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28% of casual game installs from non-gaming publishers come from utility apps, Liftoff’s Casual Gaming Apps Report reveals
Liftoff, the leading provider of marketing, monetization, and creative solutions for the mobile industry, and Singular, the end-to-end marketing attribution and analytics platform, today released their 2025 Casual Gaming Apps Report. The report, based on combined Liftoff and Singular data from February 2024 to February 2025, which includes 1.4 trillion ad impressions, 63 billion clicks, 2.5 billion installs, and $11.9 billion in ad spend, reveals that utility and entertainment apps drive the majority of non-gaming app installs for casual games.
Ads in utility and productivity apps account for 28% of non-gaming app installs for casual games, while 25% come from entertainment apps. Photo and social media apps also play an important role in converting users to casual gaming, accounting for a combined 25%.
Liftoff and Singular’s Casual Gaming Apps Report covers three main topics: an annual breakdown of benchmarks for advertising costs and revenue, the mobile game genres and subgenres driving the most installs, and the latest trends shaking up the casual gaming market.
Key findings from the report include:
Utility apps drive the most installs as advertisers look outside of gaming audiences
As the consumer app market share grows, more downloads come from outside the mobile game ecosystem, with utility apps being the main driver. In the sample, over half of the casual game installs from non-gaming apps are from utility and productivity apps (28%) and entertainment apps (25%). Photo apps and social media apps are similarly impactful, driving a combined 25% of installs from non-gaming apps, while health and fitness apps contribute the least at just 4%.
Hypercasual and hybrid puzzles revenue grows 240%
Following the success of apps like Twisted Tangle, Hexa Sort, and Block Jam 3D, games with simple yet addictive puzzle mechanics have captured the attention of casual game audiences. GameRefinery data reveals a huge increase in the US market share of these games within the top 500 grossing iOS titles, with market share surging collectively from $4.12 million in Q4 2023 to $13.99 million by Q4 2024.
Mobile game CPIs are 907% higher on iOS
From February 2024 to February 2025, the average cost per install (CPI) for casual games was $1.41 on iOS and $0.14 on Android. In contrast, strategy, RPG, and tabletop games exhibited a higher CPI on both platforms, likely due to their niche audiences. While CPI is lower on Android, iOS still delivers more than 2x D30 ROAS on most game genres.
Minigame events are on the rise in top-grossing titles
Events are an essential element of strategy for casual gaming apps, and nearly all event types saw higher adoption rates in 2024. Minigame events, in particular, continued to grow between Q1 and Q4 2024, increasing by 31%. ‘Thinking’ minigames that feature varied mechanics saw the highest adoption rates. The minigames gaining the most popularity include digging, physics-based, and board game-inspired minigames. Other growing trends include co-op partner missions, seasonal albums, and win-streak events.
Match 3 games are making a comeback
After a long period of market saturation dominated by existing giants in the genre, Match 3 games are showing signs of a revival. New releases like Royal Kingdom and Truck Star have consistently ranked among the category’s highest-grossing games in 2024.
“As always, mobile games advertising is the most competitive marketing challenge on the planet. CTR for casual games is significantly higher than most genres, which is a big positive: you get a chance to make your case. What you do with that opportunity, of course, is up to you.” John Koetsier, VP of Insights, Singular
“Casual gaming is a competitive market, but there’s plenty of growth potential for games willing to experiment and innovate. We’ve seen top games, including new releases and seasoned winners, rapidly scale their revenue by investing more in their live event strategies and monetization models. Finding what works is a process of trial and error, but having a partner with the newest insights into revenue drivers can make a huge difference.” Brendan Fraher, General Manager, GameRefinery
The post 28% of casual game installs from non-gaming publishers come from utility apps, Liftoff’s Casual Gaming Apps Report reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 21-27
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
International Game Technology PLC announced that its dynamic Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet recently launched in casinos across the US. Guests of Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, Calif. and of Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. were among the first players in the world to enjoy the Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Diamond and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Gold games on IGT’s new ultra-high-tech, mechanical-reel cabinet. Designed exclusively for Wheel of Fortune game content, the Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet boasts a 20-inch physical wheel, a 32-inch LCD top box and a 23-inch transmissive display.
