It’s Friday already, so kick back and have a look at this week’s latest slot game releases!

D-Tech, the new independent games studio building Asian themed games, surprised us with the release of ‘Year of the Dog’, the first of its games to be released in partnership with Leander Games. Steven Matsell, CEO of Leander Games, added: “Asian-themed games are popular around the globe and we have seen a particular surge in interest in Europe with dedicated tabs within the casino offering.

 
Endorphina took things a step further by turning our imagination into a reality in their newest slot game #luxurylife, which is a light sequel from their long-time hit Jetsetter. This time, a dream couple will lead us through the game, surrounded by the finest luxury goods to live your best life. #couplegoals. As the name suggests, one of the main highlights of the game stems from the life lived on social media – in which some people live their glorious lives and are not afraid to share their lifestyle with their followers while setting new trends.

 
Quickspin stepped up and released their vintage, space-based slot game called: Ticket to the Stars. Erik Gullstrand, leading Chief Product Officer at Quickspin, said: “Our team has combined the futuristic idea of touring the galaxy with the stylish look of vintage Work Projects Administration posters, all accompanied by beautiful audio compositions. It’s an amazing game with lots of exciting features, and we’re confident that the players will love it just as much as we do!”

 
Kalamba Games’ new title Desert Gem take’s players on a treasure hunt for gold and gems that unlock bonus rounds, free spins and bonus jackpots. Set in a desert landscape, the game offers a treasure trove of exciting in-game features taking players on a quest for hidden gems, additional free spins and wild multipliers. Alex Cohen, chief operating officer and co-founder at Kalamba Games, said: “With volatile game play cloaked in a fun and funky treasure hunt theme, Desert Gem applies many proven engaging in-game mechanics that players have come to expect from Kalamba Games.

 
PokerStars Casino has launched its latest in-house developed slot game innovation, Victory Tribes, in an industry first which introduces multiple community features to a real-money slot experience. The tribal-themed slot allows players to customize their game by selecting their “tribe” and taking on opponents in the bonus game, “Tournament Battles.” Five times every hour, up to 50 players will battle each other for victory and big prizes.

 
Blueprint Gaming is leading players to experience the power of the gods in the mythical land of Asgard with its latest release, Lightning Strike Megaways^TM. The electrifying gameplay features a variety of symbols inspired by Norse mythology, including the mythical tree of Yggdrasil, which when visible reveals a mystery symbol and increases the chances of winning.

 
We end this week’s releales with another historic release from Play’n GO: Queen’s Day Tilt! Based on the Accession Day Tilts started under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the game is based around the fun and festivities that took place during the celebration. Play’n GO have again paid particular detail to historical accuracy, providing an extra edge to the game and its design. The game is the first 3×3 grid slot from Play’n G, a modern update of a classic slot game design, allowing for “larger symbols and easier visibility” while increasing the chances of clearing the grid, creating a lot more action for the players.

Paddy Power Betfair has announced that it will appeal against the tax bill of €55m slapped against its German and Greek businesses.

The first fine of €40m concerns the Betfair Exchange in Germany, which was operational up to November 2012, while the second of €15m relates to the paddypower.com business in Greece.

The Hessen Fiscal Court provided Paddy Power Betfair with a decision relating to the group’s appeal of a 2012 German tax assessment relating to the Betfair Exchange. The Fiscal Court found against the Group and deemed that a tax liability of €40m is payable, including accrued interest.

Paddy Power Betfair says this represents a multiple of the revenues generated by the Exchange during the assessment period. Separately, the group was recently issued with a Greek tax assessment for financial years 2012, 2013 and 2014, relating to paddypower.com’s Greek interim license.

Paddy Power Betfair stated: “The Group strongly disputes the basis of these assessments, and in line with the legal and tax advice we have received, is confident in our grounds to appeal. We therefore intend to do so. Pending the outcome of these appeals, we paid the total Greek liability in January 2019 while we await clarity with respect to the timing of any cash payment in Germany.”

Ahead of the 2019 NBA 2K League Draft, which is scheduled on March 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., the NBA 2K League has signed multiyear partnership with Champion Athleticwear. As per the agreement, the sportswear company will serve as the league’s official outfitter.

Champion will offer the NBA 2K League’s 21 teams game uniforms as well as warmup, travel and practice apparel. In-game avatars will also be outfitted in Champion-branded uniforms. Throughout the season, Champion will provide apparel for marquee events like the NBA 2K League Draft Clash, in-season tournaments and the NBA 2K League Finals. Starting today, fans can purchase NBA 2K League merchandise on Champion.com.

“We are thrilled to have an iconic brand like Champion as our official outfitter,” said NBA 2K League Managing Director Brendan Donohue. “Champion’s authentic designs and innovative products make them a great partner for the league, and we can’t wait to see our teams compete in their new uniforms this season.”

“The need for esports apparel is quickly evolving and Champion is pleased to be an integral part of this historical opportunity,” said Champion Group President-Global Activewear Jon Ram. “Being the official outfitters for the NBA 2K League is an exciting and pivotal opportunity for Champion to continue our evolution and expansion to outfit teams within the esports and traditional sports communities. Together we can push the boundaries and bring esports to a wider audience.”