The workspace of the provider will grow by 50 per cent, taking into account the increase in employees over the past year, which has risen from 60 to 80.

With the studio producing all game aspects in Stockholm, the new space will give the Thunderkick team a more ‘spacious and comfortable working environment’.

Titles that have come out of the Thunderkick studios in the past year include Zap Attack! And Bones & Bounty, with plenty more games expected to join them in 2024.

Sven Grip, CEO at Thunderkick, stated: “We are thrilled to be expanding our office space. This is a testament to our rapid growth, especially during the last year, and our commitment to providing our employees with the best possible work environment.

“This new space will allow us to continue to grow and innovate, and to create even more forward-thinking and engaging games for our players. Stay tuned – we’ve got plenty of exciting things on the horizon!”

Earlier this year, Thunderkick further grew its presence in the Swedish online casino market through partnership extensions with Bethard and Fastbet.

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To facilitate the expansion, Relax has opened a new office in the Swedish capital, which will also complement its existing studios in Belgrade and Malmö, and has room to grow with more talented developers.

Tommi Maijala, Relax Gaming CEO, said: “At Relax, we recognise great talent and have built our team on a foundation of deep industry knowledge and expertise.

“Every member of the new Stockholm office makes a fantastic addition to the company and together they bring a level of experience that will see us ramp up production of the high-performing games that we are known for.

“Our strength as a business is founded in the brilliance of the people who work for us and with our current pace of growth, we’re always willing to bring in more talented minds and innovative thinkers.”

The team has been brought on board to compound the supplier’s game development business and increase its capacity to create market-leading games with a focus on ‘pushing design boundaries’. 

The move follows a landmark year for Relax’s in-house studios, with the launch of Money Train 2 smashing company records and other hit releases Hellcatraz, La Fiesta, and all-time favourite Temple Tumble, establishing its portfolio as one of the most coveted slot offerings in the industry. 

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RELEASE DATE

This latest release is set to go live exclusively with LeoVegas today for a two-week period, which will be followed by a global release across all operators on Thursday 2 May.

THE PITCH

Nolimit City is challenging players to pistols at dawn with their latest release, with LeoVegas consumers set to benefit from an extended period of exclusivity.

Releasing finer details of the reasons behind the link-up, the organisation states that “LeoVegas have always been a casino with a unique approach and innovative ideas, which has helped them become one of the most influential casino operators in the European market”.

Seeking out opportunities to stay ahead of the curve in such a competitive industry, it is stressed that the decision was “a no brainer” as Nolimit strives to continue to build on previous successes.

GAME DETAIL

Following on from the last years successful Hot Nudge, comes a sequel using Nolimit’s own ‘xNudge’ feature, that allows stacked wilds with a sticky multiplier with every nudge, both up and down.

Enter Tombstone and take on the quickest gunslingers the Wild West has offer, in order to get some much needed law and order in place.

WHAT THEY SAY

Malcolm Mizzi, head of sales at Nolimit City, said of the new release: “We are extremely proud of our latest release. Tombstone will be the game that is sure to wet the appetite of all seasoned players that are on the lookout for high adrenaline inducing games.

“This is it, we feel that Tombstone will give that extra edge over what’s already out there today, [and there’s] no better partner to have an exclusive period with than the one and only LeoVegas”.

Johan Ekberg, casino operations manager at LeoVegas, added: “We take great pride in proactively searching for the latest and greatest content available. In Tombstone, Nolimit have created what we believe to be a wonderfully produced and very exciting game.

“We are delighted to offer this game exclusively at LeoVegas. Tombstone raises the stakes and will be a definite crowd pleaser”

The post Tombstone – Nolimit City appeared first on CasinoBeats.

RELEASE DATE

Starstruck is available on all Nolimit City partners from today.

THE PITCH

Nolimit City follows up February’s Owls release with their latest title Starstruck, with a further 3×3 slot by the software provider stated to offer “an engaging fast paced take on the all-time classic look”.

Starstruck, it’s stressed, comes complete with “a bright and bold coloured palette of stunning art work”, coupled with an easy to understand game model.

GAME DETAIL

The game offers players a 5 line, 3×3 reel experience with the chance to win up to 1000x in the Starstruck-bonus mode, which can be done by locking in the star in the middle reel and taking your pick of high valued multiplier stars!

