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Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment

Published

4 years ago

February 17, 2021

George Miller

Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment

Reading Time: 5 minutes

With the CEE region no doubt set to be one of Europe’s biggest growth stories this year, we caught up with Evoplay Entertainment’s CBDO, Vladimir Malakchi, to talk through the region’s demographics, opportunities and hottest markets through 2021 and beyond.

The CEE region has become an increasingly important factor for growth on the continent, which markets do you see being the main drivers?

It’s all about the big-hitters that have an established framework in place, whether that be Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia or any of the other regulated markets. What we’ve seen in the last few years has been exponential in terms of growth, and that’s undoubtedly a good thing. Solid, concise frameworks that allow a safe and level playing field for both player and operator has created a wide berth of entry for multiple international brands across the region. Given the windfall on revenue for governments, rather than seeing GGR go offshore, will undoubtedly prove to be a good thing for local economies, and has already proven to be a significant contributor to national budgets.

In hand with that development comes a surge in the quality of gaming available – as well as a more advanced menu of entertainment experiences – whether that be table games, instant games or slots. I’m fully confident that the advantages of a safe, regulated market will continue to be felt by countries that have established a steady GGR growth rate and a favourable environment for doing business.

In general, how would you define the typical CEE player’s profile towards slots, instant and table games? What kind of entertainment are players looking for?

The typical CEE player mainly shares characteristics with those you’d find elsewhere in Europe. Having said that, the transition to online has indeed come later than in the West, so it is inevitable that we see games that have a lot in common with the land-base sector to appeal to players. We’re also seeing plenty of interest in instant games (especially when it comes to our stable of titles), which I believe to be a massive growth area. Why? The clue’s in the name – they give players a chance to enjoy instant entertainment, lighting-fast game rounds and a quickfire result.

Are there any particular territories that stand out for you as having a unique player demographic?

While we’re certainly not a brand that believes in a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to global delivery, from personal experience I can say that the extent that one sees unique player demographics vary from country to country is relatively minimal. A greater factor that shapes delivery of product, and in effect defining the demographics of the players you deliver to in each market – is the infrastructure and accessibility. For example, with rural or highland areas, slower internet speeds are inevitable and therefore require more adaptable content that can either be leveraged via game engines to enhance the download speed, or alternatively through the application of light technical requirements for the game itself.

Having said that, CEE is digitising at an impressively fast pace. Heavy investment in high-speed broadband coverage can be observed throughout Europe, with 86% of the Czech Republic’s rural locations now connected to the internet, for instance, while Romania (as I’m sure any citizen there will be fast to tell you), has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world!

How should operators in the region be looking to tailor / customise their content to further drive retention and engagement?

There’s really no substitute for analysing the market in depth. That means closely studying the preferences of local players and the state-of-play for any potential competitors. Operators who get that process right can adapt their offering accordingly, thus driving revenue in the long-term.

We know that while session durations are relatively consistent across Europe, the average stake value is not. This is especially the case in the CEE region, where arguably the economic fallout from COVID-19 can be felt harder than most, which requires a gaming experience that can provide extended entertainment without draining player’s bank balances in minutes. This is especially the case for what is a hugely tech-savvy demographic – who are far more discerning than many outsiders would assume – and therefore require a solid product with the maths to back it up. Success here is all about authenticity, and players will recognise a lack of it from a mile off.

Gamification’s going to be a hot topic in the months ahead given the need for entertainment – as a market expert, what types of features do you believe will be key in 2021?

Tournaments are very strong right now – and formats that allow players to compete against each other in real time are going to be a mainstay in gaming development this year. I see this as being indicative that providing players with an additional sense of competition, such as pitting players against players through formats like multiplayer gameplay, is a whole new level of gamification in itself that can do wonders for making your products more interesting for your audience locked down at home.

I’m particularly excited about what multiplayer can offer, and we’re taking this area very seriously. They’re going to be a serious asset when it comes to providing an additional dimension of gameplay. Combine that with faster rounds with instant games (which are very hot right now), as well as the opportunity for more varied stakes – and you have a lightning-fast experience that can create a hugely exciting betting environment and really drive engagement and retention.

Ukraine of course is going to be very closely watched – how would you rate the regulation process so far and do you believe we’re on track to go live by mid-next year?

We’ve seen good progress in Ukraine since July last year when online gambling was officially made legal – and the government has been working hard to get a regulatory framework in place, with a commission already formed to monitor the issuing of licenses to casino operators.

It is also expected that the number of licences that the authorities choose to grant will be limited – this, just like we’ve recently seen in Argentina, means that we have a queue of foreign operators waiting for certification, and I predict will start seeing the results show in around six months. I look forward to contributing towards the creation of a safe and regulated gaming environment for all, as well as seeing the benefits that gaming revenue will bring to our national economy – just as it has for other regulated CEE territories. The future is certainly looking bright!

And last but not least, are there any leading figures or businesses you can recommend to our readers for 2021 inspiration?

