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Exclusive Q&A with Mike Fox, CFO at Crystal WG
Q. Let us start with a quick intro of yourself for starters. Could you briefly describe your career?
A. I have 20 years’ experience in the gambling industry. For more than 10 years, I worked as the Group CFO of Euronext listed company Thunderbirds Resorts in Panama. I was lucky enough to work on some fantastic land-based casino projects in several emerging markets. At the time, the group operated 30 casinos and 10 hotels with 5,000 employees in the Philippines, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
I played an integral role in helping expand our remit, opening two large properties in the Philippines – one included a hotel, golf course and casino and the other a hotel and casino. In Lima, Peru the group purchased six hotels and opened a flagship casino in the heart of Miraflores along with acquiring several slot parlors around the country. In Costa Rica, the group opened a flagship casino adjacent to the International Airport and subsequently several more casinos. In Panama, the group operated six casinos. At the time these properties were built, they were the best casino products to enter the markets.
In 2015, I joined Crystal Wealth Group to offer my financial consulting and investment experience for casinos, iGaming and the crypto/NFT space before helping launch new online casino BetCoco this year.
Q. You are a veteran casino professional. How challenging is a shift to the online casino segment?
A. One key difference is the ability to reach a global audience using the power of the internet. This is where a lot of time is spent with every territory we target in making sure we match the specific compliance requirements and own the correct operating licences to be able to offer our product to specific regions.
However, whether it’s land-based or online, the premise of operating a casino brand remains the same. If you can provide a service that surpasses customers’ expectations and offers them an experience that they cannot get anywhere else, they will return.
This is something we have focused on heavily in our design of BetCoco.
Q. Tell us about BetCoco. What are the immediate objectives of the company? Could you also tell us quickly about your job brief.
A. BetCoco is a fun brand that offers the best-in-class player experience with the leading games and services that the industry has to offer. Innovation is at the foundation of everything we do through creating the best features to continuously improve our user experience.
We initially launched in cryptocurrency, yet now offer fiat. One of our immediate objectives is to onboard new customers from the territories where we are operational. We are going to be working with the industry’s top affiliates and media partners to bring quality traffic to our site in every location we are situated.
My role is to facilitate this by focusing our investments on markets that are not necessarily saturated with competitors where our players get excited about a new brand with attractive bonus and loyalty programs.
Q. Could you now talk about your digital marketing strategies and the benefits that customers are going to get from BetCoco?
A. We’re quickly deploying exciting paid media marketing and affiliate campaigns to let the markets know about us such as in Brazil we are partnering with the top affiliates in the market to promote our recurring bonus offers.
We also have a very clear approach to making customer satisfaction one of our key goals. For instance, our aggressive customer bonus plan with 100% bonus up to 0.5BTC is designed to attract keen crypto players – and now we are on the verge of releasing industry-best bonus rewards for fiat customers.
Q. According to your recent press release, BetCoco wants to bring back “more thrill” for customers, which is something that “iGaming operators have lost in their brand promotions in recent years”. Could you elaborate a bit on this point?
A. We think some of the bigger operators with a large market share lose touch sometimes of what will attract players that are new to online gaming. Especially, in emerging markets like Latin America, Asia and Africa, we plan to be the trusted brand that excites new players to begin their online journey into iGaming.
Q. What are the features BetCoco offers as of now and in which markets they are available?
A. We have created a best-in-class suite of tech with our iGaming software platform integrated with the best gaming providers, My Affiliates for affiliate management and Customer.io for CRM. Our intention is to give our players a first-class betting experience and a seamless user journey. This includes making them feel special and appreciated with our special offers and VIP treatment.
We understand that some of our users enjoy the feeling of betting next to friends / other users. So, we are offering exclusive live tournaments and daily challenges and leaderboards with new games announced weekly. Our platform allows players to collect loyalty points and redeem for special rewards and prizes.
Q. Could you outline the new initiatives of BetCoco that are in the pipeline and likely to roll out in the next two years?
A. Our group is the process of launching new sites under a Malta license that will allow us to enter higher value markets. We are also acquiring best in class technology to continue to build additional brands under Malta licensing using our own CMS platform to allow complete control over the customization of our sites for each market.
