Latest News

Exclusive interview w/ Thomas Kolbabek, CTO at Golden Whale Productions

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

To kick things off, could you give our readers a bit of background on what Golden Whale does? What is the company’s primary focus and what systems does it have in place to help its customers?

Golden Whale is a next-generation gaming infrastructure supplier that aims to streamline the process of integrating, modelling and orchestrating strategically relevant models derived from large data sets. We use a combination of data science and machine learning to assist companies in taking their player retention to the next level and maximise the expected lifetime value of their customers. The systems we use greatly reduce the time required to generate learnings and insights from a company’s data, which they can then apply to their products. Ultimately, we believe this will change the way that games and gaming systems are built and operated.

Are there any aspects of Golden Whale’s offering that makes it unique from other data tech companies? If so, how do the solutions that you provide differ from what the competition is doing?

While all data science companies claim to have the best model when it comes to making accurate predictions and segmentations, these are typically black box processes with little to no transparency. One of the things that makes Golden Whale unique is that we build a second layer on top for model orchestration and competition so users can compare all the outcomes from similar data sets. This allows companies to be more independent from single sources and helps them build an evolving system around their modelling that easily can be configured to find specific target values.

Apart from that the combination of long-standing domain know-how and latest methods in data-science lets us increase the learning speed of our customers systems significantly and reduces time between general analysis and useful execution!

Being a relatively new company in the iGaming industry, what were the main challenges that you encountered while establishing Golden Whale and how have you tackled these up until now?

The challenges that we’ve faced have been largely the same as any other innovative company aiming to make an impression in market – that is to say converting initial curiosity and scepticism into excitement and opportunity. Fortunately for us, we began operating at a time when the first wave of machine learning companies had already laid solid foundations for how this incredible technology can be used to benefit the industry. Our goal is now to really push the boundaries of what data science and machine learning can do for platforms and game systems and it’s a challenge we’re really relishing.

How has the experience your team has gained in the past helped to shape what Golden Whale does? Have there been any previous learnings that have influenced your approach to data science?

Our team has accumulated a lot of domain know-how from our backgrounds in gaming and data science that has enabled us to fine-tune our models to deliver optimal results. Of course, our previous experience has allowed us to identify gaps in the market that can be plugged by doing things a little differently, but it’s important to also respect the pace at which data science and machine learning is moving forward. In our field, it’s vital to stay on top of the latest developments and ensure this is what’s influencing and enhancing your product, rather than relying on insights from several years ago.

Golden Whale’s mission statement is to provide tools that “convert gaming companies into learning companies” – what are the key insights that they can expect to gain by using your product?

Our main focus is building products that directly interact with customer behaviour and player experience across different levels of product. We build on existing machine learning and data exploration tools to give partners new insights on how they can maximise efficiency and profits by improving their systems. In order to make full use of these insights, our models are ideally connected to gaming systems in real time with the resulting feedback loop being designed in a smart way. Our unique approach in this area can drastically speed up the process of how businesses can understand and enhance their offering based on the information they already have at their fingertips.

What does Golden Whale have lined up for 2023? Is there a clearly-defined plan for what you hope to achieve and can we expect to see any specific product launches over the coming months?

All younger companies in the data science sector are likely to experience a period of exponential growth during their first few years of operation, and Golden Whale is certainly no different in this respect. We currently have a pipeline with new customer launches, a product roadmap that encompasses many exciting projects and a bank of real-life results that we’re eager to share with our customers. We’re really excited about what’s coming up over the next 12 months and believe our future innovations will help Golden Whale make a real splash in the industry.

Latest News

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 7-13

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Apollo announced the completion of the previously announced acquisitions of International Game Technology PLC’s (doing business as Brightstar Lottery) Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. (Everi) by a holding company owned by funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the Apollo Funds). The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, brings together complementary businesses to form a privately held global leader in gaming, digital and financial technology solutions. The two companies will be integrated into a combined enterprise in the coming months. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the combined enterprise will operate under the IGT name, while retaining the Everi brand in select markets and product lines.

