Fast forward 12 months and the company boasts 70 employees with an array of proprietary mechanics to help the studio stride towards its aim to provide players with “an entirely new way to play casino games.”

In an interview with CasinoBeats, the CEO of RAW iGaming, Tom Wood, reflected on the supplier’s development over the course of 2022, discussing key acquisitions, how to stand out amongst the competition and ambitions for the new year. 

CasinoBeats: At the beginning of the year we saw the launch of the SuperSlice game engine. How has this tool impacted the company’s evolution in 2022 and has it performed to your expectations? 

Tom Wood: RAW is all about innovation and creating something new and innovative for players in what we call the Sea of Sameness. A never-ending sea of similar games that players have seen time and again. SuperSlice defines this perfectly and has been the basis to our vision on the type of games and products we want to innovate. 

As with all new game mechanics that are this different, there is a period of learning for all players. We knew this going in, so we haven’t been expecting stardom with the first set of games. To our surprise they are performing better than we anticipated and with each iteration we are seeing better and better performance. 

We are data-driven and work hard to understand how players are interacting with SuperSlice and constantly working to improve the engines. What we have also learned is that when SuperSlice is launched on a new operator with supportive campaigns or educational direction, we are seeing much better player acceptance and retention. 

CB: Earlier in the year, RAW iGaming told CasinoBeats of a wish to avoid a ‘Sea of Sameness’ in the gaming industry, what significant efforts have been made throughout the year to stand out from the crowd? 

TW: There has been a lot happening for RAW around this specific point. First off is the release of SuperTracks, our second patent-pending mechanic that once again delivers a completely new experience for players. 

Today, a lot of games use so many win lines or symbols which can be difficult to see on a small mobile portrait screen as well as understand how or what you won. SuperTracks simplifies this where you only must follow a limited set of symbols on their journey across the tracks.

This makes things far easier to understand, simplifying the game while at the same time creating an entirely new experience for players. Our third patent-pending mechanic will be released at ICE in London so don’t miss out on that. 

Beyond the games, RAW has just released their RAW Arena aggregation platform where we plan to stand out in that sea of aggregators and give studios a heavily distributed platform to plug into with unique support programs that help our partners become the best versions of themselves delivering premium games to market, holding down costs, as well as never limiting them to a set number of games they can release. We believe that we can be nimbler and offer better services for our partners than many of the existing aggregators out there. 

We are already attracting premium studios that believe in innovation and working together to deliver better games to our operators and their players.

CB: Acquisition has been at the forefront of the company’s efforts throughout the year. What was your aim going into the year in expanding your portfolio and, in reflection, how do you think you’ve performed?

TW: RAW hasn’t been specifically focused on acquisition but where opportunity knocks and it makes sense, we have not been afraid to acquire products and studios that complement the existing offer and bring new elements or opportunities to the RAW family, philosophy, and vision. The latest acquisition of Spigo is an excellent example of this. 

We believe there is the same lack of innovation and similarity of games in casual gaming and Spigo provided an opportunity for RAW to look at a new channel with our unique sense of creativity. So far with all of our acquisitions we have been over the moon, and we believe we have built a solid foundation and integrated tremendous talent to lead us into a prosperous future.

CB: What was the highlight of 2022 for RAW iGaming?

TW: For RAW there was no single highlight, we have many. From growing from two people to 70 this year, to launching our first seven SuperSlice games, to launching our first SuperTracks game, opening several offices across the world, as well as integrating many amazing new employees into the RAW Family. 

Perhaps our biggest success is acquiring multiple companies, integrating the teams, and getting everyone on board with the RAW vision and philosophy. It has been extremely rewarding watching the family form and the amazing support and skill each person brings to the table in creating amazing innovative games, platforms, and products.

CB: With the new year just around the corner, what are the company’s ambitions for 2023?

TW: You wouldn’t believe me if I told you RAW is very ambitious and that is visible in the incredible goals we have achieved during 2022. 

The excitement will not stop for RAW in 2023 and at our booth at ICE will be the launch of many exciting news bits so get onboard the RAW super-train and hang on for it’s going to be a wild ride for sure… More to come!

The post RAW iGaming: reflecting on an ‘extremely rewarding’ 2022 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Owning studios such as Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm – aka Star Wars – 21st Century Fox and Pixar, to name but a few, Disney set the trend in independent studios becoming part of a joint network under an umbrella company. 

Jumping over into the igaming sector, we are witnessing the same movements from smaller studios integrating with bigger companies, most recently Nolimity City being acquired by Evolution for €340m. 

The topic of mergers and aquisitions will also be discussed by Fredrik Elmqvist, Founder and Board Member at Yggdrasil, at SBC Barcelona this month during his industry innovation keynote.