Thanks to the metaverse and advanced VR Technology, players can now visit physical casinos from the comfort of their homes. We plan to have all kind of VR Games – Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Game Shows, and even a Sports betting room, where the player can wager on a sports match and stay to watch the game next to other users, just like in Vegas! For this, player just needs to have a VR headset.
We have built relationships with the world’s best metaverse and VR tech companies and will integrate this technology into our brands over time.
We also plan to offer the ability to mint NFT slot machines with a shared revenue model and NFT player passes with in-app purchases.
Q. You plan to enter new markets, especially in Africa and Asia. What are your plans to tackle the fluid state of regulation in many of the African and Asian countries, with respect to cryptocurrency. For example, in India, a potentially large market, the legal stature of cryptocurrencies is in a disputed state. What will be your strategy?
A. While our view of the markets is worldwide, including Asia and Africa, we also see solid opportunities to secure country level licensing in places like Peru and Colombia. In addition, in the short term, we plan a major push in Brazil during the World Cup period. Since we have a presence in Latin America, for example, it allows us to understand better the local players and create brands that appeal to the particulars of each market.
Q. Finally, what is your take on the future of igaming segment, especially in relation to advances in technology such as machine learning and block chain?
A. Artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming and will be a very important part of the iGaming industry in years to come.
From better understanding user experience through advanced data sets to more complex security measures via anti-money laundering detection software to faster transaction speeds via blockchain-powered cryptocurrencies, the advancements in technology can benefit the industry in so many ways – and it’s still growing.
These developments allow us to operate in a sector that is safer, more enjoyable and just generally more informed. For instance, with machine learning, we can hone the information we have on our customers to create better experiences. With blockchain, we can offer users the most streamlined and frictionless approach to playing.
As technology is always evolving, part of our mission is to evolve with it, so our players can enjoy the best and most advanced gaming. To bolster customer experience, we are already looking at planning to design and incorporate our own VR Games on-site. These games will be available in 1st person view, as well as in 3rd person view. Our VR Casino Games will offer players the most immersive experience on the market.

Latest News
Atlaslive Receives Nominations at the Esteemed GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025
Atlaslive is proud to announce that it has been nominated for multiple awards at the upcoming GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025, an esteemed recognition in the gaming and technology sectors.
As part of the provisional shortlist, has demonstrated its leadership and creativity in an increasingly competitive market. Each nomination reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence and drive to innovate in the realms of sports betting and online casino experiences.
Atlaslive has been nominated in the following categories:
- Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE. Atlaslive’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative features make it the premier choice for bettors in the region.
- Rising Star in Sports Betting Technology in CEE. Atlaslive makes sports betting exciting with features like live betting and easy-to-read stats, showing they have what it takes to lead in the industry.
- Best Online Casino Provider in CEE. Their commitment to quality and excellent customer service makes playing at Atlaslive a fun and safe experience for players across the region.
- Rising Star in Online Casino Technology in CEE. Atlaslive’s professionals bring exciting games and smooth technology that keeps players engaged.
This acknowledgment underscores their commitment to excellence and innovation and their dedication to providing outstanding gaming solutions to their clients.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a nominee in several prestigious categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards,” said Lidiia Vakulenko, COO at Atlaslive. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming industry. We remain dedicated to providing our users with cutting-edge technology and a seamless gaming experience.”
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will serve as a convergence point for industry leaders and innovators, offering a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect insightful discussions and the opportunity to connect with industry peers.
As the awards process progresses, only attendees of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 will have the opportunity to vote for the final winners. This collaborative approach adds an element of excitement and community engagement, allowing those within the industry to shape the outcome of these renowned awards.
Atlaslive’s team encourages their supporters and industry colleagues to stay tuned for updates as they approach this exciting milestone.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Receives Nominations at the Esteemed GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GoldenRace unveils Big5: The ultimate Virtual Football innovation
GoldenRace, leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, is proud to introduce its latest innovation: Big5.
