Rich Wilde and the Amulet of Dead – Play’n GO

Rich Wilde makes his triumphant return as Play’n Go introduces the 5×3 Rich Wilde and the Amulet of the Dead, with the adventurer return to Egypt to face judgement for his past.

During the game, the pendant is a scatter symbol as well as the wild scatter and can appear on any reel. Scatter wins are multiplied by the total bet staked and are added to the payline wins.

Furthermore, the title includes thoth wilds which appear on reels two, three and four and can appear as a stack and will trigger the thoth multiplier.

Up to three fully stacked thoth wilds will activate a maximum of an x5 multiplier which will be applied to all wins on the triggering spin. Moreover, the thoth multiplier is always available in base game and free spins mode.

If the player lands three or more scatters, they will trigger the free spins round and be awarded 10 spins. Before the round commences, a random high-paying or royal symbol will be chosen to act as a special expanding symbol during the entire mode.

After evaluating the wins on every spin, the special expanding symbol may cover all three positions on its reel. This symbol will only expand when there are enough symbols on the reels to create a win.

“Our slot series’ like Rich Wilde, the Arthurian adventures, or our mythological slots give players an overall gaming experience, wrapped in individual titles.

“This means that they know what to expect from any new additions to a series and they can try out and find new favourites, safe in the knowledge they’re getting what they love while enjoying something new; like a sequel to a favourite movie or a new season of a TV show. As this industry matures, this is the next level of entertainment.” – Johan Törnqvist, Play’n Go CEO.

Eye of Dead – Blueprint Gaming

Continuing on the Egyptian theme is Blueprint Gaming’s latest release Eye of Dead, which becomes is the first title to feature the developer’s ‘Premium Play’ functionality.

The new quest involving treasure hunter Dr Wild sees the inclusion of four Premium Play upgrades, which become active dependent on stake and increases the number of high paying symbols on the reels.

Adjusting the stake changes the level of symbols that appear during the base gameplay, which are also carried over to the free games bonus round.

Free games are triggered with three or more scatters. Each time one or more expanding wild symbols appears on reel two, three or four, the symbol upgrade feature is activated, with free games awarded for each one that lands in view.

The all-powerful Eye of Dead upgrades each of the player’s high paying symbols for big wins, turning up to five of them into the next available highest paying icon.

“Grab your fedora and join Dr Wild on his latest adventure into the treasure-laden catacombs of our new take on the much-loved Egyptian genre.

“The exquisite visuals and evocative audio partners the absorbing gameplay, particularly enhanced by the premium play upgrades. Eye of Dead is set to bring new levels of engagement to players across multiple markets.” – Jo Purvis, Director of Key Accounts and Marketing UK, at Blueprint Gaming.

Before Time Runs Out – Habanero

Taking players on a magical quest to a faraway ancient Middle Eastern land, the 5×4 title comes complete with wilds, scatters, and a coin respin feature allowing ambitious adventurers to win prizes worth up to x50 their original bet.

The slot’s duel feature invites gamers to help Habanero’s  Prince battle the villainous Vizier and collect all six gems before time runs out, revealing up to five extra wilds.

Gems are awarded if the Prince beats the Vizier in the duel during free games, with players who collect six wining x1,000,000 the line bet.

“We are thrilled to launch Before Time Runs Out, a hectic Habanero adventure filled to the brim with enthralling features and world class mechanics, as well as inviting symbols and sounds.

“We’ve been racking up the wins in recent months, beginning the year with new accreditations, tier one operator partnerships and ground-breaking product rollouts. We can’t wait to maintain that momentum in the weeks and months to come.” – Toni Karapetrov, head of corporate communications at Habanero.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sXaGe886gk

Power of Thor Megaways – Pragmatic Play

Centred around the fearsome Norse God of Thunder, Pragmatic Play’s Power of Thor Megaways is a 117,649 payline slot features runic symbols and several companions.

This latest title from Pragmatic Play contains tumbling wins and also sees the power of Thor’s Hammer come to life, with it acting as a wild on the top reel and turning every symbol on those directly below it into wilds.

The free spins mode is triggered when four or more scatter symbols land on the reels, spelling out Thor’s name. Up to nine scatters can land on any spin, triggering up to 30 free spins.

Before the bonus round starts, players have the option to gamble their spins, possibly winning more, but possibly losing it all, adding an extra element of danger to their adventure.

