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Exclusive Q&A with Robert Chvatal, Chief Executive Officer at SAZKA Group
As CEO of European gaming giant SAZKA Group, Robert Chvátal knows more than most how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the industry over the last 18 months. But whilst lockdowns in a number of its markets have taken their toll on the group’s retail offering, he is bullish about the long-term prospects. In an exclusive interview for European Gaming, he revealed how the use of technology and a customer-centric approach is driving online growth and allowing operators to provide a safer gaming environment.
Holiday season is often a time for rest and reflection. How do you look back on the last few months and what challenges did it pose for SAZKA Group?
I’m pleased to say that we have managed to remain resilient in what has been an unpredictable period with often disruptive trading conditions. As people will know, 80% of our EBIT is generated through lottery-style games. Clearly lock-downs have had an impact on our operations, with retail in Italy and Greece in particular taking a hit. And yet our strategic focus on online channels paid off. I think the growth of digital sales during the pandemic is very supportive for our future development too. 30 per cent of GGR for our Czech business in 2020 came online and that continues to grow. In Greece, OPAP recently launched a digital entertainment hub and has seen really good take-up of online lottery sales, despite starting from a low base. Retail remains important. Picking it up and rejuvenating it in the coming months is a priority, but online is a rising star providing us with real guidance too.
Across the industry we’ve seen witnesses the introduction of a wave of new products and a freshening up of old ones. What part has SAZKA Group played in this?
With more and more customers heading online, as well as potential new ones sat in front of their computer and phone screens, it was imperative that we kept our product offering up-to-date and relevant. All our operator companies introduced new content suitable for their jurisdictions. Needless to say, we also introduced new lottery draws too. Hand in glove with this went customer engagement plans that allowed us to showcase the full product portfolio and content diversity that is so important these days. We also saw the roll-out of customer loyalty programs that rewarded our regular players, be they in-store or online. This helped to really personalise our interaction at a time when we were all distancing ourselves from one another as a society. The results to date have been very encouraging.
How has the pandemic changed the way that you approach marketing, particularly when it comes to players who have moved online and those new ones who are joining them?
Interestingly, we are gaining real traction with event-based jackpots with specific themes. Friday the 13th has become a real tradition for us, as many people will now know. There are some key dates when players like to try their luck such as Black Friday top. With millions of people online looking for a bargain, it is a date that resonates in some of our markets. We are often able to collect much higher wagers on these special dates because we’re able to market them better. Clearly customer loyalty takes on a new meaning online too. Traditionally, retail has been an anonymous experience with people going to a newsagent or a kiosk to buy a lottery slip. That suits some people and that’s fine, but it doesn’t allow us to capture anonymised information on consumer trends. Online obviously requires people to register and be verified, allowing us to ensure the are safer from a responsible gaming point of view, which is crucial.
What part is technology playing in providing a better player experience?
We are really making the most of big data, joining the dots between lottery and those who play other games. It has a huge benefit online. But retail loyalty is equally important for us. That’s why we offered virtual loyalty cards, where players register online with a mobile number. This then allows us to identify them as a unique player. We also have a proposition in retail loyalty called Wheel of Fortune where participants benefit by being offered a second chance within 24 hours of their retail purchase, for example. People are embracing it because they see the benefits of what is being offered. There is nothing worse than being bombarded with products and services in which you have no interest. Harnessing big data and processing it thoughtfully allows technology to tailor our offering. That has never been more important in a world full of distractions. We also see technology as a vital means of protecting players, more of which is below.
Player protection and the need for safer betting and gaming environments are rarely out of the headlines these days. How is the lottery sector and SAZKA Group in particular dealing with the challenges these concerns present?
SAZKA Group is committed to responsible gaming. It always has and always will be a central plank of our proposition as a business. All of our operator companies are part of European Lotteries, so there’s a strict and supervised responsible gaming certification mechanism. In some respects, we’re fortunate. In lottery wins are infrequent, compared to games with higher probability and higher frequency. The risk of excessive or problem gaming is small as a result. But there is clearly no room for complacency. Some of our companies run sports and casino betting too, of course, and put significant resources into ensuring customers are supported. We let them know about setting time and spending limits and the advantages of taking frequent breaks. We also educate our employees and store partners in responsible gaming training, so that they can apply the relevant standards and principles. At the end of the day, this should be an enjoyable and playful experience for our customers – and we need to play a central role in maintaining that.
