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Exclusive interview with Lars Kollind, Business Development Manager at Playson

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Exclusive interview with Lars Kollind, Business Development Manager at PlaysonReading Time: 5 minutes

 

European Gaming caught up with Lars Kollind who is spearheading the brands strategic plans to continue expanding its operational portfolio worldwide, both vertically and horizontally.

 

 

You joined Playson in January this year. How is your experience so far?

Kollind: Hello and thank you for the opportunity to share my experience at Playson.

When I joined the company, I expected a young provider, still figuring things out, however in the few months I’ve been here I have been pleasantly surprised to understand the company is well-established, with clear goals and direction, and with a great culture focused on quality of workplace experience. Playson games are popular among operators and players alike due to their high-quality graphics and animation, supported by a robust and reliable technical set-up that ensures seamless a experience.

On a more personal level, I am greatly enjoying the atmosphere in the company. Values such as collaboration, teamwork, peer support and responsible autonomy are at the core of company culture, which is why we work as a closely-knit pack. At the same time, this allows me the freedom to be myself and motivates me to give my best in my role.

 

Playson has signed some major clients recently, such as Leo Vegas, ComeOn, and Hero Gaming. Tell us more about the new deals and strategic aspects behind each deal.

Kollind: It’s no secret that we are proud of these recent partnerships and they have given us added impetus to re-evaluate our operations. The company has operated for a long time as a small-to-medium-scale, dynamic studio, with laser focus on quality of product and support. Recent deals with tier one operators and other suppliers have provided us with the context to understand that our position in the market is changing. We are moving with confidence towards the core of European iGaming, increasing our regulated market footprint and our ambitions.

 

What was your specific role role in these deals?

Kollind: It is common practice in the company to appreciate the team-effort even across every acjhievement, no matter how large or small. It’s true, actually, that even top performers reach out to a large number of professionals from other departments in order to secure a deal. These particular deals were coordinated by our Sales Manager and my involvement only started after the deals were signed.

 

How do the new deals auger for Playson’s future? What are the new deals in the pipeline?

Kollind: The most important message sent by these deals is that Playson is a mature, stable and reliable provider that is here to stay – and grow. Our engines are revved up and we don’t expect to slow down our expansion process any time soon. We have some significant announcements to make in the coming months so watch this space!

 

Are there any plans to expand Playson’s footprints to the USA and Asia? Big things are happening or about to happen in the USA and Japan in the gaming sector.

Kollind: For the time being Playson is focusing on its core markets and only contemplating non-European territories from afar. We expect markets such as the US and Asia to take decisive steps towards regulation and developing the necessary framework for harbouring safe, compliant and responsible gaming, bit this will take time. This year we are committed to expanding our presence exclusively on regulated European markets, but next year it’s not out of the question that we may consider other regulating and/or regulated jurisdictions as well.

 

Playson has already published more than 70 omnichannel games? Are you going to launch any new games soon, like the Blackjack suite in HTML5? Would love to hear more details.

Kollind: Our HTML 5 Blackjack game is already live and performing well. We are committed to releasing two to three new games every month with new and exciting themes and highly engaging features and functionality that players love and keep coming back to time and again.

 

Playson has published some much sought-after games in its history. How does the planning go before developing and publishing the games? Could you also tell us more about some of the most successful games in Playson’s portfolio?

Kollind: Our game development process is extensive and we take a meticulous approach to themes and details within each product ensuring our products meet the right compliance standards, are customized to the market we are looking to target and the player segment we are catering for.

We always look at the history of what is popular with certain player demographics, however we also innovate as much and as often as possible with new features such as “daily” jackpot implementations.

Our classic titles such as Legend of Cleopatra are still a major success for us. Players love this 100-bet line game that can pay out huge wins across the pyramid-type reels.

 

Playson’s offices are spread across four countries: Malta, Ukraine, UK and Greece. How do you manage to maintain a coherent work culture? Any special human resources policies?

Kollind: We may be spread across several global locations, but we embrace a connected working culture and we’re constantly in touch with each office. This has proven to be a huge success for us internally with increased productivity, plus it’s also great to have our employees spread out so we can meet our clients as often as possible based on the geography of staff. Each location is designed to appeal to local talent, and we have carefully planned this within the hiring process.

 

You are participating in CEEGC 2019 at Budapest on 24-25 September. What do you think is special about CEEGC? Why this event is important to your company?

Kollind: This is the fourth Central and Eastern European Gaming Conference and Awards (CEEGC & CEEG). With several countries within the region opening and regulating this market is becoming increasingly important and we’re very much looking forward to meeting new and existing clients in September.