During the bonus round, a progressive multiplier is added, with each increasing the multiplier by 1x throughout the round as more wins and tumbles occur.

“Power of Thor Megaways is a fantastic new addition to our growing Megaways series. With huge win potential in free spins, as well as the possibility of receiving over 30 spins in the bonus round, the high-volatility title could be one of our most exciting yet.

“We consistently look to add innovative titles with engaging themes to our product range and we’re looking forward to seeing how our fans receive our newest game.” – Yossi Barzely, chief business development officer at Pragmatic Play.

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Habanero – Wealth Inn

Habanero has introduced  its latest 3×3 release which promises “a timeless gaming experience for classic gaming fans across the globe”, featuring a curved 3D display in an attempt to bring the lifelike feeling of a slot machine.

Wealth Inn sees Cai Shen, the far eastern god of wealth, feature heavily throughout, with the title also showcasing the firm’s customisable Jackpot Race functionality which combines the logic of a poker-style pot with a jackpot solution.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Wealth Inn, a nostalgic casino classic that superbly showcases the time-honoured slot features that players love best.

“Ready to be delivered with our retention-driving Jackpot Race functionality, I’m confident that our immersive new title will be warmly received by our fan base, which is larger than ever before thanks to our continued global expansion.” – Vera Motto, business development executive at Habanero.

Play’n Go – Riddle Reels: A Case of Riches

Inspired by the adventures of the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, Play’n Go has debuted its latest slot title with the mystery-themed Riddle Reels: A Case of Riches.

Featuring Holmes, his assistant Dr Watson and an array of further characters, the game’s format takes its lead from classic UK pub-based slots and merges them with board-game style mechanics.

The main feature of the game is ‘Case of Riches,’ which sees players attempt to solve a mystery with the assistance of Holmes; rolling the dice and moving around the board to collect clues and complete challenges to progress.

“This game makes the players the central part of the story. Sherlock isn’t solving the mysteries; he’s just assisting them in reaching their final goal.

We’ve created a whole world for players to be part of and with the game’s unique features, there are so many possibilities that they’ll want to play again and again. That’s where the value comes from for them, providing a game that will keep people entertained and keep them guessing.” – Martin Zettergren, chief product officer of Play’n Go.

Evoplay Entertainment – Jelly Boom

Evoplay Entertainment is inviting sweet-toothed players to sample its latest online casino title, promising tasty prizes for those who discover a winning combination of fruit symbols on the reels.

The title transports bettors to a universe inhabited by four jelly characters, with players are encouraged to stuff the bellies of the team of jellies with strength-building fruits – and sugary payouts.

“Discerning players looking for a game to be savored will need to leave room for dessert in our delicious new hit, Jelly Boom.

“The new game is no trifling matter, serving up a charming cast of characters and the exciting chance to win mouth-watering prizes ahead of the summer action, and we can’t wait to introduce it to our fans.” – Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay Entertainment.

Scientific Games – Jin Ji Bao Xi: Jackpot Wars

Jin Ji Bao Xi returns to Scientific Games’ new slot title, with Jackpot Wars inviting players to enter Robot Wars events to battle against each other for jackpot wins.

The 5×3, 243 ways to win title uses ‘proven math’ alongside its top up feature and classic fu bonus round, with Jackpot Wars promising “a new era of gameplay to the slot space”.

Having been designed to attract a new audience of gamers, the title sees players enter Robot War style events to battle against one another for jackpot wins, with the option of creating customised avatars, battle gear upgrades and a unique multiplayer community experience also evident.

“Jackpot Wars is unlike anything seen before in the casino space. When a player earns enough tickets to enter a battle to win one of the four progressive jackpots, the true innovation is experienced. This is especially true through the customisation of robot avatars. It’s a really unique and personalised experience.

“When we’re talking about new things coming into the market, this is the innovation that I think is going to stand out.” – Rob Procter, content specialist director of Scientific Games Digital.

The post Part 44 | On the Spin: Slot launch round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Ganapati – Pacquiao One Punch KO

After first teasing details three months ago, igaming supplier Ganapati has taken its new slot title, developed alongside Manny Pacquiao, live.

The firm’s first global branded game is lauded as “an important step” by Ganapati, as it reemphasises a goal of becoming a B2B brand with a B2C mentality.

