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Exclusive Evoplay interview on Italy: “We’re creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players.”

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Italy is arguably Europe’s second biggest gaming market and the most interesting when it comes to retail vs. online – with 80% or more players still part of the land-based scene.

We caught up with Evoplay CCO Vladimir Malakchi to hear the latest on their plans for capturing the market, as well as how the award-winning studio’s games are proving to be a real asset for their latest Italian partners.

 

Congratulations on Evoplay’s multiple deals as you expand into Italy! Can you tell us a bit more about your recent partnerships and your plans for further growth in the market?

Thank you! We’re very excited about our recent partnerships and our plans for further expansion. We entered Italy back in 2020, and, over the past three years, we’ve ensured constant growth in players’ interest, trust and openness towards trying out our latest titles.

I truly believe that the key to any commercial success is the partnerships and connections we build with the operators we work alongside. As a result, we are very proud to work with some of the country’s biggest brands. Last year was by far our best yet, securing deals with the likes of Tuko Productions, Scommettendo and Sportbet. Our award-winning slots and instant games have proven to be a real differentiator, and we’re delighted that the feedback has been so positive.

On plans for further growth, we’re strongly focused on building our partner relationships even more, as well as creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players. Our unique gamification tools will no doubt be key to this and are a strong factor in our focus on boosting engagement. So, in short, we’re very excited about Italy’s potential, and we’re confident that our unique approach will continue to resonate with players and partners alike.

What has been the principal driver behind Evoplay selecting Italy as a key market for growth? How would you summarise Italy’s online audience and demographics?

Our main drive here is the increasing adoption of online gaming from land-based. The numbers are clear to see; the online market revenue is projected to grow by 6.69% annually between 2023 and 2027, reaching a total volume of €3.68bn. On audience and demographics, the country is incredibly broad and diverse – which means significant opportunity. There’s a potential market of up to 20 million people for online, with a ratio of approximately 60:40 of male vs. female.

Given that near-parity, we can pursue plenty of creative options. The 25-34 age group is the largest segment, so demand for innovative entertainment is on the rise – which is a gap that Evoplay is serving well! It’s also good to note the level of smartphone penetration – with over 80% of the population using new generation smartphones, game content should be heavily mobile-optimised.

As well as being one of Europe’s biggest gaming markets – Italy also has a unique retail heritage with as much as 90% of gaming still happening offline. What strengths can you offer to operators to provide a platform for conversion into the online world?

Italy’s land-based gaming heritage certainly sets it apart from the rest of Europe. Online gaming holds distinctive benefits such as convenience, a greater variety of games, and of course, bonuses and promotions such as tournaments and quests. I believe that in-game and out-game gamification tools can effectively drive player engagement and improve conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. And, of course, those in-game and out-game gamification features add to the whole thrill of playing online, creating a community.

At Evoplay, we pride ourselves on our ability to create immersive and engaging games offline with strong visual and audio elements that can create an experience as exciting as a real casino. We believe that this is particularly important in the Italian market, where players are accustomed to the sensory experience of playing offline and improving conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. As a result, we focus heavily on our unique range of gamification features and incentives for our partners.

In addition, we also work closely with our partners to ensure that our games are integrated seamlessly onto their platforms, making it easy for players to access and play them. We understand that trust is a key factor in Italy, so we emphasise ensuring that our games are secure and reliable.

Onto slot types – what gaming trends are you seeing for Italian players and how are you catering to that demand? Which of Evoplay’s games is performing the best?

It’s common knowledge that football is Italy’s favourite sport, and it’s a huge industry with millions of people betting on it. This has had a significant impact on gaming trends in the country. Instant games have become particularly popular, providing a nice contrast to the wait for live sports fixtures when betting. Players love the instant results they get from these games, and it’s a refreshing change of pace. So of course, football-themed games work perfectly for this. Another trend we are seeing is that Italians love to play chicken-themed titles, so this is certainly an avenue we’re continuing to develop!

We are always looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide our Italian players with the latest and most innovative gaming experiences. Classic slots, video slots, in-game gamification elements, out-game gamification, tournaments, and quests are trending heavily, and we’re actively catering to that demand. Our current top-performing games in the Italian market are Penalty Shoot-out, Fruit Super Nova Game Collection, Elven Princesses, and Hot Triple Sevens. These games are loved by players for their engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and exciting bonus features.

As a truly innovative studio, how can you help online operators improve their conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players? What can you offer that’s different?

Sports, and indeed sports betting, is an essential part of the Italian fabric. We understand that importance, and we’re proud to offer RNG-based games that provide a unique sports betting experience.

Our games are also designed to be integrated seamlessly with sports betting platforms, which means that players can quickly switch between gaming and sports betting, with the same action enjoyed across both. Evoplay’s RNG-based Football Pack is a vital component of this commitment as it offers a unique and exciting experience that adds to the overall thrill of the betting experience.

