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A Sure Bet: Cruise Ship Casinos Pay Off with Jackpots, Friends and Making Guests Feel at Home
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When Texan Glenda Ostrokol gets on a ship she has a plan: Get to the casino as soon as it opens. She does not gamble on land. But in cruise ship casinos, she’s a big player, and receives all the perks that go along with that status.
“Carnival Cruise Line just makes it so much fun,” Ostrokol says. “I do love slot machines, and I play them all. And the casino team takes really good care of me.”
David Simpson of Leesburg, Fla., says arriving at a ship casino is akin to coming home. He and fellow Carnival Cruise Line players communicate through a dedicated Casino Fan Facebook page.
“We go in there and meet other friends we cruise with from all over the U.S.,” Simpson says. “There’s always somebody we know, people from Texas, Idaho, North Carolina. And there’s not a ship that we go on that we don’t know the casino team.”
Unlike with casinos on land, cruise guests are typically on board for a week or more, time for relationships to develop.
“We offer them a warm and friendly environment where they can interact with fellow cruisers,” says Marty Goldman, senior vice president of global casino operations for Carnival Corporation. “And we have an engaging casino team that takes the time to understand guest needs. We want to ensure that we are different from a typical casino in that way.”
Since joining Carnival Corporation from Caesars Entertainment in 2012, Goldman has overseen tremendous growth in the casino realm – as the world’s largest cruise company has expanded its gaming operations around the world.
Casino play is popular on all the cruise lines under the Carnival Corporation banner. In addition to Carnival Cruise Line, this includes Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn, German line AIDA Cruises, Italian line Costa Cruises, British line P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.
Across the fleet, the most popular gaming option is slots, with Americans and Australians particularly big fans. With more than 100 casinos, Carnival Corporation sees a guest spinning the reels on a slot machine 112 times per second, making it by far the most popular form of gaming.
Tournament play is tremendously popular on ships in North America, and Carnival Corporation has plans to expand slot tournaments elsewhere around the world.
The company paid out more than $1 million in tournaments in the past year. This includes special branded events with tie-ins to Wheel of Fortune and Monopoly, the latter being for the biggest prize money the company ever paid. With guests flocking to these events, they will be expanded across the fleet, with a marquee Spin & Sail event on Carnival Cruise Line in 2019.
Though blackjack is preferred in the United States, the casinos cater to a wide array of tastes for games offering roulette, baccarat and a variety of poker games in different markets.
Goldman says the gaming crowd appreciates innovation, so his team is always on the lookout for what’s new and what people want to play on a regional basis.
Among options trending now are arcade-style games for adults and lottery-style scratch tickets.
“We are always looking at what else may be popular,” Goldman says. “We want to appeal to as broad an audience as possible.”
For frequent players, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Players Club is “unlike anything else anywhere on land or sea,” Goldman says. Players clubs are also available on Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and expanding to some of the corporation’s international brands.
Based on play, perks for players include everything from complimentary drinks to free cabins. Special events see top players invited to participate in unique and exciting experiences, which elevates the energy in the casino for all guests.
“People like engaging with other people who play,” says Goldman.
Behind the scenes, a new casino management system will allow more customized incentives for players.
“We will be able to offer an incentive based on what you are playing in real time,” Goldman says.
As it looks to expand its audience, Carnival Corporation has strategic partnerships with casinos on land, with qualified players offered a certificate for a free cruise. This enables the cruise company to draw new-to-cruise players to its casinos.
There are some differences in cruise ship play. With a more relaxed atmosphere, game table minimums are typically lower, for instance. While they vary by ship, itinerary and even time of day, it’s rare to find a minimum over $25.
In the friendly, guest-centric environment waging limits are adjusted based on a player’s personal preferences. “We have some very high limit players, not much different than you would see with land-based casinos,” Goldman says.
With nearly 60 cruises under her belt since 2002, Ostrokol has stories to tell – like the time earlier this year when she won $14,790 on a slot machine on the Carnival Vista, a ship with more than 250 machines.
“I thought I had won $1,400, and said, ‘Okay, I can play tomorrow.’ When I realized it was more, I screamed,” she says, laughing. She used her payout for a down payment on a wheelchair accessible van.
Simpson, a blackjack player who occasionally dabbles in slots, plays a few times a year in Las Vegas, but says ships are decidedly friendlier places. His biggest shipboard win was a $25,000 blackjack hand, “on the Lucky Ladies.” He also won a slot tournament on the Carnival Breeze.
“The best way to describe what time of day you can find me in the casino, is whenever it’s open,” Simpson says with a laugh. He’s been known to play well into the night and hit a ship’s 24-hour pizzeria to watch the sunrise.
Simpson says in addition to gaming, he enjoys Carnival Cruise Line’s specialty dining, such as La Cucina for Italian and Gigi’s for pan-Asian cuisine.
