Latest News

Odds on: Unlocking the potential of AI for esports betting

Published

11 months ago

August 13, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Jordan Peltier, Chief Data Officer at PandaScore, says that humans and machines must work together if businesses are to maximise the potential of AI when it comes to esports betting odds.

Artificial intelligence has been one of the most discussed industry topics over the past 12 months and it’s easy to see why. AI can be transformative for operators, suppliers and bettors, and while there are concerns around adversarial AI, when used in the right way, it’s a game-changer.

At PandaScore, AI plays a crucial role in the odds we deliver esports betting operators. This is because it is incredibly effective at handling complex, high-dimensional and unstructured data and finding patterns within it – these patterns are needed to predict the outcome of events.

This, of course, is the foundation needed for determining the odds for each market that we offer. But the power of AI goes beyond this.

It can adapt dynamically to new data which is just not possible with old statistical models like parametric distributions as they struggle to capture the non-linear relationship between variables so require additional manual engineering which takes time and resource.

But does this mean the AI machine is taking over from human trading teams? Absolutely not.

Leveraging the capabilities of AI and combining it with specialist human traders is the optimal approach because you have models that can capture the complexity of esports supported by human traders with a deep understanding of each discipline.

Odds should always be based on true probabilities and while there have been significant breakthroughs in AI – I’m talking about transformer-based models such as Large Language Models – it is still prone to making errors, especially when it comes to forecasting.

Let me explain by way of percentages. AI alone can get you 90% of the way to determining the true probability of an outcome but you need the human specialist trader to get you the final 10% of the way to perfection. And perfection is a must when it comes to odds.

Ultimately, this is what allows operators to offer high-value odds to their customers while ensuring a strong and stable margin from their esportsbook. What’s more, it only takes one small error for sharp, savvy bettors to exploit a mistake and that’s not what operators expect from their data partners.

It must be remembered that AI models are only as good as the data they feed from and still require training. Human traders help in this regard, providing a layer of security for core actions like settlement and odds checking when the model goes off market.

In some instances, the trader will have access to data the model doesn’t see of wasn’t trained on – things like a last-minute change to the player roster.

This is why our human traders are responsible for picking the tournament and market coverage that will most appeal to our operator partners, and our traders are on hand 24/7/365 to support operators in their efforts to offer a top esports betting experience to their players.

The training of AI models is crucial and again sees our trading and data science teams work together during the entire lifecycle of each AI model we build from designing the model to testing and interacting with models in production to ensure they are performing.

This is a virtuous cycle with our data scientists training the most optimal models that prove to be the easiest for our traders to manipulate. Traders also give a ton of deep and detailed feedback which our data scientists can use to improve the models.

The idea here is that the trading team has little input once the model is rolled out and often only make one input per match with the AI model then calculating all of the odds and markets. This ultimate is what powers our BetBuilder and PropBet products.

Having specialist traders for each esports discipline is also important. Each video game is like its own sport and while there are some similarities between some titles, the differences have an impact on the markets and odds offered and that’s exactly why specialist traders are a must.

Take shooter-round based game like CS2 and Valorant and MOBA games like Dota2 and LoL. With the former, there’s a lot of repetition in the gameplay which takes place round after round. This means betting markets are focus on rounds and kills for teams and players.

With MOBA games, there are objectives within the game that have a direct influence on who wins the match – things like kills, towers, nashors, inhibitors and dragons. This is complex – and doesn’t exist in traditional sports betting – and is why pricing teams must master in-game dynamics.

Again, this is something that AI can’t do on its own right now.

AI is a key pillar of our business, and we are incredibly proud of how we have used it in collaboration with our data scientists and traders to create models that deliver top odds for our operator partners and their players.

But working with AI is all about staying ahead of the game and our work is never done. This is why we continue to test, iterate, innovate and do all we can top perfect our models. This would not be possible without our incredible team which stands as a testament as to how machines and humans can work together in harmony.