Designed to stand out and offer a fun experience for all, specifically in “the re- emerging classic 3×3 theme” – the game is said to offer “enough frequent base game wins that will keep players entertained throughout their playtime. Play on the go or at home, Nolimit’s HTML5 games are built to satisfy all devices anytime, anywhere”.

WHAT THEY SAY

Per Lindheimer, product owner at Nolimit City, commented: “Designing a classic 3×3 slot with a high hit frequency and not just pushing only low wins isn’t an easy thing – but this machine with its stacked multiplying wilds and the any bar-pays, is a thrilling experience – both in main game as in the Starstruck feature! Starstruck has been a joy to work on, to bring something new to a classic game play.”

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The latest partnership by the Malta, Stockholm and India-based online casino platform and game developer Nolimit has seen the completion of “rapid integration” with the firm, finalising the direct integration between the two.

Malcolm Mizzi, commercial director at Nolimit City, explained: “What a way to start the year, back from the Christmas holidays only to sign one of the most prominent operators out there.

“Just looking at what Pomadorro have achieved in the few years they have been running their operation gives us immense hope for what’s the come with this partnership. We believe that our games will bring something fresh and exciting to Pomadorro’s players.”

Integrating its RGS platform, a selection of Nolimit titles, including latest release Fruits which was launched industry wide in January, are live on Pomadorro’s two brands.

Lauding the company’s delivery of “a purely joyful experience to their players,” Pomadorro manages the www.casino-x.com and www.joycasino.com offerings, which are present in several markets.

A representative for Pomadorro, added: “We are excited to introduce Nolimit’s exciting content to our players. Their approach towards being unique and standing out in their own way ties in well with our brands and overall strategy. We are determined to partner up with only the best suppliers out there, and Nolimit fit the bill.”

This follow the announcement of a new partnership with Casumo, which it stressed follows “a long viewed mutual interest in collaborating together”.

Nolimit states that the Malta-based online casino operator appealed due to its “quirky and unique approach within the gambling world,” for “maximising their games portfolio and offering a best in class player journey” and “coming up with standout marketing that emphasises their identity as the fun casino”.

This came after multiple market entries, included the United Kingdom and Denmark, in addition to the re-regulated Swedish jurisdiction.

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This in turn helped boost full year figures to SEK 1.78bn (SEK 1.63bn), with EBITDA finishing at SEK 204m and SEK 601m for Q4 and FY respectively, a figure adjusted for reorganisation-related costs and severance pay in the fourth quarter.

Operating profit for the quarter saw a slight tumble from SEK 153m to SEK 146m, with previous aforementioned costs added to by a VR-project that was written down by SEK 5m, with its total for 2018 boosted 3.2 per cent to SEK 601m (2017: SEK 582m).

Addressing the firm’s performance, and offering a slight outlook into 2019, Therese Hillman, group CEO, stated: “In the fourth quarter, several of our six newly launched games performed well and revenues increased by 9.5 percent (3.9 percent in euro) to SEK 465m.

“Adjusting for restructuring-related costs and the write down of a VR-project, the EBIT margin improved to 37.3 (35.9) percent, supported by higher volumes, the weaker Swedish krona, and better cost control.

“In a number of our markets, we are facing higher expectations than ever as a supplier; we have to deliver more and faster, while we continue to offer innovative products and entertaining gaming experiences to customers and players.

“To better meet such expectations and to drive efficiency and commercial focus, we continued to make changes in the company. In December, we announced a re-organisation that leads to a more decentralised structure with clearer areas of priority and accountability.

“We have strengthened key management positions across the group and recruited a new head of live casino, which continues to be an area that we invest in. We also communicated that we are increasing the pace of development and aim to release 30-35 new games in 2019, compared to 21 games in 2018.”

“At this stage we do not see any reason to reconsider our US growth plans”

Before explaining that a reduction in staff numbers was necessary to help manage costs: “In order to keep costs under control and to allow for continued investments into increased production, we also announced staff reductions affecting 55 full-time positions, mainly within corporate support functions in Stockholm.”

With locally regulated markets accounting for 37 per cent of NetEnt revenues during Q4, up from 33 per cent, that figure shifts to over half if including the newly re-regulated Swedish jurisdiction.

