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Exclusive Q&A with Robert Chvatal, Chief Executive Officer at SAZKA Group
As CEO of European gaming giant SAZKA Group, Robert Chvátal knows more than most how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the industry over the last 18 months. But whilst lockdowns in a number of its markets have taken their toll on the group’s retail offering, he is bullish about the long-term prospects. In an exclusive interview for European Gaming, he revealed how the use of technology and a customer-centric approach is driving online growth and allowing operators to provide a safer gaming environment.
Holiday season is often a time for rest and reflection. How do you look back on the last few months and what challenges did it pose for SAZKA Group?
I’m pleased to say that we have managed to remain resilient in what has been an unpredictable period with often disruptive trading conditions. As people will know, 80% of our EBIT is generated through lottery-style games. Clearly lock-downs have had an impact on our operations, with retail in Italy and Greece in particular taking a hit. And yet our strategic focus on online channels paid off. I think the growth of digital sales during the pandemic is very supportive for our future development too. 30 per cent of GGR for our Czech business in 2020 came online and that continues to grow. In Greece, OPAP recently launched a digital entertainment hub and has seen really good take-up of online lottery sales, despite starting from a low base. Retail remains important. Picking it up and rejuvenating it in the coming months is a priority, but online is a rising star providing us with real guidance too.
Across the industry we’ve seen witnesses the introduction of a wave of new products and a freshening up of old ones. What part has SAZKA Group played in this?
With more and more customers heading online, as well as potential new ones sat in front of their computer and phone screens, it was imperative that we kept our product offering up-to-date and relevant. All our operator companies introduced new content suitable for their jurisdictions. Needless to say, we also introduced new lottery draws too. Hand in glove with this went customer engagement plans that allowed us to showcase the full product portfolio and content diversity that is so important these days. We also saw the roll-out of customer loyalty programs that rewarded our regular players, be they in-store or online. This helped to really personalise our interaction at a time when we were all distancing ourselves from one another as a society. The results to date have been very encouraging.
How has the pandemic changed the way that you approach marketing, particularly when it comes to players who have moved online and those new ones who are joining them?
Interestingly, we are gaining real traction with event-based jackpots with specific themes. Friday the 13th has become a real tradition for us, as many people will now know. There are some key dates when players like to try their luck such as Black Friday top. With millions of people online looking for a bargain, it is a date that resonates in some of our markets. We are often able to collect much higher wagers on these special dates because we’re able to market them better. Clearly customer loyalty takes on a new meaning online too. Traditionally, retail has been an anonymous experience with people going to a newsagent or a kiosk to buy a lottery slip. That suits some people and that’s fine, but it doesn’t allow us to capture anonymised information on consumer trends. Online obviously requires people to register and be verified, allowing us to ensure the are safer from a responsible gaming point of view, which is crucial.
What part is technology playing in providing a better player experience?
We are really making the most of big data, joining the dots between lottery and those who play other games. It has a huge benefit online. But retail loyalty is equally important for us. That’s why we offered virtual loyalty cards, where players register online with a mobile number. This then allows us to identify them as a unique player. We also have a proposition in retail loyalty called Wheel of Fortune where participants benefit by being offered a second chance within 24 hours of their retail purchase, for example. People are embracing it because they see the benefits of what is being offered. There is nothing worse than being bombarded with products and services in which you have no interest. Harnessing big data and processing it thoughtfully allows technology to tailor our offering. That has never been more important in a world full of distractions. We also see technology as a vital means of protecting players, more of which is below.
Player protection and the need for safer betting and gaming environments are rarely out of the headlines these days. How is the lottery sector and SAZKA Group in particular dealing with the challenges these concerns present?
SAZKA Group is committed to responsible gaming. It always has and always will be a central plank of our proposition as a business. All of our operator companies are part of European Lotteries, so there’s a strict and supervised responsible gaming certification mechanism. In some respects, we’re fortunate. In lottery wins are infrequent, compared to games with higher probability and higher frequency. The risk of excessive or problem gaming is small as a result. But there is clearly no room for complacency. Some of our companies run sports and casino betting too, of course, and put significant resources into ensuring customers are supported. We let them know about setting time and spending limits and the advantages of taking frequent breaks. We also educate our employees and store partners in responsible gaming training, so that they can apply the relevant standards and principles. At the end of the day, this should be an enjoyable and playful experience for our customers – and we need to play a central role in maintaining that.

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BACKFORCE extends long-standing partnership with BIG through 2028
Berlin International Gaming (BIG) is proud to announce the extension of our longest-standing partnership: BACKFORCE, a premium German gaming chair manufacturer, will continue to support BIG and its athletes for another three years, until at least mid-2028.
Since the beginning of our partnership in September 2019, BACKFORCE has been a fundamental pillar of support. Their gaming chairs, “Made in Germany”, have set new ergonomic and quality standards in the industry and have helped our athletes perform at the highest level. Whether it was during our CS:GO team’s rise to the top of the world rankings or our recent international victories across various titles, BACKFORCE has always had our backs. Also, during challenging times, they keep supporting BIG, which shows their dedication to the German and European esport scene.
More than just a supplier, BACKFORCE has also been a driving force in our content strategy. These series will continue, alongside new content formats and offline activations in the years ahead. We can also announce that they will be part of our next Overtime party at IEM Cologne, stay tuned for more information!