Luckbet has announced Vitor Paulin as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), bringing his expertise in branding, digital marketing, data-driven strategies, performance, CRM and user experience optimisation to lead the brand’s positioning at a strategic moment for the betting sector in Brazil. With a consolidated track record in branding, strategy and communication, Paulin takes on the mission of boosting the company’s marketing initiatives, strengthening its presence in the market. Having worked for renowned companies such as Accenture, Ogilvy, Cadastra, Havas, Dentsu, Digitas, Serasa Experian, Escola Conquer and Grupo Aposta Ganha, Vitor has accumulated experience in leadership positions, including CMO and Chief Growth Officer.

Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel has officially opened its newly expanded non-smoking gaming floor, marking a significant milestone in the property’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, the new, larger non-smoking slot floor will feature nearly 400 of today’s most popular slot machines in a fresh, modern environment designed exclusively for non-smoking guests. This addition enhances the casino’s dedication to providing smoke-free gaming options in a luxury setting. For convenience and ease of access, non-smoking guests can also take advantage of the smoke-free entrance via the hotel’s valet parking. This new space complements Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s existing fully enclosed, non-smoking slot area near Falls Buffet and Snoqualmie Café & Deli, offering guests even more choice and accessibility when it comes to their preferred gaming environment.

Partnerships

Hasbro has announced a new slate of multi-year licensing partnerships aimed at transforming and expanding its most popular brands across the casino category. After a comprehensive review and market evaluation, Hasbro has selected Aristocrat Technologies, Evolution, Galaxy Gaming, and Bally’s as its newest partners in casino licensing. The new partners join existing licensee Sciplay. The announcement underscores Hasbro’s “Playing to Win” strategy, revealed in February 2025, which focuses on innovation, partnerships, and bringing beloved brands to life across more formats than ever.

The Indiana Fever announced that one of the world’s leading online betting companies, bet365, is joining the team as its Official Sportsbook Partner for the 2025 season. Bet365 will step into the game with a lineup of fan-focused features that will be integrated across the Fever’s media and game day experience. As part of the partnership, bet365 will have a strong presence throughout the Fever season, including having a brand presence across Fever Radio Network broadcasts, team social content and the Fever mobile app.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 7-13 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS WITH TORRERO TO EXPAND REACH THROUGH CONTENT AGGREGATION PLATFORM

Published

7 hours ago

July 15, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems, and solutions, has announced a partnership with Torrero, a casino and sportsbook platform aggregator.

Through this strategic collaboration, Inspired’s acclaimed portfolio of games is now live on the Torrero platform, expanding its reach across regulated markets including the United Kingdom, Estonia and Mexico.

The rollout includes Inspired’s most successful slot titles such as the enduring fan-favourite Gold Cash Free Spins™, the iconic Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money™, and the recent smash hit Golden Winner Grand Chance™. Inspired’s growing portfolio of titles offers curated blend of time-tested classics, seasonal favourites and fresh, high-impact releases designed to engage and retain players across diverse markets.

This collaboration marks another significant milestone in Inspired’s continued global expansion and reaffirms its focus on building strong, scalable partnerships that drive growth in key territories. By joining forces with Torrero, Inspired aims to captivate new audiences while further solidifying its leading presence in the competitive iGaming landscape.

Claire Osborne, Vice President at Inspired Entertainment, said: “We’re excited to partner with Torrero to bring our diverse games portfolio to new audiences. From player-favourite classics to fun seasonal titles, our games are crafted for engagement and performance. This collaboration will deliver exceptional entertainment experiences to Torrero’s operator network and their players worldwide.”

Aleksei Tolstov, Head of Business Development at Torrero, added: “Partnering with top-tier content providers like Inspired is central to our growth strategy. Inspired’s compelling, high-quality games add tremendous value to our platform, and we look forward to building on this relationship as we continue to deliver best-in-class iGaming entertainment to our customers.”

