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84% OF MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS DEMAND END TO MOBILE GAMING’S DISTRIBUTION DUOPOLY

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The walls are closing in on the mobile app store duopoly, according to a major new survey of senior game developers. Aptoide, the original independent app store on Android and iOS, today published a landmark study, CTRL. ALT. DEL. Reclaiming The Game Distribution Landscape, spotlighting a major appetite among mobile game developers to break away from the dominance of Google and Apple.

Surveying over 300 senior-level professionals across mobile game studios in the US and UK, the research is an urgent call for change towards a more diverse distribution ecosystem – revealing that 84% of developers believe the industry can no longer survive under the stranglehold of just two storefronts.

The data paints a picture of an ecosystem at breaking point, with 67% fearing their reliance and dependence on Apple and Google. Growing dissatisfaction continues to become the norm as 51% cite exorbitant app store fees and marketing costs as their biggest pain point. Looking forward to the next five years, 74% of developers expect alternative app stores to play an essential role in their distribution mix.

This move toward a multi-channel approach is driven by a significant opportunity for growth. 73% anticipate double-digit revenue growth from embracing them, citing access to fresh user bases (42.8%) and greater freedom from restrictive policies (42.4%).

Paulo Trezentos, CEO and Co-Founder of Aptoide, said:

“The mobile game ecosystem is overdue for a reset. For too long, an entrenched duopoly has stifled commercial and creative potential, setting too many rules and taking too much revenue. Our findings confirm that developers are ready to reclaim control. A new wave of opportunity is emerging through alternative app stores – platforms that offer game makers greater control, better economics, and access to untapped audiences.”

According to JoyNet Games:

“The shift towards alternative distribution is no longer theoretical. Alternative distribution channels help us reach a broader audience, reduce dependency on a single platform, and provide more flexible marketing strategies. They also allow for cost optimization and improved profitability.”

Key Findings from CTRL. ALT. DEL.

  • The Duopoly: 87% of senior developers say the vast majority of their revenue still comes from Google and Apple stores.

  • Industry Dissatisfaction: This means 67% fear the risks of their reliance on Google and Apple, and 84% demand a more diverse ecosystem;

  • Developer Pain Points: 51% cite punishing fees as their top frustration, followed by spiraling acquisition and marketing costs (46%), inflexible policies (44%) and persistent discoverability struggles (43%).

  • Walled Gardens: 50% are concerned Apple and Google prioritize their own services.

  • The Alt-Store Opportunity: 73% expect double-digit revenue growth from publishing to alternative stores.

  • Perceived Benefits: Access to new users (43%) and greater freedom from restrictive policies (42.4%) are seen as the top advantages.

  • Future Outlook: 74% believe alternative app stores will be a core part of their distribution mix within five years, rising to 86% in the US.

The post 84% OF MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS DEMAND END TO MOBILE GAMING’S DISTRIBUTION DUOPOLY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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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Salford customer triumphs at Genting Casino £20k Spin Leaderboard Challenge final

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A thrilling finale to Genting Casino’s headline £20k Spin Leaderboard Challenge saw one lucky player from Salford, Greater Manchester pocket £20,000 in cash after correctly choosing red on the Grand Prize Spin.

The multi-stage competition, launched by premium Live Casino Genting Casino in October, invited online players across the UK to compete for leaderboard points by playing selected games, earn free spins and secure a place in a VIP live finale at Resorts World Birmingham.

The top five online qualifiers headed for a VIP weekend, including travel costs and a stay, culminating in a high-stakes live roulette tournament where one final spin decided the champion. The overall winner walked away with the £20,000 Grand Prize Spin, a life-changing moment for the tournament victor.

Genting Casino has Live Roulette streamed from Genting UK casinos, Palm Beach, Resorts World Birmingham and Genting Manchester and this competition brought together its digital and on-floor experiences, with customers transitioning from a digital competition to being invited and competing in a live casino format.

Speaking after the event, the winner, Karthik, who had never competed in a live casino tournament before, said: “No way! I never expected this at all. It came completely out of the blue. Suddenly, I got a call saying I was selected for the tournament.”

Despite the tension of the final spin, the winner revealed their approach: “I went purely with instinct. I don’t have a favourite colour. It was just a feeling in that moment. Looking at the board, there had been a lot of red, and it gave me the feeling to go with red.”

The winner described the experience as both exhilarating and rewarding: “Yes, absolutely. It wasn’t just about fun. It was also about how engaging everything was, the people, the organisation and the entire experience.”

The £20k Spin Leaderboard Challenge ran until 17 November 2025, granting players free spins and leaderboard points for qualifying deposits and gameplay. The top five qualifiers were invited to Resorts World Birmingham to compete in an exciting filmed live roulette bracket-style tournament, with the final spin determining who would take home the grand prize.

Mike Vella, Brand Marketing Project Manager at Genting Casino, said: “We couldn’t be happier with how the £20k Spin Leaderboard Challenge played out.

“The energy and enthusiasm from all our players, both online and at Resorts World Birmingham, exceeded our expectations.

