Zitro, a global leader in the gaming industry, showcased its latest gaming innovations for land-based and digital casinos at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, held from October 7-10 at the Venetian Expo.

Zitro’s participation at the show was a resounding success, highlighted by the worldwide debut of its new CONCEPT cabinet line and expanded games portfolio, which is also fully compatible with the GLARE family of cabinets.

“Our team’s focus over the past year has been to create a product lineup that appeals to a diverse player base and supports our entire cabinet lineup”, said Derik Mooberry, CEO of Zitro USA. “Attendees witnessed first-hand the portability of our game content, allowing operators to experience our games across both our cabinet lines, providing them maximum flexibility and protecting their investment.

Zitro’s booth captivated attendees eager to experience the company’s latest innovations; the highly anticipated CONCEPT cabinet line includes Concept Prime, Concept Prime-J, and Concept Deluxe

Its core innovation lies in its Magic Lighting, which elevates the gaming experience with a spectacular light show. Designed to captivate without interfering with gameplay, it enhances the gaming experience and attracts new players. It offers synchronized light shows that vary and intensify based on the player’s achievements, with distinct visual effects for different levels of wins. For instance, the MEGA animation differs notably from the SUPER animation, with each win culminating in increasingly spectacular light displays, further enhancing the overall player experience.

The CONCEPT cabinet line brings next-level features to all form factors. Each cabinet showcases an ultra-slim, versatile, and elegant design that supports multiple configurations, maximizing floor space without requiring extra signage or wedges. Equipped with cutting-edge graphics and a powerful surround sound system, these cabinets ensure immersive gameplay and exceptional audio quality. What truly sets the CONCEPT line apart is its “augmented gameplay”, where every feature—from the XXL deck to the topper—syncs seamlessly with the game’s key moments.

The XXL deck is the largest in the industry, offering players much more space for enhanced comfort and convenience and providing ergonomic support for extended play sessions. Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, these cabinets ensure players can enjoy longer gaming sessions without discomfort while operators benefit from easy accessibility. The CONCEPT line embodies the company’s campaign slogan: “BRIGHTER. BOLDER. BETTER.”

All form factors feature a high-resolution 4K display with up to 10,680 lumens. The Concept Prime is distinguished by its 55” screen. At the same time, the Concept Prime-J features a 55” J-screen and 27” topper. The Concept Deluxe stands out with its 3×32” screens, each delivering a distinctive and engaging visual experience.

The spotlight also shone on Zitro’s new game releases across its CONCEPT and GLARE cabinet lineup. Among the standout titles were Legendary Sword, a multi-game debuting at G2E on the Concept Prime-J, and Triple Charm Journey, an oriental-themed multi-game displayed on the Allure Glare cabinet. Another eagerly anticipated multi-game was Wonder Dream on the Concept Prime cabinet.

Zitro’s commitment to providing diverse gaming options was evident in its extensive game portfolio, which included new titles such as Lucky Vault, and Jerry’s Link on the Concept Deluxe cabinet, Pearl’s Paradise on the Altius Glare, and Cash Totems, Fairyland Quest, featured on the Concept Prime cabinet. Other standout games include King Fu Frog on the Illusion Glare and Merging Pots, also on the Concept Prime, among many other titles.

Zitro Digital, the company’s online division, also showcased its expanding range of digital video bingo and video slot games, complemented by engaging player engagement tools. The launch of the new Fu Frog series, featuring 4 unique game titles, has been successful in land-based markets worldwide and has been ported by Zitro to digital distribution channels.

Derik Mooberry, CEO of Zitro USA, shared: “The U.S. has been a remarkable growth story for Zitro. We’ve tripled our casino footprint in less than two years, expanding to over 100 casinos. Our strategic focus on the tribal market has proven successful, and we’re now poised to make significant inroads into the commercial market.

