Evoplay interview: Redefining the limits of iGaming innovation in Europe

Continuing its upward commercial trajectory, a highly successful first half of the year has positioned Evoplay as a leading provider in the European market. We caught up with Ihor Zarechnyi, Evoplay’s Head of Sales, to discuss the key to their success, the current climate of the European market as well as what to expect from their attendance at upcoming industry events for the remainder of the year.

Talk us through Evoplay’s fantastic success in Europe this year – you’ve certainly built some excellent momentum with big-name platform and operator partners, what’s been key to this?

Evoplay has enjoyed remarkable success in Europe, which we attribute to the strength of our portfolio and our strategic approach to new markets. One of the key drivers of our success this year has been our ability to forge alliances with prominent platform and operator partners. By collaborating with well-established industry players such as Solverde in Portugal and Tuko in Italy, we have gained access to extensive distribution networks and a wider audience base. This puts us in a prime position to showcase our innovative gaming solutions to a broader demographic and boost our market presence significantly.

Furthermore, Evoplay’s commitment to providing unique and dynamic experiences has been instrumental in our European success. We have consistently delivered high-quality and engaging content that resonates with players and operators alike. Our games incorporate cutting-edge technologies and feature-rich designs, setting them apart from competitors and enhancing their appeal.

Looking at European markets and especially the CEE region, which countries have the most potential for you right now?

We have two countries on our radar that hold significant potential for Evoplay – Portugal and Italy.

The recent legalisation of online casinos and sports betting in Portugal has created a new avenue for growth in the iGaming sector and its progressive regulatory framework provides a window of opportunity. With our unique and engaging games, we can stand out in this burgeoning market and establish a strong presence. Additionally, Portugal’s strong tourism industry can attract international players, further expanding its market potential.

Meanwhile, Italy also unleashes a raft of opportunities for Evoplay. The country has a well-established and growing online gambling market with a high level of consumer engagement and its robust regulatory environment provides stability and credibility to operators and game providers. Given the diversity found in our portfolio, Evoplay can tap into this market by partnering with Italian operators and supplying experiences that cater to the wide variety of preferences found in Italian player profiles.

Taking a deeper dive into localised markets – we’re seeing lots of potential in the Balkan region right now – would you agree this is one of Europe’s biggest growth opportunities?

The Balkans are shaping up to be one of Europe’s most promising regions in the iGaming industry thanks to several factors creating a positive growth environment. A shift in the regulatory framework has led to several countries implementing more favourable and accommodating gambling laws. This has encouraged the entry of both operators and game providers into the region, who can easily adapt their content to meet the specific requirements of the Balkan markets.

The Balkans also boasts a digitally switched-on population that has a growing appetite for online gaming, driven by increased internet penetration and smartphone usage. The region’s diverse cultural landscape provides an opportunity for Evoplay to create localised content that resonates with players in different Balkan countries. By tailoring its games to cater to local preferences and tastes, we can effectively penetrate these markets and capture a significant share of the growing player base.

For Evoplay, what games are you seeing resonate most with players – are slots and instant games proving the most popular when it comes to casino?

Both slots and instant games continue to be the top choice among players in online casinos for different reasons. Slot games continue to be immensely popular due to their rich history and familiarity among casino enthusiasts. Evoplay’s innovative approach to slot game development, which incorporates cutting-edge graphics, captivating storylines, and tantalising gameplay mechanics, has made our slots particularly appealing to players looking for more modern and immersive experiences. This blend of tradition and innovation has contributed to the enduring popularity of Evoplay’s slot games.

On the other hand, instant games are rapidly gaining traction in the iGaming industry. These games offer a departure from traditional casino games, providing players with quick and interactive experiences. The appeal of instant games lies in their simplicity and the opportunity for immediate gratification. Taking our leading instant game Penalty Shoot-out as an example, it leverages modern technologies to create an engaging, fast-paced, and immersive experience. The graphics and quality of the gameplay mirrors that of what you might expect to see in a typical console game and as a result is seeing significant growth with younger, tech-savvy audiences.

Last but not least, what are Evoplay’s plans for the rest of 2023 – what exciting industry events can we see Evoplay at?

For the second half of 2023, we have some exciting plans that will cement what has been a year of unprecedented success for Evoplay. We’re currently gearing up to have a significant presence at the upcoming SiGMA Europe Summit. During the event, Evoplay is set to unveil its new flagship product which we expect to set a new standard in the iGaming sector. Fusing never-before-seen gaming experiences with our cutting-edge technology, the product will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to innovation and growth, so watch this space!

Evoplay will also be in attendance at other key industry events such as SBC Latinoamérica in Miami as well as G2E. These in-person events provide an unrivalled opportunity for networking and gaining a deeper understanding of the industry’s current climate, which is especially important in today’s digital age. Our presence at these events also forms part of our wider strategy to underscore our mission statement of redefining the limits of what is possible in terms of innovation and continuing to push the boundaries of iGaming content provision.