Tatiana García Barrenechea, Commercial Director for LatAm at Light & Wonder, Thomas Smallwood, Chief Commercial Officer at ESA Gaming, Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel, Head of Account Management for North America and Latin America at Wazdan, Helena do Couto, Regional Legal Officer LatAm at Eeze, Alvaro Camargo, Country Manager Brazil at Xtremepush, and Thiago Calmon, Online Sales Manager at R. Franco Digital, conclude the latest CasinoBeats roundtable by addressing critical factors to consider to achieve success and issuing a vision as to what the market could ultimately look like.

CasinoBeats: What are the key factors operators need to consider when putting together a profitable offering that appeals to players and bettors and how important is localisation?

Tatiana García: Without a casino-floor heritage, Brazil requires a bespoke approach to content, and it will be intriguing to discover early trends that emerge once the regulated market goes live.

We believe certain game types will appeal to a large segment of players in the country, with crash games being one in particular. They offer quick-fire, unpredictable entertainment that is engaging while also simple to understand for those players who are not acquainted with feature-rich slot experiences.

Our analysis also suggests that video bingo games will be a big hit for operators, along with three-reel slots that are accessible and engaging. 

Thomas Smallwood: Selecting the right local partners is crucial. We pride ourselves on offering our game aggregator system as a localised product, not only in terms the game suppliers we offer but also the experience we can add.

Having relevant themes and popular game types, such as our mine games, which have proved very popular in the past in Brazil can make a significant difference. 

Player loyalty will also be essential in a market where tax impacts operators, suppliers, and players alike. Those operators who adopt innovative cross-selling techniques, like our EasySwipe games accessible through our sportsbook widget, can gain an edge by driving conversion from sports to casino without cannibalising existing revenue streams.

Izabela Słodkowska: To develop a profitable offering in Latin American markets, operators must prioritise player demographics and preferences, tailoring content and promotions for each specific region.

Localisation is essential: adapting to diverse regulations, preferred payment methods, and responsible gaming standards helps foster trust among players. A strong, region-specific approach not only enhances credibility but also boosts long-term growth potential across Latin America.

Helena do Couto: Beyond gathering data from current player behaviour, it’s essential for operators to present themselves to potential players in ways that captivate, connect and build trust.

When comparing Brazil to Europe, its territory covers an area roughly 80% the size of the entire continent. So, although Brazil is just one country, it is crucial for operators to explore the cultural diversity of each region. This approach helps players feel recognised and connected to the operator. 

The Brazilian tendency to bargain for discounts and love of giveaways translates into a market preference for bonus offers. Connection can also be enhanced by integrating the operator’s brand into elements already familiar to players.

Trust will be built on a license to operate in Brazil, clear games rule, and efficient customer service, given the country’s strong consumer protection system. And of course, a portfolio featuring the most popular games among Brazilians, with a dash of new releases.

Alvaro Camargo: This is a good question. While entering the market with a set of services and products that have been successful in other markets is a reasonable strategy, it is also vital to remember that you are dealing with a very specific audience.

You need to understand your customer and the ways that things are run in Brazil. There are local habits and cultural differences that have a big impact on the way customers relate to brands and operators. 

It is also important to understand that Brazilians are impulsive, emotional customers. Well-structured support teams and service levels are required to allow players to make quick deposits, interact and offer real time incentives in a dynamic way, constantly keeping them engaged.

Brazil is also a very visual culture, too. By packaging services attractively, this will help to keep players within an ecosystem.

Thiago Calmon: To succeed in the competitive gaming and betting industry, operators must prioritise a seamless user experience. This involves optimising both website and app interfaces to ensure intuitive navigation and accessibility for all players.

Coupled with this is the importance of offering flexible payment options tailored to local preferences. By accommodating various payment methods that resonate with regional habits, operators can enhance user convenience and build greater trust among their clients.

Localisation within content is also essential; understanding local interests, such as favoured sports and cultural nuances, enables operators to engage effectively with their target audience. Additionally, emphasising responsible gaming practices is crucial in establishing a trustworthy brand.

By promoting a safe and responsible gambling environment, operators not only foster player loyalty but also contribute to the integrity and sustainability of the industry as a whole.

CB: Finally, amid reports that Brazil won’t be quite as lucrative for operators as was first predicted, what is your ideal vision for the future of the regulated market in the country?

TS: My ideal vision for Brazil’s regulated igaming market is one that strikes a sustainable balance for all stakeholders—operators, suppliers, players, and the regulator. For regulators, this shouldn’t just be about blocking unauthorised sites; they also need to create an environment where regulated operators can flourish.