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Week 46/2025 slot games releases
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has expanded its Demi Gods Series with the launch of its epic new title, Majestic Atlas. Set high above the clouds, Majestic Atlas is a 5×3 game that’s framed within a grand celestial temple inspired by the beauty of ancient Greece. A powerful, atmospheric musical score evokes the might of Atlas and lifts the entertainment to new heights.
GAMOMAT has continued the sweet life of the beloved La Dolce Vita with the highly-anticipated La Dolce Vita 2. This new title picks up the love affair of the original with fresh gameplay, engaging features, and a beautiful new Italian location. Charming Giovanni returns to take centre stage within the bustling Italian village marketplace, where a heartfelt soundtrack creates a joyful atmosphere.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Ancient Coins. This captivating release transports players deep into the heart of the jungle, where adventure and ancient treasures meet across 5 reels and 25 fixed paylines. Rich with colour, atmosphere and detail, Ancient Coins is designed for those who seek excitement in every moment of their gameplay.
Promatic has released Apollo’s Garden of Riches – a new 5×3 slot game that combines elegant design, rewarding gameplay and a heartfelt connection to the company’s roots in the Karkonosze Mountains. The Karkonosze region – where Promatic was founded and continues to draw inspiration – is a place of amazing landscapes, legends and rare species.
PG Soft has released its uplifting game, Skylight Wonders. This game welcomes players aboard a hot air balloon traversing across a dreamlike world high above the clouds. There are increasing multipliers and three reel frames that transform winning symbols into Wild symbols.
Amusnet has released its new video slot game, 40 Mystic Gem. This gem-inspired title is set to light up the reels with brilliance, blending vibrant fruit symbols and radiant jewels in a game that captures both style and excitement. Featuring 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Mystic Gem brings together a sparkling mix of modern design and timeless gameplay.
Evoplay has released Piggy Bank 3 Pots Bonanza, a vibrant and joyful slot where players can crack the safe for generous wins. With the inclusion of the popular 3 Pots mechanic and several thrilling features, the 5×3, 20-line game offers a colourful world of gold bars, diamonds, and the three titular Piggy Banks for an action-packed adventure.
Tom Horn Gaming invites players to step into a world of emerald fields, leprechauns, and hidden treasures with its latest release, 3 Ribbon Pots. Launched on 11 November, this fast-paced slot delivers a new take on the popular Hold&Win mechanic, adding depth, variety, and smoother gameplay.
SlotMatrix is bringing the fire with the launch of Hula Moolah, an explosive new slot from Powderkeg Studios. Set in a tropical paradise where Tiki gods rule and volcanoes erupt, Hula Moolah turns every spin into a molten-hot chance to win. The game’s centrepiece is the Hold & Spin Feature, ignited when the vibrant Tiki Wilds leap into the volcano.
Reflex Gaming is turning up the heat once again with the launch of 8 Balls of Fire Blazing Bounty, a thrilling sequel to one of the company’s most popular titles. The original 8 Balls of Fire became a breakout hit across multiple channels, and this follow-up brings even more action, jackpots and explosive potential to the reels.
BGaming summons a mystical cat-genie to help players’ wishes come true in the brand-new Golden Paw Hold & Win slot. Golden Paw Hold & Win provides a fresh perspective on the classic Hold and Win gameplay mechanic. The game boasts 1,024 ways to win on every spin, with a variety of five exciting progressive bonus rounds, expanding reels, and a mesmerising leading character.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas developed by Inspired’s Bell-Fruit game studio. Set on a 3×5 reel set with 10-win lines, Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas is packed with thrilling features.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.
Thunderkick has launched Pink Elephants Trinity, the third instalment of its mystical franchise, where six bonus game levels unveil a journey towards deep synesthetic immersion. The Swedish supplier has traded the desert landscape and starry sky for an ethereal jungle backdrop, where a tribe of monkeys gather around the Pink Flame for a ritual honouring the Pink Elephants.
Belatra has proudly released Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves, a slots saga that puts the fate of the world in players’ hands. Inspired by an ancient rivalry between the radiant Elven kingdoms and the fearsome Orc hordes, Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves unfolds on a 5×5 reels battlefield.
Play’n GO presents Rings of Prosperity, a slot rooted in ancient mysticism and the power of celestial guidance. Play’n GO’s Rings of Prosperity draws on the influence of Eastern mythology, placing players under the protection of the Dragon God – a symbol of strength and abundance.