Derik added, “Our new, prominent booth location in Freemont Street reflects our growing presence in the U.S. market. We unveiled a range of groundbreaking products, including our new CONCEPT cabinet line, which offers exceptional player experiences. Additionally, our product portfolio, featuring a great diversity of content and banking configurations, has made a strong impression on customers and industry peers. Our success in the U.S. is further proof of our dedication to delivering exceptional products and services, and we’re eager to celebrate this new chapter for Zitro”.

Zitro’s founder, Johnny Ortiz, commented, “We’re proud to have showcased our largest and most diverse product range ever at this year’s G2E. This achievement is a result of our continued commitment to innovation and the exceptional work of our growing teams at our tech campuses in Barcelona and Bangalore. We’re optimistic about the future and look forward to continued growth and success.”

Zitro’s participation in G2E Las Vegas 2024 has once again solidified its position as a leading innovator in the gaming industry, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.

Betsson Group, the Swedish gaming giant, has decided to shut down its Betsafe Sportsbook operations in Colorado by the end of September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy, reflecting European operators’ challenges in the competitive US sports betting landscape. All in all, four sportsbooks shut down operations in Colorado during September, and Betsson’s exit raises questions about the sustainability of European operators in the US, as the market is being consolidated with many operators exiting the US market this year.

A Betsson spokesperson confirmed the news:

“Betsson has decided to discontinue its B2C operations in Colorado (USA) at the end of September 2024. So, for the foreseeable future, we will not have any B2C offerings in the US. As communicated initially, our B2C operations in Colorado served primarily to display our sportsbook for B2B purposes and to provide us with valuable first-hand insights into the dynamics of the US online sports betting market.”

Betsafe entered the Colorado market in March of 2022, hoping to capture a share of the ever-expanding sports betting space. Still, as more and more US states are embracing legalized sports wagering, new sportsbook providers have flooded the market, making it difficult for smaller operators to gain a foothold. Betsson’s choice to cease B2C operations in Colorado indicates the structural difficulties non-native brands face that rely heavily on brand recognition and marketing to attract customers. Before the Betsafe sportsbook launch, Betsson U.S. Account Director Lance Agostino said:

“We knew our strengths as a large operator and what it would take to get into the market. We evaluated coming in as Betsson, but quickly realized that would be too costly. Instead, we decided that, first and foremost, we wanted to bring our technology over here to offer to other partners and providers. One of the first questions we get asked in RFPs or procurement processes is ‘where else are we live in North America?’ So, we decided it was probably more pragmatic and faster to go ahead and get live ourselves with the Betsafe brand, so we are able to play in our own sandbox.”

In the past year, the Colorado sportsbook market has seen notable service providers’ departure, highlighting the intense pressures even well-established brands can experience in this rapidly evolving sector. Betsson is the second major operator to exit the state within a short timeframe, along with multiple smaller brands, generating a fair amount of speculation regarding the future of such companies in the US market. While Betsson has been expanding its operations across various jurisdictions, Colorado has presented unique difficulties.

One critical factor impacting Betsson’s decision is the US states’ changing regulations and licensing requirements. As regulations shift and evolve, companies must adapt quickly to maintain compliance and operational effectiveness, which can strain resources. Despite these challenges, Betsson remains committed to other territories where it has established its presence, showcasing its adaptability with a strong portfolio of products and services designed for various gaming preferences.

Another factor is international operators’ marketing and promotional budgets in America. Companies often invest heavily in customer acquisition, but sustaining that momentum can prove hard as consumer preferences shift. Betsafe’s marketing efforts in Colorado may have been significant, but the fierce competition with homegrown brands like FanDuel and DraftKings made them less effective.

Industry analysts have suggested that Betsson’s closure of Betsafe could open up discussions about potential mergers or collaborations in markets where maintaining exclusive operations is not yielding expected returns. As operators continually refine their approaches, the US sports betting landscape remains fluid.

Ultimately, Betsson’s withdrawal from the Colorado market through Betsafe is representative of the larger challenges European gaming companies face in the US. The focus now shifts to how other operators respond to these challenges and whether they can capitalize on the evolving market conditions. As Betsson realigns its focus and resources, the implications of such a move will be closely observed by industry stakeholders interested in the future of sports betting in America.