Such an approach would benefit players, maintain industry integrity, and ensure long-term growth. A balanced ecosystem, where regulation doesn’t stifle opportunity, would make Brazil a leading example in LatAm and beyond.

It can also lead to Brazil becoming a hub for companies looking to establish a corporate presence to target the wider LatAm region and to lessen the impact of withholding tax.

IS: The ideal future for Brazil’s regulated market would strive for a balance between fair profitability and sustainable growth.

This includes streamlined licensing processes, moderate tax rates, and flexible payment solutions. Such an environment would encourage investment, enhance market competitiveness, and serve as a benchmark for regulatory practices in Latin America, fostering trust and promoting growth across the region.

HdC: It depends on what was previously forecast as profitable. There is, of course, a difference between the period prior to the regulation and the one that will begin on January 1, 2025, but Brazil will continue to be a major force in the betting sector.

As for my ideal vision, I imagine an industry recognised by everyone for what it is: a form of entertainment. People will understand that regulation – not prohibition – is the best path.

Regulations will be consolidated, discussions about interpreting the rules will be minimised to almost zero, data published by institutions and the media will be accurate, and we’ll be able to focus all our energy on improving the product and player experience.

AC: We have a unique tax structure, so that presents a challenge to companies entering the market. The government has proposed a lot of questions that will affect profitability, but there has to be an understanding that it’s all about scalability.

In the pre-regulated market you had small, profitable operations that did not spend much on marketing and instead went down the route of affiliation. With the new structure in place, the margins that were in play no longer are and that means businesses will need to go big. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to become profitable. 

This is where customer engagement also becomes invaluable, interacting with existing players in the right way. If operators gain highly relevant data about their customers and leverage that effectively, connecting with them effectively at the right times, this can help to extract so much value compared to chasing new players.

TC: In the gambling industry, it’s crucial to understand that although initial profits may not meet expectations, a well-regulated market can bring significant long-term benefits. Establishing a transparent environment protects players and encourages fair competition among operators.

Clear regulations enhance trust, promoting responsible gambling practices and instilling confidence in stakeholders. This transparency attracts investment, as stability and integrity are appealing to investors.

For Brazil, creating a reliable market not only benefits local operators but also enhances its global competitiveness. Supporting innovation through strong regulations will ensure the industry meets consumer expectations while respecting ethical standards, contributing to long-term sustainability and growth in Brazil’s gambling landscape.

TG: Brazil is the biggest country in Latin America and with a population of 250 million people, the potential for our industry to flourish is substantial. It is really important that within the regulated market, players are presented with the widest possible range of content that appeals to every segment.

This will help channelisation efforts, enabling Brazilian operators to deliver entertainment that is fun, wide-ranging and above all, safe and secure. I am optimistic this will be the case once regulations kick into effect early next year.

It’s a very exciting time and we look forward to continuing to work with operators, alongside our commercial and games teams, to ensure that this is a very successful market for Light & Wonder.  

The post What does a perfect Brazilian market comprise? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the first of a two-part special, CasinoBeats spoke to Alvaro Camargo, Country Manager Brazil at Xtremepush, Thiago Calmon, Online Sales Manager at R. Franco Digital, Tatiana García Barrenechea, Commercial Director for LatAm at Light & Wonder, Thomas Smallwood, Chief Commercial Officer at ESA Gaming, Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel, Head of Account Management for North America and Latin America at Wazdan, and Helena do Couto, Regional Legal Officer LatAm at Eeze, about the current standing within the country, as well as how critical it is for the continent as a whole that Brazil becomes a raging success.

CasinoBeats: How optimistic are you about the current state of play in the regulated gambling industry in Brazil?

Alvaro Camargo: We are very excited, because we have seen the regulators have understood what is at stake. Many companies were concerned about whether the regulations being put in place would be attractive, but there has been a significant movement in terms of applications for Brazilian licenses.

There are also many foreign suppliers and operators looking to make a big play in the market, bringing with them major investment and top-level industry expertise. All of this contributes to the raising of the quality within the market, in terms of services, the professional teams involved and ultimately, the customer experience.

Thiago Calmon: I hold an optimistic view on the Brazilian market’s future. There is significant potential for growth, driven by rising interest from both local and international operators. With the regulatory framework launching early next year, a foundation is beginning to form, which is a positive step towards market maturation.

However, it is important to acknowledge that specific challenges must be addressed to facilitate the market’s full development. These hurdles will need strategic navigation to unlock the full advantages of this burgeoning landscape.

