The gaming industry in Georgia has experienced significant fluctuations in recent times, primarily due to the introduction of additional regulations. While regulation plays a crucial role in shaping the gaming business, it is essential to adopt the right approach to avoid creating new problems. 

Despite these challenges, Georgia’s market is rapidly developing and growing, with changes in player behaviour and the formation of a gaming culture. 

This has created the potential for the Georgian market to expand internationally, driven by flexible tax legislation that has attracted numerous foreign companies, particularly game providers. Additionally, established operators such as Entain, Flutter and Betsson Group are already active in the Georgian market. 

However, the presence of illegal operators remains a significant challenge that requires comprehensive approaches from both operators and the State. It is essential to promote local operators and implement effective preventative measures to discourage players from turning to these illegal operators. 

While legislative changes are being made worldwide to combat illegal activities, the promotion of legal operators is proven to be the most effective method. Incorporating the expertise of business professionals in discussions and decision-making processes is crucial to creating a favourable legal framework that supports the industry.

Changes to the legal framework

Starting from June 2024, significant changes will be implemented in the legal framework governing the gaming industry in Georgia. These changes include the introduction of three types of licences for online casinos: online casino, online slot machines, and online betting. Previously, only two licence types were available for online casinos and online betting. Additionally, online operators will be subject to a quarterly fee of 250,000 GEL (GBP 75,000), in addition to the licence fee. 

Furthermore, the conditions for obtaining a licence have been revised. Previously, online activity licences were tied to physical facilities, such as a casino or bookmaker’s office. 

Under the new regulations, companies will have the option to open any of the three types of physical facilities: a casino, a slot machine salon, or a totalizer. Each type of physical facility will incur a licence cost of 100,000 GEL. Alternatively, online operators can choose not to have a physical facility but will be required to pay higher licence fees: 1 million GEL for online slot machines, 1 million GEL for online totalizer, and 5 million GEL for online casino. 

While the introduction of licensing was necessary, the approach may require reconsideration. Online operators are primarily focused on the online space and might find the price charged for online casino licences unreasonable. Additionally, the division of licences into three parts might be viewed as irrational, considering the changing landscape of the gambling industry.

A land of potential 

The gambling industry in Georgia is experiencing significant growth, positioning the country as a potential hub for post-Soviet and Asian countries. This trend has attracted numerous new operators and game suppliers to relocate their operations to Georgia. 

The logical reasons behind this shift can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Georgia’s tax laws offer remarkable flexibility, particularly benefiting technology and IT companies. Additionally, the country provides easy access to neighbouring markets and stands out for its corruption-free business environment, distinguishing it from some of its neighbours. The ease of managing and initiating a business in Georgia further adds to its appeal.

With the right legislative approach, companies have the opportunity to enter international markets and offer their services to foreign customers. The requirement of gaming licensing has significantly enhanced the credibility of gambling providers based in Georgia. 

The strict monitoring and regulation imposed by our legislation contribute to their positive image, leading foreign operators to seek collaboration with Georgian companies. Consequently, Georgia’s market proves to be both promising and conducive to growth within the industry.

Associations and collaboration 

Associations, such as the GGA, play a vital role in the gaming industry as they act in the best interests of operators, engaging in consultations with the state and seeking relevant information to enhance industry practices. 

Active involvement in the development of legislative projects is crucial. For example, associations significantly contributed to the formulation of the user verification of identity law, which had a positive impact on the industry from an AML perspective. 

Through acting as mediators between the state and business operators, associations facilitate effective cooperation and actively engage with regulators. They also promote responsible gaming campaigns and play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and statistics to combat the stigma associated with the industry. Furthermore, associations assist new market entrants by providing guidance and support.

The gaming industry in Georgia faces both challenges and opportunities but, with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, it can continue to grow and thrive.

Follow the official event page on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all things SBC Summit Tbilisi.

For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities please contact sales@sbcgaming.com or Baki Lortkipanidze at baki@smh.global.

