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Ready to re-open with cashless? Consumers will expect the option from day one
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As more and more retail operations increasingly implement cashless systems ahead of reopening to the public, OKTO’s Director of Gaming Simon Dorsen spoke to Coinslot about how the fintech firm’s digital payment solution, OKTO.WALLET has been specifically designed with the leisure and hospitality industry’s main concerns in mind; user friendly, affordability, security and social responsibility as well as the universality that consumers are craving for.
Do you always pay with plastic, or are you more comfortable with cash? Have you ever paid friends by your phone while you’re all out for drinks at the pub? Do you have a lonely banknote sitting in your wallet for almost a year now, to wager while you are enjoying your drink at the pub? These questions as well as the days of pubs’ players and visitors with cash-stuffed pockets will not be the norm anymore, as consumer preferences are rapidly changing and the age of mobile payments is taking over the world.
Going cashless is not only the newest tech trend but also a strategic goal, especially when this comes as a complete cashless ecosystem and through an open and interconnected mobile payment app. With the coronavirus, a generation of change has occurred in just a few months. This is forcing all sectors to reconsider their business models, how they interact with their customers and their routes to market.
The number of cashless payments in the UK has been great than cash and growing in proportion since 2017, and this trend has accelerated now more than ever, as businesses increasingly opt for offering choice and the convenience of paying in a way that suits the consumer. This is already evident in pubs where it has been reported that 30 percent of customers have already used a mobile to pay in a pub based and from my discussions with pub operators between the lockdowns cash accounted for only 20 percent of F&B sales. It is now a natural progression to extend the choice of compliant digital payment to the gaming machine player. This deliverers convenience for the player and better operations for the pub.
Retail operations are now competing in an increasingly digital world, where consumers are no longer constrained to traditional payment methods but have access to more choice than ever before. As pubs and other operations reopen, it is paramount for them to have a digital payment strategy that ensures people to keep revisiting the venue, improving efficiency and customer experience. For me, this will be enabled with a solution that offers cashless convenience across all touchpoints for the consumer.
The key, however, is to find the cashless system that suites the specific needs of your business, and this is particularly true for more complex retail environments such as pubs, adult gaming centres and casinos. The selection of a reliable, licensed payment partner to help activate this digital payment strategy is critical. Few providers are focusing on the nuanced needs of gaming operators, especially for land-based, while at the same time supports a universal, open-loop, cashless solution that consumers are looking for. Consumers want simply to use, move and collect their money anywhere, not just for gaming and this to be in a simple, fast and secure way.
At OKTO, our gaming division has built a solution to meet the exact specification of the UK’s pub and leisure industry. Our secure, open-loop, cashless end-to-end payment solution delivered through OKTO.WALLET payment app is designed to meet all the niche demands of retail gaming customers,
allowing players to move funds instantly across the entire payment ecosystem via the OKTO app; from the gaming machine, ordering app or at the bar/restaurant, even to any retail or online business that accepted debit card through the OKTO Prepaid Mastercard® linked to OKTO app.
We have a 360 approach, which the operators need, to get ahead through field-proven technologies and the extensive know-how of key integrations across all physical touchpoints in and out of the gaming venue as well as a strong understanding and proven ability to integrate the wallet with digital touchpoints.
Working with major gaming and betting operators across Europe and gaining extensive experience and feedback, we are set to provide a tailored solution also for the UK. Having a deep understanding of different markets requirements, we are aligned with the operators focus on efficiencies and due to the software nature of our solution, we provide fast deployment that requires no additional investment at the gaming machines. This is especially important after such a long period of disruption, during which retail businesses have been prevented from trading. Understandably, many operators currently can’t or don’t want to bear a big financial hurdle for setting up a cashless payment facility, and with OKTO they don’t have to.
Social responsibility is also a key priority. All the main tools of social responsibility are fully covered through the OKTO app. From a strict age verification process and time-out periods to betting limits, and profit and loss calculator as well as a specific section with national problem gaming helplines are within the app and are all designed to enhance further consumer protection.