The post Odds on: Unlocking the potential of AI for esports betting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

The anatomy of a high-performing iGaming platform: a guide from Slotegrator

Published

16 hours ago

July 11, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Slotegrator, a gambling solutions provider and game aggregator, has released new downloadable material about the key components of a successful online casino platform. The guide includes practical checklists to help beginners set up platforms from scratch and experts enhance their projects.

In the iGaming industry, a project’s long-term success depends on the power and versatility of its platform. But that platform can’t be based on any old software; just like how you can’t have a car without four wheels and an engine, there are vital components to an online casino platform.

So what are they?

Let’s start with first impressions. The frontend is the “face” of a platform. Almost 75% of players judge a gambling website based on its appearance, and 88% of users won’t return after a negative experience.

Key frontend elements include:

Branding (visitors should understand the idea from the first glance)
Navigation (everything should be simple and easy to find)
Transparency (players must have easy access to relevant information)
Localization (adoption of language, currency and cultural norms).

If the frontend is the face, the backend is the brain. It should contain all the tools for successful online casino management. A quality backend should give the operator total, real-time monitoring and control over every aspect of a business — payment processing, regulatory compliance, game statistics, player data, retention strategies, analytics, compliance, player support, and everything else.

New operators often find themselves trying to choose whether to build such a platform in-house or to outsource the job. Slotegrator’s report carefully weighs the pros and cons of each option and reaches a clear conclusion: in-house development might save a little money in the short term, but it’ll cost much more in the long run.

“We created this guide to help operators to understand what truly belongs in a successful iGaming platform. An engaging frontend and a powerful backend are essential tools for attracting and retaining players. The guide is a valuable resource for evaluating a platform’s strengths and weaknesses and building a clear promotion strategy”, says Svetlana Kirichenko, Head of Marketing at Slotegrator.

Slotegrator’s guide also includes several key checklists:

Essential frontend functions
Key backend features
Necessary modules for platform architecture (featuring a real example of Slotegrator’s turnkey online casino platform.

Download the guide via the link.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

The post The anatomy of a high-performing iGaming platform: a guide from Slotegrator appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

PAGCOR ORDERS TAKEDOWN OF GAMBLING BILLBOARDS

Published

16 hours ago

July 11, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate dismantling of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) gambling advertisements in its intensified efforts to regulate gambling-related promotions in public spaces.

In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to take down gambling ad materials, including those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis.

The agency emphasized that only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns—subject to PAGCOR’s approval—will be permitted moving forward.

“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.

“Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”

The inventory, according to Mr. Tengco, must include the size, material, location, rental contract expiration, and the corresponding permit number from the Ad Standards Council (ASC).

The PAGCOR chief said the move is part of the state gaming agency’s commitment to promote a safer and more responsible gaming environment in the country.

“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.

“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth.”

The agency also warned against replacing the dismantled advertisements with new gambling promotions, stressing that non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly.

The post PAGCOR ORDERS TAKEDOWN OF GAMBLING BILLBOARDS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Week 28/2025 slot games releases

Published

16 hours ago

July 11, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Spinomenal has released its latest title, Queen of Oasis. Set against the rolling ancient Egyptian dunes and lush, palm-lined oases, Queen of Oasis immerses players in an elegant world of riches. Camels, vultures, antelopes, snakes, and the powerful Queen herself bring this 5-reel slot to life. The reels sit within two ornate marble pillars where the bejewelled Queen represents the Wild symbol.

TaDa Gaming has released Golden Bank 2, a sequel to the popular Golden Bank slot. With a 10,000x max win and exciting features, Golden Bank 2 engage players with its immersive gameplay and the potential for substantial payouts. Set in a golden vault, Golden Bank 2 combines the simplicity of classic slots with the thrill of modern mechanics. With vibrant graphics and a dynamic soundtrack, the game immerses players in an exciting, high-stakes atmosphere.

Evoplay has launched Belfry Bliss Hold and Win, a fiery 5×3 slot that blends retro-inspired visuals with a darker twist on the fan-favourite Hold and Win mechanic. Set against a backdrop of flames and ringing bells, the game reintroduces Evoplay’s mischievous Devil character, not as a foe, but as a Wild symbol, lighting the way to potential wins. Classic slot icons like sevens, bars and cherries return, but the real action begins when the bells drop.

