themed titles, and how finding the right combination of engaging mechanics and unique bonus features is crucial to helping suppliers create a slot for all seasons.

CasinoBeats: Seasonal titles can be a crucial way to put your games in front of the eyes of players. However, what are the challenges in designing such titles?

Lars Kollind: Given that almost every game supplier creates at least one holiday-themed title per season, it can be a bit of a challenge to design a game that genuinely stands out among the competition.

The trick is to create something that combines the traditional seasonal elements that players will undoubtedly be expecting – such as having a cosy, winter theme for Christmas slots – with game mechanics or features that are innovative and unique.

Obviously you have to strike the right balance between making something that’s different and still keeping it engaging and fun to play, and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to do with all our seasonal titles to date, including Chessmas.

CB: How can you ensure that such games are truly unique when working with what is a limited set of themes?

LK: I think it mostly comes to thinking outside the box and trying to use different features and mechanics from the rest of your competitors. In Chessmas, we’ve done this by combining the classic Christmas setting of Santa’s workshop with unique wild symbols that move like chess pieces whenever they’re selected by the bonus reel.

We then doubled down on this board game theme by having a feature where players roll dice and move around a track to win multipliers, with the idea here being that Christmas is a time where families come together and play traditional games. We wanted to capture this same spirit in Chessmas and I think we’ve done so really well.

CB: Is there any true value in pursuing seasonal related slot games when looking at such titles from the eyes of a player?

LK: In my opinion there is, yes. It’s been proven in the past that seasonal titles definitely do work and whether they’re themed around Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, Easter or any other holiday that you care to think of, players do always tend to look for something that fits the specific time of year.

Over the festive period, people generally gravitate towards anything that helps get them into the holiday spirit – and Christmas songs, ugly jumpers and seasonal slots can all play a big part in that! Of course, the challenge is to create something players will want to play even after the season is over, so good game design and smart mechanics are still the most important things.

CB: What is the appeal of seasonal games? Is this still growing or fading due to other content trends taking over?

LK: I would say that based on what we’ve seen from our game collection it’s still growing. Four years ago, we released a slot called Golden Reindeer around Christmas time and it’s still one of our top ten best-performing titles – not just during the Christmas season, but practically all year round.

I think at the end of the day a good game is a good game, so just because it was released to mark a specific holiday doesn’t mean it can’t still be enjoyed after the season is over. That’s the sort of lasting popularity that we’re aiming for with the upcoming release of Chessmas, and I think the combination of unique wilds and a board game bonus feature will certainly help us achieve that.

CB: In your opinion, do certain seasonal titles perform better than others?

LK: I think there’s a case to be made that the more widely-known and widely-celebrated holidays may hold a bit more appeal for audiences spread across multiple countries, so definitely a Christmas-themed slot is likely to perform better than one based on a regional holiday. On top of that, you have to consider the period of time that the holiday itself takes place in.

Over Christmas, most people typically have at least some time off from work, so they have more opportunities to engage with hobbies like playing online slots, whereas Valentine’s Day – although widely known – is not an actual holiday, so people don’t have the same time available.

The post Lars Kollind, Swintt: the challenge of changing with the seasons appeared first on CasinoBeats.