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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!
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In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Groove Technologies, the powerhouse aggregator renowned for its elite content portfolio, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with breakout studio InOut Games, the creative force behind the viral sensation Chicken Road. This move integrates InOut Games’ innovative content directly into Groove’s vast ecosystem, providing its global operator network with access to one of the industry’s most talked-about new providers.
This partnership arrives as InOut Games makes its highly anticipated leap into the slot market with Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captivated a global audience, this new slot transports the beloved chicken into a dynamic, feature-rich format. Designed to engage both seasoned slot players and fans of the original, Chicken Royal marks a pivotal “in” for the studio, expanding its portfolio beyond crash mechanics and signaling its commitment to versatile, high-impact entertainment.
With the addition of InOut Games, Groove’s entertainment ecosystem now blankets over 150 top-tier game providers. Operators worldwide, connected via Groove’s single, streamlined API, will gain immediate access to a catalogue renowned for its fast-paced thrills and unmatched player engagement.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Groove’s strategy to identify and distribute the content that defines the next wave of player preferences.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “Our mission is to keep our partners on the cutting edge, and InOut Games represents exactly the kind of innovative talent that moves the needle. This partnership isn’t just about adding games; it’s about injecting our ecosystem with a unique energy that drives retention and revenue.”
Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, equipped with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, ensures that titles from studios like InOut Games achieve maximum visibility and profitability from day one.
“We are confident this partnership will catapult us to an entirely new level of distribution,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games. “Groove’s reach and technological prowess are the perfect accelerants for our growth as we roll out our expanded portfolio.”
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, added: “The ‘In’ and ‘Out’ of success in this industry is having the right content with the right partners. With InOut Games, we’re not just bringing a studio in; we’re helping to phase out the ordinary. Their bold transition into slots is a game-changer, and through our platform, that change will resonate across the entire operator landscape.”
The post In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
EvenBet Gaming, a well-known developer of online gaming software, has announced the launch of its new innovative product – EvenBet Spins. This project promises to completely redefine the perception of poker by combining elements of classic poker games with the dynamics of slot mechanics. Even in the online gambling world, where genuine innovations are rare, EvenBet Spins stands out as a genuine breakthrough poised to attract a broad audience of players.
What is EvenBet Spins?
EvenBet Spins is a unique solution that blends poker mechanics and casino game experience into a single product. Unlike traditional poker, which involves long sessions and deep strategies, Spins Poker offers fast-paced and thrilling rounds that last only a few minutes. It is a perfect choice for players who prefer quick games where the outcome can change in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the inclusion of random win multipliers and hyper-turbo rounds adds an extra layer of excitement reminiscent of slot and jackpot games. This means every round can deliver a surprise, making the gameplay even more engaging. EvenBet Spins opens new horizons for those seeking shorter, more dynamic, and visually exciting poker experiences – without losing the familiar core mechanics of the game.
Integration with Casino and Sportsbook Platforms
Spins Poker offers a streamlined integration process tailored for casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand their product offerings without the operational complexity of a traditional poker environment. The system integrates seamlessly with existing platforms, enabling operators to introduce poker-style gameplay to audiences accustomed to slots or sports betting, while minimizing the management overhead typically associated with a full poker room.
A simplified product structure eliminates the need for a dedicated poker operations team, extensive onboarding, or continuous oversight. Fraud monitoring and AML workloads remain significantly lower when compared to comprehensive poker solutions. As a result, Spins Poker becomes an accessible addition for operators aiming to diversify engagement tools with minimal resource commitment.
According to Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, the concept behind Spins Poker focuses on reducing operational barriers for operators. He highlighted several key advantages:
- Straightforward integration into websites or applications;
- No requirement for an internal poker management team, since the product only needs initial setup with periodic adjustments of buy-ins and multipliers;
- Lower operational effort compared to full-scale poker platforms, which typically demand more preparation, configuration, and ongoing optimization;
- The ability for operators to test poker demand among casino and sportsbook audiences without investing in dedicated staff, lengthy integrations, or extensive marketing campaigns.
In essence, Spins Poker serves as a low-risk, low-maintenance entry point into poker verticals. Its simplified mechanics, flexible configuration, and compatibility with casino and sportsbook platforms make it an efficient tool for testing audience interest and expanding engagement without the commitment required for traditional poker solutions.
Design and Mobile Optimization
Special attention has been given to design and mobile optimization in EvenBet Spins. Considering the growing popularity of mobile gaming, the product was developed with a mobile-first approach to ensure maximum user comfort and convenience. The simple interface, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times make the game accessible to players of all experience levels.
The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, ensuring a smooth and comfortable gaming experience. The product also adheres to the latest UX design trends, making it equally convenient on smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The mobile version of the game is ideal for players who enjoy gaming anytime and anywhere, making EvenBet Spins accessible to a wide range of audiences.
How EvenBet Spins is Changing the Online Poker Market
EvenBet Spins is not just another poker format – it’s a true revolution in the world of online gambling. It transforms the perception of online poker from a niche game to a new level, where speed and excitement become central to the gameplay.
This product opens new opportunities for both players and operators. The integration of random multipliers, hyper-turbo rounds, and other innovations within poker mechanics not only makes the game more appealing to newcomers but also introduces new engagement tools for experienced players. EvenBet Spins has the potential to set a new standard in the online poker industry and open up new perspectives for online casinos and sportsbooks.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
TCSJOHNHUXLEY, the leading global supplier of world-class casino equipment and services, today announced the strategic acquisition of the dice manufacturing business from Gaming Partners International (GPI).
This landmark acquisition provides TCSJOHNHUXLEY with immediate ownership of GPI’s dice manufacturing capabilities, significantly expanding the company’s production footprint and product portfolio.
With this purchase, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is reinforcing its position as the definitive industry leader. The company will now offer three premier dice brands: TK, Paulson, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY. Crucially, operations will be maintained in both Mexico and Missouri, USA, providing customers with dual supply capabilities for enhanced supply chain resilience and flexibility across all global markets.
This acquisition is a strategic move that enhances TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s core offering, secures its dominance in the dice sector, and ensures the continued delivery of the highest quality and most secure gaming dice to casinos worldwide.
The combined capabilities solidify the company’s commitment to producing the highest standard of precision gaming dice. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s own “Certified Perfects” Dice are globally acknowledged as the world-wide industry standard for casino gaming dice and are trusted globally for accuracy, quality, and security. Available for Craps, Sic Bo, and Pai Gow, the dice can be specified with razor edge or ball corner profiles, come in various sizes, and are manufactured with dots flush to the surface before being wrapped in the signature gold foil, with options for monogramming or serialization to a casino’s specifications, ensuring complete security.
Tristan Sjoberg, Executive Chairman of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, commented “The acquisition of the GPI dice business is a truly transformative step for TCSJOHNHUXLEY. By immediately securing the renowned TK and Paulson brands, we are fundamentally consolidating our position as the definitive global leader in casino dice manufacturing. Leveraging this increased scale and our dual production capabilities, we can provide customers with unmatched supply security and sustained access to the world’s most precise, trusted, and high-quality gaming dice.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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