Latest News
The online casino game has changed
Keith Goddard, CEO at Blaze Gaming, says non-traditional content is now a must if operators are to meet the expectations of new and existing players, many of whom are turning away from restricted slots in search of bigger thrills.
Take a look at any online casino lobby and you’ll notice things have changed over the past 12 months. Where once you would find only slots and table games, with the odd instant win and a cluster of live dealer titles also in the mix, now you find a vast array of game types.
From Crash to Plinko, Mines to HiLo, Hotline, Dice and Keno, player preferences have changed and in a big way. Sure, slots still dominate, but the demand for non-traditional content is high and, in my opinion at least, only getting higher.
There are plenty of reasons for this. Players are seeking deeper experiences that go beyond those offered by slots and table games. They no longer want to just spin and win – instead, they want to feel there’s an element of skill to the game and that they have some control over the outcome.
This is why crash games have been such a hit. Players love that thrill of watching the win multiplier climb and the control they have over when to cash out.
This makes them really popular with the next generation of players. I’m talking about younger tech-forward audiences who enjoy strategy, decision-making and skill-driven entertainment options such as mobile games.
That evolving technologies are allowing providers to create games that go beyond the limitations of slots to deliver the action and big win potential these players are seeking has also been a catalyst for the meteoric rise of non-traditional content.
Operators have been quick to add these games to their lobbies and to maximise the acquisition and retention opportunities doing so provides. Non-traditional content is great for tapping into new player audiences as well as those that have been deterred by restrictions to slots in some markets.
By that, I mean regulatory updates that have slowed spin speeds, forced studios to remove things like Buy the Bonus features and, of course, the introduction of stake limits. This has all impacted the player experience, with many looking for other game formats for their thrills.
But this type of content is also a powerful driver of retention among existing players, providing them with new experiences that are easy to understand. This is key to driving engagement, with players reluctant to spend time and money getting to know complex game mechanics.
This was a consideration when developing the concept of our Bull Casino Trading Games which combine the excitement of casino gaming with the strategy of trading, offering a unique, entertaining but still easy-to-grasp game format. These games are all about risk and reward.
The idea stemmed from the convergence of finance and gaming. We saw an opportunity to merge market dynamics with casino play with this fusion creating a dynamic environment that would appeal to those looking for something beyond the standard slot format.
Of course, this is an increasingly competitive space, but our Bull Casino Trading Games stand out by offering a unique combination of trading mechanics, entertainment and the ability to win money.
The gameplay includes real-time strategy elements to challenge players in a way that traditional casino games don’t, making them compelling and re-playable.
Operators know they need to diversify their proposition to cater to evolving player preferences and changing regulatory requirements.
Failing to offer non-traditional content not only risks losing existing players seeking excitement beyond slots but also missing out on the opportunity to reach new player audiences such as Millennials and Gen Z.
The game really has changed, and operators need to keep pace if they are to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their businesses.
Latest News
Amusnet Enters into Partnership with Netwin
Amusnet has entered into a partnership with Netwin, owned by RB Holding, a leader in the entertainment industry since 1956. The collaboration between the gaming provider and the Italian operator reflects a shared commitment to promoting a safe and enjoyable gaming environment while delivering top-tier offerings nationwide.
“Recently, we earned recognition as one of Italy’s leading casino providers, and we confidently attribute this achievement to the strategic partnerships we have cultivated, which play a vital role in driving our success. With Netwin’s local expertise, we are set to strengthen our presence in the Italian market further, enhance player protection, and ensure responsible gaming. Additionally, we are thrilled to bring our top-notch portfolio to the platform, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy an exciting and immersive gaming experience,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy.
“The third quarter of 2024 couldn’t have ended on a better note. We are proud of the partnership with Amusnet and eager to gauge the engagement of our players with its internationally award-winning game selection. Our team has quickly succeeded in creating a strongly identifiable brand, and while we still consider ourselves very much a startup, we are also aware of the level of maturity we have achieved. Every new partnership, especially one as valuable as the recent agreement with Amusnet, drives the enthusiasm with which we approach the challenges ahead,” said Simone Paderi, Commercial Director of Netwin.
Players can find Amusnet’s top performers on Netwin’s website, including 20 Golden Coins, Extra Crown, Shining Crown, and Royal Secrets, as well as the latest releases like Cavemen and Dinosaurs and Stoichkov #8.
Asia
Chinese Football Bans 43 for Life Over Gambling and Match-Fixing Scandal
Chinese football authorities have banned 43 individuals for life due to their involvement in gambling and match-fixing scandals. The list includes three former China international footballers and South Korean World Cup player Son Jun-ho.
China’s extensive football corruption crackdown campaign has been ongoing since 2022. The National Sports General Administration and the Ministry of Public Security have led efforts to address issues of match-fixing and gambling in the sport. They have investigated over 120 matches, involving 83 players, referees, coaches and club officials. To date, 44 individuals have been sentenced, with 34 receiving prison terms.
The recent announcement of these lifetime bans came shortly after the national team’s 7-0 loss to Japan.
Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and represented South Korea in the 2022 World Cup, has been accused of participating in match-fixing and accepting bribes. Son returned to South Korea in March 2024 after being detained in China since May 2023. The authorities initially stated that he was held “on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees” but did not provide further details.
Other notable figures banned include Jin Jingdao, a former Shandong Taishan player, and Chinese international players Guo Tianyu and Gu Chao.
Central Europe
Octoplay goes live in Slovakia with an exclusive partnership with Nike
Octoplay continues its expansion in Europe by going live in Slovakia with a strategic partnership with Nike, the largest betting company in the country. This move marks Octoplay’s third major market milestone in the last four weeks, following its entry into Denmark and obtaining a license in Greece.
Octoplay will launch a portfolio of 10 games, including the title Eggsponential, exclusively on Nike’s platform in Slovakia. The partnership goes beyond game integration, with Octoplay set to deliver a bespoke version of its opt-in jackpot solution, Jackpot Hunt. This collaboration demonstrates both companies’ commitment to long-term market growth and innovation.
Nick Vuchev, Commercial Director at Octoplay, stated: “Our partnership with Nike marks a significant step in Octoplay’s expansion into regulated European markets. We’re excited to introduce our games exclusively in Slovakia through the country’s largest operator.”
Robert Vizvari, Chief Revenue Officer at Niké, commented: “We’re thrilled to be the first to bring Octoplay’s premium products to players in Slovakia. Through this collaboration, we’re offering the high-quality, engaging content Octoplay is known for, exclusively on our platform. This partnership not only enhances our portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to providing our players with the best gaming experiences in the market.”
This partnership highlights Octoplay’s rapid expansion across Europe’s regulated markets. Already holding licenses in the UK, Sweden, Malta, Ontario, Greece, and Romania, Octoplay continues to strengthen its position in the iGaming industry through strategic partnerships and market entries. This latest collaboration with Nike, a major operator in Slovakia, further exemplifies Octoplay’s commitment to growth in key regulated markets.
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