You can purchase a full-event pass that provides access to the exhibition, conference, and evening networking events at the discounted rate of US$150 (a $50 discount from the regular event price). This offer is valid until October 2nd.

Operator and affiliate representatives can submit a form to apply for a complimentary pass. The form will be vetted by SBC and SMH representatives to determine whether they qualify. Operator form. Affiliate form.

The post SBC Summit Tbilisi: the evolving gaming industry in Georgia appeared first on CasinoBeats.

SBC: First of all, congratulations on celebrating your 15th anniversary! How was GAMOMAT established?

CB: When we look back, it’s been quite a journey for GAMOMAT since the business was founded in 2008. Our aim from the off was to create engaging and exciting content for the land-based gaming market. A passion for games and my enthusiasm for people were the key drivers behind the establishment of the company. 

As you know, the gaming industry landscape is constantly shifting and the biggest change was the rise of online. In order to continue growing, we needed to stay ahead of the curve and we made the decision in 2014 to diversify by providing games for the online market. Today, the GAMOMAT Group is a dedicated B2B online provider, with our games being live in more than 35 markets.

CB: What do you have planned to celebrate your 15th anniversary? 

DH: Our 15th anniversary is not only a time for reflection but one that will see us reinvent our classics to bring even more joy to players. 

We are pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable occasion. One way in which we’re celebrating is introducing a ‘Deluxe Games’ series that will see our most iconic games re-launched with enriched, cutting-edge graphics. We can’t wait for everyone to join the celebration and experience these deluxe games. 

In September, ‘Fancy Fruits Deluxe’ and ‘Royal Seven XXL Deluxe’ will be the first games to be available for players to enjoy in a brand-new light. We’re also planning to follow up these initial games with ‘Ramses Book Deluxe’ before the turn of the year. Additional games will join the ‘Deluxe Series’ in 2024, so watch this space.

We fully appreciate the role that our partners have played in our rise, and they will feature in these celebrations over the rest of the year.

CB: Now serving audiences in more than 35 countries and in 27 languages, how has GAMOMAT developed internationally as a business over the last 15 years? 

DH: Reflecting upon the international expansion of GAMOMAT over the past 15 years, it’s important to note the role that our dynamism and adaptability has played. 

Of course, this process was not without challenges. Consistent growth has required a deep understanding of local market nuances, regulatory standards, and player preferences, which can often change significantly from one region to another. 

Our mission is not just to be present within international markets, but truly local in each market we operate in. This has meant extensive investment in market research, localisation, and culturally-sensitive game development. 

GAMOMAT’s unique corporate culture has been instrumental in this journey. Alex has helped the company translate the importance of culture and values for the success of the company into action far more consciously than ever before.

CB: With a team of around 80 employees, what initiatives does the company have in place to support those employees? 

AK: As a company, we place a strong emphasis on creating a holistic working environment that stimulates a good work philosophy. This Good Work concept is intrinsically linked to each action or company initiative being individually meaningful. By following this superstructure, we make every activity fulfilling within the context of flexible, individualised working conditions that best suit our team.

Evidence of the fine work we’ve achieved within GAMOMAT has resulted in the company twice being certified as a Great Place to Work. This globally-recognised award acknowledges credible, fair corporate governance and active promotion of employees. GAMOMAT is currently listed among the Top 100 places to work in Germany.

We promote professional and personal growth through flexible, hybrid work models and individualised professional development initiatives. There is a wide selection of diverse training programmes that are accessible through our GAMOcademy. 

On top of this, we conduct annual feedback sessions between managers and employees to set individual developmental goals. The concept is named GAMOlog and is designed to nurture a culture of proactive feedback and serves as a tool for systematic personnel development.

Our GAMOMATies bring the philosophy to life daily, which is why we take employee well-being very seriously, providing a comprehensive range of healthcare services that help promote positive mental health. 

CB: What ESG initiatives does GAMOMAT have in place? 