Betsafe’s departure serves as a critical reminder that while ambition and innovation define the sports betting industry, the realities of competition and regulation will always play a pivotal role in determining success.

PlayFame, a brand-new cutting edge entertainment platform dedicated to bringing top-tier free social games to the US, has entered into an exclusive partnership with content creator, cosplay model and streamer Amouranth. Through this collaboration she will stream live-play of the social games, providing her viewers with exclusive content and unique experiences on her channel.

Amouranth, one of the most-watched female streamers worldwide with over 6 million followers on Twitch, was recently recognised as the most-watched streamer on Kick in August 2024.

Her partnership with PlayFame will highlight the platform’s range of online games developed alongside leading providers, while giving her audience exciting opportunities to interact, win, and play together.

Expanding the PlayFame influencer network 

PlayFame is designed specifically for content creators, giving them a new way to monetize their audience by engaging them in real-time gaming experiences. Influencers can sign up, stream games directly to their followers, and offer exclusive giveaways or personalised rewards. It’s a way to deepen the creator-fan engagement while generating revenue through interactive gameplay.

PlayFame is also expanding its influencer network, collaborating with top US creators to deliver exclusive gaming content. In addition to Amouranth, influencers like NG Slot, Jackpot Beauties, and Slot Hopper will offer their fans unique, interactive experiences on PlayFame, featuring exclusive offers, games and giveaways.

The initial roster includes: 

NG Slot  

• A Los Angeles-based gaming influencer with a passion for slot machines, Narek Gharibyan showcases his real-life experiences at casinos and during massive poker tournaments in Las Vegas

Jackpot Beauties 

• A slot enthusiast who creates fun and engaging content on Instagram as she tries her luck on slots around the US

Slot Hopper 

• A vlogger and slot gaming streamer who focuses on fun and entertainment, both online and on-the-ground. She lives to try to land that massive jackpot live

In the near future, any content creators will be able to sign up for PlayFame and monetise their audience through social gaming. The platform’s unique offering includes Gold Coin packages as well as Sweepstakes Coins.

Gold Coin Packages 

Gold Coins allow customers to play PlayFame social games and can be purchased in Gold Coin Packages, which then open up several other perks, including:

• Early access to new games

• Access to exclusive games

• Free Sweepstakes entries

• Access to live chat

Sweepstakes Coins 

The site will also include a free-to-play promotional sweepstakes mechanic, allowing participants to win big with free Sweepstakes Coins. These coins can be obtained for free via several methods but are never available for purchase.

• Daily login rewards

• Purchase benefits

• Social giveaway competitions

• Refer-a-friend

• Entry via postal request postcards

PlayFame have said: “We’ve been so excited about launching PlayFame and getting these fantastic social casino games out there, so we knew we had to partner with someone special to really kick things off with a bang. Amouranthperfectly fits that mould, she is such a big personality and has an incredibly engaged audience – we’re looking forward to a fruitful partnership together.

“The range of social casino games available on PlayFame at launch is something we’re really proud of, but we don’t plan on stopping there. We have big ideas and lots of exciting new games in development: we dream of PlayFame being the premier destination for social casino fun in the US, and this is just the very start of our journey on that road.”

Kaitlyn Siragusa (Amouranth), said: “I’ve always loved social casinos, they’re so much fun and a great way to unwind without the pressures of a regular casino. So, when PlayFame got in touch and asked me to be a part of their launch, it was a no brainer.

“I’ve been able to try out some of the games as they’ve been in development, and I’ve been really impressed with how well they run, but more importantly, with how fun they are. I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for ‘Gates of Olympus’ in particular, but all of the games are great. I can’t wait to start streaming them on my channels.”

PlayFame is just getting started. With plans for continued expansion and new games in development, the platform is set to become the premier destination for online entertainment in the US.