Meaning new rules and requirements for all participants, Hillman, who has seen NetEnt secure deals with ATG and Svenska Spel, commented: “We have launched our games with most of our existing customers in Sweden, as well as the new WLA customers ATG and Svenska Spel. So far this year, our total game win in euro terms is approximately five percent lower than it was in the corresponding period of 2018, mainly due to lower volumes in Sweden.

“While it is still too early to predict the mid to long-term effects of the Swedish regulation, we expect the key customer signings in Q4 2018 and our upcoming game releases to contribute to new revenues in 2019. When it comes to organic earnings growth, we have clearly higher ambitions than the pace we saw in 2018.”

Before adding that, despite a degree of uncertainty within the US due to recent developments, the company is, at this stage, not reviewing its current expansion strategy: “In the US, we follow the developments closely after the Office of Legal Counsel of the US Department of Justice issued its opinion about online gambling in January.

“This has created some uncertainty, but at this stage we do not see any reason to reconsider our US growth plans, which include growing on the regulated markets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With regards to timing, however, we see that the launch in Pennsylvania will be delayed due to changes in the regulatory requirements.”

The post NetEnt – “Convinced that we will offer more and better games than ever” appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Titled GameFactory, the Asia focused distributor is aiming to form a series of partnerships and act as a central sales hub, whilst encouraging and empowering each studio to utilise its unique identity.

“It is also becoming harder for small studios to get into larger casino operators”

CasinoBeats caught up with Markus Nasholm, QTech Games’ global CEO, who explained what the idea was behind the establishment of GameFactory: “The idea really stemmed from working in M&A over the past 10 years in various forms. More specifically, witnessing the immense success of my previous employer, Catena Media, coupled to that of console-game and mobile-game consolidators such as THQ Nordic (listed on Nasdaq Stockholm) and Supercell of Finland, it was easy to see the merit in a well-executed concept.

“It is also becoming harder for small studios to get into larger casino operators. Indeed, with compliance and legal requirements continuing to increase, becoming part of a shoal allows you to enjoy the benefits of being a bigger fish.”

The idea of individuality forms a huge part of the new venture, and Nasholm was keen to stress why it’s so important to the success of GameFactory: “The idea is that the founders keep a significant portion of the shares. This way, they remain invested in the success of the business, keeping it running and imbuing their all their games with a distinct individuality.

“Our aim is to become a preferred partner to the casino operators”

“Our centralised team would then assist in the key areas of sales, distribution, admin, compliance and legal. You have to get the incentive structures correctly aligned and clearly define the core roles.”

Aiming to become “the best casino content provider on the market,” a typical investment into GameFactory “will have between 5-10 games live, preferably generating revenues,” whether this be from a portfolio of games, standalone game titles or exclusive distribution in certain markets.

When unveiling initial details of the project, it was stressed that “the trend for consolidation is industry wide,” but how can QTech help buck that trend: “The consolidation has mostly happened on the operator-side, and also in the affiliate business domain. We want to be the trailblazer in the studio-consolidation game, but we want to bring that about organically and in the true spirit of partnership and collaboration with studio founders.”

Striving to be a trendsetter with this new approach, Nasholm concluded by discussing ambitions for GameFactory: “In the short term, the goal is to find great studios with which to partner, both in terms of their respective games’ innovation levels and also the underlying culture. In the longer term, a listing on a prominent tech exchange would prove ideal so that we can continue building the company.

“Our aim is to become a preferred partner to the casino operators, with regular releases of quality, innovative games that excite and engage. It’s as simple as that.”

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The land-based subsidiary of state-owned Svenska Spel, whose portfolio stretches to the cities of Sundsvall, Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm, believes that a lack of clear instructions and guidance from the regulator means that its sanction cannot be considered accurate.

“It is obvious for Casino Cosmopol to follow the money-laundering rules and we consider it vital to help prevent money laundering in all its forms,” explained Per Jaldung, chief executive officer of Casino Cosmopol. 

“We appeal to the Lotteriinspektionen‘s decision mainly because we consider that in this situation it is not proportional to decide on a penalty.

“In the absence of clear regulations and guidance from the Lotteriinspektionen, it can not be considered correct to decide on a penalty.”

