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Exclusive Q&A with Mike Fox, CFO at Crystal WG
Q. Let us start with a quick intro of yourself for starters. Could you briefly describe your career?
A. I have 20 years’ experience in the gambling industry. For more than 10 years, I worked as the Group CFO of Euronext listed company Thunderbirds Resorts in Panama. I was lucky enough to work on some fantastic land-based casino projects in several emerging markets. At the time, the group operated 30 casinos and 10 hotels with 5,000 employees in the Philippines, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
I played an integral role in helping expand our remit, opening two large properties in the Philippines – one included a hotel, golf course and casino and the other a hotel and casino. In Lima, Peru the group purchased six hotels and opened a flagship casino in the heart of Miraflores along with acquiring several slot parlors around the country. In Costa Rica, the group opened a flagship casino adjacent to the International Airport and subsequently several more casinos. In Panama, the group operated six casinos. At the time these properties were built, they were the best casino products to enter the markets.
In 2015, I joined Crystal Wealth Group to offer my financial consulting and investment experience for casinos, iGaming and the crypto/NFT space before helping launch new online casino BetCoco this year.
Q. You are a veteran casino professional. How challenging is a shift to the online casino segment?
A. One key difference is the ability to reach a global audience using the power of the internet. This is where a lot of time is spent with every territory we target in making sure we match the specific compliance requirements and own the correct operating licences to be able to offer our product to specific regions.
However, whether it’s land-based or online, the premise of operating a casino brand remains the same. If you can provide a service that surpasses customers’ expectations and offers them an experience that they cannot get anywhere else, they will return.
This is something we have focused on heavily in our design of BetCoco.
Q. Tell us about BetCoco. What are the immediate objectives of the company? Could you also tell us quickly about your job brief.
A. BetCoco is a fun brand that offers the best-in-class player experience with the leading games and services that the industry has to offer. Innovation is at the foundation of everything we do through creating the best features to continuously improve our user experience.
We initially launched in cryptocurrency, yet now offer fiat. One of our immediate objectives is to onboard new customers from the territories where we are operational. We are going to be working with the industry’s top affiliates and media partners to bring quality traffic to our site in every location we are situated.
My role is to facilitate this by focusing our investments on markets that are not necessarily saturated with competitors where our players get excited about a new brand with attractive bonus and loyalty programs.
Q. Could you now talk about your digital marketing strategies and the benefits that customers are going to get from BetCoco?
A. We’re quickly deploying exciting paid media marketing and affiliate campaigns to let the markets know about us such as in Brazil we are partnering with the top affiliates in the market to promote our recurring bonus offers.
We also have a very clear approach to making customer satisfaction one of our key goals. For instance, our aggressive customer bonus plan with 100% bonus up to 0.5BTC is designed to attract keen crypto players – and now we are on the verge of releasing industry-best bonus rewards for fiat customers.
Q. According to your recent press release, BetCoco wants to bring back “more thrill” for customers, which is something that “iGaming operators have lost in their brand promotions in recent years”. Could you elaborate a bit on this point?
A. We think some of the bigger operators with a large market share lose touch sometimes of what will attract players that are new to online gaming. Especially, in emerging markets like Latin America, Asia and Africa, we plan to be the trusted brand that excites new players to begin their online journey into iGaming.
Q. What are the features BetCoco offers as of now and in which markets they are available?
A. We have created a best-in-class suite of tech with our iGaming software platform integrated with the best gaming providers, My Affiliates for affiliate management and Customer.io for CRM. Our intention is to give our players a first-class betting experience and a seamless user journey. This includes making them feel special and appreciated with our special offers and VIP treatment.
We understand that some of our users enjoy the feeling of betting next to friends / other users. So, we are offering exclusive live tournaments and daily challenges and leaderboards with new games announced weekly. Our platform allows players to collect loyalty points and redeem for special rewards and prizes.
Q. Could you outline the new initiatives of BetCoco that are in the pipeline and likely to roll out in the next two years?
A. Our group is the process of launching new sites under a Malta license that will allow us to enter higher value markets. We are also acquiring best in class technology to continue to build additional brands under Malta licensing using our own CMS platform to allow complete control over the customization of our sites for each market.
Thanks to the metaverse and advanced VR Technology, players can now visit physical casinos from the comfort of their homes. We plan to have all kind of VR Games – Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Game Shows, and even a Sports betting room, where the player can wager on a sports match and stay to watch the game next to other users, just like in Vegas! For this, player just needs to have a VR headset.
We have built relationships with the world’s best metaverse and VR tech companies and will integrate this technology into our brands over time.