Tatiana García: The region’s biggest country embracing regulation is a highly significant event not only in LatAm, but across the entire world of online gaming. The number of licence applications that have been submitted ahead of the market’s launch at the start of next year shows that there is a strong appetite to become actively involved in what is an exciting opportunity.

I expect a wide range of industry stakeholders will want to be heavily involved very early on, including Light & Wonder, supplying the market with the content and services that will help to create a highly entertaining, safe gaming environment.

Thomas Smallwood: I’m cautiously optimistic about Brazil’s regulated gambling market. It’s a promising yet complex space with strong potential. We’ve seen significant growth in recent years, although this has slowed somewhat as regulation approaches. However, in general, it bodes well for content providers as it signals a maturing market.

If the regulatory rollout is smooth and taxation does not stifle the industry, we could see sustained growth and continue attracting international operators and developers keen to tap into this lucrative market.

That said, challenges do remain, such as multiple layers of taxation and uncertainty around how various costs will be shared between operators and suppliers, not to mention the current time constraints around regulation by January 1 this may be delayed in the near future.

Izabela Słodkowska: The outlook for Brazil’s regulated gambling industry is highly optimistic. Recent regulations for online betting and casino games are expected to drive significant growth, potentially reaching a $3b market by 2027.

Although the regulatory landscape poses operational challenges, Brazil’s framework is aligned with the growing trend of responsible gambling in Latin America, making it a promising opportunity for operators looking to invest. 

Helena do Couto: I would say I’m a realistic optimist. Regulation has been necessary for years, and today, we have it in a comprehensive format. However, it is new, and the administrative authority responsible is also new.

While it is certainly composed of competent people, it is still in its first year of operation. We also have some conflicts between state and federal jurisdictions as operators and the entire chain involved are adapting to the rules and conducting tests. 

In other words, we have the theory – the legislation and ordinances – ready. Now, we’re creating practical experience from this theory, adapting operations that previously followed other regulations, such as those from Curaçao. So, the current state is one of intensive learning, but I am certain that this somewhat turbulent adaptation period we’re experiencing has its days numbered.

CB: How vital is it for the continued growth of regulation in Latin American markets for Brazil to be a success story?

TC: Brazil’s success is of paramount importance within the context of Latin America’s regulatory landscape. As the largest market in the region, Brazil has the potential to set a benchmark for other countries to follow. If Brazil can develop an effective regulatory framework, it could pave the way for similar strategies across Latin America.

This would not only drive growth and attract investment, but also contribute to creating a more cohesive and unified regional market. Thus, in my opinion, Brazil’s regulatory journey is essential for fostering a stable and favourable business environment that benefits the entire region.

TG: Brazil is undoubtedly a very important country and its impact after launch will inevitably have a ripple effect across other countries considering putting regulations in place. The balance of a thriving, competitive market with all-important protections for players is one that we believe can act as a model for others to follow. 

At the same time, what operators need to offer players to thrive does not necessarily translate easily across the region. Brazil has not had legal land-based casinos in place in most people’s lifetimes, meaning it is slightly different to many other existing regulated markets across LatAm from a player and content perspective.

We have seen that Argentina, with its land-based casino heritage, has become a success in several regulated regions despite challenging economic circumstances. It is a similar story in Mexico, where that casino heritage has helped our popular, recognisable omnichannel franchises to perform well.  

TS: Brazil is in a prime position to become Latin America’s gambling hub, offering ample opportunities for both domestic and international stakeholders. As the largest economy in the region, with a population exceeding 200 million and a deep-rooted sports culture, Brazil could set a strong precedent for other markets in the region.

Success will depend on a model that balances operator and supplier profitability with robust player protections, making regulated markets more attractive across LatAm. If tax burdens, for instance on player winnings and gaming companies, are carefully managed, the country could become an exemplary case for sustainable growth.

IS: Brazil’s success in establishing a regulated gambling market is critical for the broader regulatory progress in Latin America. It sets a vital precedent for market stability, revenue generation, and responsible gaming practices across the region.

As one of the largest potential markets, Brazil’s effective regulatory framework could encourage neighbouring countries to adopt similar measures, enhancing Latin America’s appeal to international operators and investors.

HdC: Brazil plays a central role in Latin America, and this influence extends beyond the igaming industry. Brazil borders nearly every country in South America, spans continental dimensions, and is the largest economy in LatAm. It acts as the main driver of investment, innovation, and serves as a strategic hub for market expansion and regulatory developments in emerging areas.

Brazil’s success – which is already underway – will inspire other countries on the continent who have not yet regulated the sector to do so and will draw the attention of both local and global investors to a region with clear potential for investment and growth.

