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The game has changed for online casinos
David Natroshvili, founder of SPRIBE, the company behind Aviator, assesses the state of play for online casinos as we come to the end of 2024
For me, 2024 will go down as the year that changed the game for online casinos.
Over the past 12 months, a revolution has swept across the market in a way we’ve not seen before. From the games players play to the ways they pay, things are changing and they are changing fast.
Slots no longer dominate game lobbies and where once players used to prefer to deposit with debit cards, it’s now crypto such as Bitcoin and Ether.
The companies providing the games players play have changed, too, with some now considered among the most innovative technology and entertainment companies on the planet.
This includes SPRIBE, the company I founded.
So, what have been the biggest changes we’ve seen in 2024 and what impact have they had on the sector? Let’s get into it.
Slots no longer dominate game lobbies:
For many years, it’s been blockbuster slots from the top-tier providers that have dominated online casino game lobbies and certainly topped the player charts.
But that’s not the case anymore.
Increasingly, players are being drawn to non-traditional content in the form of Mines, Hi-Lo, Goal, Plinko and of course, Crash.
SPRIBE developed the original crash game, Aviator, which now has more than 42 million monthly players across the 4,500+ online casinos that offer it.
For those that give it a full marketing push at launch, it can account for more than 10% of total casino GGR – a remarkable figure when you think about it.
Online casinos must now offer non-traditional games if they are to engage Millennial and Gen Z players, but also meet the changing preferences of existing players.
Crash games in particular have broad appeal because of the fast-paced big risk/big reward gameplay. That Aviator is multiplayer and packed with social interaction has also been key to its success.
It’s why they are so popular with all player types and why titles such as Aviator can have a direct and significant impact on casino GGR.
Crypto casinos setting the standard for others to follow:
Aviator gets much of its DNA from the fascinating world of crypto casinos which continue to push boundaries when it comes to engaging with players and the experiences they deliver.
Regulators remain cautious when it comes to crypto, but you only need to look at the runaway success of the biggest crypto casinos to see consumer demand is incredibly strong.
Crypto casinos gave birth to non-traditional content, wrapping gambling elements around popular video games such as Minesweeper and for me, they continue to set the benchmark.
Not only that, but these casinos understand how to connect with players where their attention can be found – streaming, social media, etc – and have such powerful brand values and identities.
Then of course you have the way crypto is connected to the entire experience, and how these operators have ensured the smoothest UX.
Traditional online casinos need to take note and step up to the mark being set or risk losing more players to these brands.
Game providers entering multi-million-dollar marketing partnerships:
One of the biggest changes for me has been how studios are now directly marketing their games to players – again, this is something we have pioneered with Aviator.
This includes our first-of-its-kind partnership with the UFC which sees the Aviator logo appear inside the Octagon at Fight Night and PPC events.
It also created a brand ambassador fund which allows us to run marketing campaigns with superstar athletes such as Alex Pereira.
Other studios – I won’t say who – have entered similar deals but not quite to the same degree. We are also close to unveiling another major deal in the coming weeks.
These marketing deals drive huge awareness for Aviator and ultimately mean operators must add it to their lobbies to meet player demand.
So, there you have it – this is how the game has changed for online casinos in 2024, and I expect the pace of evolution to be just as fast in the coming 12 months.
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Play’n GO’s Hot Dog Heist serves up tasty slot treats
Play’n GO invites players to join an adorable crew of canines in Hot Dog Heist, a 5×3 slot with 40 paylines. Set against the charming backdrop of suburban BBQs, this fun-filled adventure delivers sizzling gameplay and delectable rewards.
Hot Dog Heist takes players to a sunny, picture-perfect neighbourhood where a pack of mischievous dogs has its eyes set on a delicious prize – hot dogs fresh off the grill. This dynamic title offers seven exciting Free Spin modes, each featuring a unique canine with its own abilities, ensuring every playthrough is a paw-some experience.