Big5 is a dynamic online platform that allows operators to select and combine the top five football leagues or tournaments of their choice into a single, exciting offering. This unique product consolidates players’ favorite football competitions into one seamless, mobile-optimised interface, providing a diverse range of betting options that are easier and faster to access. As a result, Big5 enhances player engagement and boosts business revenues for operators.
With over 40 betting markets to choose from, Big5 offers a comprehensive array of wagering opportunities, including match outcomes, over/under goals, exact scores, and more. The platform also integrates live video feeds and real-time scores, delivering an immersive and fast-paced betting experience that stands apart from the competition.
In addition, the Easy Wins Tracker keeps players informed about their betting performance, while Predefined Combi Bets streamline the betting process, making it quicker and more convenient for users.
“Big5 offers operators a powerful multileague platform that keeps players engaged and encourages them to return, driving increased revenue,” said Martin Wachter, CEO and Founder of GoldenRace. “With a wide selection of betting options and an intuitive, user-friendly interface, Big5 is designed to captivate players and enhance betting volume.”
True to GoldenRace’s commitment to excellence, Big5 features the company’s award-winning technology, ensuring a hyper-realistic experience with lifelike player movements and match events. It’s the most immersive Virtual Football experience available today.
The post GoldenRace unveils Big5: The ultimate Virtual Football innovation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Mastering Digital PR in iGaming: Insights from Digital Web Solutions
HIPTHER, the organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is excited to welcome Digital Web Solutions (DWS) as the Selfie Mirror Sponsor and valuable contributor in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Vaibhav Kakkar, CEO and Founder of DWS, to explore how digital PR can help iGaming businesses stand out, the challenges of managing multi-country websites, and the strategies that drive effective link-building in this highly competitive industry.
Digital Web Solutions (DWS) is known for its expertise in securing high-authority backlinks and delivering data-driven digital PR. What sets DWS apart in the competitive digital marketing landscape, particularly when working with iGaming clients?
When I started building my first SEO company, SEO Next, in 2008, I saw firsthand how challenging it was to secure quality backlinks, especially in competitive industries like iGaming.
We had to build a system from the ground up, ensuring every link was high-authority, safe, relevant, and impactful. That experience shaped how we operate at Digital Web Solutions today.
For iGaming, link building isn’t just about getting placements. It’s about keeping up with regulations, avoiding risky footprints, and securing real, ranking-driven links.
That’s why we built Boogle, our proprietary tool that scans over 500 million sites each month to uncover the exact links helping competitors win.
With access to 250,000+ publishers and a 30-point quality check, we ensure our clients get links that truly move the needle—without the guesswork.
At our core, we don’t just sell backlinks. We solve SEO problems which is why we love what we do.
Managing multiple country websites is a challenge for many iGaming businesses. What advice would you give to operators looking to run multi-location websites effectively while maintaining consistency and compliance?
That’s a great question. When we scaled my previous company, we managed operations across the UK, Australia, and the US, and I quickly learned tha t running multi-location websites is more than just duplicating content—it requires a well-structured strategy.
For iGaming businesses, the biggest challenge is balancing localization with compliance. Regulations vary by country, and what works in one market could lead to penalties in another.
My advice? Invest in a strong technical SEO foundation. Use hreflang tags properly to signal language and regional variations to Google. Maintain separate URLs for each region (e.g., country-specific subdomains or subdirectories) and ensure your content isn’t just translated—it’s localized to reflect cultural and legal differences.
After years of working on this problem like any other agency, we decided to acquire Hreflang Builder—a tool designed to eliminate traffic cannibalization and ensure search engines understand which page to rank in each market.
Many enterprise CMS platforms struggle with implementing hreflang tags, and for large-scale websites, manually managing them is nearly impossible. Hreflang Builder automates the entire process, generating XML sitemaps that keep multi-location websites properly indexed and recovering lost revenue.
So, to answer your question, hreflang tags was one part of the solution but the other one is local backlink building.
From a backlink perspective, local authority matters. A .co.uk site ranking in the UK won’t benefit much from links on US-based domains. That’s why, at DWS, we focus on securing geo-relevant backlinks to help brands rank where it matters.
With multiple locations, tracking performance manually can be a nightmare. Tools like Boogle simplify this by helping businesses analyze competitors, track backlink health, and discover high-authority opportunities across different regions.