We also plan to offer the ability to mint NFT slot machines with a shared revenue model and NFT player passes with in-app purchases.
Q. You plan to enter new markets, especially in Africa and Asia. What are your plans to tackle the fluid state of regulation in many of the African and Asian countries, with respect to cryptocurrency. For example, in India, a potentially large market, the legal stature of cryptocurrencies is in a disputed state. What will be your strategy?
A. While our view of the markets is worldwide, including Asia and Africa, we also see solid opportunities to secure country level licensing in places like Peru and Colombia. In addition, in the short term, we plan a major push in Brazil during the World Cup period. Since we have a presence in Latin America, for example, it allows us to understand better the local players and create brands that appeal to the particulars of each market.
Q. Finally, what is your take on the future of igaming segment, especially in relation to advances in technology such as machine learning and block chain?
A. Artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming and will be a very important part of the iGaming industry in years to come.
From better understanding user experience through advanced data sets to more complex security measures via anti-money laundering detection software to faster transaction speeds via blockchain-powered cryptocurrencies, the advancements in technology can benefit the industry in so many ways – and it’s still growing.
These developments allow us to operate in a sector that is safer, more enjoyable and just generally more informed. For instance, with machine learning, we can hone the information we have on our customers to create better experiences. With blockchain, we can offer users the most streamlined and frictionless approach to playing.
As technology is always evolving, part of our mission is to evolve with it, so our players can enjoy the best and most advanced gaming. To bolster customer experience, we are already looking at planning to design and incorporate our own VR Games on-site. These games will be available in 1st person view, as well as in 3rd person view. Our VR Casino Games will offer players the most immersive experience on the market.

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Affilka by SOFTSWISS Joins Gaming Operations Academy
SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, partners with one of the leading education centres in the industry – Gaming Operations Academy. Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS, will be joining the Affiliate Management course as a guest lecturer.
The Affiliate Management course at the Gaming Operations Academy equips industry professionals with practical skills in affiliate recruitment, relationship management, and performance optimisation. Leveraging her extensive experience driving Affilka’s expansion and innovation, Anastasia will provide students with valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices in affiliate marketing.
Affilka by SOFTSWISS currently powers more than 440 brands and continues to expand its global footprint. With a 58% year-over-year increase in player registrations, the platform is recognised for its transparency, flexibility, and data-driven approach. Recent milestones include launching the Cohort Analysis Report, a powerful tool designed to enhance traffic evaluation and player behaviour analysis.
As a leading affiliate marketing platform, Affilka consistently delivers innovative solutions tailored to the needs of iGaming operators. With 10 years of experience in the iGaming industry and extensive professional expertise, Anastasia will share valuable insights into building successful affiliate programs and optimising partnerships for long-term success.
Commenting on her participation, Anastasia Borovaya stated: “Affiliate marketing is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, and knowledge-sharing plays a crucial role in its development. Through this course, I look forward to helping professionals refine their strategies and maximise their affiliate program’s potential using the latest tools and insights.”
Affilka by SOFTSWISS remains committed to advancing the iGaming industry through education, innovation, and top-tier technological solutions. Anastasia’s involvement in the course underscores Affilka’s dedication to empowering professionals with the expertise needed to succeed in a competitive market.
Elaine Gardiner, Affiliate Management Academy Course Director, shared: “The Affiliate Management Masterclass is not just about theory. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in Affiliate Management and Program Management, it’s packed with real-life insights, proven strategies and practical advice you can start implementing straight away. We are proud to strengthen the upcoming course with the extensive expertise from Affilka by SOFTSWISS.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post Affilka by SOFTSWISS Joins Gaming Operations Academy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BETBY EXPANDS PREMIER CRICKET PORTFOLIO WITH LAUNCH OF X-BATTLE BAT
BETBY, the innovative sportsbook supplier, has unveiled the launch of its first fully in-house made e-sim X-Battle Bats, the debut title in its BETBY Unity Games lineup. Launched to align with the start of the cricket season, this fully automated cricket simulation is now a key addition to BETBY’s premier cricket content portfolio, delivering unmatched coverage and player engagement across both real sports and esports simulations.
X-Battle Bats pits two AI-controlled batsmen against each other in an intense, strategic duel where every shot matters. Featuring high-quality graphics, the e-sim delivers a visually engaging experience that enhances the thrill of competition. With no human input required, the simulation is powered entirely by advanced AI decision-making and realistic ball physics, ensuring that no two games are ever the same. Each match consists of 10 turns per batsman, with points awarded based on shot placement, creating a fast-paced experience filled with unpredictability and excitement.