Pacquiao One Punch KO is set on a Tokyo rooftop boxing ring, with cascading reels and bonus rounds. The game features imagery of Pacquiao in action as well as personalised symbols representing highlights of his career.

Ganapati, which develops games featuring Japanese culture, has said that the title aims to highlight the longstanding mutually supportive relations between Japan and the Philippines, as well as giving back to the local Filipino community.

Habanero – Wizards Want War

Habanero is introducing two wizards, one virtuous and the other villainous, and challenges players with landing both on reel one and reel five to unlock a deadly duel which awards up to six wilds upon conclusion.

Duel wins help players accumulate extra wins, with multipliers up to 9x your stake paid out if successive battles are triggered, while 10 free games are awarded when select symbols appear.

Toni Karapetrov, head of corporate communications at Habanero, commented: “There’s nothing more magical than big wins and players can achieve them with our latest release, Wizards Want War!

“Featuring a virtuous and a villainous wizard, players can watch the two go head-to-head in spell-binding fashion thanks to immersive graphics and sounds. It’s sure to prove popular.”

Pariplay – Gems & Riches

Pariplay promises “a bold vision of the future” in its latest release, which boasts a 95.98 per cent return-to-player rate and see translations offered in over 20 languages.

The special features of Gems & Riches include wild multipliers, hold and respin function and multiple jackpots. The wild multiplier triggers once a wild symbol appears in the centre of the play area, awarding multipliers ranging between 2× and 10×.

Hold and respin gets activated when four or more white gems appear in the base game, automatically granting three respins.

“Gems & Riches is a one of a kind video slot, inspired by a popular and successful land-based game, which Pariplay has brought to the online world for the first time,” noted Richard Mintz, commercial and marketing director of Pariplay.

“Moving away from the classic slot layout, the game will have players eager to earn tremendous rewards through its unique hexagonal design. Gems and Riches also packs distinctive features geared towards both casual gamers and real money slot enthusiasts.”

Yggdrasil – Golden Chip Roulette

Promising “a game-changing twist on a classic product,” Yggdrasil has launched its first ever roulette title – providing something a little different on CasinoBeats’ regular round-up.

Golden Chip Roulette comes complete with features such as pinch-to-zoom and random multipliers, as well as introducing a Golden Chip function to the tables.

Every chip placed as a straight bet turns gold, while an inner wheel generates a random multiplier of x10, x50, x100, x250, or even x500, significantly higher than the x36 on standard roulette.

Johan John, product owner table games at Yggdrasil, stated: “This is our first roulette game which we are very proud to add to our portfolio of innovative table game products.

“While providing a familiar betting space for all table games players, Golden Chip Roulette is packed full of new features that focus on offering an enhanced user experience across all devices, and that will keep players engaged while significantly increasing acquisition and retention rates for operators.”

The post Part 8 | On the spin: Slot launch round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Nolimit City

The first of two August releases has emanated from the casino platform and game developer, with Thor: Hammer Time live across all partners.

Guaranteeing “a fun engrossing experience with a high win potential,” the 5×3, 20 win line slot strives to ramp up engagement via four key features, including Asgard spins, rune raze, hammer time and Thor’s electrifying lightning bonus, which is triggered when he lands on the 5th reel.

Per Lindheimer, product owner at Nolimit City, commented: “Being brought up in a small town with strong Viking heritage made this slot close to my heart, and to be honest, every slot provider needs a slot with a Viking theme. 

“Thor: Hammer Time has one of the best KPI’s for big wins but also amazing KPI’s for the hit frequency for these big wins – it is a volatile game, but you’ll see the big wins hit with the force of lightning more than once – that’s for sure.”

Habanero 

The slots and table games provider is challenging players to channel their inner courage and wisdom via its latest release, Nuwa.

Designed for optimal performance across mobile and desktop, the title focuses upon goddesses from Chinese mythology and features a wealth of bonuses and free games.

Toni Karapetrov, head of corporate communications at Habanero, commented: “Nuwa is synonymous with Chinese Mythology, and our latest release is sure to prove popular in a range of markets.

“As with all Habanero releases, Nuwa features the latest in high-end graphics and sounds and with a double-layered bonus round, we are giving players even more chances to win big.”

Blueprint Gaming

UK-based slots developer Blueprint Gaming is striving to bring a touch of magic to its pub fruit series, after adding Genie Jackpots: Cave of Wonders.