In its original statement regarding the punishment handed down, the Swedish regulator stated: “Casino Cosmopol is lacking in its efforts to counter money laundering and terrorist financing in all audited areas. The shortcomings are serious and in many cases of a systematic nature”.

Defending its own position as it lodges its appeal, Casino Cosmopol emphasised a belief that the Lotteriinspektionen “has neither issued clear regulations or given guidance on how the issues raised, as the basis for the decision on the penalty, [are] to be handled”

Before also stressing that the company has put into action a series of measures, both in the short and long term, designed to meet issues highlighted as shortcomings in the original ruling.

Jaldung added: “In all the years we have pursued our four casinos, we have had the perception that we are following the money-laundering legislation. We have staff who work daily with questions. We have clear instructions and training all staff so they know how to act.

“All guests must show identification before entering the casinos and visits are recorded. We monitor, review and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence [department]. Our efforts to combat money laundering are ongoing.”

The post Casino Cosmopol appeals Lotteriinspektionen penalty appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In a short statement, NetEnt said it is “taking action to optimise its operations” amid plans to scale up its game production line.

“Now, the company streamlines and restructures the organisation, which leads to staff reductions in Stockholm. The reorganisation is expected to result in non-recurring costs of approximately SEK25m (€2.42m), which will be booked in the fourth quarter of 2018.”

The 55 full-time jobs to go are mostly in Stockholm, the company said, and within corporate support functions.

“The changes are taking place during December and will lead to a reallocation of resources to increased game production.”

The company is also axing a virtual reality project – NetEnt said that SEK5m (€480,000) of the loss related to a “write-down of intangible assets regarding a development project in the area of virtual reality”.

Therese Hillman, Group CEO of NetEnt, said: “By decentralising our operations we take another step towards a new NetEnt, where customers and players are in focus.

“The new organisation will have clearer responsibilities and more emphasis on value-creating initiatives. We are pleased to see the performance of our new game releases so far in the fourth quarter as we continue to diversify our game portfolio.

“Going forward, we increase the pace of output and expect to release 30 to 35 new games in 2019,” said Hillman

The post Job losses at NetEnt as overhaul continues appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Issuing an SEK8m ($880,000) penalty for the series of deficiencies, Lotteriinspektionen’s review “shows that Casino Cosmopol is lacking in its efforts to counter money laundering and terrorist financing in all audited areas. The shortcomings are serious and in many cases of a systematic nature”.

Amongst further significant areas of concern regarding the casino operator, who hosts international venues within the city’s of Sundsvall, Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm, are risk-based routines, business relations and customer awareness measures, obligation to deny transactions and keeping accurate documentation.

Furthermore, it was also detailed that casino activities are difficult to supervise and monitor, particularly “when the camera monitor from the casino’s monitoring is automatically deleted after seven days. As a result, it is not possible to follow the audited customers’ previous visits to the casino”.

Whereas insufficient routines for monitoring and documenting games at slot machines was also highlighted as a cause for concern.

Lotteriinspektionen also challenged Casino Cosmopol’s general risk assessment protocol, which states that only 0.3 per cent of 126,883 unique customers visiting the casinos in the period January 1 – July 31, were considered to be low risk.

It went on to reference one particular customer who had been reported to the Finance Department for suspected money laundering three times in 2016/17, who was considered to be low risk of money laundering, rendering the casino’s risk model “to be of no relevance”.

It was also found that a further customer’s high spending was justified due to the operation of a restaurant operating a profit of 12m Norwegian kronor, with Lotteriinspektionen, in its lengthy example, stating the company should instead be judging spending ability based upon taxable income.

Responding to the penalty, Per Jaldung, CEO of Casino Cosmospol, stated: “Our measures to counter money laundering is an ongoing development which we continuously improve.

“In dialogue with the gaming board, we have stated that we are in the implementation and development phase. We are aware of the improvements that need to be implemented, we have a plan for this and it is a top priority for our business.

“We respect the gaming board’s decisions, but is also somewhat surprising when our view is that we have been transparent, and had a good dialogue about our plan for the fight against money laundering.”

The regulator stated that significant improvements need to be made regarding anti-money laundering measures, should the organisation see its previously submitted licence for the country’s newly-regulated gambling market be approved.

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