Our General Counsel, Andrei Andronic, is taking part in a compliance panel at the event in Budapest and it will be great learn and network with our peers on issues such as compliance and investment opportunities in the regulated Central and Eastern European jurisdictions including Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Croatia and Slovenia, and the Emerging CEE jurisdictions, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland.

We really value having a presence at events such as this, particularly in exciting, emerging territories.

 

You have had about 15 years of experience in the gaming industry. How do you look back at your career?

Kollind: I’m very proud of my personal achievements but my focus is very much about building on the reputation Playson has built during that time and the significant plans and announcements we have for the coming months and years. We have some seriously exciting developments to discuss soon that I can’t wait to share.

 

Finally, do you think artificial intelligence is going to change the industry? What are Playson’s plans to tackle the opportunities and challenges that emerging disruptive technologies pose in the gaming sector?

Kollind: AI is clearly the buzzword of the moment, but I don’t see many companies making many inroads here. We use advanced AI technology to both improve our internal processes and our 70+ omni-channel slot games. It is helping us design better performing and more targeted localized content and this will only grow in value over time.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article:
Exclusive interview with Lars Kollind, Business Development Manager at Playson

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet

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Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.

Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players

With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:

  • Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
  • Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
  • Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
  • Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.

Commitment to Quality and Compliance

Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.

The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.

The post Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 17/2024 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is on point with its latest sharply designed game, Golden øks. This Norse-inspired adventure carries on from the popular Axe of Fortune title that hit the market at the turn of the year. Golden øks is set against a 5×3 layout and is brought to life with a powerful soundtrack to heighten the atmosphere.

Endorphina, has announced the release of its brand-new title, Jolly Queen, which will join its portfolio on April 27th. Jolly Queen is a 5-reel, 5-row fruit slot with 50 fixed paylines, introducing players to the lifestyle of the nobles. On top of the aristocratic ambiance, Jolly Queen provides players with Free Games, allowing them to master the reels.

Evoplay has released Candy Craze, a vibrant slot stacked with features and modifiers, including the powerful Gum Drop Multiplier which boosts win potential. Set amidst the backdrop of sumptuous sweets within a cloudy landscape, the 5×5 cascading reels title gives players a sugary rush when the Gum Drop Multiplier activates, revealing a mystery value at the end of each winning spin up to x100, enhancing the chance for wins during the main game and Free Spins.

Yggdrasil, a leading iGaming publisher, has revived the gold rush in a jackpot-filled game that embodies the spirit of old west prospecting in Gold Frontier Jackpots FastPot5™. Fans of lower volatility slots with straightforward mechanics that get fortune seekers right to the heart of the action are tasked with gathering keys to enter the treasure bonus game.

Relax Gaming is offering players some opulence in its latest release Sultan Spins. This high volatility slot sees its gold-trimmed reels set against a sprawling desert metropolis. Players have the chance to rack up riches via an entertaining free spins feature and lucrative local jackpot.

Greentube has introduced its latest title in the popular Diamond Link ™ series, Diamond Link ™: Mighty Dwarves Inc. Set deep in underground mines, this adventurous 5×3 slot is packed with innovative features for ample chance to win across its 25 paylines when players spin the reels adorned with hammers, hard hats and laser symbols.

Get your eyes ready because it’s time to take a trip to the pet centre to meet the ugliest, quirkiest, wildest-looking pets you’ve ever seen in the brand new slot, Fugly Pets, from Stakelogic. Fugly Pets takes players to a banged-up old pet store to explore its collection of weird and charming, downright ugly pets. Meet a scruffy parrot, a catnip crazed kitty, and an unfortunate-looking little dog.

 

 

Load your tackle box, bait your hook and get ready to reel in the catch of the day in Fishin’ The Biggest from Apparat Gaming, the in-demand German software provider’s latest splash hit slot that sees players trawl the sea for free spins and massively multiplied prizes. Played over five reels, three rows and ten fixed paylines, Fishin’ The Biggest is a highly-volatile title with an outdoor angling theme.

Thunderkick has announced the launch of Midas Golden Touch 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. This latest release invites players to rediscover an enchanted realm where everything King Midas touches turns to gold. The 3×5 video slot boasts 15 paylines and showcases Thunderkick’s signature high-quality design and innovative features.

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has served up another classic with its tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot. This latest release from Belatra’s studio  is a vibrant and juicy addition to its renowned catalogue of slots. It’s a 5×4 slot game bursting with colour that’s heightened with an upbeat, retro soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of fun at the heart of every play.

3 Oaks Gaming has launched 3 China Pots: Hold and Win, the first time the company has integrated the popular 3 Pots mechanic within a Far East-themed title. The latest instalment from 3 Oaks to incorporate the 3 Pots functionality sees players transported to the allure of the Orient, where the Extra, Double and Multi modifiers influence the Bonus Game once activated.