Bringing its iconic character to life once again, the title contains all the classic symbols, features and characters from the original release with the addition of several new pub fruit mechanics to enhance the gaming experience, including a bonus trail, ladder and hi/lo gamble feature.

Players have access to 16 features and the chance to reach the super board, along with the opportunity to enter the cave of wonders should they collect three lamps or more, where the genie can grant a huge payout.

Jo Purvis, director of marketing and relationships at Blueprint Gaming, noted: “We’re delighted to see the return of the genie, who will make dreams come true for players as they sail away on a magic carpet ride to enchanting prizes.

“The original game was a massive hit and transforming the gameplay into the classic pub fruit machine format is sure to resonate with a wide range of players.”

Lightning Box

Sydney-based slots developer Lightning Box has added the latest title to its slot portfolio with Pinata Bucks, in the same week the company has enhanced its US footprint via the release of further titles in New Jersey.

The 1296-payways slot, which will be available exclusively via SG Digital, features Lightning Box’s patented Reelfecta reel, which comprises 16 mini-reels. 

If six or more pinata symbols hit the reels at the same time during the base game the lock and spin feature is initiated, which awards five free spins and can award up to 16 pinatas.  

Peter Causley, CEO and co-founder of Lightning Box, stated: “We’re delighted to release Pinata Bucks, the newest Reelfecta title in the Lightning Box portfolio.

“With a fun theme, engaging graphics, and huge win potential, Pinata Bucks could be an explosive adventure for players.”

The post Part 2 | On the spin: Slot launch round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As the igaming industry evolves new challenges and opportunities are presented. Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero Systems, shares insights with CasinoBeats on navigating new markets, capitalising on emerging trends, and planning for a successful future.

CasinoBeats: 2024 has been a year of numerous significant developments across the igaming space. From the industry’s perspective, where has Habanero identified significant opportunities, and how did you best take advantage of them?

Arcangelo Lonoce: It has been a groundbreaking year for the igaming industry, and Habanero has tapped into some exciting opportunities through innovation and smart regional expansions. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on crafting games with outstanding mathematics and immersive experiences that resonate with players around the globe.

By strengthening our partnerships and focusing on localised strategies, like tailored offerings for Italy, South Africa, and Latin America, we’ve solidified our presence in key markets, and our recent ventures into Greece and Switzerland further highlight our dedication to expanding internationally.

The success of games like Scopa, originally created for the Italian market, highlights the importance of creating great content that can connect with people everywhere. Its distinct cultural vibe resonated with players worldwide, showing how innovative storytelling and solid gameplay can break local boundaries. Similarly, our Haunted Harbor slot has truly made its mark with an immersive audiovisual experience, and it raised the bar for engaging gameplay.

CB: In assessing the next 12 months from a product development perspective, what do you expect to witness in pushing the boundaries of online casino gaming to the next level?

AL: As we approach the next year, we see some exciting trends in the igaming industry, particularly around personalisation and gamification. At Habanero, we’re dedicated to creating immersive games that mix classic elements with exciting new features. Our goal is to offer players a unique experience every time they play.

We also expect to see more ways to connect with players, like introducing tournaments and community-focused tools such as our unique Jackpot Race. These innovations create shared experiences and help build player loyalty while ensuring we meet all regional regulations.

CB: Building on the previous questions, let’s adopt a more market-based approach. Where do you expect the greatest opportunities from new markets opening up and embracing igaming?

AL: Brazil is gearing up for its big market launch on January 1, and it’s creating a buzz in the global igaming scene. This opening day is more than just a date; it’s a chance for Brazil to shine and become a significant player for both local and international operators. Habanero is excited to build on its strong presence in Latin America and has plans in place to really explore what the new market has to offer.

On another front, Africa is showing impressive growth, especially in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. We’ve teamed up with major names like Betway to establish a strong presence in these areas. Our focus is on creating innovative games that resonate with the diverse tastes of players in these regions while also navigating the unique challenges each market presents.

CB: In terms of either new or legacy jurisdictions, where has Habanero itself identified as possessing the best growth prospects, and what strategies will you deploy to achieve these goals?