Testament to this is the success of our Penalty Shoot-out. This instant game is unique because it features an innovative betting method that keeps players engaged and excited. As players navigate through the game, they experience a realistic penalty shoot-out where they get to choose the nation they want to represent and aim for goal.

Last but not least, what’s Evoplay’s vision for Italy 2023 and 2024? What are your plans for growing even further in the market and entertaining players?

Our vision for Italy in 2023 and 2024 is focused on growth and continued innovation. The market is a core part of our European strategy, and we’re committed to providing the best gaming experiences possible for players here.

To achieve this, we’re launching new games of different types that are tailored to local audiences. Especially exciting is that players can expect another game in the Penalty Shoot-out series. Additionally, we’re also preparing our next flagship game, which is truly fresh and unique, and we’re confident it will be a real hit with players here.

We’re also providing our partners with different game packages that include marketing activities and engagement opportunities. We also see plenty more opportunity in transitioning land-based players to online, which gamification will be a key driver towards achieving.  We make calculated data-driven moves, so we will be gathering all the data and feedback from our operators and based on the collected information, we will prepare our next steps and make predictions for 2024.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Michael Gauselmann at 70: Entrepreneur, Innovator and Chairman of Merkur Group’s Supervisory Board

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“Everything I do, I do with great passion.” A glance at the life of Michael Gauselmann quickly reveals why the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Merkur Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation chose these words. He can look back on 70 years dedicated to businesses, products and people – shaped by his passion for gaming, entrepreneurial courage and clear, forward-looking decisions.

Born on 28 November 1955 as the second son of company founder Paul Gauselmann, Michael Gauselmann became familiar with the world of vending machines early on. From the age of 13, he spent every school holiday working in his father’s company – always in different departments. This early mix of hands-on experience and an understanding of processes and figures laid the foundation for his later career.

After completing his A-levels, he studied Business Administration at the University of Hamburg, specialising in IT, statistics and marketing. As a graduate, he combined numerical expertise, technical affinity and market awareness – a combination that would later fuel numerous innovations within the Group. In 1982, he joined Nova-Apparate in Hamburg as Executive Assistant, before becoming Commercial Manager of Franken-Automaten Südvertrieb a year later. With the company’s integration into what was then the Gauselmann Group, his true journey within the family business began.

The years that followed were characterised by rapid advancement and significant responsibility. From 1984 to 1986, Michael Gauselmann served as Commercial Manager of today’s adp Merkur as well as CFO of the Group. He then took over management of the former Merkur Spielothek, now Merkur Operations, until 1992 – during a period of strong expansion with around 250 arcades in Germany.

A year later, his focus increasingly shifted to international markets. The “game designer at heart”, as he describes himself, played a pivotal role in developing the Group’s global activities. He acquired Atronic and turned it into a key business unit for the development, production and distribution of casino machines, drove the acquisition of Bell-Fruit Games in the UK and established Stella Electronic for the European market. His passion for games and keen sense for innovation significantly accelerated the Group’s internationalisation.

From 1994 to 2004, Michael Gauselmann was Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Gauselmann AG. From 2004 until the establishment of the Gauselmann Family Foundation, he and his father Paul acted as co-spokespersons of the Management Board. While he was mainly responsible for the international business and his father concentrated on domestic operations, their shared responsibility for the Group continued to grow.

At the same time, Michael Gauselmann consciously sought new perspectives. He earned a pilot’s licence and enjoyed the vastness of the skies. He became a hunter and now takes care of wildlife conservation in his adopted home of Austria. Today, he lives in Graz in the province of Styria.

Since 2016, he has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. And when his father stepped down from the top of the Group last year, it was clear who would take the helm: since October 2024, Michael Gauselmann has been Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. He sees his role as that of motivator, overseer and adviser. He knows the industry “inside out” – it is in his blood. At the same time, he does not want to “bring back the Gauselmann face” to the company. The focus today, he says, should be on the Merkur brand, the Management Board and the teams.

Above all, he wants a Management Board made up of strong personalities “who don’t just say ‘Yes, Mr Gauselmann’”. “We are a fantastic corporate group with countless opportunities,” he says. “We create entertainment – and that is something to be proud of.” Restoring this sense of pride among employees is one of his key aspirations. Looking ahead, Michael Gauselmann has set himself a clear personal goal: he plans to step back from his roles no later than the age of 75. Until then, he intends to actively support the continued development of the Merkur Group as a modern, internationally positioned entertainment provider.

The post Michael Gauselmann at 70: Entrepreneur, Innovator and Chairman of Merkur Group’s Supervisory Board appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Three online casinos in five months from Ganadu – Meet Berriez

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Ganadu Gaming Ltd. has announced the launch of Berriez, its third online brand launch within the unprecedented timeline of five months.  The operator is showing no signs of slowing down, either, with plans already underway for the next product launches, prompting industry stalwarts to wonder what’s behind this rapid growth mindset and what’s coming next.