The biggest source of inspiration to me personally continues to be the fantastic team of staff we’ve got right here at Evoplay Entertainment. The tremendous success we’ve enjoyed as a company drives me to strive for more, and I genuinely believe that when we work together as a company, there is almost nothing we can’t achieve.

Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from your own accomplishments, no matter how large or small. It’s a reminder that your greatest days lie ahead – something that’s particularly important to remember in the current circumstances!

Latest News

Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.

To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.

South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.

The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.

MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.

The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:

Name	Club	Nick	Province
Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.)	ZAG Academy	heartjess	KwaZulu Natal
Avonique van Rooyen	ZAG Academy	avo	Gauteng
Kiera McCallum	ZAG Academy	queen	KwaZulu Natal
Megan van der Westhuizen	ZAG Academy	m3gz	Gauteng
Kalee Ludick	ZAG Academy	creative	Gauteng

The post Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 25/2025 slot games releases

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

PG Soft has launched Jack the Giant Hunter – a cascading-style, 5-reel, 4-row video slot featuring expanding reels and a dynamic multiplier mechanic. Jack the Giant Hunter instantly plants players into an enchanted world where the path to riches is made perilous by a fierce giant. The action unfolds against a backdrop of mythical giants and golden treasure hidden in the clouds.

Spinomenal has dropped its hot new slot, Westside Glory as part of its Adventure Series. Westside Glory is set on the West Coast streets where bling, bravado, and beats make for a platinum title. Framed by palm trees and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this 5×3 slot takes players on the ultimate urban experience.

Betsoft Gaming has released Coins of Alkemor: Extreme Magic – Hold & Win, a fast-paced 3×3 slot packed with powerful features and mystical energy. The iconic wizard Alkemor returns in the game that elevates the popular Hold & Win mechanic with three explosive Extreme Features. Players can trigger the bonus with two or more BONUS symbols and at least one WIZARD BONUS—one of which must be EXTREME—awarding three respins and the chance to land magical golden coins.

Reflex Gaming is making waves once again with the launch of Big Game Fishing Golden Catch™, the latest online release in its hugely popular Big Game Fishing franchise, and proudly powered by Yggdrasil. This thrilling new slot reels players into a bright and breezy lake, where Reflex’s iconic fisherman, Fred, returns for another unforgettable adventure. With a 5-reel, 3-row layout, high volatility, and a max win potential of 5,000x the stake, Golden Catch is bursting with fun, flair, and fishy fortune.

TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot Lucky Jaguar 2. This time, the Colourful Jaguar Wild is joined by a Gold Jaguar Wild to ramp up the wins with multiple multipliers, stunning graphics and a humorous soundtrack, alongside the original Lock & Respin bonus game feature. Designed specifically for the LatAm market, where earlier release Fortune Gems had held the record breaking top spot, Lucky Jaguar hit 33%+ of Fortune Gem’s DAU figures within one month.

Million Games and partner studio Black Cat are excited to announce the release of Island Ices, a vibrant 5×4 slot packed with tropical charm and rewarding mechanics. As the second game from Black Cat under the Million Star partner programme, Island Ices brings a refreshing low-volatility experience with a polished aesthetic and summer-ready features. Designed for players who love quick-paced, feel-good gameplay.

SlotMatrix is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new slot – Gold Pigger. This exclusive title introduces players to a fun-fuelled adventure starring Richie and Peggy, two funny piglets with a taste for fortune and a nose for cash prizes. With a 4×6 reel layout and 4096 ways to win, Gold Pigger blends light-hearted design with exciting gameplay mechanics to deliver an engaging slot experience with a win potential of up to 8,086.8X the player’s stake.

Dear passengers, welcome aboard Flight NLC25! Flight Mode is cleared for takeoff and let’s just say, it’s not a typical family trip to Hawaii. After delivering signature slots like Tombstone Slaughter: El Gordo’s Revenge and Duck Hunters, Nolimit City is now taking it to the skies with Flight Mode and definitely not in a boring way.

Thunderkick has unveiled MeJUICEa, the latest addition to its content portfolio that breathes new life into a proven popular theme, reintroducing Greek mythology’s iconic Gorgon with a modern makeover. The 6×5 cluster pays title revolves around the Crush feature, a unique take on the fan-favourite avalanche mechanic.

Push Gaming has launched Fang City, a sleek and suspenseful slot that combines ever-popular Push Gaming features. Set in a futuristic world, this game sees wolves with pointy teeth engaging in activities reminiscent of humans while featuring popular mechanics such as scatter pays, multiplier symbols, and cascading combos.

Play’n GO steps into the underworld of Viper City with its new slot, Viper City Heist, where cunning strategy and raw firepower lead to big rewards. Combining visual flair with exciting mechanics, this 5×3 slot with 20 fixed paylines offers a potent mix of instant prizes and feature-rich gameplay that stays true to Play’n GO’s signature storytelling style.

Evoplay has released Oath of Steel, a moody, battle-driven slot that captures the raw intensity of knights locked in combat beneath storm-filled skies. Set in a storm-soaked battlefield of iron masks and glowing castle windows, Oath of Steel brings players into a world where survival outweighs glory.