AK: We are deeply committed to our environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. We’ve gone so far as to launch our own Gaming for the Climate initiative where we designate a portion of our revenue from a selected game each year to non-profit organisations fighting against climate change. 

This initiative not only symbolises our commitment to environmental protection but also invites our customers to be part of this vital cause. To date, we have partnerships with Healthy Seas, Borneo Orangutan Survival and most recently the African Wildlife Foundation.

On the social side, we support Krisenchat, a non-profit organisation offering free, confidential advice to children and young people in need. By doing so, we acknowledge the significance of mental health, particularly among the younger population, and make concerted efforts to back organisations addressing this concern. 

We’re proud that our ESG initiatives have been recognised in the wider gaming industry. This year, we were honoured to receive the Charitable Community Award at the International Gaming Awards, a testament to our continuous dedication to social responsibility.

CB: With a library of over 150 online slot games, which slot titles have stood out for GAMOMAT? 

DH: It’s challenging to single out just a few, I can say that our success isn’t dependent on any one title. Our revenue is driven by our top 20 games, each contributing its share to our overall success. This diversity ensures we cater to a wide range of player preferences, making our portfolio robust and resilient. 

If there was one title we had to highlight, it might just be Ramses Book as it’s fresh in our minds following being shortlisted for SBC’s very own Slot Legacy Award 2023. It’s a true classic that has been on the market for 10 years now and remains incredibly popular with players.

CB: Finally, what’s next on the horizon for GAMOMAT? 

AK: Looking ahead, our goal is to grow and extend our global presence. We are dedicated to cementing our position as a leading online gaming provider that is known for its exemplary reputation as a top employer. 

In the short term, we’ll be celebrating our 15 years as a business with internal parties for our employees as a thank you for all their hard work. We’re really excited by our Deluxe Series where we’ll keep bringing new titles into it, furthering our support for ESG initiatives.

The post Behind the success: GAMOMAT reflects on a 15-year journey appeared first on CasinoBeats.

However, the igaming content developer has stressed an overarching ambition of capitalising on the “wealth of opportunities” available, with sights also set on the US to achieve further growth within this space.

This latest partnership sees the Swedish developer take what it bills as the “world’s most popular online slot game” in Book of Dead available via fixed odds betting terminals across William Hill’s UK retail estate.

Outside of the traditional igaming space, Play’n Go titles were only previously available on cruise ships.

“This is a significant day in the history of our company and a testament to the hard work and expertise of everyone at Play’n GO,” commented Johan Törnqvist, CEO and Co-founder, Play’n Go.

“The convergence between the online and land-based gaming parts of our industry has been long overdue, and I’m excited to see the world’s most popular online slot game, Book of Dead, make its long-awaited UK land-based debut.

“But this is only the start. There is a wealth of opportunities to bring the very best of igaming to other land-based settings, especially in the fast-changing US marketplace.

“However, there won’t be an industry in the future if we don’t provide amazing entertainment in a fun and safe environment. William Hill believes just as strongly in this as we do, and I’m sure this land-based partnership will be a long and fruitful one.”

Currently, the roll-out has taken place across approximately 100 of the 888 owned group’s facilities, with 100 per cent expected to be hit “in the coming weeks”. William Hill currently has more than 5,800 FOBT machines across more than 1,450 shops.

“We are always looking for opportunities to innovate to be able to provide the best gaming experience we can for our customers – this is a fantastic example of that,” stated Ian Millman, UK Gaming Director at William Hill.

 “I’m sure customers right across the UK will enjoy taking Rich Wilde on an adventure to find the Book of Dead, just as they have in our online space for many years.

“We can think of no better partner than Play’n GO, who share our passion for responsible gaming and entertainment, to drive innovation through the gaming industry together.”

The post Play’n Go makes maiden UK retail play alongside William Hill appeared first on CasinoBeats.

It was found that the raft of alterations, which were devised to strengthen protections and controls, have not resulted in harmful unintended consequences, with a drop in play intensity specifically cited.

