HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to welcome NSoft, an awarded software provider in the betting and gaming industry, as a key participant in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Zlatan Omerspahić, Head of Legal and Compliance at NSoft, to explore the challenges of entering the Brazilian market, the company’s new slot development plans, and the latest updates on its Next Gen Platform and Sportsbook solutions.

As new markets emerge, compliance requirements continue to evolve. What are the biggest regulatory challenges NSoft faces when certifying its portfolio for international expansion, and how do you navigate them?

When facing a new regulatory framework or amendments, one of the main challenges is determining how to adapt your existing portfolio. On the one hand, you need to comply with regulations; on the other, you must remain attractive to players.

Each market typically has its own set of technical standards. Some European jurisdictions require Random Number Generator (RNG) certification from specific labs. Different U.S. states mandate unique reporting formats for game logs or jackpot payouts.

The modular architecture allows us to develop games and platforms that can be easily adapted or toggled on/off for specific features required by different regulators. Our dedicated compliance team tracks each market’s technical updates. We have established an internal process to quickly evaluate and implement changes and we work closely with accredited labs (e.g., GLI, BMM) that have experience across multiple jurisdictions. Early and regular testing in these labs can speed up certification.

The biggest challenge lies in anticipating all necessary steps so that both you and your client have a clear understanding of the time to market. Securing licenses can be expensive and time-consuming.

Some markets, like the UK, have strict guidelines under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Others, such as Malta, follow the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requirements. The frameworks can vary significantly in scope. Separate licensing is often needed for each new product type (e.g., sports betting vs. online slots).

We start with smaller or simpler markets to fine-tune our processes before moving on to the bigger, more complex ones. We maintain a comprehensive library of corporate and technical documentation (policies, procedures, financial statements) so it can be adapted quickly for each new licensing application.

Different regions have different data privacy requirements. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU requires strict controls on handling personal data, with hefty fines for noncompliance. Some markets have data localization rules (e.g., certain Latin American or Asian regions) requiring that customer data remain on local servers.

We integrate encryption, access controls, and clear data retention policies from the outset. Working with hosting and cloud providers who offer local data centers where required, ensures we meet data residency requirements. We maintain comprehensive privacy policies that clearly outline data usage, storage, and protection mechanisms.

iGaming operators are prime targets for illicit money flows because of high-volume transactions. Regulators impose strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, including identity verification, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.

What to do here? Integrate robust KYC and AML software that automatically flags unusual betting patterns or rapid deposit/withdrawal cycles. Tailor AML protocols to match the specific risk profiles of each jurisdiction. High-risk areas might require enhanced due diligence measures.

Each regulation has its own requirements, and regulatory bodies lack a uniform approach, so there is no single stance on the matter. Fortunately, thanks to my team of experienced professionals who have been in the industry for many years, we can quickly adjust to whatever these regulations entail.

The Brazilian market is currently undergoing significant regulatory changes. From a compliance perspective, what are the key hurdles for suppliers entering this market, and how is NSoft ensuring full adherence to local requirements?

Brazil has undoubtedly been the most important topic in the industry over the past few months. As part of the Sportradar Group, we have big plans for this market and are excited about the opportunities it offers.

From a regulatory standpoint, Brazil is a textbook example of a market transitioning from unregulated to regulated status for the first time. It naturally creates uncertainty and complexity for suppliers entering the market.

The challenges we encountered are interpreting new and evolving legislation around sports betting, online gaming, and taxation, each of which may require different licenses or technical approvals. We also faced regulatory changes during the certification process, which prolonged our time to market.

Also, data protection rules under Brazil’s LGPD mirror GDPR in some respects but introduce distinct obligations, such as potential data localization or particular reporting guidelines. In parallel, suppliers must adapt to local financial and banking processes to fulfill AML and KYC requirements, which can differ significantly from those in North America or Europe.

Through close collaboration with leading certification bodies, we worked diligently to meet all requirements.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our development team, we managed to overcome these challenges. However, there is a sense that the regulatory framework may need further adjustments after some time, once the newly regulated environment begins functioning in practice.

NSoft has been expanding its casino portfolio, particularly in slot development. How do compliance and regulatory standards shape the innovation process, and what are the biggest challenges when launching new video slots?

Balancing innovation and regulation is always challenging. While development focuses on creating the highest-quality product tailored to players’ preferences, regulation aims to protect players through a framework that covers various aspects.

We face a range of challenges, from game design and RTP percentages specific to certain markets to acceptable game names and mechanics.

In highly regulated jurisdictions, for example, a new slot might need to limit the maximum bet, include automatic loss or time-limits, or remove potentially addictive features such as rapid-fire spins.

The biggest challenge lies in balancing innovation with meeting these stringent regulations. Each game feature, like bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, or social elements, must be tested and certified by third-party labs, adding time and cost to the development cycle. Additionally, different markets might impose unique conditions on how results are displayed or how player data is stored.

What sets us apart, however, is our adaptability. We have in-house solutions for everything we offer, which makes the adaptation process significantly faster.

Your Next Gen Sportsbook Platform is built with a strong punter-centric approach. How does regulatory compliance play a role in platform development, and what steps does NSoft take to ensure both operators and players benefit from a secure and compliant environment?

Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of NSoft’s Next Gen Sportsbook Platform, ensuring that both operators and players benefit from a secure, fair, and legally compliant environment.