AC: While we already have regulated markets across LatAm, the relevance of Brazil in the region cannot be overstated. Once a market of this size goes through the process of creating and rolling out a regulatory model, implementing its policies successfully, it speaks to what is possible for neighbouring countries.

Thanks to strong policies and a layer of built-in protection for the supplier, operator, service provider and customer, Brazil presents a positive outcome that can certainly be emulated elsewhere.

The post Roundtable: is a Brazil success story critical for the whole of Latin America? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Following the partnership, Amusnet’s portfolio of proprietary slot titles, which features over 300 individual games, will become available on the IRIS Platform, R. Franco’s flagship aggregation offering. 

Javier Sacristán, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, stated: “Amusnet is a very highly regarded name in our industry, having developed a deserved reputation for creating highly engaging products that resonate with players. 

“Adding more premium third-party content to IRIS is a key goal as we continue to further our standing as a leading partner to operators all over the world.”

Included in Amusnet’s slot offering, operators affiliated with R. Franco Digital will be able to add slots such as 40 Super Hot, Burning Hot, Shining Crown and Phoenix Star to their online casino lobbies. 

This will provide a significant boost for Amusnet’s exposure in the igaming industry, extending the studio’s reach which currently consists of integrations with over 2,000 operator platforms across 35 jurisdictions. 

Edwin Cruz, Managing Director at Amusnet Spain, added: “This collaboration represents another important step in Amusnet’s global expansion. This strategic partnership allows us to unlock new audiences by sharing our engaging content with R. Franco Digital’s wide network, solidifying our position as a major player in the global gaming industry.”

As a Spanish supplier, R. Franco Digital’s deal with Amusnet will allow the Bulgarian developer to strengthen its position in the nation. Spain has been a recent focus for the studio, as Amusnet Spain partnered with Tonybet to secure Spanish growth last week. 

The post R. Franco Digital meets ‘key goal’ of aggregation growth with Amusnet deal appeared first on CasinoBeats.

CasinoBeats: How strong is the Spanish market at the moment and what sort of casino content is proving a hit with players?

Javier Sacristán: We are all very aware of the nuances of the Spanish online market. Despite certain constraints that are placed upon the industry, the sector is nonetheless undergoing sustainable growth. 

Casino games hold significant weight among Spanish players and are furthermore the vertical that is the most receptive to innovation. Content that grants players a certain degree of control over outcomes, or those that provide highly distinct forms of entertainment are, in my belief, those that will stand out to become the next big hits.

CB: Which recent commercial deals have been particularly successful for R. Franco Digital?

JS: No matter which type of partner we form an agreement with, every single deal is important to us and each of them adds value to our products and knowledge to our team. Currently, our platform’s focus lies in the international arena within regulated markets and the Americas, a region rich in potential, is of particular interest as we aim to further accelerate our growth. 

By the end of 2023, we expect to have launched new operations in Mexico, Colombia and Puerto Rico, and believe that in each of those jurisdictions, our content will resonate with players.

CB: From a product/service perspective, what do you expect to be talking about to potential and existing partners in Barcelona?

JS: I believe the two main topics will be responsible gaming and innovation, often combined into a single one. Both of these subjects are timely, with player protection foremost in the minds of so many in the industry right now as we continue to strive to create a safe, secure environment for every player. Innovation ties in with this idea through the provision of new technologies that are focused on reducing potential harm to players all over the world. 

CB: What does exhibiting at SBC Summit Barcelona mean for R. Franco Digital?

JS: SBC Summit Barcelona provides an excellent platform for sharing our passion for the industry with all attendees. By introducing our innovations and solutions to potential new clients, and reinforcing our existing partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities facing this dynamic sector, we believe we will enjoy another successful event in the country we call home.

CB: Finally, could you describe your digital strategy heading towards the end of 2023 and the start of next year?

JS: To provide a couple of headline strategies, in terms of games, our focus will be trained on creating content for specific market needs, as well as client segmentation. On the platform side, we will continue to strengthen and expand long-term global agreements with carefully chosen partners, as we continue to grow our influence in regulated markets worldwide.

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R.Franco Digital will be exhibiting at booth CG712 in the Casino & iGaming Zone at SBC Summit Barcelona, which takes place at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc on 19-21 September. 

The post R. Franco Digital: Accelerating growth worldwide appeared first on CasinoBeats.