The report utilised “key sources” from the regulator’s online tracker survey, which collects quarterly data from a national sample of approximately 2,000 adults aged 18 and over across Great Britain, in addition to 1,000 aged 16+.

Following the introduction, the UKGC also reports evidence of no clear increase in staking despite a limit of spin speeds, as well as no “significant negative impact” on overall enjoyment.

In addition, the proportion of high value stakes reportedly dropped in the immediate months following the changes, with respondents also indicating that gambling on multiple tabs simultaneously decreased.

However, despite adding that “general engagement with slots increased over the same time period,” the survey also said that the proportion of players experiencing a ‘binge’ on online slot games has remained stable.

“Slots still appear to be viewed as a product that is easy to become engrossed in,” a report issued by the UKGC stated.

The changes introduced in October 2021 included a limit on the speed of spins, as well as bans on features that speed up play or give an illusion of control over outcomes, autoplay and sounds or imagery that signal a win when the outcome is equal to, or below, the original stake.

Furthermore, operators were also required to “clearly display” total losses or wins and time played during any online slots session.

“Our assessment of the changes to online slots games has shown indications of reduced play intensity with no significant negative impacts on play or behaviours,” Tim Miller, Director for Policy and Research, said.

“That’s positive, but we aren’t complacent and will continue to monitor this specific part of the sector for both any unintended circumstances, or non-compliance.”

Deliberations on further proposals are to commence during the summer, with the Commission to consider the changes outlined above as “part of the evidence base” when consulting on other products and games.

“The Commission has committed to extend our work on product features, which initially focused on online slots, to strengthen rules relating to intensity of play on other products,” the regulator added.

The post UKGC: game design changes having positive impact on behaviour appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Currently, there are 12 different games in Panga’s library, including classic slots and other themes. “New games are released monthly, and the development team is constantly improving the games and adding innovative features, guaranteeing players a fresh and exciting experience,” said Slotegrator. 

All games are developed using HTML5 technology, and guaranteed to be supported on any device, including desktop computers, tablets and smartphones. In addition, titles are adapted to many different languages, including Cyrillic, which means players around the world can participate. 

The provider also allows operators to brand games and choose from a variety of themes and payment systems. Slots include a large number of tools to engage players, such as wild symbols, scatter symbols, free spins and bonus rounds. 

Slotegrator’s statement continued: “Excellent graphics and clear sound allow players to feel like they are inside a real casino. Games from Panga Games are considered some of the most spectacular in the gambling industry, but with all that, their download capacity is only three megabytes, which guarantees fast and uninterrupted operation even at low internet speeds.”  

“Panga Games is extremely pleased to be partnering with Slotegrator, a leading provider of gaming content distribution services,” said the firm’s CTO Luca Fagioli. “I am confident that this collaboration with such a reputable and experienced partner will bring tremendous value to both our companies and our customers. 

“The ability to expand the reach of our HTML5 online slot machines and make them more accessible to a wider audience is a major step forward for Panga Games, and I am excited to see the positive impact it will have.”

Dmytro Kryvorchuk, Sales Team Lead at Slotegrator, commented: “All of us at Slotegrator are excited about the opportunity to partner with Panga Games. We are happy to work with such an innovative development studio and we are sure that their games will be appreciated by our clients.”

The post Slotegrator and Panga Games agree partnership on APIgrator solution  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This will see the provider take its offering to an array of the Campeón online gaming suite, with brands such as Campeonbet, Svenbet, Treasure Spins and Evobet among the over 30 that comprise the group’s global network.

“Livespins has been designed to allow operators to maximise the online slot streaming opportunity and it’s great to see Campeόn Gaming working with us to socially charge the experience that it offers to players across its roster of brands,” stated Michael Pedersen, CCO at Livespins.

“Streaming is the future of online casino entertainment, and Livespins has been designed to allow operators, studios and streamers to capitalise on its surging popularity but in a way that is responsible and compliant.

