Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island.

A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine. When three or more bomb Scatters come in, numbers on the Additional Reel become active multipliers in the bonus game. The more Scatters appear, the higher each multiplier value, amplifying the potential winnings.

In the main game, the Wild scatters a random number of Wild symbols onto the reels if there is a Scatter underneath it. When the Bonus Game is hit, the Wild symbol will be replaced by the number 9. Pirate Bob, Pirate Patrick and Pirate Girl symbols replace all minor symbols if there is a Scatter symbol underneath them. These symbols will be replaced by the numbers 8, 7 and 6 respectively.

The Treasure Chest symbol awards players with a random win ranging from 5 to 1000 bets  if there is a Scatter symbol under it. This symbol is replaced by the number 5 when the Bonus game begins. A Coin gives the player a win of 10 bets on the game if there is a Scatter symbol underneath it – transforming into the number 4 for the Bonus. All numbers on the Additional Reel that fall out or appear in place of symbols will go into the Bonus Game when three or more Scatters appear on the reels. Hitting four Scatters will increase each number by one, landing five Scatters will increase each number by three – the maximum is nine.

Players trigger the Bonus Game with three or more bomb Scatters. Before it begins, the first and second cells open up on the Additional Reel at the top, then players must choose a chest that contains either a Plus, Multiplier, or a noose, which concludes the round. As players move down through the levels, the multipliers can increase depending on the chest’s bounty – the maximum is 59049x.

Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Tortuga Codex takes players deep into the perilous seas filled with hidden mysteries, legendary treasures, and ancient artefacts waiting to be uncovered on the reels. The Bonus feature gives players the perfect opportunity to chart a course to winnings.”

Platform and aggregator Groove has marked a key milestone in Georgia, solidifying its presence with a special visit from Social Media Brand Marketing and Senior Account Manager, Rachel Tourgeman. Rachel, a pivotal figure in Groove’s rapid expansion, was hosted by SmartSoft, one of the region’s leading players, as she took part in an immersive exploration of Georgia’s potential and opportunities within the iGaming industry.

Groove, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation, continues to revolutionise the iGaming sector with its comprehensive platform and game aggregator. Its portfolio now boasts over 15,000 games from more than 100 top-tier providers, adding over 100 new titles every month, ensuring operators and casinos always have fresh content to captivate players.

From humble beginnings with a few small accounts, Rachel has proven her expertise by turning them into success stories almost overnight. Since joining Groove mid-pandemic in 2020, she has become an integral part of the company, wearing many hats and driving the brand’s growth on multiple fronts.

Whether it’s fostering client relationships, attending major conferences, or now managing Groove’s press releases and social media strategies, her dedication has been tireless. Her visit to Georgia was not just a testament to her commitment but also underscored the region’s growing importance in Groove’s global ambitions.

Georgia, along with key markets like Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia, serves as a strategic hub for Groove’s operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These regions provide not only fertile ground for business but also insights into diverse cultural, political, and regulatory environments, essential knowledge for scaling globally.

Rachel’s visit focused on refining marketing strategies and strengthening account management, working closely with the Groove Georgia team to ensure seamless cross-border collaboration.

“It was lovely catching up with our team in Georgia,” Rachel commented, highlighting the productive sessions she held on marketing and account management. ” These few days with SmartSoft and the Groove Georgia team really show that this region is a powerhouse within the global industry.”

Groove’s entertainment and technology ecosystem is also packed with powerful marketing tools, like free spins and interactive features, alongside data-driven analytics, giving businesses the tools they need to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

Groove’s expansion into regions like Georgia demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy, combining local expertise with global ambitions. With a strong team on the ground, and key players like Rachel Tourgeman driving the charge, Groove is poised for even greater success.

Yahale Meltzer, COO and Co-founder of Groove, echoed her sentiments, underscoring the strategic importance of Georgia within the company’s long-term plans. “Georgia is an important strategic centre for Groove,” Meltzer noted. “I am delighted Rachel was able to represent us with SmartSoft and discuss strategy with our team in Georgia. Groove is not just connecting the dots in Georgia, we are redrawing the map of the iGaming world.”

For the fifth consecutive year, the Meridianbet Foundation is proud to recognize and reward exceptional academic talent through its scholarship program. This program now reaches students across all markets where Meridianbet operates, supporting their academic journey and professional aspirations with meaningful financial awards and industry exposure.

Meridianbet, founded in 2001 and now part of Golden Matrix Group (NASDAQ: GMGI), has grown into a global leader in online sports betting and gaming. Operating in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, and South America, Meridianbet leverages proprietary technology and a scalable, omni-channel approach across retail, desktop, and mobile platforms. This commitment to innovation and accessibility extends beyond gaming, driving Meridianbet’s support for initiatives like the scholarship program, which fosters talent and empowers communities across all markets it serves.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

These scholarships are more than financial assistance—they represent the company’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for success. For our awardees, the Meridianbet Foundation Scholarship is a launchpad for both academic and career development, fostering a strong foundation for their futures. Awardees have consistently shared how this support motivates them to excel further and make a positive impact in their communities.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Sustainability

The Meridianbet Foundation believes in fostering a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond academic excellence. Our scholarship recipients are not only top students but also active participants in civic and sustainability projects. Many have contributed to initiatives in recycling, public space maintenance, and environmental stewardship, setting an example for responsible community involvement.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Business

As a tech-driven company, Meridianbet recognizes the evolving skill gaps between traditional education and the demands of the contemporary business. To help close this gap, the Meridianbet Foundation actively support scholars in building practical skills across key fields, such as marketing, game design, artificial intelligence, investor relations, regulatory compliance, and human resources.

By connecting students directly with hands-on experiences in the fast-paced tech industry, the company offers them a competitive edge as they begin their professional journeys. This unique opportunity allows scholars to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting and acquire globally relevant expertise.

A Lasting Commitment to Academic Excellence

The Meridianbet Foundation’s dedication to fostering educational growth and professional development remains stronger than ever. By investing in the potential of exceptional students, Meridianbet continues to build a future workforce that is not only skilled but also socially conscious. The company looks forward to seeing how these remarkable individuals use this opportunity to excel, innovate, and contribute to their communities.