London Tube – Red Tiger

Take the escalator underground as Red Tiger is inviting players to take the tube in its latest 5×4 reel slot with 1,024-ways to win and a maximum win of up to x6,000 the player’s bet. The slot has medium volatility with an RTP of 95.7 per cent. 

Wild newspapers are available, substituting for all aforementioned symbols in the paytable. Landing five wilds in a winning combination will provide an instant payout of x4. 

Additionally, London Underground emblem symbols can drop into play, marking each position they land in with a golden frame. 

On every 10th spin in the base game, a special train arrival feature occurs. This causes either wilds, multipliers or cash prizes to appear in all the golden frame positions that have been triggered by the London Underground emblems. 

Furthermore, train scatters can appear, triggering the free spins feature if three or more land on the same turn. 

In the free spins game mode, each train scatter that appears will move the player through different stations. For every third station that the player arrives at, a bonus will be awarded to enhance the bonus gameplay. 

These bonus features are randomly provided and include additional golden frames for when the train arrival feature occurs, extra free spins or a win multiplier to enhance every win for the duration of the game mode. 

Bounty Hunters – Nolimit City

Transporting players to the Wild West, Nolimit City has players hunt down thugs in a 5×3 reel slot with 243-ways to win and a maximum win of up to x52,310 the player’s bet. While using an RTP of 96.07 per cent, the game has high volatility.

Malcolm Mizzi, Commercial Director at Nolimit City, stated: “Bounty Hunters has that classic Nolimit feel, yet it brings so much more to the table and at the same time feels completely fresh. Load up on your weapon of choice and get ready to experience the full thrill of the hunt!“

When two wild gold pistols land in the same row of reels one and five, they become bonus symbols. Landing a gold pistol on those parallel cells on the same spin will activate the Mexican standoff game mode. 

This causes the respective row to become highlighted, while the other rows become blocked out. The remaining row will award one free respin, while the gold pistol wilds remain sticky in the first and fifth reel and gain x6 multipliers. 

Landing bonus symbols on the available row in this feature will cause another free respin to occur, in which the bonus symbol will stay sticky in its place while acting as a wild symbol with another x6 multiplier. 

Throughout the game, landing expanded bounty hunter wilds across full reels can activate the ‘few dollars more’ feature, which causes a free repin to occur as the expanded wild stays sticky on the board. 

In the raid spins game mode, special symbols are able to drop in on a 4×5 reel set that players are taken to after three scatters appear on the same spin. 

Both thug and boss symbols can drop into the reel set, staying sticky on the reels, while special bounty hunter symbols can appear in additional reels that sit to each side of, and below, the reel set. 

The feature begins with three spins while thugs drop in displaying multiplied bet amount values between x1 and x25. Each symbol that drops into play will reset the number of spins to three. 

If bounty hunter symbols appear adjacent to these thug symbols in the additional reels beside or below them, they will collect the multiplied bet amount value in a meter above the board and the thug will disappear. 

Boss symbols can also drop into play, with values between x1 and x5. Each boss symbol that drops in will offer a different feature, depending on the order they land in. 

Once all three raid respins have been played, the player will receive a prize payout that represents the number of multiplied bet amount values collected by the hunters throughout. 

If hunters remove all boss symbols that are sticky on the reel set, players will be taken to the ‘showdown spins’ feature. 

This further bonus game mode uses a 5×5 reel set on which a ‘hard honcho’ boss character appears in the middle cell position. 

The ‘hard honcho’ boss symbol in the middle cell will start with a multiplier of x6, and can gain the ability of each three boss symbols in the raid respins game mode. 

Cup Glory – Wizard Games

In preparation for the Women’s World Cup starting next week, Wizard Games presents a 5×4 reel slot with 40-paylines and a maximum win of up to x5,000 the player’s wager. The slot has low volatility with an RTP range of 91.1 – 96.4 per cent. 

Benedict McDonagh, Managing Director at Wizard Games, stated: “We’re thrilled to bring the big game to players with Cup Glory, our latest slot with exciting mechanics and captivating features that are sure to have the crowd go wild.

“With shooting wilds adding an extra element of surprise to the slot, alongside a fantastic free spins round with sticky symbols and multipliers, we can’t wait for players to take home the trophy. It’s time for kick-off.”

Wild footballs are available, substituting for all symbols other than the trophy scatter, which can appear on all reels to offer seven, nine or 12 free spins if three, four or five trophies land on the same spin respectively. 

Throughout the game, a shooting wilds feature can occur. This places several wilds across the board to increase the win potential of one spin. 

If two wilds are shot into the same position, the wild will gain a multiplier, starting at x2 when it occurs but building up to x5 if it continues to reoccur. 