And then there are all the additional virtues of cruising. In traditional gaming resorts, you are in one place with one focus. On cruise ships, gaming comes with a wealth of other fun entertainment and activities – including visiting several exciting destinations during your vacation.
Carnival Corporation offers a variety of casino experiences, whether guests want to dress up like James Bond or go completely casual. There are classic casinos on Holland America Line and P&O Cruises in the United Kingdom, and smaller, more intimate experiences on ultra-luxury line Seabourn. You can even play while crossing the Atlantic on a luxurious Cunard ocean liner.
“From a casino perspective, we can offer something for everybody, every day, all across the globe, which no one else can do,” Goldman says.
Fun facts from Carnival Corporate Global Casino Operations:
Slot machines on Carnival Corporation ships produce more than 3.5 billion hand pulls per year.
More than 56,000 slots jackpots are paid out each year, an average of more than 155 per day.
On Carnival Corporation ships, blackjack players older than 60 are twice as skillful as players younger than 30.
In the largest annual tournaments, on Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, players vie for a share of a $200,000 pot.
The 2,600-strong Carnival Corporation shipboard casino team represents 79 nationalities.
SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report
Leading B2B iGaming solutions provider Slotegrator has released part 1 of the iGaming trends 2025 report, offering a comprehensive look at the trends set to define the industry in the coming year. The report highlights innovative strategies and technologies that operators and providers can leverage to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The report highlights transformative shifts in the iGaming landscape that are reshaping the way operators and providers approach their businesses.
The report contains information about AI and how it is set to revolutionize the iGaming industry by becoming a game-changing tool for operators. Its advances are enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, fraud detection, and player engagement, setting a new standard for the industry. Faruk Aydin, Chief Revenue Officer at Revpanda Group, expressed his opinion on the AI trend: “As we navigate the AI era, I believe it’s more important than ever for iGaming brands to ensure their content is local, relevant, and human-wr0itten to truly connect with players and build trust”.
William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, believes that in 2025, iGaming trends will reflect global shifts and technological advancements. According to Sarto, “AI continues to transform the iGaming industry. In 2025, its application will expand in areas such as data analysis and processing to enhance the gaming experience, content creation and process automation, and tools for personalization and creating added value for players.’’
According to Slotegrator, payment technologies are also evolving rapidly. With the integration of cryptocurrencies, biometric authentication, and instant cross-border transactions, in 2025 it will become key to meeting player demands for speed, security, and convenience.
In addition, the growing importance of social gaming and community building is redefining player expectations. No longer just about entertainment, iGaming platforms are increasingly becoming spaces for connection, where features like live dealer games, player chats, and tournaments foster a sense of belonging and enhance retention.
William Sarto highlights that “responsible gambling, social and charitable initiatives, and addressing ecological concerns are becoming integral. These factors influence not only the external perception of companies but also their internal corporate culture.’’
Sarto also puts a focus on brand and values: “Building a strong brand is becoming a core development vector. Establishing values, communicating them to both B2B and B2C audiences, and creating added value for “consumers” are critical. Players will choose companies offering not just quality products but also emotional connection.’’
Slotegrator also delves into the emergence of innovative game formats, such as crash games, skill-based gaming, and immersive VR and AR experiences, which are attracting a broader and more diverse audience.
Meanwhile, the evolution of affiliate marketing strategies emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and localization, allowing operators to connect more deeply with their target demographics.
The report emphasizes the importance of forward planning, urging operators to adapt to shifting player preferences and adopt the latest technologies to maintain competitiveness in the dynamic iGaming market.
Faruk Aydin has added his predictions about iGaming trends for 2025: “I think 2025 will be another year where we’ll see new trends emerge, while still needing to stick to the fundamentals. If iGaming brands want to stay ahead in the marketing game, they’ll need to focus on a smarter, more strategic approach.
Multi-channel marketing will take center stage, enabling brands to engage players through a mix of social media, email, influencers, and more—creating seamless, personalized experiences. At the same time, SEO will remain a cornerstone of success—optimizing for search intent will help brands stay visible and competitive.
Finally, exploring new and emerging markets, especially in regions with growing online gaming adoption, presents a huge opportunity for brands that localize their approach and adapt to regional preferences. Overall, adopting a marketing strategy that balances technology with a human touch will be the key to success for iGaming brands in 2025”.
The iGaming Trends 2025, Part 1 is now available for download on the Slotegrator website. For additional information or inquiries, please contact the Slotegrator team.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
The post Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Unwrap a flurry of festive wins in Chessmas by Swintt’s Elysium Studios
New board-game based entry in the Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt line-up sees tactics meet tinsel as players get into the holiday spirit with big wins of up to 9,021x
We all know nothing beats a good board game over the holiday period – so to help players get into the competitive spirit this Christmas, Elysium Studios has created a cracking new Chessmas slot where making the perfect play could result in a flurry of festive wins.