Since my team and I had been through multi-country issues countless times, I was keen on building tools and automations around it so we can solve our own problems but also serve other companies with the same solution!
Digital PR has become a buzzword in recent years. Could you share your approach to leveraging digital PR to help iGaming brands differentiate themselves in a crowded market?
Digital PR has become a buzzword because, frankly, traditional link-building isn’t enough anymore. Google’s algorithm updates have made it clear—authority, trust, and relevance matter more than ever.
Everyone in SEO is talking about Digital PR now, but many are just repackaging outdated strategies with a new name or fail to deliver to their clients. This game isn’t easy to play.
At Digital Web Solutions, we focus on what actually works: securing high-impact, niche-relevant placements that drive both rankings and brand authority.
I saw firsthand that random guest posts and directory links weren’t enough to stand out. You need to earn coverage from the right sources—where your audience actually pays attention.
Here’s how we do it differently:
- We go beyond vanity mentions. Many PR campaigns focus on getting brand names out there, but without proper SEO value. We secure editorial links on high-ranking pages, ensuring real authority transfer.
- We create stories that get picked up. Instead of generic press releases, we craft exclusive insights, data-driven reports, and unique industry trends that journalists actually want to write about.
- We leverage automation to scale where others fail. The reality is, not every agency can secure these placements—outreach alone isn’t enough. That’s why we built Boogle, our AI-powered tool that scans 500M+ sites monthly to identify and secure competitor-grade backlinks at scale.
- We understand compliance, especially in iGaming. Many agencies don’t realize how strict this industry is. A single misstep can lead to fines or de-indexing. Our team ensures every campaign meets regulatory standards while still making an impact.
Digital PR isn’t just about getting your name in the press—it’s about building credibility, earning trust, and improving rankings in a way that Google rewards.
DWS prides itself on using an AI-powered approach to link-building. Can you walk us through how this technology works and how it benefits your iGaming clients?
Absolutely. At Digital Web Solutions, we’ve spent years refining our approach to link-building, and AI has been a game-changer. Traditional link-building is slow, manual, and often hit-or-miss.
With Boogle, our AI-powered tool, we’ve automated the process of finding, analyzing, and securing high-value backlinks at scale—something no other solution offers.
Here’s how it works:
- Massive Data Processing – Boogle scans 500 million+ websites every month, identifying link opportunities that align with our clients’ SEO strategy. Instead of relying on outdated lists or guesswork, we get real-time data on what’s working now.
- Competitor Link Acquisition – iGaming is a fiercely competitive industry, and ranking well often comes down to who has the best links. Boogle analyzes competitors’ backlinks to pinpoint where they’re getting their SEO power, then finds a way to help our clients secure those same placements or even better ones.
- Advanced Filtering & Quality Control – Not all links are created equal. Our 30-point quality checklist ensures that every link meets strict SEO standards, covering factors like traffic manipulation, relevancy, and target country traffic. This is critical in iGaming, where compliance and authority matter just as much as rankings.
- Scaling What Others Can’t – Many agencies struggle to secure placements on top-ranking pages because it’s a slow, manual process. Boogle eliminates that bottleneck by using AI to automate outreach, track responses, and optimize success rates—allowing us to deliver high-quality backlinks faster and more efficiently.
If you book a call with us, we can also just guide you through the process and help your website get better links!
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, you will be making a Keynote Presentation titled “Game-Changing AI & SEO Strategies to Skyrocket Your Traffic.” Can you give us a sneak peek into the key insights and strategies you’ll be sharing with the audience?
Sure, let me share a little sneak peak!
I’ll be sharing real, battle-tested AI & SEO strategies from my decade of experience in SEO that help iGaming brands rank higher, attract more players, and drive real revenue.
You will walk away with tips to build better backlinks at scale, fix multi-market SEO and how to stay ahead on the SERP.
If you have any questions, there will be a Q&A session as well, and we will be having a booth at the conference too. I am excited to meet every attendee, speaker, and sponsors!
With Digital Web Solutions at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into digital PR, SEO, and the evolving iGaming market. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Mastering Digital PR in iGaming: Insights from Digital Web Solutions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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