Sustainability through growth

The three casino brands, Flamez, Speedz and now Berriez have all been built, tested and launched in an incredibly tight time frame, each with its own selection of games, bespoke welcome offers and distinct branding. The releases turn the concept of online casino marketing on its head: that a brand launch should be a dedicated focus that lasts for months, if not extending to years, rather than the Ganadu style of business that has focused on rapid deployment and market penetration. This methodology, according to the team, is exactly what will lead to sustainability.

What to expect from Ganadu

The primary focus for Ganadu is one of rapid growth, with more brands, product offering expansion and increased market penetration all on the cards for 2026. Having laid the foundations, the leadership team is confident that these goals are all attainable.

Adam Kamiar, Commercial Director, Ganadu offers some insights into this explosive marketing activity: “Ganadu is your archetypal multibrand: we have industry experts able to create products that target segmented markets, so we’re able to diversify our products at a rapid pace. Our platform architecture has been created with this in mind, allowing us to replicate certain elements while ensuring that the branding is fresh and appealing for different audiences. 

He continues: “We’re aiming for a vast suite of products and brands that reach every conceivable market segment; more than that, we’re looking to dominate in those segments and marketplaces in which players are accessing our brands. Time is one of the factors that provides us with the means to do this. Our tightly-knit teams have perfected efficiency when it comes to product development and deployment, so we’re always working on the next ideas in conjunction with our current product focuses. Historically, operators have spent way too long in product development. We’ve specifically reduced the steps it takes to get from product conception to launch. This allows us to start achieving revenue at an earlier time, so the timeline from business development to profitability is reduced. It’s a win-win for us”.

Ganadu has close relationships with the world’s leading game providers as well as payment providers, so the organisation can leverage those partnerships to great effect for the benefit of customers, existing and new players alike.

The Berriez experience

Berriez is designed to offer a slick user experience with plenty of special promotions and bonus opportunities to sweeten the deal.

Players can look forward to easy registration processes, rapid deposit and withdrawals across secure payment systems that include selected credit cards, e-wallets, or online banking to suit player preferences, with the peace of mind of knowing that world-class encryption and security technology is in place to safeguard their personal data.

There are thousands of games to choose from, including familiar favourite slot games, Live casino action and table games. Game providers like Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO and Evolution are all present, so players can browse the games lobby at their leisure for the themes, titles and experiences they enjoy. Berriez is optimised for both desktop and mobile play.

To kick off the fun, there’s a generous Welcome Offer, and regular promotions across popular game titles are bound to keep players engaged. A Daily Cashback offer has proven to be successful at Flamez and Speedz: this attractive proposition welcomes players to Berriez, too.

The entire Berriez experience is a sweet one! 

Ganadu Gaming has assured customers that every product enhancement and new brand release comes with a commitment to player enjoyment; there will be even more exciting releases to look forward to in the near future.

Licensed and regulated 

Berriez Casino is operated by Ganadu, under a strict license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), ensuring fair play and regulatory compliance. The platform employs state-of-the-art encryption to safeguard personal and financial data. Berriez is equipped with the prestigious ISO 27001 certification, underscoring the company’s commitment to information security.

Note: Certain games are restricted within certain territories due to regulatory requirements. 

The post Three online casinos in five months from Ganadu – Meet Berriez appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise

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eGaming Integrity Ltd marks its two-year anniversary, celebrating a period of growth, trust, and continued delivery of independent regulatory, compliance, and audit expertise to eGaming operators, suppliers, and Corporate Service Providers.

Founded by former regulators and senior compliance leaders, eGaming Integrity was established with a clear mission: to help protect licences and reputations through practical, regulator-ready assurance. Two years on, the firm continues to provide objective, expert support designed to strengthen governance and reduce regulatory risk.

A Trusted Partner for Assurance

In just 24 months, eGaming Integrity has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking confidence in their control environments. The team delivers:

  • mock regulatory audits and inspection readiness;
  • independent internal audit programmes;
  • targeted remediation and advisory support.

Emma Shilling, Director, highlighted the firm’s commitment to meaningful, independent assurance: “Reaching our second anniversary is a proud moment. From day one, our focus has been to provide independent assurance that adds real value. We help embed governance and compliance into everyday operations to protect licences and reputations for the long term.”

Robert Penfold, Head of Internal Audit, highlighted the importance of objective insight in strengthening client operations: “Over the past two years, eGI has shown how truly independent audit and compliance support can reduce risk and give boards confidence that controls are working as they should. Our role is to provide clear, workable solutions that prepare businesses for scrutiny and support their ongoing success.”

Looking Forward

As it enters its third year, eGaming Integrity remains committed to delivering expert,

impartial, and commercially practical assurance. Whether preparing businesses for regulatory engagement, providing independent internal audit services, or supporting targeted remediation, the firm’s goal remains simple: to be the trusted partner that helps protect licenses and reputations.

The post eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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