In the latest CasinoBeats 100, we asked our members what the positives are to being an independent studio, along with the negatives, compared to being purchased by a bigger company.

Tom Wood, CEO of Raw iGaming, expressed that “selling out” does not necessarily kill creativity but stated it is “true” that currently most innovation in the gaming space comes from small, independent studios. 

“Barriers to entering the industry have dropped in recent years, which has led to an influx of smaller studios who dare to be different. Often, they are idealistic, disruptive and have more creative agility than bigger companies.

“They’re not bogged down by legacy systems and preconceived notions about what a game should be. They want to challenge the monolithic mega-providers that are churning out the same old thing at volume. 

“On the other hand, the influx of new studios has created a highly competitive market and the desire to innovate can expose you to financial risk. There’s a vast array of content out there held by large companies who control vast percentages of casino share and market space.

“Obviously, being acquired by a top-tier provider can absorb some of this risk. You just need to ensure you retain creative control, so you can continue to do what you do – creating daring, thoughtful, innovative content. Hopefully that won’t be a problem because this was what they liked about you in the first place.”

Another of our members, Robert Metzger, Business Development Director at Fugaso, emphasised that being an independent studio “certainly has its challenges” but equally it is “incredibly rewarding”. 

He explained: “A particular highlight for the team is to have full creative autonomy which subsequently gives us the luxury of choice.

“As a team we have full creative freedom from conceptualising an idea to the final execution. We have free rein over names, features, character development and even colours. To watch a concept come alive from a storyboard to a fully functioning game is a real privilege. 

“As an independent studio we also set our own timeframes and deadlines and we don’t have to work to someone else’s schedule, we run our own. Having this flexibility really helps our team members to grow and flourish.”

However, Metzger noted that, inevitably, the studio’s budget is smaller compared to its larger counterparts but stressed that, from a team perspective, a smaller budget results in a more “streamlined workforce” which “values every single person’s input”. 

“A con might be that on occasions, the perception of smaller budgets and a smaller team can sometimes hinder our prospects with regards to larger scale projects, but we prefer to stick to what we are good at and let our quality of products speak for themselves,” he continued.

“We also know that as an independent studio, we have to constantly find new ways of differentiating ourselves from the larger game studios. Ensuring that we are at the cutting edge of technology and new market trends is vital but we know that the time and investment in this research will ensure our future success.”

Finally, Charl Geyser, CEO at HITSquad, claimed that being an independent studio has resulted in the firm having the “freedom to be as creative as we want”, allowing the design of games that the studio are “truly passionate about”.

“We work in a fast paced and competitive industry, therefore it’s imperative that we continue to innovate and create content that players want,” Geyser explained. “The advantages of being independent means that we can react quickly to market demand without being slowed down by multiple decision makers or being restricted by red tape. 

“I also think that being independent means that we are incredibly incentivised to make the business succeed and who doesn’t like a David and Goliath story?”

Echoing Metger on the negatives of being an independent studio, he noted that it is “crucial” to gain sufficient financial resources to enable it to grow and for any unexpected issues. 

He concluded: “Resource can also be a hurdle as we won’t have access to huge development, legal, compliance teams etc, however this is all surmountable with the right team and strategic planning.”

iGaming Innovation is to form one key aspect of this year’s SBC Summit Barcelona 2022, which takes place at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc on 20-22 September.

This will see 6,000 delegates enjoy a 12-track conference covering all aspects of the international sports betting and online casino industries, an exhibition with 200 companies showcasing their latest innovations, and a programme of spectacular evening networking events. 

Visit the SBC Summit Barcelona website to book your all access or discounted group pass.

The post ‘Selling out’ does not kill creativity but independence produces innovation appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As part of the deal, players using PlayOJO, PlayUZU, GentingCasino, SpinGenie, Slotsstars and MegaCasino, will gain access to Leander’s suite of slot including Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, Ave Caesar, Fortune Teller’s Charm, Pearls of Poseidon and Ways of the Labyrinth.

“These games from one of the most in-demand content providers need no introduction. They are proven player favourites in key regulated markets around the world,” explained Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet.

“This made the addition of its games an absolute must for us, and we look forward to seeing players across the SkillOnNet network of brands enjoy the thrills its slots have to offer. It is partnerships such as this that ensure we remain a leading operator of award-winning casino brands.”

Said to be popular in the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Argentina, the addition of the providers titles will take SkillOnNet’s game lobby to over 3,500 titles, covering classic and video slots, along with jackpots, table games, live dealer, bingo and instant win games. 

Tom Wood, RAW iGaming’s CEO, added: “We are delighted to partner with SkillOnNet and launch our portfolio of games across multiple markets. 

