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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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EPIC Restart Foundation joins National Gambling Support Network
EPIC Restart Foundation is excited to announce its new partnership with the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), commissioned by GambleAware, as it begins 2025. The NGSN is a collaborative network of organisations offering free, confidential treatment and support for anyone affected by gambling-related harm, available across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The NGSN has seen an increase in demand for its services, with nearly 11,000 people supported between April 2023 and March 2024 – a 12% rise from the previous year. By joining the NGSN, EPIC Restart will enhance the network’s ability to reach even more individuals, offering a seamless pathway into treatment, through to recovery, ensuring people have the ongoing support they need to rebuild a positive life.
EPIC Restart provides free support through Recovery Coaching, group sessions, online and in-person events, and a vibrant online community. Their team, made up of people with lived experience, creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where individuals can connect, share, and feel supported – helping to break down the shame and stigma often associated with gambling harm.
The NGSN now includes 13 providers, with Reframe Coaching also joining the network, further strengthening the support available nationwide. With EPIC Restart’s addition, the network’s collective approach to recovery is more comprehensive than ever before, offering a well-rounded range of services to meet the needs of those affected by gambling harm.
Richie Paxton, EPIC Restart Foundation Interim CEO and Head of Programmes said: “We’re excited to join the National Gambling Support Network and continue to work with other providers to offer a seamless and supportive recovery path to those experiencing gambling harm. At EPIC Restart, we are dedicated to offering compassionate guidance and coaching, grounded in lived experience. Our mission is not only to help individuals navigate their recovery, but also to empower them to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and a brighter future.”
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware Deputy CEO and Chief Commissioning & Strategy Officer, said: “The GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network continues to be a staple within local communities across the country and is recognised for the vital support it offers to those affected by gambling harms across Great Britain.
“It has always been the intention for the NGSN to expand and build on the services it offers since it was commissioned almost two years ago, and EPIC Restart Foundation continues that expansion and adds valuable experience and expertise to the network.
“Gambling harms can affect anyone, and it is vital that there is a service for everyone that needs support, regardless of whether they are at the start, or nearing the end, of their journey to recovery.”
Following the publication of the Gambling White Paper last year, GambleAware has called on the Government to ensure the expertise within the NGSN and wider third sector is recognised and protected within the future gambling harm treatment system. This includes ensuring organisations with a long-term recovery focus are factored into future funding plans.
The post EPIC Restart Foundation joins National Gambling Support Network appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Blast Off with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars!
Play’n GO takes players on a cosmic collision course with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars, the highly anticipated sequel to Invading Vegas. This intergalactic slot promises high-octane entertainment as Earth’s favourite city collides with Martian mayhem.
Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars reimagines the chaos of its predecessor, introducing a Martian twist to Sin City’s neon chaos in the form of the alien’s very own version of Vegas on Mars. From Space Cowboys to walking Wilds, the game is packed with out-of-this-world features, making it a must-play for fans of quirky, story-driven slots.
Players can expect a five-reel, 20-payline slot filled with thematic symbols and an immersive soundtrack. And while the stakes are high, the thrills are even higher, with the potential to win up to 2,500x your bet.
Key to the game’s unique appeal is its Walking Wilds, activated when full symbol stacks appear on reels one and two, or four and five, without a winning payline. These wilds traverse the reels, leaving Mystery Symbols in their wake, transforming spins into nail-biting experiences as multipliers of up to x10 stack the rewards.
Twelve Free Spins await players who land three Space Car Scatters, and these can be retriggered for up to 120 spins – a feature perfectly suited for players chasing high volatility and big wins. The interplay between Mystery Symbols and Walking Wilds ensures that every spin builds suspense, with multipliers combining for explosive payouts.
Fans of Invading Vegas will love this intergalactic evolution, which takes the cheeky charm of the original and amplifies it with Martian visuals and dynamic gameplay. With stacked high-paying symbols and colourful animations, Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is a feast for the senses .
Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is the ultimate mash-up of chaos and charm. Players will love the Walking Wild feature and the adrenaline-fuelled re-spins that bring big-win potential. It’s Play’n GO doing what we do best – innovating to entertain.”
Play’n GO continues to raise the bar in creative slot design, delivering an intergalactic adventure that’s sure to delight fans of the original and newcomers alike. Strap in and join the invasion – Mars has never been this much fun!
The post Blast Off with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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TEAM VITALITY AND SKIN.CLUB SUPPORT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE ELITE FE TOURNAMENT ON CS2
Team Vitality is proud to announce its support for the second edition of the Elite FE tournament, organised by streamer and Elite FE founder, Minaleyy.
The women’s Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event, is organised in collaboration with Skin.Club, and brings together the world’s top players to participate in tournaments for a €1000 cash prize.
With only 6% of women in professional esports, the Elite FE tournament aims to promote female talent within the CS2 scene and strengthen their visibility. This initiative is part of an overall effort to encourage more diversity and inclusion in the esports industry.
A SPRINGBOARD FOR WOMEN’S CS2 TEAMS
The Elite FE tournament will bring together 16 international women’s teams, including 4 selected by Minaleyy in collaboration with Team Vitality and Skin.Club, to compete on the FACEIT platform. In each tournament, the winning team will be awarded €1000 as well as various prizes, including Team Vitality merchandising and gaming equipment.
From 23rd February, the entire tournament will be broadcast live on Twitch and hosted by Minaleyy, who will be accompanied by various casters. Debriefs, game analysis, and engaging video content will be produced to contribute to the visibility of the participating teams and encourage conversations on social media.
Designed as a warm-up for professional teams ahead of the upcoming ESL Impact season, the Elite FE tournaments will be held every two months starting in February 2025, with matches scheduled on Sundays to maximise participation and viewership. By aligning with major esports events, Elite FE aims to be a key tournament for player development and a training ground for teams aspiring to reach the professional level.
This tournament represents a competitive, positive and inclusive vision for diversity in esports. By regularly hosting events, Elite FE aims to become an essential platform for CS2 players, while actively showcasing emerging talent.
TEAM VITALITY CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S ESPORTS
By supporting the Elite FE tournament, organised by Minaleyy, Team Vitality reaffirms its strong commitment to developing women’s esports. The competition provides semi-pro and amateur players with a unique platform to enhance their skills, increase their visibility and integrate into a scene moving towards greater diversity.
This initiative builds on Team Vitality’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in esports, which to date has included the creation of its women’s League of Legends team, the Rising Bees, and its women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team. These initiatives reflect the club’s commitment to actively supporting the emergence of leaders both in the competitive field and at a community level. Team Vitality and Minaleyy are also thrilled to welcome Skin.Club to the project, ensuring the best conditions for the project’s success and maximising visibility for players within the CS2 ecosystem.
The post TEAM VITALITY AND SKIN.CLUB SUPPORT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE ELITE FE TOURNAMENT ON CS2 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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