Given the ever-evolving nature of global betting regulations, NSoft integrates compliance into every stage of platform development. NSoft’s platform is designed to meet the strictest regulatory requirements across various markets, supporting compliance with multiple gambling authorities, including the MGA, UKGC, and local regulators, to facilitate seamless licensing and adherence to legal frameworks.

As a speaker at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, what key insights will you be sharing with the audience? What makes this event an essential platform for discussing the intersection of compliance, innovation, and market expansion?

At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, I will share key insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of technology in compliance, and how innovation drives sustainable market expansion. My primary focus will be on the Balkan countries.

This event is crucial for networking with regulators and industry leaders, giving direct insights into what’s next in compliance, technology, and market growth. It’s the perfect platform for staying ahead of regulatory challenges and finding practical solutions.

With NSoft at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. 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!

Clover Fest Hold and Win welcomes players to the green-clad world of a mysterious Emerald Grove, inviting them to spend the international celebration of Ireland by spinning the magical reels. A field of shamrocks, a jolly leprechaun character, a rainbow, and a heavy pot of gold stand out immediately, making sure that players won’t have any doubts about what sort of slot they are spinning. The compact 3×3 reels give off intense lucky energy, boasting Wild four-leaf clovers, golden horseshoe symbols, and abundant juicy fruits.

The gameplay only adds to the atmosphere. Filling the grid entirely with the same symbol leads to a double payout, while snatching 3+ golden Coins kicks off the ever-popular Bonus game of Hold and Win with the x100 and x1,000 Jackpots. The stylish Mini Jackpot Coin is colored as a rainbow, perfectly matching the theme. Impatient players can begin the Bonus game immediately with the Buy Bonus.

The iGaming experience packs high volatility, a maximum multiplier of x1,500, 97.1% RTP, and 27 paylines.

This is not the first time 1spin4win has come out with a St. Patrick’s Day release. The provider’s portfolio features the Lucky Lady Bug slot and the hit series Lucky Clover — Lucky Clover 27, Lucky Clover 243, and Lucky Clover Spins. This is a part of 1spin4win’s established practice of regularly launching seasonal slots tied to major events.

Olga Bogdanova, the Art Director at 1spin4win, commented, “Releasing slots for St. Patrick’s Day has become our studio’s great tradition. Such titles remain popular among players even after the holiday. Clover Fest Hold and Win features a bright and cheerful design, and we hope players will enjoy it.”

Learn more about 1spin4win’s seasonal offers here.

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The mobile games industry is experiencing a seismic shift in the way gamers discover and play games. According to a new survey of 2,003 gamers in the US and UK, a staggering 50% of players have earned real-world rewards such as cash and gift cards from brands such as Netflix and Amazon for playing mobile games. These findings are part of the deepest study into rewarded gameplay, produced by Almedia, a fast growth technology company that rewards players for downloading and completing milestones in mobile games and apps.

After two years of decline, 2024 was the year mobile gaming returned to revenue growth, with a 3% year-on-year rise. During this time, rewarded gameplay has driven a fundamental shift in how people discover and choose games to play. Almedia’s study finds that 54% of gamers are playing more games now than in previous years. Of those, almost more than two in five (42%) cite gameplay rewards and incentives as one of the key factors in them playing more often.

72% of gamers who have previously earned real-world rewards say they’re important in their decision to try a new game, and 76% are more likely to recommend a rewarded game than a game without rewards. Leading global studios such as Innplay Labs, Mad Brain Games and Playtika have made rewarded gaming part of their user acquisition and engagement strategies through Almedia’s market-leading rewards platform, Freecash, which has more than three million monthly active users.

Moritz Holländer, Founder and CEO at Almedia, added:

“Our deep study of gamers clearly shows that there’s a voracious appetite for rewards across the mobile games industry. Never before in gaming have we witnessed the mass adoption of real-world rewards by players. What we are currently seeing is real-time transformation in how gamers choose what they play based on rewards – and also rewards’ ability to foster valuable long-term relationships between players and games. It’s a total rewrite of how and why users engage with gaming content, and a much-needed one at a time where game studios face barriers to acquiring and retaining players in a highly competitive market.” 

Rewards are not only powering increased game downloads, but they’re also a key driver of player engagement and retention. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of players reported an increased playtime due to rewards, while 85% continue playing a game once rewards end; indicating rewards have powerful potential to onboard long-term users that transcends their immediate impact. The study also shows how rewards can unlock new revenue opportunities for developers, with 23% of players expecting to spend on in-app purchases within a game to unlock higher tiers of rewards.

While rewards are already transforming the way players engage with mobile and web games, there’s an expectation from games studios that consoles will see similar rewards in the future. ‘Rewarded Returns Part Two: The Player Perspective’ follows the release of Almedia’s first report in January 2025 which revealed how 500 game developers were evaluating rewarded approaches. In this study, 90% of developers who have run a reward-based campaign expect to see rewards on consoles in the future.

Key Findings:

Among 2,003 mobile gamers

• 50% have received a real-world reward via a mobile game

• 75% feel positive about mobile games offering real-world rewards

• 54% of gamers are playing more games now in comparison to 3-5 years ago

  • 42% of these are playing mobile games more because of rewards or incentives

Among those who have received a real-world reward (50%)

• 72% say rewards are important in their decision to try a new game

• 85% continue to play after a game’s real-world rewards end

• 76% are more likely to recommend a rewarded game

Among those who have only received in-game rewards (50%)

• 67% say traditional in-game rewards make them feel positive towards a game

• 65% say they are more likely to try a new game if offered real-world rewards

• 58% said that real-world rewards would make them play differently — mostly longer