Taking place in the cosy confines of Santa’s workshop, Chessmas features an expanded 5×5 reel set with 15 fixed paylines and is designed to look like a classic chess board. Symbols to feature in the game include reindeers, snowmen, sleighs and Mrs Claus, with each of these icons taking on the characteristics of a corresponding chess piece when its wild modifier has been activated.
At the start each round, a special “Christmas Reel” to the left of the board will spin to reveal either a win multiplier or a symbol to become wild. In the latter case, any instances of the selected symbol will expand in a pattern that mimics the actions of a particular chess piece – with reindeers moving in an L shape, snowmen spreading diagonally and sleighs copying horizontally.
Mrs Claus understandably acts as the queen piece and will not only move in any direction to complete the biggest win possible, but also rewards players with three free respins. “But what of Santa himself?” you might ask – fear not, for he also appears to trigger the game’s bonus feature.
Activated whenever Jolly St. Nick arrives on reels one, three and five simultaneously, players will be transported to a Christmas-themed board game and awarded between four and eight rolls of the dice. Each roll they make will see Santa travel around the board and land on spaces containing multipliers, win multipliers and extra turns, with all payouts accumulating as they go.
Should they not wish to wait to trigger this exciting extra from the base game, players also have the option to use the “Buy” button to enter the bonus directly, but either way it’s a feature that has the potential to award big prizes in addition to the slot’s already impressive 9,021x maximum win.
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, Chessmas – our new festive-themed from Elysium Studios – has all the right ingredients to get you into the holiday spirit. Featuring expanding wilds and an exciting, board-game based bonus feature, it’s a Christmas cracker that we’re sure all players are going to love!”
The post Unwrap a flurry of festive wins in Chessmas by Swintt’s Elysium Studios appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Ring in the Holidays with 1spin4win’s New Year Prize Rush network promotion
The holiday season is about to get even more exciting with 1spin4win’s brand-new “New Year Prize Rush” network promotion, featuring a €20,000 prize pool.
Running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, this 1spin4win festive event offers players the chance to win part of the €20,000 prize pool, with 515 cash prizes spread across 11 1spin4win games. Players can claim as many prizes as they like throughout the promotion.
The “New Year Prize Rush” is designed to spark excitement, attract new players, and increase player engagement during the holiday season. The generous prize pool and festive atmosphere are sure to boost GGR and betting volume, encouraging players to keep spinning for more. With holiday cheer at the heart of the promotion, operators can also enhance their brand image and foster stronger connections with their players.
Thanks to 1spin4win’s automatic setup, operators can effortlessly run this holiday-themed event. Prizes are credited directly to players’ accounts, requiring no extra configuration and ensuring smooth operations while maximizing player participation and engagement.
Olga Hlukhovskaya, Head of the Account Management Division at 1spin4win, said, “We really wanted to capture the magic of the holiday season. That’s why we created two brand-new games, Classic Christmas and Christmas Gems, specifically for this promotion. We hope these festive games bring extra joy to our players and make the ‘New Year Prize Rush’ an experience they’ll enjoy and remember.”
Players can dive into the holiday spirit with 11 specially selected 1spin4win games, packed with festive fun and big rewards as part of the “New Year Prize Rush” promotion.
- Classic Christmas (coming soon)
- Christmas Gems (coming soon)
- Fruity Christmas
- Lucky Christmas 243
- Lucky Eve 100
- Lucky Xmas 20
- Northern Gold Rush
- Lucky Snowlight
- Lucky Gold Miner
- Cash The Gold
- Hold the Gold
This year, two new holiday-themed games, Classic Christmas and Christmas Gems, take center stage in the promotion, offering a festive experience and the beloved Hold and Win mechanic. Classic Christmas captures the charm of the traditional land-based slot machines, while Christmas Gems dazzles with sparkling rewards. All games, including these two new releases, are compatible with both fiat and cryptocurrencies, allowing players from all over the world to join in the holiday fun.
For further details or inquiries, please contact the dedicated 1spin4win Account Manager or Olga Hlukhovskaya, Head of Account Management Division at 1spin4win, at [email protected].
Find out more about 1spin4win’s promotional tools for online casinos here.
About 1spin4win
1spin4win is a fast-growing game provider founded in May 2021 by ambitious developers with over 15 years of experience in the gambling industry. Since its inception, the company has expanded its portfolio to include over 100 classic online slots, all characterized by quality mathematics, transparent mechanics, and well-balanced gameplay — key factors that drive strong player retention. The studio consistently releases an average of three new games each month and offers effective promotional tools for casino operators to help them enhance player loyalty.
The post Ring in the Holidays with 1spin4win’s New Year Prize Rush network promotion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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