Get ready to run for cover as Peter & Sons latest release, Boom Farm, exploded onto the internet on June 19th, 2025. Set in the deceptively peaceful countryside, this is no simple farming game. The 6×6 scatter-pays video slot hides a dynamite twist—literally. With TNT barrels, Star Bombs, Scatter Pays mechanics and thrilling Cascades, every harvest can explode into serious wins.

ELA Games invites players to step into a captivating world of mystery and mischief with its latest title, Tail of Crime. Tune into your detective instincts for big wins with thrilling mechanics. The 5×4 slot has 20 paylines and a 96.2% RTP, guaranteeing action in both the base game and lucrative bonus feature.

Are you ready for the grand finale? That’s what in-demand content provider, ICONIC21, is asking players as it launches the final title in its Stellar Fruits series. Stellar Fruits 100 wraps up the iconic series with a bang, with the game being set across four reels and five rows with 100 paylines active.

Stakelogic is reaching for the clouds with the launch of its newest high-rise slot game, Skyline Fortunes. This bold and eccentrically engineered title trades traditional reels for steel beams and skyscraper thrills, where every spin helps build a skyline packed with potential. At the heart of the action is Big Bruno, a gorilla with a serious work ethic and a knack for stacking wins.

Dive deep and double your fun with Fish Tales: Double Catch, from Booming Games, the thrilling sequel to Fish Tales: Monster Bass! This 5×3 reel slot brings exciting features like Barrel Boost, Big Net Modifier and Free Spins with Cash Collection, all designed to reel in those big wins. Keep an eye out for Fish Multiplier symbols to trigger massive payouts and enjoy the anticipation with every spin.

Amusnet has released a new football-themed dice slot – 20 Wild Goals Dice. This 5-reel, 20 fixed paylines game brings the thrill of football to the reels, blending high-energy gameplay with iconic dice symbols. Watch for the Ball Wild symbol that appears on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reels and expands, substituting for the rest of the symbols, except for the Scatter.

Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, invites players on a high-stakes safari in Lion Gems 3 Pots: Hold and Win, where Special Gems hold the key to lavish Bonus Game variants. A stunning African landscape plays host to the 5×4 slot as the reels blaze with powerful lions, radiant gems, and dazzling diamonds.

Prepare to embark on an epic adventure where the power of the gods awaits in Unusual Suspects: Legends of Olympus from Northern Lights Gaming. This is the latest instalment in the studio’s hugely popular Unusual Suspects series and promises plenty of divine action. Players will marvel as Wilds unleash their celestial power, flying over the gods for a chance to trigger the Judgement Day Jackpot

The post Week 25/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Try to Beat the Devil: Hell Partners Dares You at iGB Live 2025

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Think you’ve seen it all at iGaming conferences? Try your luck against the Lucifer himself.
On July 2–3, 2025, the gates of iGB Live in London will crack open — and out will step Hell Partners, taking over stand G22 with one unapologetically seducing invitation: outplay Lucifer and leave with more than bragging rights.

This isn’t a booth. It’s a lair.
A custom-built cave where fire meets flair, rules bend to desire, and the brave walk out with deals hotter than the drinks served at the bar. It’s where luck, wit, and charm will be put to the test — and only the most daring will earn a nod from Lucifer himself.

The Game: “Beat the Devil”

Five cards. One choice. No second chances.
Step into the fire and face five devilishly crafted mini-games — designed to test your reflexes, intuition, and sheer audacity. Choose a card. Accept the challenge. Win the round. Or don’t — but either way, you’ll have earned your place in Hell’s little black book.

But this isn’t just a game. It’s a key checkpoint in the masterfully orchestrated Lucky Media quest.
Survive the stand and you’ll stay in the running to win a MacBook or even a ticket to Wimbledon. Yes, seriously.

Hell’s Not for Everyone — But It Might Be for You

Hell Partners doesn’t pitch. We tempt.
With over 25%+ click-to-deposit, 50%+ reg-to-deposit, and no traffic source too wild to consider, our iGaming brands speak your language — seductive metrics and no-nonsense deals, spread across 20+ GEOs and tailored to your deepest cravings.

And if you think a Telegram chat can get you a better deal — think again.
The real power moves happen in person. At stand G22 on iGB London. With a drink in your hand and a smirk on your face.

Another stop on your checklist:
How about a HolyTraff collab photo booth styled like a retro phone box — for when you want to capture the exact moment you sealed the deal for premium traffic and a taste of Wimbledon flair.

Temptation Has a Name — And It’s G22

Skip this stand and spend eternity wondering what you could’ve had:
Exclusive offers, unforgettable games, and a private word with the very team rewriting the rules of iGaming.

Not one to let chances slip by?
Come visit HellPartners at stand G22.

You’ll leave with more than you came for — if you’re lucky. Sure you’ve got what it takes?
And remember: don’t try to bluff. The Devil sees everything.

The post Try to Beat the Devil: Hell Partners Dares You at iGB Live 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.