During the free spins this shooting wild feature can be triggered but all wilds that land on the reels will stay sticky in their place for the entirety of the bonus game mode. 

However, wild symbols can only appear on reels two through five in the free spins. 

Anubis: Link of Gods – R. Franco Digital 

Ancient Egyptian gods of the afterlife roam the reels in R. Franco Digital’s latest slot, which uses a 5×3 reel board that has 25-paylines and four jackpot prizes on offer. The slot has high volatility with an RTP of 94 per cent. 

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, commented: “Anubis Link of Gods is no ordinary Egyptian-themed slot, giving players the chance to experience two bonus games and unearth the hidden treasures of the pharaohs.

“Stacked with innovative features alongside captivating graphics that immerse players in the game’s setting, we anticipate Anubis: Link of Gods being a favourite among a wide-ranging audience.”

Scatter staffs can appear, triggering the free spins feature if three or more land on the same spin. Landing three, four or five scatters on the same spin will also provide instant payouts of x2, x10 or x100, respectively. 

During the free spins, the middle three columns merge to drop giant 3×3 symbols into play. 

Blue orb bonus symbols are also available with monetary values, triggering the hold and win-style game mode if six or more land on the same spin. 

With this bonus game mode, players are given three spins to land as many orbs on the reels as possible, with each orb resetting the number of spins to three when they land. 

These orbs can also depict jackpot values of mini (x50), minor (x100) or royal (x500), and all prizes displayed on the orbs as the game mode finishes will be provided to the player. 

If players manage to fill the reel set with 15 orbs, they will receive the game’s ‘gods’ jackpot prize of x1,000 the player’s stake. 

Finally, wild Anubis symbols can appear, substituting for all symbols other than bonus orbs and free spin scatters. 

Mayan Waterfalls – Thunderbolt Gaming

Launched as part of Yggdrasil’s YG Masters campaign, Thunderbolt Gaming’s latest slot uses a tribal Latin American theme with a five-reel slot that has a 4-5-5-5-4 row set up, medium-low volatility and an RTP of 96.3 per cent. 

Mark McGinley, Chief Gaming Officer at Yggdrasil, stated: “It’s fantastic to see Thunderbolt launch its debut title as a YG Masters partner and Mayan Waterfalls is a great game to introduce the studio to our operator partners and their players.

“The multi-level bonus features, in-game progression and unique graphics really ensure this game stands out, making it a fantastic addition to our popular YG Masters portfolio.”

Wild dragon symbols can appear, substituting for all aforementioned symbols but for no bonus water, sun scatter or progress symbols. 

Water droplet symbols are able to drop anywhere on the reels, activating a wild waterfall feature that places a random number of wilds across the board. 

Sun scatters are also included, triggering the ancient wheel game mode that can offer one of two free spins features. 

Finally, progress symbols can appear, affecting one of four progress meters that sit in all four corners of the reels, with colours of blue, red, yellow and green. When dropping into play, progress symbols will choose one of these colours before implementing itself to that colour’s meter.

When activating the ancient wheel feature, this wheel will spin through the different colour meters from the board before revealing a chosen colour. 

If the chosen colour has not been filled, the game mode will activate free spins phase one.  However, if the colour has been filled, or is almost full, players will be taken to phase two of the free spins feature. 

In phase one of the free spins, players are given eight spins and will be tasked with collecting moon symbols for each colour meter on the board, which will give the player access to phase two of the free spins. 

During phase two, players can collect full moon symbols in each colour meter to give access to the full moon wheel feature. This sees players spin a wheel to receive either more free spins, multipliers up to x20 or stacked wild symbols to be placed on the reel set. 

Paul Malt, Head of Games at Thunderbolt Gaming, added: “Developing Mayan Waterfalls together with Yggdrasil is a fantastic milestone for us and we couldn’t be happier with the result.

“We have worked hard to create this title and Yggdrasil has given us all the tools needed to make this a smash hit. Through their wide distribution network, we will quickly reach players in key regions and introduce them to the entertainment and excitement we have to offer.”

The post Red Tiger, Nolimit City, Wizard Games and more: on the spin appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Through this collaboration, 888casino’s player base within the nation will gain access to a host of R Franco releases, with games set to launch via the operator in the coming months. 

Mario Benito, CCO at R. Franco Digital, commented: “This deal represents another milestone on our journey and as Spain’s leading supplier of casino content, it’s fantastic to be teaming up with an operator that has both a prestigious reputation and a huge customer base. 

“We look forward to putting our games in front of more players than ever before, as we continue to make strides both at home and in regulated markets across the world.”