Just Slots, has announced the release of its latest slot title, Book of Abyss. In this dark fantasy adventure, players descend into the realm of Abyss, a fallen queen demoness bound to a cursed diary. Every spin of the reels echoes Abyss’s torment, and when the mystical Book feature opens, players peer into forbidden chapters of her soul.
Playson ups the ante in its electric new release, More Energy Coins: Hold and Win, with an enlarged 5×4 reelset, special Collect Feature and 10,000x Royal Jackpot supercharging the excitement on offer. Inspired by Playson’s data-proven mechanics, the game’s starring Energy Bonus symbol unlocks the Collect Feature if it combines with any Bonus Symbol.
Blueprint Gaming has turned up the heat in its latest release, Lava Lock Jackpot King, with the sweltering title leading with a new Volcano feature and a host of refreshed modifiers for an enriched gameplay experience. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, takes centre stage in the 5×3, 30 payline slot.
Gallop into Big Wins with Mustang Hold and Win from Booming Games! Step into the wild and untamed world of Mustang Hold and Win, where the free-spirited mustangs rule the reels. With a 5×3 grid and 25 paylines, this slot delivers an exhilarating experience with stunning visuals of the American wilderness.
BGaming boldly goes where no slot studio has gone before with the release of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The slot honours the legacy of the show, beaming players into a new dimension with an entertainment-first approach that will please Star Trek fans and newcomers alike.
The post Week 46/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards
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FIRST – Best in Sports, the Tier-1 sportsbook technology provider redefining global performance standards, has been honoured as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” at the 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards 2025, recognising the company’s innovation, expansion, and leadership across regulated markets.
The award marks another milestone in a transformative year for FIRST, as the company continues to lead the sportsbook vertical with measurable results, a performance-driven product vision, and a growing footprint across LATAM, Europe, and Africa.
Built from the ground up for speed, scale, and absolute reliability, FIRST’s sportsbook engine has become the driving force behind more than 35 of Brazil’s leading operators, expanding rapidly through Mexico, Peru, and Argentina – markets that reward real technological power, not promises.
In regions where regulation is tightening and competition intensifying, FIRST has set a new benchmark for what performance means: instant automation, real-time data orchestration, AI-driven personalisation, and a seamless architecture that adapts faster than the market itself.
2025 was the year FIRST stopped chasing momentum and started defining it. With new strategic partnerships alongside Light & Wonder, Pixbet, and others already in motion, the company is not just participating in the race for innovation – it’s setting the pace. These collaborations are not about validation but about leadership: where others adapt, FIRST dictates direction.
Beyond commercial growth, FIRST has also advanced its regulatory roadmap, securing approvals and pursuing licences in multiple regulated markets, ensuring full compliance and future-ready scalability for its operator base.
Tom Light, Founder & CEO of FIRST – Best in Sports, commented:
“This recognition reflects our commitment to building the most advanced sportsbook technology in the market – one that’s fast, scalable, and truly local. But more than that, it celebrates the mindset of our entire team: we don’t follow trends, we create them. We set the standard for what a sportsbook partner should be.”
As the industry continues to evolve, FIRST remains focused on innovation that drives measurable impact – delivering the performance, reliability, and intelligence that define the future of sports betting.
The post Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences
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SA Gaming is delighted to announce our new partner, EGT Digital, one of the largest gaming platforms in Europe. This agreement will see our games available on EGT Digital’s platform.
This collaboration marks an important milestone for both of us as it enhances our brand visibility and allows us to reach a broader audience. This alliance is also bringing elevated gaming experience to players on the platform of EGT Digital.
As one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe, EGT Digital has an extensive network and a comprehensive product portfolio that attract a diverse player base from numerous markets around the world. As players of EGT Digital now have access to our wide range of Live Games, which are certain to attract players – this new partnership certainly fulfills the business objectives of both EGT Digital and SA Gaming.
EGT Digital’s spokesperson commented, “For us at EGT Digital, the priority number 1 is always to give our customers the best gaming experience. That is why we are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer them SA Gaming’s titles, standing out with great thematic diversity, highly engaging mechanics and captivating bonuses. We believe that this partnership will both enrich our platform and enhance the game developer’s reach, while providing players with access to the high-quality gaming content they are looking for.”
As we continue to provide top-notch entertainment, this agreement creates new room for both of us to grow and flourish. We are eager to embark on this journey together and look forward to the infinite possibilities that would deliver exceptional value to all players.
The post SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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