AL: Looking ahead, we know the coming year will bring its own set of challenges, particularly with the rise of new regulations and shifting player preferences. At Habanero, we genuinely believe that regulation can be a positive influence, fostering a safer and more transparent gaming industry. Our focus on compliance means we’re always ready to adapt, fine-tuning our offerings to meet the latest standards.

On a broader scale, the industry is grappling with issues like integrating new technologies and dealing with market saturation, which will call for some innovative thinking. By staying true to what we do best: crafting engaging, math-driven gameplay and captivating stories, Habanero feels equipped to navigate these hurdles and come out stronger.

CB: What are the biggest challenges the industry will face during the coming 12 months, and how will these be overcome?

AL: Habanero is set on a clear path for 2025 and the future. We want to innovate, adapt, and grow. By honing our strong game design skills and the connections we’ve built in various regions, we’re excited to explore new markets while tackling the challenges in the industry. As we continue to break new ground in the igaming world, our focus on creating fantastic experiences for players is as strong as ever.

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The slots and table games supplier was permitted by Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) to provide its gaming portfolio to operators in the South American country. 

Titles that will be made available to operators in the Peruvian market include Hot Hot Fruit and Zeus Deluxe.

“Peru is one of the most promising up-and-coming markets in Latin America and we are delighted to position ourselves as a trusted and dependable supplier in the region,” stated Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero.

“Being awarded this highly sought-after accreditation represents the next chapter of our growth strategy and allows us to keep supporting our current and future clients while introducing even more players to Habanero’s tried and tested titles.”

With the approval from MINCETUR, Habanero is now certified in 25 markets globally, several of which are in the Latin America region, as the igaming supplier is also licensed in Colombia, Panama and Buenos Aires in Argentina.

In October, Lonoce spoke to CasinoBeats about the Italian market, how Habanero is approaching the market and how other suppliers can prepare ahead of the country’s upcoming licensing framework in 2025.

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Ahead of the upcoming licensing framework in 2025, the igaming landscape in Italy undergoes a transience period. CasinoBeats speaks to an Italian market veteran, Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero, about his thoughts on where the region currently stands, how suppliers can prepare for these regulatory changes and how to remain competitive amidst uncertainty. 

CasinoBeats: To begin, could you talk us through where one of Europe’s largest markets stands in 2024, and more specifically, Habanero’s current position within the country?

Arcangelo Lonoce: Italy is a critical market for Habanero, ranking as our second largest globally. We first entered the market seven years ago and gone on to witness tremendous growth. Since gaining traction, we’ve tailored our approach to cater specifically to the jurisdiction, even appointing one dedicated senior account manager to better serve our partners.

In 2024, the Italian market will continue to grow steadily, with a notable shift from traditional retail gaming to online platforms. Despite this transition, retail gaming culture remains integral to understanding local players. Habanero has been successful by blending conventional elements with modern mechanics, delivering products that resonate deeply with the local audience. As our flagship market, Habanero will always be greatly invested in Italy and look forward to continuing to nurture partnerships in the region. 

CB: Despite being one of the continent’s most established territories for gaming, where does Habanero still see opportunities for growth? And how will these be capitalised on?

AL: Opportunities for growth in the country are vast, as the demand for new and exciting games remains insatiable. Italian players are highly curious and come from a deeply rooted retail culture. We’ve observed continuous growth in the number of players transitioning to online gaming, with many now preferring the more dynamic gaming experience that igaming offers. 

One area where we believe we will see significant developments is in being able to offer a multi-channel experience, bridging retail and online platforms. Additionally, with the new licensing legislation set to reshape the market in 2025, we are well-positioned to capitalise on these changes. As a young company, agility is ingrained in our very core and whatever challenges the market throws at us, we are prepared to adapt. 

CB: Like many other territories, Italy isn’t immune to regulatory alterations. How would you say the industry has responded? How do you maintain brand strength within the country?

AL: The industry has shown remarkable resilience and maturity in responding to regulatory changes over the past several years. The advertising ban, for instance, posed a challenge, but the market adapted by finding innovative ways to promote brands without violating regulations. Companies like ours have been able to maintain brand visibility through strategic partnerships and creative brand placements.

Despite these hurdles, the industry has continued to grow, and stakeholders have turned challenges into opportunities. The upcoming licensing changes in 2025 present another regulatory shift, but we remain confident that the market will navigate these challenges as it has done in the past. At Habanero, we’ve worked closely with our partners to maintain a strong presence in Italy by delivering culturally relevant games, like Scopa, which tap into Italian gaming heritage.