The most sophisticated technology often seems the simplest. Our easy-to-use solution allows players to go simply to a gaming machine, press a button to use OKTO, and deposit funds to start playing. And it’s the same in the cashout; they get the winnings back to OKTO wallet in real-time. As we can also onboard pubs as merchants, if OKTO users can spend some money on food and drink in the pub, they simply can; and they can also split the bill with their friends or send and receive money from their friends using the OKTO app.
Retail gaming and betting operators in the UK but also Spain, Romania, Greece and Cyprus are already ready to adopting the OKTO cashless solution. Many pubs and operators are capitalising now, during this time before lockdown ends, to install the OKTO cashless system and progress their business on all fronts. Will you follow suit for your retail gaming business? Will you cash in on the trend for cashless? Open with OKTO!
Mr. Gamble Forum, a fast-growing online gambling community, has rolled out a major platform revamp that is already delivering record-breaking growth in traffic, visibility, and user engagement. Timed perfectly ahead of the industry’s busiest season, the update strengthens the forum’s position as a go-to destination for casino and sports betting discussions worldwide.
The refreshed platform combines a cleaner design, expanded content, and new marketing capabilities, all built around a single goal: creating a space where players can freely share real experiences while operators connect with highly motivated users.
“We’ve invested a lot of effort into improving both the user experience and the commercial potential of the forum,” said Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble. “This update reinforces our vision of an open, trusted community that benefits players and partners alike—and the growth we’re seeing confirms we’re on the right track.”
Strong Growth Momentum Following the Revamp
The impact of the update has been immediate. In Novembe 2025, compared to December 2024, Mr. Gamble Forum recorded a sharp rise across all key performance metrics. Daily clicks increased by 270%, daily impressions climbed by 471%, and monthly clicks grew by 380%. These numbers reflect not only improved visibility in search engines but also a growing appetite for a community where players can openly discuss casinos, bonuses, slots, and betting strategies.
Sports Betting Content Broadens the Forum’s Scope
One of the most significant additions is the expansion into sports betting content. The forum now features dedicated discussions around upcoming games, betting strategies, and odds, giving sports bettors a place to exchange insights in real time. Alongside these discussions, users can explore a steadily growing selection of sports betting bonuses, including both long-term promotions and limited-time offers from leading brands.
This addition allows Mr. Gamble Forum to serve a broader audience while keeping casino players and sports bettors under one unified community.
Localized Promotions for Key Regions
As part of the revamp, Mr. Gamble Forum has also refined how promotions are presented. Players from Australia and New Zealand now have their own dedicated sections where they can immediately discover the most relevant casino and betting offers available to them. This localized approach makes it easier for users to find deals that actually apply to their region, while increasing engagement and conversion potential for operators.
A Clear Step Toward Global Expansion
The forum’s international ambitions are already taking shape. A dedicated Swedish-language version of the forum has recently gone live, giving Swedish players a space to participate in discussions in their native language. Early engagement data shows positive signs, suggesting strong potential as localized promotions and content continue to expand.
Over the past year, the forum has seen its strongest growth in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, and Sweden is now emerging as another promising market.
New Opportunities for Casino and Betting Partners
Beyond user-facing improvements, the revamp introduces new commercial features designed to support partners. Updated call-to-action elements help guide users toward relevant offers, making it easier for casinos to attract players who are already in a decision-making mindset.
For a limited time, Mr. Gamble Forum is also offering partners the opportunity to test forum marketing free of charge, as long as they can provide geo- and IP-targeted dynamic banners. This allows operators to explore the forum’s potential, reach high-intent audiences, and gather performance insights without upfront risk.
A Community Built on Real Player Experiences
Despite the platform’s growth and new features, the core of Mr. Gamble Forum remains unchanged: community-driven discussion. Players continue to share honest reviews of casinos, compare bonuses, talk openly about slot games, and exchange betting strategies. This transparency has been a key factor behind the forum’s rising visibility and trust among users.
As more players join and more regions come online, these conversations are becoming richer, more diverse, and increasingly valuable for both users and operators.