From the Golden Retriever’s Wild Reels to the Rough Collie’s Sticky Symbols, each furry friend brings a distinct flair to the heist. Players can trigger the exciting Who’s a Good Doggie Bonus Round, a pick-and-click feature that reveals cash prizes or unlocks additional Free Spin modes. With the possibility of activating multiple features in a single round, there’s always something new to chase in Hot Dog Heist.
The game’s standout feature is its Free Spin variety, offering modes like the Labrador’s powerful multipliers or the Bulldog’s Sticky Symbols for high-stakes gameplay. The strategic depth and varied rewards ensure a backyard BBQ party like no other, with the ultimate goal being a maximum win of x2,500 your stake.
With its playful theme, vibrant visuals, and engaging mechanics, Hot Dog Heist brings something new and exciting to the table. Fans of animal-themed slots like Ruff Heist and Fox Mayhem will find plenty to love in this light-hearted yet rewarding adventure.
Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, Magnus Wallentin, said: “Hot Dog Heist combines charm and exciting mechanics into one irresistible package. Each Free Spin mode adds a layer of strategy and entertainment, making this a game that’s not just fun but incredibly rewarding. We’re excited to see players enjoy this backyard adventure and secure some sizzling wins!”
With its heart-warming cast of characters, BBQ-inspired gameplay, and dynamic features, Hot Dog Heist promises a feast of fun for all slot enthusiasts.
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HÖLLE GAMES LET IT REIN
Reel Reindeer releases today, a seasonal entry into the Reel franchise and right in time for the Christmas holidays, featuring the red-nosed character himself.
This 25 payline game offers an insane Free Spins round where all winnings are multiplied by 50x and expanding wilds activate on the reels. Plus, the game also offers a Hold & Win round where filling the reels will trigger the top payout of 10,000x. That is quite the Christmas treat!
The Reindeer is the latest animal to be featured in this franchise which also features Rabbit, Tiger, Fox and Wolf. Although most of the other titles have more serious depictions, here the animals take on a more fun and cartoonish appearance than in previous entries to match the playful aspect of the season, accompanied by a bespoke themed soundtrack that will have players craving a warm fire and some hot cocoa!
Reel Reindeer is now available in MGA regions with others following soon. As this is the last release of 2024, it just remains to wish you a very merry Christmas and happy new year from the Hölle team.
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Hippodrome Casino Executive Chairman Simon Thomas identifies key trends to explore at inspirational ICE Barcelona
Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman of London’s iconic Hippodrome Casino has highlighted Sustainability, AI and the convergence of online and land-based gaming as the three ‘key trends’ that he believes will stand out at ICE Barcelona.
Looking ahead to what will be the biggest gaming show in history Simon Thomas said: “From energy-efficient gaming machines to green certifications for venues, the industry is prioritising environmental responsibility. This shift isn’t just about corporate responsibility; it’s a response to the growing demand from players and stakeholders for all-round greener operations.”
The development of cutting-edge technology will, he believes be applied in a number of different ways. “As the trend continues to use technology such as AI to create safer gaming environments, while also developing more engaging gaming solutions for customers, I expect ICE to reflect this” he stated. “This will include applications that refine customer personalisation, optimise staff placement and enhance/encourage responsible gaming.”
On a macro level Thomas believes there will be a more pronounced convergence of online and land-based gaming as operators look to offer seamless transitions between physical and digital gaming, in the process appealing to a broader demographic.
Heralding the first edition of ICE to take place outside the UK he stated: “With the move to Barcelona, I’m particularly excited about the city’s vibrant culture and its potential to foster fresh perspectives in networking and innovation. Barcelona’s global appeal aligns perfectly with ICE’s international reach, providing a backdrop that promises inspiration for all attendees. This is a new chapter for ICE in one of the most iconic locations in the world. Bienvenidos a todos!”
Visitors to ICE Barcelona will have access to the world’s biggest and most respected innovator brands representing every gambling vertical. The industry’s leading trade associations, strategic bodies, regulators, CEOs of tier-1 operators and games creators will all be at Barcelona in record-breaking numbers underlining the show’s reputation for being the ‘Davos of Gambling’.
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