Pragmatic Play has unleashed roaming wild re-spins and random guaranteed wins in Release the Bison. Symbols of the American frontier abound in this 5×4 slot, where hitting four or more rampaging bison triggers the wild re-spin feature, during which all wilds roam the reels to boost win potential.

Blueprint Gaming’s latest slot release tasks players to look for the leprechaun’s pot of gold under the water rather than at the end of the rainbow in Plenty O’ Fish, a 6×4 hybrid of sea creatures and shimmering rewards. Players must look to unlock a tackle box of treasure with a jaunty leprechaun being the key to wins, lurking behind a dynamically coloured underwater background that changes when the bonus game is triggered.

Booming Games has launched its latest sweet sensation to its collection of engaging slot games – Fruit Heaven Hold and Win™. This is a deliciously designed 5×3 slot game with 25 paylines, which promises players an exciting experience full of fantastic fruity features and Stacked Wilds.

Wazdan is multiplying jackpots in the follow-up to its top-performing game Mighty Wild™: Panther Grand Gold Edition. Venturing to the depths of the jungle where a black panther rules the reels on a 5×3 gameboard, the new edition provides even larger win potential. With the increased value of the Cash symbols and Cash Infinity™ symbols, there is also a more lucrative Grand Jackpot of 1500x the base bet.

The post Week 17/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CasinoBeats Summit 2024: Providing the Tools to Balance Innovation and Regulation in the Digital Age

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As the industry seeks optimal methods to responsibly integrate innovative technology, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit will provide delegates with an exploration of the latest emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks and future trends to ensure a safe yet immersive gaming experience for players.

The Industry and Leadership track will take place across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, May 22 to 23 at the InterContinental Malta. Panel sessions will delve into key topics such as global gaming regulations, the evolving digital payment landscape and an in-depth exploration of the world of M&A.

The panel entitled Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age will delve into the latest responsible gambling initiatives influencing the digital landscape. Expert speakers Pedro Romero (RG Consultant and psychologist, University of Gibraltar), Matthew Curtis (Head of Responsible Gaming, L&L), Georgia Wise (Head of Responsible Gaming, PlayNorth), Eduards Jakubovs (Head of Responsible Gaming, Betsson) and panel moderator Maris Catania (Senior SG Consultant, SG: Certified) will analyse the impact of landmark regulatory guidelines such as the 3.4.3 regulation on remote customer interaction and the United Kingdom’s ‘white paper’ as well as discuss the latest distinctions between regulated, grey and black markets.

The Industry Trends and Future Predictions panel will look at the future of the casino sector, examining upcoming industry trends and their potential impact. Industry leaders Itai Zak (Executive Director, Digicode, and former/ex-Chief Executive Officer, SBTech), Matthew D’Emanuele (Chief Executive Officer, Yolo Entertainment), Alexander Martin (Chief Executive Officer, SKS365), Inesa Glazaite (Chief Commercial Officer, iGaming Platform), Dmitry Starostenkov (Chief Executive Officer, EvenBet) alongside panel moderator Martyn Elliott (Project Director, SBC Media) will offer insights into key emerging markets, innovative game formats and strategies to effectively cater to evolving player needs.

Commencing the second day is the panel entitled The Evolving Landscape of Gaming Sector Payments, which will explore the current state of the industry’s payment sector. Expert speakers Sean Spiteri (Head of Payment Solutions, PressEnter), Enrico Giancaterina (Managing Director, Funtech) and Ian Perrygrove (Chief Risk Officer, Kwiff) will discuss the current payment innovations driven by the casino sector, analyse the future of digital payment methods and the potential risks of such rapid innovations.

The Navigating the Future: Global Gaming Regulations panel will explore strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by current and future global regulations. Regulator representatives Aideen Shortt, (Advisor to the Minister, Curacao), Andrew Lyman (Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director, Gibraltar), Andrew Rhodes (Chief Executive, Gambling Commission) and Brandon Debattista (Deputy Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gaming Authority) will provide insights into their respective markets whilst assessing the possibility of a unified global regulatory standard and the importance of cross-market collaboration.

Additionally, track attendees will have the opportunity to garner insights into the world of acquisition and investment during an exclusive IMGL-led masterclass, Acquisition Strategy: Gearing up for Investment, which is set to take place on Thursday, May 23, the second core day of the event.

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the Group Pass Ticket and gain access to all three days of the CasinoBeats Summit for the discounted price of €400 per person (a saving of €200 per ticket). Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for a free pass to the event.

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers and exhibitor additions and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly CasinoBeats Summit LinkedIn newsletter.

The post CasinoBeats Summit 2024: Providing the Tools to Balance Innovation and Regulation in the Digital Age appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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