CT Gaming continues its strong momentum from the first quarter of 2025 with a new wave of installations in Panama. Strengthening its position in the Latin American market, the company has partnered with leading operators to introduce top-performing products, including the EZ Modulo 32/32/32 slot cabinet and the highly successful Diamond King series. Among the highlights of the installation is Diamond King 3—CT Gaming’s bestselling multigame featuring 50 captivating titles. Players can enjoy a diverse mix of content, including the legendary Mega Jack trio: Aztec Gold, Slot-O-Pol Deluxe and Champagne Party. The experience is further enhanced by the Diamond Tree progressive jackpot, which delivers elevated gameplay and exciting reward potential.
Las Vegas Sands has contributed $100,000 through the Sands Cares global community engagement programme to 100 Black Men Las Vegas in support of the organisation’s youth mentorship, scholarship and community service offerings. The 2025 donation will enable 100 Black Men Las Vegas to offer new programmes including a science, technology, engineering and math initiative; the Pathways to Public Service programme, which focuses on developing a pipeline of law enforcement and first responder professionals; and Realtist Academy, which prepares participants to become licensed real estate agents or mortgage brokers. In addition, Sands Cares funding will help 100 Black Men Las Vegas pursue efforts to identify a permanent location for the organisation.
Partnerships
SCCG Management has announced an expanded partnership with AWARE, a global leader in biometric verification software. Under this agreement, SCCG becomes a preferred reseller for AWARE’s biometric and identity verification solutions within the global gaming industry. AWARE’s advanced biometric technology offers a future-proof solution for iGaming and gambling platforms—empowering operators to ensure compliance, prevent fraud and protect players, all while delivering a seamless and secure user experience. With growing regulatory scrutiny and rising demand for frictionless onboarding, AWARE’s adaptive biometrics provide a scalable and trusted identity framework for modern gaming environments.
The Brazilian Football Confederation and Sportradar Integrity & Regulatory Services, a unit of Sportradar AG announced the extension of their long-standing partnership, set to begin with the 2025 season. The new agreement aims to enhance efforts to combat match-fixing in Brazilian football and safeguard the integrity of the sport. Sportradar, through its industry-leading Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS), will deliver integrity monitoring for more than 8200 men’s and women’s matches organised annually by the CBF. Through this renewed partnership, the UFDS will now cover all Brazilian national championships.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 21-27 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS Enhances Leadership Team to Drive Global Expansion
SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, announces the appointment of three seasoned professionals to key leadership positions: Denis Ilienkov as Product & Technology Non-Executive Director; Kyryl Avdieienko as Chief Product Officer (CPO); and Viktor Iegorov as Chief Delivery Officer (CDO).
These strategic appointments are integral to SOFTSWISS’ vision of strengthening its leadership team to navigate the complexities of the global iGaming landscape, ensuring agility and innovation in product development and delivery.
Denis Ilienkov, in his new role as Product & Technology Non-Executive Director, will oversee product and technology-related operations, including control responsibilities. Kyryl Avdieienko, appointed as CPO, will lead product strategy and development across the SOFTSWISS product portfolio. With a background in iGaming, game development, and fintech, Kyryl brings a wealth of experience to the role. Viktor Iegorov, as CDO, will be responsible for developing processes and managing the strategic delivery portfolio.
These appointments are part of SOFTSWISS’ ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative and synergistic leadership approach. Denis, Kyryl, and Viktor will work closely to drive the company’s mission of delivering cutting-edge iGaming solutions, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Denis Ilienkov commented on the appointments: “At SOFTSWISS, we’ve always prided ourselves on our agility and innovation. As we venture into new markets like Brazil and South Africa, it’s imperative that our leadership structure evolves to meet the unique challenges and opportunities these regions present. The introduction of roles such as the Chief Delivery Officer ensures that our delivery processes are not only maintained but continuously enhanced. This strategic shift is about more than just titles; it’s about positioning SOFTSWISS to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and partners worldwide.”