The post INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS WITH TORRERO TO EXPAND REACH THROUGH CONTENT AGGREGATION PLATFORM appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

SBC Summit 2025: Scaling Connections and Industry Dialogue in Lisbon

Published

9 hours ago

July 15, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

From 16–18 September 2025, the global sports betting and iGaming community will converge at the Feira Internacional De Lisboa for SBC Summit 2025 – an industry-defining exhibition and conference designed to bring scale, structure, strategic dialogue and actionable business opportunities to the evolving gaming landscape.

This year’s edition is set to welcome 30,000 delegates and will unfold across an expanded 135,000 square metre venue space. With 700+ exhibitors, 550+ speakers, and a structured layout spanning 5 vertical-specific zones, the event reflects both the complexity and global reach of today’s gaming ecosystem.

An Evolving Format to Match Industry Needs

The layout of SBC Summit 2025 has been carefully designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry. Each of the five dedicated zones will focus on a key vertical, with its own exhibition floor, conference stage, and networking areas. This format aims to enhance relevance for attendees by enabling more focused exploration, conversation, and business development.

In addition to these zones, the event will host two specialist summits:

Affiliate Leaders Summit
Payment Expert Summit

These dedicated summits allow for deeper interaction among professionals operating in specific areas of the gaming value chain.

A Multi-Stage Conference Agenda

The conference programme will span seven stages, hosting over 550 speakers. Among many highlights will be headline speaker appearances from global superstars – such as marketing & tech pioneer Gary Vaynerchuck, with others to be announced shortly. Sessions are set to address core topics such as:

Application and implementation of Web3.0, AI, Blockchain and other booming technologies
Player protection and responsible gaming
Evolving regulation and compliance in Global & Emerging markets
Payment solutions and financial innovation
Advances in iGaming and casino tech
Affiliate strategies and performance marketing

Session formats will vary – including keynotes, workshops, and roundtable discussions– designed to encourage both knowledge sharing and interactive dialogue.

Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Media Infrastructure

To support both formal and informal engagement, the venue will also feature a dedicated media headquarters and a food festival area – offering relaxed settings for interviews, content creation, and spontaneous networking.

SBC Summit 2025 continues to position itself as a significant touchpoint for industry professionals seeking not only visibility, but also long-term growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Evenings of Connection: Networking Events & Infinity Lisbon Closing Party

SBC Summit 2025 isn’t just about the sessions and exhibition floor – it’s about the connections that spark after hours. This year’s lineup of networking events invites delegates to experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife through a curated series of parties, dinners, and celebrations hosted at the city’s most iconic venues.

The week kicks off with the SBC Summit Opening Party on Tuesday, 16 September, at Urban Beach – one of Lisbon’s hottest night spots – featuring headline sets by international DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, network, and set the tone for the days ahead.

On Wednesday, 17 September, a trio of exclusive events will unfold across Lisbon:

The C-Level & Operator VIP Dinner & Networking Party at SUD Lisboa, offering luxury dining and breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril Bridge from its rooftop terrace
The Payment Expert Summit VIP Dinner & Party at Kais Restaurante Bar, designed for professionals in the Emerging Tech and Payments sphere
And the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 at MEO Arena, celebrating affiliate excellence with a glamorous awards ceremony and gala dinner

The Summit culminates in a spectacular finale: the Infinity Lisbon Closing Party 2025, held on Thursday, 18 September at the iconic MEO Arena. With superstar DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet headlining, this event promises to be a high-energy, unforgettable close to an impactful week of business and celebration.

From casual mingling to VIP experiences, SBC Summit 2025 ensures that meaningful connections happen at every level – both on and off the show floor.

For full details, visit the official event site: sbcevents.com/sbc-summit

The post SBC Summit 2025: Scaling Connections and Industry Dialogue in Lisbon appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.