What Comes Next for Mr. Gamble Forum
The December revamp marks the beginning of a new phase for the platform. Further international expansion is already on the roadmap, alongside improvements to mobile performance, contributor rewards, and partner analytics. Each development is designed to strengthen the ecosystem and keep the forum relevant as the online gambling landscape continues to evolve.
Conclusion
With its latest update, Mr. Gamble Forum has transformed from a growing community into a truly global platform. The combination of rapid traffic growth, expanded sports betting content, localized promotions, and innovative partner opportunities highlights a clear direction forward. Backed by strong momentum in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and early success in Sweden, the forum is well positioned to become one of the most influential discussion hubs in the online gambling industry.
As Paul Puolakka summarizes, “When players feel heard and operators see real value, growth follows naturally. That’s exactly what we’re building with Mr. Gamble Forum.”
The post Mr. Gamble Forum Revamp Sparks Record Growth and Global Expansion appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
- Team Vitality is kicking off the new LEC season with renewed energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
- With superstar mid laner Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining the lineup, alongside the support of an experienced coaching staff, the club is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level in 2026.
- The squad’s goal is straightforward: become a top team in the LEC and qualify for Worlds in North America next year.
- Next year marks a new chapter in the club’s long-term strategy to develop and elevate European talent, creating an environment built to deliver results.
Team Vitality is proud to present its new LEC roster for 2026. Throughout the upcoming season, the club aims to build on its existing core and further develop the team’s talent, while welcoming a new mid laner and a strategic Head Coach to elevate performance.
BACK WITH NEW FIREPOWER
The stage is set, and Team Vitality returns to the LEC more determined than ever. At the heart of this ambitious new roster is Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, the Turkish superstar top laner, who will anchor the team. With the roster built around his talent, communication, and leadership, Team Vitality aims to make a deep run and achieve its first EMEA title.
Roster composition
- Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan (Turkish) – 20 years old: The centrepiece of Team Vitality’s project, Naak Nako is an incredibly talented player known for his versatility and impact. A former high-level volleyball player, he began his professional League of Legends career in 2022 with Fenerbahce. Team Vitality then picked him up in December 2023, spent a year developing in the academy, and promoted him to the main roster, bringing both potential and dedication to the LEC squad.
- Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas (Lithuanian) – 21 years old: The hardworking engine of Team Vitality, Lyncas brings his relentless drive and consistency to the refreshed roster. Having played for several teams in the ERL and EMEA Masters, he was recruited by Team Vitality in May 2024. Now entering his third year in the LEC, Lyncas combines experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the league to power the team’s 2026 ambitions.
- Marek “Humanoid” Brázda (Czech) – 25 years old: A veteran of the LEC scene and one of its most consistent mid laners over the past five years, Humanoid is repeatedly ranked among the league’s top 3 midlaners and has qualified for Worlds multiple times with rosters such as Fnatic and MAD Lions. Joining the Hive, Humanoid reunites with longtime teammate and fellow Czech Carzzy, bringing renewed motivation, experience, and leadership that the club hopes will translate into success and lead them to the Worlds stage.
- Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (Czech) – 23 years old: Consistently recognised as one of Europe’s best ADCs, Carzzy enters his seventh LEC year with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously lifted three LEC trophies with MAD Lions. He brings a great personality as well as undeniable skill to Team Vitality. This season, he looks to flourish alongside his new teammate Humanoid, building strong synergy and impact in the hopes of bringing the teams to new heights.
- Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz (Turkish) – 24 years old: Having played for Vitality.Bee for seven months, Fleshy was promoted to the main roster last year ahead of the Summer Split. He quickly made his mark in the scene by bringing stability and reliable performances to the bot lane, leaving a strong impression on fans and teammates alike. Now entering his first full year in the LEC, Fleshy is ready to fully prove himself and make a lasting impact on Team Vitality’s road to Worlds.