“Campeόn Gaming is a great partner for us, and we look forward to seeing its players get on board with slot streaming and bet behind their favourite streamers in what is one of the most engaging and thrilling ways to enjoy online casino.”

Livespins’ bet behind system not only allows players to watch a number of streams, but also enables them to get directly involved and wager on the action taking place across the reels with each spin.

In addition, the streaming firm is also striving to make social interaction become “the beating heart” of the product, with players able to chat with the streamer and each other throughout as well as being able to add reactions and emojis.

George Merodoulakis, Group CCO at Campeón Gaming, added: “Livespins is a revolutionary product, and we absolutely can’t wait to see players join streams, interact and bet behind the action. 

“This is a game-changer and allows us to further differentiate by delivering new player experiences.”

The post Campeón Gaming aiming to socially-charge igaming via Livespins appeared first on CasinoBeats.

“I think many underestimate how big the Hugo TV game show,” emphasised Mogens Agger, Vice President Business Development at 5th Planet Games, in the concluding part of our two-part special.

Agger takes the baton from Mark McGinley, CEO at FunFair Games, who yesterday spoke of the studio’s Hugo: Up & Away crash game release, which was undertaken alongside 5^th Planet.

Here, Agger delves into the appeal of working alongside FunFair, the reason behind Hugo’s popularity despite many years having passed and how a game of this nature fits the characters story.

CasinoBeats: What was the appeal in partnering with FunFair Games for 5th Planet Games?

Mogens Agger: We have been in the online slot market with Hugo for a while now, having launched a number of successful titles with our long-standing partner. When we first met FunFair Games, we were intrigued by the studio’s innovative and unique approach to a different vertical and thought this could be a great opportunity to bring Hugo into a new area within the real money gaming space.

Additionally, the studio’s approach to multiplayer, arcade-style content is similar to game titles we have worked on in the past and bringing that to the RMG space and delivering something new represents an exciting opportunity. We really liked the titles that FunFair Games had already developed, especially Astroboomers: To the Moon!, which features a crash element that we feel would be perfect for Hugo, as that is part of his original story.

CB: What is the reason behind Hugo’s popularity after all these years?

MA: I think many underestimate how big the Hugo TV game show was in the 90s, airing in more than 40 countries. It was probably the first interactive TV game show and the huge fanbase has been re-activated several times over the last few decades, first through video games, then mobile games and lately through online slot titles.

The game was also localised in each market with a native host, which means many have a close relationship to it and fond memories of the character. Hugo is a bit of an anti-hero, on a quest to find treasures, which creates a thrilling adventure for players and fits into a lot of different formats, adding to the popularity and appeal. Most fans are today older than 18 which makes Hugo a perfect character for RMG and means we can keep his story alive through new verticals.     

CB: This is a crash title, how does that fit into Hugo’s story?

MA: A big part of Hugo’s DNA and what made him so popular is the iconic crash element from the TV show from the 90s and we felt that this story would work really well in a crash game format. We are now bringing this back to life but adding multiplayer elements to it, giving fans a modern twist to a classic. The title really does showcase Hugo in his original environment and that is one of the reasons we are so thrilled about this project. 

The post 5th Planet Games: Bringing Hugo back to life with FunFair Games appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the first of a two part special, Mark McGinley, CEO at FunFair Games, elaborates on the importance of partnering with well known brands, ensuring correct representation and if we can expect similar such moves going forward from the studio.

CasinoBeats: How did the collaboration between FunFair Games and 5th Planet Games come about?

Mark McGinley: We first met in Malta during the SiGMA conference in November 2021. Mogens really liked the ideas that FunFair Games had and the creativity the company showed in our existing product portfolio.

This led on to speaking about the Hugo IP that 5^th Planet Games had access to, and we eventually started talking about its suitability to the crash genre and it all kicked-off from there. It started off as a curious discussion and evolved into an exciting collaboration.