“Seeing the leaderboard finalists come together for the live roulette showdown was fantastic, and we’re genuinely delighted for the winner. It’s a brilliant moment for them and a great example of how rewarding these experiences can be.

“For the winner, this isn’t just a prize, it’s a moment they’ll remember forever. Seeing their reaction, the joy and disbelief at landing the Grand Prize Spin really highlights the human side of these competitions. It’s these moments of genuine surprise and triumph that remind us why we create these events.

“The team at Genting Casino and Resorts World Birmingham are immensely proud to have delivered such a seamless, exciting experience and we hope it inspires even more players to take part in future challenges.”

The success of this year’s leaderboard challenge highlights Genting Casino’s ongoing commitment to providing engaging experiences that bridge online excitement with unforgettable live moments on the casino floor.

Genting Casino, who offer a premier gaming experience with top-tier slots, is set to transport players straight to the heart of the Strip with its Las Vegas Casino Experience, launching in early 2026. This unique promotion will bring the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the digital platform, featuring themed games, exclusive jackpots and interactive experiences designed to capture the thrill of the iconic city’s casinos.

The post Salford customer triumphs at Genting Casino £20k Spin Leaderboard Challenge final appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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3 Oaks Gaming fortifies position in Italy’s regulated gambling market with Stanleybet.it tie-up

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3 Oaks Gaming, a leading distributor of iGaming content, has expanded its presence within the Italian Regulated market through a new partnership with Stanleybet.it, one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms.

Under the agreement, Stanleybet.it will integrate 19 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s premium slot titles, providing a diverse range of games that combine strong maths models, polished design and proven retention mechanics.

The collaboration reflects 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing commitment to working with established iGaming platforms within key regulated markets.

By partnering with Stanleybet.it, the distributor strengthens its global reach and continues to deliver premium, feature-rich slots to operators seeking engaging and reliable content.

Luca Richter, Sales Manager at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Italy remains a key region for our continued European growth, and partnering with Stanleybet.it reinforces our dedication to working with established, trusted platforms,”
“By integrating 19 of our top-performing titles, we’re ensuring their players enjoy a wider range of immersive, premium slot experiences that deliver both excitement and long-term engagement.”

Dalia Pecingina, Head of Online at Stanleybet.it said: “We are thrilled to bring 3 Oaks slots to our users, a provider we admire for its ability to combine innovation, quality, and fun. The games represent a unique offering
in the Italian gaming landscape, designed for those seeking diverse and engaging gaming experiences. This launch further strengthens our commitment to providing excellent content
and cutting-edge entertainment.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming fortifies position in Italy’s regulated gambling market with Stanleybet.it tie-up appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Finland’s Gambling Reform Is Official – What Happens Next?

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The wait is over: The Finnish Parliament has officially approved the new gambling legislation. In a decisive plenary session, MPs voted 158 in favor to 9 opposed, with 32 abstaining. The text remained unchanged from the version presented in previous weeks, solidifying the framework for Finland’s transition from a monopoly to a licensed market.

With the political uncertainty resolved, the focus now shifts to implementation. For operators, this means the race to compliance—and market entry—has effectively begun.

The Confirmed Timeline

With the legislation passed, the roadmap to the market opening is now set. Operators must use the coming months to prepare for a rigorous licensing process.

  • Early 2026: The application window is expected to open. The regulator will begin accepting and reviewing license applications.

  • 2026 (Throughout): The “preparatory year.” This period is dedicated to vetting applicants, ensuring technical compliance, and establishing the new supervisory authority.

  • January 1, 2027: The regulated Finnish market officially opens. Licensed operators can go live with betting and online casino services.

Entering the Finnish Market with Nordic Legal

Navigating a new jurisdiction is complex, but it doesn’t have to be inefficient. With extensive experience advising on gaming licences across the Nordic markets, Nordic Legal brings a proven, practical approach to the Finnish process.

Efficiency Through Synergy If you already work with us in Denmark or Sweden, we ensure your Finnish licence application isn’t a “start from scratch” project. We build directly on our existing knowledge of your organisation and systems.

Your usual Nordic Legal contact will coordinate directly with our Helsinki team at no extra cost. This integrated approach saves you time and avoids the frustration of duplicating work you’ve already done for other Nordic licenses.

Our Approach We focus on smart compliance:

  • Reusing documentation where regulations overlap.

  • Anticipating regulatory questions before they are asked.

  • Aligning requirements for technical standards and responsible gambling.

  • Engaging constructively with the Finnish authority to ensure a smooth process.

The Finnish Licence Application Package

To support your entry, we offer a comprehensive package designed to handle the heavy lifting:

  • Translation of all required documents.

  • Guidance and completion of complex application forms.

  • Full project management from start to submission.

  • Direct communication with the Finnish regulator on your behalf.

Next Steps

The window for preparation is narrowing. Contact your usual Nordic Legal advisor today to discuss the new legislation or our Licence Application Package. Alternatively, reach out to us directly to secure your place in Finland’s upcoming regulated market.

The post Finland’s Gambling Reform Is Official – What Happens Next? appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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