CB: What would you pinpoint as some of the major challenges being faced within the Italian online gaming ecosystem? How do you compete against such intense competition? How much of an issue is the black market?

AL: The biggest challenge we’ve faced so far has been the advertising ban, which has impacted how brands can communicate with customers. Another challenge is the lengthy and complex regulatory approval process for releasing new games in Italy, which can delay product launches. This makes it difficult for suppliers and operators to plan and execute product roadmaps efficiently.

Competition is fierce in Italy, with larger suppliers dominating the market. However, Habanero stands out by offering exceptional, bespoke products and maintaining agility that many larger competitors lack. Our success comes from consistently delivering high-quality games and impeccable support, both technically and commercially.

The black market is another significant issue, albeit one that isn’t just limited to Italy, and has been exacerbated by the advertising ban. Licensed operators are restricted in their advertising efforts, while black market entities don’t bother with these constraints.

This imbalance makes it harder for legitimate operators to compete, and the black market has grown, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown. Addressing this issue requires a more cooperative approach between the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

CB: How do you see the Italian market playing out through the remainder of the year and beyond? How will Habanero continue to ensure consistent growth?

AL: The past two years have been years of consolidation, although the market still shows positive signs of growth. This opens us up to create bespoke partnerships with key players in the market and being able to stay afloat in a more competitive environment because everybody will be fighting for a place in the sun.

We’re evolving beyond simply being a game supplier by offering comprehensive solutions that support our partners in navigating the changing landscape. While we can’t disclose all our upcoming projects, it will become clear in the coming months that Habanero is committed to helping our clients remain competitive and grow in this dynamic market beyond mere slot provision. 

The post Arcangelo Lonoce, Habanero: turning Italian challenges into opportunities appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Through the partnership, Habanero’s portfolio of slot titles and progressive jackpot games will be available to SkillOnNet’s 40-plus brands including PlayOJO, LuckyNiki, BacanaPlay and Spin Genie.

Titles that will be part of the agreement include Hot Hot Fruit, Santa’s Village, Zeus Deluxe and Jackpot Race.

“Habanero is a truly global company that has proven it can deliver on a localised scale, and we’re delighted to showcase its games to new audiences,” noted Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet.

“They’ve got where they are today through technical agility, ingenious proprietary mathematics, innovative mechanics, and by producing a prolific stream of top-performing titles. We predict a very bright future together.”

Habanero’s deal with SkillOnNet to kick off the new year is a continuation of the expansion it underwent throughout 2023, acquiring licences in regulated markets across Europe and South America.

Earlier this month, Milda Mikelioniene, Business Development Executive at Habanero, spoke to CasinoBeats about the supplier’s entry into the Balkans and how they plan to navigate the region’s challenges.

Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development – Europe at Habanero, added: “At Habanero, we are constantly extending our sphere of influence, and going live with SkillOnNet represents the next chapter in our growth story.

“SkillOnNet is a top-tier operator with a stellar management team, and we believe this is the beginning of a very powerful and rewarding relationship.”

The post SkillOnNet expands online casino offering with Habanero content appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Online gaming possibilities spread far and wide across Europe’s digital ecosystem, with the continent far from immune to witnessing fresh possibilities for future success cropping up. One area that certainly fits the bill for Habanero, whose focus has been firmly fixed on new markets for quite some time, is the Balkans.

In conversation with CasinoBeats, Milda Mikelioniene, Habanero Business Development Executive, addresses these new opportunities, examines how they can be best capitalised on, looks at the potential regulatory impacts and much more.

CasinoBeats: We’ve seen a number of gambling companies eye up new opportunities for expansion within the Balkans. Why has this become an attractive region for Habanero?  

Milda Mikelioniene: The Balkans are very interesting market, stretching from Slovenia to Greece, divided into EU and non-EU regions. Habanero has a strong presence in many Balkan states, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzogovina, Croatia. Additionally, we’ve held a licence in Romania for several years, establishing a successful path throughout collaboration with major operators. 

What is notable, that the Balkan market keeps growing each year, offering practical and reasonable regulatory frameworks, opening doors to new stakeholders. This, in turn, adds to the market attractiveness. 