The e-sim delivers a compelling blend of simplicity and depth. Players can witness a variety of batting styles and dynamic ball movement, making every shot feel authentic. With over 50 betting markets and 5,000 matches per month currently available—and scalable to any volume as needed—X-Battle Bats promises a non-stop stream of action for cricket fans and betting enthusiasts. As a fully in-house development, BETBY ensures 100% data accuracy and stability. The e-sim also offers unlimited customization options, allowing operators to tailor banners, players, and tournaments according to their preferences. With a particular focus on India, where cricket is highly popular, BETBY is prepared to craft bespoke solutions to meet regional demands, reinforcing its commitment to localized innovation and personalization.
Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Sportsbook Product at BETBY, commented: “We are proud to introduce X-Battle Bats as the first product in the BETBY Unity Games lineup. This launch represents another step in our mission to continuously expand and refine our esports and virtual sports offering, ensuring operators have engaging, high-quality products tailored to their audiences. X-Battle Bats, a fresh, dynamic content that resonates with bettors worldwide, further solidifies our position as a pioneer in AI-driven sports simulations.”
As the cricket season kicks off, BETBY’s comprehensive cricket portfolio is fully equipped to meet the surge in demand surrounding the start of the Indian Premier League. Alongside X-Battle Bats, BETBY offers a broad selection of cricket betting options across multiple formats.
The supplier delivers coverage of 1,500+ real events, featuring 100+ pre-match markets and 70+ live markets, including advanced statistical player props and outright options beyond standard markets. With a dedicated team of expert traders, BETBY ensures accurate odds and seamless market updates throughout every match.
For eCricket enthusiasts, Competitive eCricket provides an immersive experience with 1,000+ events per month, featuring real players competing in two simulators—Cricket 24 (for PC and consoles) and Real Cricket 24 (for mobile devices). The format consists of 5-over matches, with betting available across three core markets for both pre-match and live wagering.
BETBY’s proprietary esports feed BETBY Games further strengthens its cricket offering with high-frequency AI-powered simulations. The Classic format features 10,000+ events per month, covering the top five global cricket leagues, with 100% stability, over 10 betting markets, and 5-over matches. Meanwhile, the Blitz format delivers 5,000+ ultra-fast matches lasting from 3 to 5 minutes in a 1-over format, offering 20+ betting markets and ultra-low margins.
With this extensive cricket-focused product suite, BETBY is fully prepared to support operators and bettors as the world’s biggest T20 tournament gets underway.
The post BETBY EXPANDS PREMIER CRICKET PORTFOLIO WITH LAUNCH OF X-BATTLE BAT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GAMOMAT expands its Gaming for the Climate initiative with the launch of Great Grizzly
GAMOMAT, one of the leading independent German software developers for slot games, is launching its brand-new title “Great Grizzly” as part of its Gaming for the Climate initiative. The initiative was first launched in 2021, and the fifth game to join the initiative will support Vital Ground in its mission to protect grizzly bear habitats across North America.
A share of the GAMOMAT-revenue generated from Great Grizzly will directly benefit Vital Ground, a nationally accredited land trust specialising in conserving and connecting key habitats for grizzly bears and other wildlife. Since launching in 1990, the trust has protected and enhanced over 1 million acres of critical habitat, working to prevent human-wildlife conflicts and ensure long-term biodiversity conservation.
Set in the expansive wilds of North America, Great Grizzly takes players on a stunning journey through a kingdom ruled by the majestic grizzly bear. The grizzly bear is the big star of this new release, joined by an array of beautiful animals roaming on the reels.
Free games can carry multipliers of up to 27 and will be activated if three, four, or five golden paw print symbols are shown on the reels. Three symbols enable eight free games, four enable 15 free games, and five enable 20 free games. During free games, the golden grizzly bear can leap onto the reels, transforming eagles, lynx, wolves, and deer into the powerful bear symbol to enhance the returns.
Great Grizzly is available to all Bragg operator partners through Bragg HUB. With this latest addition, GAMOMAT’s catalogue of games supporting climate protection now includes Book of Oasis (Healthy Seas), Monkey Mania (Borneo Orangutan Survival), Lava Lions (African Wildlife Foundation), and Alexandria Fire (WeForest).
Dietmar Hermjohannes – Founder of GAMOMAT said: “Gaming for the Climate is not only raising awareness but also taking action on environmental matters close to our hearts. Vital Ground has been doing crucial conservation work to protect North America’s grizzly bears. Together, we can protect the climate while creating better places for people and wildlife. All of this is achieved through a fantastic game that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the North American wilderness. I couldn’t be prouder of my team.”
The post GAMOMAT expands its Gaming for the Climate initiative with the launch of Great Grizzly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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