The extension of our collaboration is a testament to the mutual trust, shared values, and the strong personal connection between our organisations. We are incredibly thankful for BACKFORCE’s continued belief in BIG and the support for our community. #GOBIG
Statement Daniel Finkler, CEO of BIG: BACKFORCE is not only our longest-standing partner, but they are also one of our most loyal. Since 2019, they have provided our professional teams with what I consider the best gaming chairs in the world. Their support has always gone far beyond the commercial side: every person at BACKFORCE genuinely cares about BIG, our community, and the future of German esports. Extending our partnership for another three years means a lot to us. We’re proud and thankful to continue this journey together with Head of BACKFORCE Stefan “slame” Krumme and his team!
Statement Stefan Krumme, Head of BACKFORCE: It was actually back at IEM Cologne in 2018 when Backforce decided to partner with BIG. We saw the passion, the surroundings, and everyone welcoming people with an open heart. We already went through highs and lows, and supported the players as well with some warm words after losses or wins. The mutual trust between Backforce and BIG is unmatched. It´s easy to switch to a more successful team, that’s just not who we are and what you should be. Support the team when it’s needed the most. Stay with them and rise again. I personally just have one wish at this point. I attended so many Tier 1 tournaments, seeing other teams we support, I would love so much to see BIG on a stage again. #GEMEINSAM!
The post BACKFORCE extends long-standing partnership with BIG through 2028 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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WEMADE to Launch Steam Playtest for Tactical FPS Black Vultures
- First public reveal of tactical FPS Black Vultures: Prey of Greed via Steam playtest
- Playtest runs July 25–28 for players in North and South America
- Major gameplay improvements implemented following April FGT
- New trailers highlight core gameplay and NVIDIA-powered AI combat system
Global game publisher WEMADE announced today that it will host the first Steam playtest for Black Vultures: Prey of Greed, a new tactical first-person shooter developed by THISMEANSWAR, a WEMADE studio, and published globally by WEMADE.
About the Playtest
The Steam playtest will run from July 25, with access open to players in North and South America. Interested players can request access on the game’s official . Selected participants will receive email instructions ahead of the test. Additional entry opportunities will be offered through community events on the official .
The playtest follows an April Focus Group Test (FGT), which provided valuable user feedback and prompted significant enhancements to the game’s combat balance, control systems, and overall feel.
To preview the upcoming experience, two new trailers have been released:
- – A look at the in-game action and core mechanics players will experience during the test.
- – A behind-the-scenes look at Viper, the AI-powered combat gear co-developed with NVIDIA, and how it integrates into the battlefield for strategic decision-making.
Players can stay up to date and explore in-depth gameplay information through the game’s official Discord and Steam Community Hub, which serve as the primary channels for community engagement and development updates.
About Black Vultures: Prey of Greed
Black Vultures: Prey of Greed is a tactical FPS set in a fractured warzone where trust is scarce, resources are limited, and every mission begins with a choice. Navigate abandoned infrastructure and hostile zones. Intercept transmissions, gather intel, and complete your objective—before rival squads get there first. Choose your battles carefully. The deeper you go, the higher the risk—but the greater the reward.
Core Features
- Three-Faction Conflict: Battle between three rival squads in an unforgiving warzone. No teams. No alliances. Just shifting tactics and uncertain outcomes.
- Life Ticket System: Each team starts with a shared pool of lives. Once depleted, respawns end and survival becomes personal. Every life matters.
- Team-Based Looting: Loot is stored in a shared squad inventory and only granted upon extraction. Coordination is key. Greed is a risk.
Community-Driven Development
With the Steam Alpha Playtest on the horizon, community feedback will directly influence the future of Black Vultures. Through a Community-Driven Development approach, the team at THISMEANSWAR is building the game hand-in-hand with players.
Help shape the experience. Let us know what works, what doesn’t, and what makes every match worth playing. Join the discussion on Discord and help define the battlefield.
The post WEMADE to Launch Steam Playtest for Tactical FPS Black Vultures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Goldex Casino by N1 Partners: a new brand tailored for top GEOs
N1 Partners continues to strengthen its position in the iGaming market by expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new brand — Goldex Casino.
Goldex Casino is strategically focused on key Tier-1 GEOs, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, and Slovenia. The product supports eight languages with localised content, ensuring broad reach and engagement.
Goldex Casino features a portfolio of over 5,000 games, while its unique Journey Map system transforms gameplay into a personalised adventure with rewards of up to €/$5,000 and 1,000 free spins. VIP players benefit from an exclusive program offering tailored bonuses, higher limits, dedicated account management, and a final prize — a Rolex Sky-Dweller or its cash equivalent of €20,000.
Special attention has been paid to adaptive design across devices, an intuitive interface, and a suite of features that enhance the user experience and drive player retention. Fully licensed, the brand guarantees a high level of transaction security.
With Goldex Casino, partners gain a robust tool to scale traffic across top GEOs and secure long-term profitability. Join N1 Partners and achieve top-tier results together.
On a related note, N1 Partners is currently running its large-scale N1 Puzzle Promo. All registered teams earn puzzle pieces for driving traffic to N1 brands, including Goldex Casino, with the most active participants competing for luxury prizes. The ultimate reward – a private Robinson helicopter, awarded to the winning team at the end of the promo. The campaign runs until the end of the year.
The post Goldex Casino by N1 Partners: a new brand tailored for top GEOs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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