CB: How important is it for a game studio to partner with a well-known brand such as Hugo? 

MM: Partnering with 5^th Planet Games’ established brand Hugo gives us the opportunity to create a unique and immersive crash-style game that allows us to tap into a valuable new audience, boasting a wide fan-base from around the globe.

The Hugo brand itself is also very popular as the 90s interactive live TV game show aired in more than 40 countries and produced several video and mobile games which had great commercial success and received global recognition.

“This Hugo game is a serious door opener for us”

People are always looking for ways in which they can remain invested in their favourite content, and this is the case with the loveable troll Hugo. A reimagined Hugo product gives the brand an entirely new experience and offers viewers more ways to stay connected. 

This Hugo game is a serious door opener for us, creating real differentiation to our product offering, which we expect will secure more and better distribution in a crowded marketplace. Hugo: Up and Away! is an immersive crash-style game, which sits within the non-traditional gaming vertical, a space that is attracting a huge amount of very positive interest, appeal and excitement, and differs immensely from the online slot market it has been in for a while.

CB: How did you ensure Hugo was correctly represented in the title while ensuring the game offers maximum entertainment and thrill?

MM: At the beginning of the project, we were not as familiar with the character and were surprised to discover it had a considerable following with a range of backstories and adventures. From here we knew the direction we could take it, and this inspired us to create a fresh update to the way Hugo was represented, adding to the characters’ evolution.

One of the direct inspirations was an iconic scene in the hit TV show, which was an ideal fit for a crash-based game, as it featured a vehicle that gave the feeling of progression and the chance of failure at any moment.

For this adventure we wanted to reinvent Hugo’s story, which is why we’ve put Hugo in the driving seat and allow him to get some revenge on his old foes; Scylla and Don Croco. This time he’s the one causing pain and anguish by stealing their prized jewels!

“Branded titles are a fantastic acquisition tool”

CB: Did you work closely with 5th Planet Games throughout the whole process?

MM: From the very start and throughout the entire development process, we had an excellent and close relationship with Mogens at 5^th Planet Games. Regular Skype catch ups were essential to ensuring a smooth turnaround time for ideas, showcasing the state of a playable version and streamlining the creative approval process, so Hugo, and his world, were represented in their best light.

Mogens and 5^th Planet Games were very supportive and happy with where we took Hugo, and fans – both old and new – will hopefully enjoy jumping onboard with the adorable troll in his latest adventure.

CB: Can we expect to see additional branded games from FunFair Games in the future? 

MM: Working on branded game titles is a very exciting avenue for us, and this is something we would definitely like to continue into the future, and who knows what the future holds, but we are not ruling out anything! Working with 5^th Planet Games on our first branded title, Hugo: Up and Away!, has been a fantastic experience and one that we hope will be received well in the industry.

Branded titles are a fantastic acquisition tool that can be used to attract more than just regular gamblers. Those that had an emotional resonance with the brand itself, be it a TV show like Hugo, comic book or cartoon, can now enjoy a new truly immersive game experience. 

The post Mark McGinley, FunFair Games: making waves in the non-traditional gaming space appeared first on CasinoBeats.

CasinoBeats: What difficulties did you encounter in establishing a slots studio in what it could be argued is already an overcrowded space? 

Thomas Wendt: If the figure we found of over 25,000 currently available games from 500 different content providers is correct, then ‘overcrowded space’ is still a harmless understatement. And to claim to be better than the 499 others is a bit arrogant. But on the other hand, you don’t start a new company if you want to stand modestly at the back of the queue. 

But being a so-called industry veteran also means that you already have one or two scars and don’t need to make the same mistakes again. Along with our scars, what we have brought with us, in our rucksack, to use the German accent, are contacts. And a lot of product experience in one of the bigger markets in the world, Germany. 

And yes, it is poorly regulated. But that’s not only a hurdle, it’s also an opportunity. A hurdle for many competitors since they are not simply able to publish their thousands of games in the German market – once again, one of the biggest ever.