It’s a continuous chain – the player base is robust, the market boasts a long gambling tradition, regulations are favourable, and new operators are obtaining licenses. As a result, we plan, or in most cases, we are already part of this dynamic landscape.

CB: Where do you believe will be the next battleground for igaming companies within the Balkans over the next few years? Is any one market starting to emerge as a bit of a front-runner?

MM: It’s challenging to predict as it depends on various factors, including laws and regulations. The Balkans, as a region, is divided into EU and non-EU segments, with many of the latter being not so heavily regulated or none at all. 

For instance, Albania is on the edge of reintroducing a legal sportsbook, marking the first step after four years of casinos being illegal at all. This move is expected to reopen the market, making the upcoming year particularly interesting. 

However, the igaming industry is inherently dynamic, and predicting its next battleground can be unpredictable, which means that the next front-runner could emerge unexpectedly. It’s a landscape that continually keeps us on our toes.

CB: We’ve seen somewhat of a boom in the online igaming market across the Balkans over the last few years. What do you believe has been the driving force behind this?

MM: Well, you can’t ignore the role COVID played in pushing everything online, not just in the Balkans but worldwide. It’s also just the way things naturally evolved, especially with big companies getting into the Balkan scene, making everything more tech-savvy.

Gambling has a long history in the Balkans, where players are notably well-educated. Gambling, deeply associated with culture and traditions, is a communal activity, always enjoyed with friends and family.

Overall, the recent rise in online igaming is a mix of cultural practices, the influence of COVID, and the industry’s organic evolution, now accelerated by major companies making a significant digital impact in the market.

CB: And how does Habanero plan to capitalise on this nascent market?

MM: Next year is going to be an exciting one for Habanero as we plan to enter the Greek market, which is considered one of the largest in the Balkans. Although our official entry is set for next year, Habanero is no stranger to this market, having been present before Greece became regulated.

In addition to our market expansion efforts, we’ve significantly increased our game production, aiming to release two new games every month. This not only keeps our portfolio fresh but also provides operators and their players with new content constantly.

Our commitment to growing and investing more resources in production, position us strongly in this emerging market.

CB: From your experience, have you found that players across the Balkans have shown a preference for particular types of slot games?

MM: From my experience, players across the Balkans have demonstrated a preference for a variety of slot games that provide entertainment, diverse bonuses, attractive features, and exceptional experiences. 

At Habanero, we are introducing advanced bonus engines and marketing tools to elevate player engagement. One particularly exciting innovation is our Jackpot Race, a unique feature of our offerings. The standout feature of the Jackpot Race is its ability to reward multiple players, adding a fun and competitive element to our games rather than focusing on just one winner.

CB: As it stands, regulatory conditions – for the most part – are relatively favourable for igaming companies operating within the Balkan region. However, across Western Europe, we’ve seen various regulators tighten their grip on the gambling industry. Could we see the Balkans follow suit?  If so, how does Habanero plan to navigate these challenges?

MM: There is a possibility that the Balkans might follow suit in the future. If such challenges arise, Habanero is well-prepared to navigate them strategically. Scalability is indeed one of Habanero’s strengths, especially in our ability to swiftly adapt to technical requirements. This ensures we stay up-to-date with any regulatory changes involving technical aspects.

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The slot studio sees Sweden’s igaming sector as an opportunity to ‘further boost its presence in Europe’, enhancing the visibility of Habanero slot titles across Scandinavia as it can now offer them to active Sweden-facing operators.

Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero, commented: “Being awarded our Swedish licence is both gratifying and exciting for Habanero as we look to scale up our operations in the market and partner with leading stakeholders to bring the wonderful world of Habanero to even more players than ever before.

“This new licence is a testament to our dedication to our adaptability as well as our commitment to navigating and complying with regulatory landscapes worldwide.”

Habanero games that can now become available to Swedish players include Hot Hot Fruit, Mystic Fortune Deluxe and Santa’s Village, in addition to recent releases such as Zeus Deluxe, Slime Party and Meow Janken. 

Following the approval from Spelinspektionen, the move adds to Habanero’s 22 European markets in which it has formed partnerships with the likes of Entain, Sisal, Sportium and Betway.

Last month, Habanero’s Business Development Executive, Milda Mikelioniene, spoke with CasinoBeats about the studio’s decision to expand in Scandinavia, believing that the Swedish sector presents “unique opportunities”.

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