Coaching staff
- Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum (Danish) – Head Coach: A competitor through and through, Pad brings a lifelong passion for sports, having previously competed at a high level in football. He has been a coach in League of Legends since 2017, taking his first steps into the LEC with MAD Lions in 2020. Joining Team Vitality in December 2023 alongside Head Coach Mac, Pad is now taking the next step in his career as the team’s Head Coach, ready to lead Team Vitality to new heights with his experience, discipline, and vision.
- Danusch “Arvindir” Fischer (German) – Strategic Coach: An ambitious coach, Arvindir began his career in professional League of Legends as an analyst for top LEC organisations, including SK Gaming and Splyce, before transitioning into coaching. He has worked across all the major ERL leagues, including a 3.5-year tenure at BIG, before moving on to KOI and Team BDS Academy, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Joining Team Vitality in 2025 as the Head Coach of the LFL roster, he has proven his worth in developing Vitality.Bee, and has now been promoted to Strategic Coach of the LEC team.
- Luka “Lukezy” Trumbić (Croatian) – Assistant Coach: Lukezy has been involved in competitive League of Legends since 2014, initially as a semi-pro player before transitioning to coaching in 2023. He has previously worked with UCAM and NNO, gaining valuable experience across several competitive environments. Joining Team Vitality in December 2024, Lukezy now enters his second LEC season as the team’s Assistant Coach, where he has a hands-on role in player development.
”The addition of Marek to the roster reflects our strategic ambitions for the upcoming LEC season. Over the past 18 months, we have focused on developing Lynacs and Naak, making 2026 a key performance year for the team. We are confident that we now have all the pieces in place to compete for the top positions in LEC. While this season will be decisive, our team thrives under pressure, positioning us well to meet the challenge.” explains Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum, Head Coach of the team.
A NEW ERA BEGINS
With a clear goal in mind of reaching the international stage, Team Vitality enters 2026 determined to make this its breakthrough season. The team’s mission is bold, yet simple: establish itself as a top contender in each LEC split and secure qualification to Worlds. The organisation is committed to elevating European talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
“We are building on the momentum from 2025, with results continuing to improve. We’ve added experience and an X-factor in a key position, in the hope that this will serve as a catalyst to confirm the potential of the young players we backed last year. We are confident that they can demonstrate that European talent is capable of competing for the qualifying spots at the World Championships.” says Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.
See you at the LEC 2026 Versus tournament in Berlin, starting on January 17th for the beginning of the competition!
The post TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
N1 Partners will celebrate the finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo for partners – running from April 21 to December 31, 2025 – and award the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, at an exclusive party in Barcelona during the ICE and iGB conferences. The special guest of the event will be Tommy Cash.
Registration for the party is now open.
Participants – especially those at the top of the leaderboard – still have the final two weeks to influence the results and break into the prize-winning top three. After all, the grand prize – a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter – is something no one in the industry has ever given away before…
The main motto of the exclusive final show-event of N1 Puzzle Promo will be “Because we can” – a philosophy of high achievement and top performance by the promo leaders, running like a red thread throughout the entire event.
This is more than just a party – it’s a community and a private club for top N1 Partners affiliates and guests, industry leaders, media, and influencers, accessible only to the select few. “Because we can” is about limitless opportunities for scaling, the ability to achieve top results together, and creating experiences unmatched in the industry.
N1 Partners reveals long-awaited event details
Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 20:00
Location: Barcelona, Spain
What highlights are planned for the guests?
- award ceremony for the top 3 and presentation of the grand prize – the Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter
- exclusive prizes raffle among all guests
- a performance show, DJ set and additional surprises
- activity zones (red carpet, photo area, bar, VIP lounge with hookahs, and much more)
And, of course, the long-awaited special guest of the evening…
Get ready for the unforgettable performance of edgy Estonian rapper and musician – Tommy Cash!
Register now for the N1 Partners show-event via the link: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html
After all, why drive when you can fly?
And be number one with N1 Partners?
News source: N1 Partners
The post Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Mr. Gamble Forum Revamp Sparks Record Growth and Global Expansion
TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER
Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona
Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona
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