“And yes, it is poorly regulated. But that’s not only a hurdle, it’s also an opportunity”

And opportunity, because it means that the one who knows and understands the market better than the others will prevail here. And here we are now becoming self-confident: That’s us! Certainly not only us, but rather us than 498 others. You see: We remain modest. There is always room next to us. 

No, just kidding – but seriously again now: What we had to bring along as a new provider in order to be perceived and taken seriously was a distinct positioning, expressed very clearly in our slogan of the ‘German Accent’, and the credibility that we actually bring along and uphold the associated values such as German quality standards, reliability, but also knowledge of the market.

CB: How important was the investment received at the end of last year? How did this help drive Apparat forward further still?

TW: Of course it was important for us. But not only because of the money, which now enables us to grow faster, but also because of the partner itself. Yolo is quite simply the best partner you can imagine.

When I read the description of Yolo’s dream partner on their website – ‘burning passion, constant evolution and never afraid to step into the unknown’ – I almost paid money to be part of it. Ok, let’s not overdo it with the German humour – Tim [Heath] and Julian [Buhagiar] will read this and want their money back. 

But seriously, it was simply a match. And Yolo has built up a network that is unique. The speed with which they feedback on our questions is simply unbelievable. Especially Tim, who always responds immediately, even in the middle of the night. I wonder if the man doesn’t need to sleep.

“Our release schedule provides for one game per month. That’s ambitious for a start-up”

CB: You state that you have a “packed production line” of slot launches, where do you stand on the quantity versus quality debate that is so familiar across the industry?

TW: Our release schedule provides for one game per month. That’s ambitious for a start-up. And keeping it up for the next 12 months was a challenge in view of the size of our team, even beyond the amount of money we had to invest. And to have pulled it off so far is something I’m really proud of for our team. 

Of course, there are also less feature-heavy games. But it is a truism that a higher production value does not automatically guarantee more success. If quality were so easy to define, the world would be simpler. It is much more the case that you have to offer the player added value with the games.

And this does not necessarily increase with the number of paylines, features or the amount invested. Sometimes less is more. Reduced to the essentials. That can be true of a supposedly simple fruit game. Especially in the German market, there are taste-preferences where market success does not automatically correlate with higher production values.

I don’t want to give evasive answers here like a politician. We tend to push our feature-heavy games into the period after the weaker summer season, and of course we have not reinvented the genre either. But we are convinced that our approach of mixing tried and tested features in new recipes to create a new taste experience will be successful. The games are simply fun. And they look good anyway – that is not necessarily a question of money.

“But as a newcomer, sometimes you have to be loud to get noticed”

CB: It is also said that slot launches will “take the market by storm,” how is this so? How will they differ from the tens of thousands of games already saturating the market?

TW: I admit that marketing statement was a bit loud. But as a newcomer, sometimes you have to be loud to get noticed. Because, of course we haven’t developed the next ‘Starburst’ yet. Not yet. But what we have managed to do is to win over the most important aggregation partners in our industry, such as Relax, EveryMatrix and Pariplay, to name just the biggest ones. That is definitely part of the market, and an important one at that.

As I said, our games do not reinvent the genre. That would be insane in our current phase of company development. But being typically German, we have a step-by-step plan. At the moment, we are at stage one, gaining visibility in the market with a portfolio of proven winners, permanently verifying our quality standards, and continuously expanding our partner portfolio. 

In the process, as we said, we are combining familiar ingredients into new recipes, always with the gaming experience in mind. And who says that the market is saturated? Once again, neither the sheer quantity of games nor their production costs say anything about the market. 

What I am convinced of, almost religiously, is that games will not remain as they are now in the long term. And I’m not talking about even higher multipliers, even more animations and even more features. But that’s stage three or four. We still have a lot to learn before we venture into that. And prove a thesis or two.