Included in the offering, Spanish 888casino users will be able to choose from an ‘extensive catalogue’ of the supplier’s igaming titles, including recent releases, Witches South, Vacuum Buster and Cyborg 30L. 

“We are delighted to partner with R Franco Digital and expand our portfolio of high-quality and entertaining games for players in Spain,” added Talya Benyamini, VP of B2C Casino at 888.

“In addition to developing our own titles in house, partnering with developers like R. Franco Digital is a critical part of our content and product leadership strategy and ensures that we offer players new and differentiated experiences. We look forward to working with Mario and the team over the months ahead.”

With this partnership, R Franco becomes the latest supplier to take advantage of 888’s presence in Europe, following a recent deal made by the operator to host Hacksaw Gaming’s content on its Italian platform. 

The post R Franco Digital strengthens home footing via 888casino appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Under the terms of the partnership, the aggregator and content provider will gain access to the Spanish gaming provider’s suite of content comprising over 40 titles, such as Buttom’s World, Vacuum Buster and Cyborg 30L.

“R Franco Digital is a company steeped in tradition and with a deep knowledge of the type of content that appeals strongly to a Spanish-speaking audience,” highlighted Callum Harris, Director of Partnerships at Pariplay.

“We are delighted to bring them on board as a Fusion partner and to be able to increase the strength of our offering with their diverse product portfolio.”

With a host of new titles to be added in the coming months, Pariplay’s Fusion offering consists of over 13,000 games from over 80 suppliers, as well as a comprehensive suite of back-office conversion and retention tools.

Mario Benito, Commercial Director at R. Franco Digital, added: “This new partnership with Pariplay represents a major milestone for us, granting access to a range of major operators across the world.

“LatAm is a region of great interest and one where Pariplay is highly active, so we believe that this deal is only the start of what will become a long-standing and very fruitful alliance.”

The development follows a string of “significant deals” made by Pariplay in the last 12 months within the Latin American region, including alongside Wiztech, which saw customers of its operator brand, Winpot.mx, gain access to the supplier’s Fusion content, as well as its suite of back-office tools. 

The post R Franco marks ‘major milestone’ with Pariplay Fusion integration appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the finale of a three part mini-series delving into the current state of the LatAm market, Starostenkov is joined by Andrea Rossi, Betsson Group’s commercial director Latin America and Mario Benito, CCO of R. Franco Digital, looking into the evolution of the online sector.

Starostenkov kicked off the discussion by highlighting his expectations to see the mobile predominance continue. As for game preference, he pinpointed the main drivers as sports betting and lotteries, “but we are sure that online casino and poker will grow.”

He added: “Likely, more global brands will try to set foot in Latin America: operators, vendors and service providers, through both expansion and local partnership deals.”

Rossi added to this by highlighting that, to him, LatAm has always been a market with a strong penetration of land-based and, in the past 18 months, the sector has seen behaviour shifting more to online. “Now that things are returning to normal, I expect retail to get back to where it was before,” he noted.

He continued to explain that the experience between online and retail is different and those who were more used to the retail environment will probably go back to that. 

“The customer experience is different and despite the tremendous advancements in technology, UX and UI, and other innovations, I still think that the retail experience is still not fully replicable online. It’s simply a different experience.”

However, he also added that those customers who experienced online and understood how to engage with online gaming might stay online too.  

“As online operators, we have the ability and the responsibility to provide customers with a safer gaming experience. We have developed a multitude of tools and features to control gaming behaviour. We provide self-exclusion tools, spending budget tools, session controls, and much more so in my opinion, the online space offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for customers to play responsibly.”

He continued by highlighting that, at Betsson Group, the focus is kept towards executing the company’s strategy in LatAm and, in the past months, it has opened a new LatAm Hub in Bogota, Colombia, from where it will cover regional customer service, operations, finance, HR, and legal functions.  

Moreover, the company also acquired Inkabet in Peru, “which is a strategic move from our end to cement our leadership in the market,” he explained, “and we’re not finished – we’re still very much interested in other opportunities in the region. 

“We believe that the right thing to do is to look for local partners. We know that we have robust technology and solid online gaming know-how, but we need local partners with local expertise who can help us understand the local landscape and customer behaviour better and thus allow us to provide a much more localised offering. 

“We are always on the lookout for more opportunities, and we’re thrilled at the very fast pace that the region is growing.”

Benito concluded the discussion by emphasising that “the growth of a market is always a positive sign and much more so when it occurs in the manner of LatAm”.