These leadership changes closely follow SOFTSWISS’ recent product and technology milestones. Notably, the company celebrated its first Sportsbook Network Jackpot win during the SiGMA Americas event in São Paulo, where a player claimed €80,294.89 – more than doubling the initial €35,000 prize pool. Additionally, SOFTSWISS’ Deputy CTO, Sergey Kastukevich, was honoured as CTO of the Year in EMEA at the 2025 Oracle Excellence Awards, recognising his strategic use of emerging technologies to advance the company’s objectives.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience 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 SOFTSWISS Enhances Leadership Team to Drive Global Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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NSoft and InnovaPlay Strengthen Sportsbook Offering with Strategic Partnership
NSoft, a leading provider of premium sportsbook solutions, has partnered with InnovaPlay, enhancing its sportsbook platform with the industry-leading NextGen Sportsbook. This strategic collaboration integrates NSoft’s innovative sportsbook technology seamlessly into InnovaPlay’s comprehensive white-label and full web solution, empowering sportsbook operators to reach new heights of performance and player engagement.
NextGen Sportsbook, known for its four main pillars – stability, unparalleled speed, multifeed integration, and dynamic player experience – is perfectly tailored to meet diverse betting market demands. It adapts effortlessly to various odds presentations, aligning with local and regional preferences, and stands out as the industry’s fastest sportsbook, generating standard offers in an exceptional 20 milliseconds.
Placing the player experience at its core, NextGen Sportsbook offers personalized and highly engaging betting interactions. Features such as individualized betting options, dynamic odds, custom bonuses, individual cashout capabilities, and tailored odds layouts significantly enhance player satisfaction, fostering loyalty and sustained engagement.
Operators benefit from NextGen’s powerful integration capabilities, which manage multiple betting feeds, including sports betting, esports, and horse or dog racing, in both pre-match and live scenarios. The advanced multifeed system ensures uninterrupted operations by seamlessly switching between providers as needed.
NSoft’s NextGen Sportsbook also boasts comprehensive player engagement tools such as Cash Out, Edit Bet, Bet Builder, and advanced betting stimulation products. Its multi-language and multi-currency functionalities allow operators to expand their reach globally. The sportsbook’s flexible bonus engine and dynamic trading options, including full automation, DIY, and hybrid franchise models, give operators complete control and flexibility. Additionally, its sophisticated AI personalization capabilities further elevate the betting experience by delivering personalized recommendations to each punter.
Shaun Grech, Technical Director at InnovaPlay, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This strategic partnership with NSoft represents a game-changer for our sportsbook operators. By integrating NSoft’s award-winning sports betting engine and virtual sports products into our platform, we’re giving operators three key competitive advantages:
- Lightning-fast betting markets with the deepest liquidity pool in the industry
- Seamless cross-sell opportunities between casino and sportsbook verticals
- Full customization of odds, limits, and betting rules to match local market demands.
This is how modern sports betting platforms should perform – with surgical precision and total operator control.”
Drago Ćavar, Managing Director of Sportsbook Platform at NSoft, added: “Our collaboration with InnovaPlay underlines our commitment to providing sportsbook operators with groundbreaking technology that drives growth and player satisfaction. NextGen Sportsbook’s exceptional speed, versatility, and personalized betting experience make it an ideal solution for forward-thinking operators. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and confident it will set new industry standards.”
Through this collaboration, InnovaPlay and NSoft are poised to redefine excellence in sportsbook operations, positioning NextGen Sportsbook as the preferred choice for operators seeking advanced capabilities and unmatched player engagement.
The post NSoft and InnovaPlay Strengthen Sportsbook Offering with Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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