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XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD
2024 was your debut year with Xanada Investments. Looking back, what are the key highlights or moments that defined this first year for the fund?
2024 marked the beginning of an ambitious journey for Xanada Investments – a year where we laid a strong foundation for what’s to come. While the real work lies ahead, I can confidently say that we’ve set the stage.
The highlight was undoubtedly our successful allocation of $9 million across 8 impactful projects, selected from a pool of 350 submissions. Each startup impressed us with its scalability, strong team, and ability to deliver real results – qualities we value as the cornerstone of every successful partnership.
Another defining moment was the debut of the Xanada Startup Contest. It was a platform not just to identify potential investments. We actively participated in major industry events like iGB LaunchPad, SiGMA Pitch, and SBC First Pitch – events we couldn’t pass up. As a newcomer, we not only made our presence known but also earned recognition, securing awards and forging valuable connections.
Beyond numbers, the year was about building a community – a network of partners, founders, and investors who believe in driving transformative change.This is just the start of an exciting journey.
What inspired you to launch the Xanada Startup Contest, and how would you evaluate its impact in 2024?
It’s no secret that many startups are in need of investment. But the real question is, do they have the expertise, networks, and strategic foundation to actually make that investment work? This was one of the key insights that led us to create the Xanada Startup Contest. It wasn’t about running a competition with just a single winner; it was about creating a transparent process: a live showcase of how startups grow, pivot, and adapt in real-time.
Too often, what happens behind the scenes stays hidden, but we wanted to change that. The results speak for themselves. With 250 applications pouring in, representing a diverse range of ideas from around the globe, we witnessed firsthand the depth of creativity within the startup ecosystem. And through a rigorous selection process, we identified and elevated one standout winner – FTDx. The real impact of the contest lies in its ability to challenge founders to think bigger and execute better. That’s what makes the Xanada Startup Contest more than just a competition.
Many associate investment funds with slow decision-making processes. Yet Xanada Investments has been incredibly dynamic. What’s your secret to keeping up this pace in the previous year?
The secret lies in creating frameworks that balance precision with speed. We’ve developed rigorous evaluation processes that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess startups effectively without losing momentum.
But beyond frameworks, it’s about having a team with the right mindset. At Xanada Investments, we embrace adaptability and foster collaboration. Our team operates with the energy and agility of a startup, and that allows us to move quickly, even in an industry often seen as traditional and slow.
You partnered with 8 startups this year. What caught your attention in these projects, and what’s your strategy for picking the “perfect match” for Xanada Investments?
At Xanada Investments, our focus has always been on backing projects that bring something unique to the table. What sets us apart is not just what we look for, but how we see it. For us, it starts with the people – the founders. Their vision, resilience, and ability to execute are what capture our attention first. These are individuals who truly understand their markets, are ready to pivot when challenges arise, and have the determination to turn ideas into reality.
Among the projects we’ve backed this year, Promofy is revolutionizing user retention with AI-driven gamification, delivering personalized engagement at scale. Gamixter is helping operators optimize player interaction with real-time engagement tools, creating more immersive gaming experiences. Bettorify, focused on the rapidly growing Asian market, provides localized white-label and turnkey solutions, enabling operators to navigate regional complexities with ease.
These are just a few examples of the startups we support. Each project we invest in plays a role in building a stronger, more dynamic iGaming landscape. And we’re only getting started.
With 11 award nominations and 2 wins already, success is clearly part of Xanada’s DNA. But how do you define success beyond the numbers?
For us, success isn’t measured by the number of awards. Of course, we are talking about financial returns, about impact, although we deeply appreciate the recognition – it’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a level. These awards are proof that we’re on the right track, but they are only part of the story.
But are we helping startups achieve their goals? Are we setting new benchmarks in the iGaming industry? The true measure of success lies in the growth of the projects we support and the people behind them. When we see startups flourishing, scaling their businesses, and turning ideas into impactful solutions, that’s the ultimate reward.
Another key indicator of success for us is the relationships we cultivate. When founders and partners come to see Xanada Investments not as just an investor but as a trusted collaborator and ally, we know we’re doing something right. These connections, built on trust and mutual ambition, are the foundation of our ecosystem.
What does the future hold for Xanada Investments in 2025? Are there any ambitious goals or projects you can share with us?
2025 is about scaling powerful results. We plan to invest in 10–12 new startups, focusing on projects with strong business fundamentals, exceptional teams, and clear strategies for growth. Our approach prioritizes opportunities with a targeted IRR of 25–40% and a MOIC of 3–5x, ensuring every investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable, measurable returns.
We’re taking the Xanada Startup Contest to the next level this year. Xanada Investments is expanding its reach and updating the evaluation process to attract a wider range of participants from diverse industries and markets. To ensure the best selection, we’re involving not only our team but also top industry experts to evaluate the entries. This will help us find and support the most promising ideas out there. With more transparency and live engagement, you’ll have the chance to see and hear these groundbreaking ideas in action. Stay tuned, big things are on the horizon!
Xanada Investments is also focused on strengthening our internal capabilities. A key priority for 2025 is to grow our team by bringing in top talent, including a dedicated analyst, to refine our data-driven approach to startup evaluation. We want to be a partner that equips startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The road ahead is ambitious, but we’re ready to seize the opportunities 2025 has in store.
The post XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The anatomy of a high-performing iGaming platform: a guide from Slotegrator
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.
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PAGCOR ORDERS TAKEDOWN OF GAMBLING BILLBOARDS
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.
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Week 28/2025 slot games releases
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.
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