“…to have achieved this is more proof of quality”

Until then, take a look at our games and compare them with those of our competitors. Especially against the background of our focus on the German market. You can see where they differ.

CB: How important was securing a Malta Gaming Authority licence? What doors did this open up and how do you plan to capitalise on them?

TW: With regard to German regulation only, our MGA licence could be considered dispensable. But on the one hand, we aim beyond the German market with our games, and the deals with have with operator partners demonstrates. On the other hand, the MGA licence was an important seal of quality, especially as a newcomer compared to big partners like Relax or EveryMatrix. 

I don’t want to say that the market expects it, but to have achieved this is more proof of quality. And if you look at how many licences were awarded to content providers like us last year, we are definitely proud to have made it. And last but not least, we learned a lot in the process. And isn’t that what life is all about?

The post Thomas Wendt, Apparat: you don’t start a company to stand at the back of the queue appeared first on CasinoBeats.

To better understand this move, SBC Noticias spoke with the group’s Regional Business Manager, Alba Monroy, who assessed the details of the association and the potential of the market for the company.

“Entain is a tier one operator with both local and world-renowned casino brands under its belt and we have been collaborating with them for years”, she explained. In addition, she clarified that “the track record and experience of the Spanish team in terms of regulation and certification of slots” paved the way.

The arrival of the company on Spanish soil has been so agile that, just a month later, it already has more than 55 games available for players in PokerStars, Bwin, Partycasino and Partypoker. For Monroy, “it has been a great success” to have their titles amongst “some of the largest brands in Spain” in such a short time frame. This came as a result of “great collaboration on both sides”, she shared.

“We aim to increase the catalogue of available content very soon, with the launch of plat-to-plat providers and our Silver Bullet studios, already available in other markets,” she said. In addition, she announced that “the first operators will be launched through Tecnalis very soon”.

Relax in the Spanish market

As a native of Spain, Monroy is no stranger to regulatory updates, such as the controversial Royal Communications Decree, which has made it challenging for industry operators.

She said: “Any limitations or measures, with the potential to negatively impact the activity and profitability, will not help the expansion of that industry or sector.”

However, she explained that Relax Gaming “is aware of these restrictions”, and has “marketing tools available to operators that facilitate their slots’ promotions.”

“Igaming has continued to grow in the market ever since it was regulated in 2012, with an annual increase of more than eight per cent”, she analysed.

Monroy also highlighted the impact of the pandemic on gaming trends, explaining that, before COVID-19, GGR was concentrated on sports betting, but then shifted its focus to the casino vertical: “The lack of sporting events played a big role,” she stated. This trend continues, mainly “due to the acceptance and popularity of online slot machines in the Spanish market.”

In this scenario, and considering that online slots are “Relax’s star product”, she forecasted Spanish players and operators receiving them very well. Monroy predicts Money Train 2 and Temple Tumble will be the high volatility slot titles with the most potential in the Spanish market, but also ensured that Hispanic-themed games like Wild Chapo and La Fiesta should perform as well.

She added: “We have certified several games with different RTP variants. Based on my experience, and operators’ profitability, I believe that the lower variant will be very well received by Spanish operators as well.”

Monroy also assessed the local market’s competitiveness and pointed out that, in addition to differentiation, customer service plays a key role in allowing the company to stand out.

“To listen and support the client is key for our sales team. We analyse all the demands and requests from clients, and that ultimately means that they perceive us as a big family,” she explained.

However, in order to become more familiar with local partners, Monroy highlighted the potential of SBC Summit Barcelona, set to take place on September 20-22, and said: “Our doors will be open to everyone interested in chatting and learning more about our products,” she said.

Expansion in Hispanic markets

Besides setting sights on Spain, Relax Gaming’s Regional Business Manager explained that they are also looking at Latin America, with operators from Mexico and Colombia offering their games, and supporting all Latin American currencies.

“We already have more than 50 games certified for Colombia and we hope to expand both there and in other markets in the coming months.” Monroy concluded.

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