He explained that, as in any growth market, multiple opportunities will arise that the entire sector will have to know how to take advantage of. “One of the most important factors here is having the knowledge on the ground of what operators and players want.”

The COO concluded: “This will inevitably vary from country to country in a region as large and diverse as LatAm, but one constant remains: players want high-quality products that offer an immersive, enjoyable experience. 

“We are part of the entertainment business and are competing for online attention with the likes of the major streaming services and must continue to give players compelling reasons to play.”

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In the second of a three part mini-series delving into the current state of the LatAm market, Benito is joined by Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of Evenbet Gaming and Andrea Rossi, Betsson Group’s commercial director Latin America, taking a closer look into the future of local land-based and retail sectors.

“The pandemic has given many people the opportunity to learn about online gambling – not least the many operators in the region who have moved into the digital world for the first time.” stated Benito, highlighting that, at this stage of the COVID pandemic, governments in many countries are looking at new ways to bring in tax revenues, which “can only be beneficial to those who wish to see an increase in the number of regulated markets.”

He continued: “We are already seeing a widespread increase in online activity and revenues across LatAm and, along with the rest of the industry, await development in Brazil in particular with great interest.

“Along with the US, LatAm is by far one of the most dynamic regions when it comes to online gaming. We’re seeing a lot of things happening in terms of regulation”. 

Providing Argentina as an example, he explained that after regulation in the Province of Buenos Aires, the City is now about to start issuing licences, while other provinces also follow suit. 

“As Betsson, we have already been granted a licence by the Province and we’re waiting for a concession by the City.”

Besides Argentina, Rossi also highlighted the positive developments seen in other markets such as Colombia, which are growing at a very fast pace with an increasing number of international operators coming in. 

“Similarly, we’re seeing growth in Peru – where we have recently added to our brand portfolio with InkaBet – and we’re really excited to launch in Mexico. We are closely following the progress with the regulation of sports betting in Brazil, which can potentially become the biggest regulated market in the world.”

He concluded by highlighting that LatAm has a very strong retail and land-based casino setup after seeing a marked change in the level of digitalisation in the whole region,  primarily spurred by the pandemic. 

“This led to the online market gaining momentum and increasing market share,” the COO explained. “The challenge now is to retain those customers who moved online.” 

Starostenkov emphasised that, to him, the countries where legislative processes started before or during the crisis, including Colombia, Peru and Argentina, will see immense growth in their online sectors. 

He continued to explain that, due to the influx of former retail players, many local operators have received a unique opportunity to grow, diversify their offerings and provide more quality services. 

Concluding his assessment, Starostenkov asserted that markets are becoming structured and are changing in almost every aspect, and that, in response to this, software is becoming more professional. “Payment processing is slowly moving to online and mobile payment systems and KYC procedures are becoming increasingly important.”

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In the first of a three part mini-series delving into the current state of the LatAm market, Starostenkov is joined by Mario Benito, CCO of R. Franco Digital and Andrea Rossi, Betsson Group’s commercial director Latin America, to give the lowdown on the opportunities it presents.

“I’m sure that we are just at the beginning of the digital transformation in South and Latin American gaming,” stated Starostenkov, pointing out that only three years ago, most land-based operators were sceptical about going online “now they are adopting a multi-channel approach in droves, using online to become attractive to new audiences.”

Rossi added that he too believes that digital is the way forward. He explained that, as an effect of the pandemic, a number of land-based operators have moved to the digital world, and the way forward for them seems to be omnichannel – ”so whilst they still keep their brick-and-mortar presence, they will also focus on growing their online business”

He continued to explain that this can also open some M&A opportunities as retail operators will be on the lookout for online providers which can support their web-based operations through know-how and experience. 

“I think digital marketing was predominantly used by online operators,” Rossi added. “However, now that land-based casinos started moving to the online space, they’ll slowly but surely kick-off their digital marketing activities too so one shall expect an increase in digital marketing activity.”

Benito emphasised that, to him, it is clear that for these sectors to succeed in the future, “digital marketing has to be a primary action and a central pillar of their strategy”. 

He explained that the way that people all over the world consume media has changed “forever”, providing the example that millions will now never encounter traditional TV advertising again.

“Following the old traditional ways of marketing is a recipe for obsolescence when relatively new channels such as Twitch and YouTube enjoy such widespread popularity.”

He continued to highlight that, for casino suppliers, while a great deal of care should be taken over the selection of appropriate partners, “this is no time for hesitancy”. 

He concluded: “Streamers and influencers on new media channels attract huge audiences and cannot be ignored in favour of campaigns in traditional media.”

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