Brute Force: Alien Onslaught reunites the original Brute Force members… with a surprise addition. Joshua and Jason have recruited the help of Jade, a fearless mercenary, who doesn’t know defeat. This game joins the ranks of signature Nolimit City slots like Fire In The Hole 3, Highway To Hell and most recently Flight Mode. It’s time to lock and load, once again! Unlike the prequel, Brute Force: Alien Onslaught features a 6 reel setup, wilds and a new baddie, Xylox, who can steal multipliers from Joshua, Jason and Jade.

Push Gaming has returned to the deep blue with Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch, a reimagined follow-up to one of its most beloved recent titles. Building on the charm and success of the originalFish ‘n’ Nudge, Big Catch brings fresh energy to the series with a new take on free spins and added layers of excitement designed to engage both loyal fans and new players.

Play’n GO unveils Rise of Orpheus, a mythical slot that takes players deep into the Underworld in pursuit of love, light, and powerful gameplay features. Following in the footsteps of mythology-inspired favourites like Gates of Troy and Rise of Olympus, Rise of Orpheus brings the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to life through emotionally charged mechanics and immersive storytelling.

Playson welcomes the return of its mischievous trickster in Super Pink Joker: Hold and Win, who features as a Wild during base play before shapeshifting into a lavish Multiplier for the renowned Hold and Win Bonus. Set in a dazzling pink world full of energy, the release cranks up the heat with dynamic animations and upbeat audio, with the jester taking his place on the enlarged 5×3 grid alongside electrified coins and cartoon-style fruits.

Blueprint Gaming™ reignites the prehistoric fun in its latest major branded IP release, The Flintstones™ Bedrock Riches, led by two lavish bonus games and an intriguing base play trail. The series’ original, The Flintstones™, enjoyed a strong initial uptake in users following its launch in May 2024, with players gravitating towards the familiarity of the brand and series. The renowned slot studio now feels confident the latest offering has built on key features and aims to retain players long term.

ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, announces the release of John’s Book, its modern take on timeless themes and mechanics. The game invites players to join John the Explorer to hunt for ancient treasures buried in a Pharaoh’s tomb. Rich with iconic symbols and familiar mechanics, John’s Book is a tribute to the well-loved “Book Of…” format that’s prevalent in the industry while adding its twists. With high replayability, easy-to-understand features, and an immersive design, this title appeals to both veteran and casual players.

Players get to dig deeper with every spin as they search for gems and big wins in Wild Gold Mine, the latest slot release for iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Wild Gold Mine promises a glistening player experience thanks to a cart-load of features, including a unique bonus that makes an appearance for the very first time in an ICONIC21 slot.

“Hellish 7 Hold & Win”, (Höllische 7 Hold & Win in German) is now live, a spicy Classic Series slot from the Berlin-based developer Hölle Games. This is a new summer edition in the Hellish Seven franchise, known for its high volatility, hellishly good payouts, and hard rock riffs. The new entry features Hold & Win, where, if players can fill the reels with (any) cash symbol, they will win the impressive 7777x main prize!

Tom Horn Gaming is kicking off July with Panda Rica, a fast-paced 3×3 video slot that delivers simple yet captivating mechanics and vibrant visuals. From expanding wilds and multiplier wins to Star Gamble Ladder, the game is a standout addition to the supplier’s growing portfolio of slot titles. Designed for quick sessions and high engagement, Panda Rica combines classic slot appeal with clever gameplay that elevates the player experience.

Prepare for an unforgettable summer as Endorphina announces the highly anticipated release of Sticky Lips, its latest captivating slot. This visually striking title invites players into a vibrant world where Endorphina’s Joker makes a remarkable return, blowing irresistible kisses to make their winnings truly stick. She’s wild, she’s wicked – and her lips are ready to stick you with luck! Dare to stare into her eyes in this 5-reel 4-row slot with 50 fixed paylines and prove your worth to get a lucky, juicy kiss. With every spin, her lips glow and tempt, hungry to lock in golden wins.

The post Week 28/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.