“Our three pillars; differentiation, simplicity and entertainment drive us to deliver games that players want to keep playing and we know that will resonate across SkillOnNet’s many brands.”

As previously mentioned, the link-up with Leander Games follows on from Raw iGaming’s recent acquisition of the studio earlier this year. 

As part of the acquisition, Raw witnessed its SuperSlice games launch in regulated markets, utilising Leander’s customer base across Europe and South America, along with the introduction of a new aggregation business.

Moreover, last month witnessed SkillOnNet partner with Neccton that saw the latter integrate its mentor software into the operator’s numerous brands. 

Via the partnership, the mentor software was implemented onto SkillOnNet properties, such as PlayOJO, SpinGenie and SlotsMagic.

The post SkillOnNet links with recently acquired Raw developer appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The completion of the deal will see Sapphire Gaming play an “instrumental” role in delivering Raw’s SuperSlice games, along with its next patent-pending engine – which is said to be unveiled soon. 

“I am so happy and proud to be able to work with one of the smartest, hidden minds in the igaming industry, Alec Horley, including his brilliant Sapphire team, which will continue their work in our new office based in the UK,” stated Tom Wood, CEO of Raw. 

“Alec and his team will work on innovative game mechanics, develop new technologies, support external partners around our new aggregation platform in Leander and will boost our existing game studio capacity in Malaga.

“Having known and worked with Alec and his team for years where they delivered amazing results, sometimes achieving the impossible, it was a no-brainer for us to polish this hidden gem and add them to the Raw family. 

“With the acquisition of Sapphire, we strengthen our development capacity as well as our technology platform and gaming know-how.”

Raw noted that the acquisition of Sapphire Gaming further solidifies the firm’s arrival as a “disruptor” and “someone to be reckoned with” in the igaming sector.

Alec Horley, CEO of Sapphire Gaming, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Raw and the team is thrilled to be part of this amazing journey, which is about shaking up the industry and standing out in a sea of sameness. 

“Having worked with Tom for many years and seeing his vision for Raw, we already know we will continue to develop innovative, differentiated game engines and new never-before-seen technologies which will push the boundaries of gaming further”.

In April Raw acquired games supplier Leander Games and, via its Sapphire merger, Raw now has offices in four countries – Malta, Spain, Argentina and the UK.

The post Raw iGaming boosts game production via Sapphire Gaming acquisition appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As part of the acquisition, Raw will see its SuperSlice games launched across regulated, utilising Leander’s customer base across Europe and South America, along with the introduction of a new aggregation business. 

“This is an amazing opportunity to bring together our SuperSlice innovation with one of the best distribution platforms in the industry along with access to the studio that is known for great titles like Ave Caesar and Alibaba and the Forty Thieves.” explained Tom Wood, CEO of Raw.

“After meeting with Leander management, we felt the immediate cultural connection, identified their deep skillset in platform and distribution, as well as the clear synergies we both bring in game development making Raw a new force to reckon within content and game distribution.”

Moreover, Raw stated that, following the purchase, the company aims to focus on developing entertainment technologies with the Leander Games platform, live in 13 regulated markets, said to “play a big part” in distributing and expanding Raw’s product offering. 

Steven Matsell, Leander CEO added: “We are very excited to become a part of the Raw family and start the next chapter in Leander by marrying Raw’s innovative vision with our market-leading platform as well as the integration of the game teams to deliver even more innovative, ground-breaking content.

“This strengthens our dedication to our customers and partners, offering new games and platform innovations which are sure to shake up the market. We look forward to being a part of Raw and supporting the fight against industry monotony. We welcome new operators and studios that are ready to join as well.” 

The transaction witnessed Oakvale Capital act as financial advisor to Leander as Raw labelled the acquisition as the firm’s “arrival as a major player” within the online vertical and cited its intention for “additional acquisition opportunities” as the company positions itself as “the pink shark in the sea of sameness”.

The post Raw iGaming purchases Leander Games to expand SuperSlice engine appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Powered by Anthemetrics AI, the link-up will see Anthem Amplifier provide Raw with an in-depth analysis of every bet players make on its games and products. 

Tom Wood, CEO of Raw iGaming, explained: “Raw believes in using data to build better products, and Amplifier will allow us to understand how players are engaging with our new SuperSlice games so that we can find our secret SuperSlice sauce and deliver experiences players really want, truly helping us to be the pink sharks in the sea of sameness with this new gaming format.”

Anthem Amplifier interprets player behaviours at scale to deliver intelligence, predictions and actions that can be applied to portfolio decisions, product design and player safety, when gambling.

Amplifier clusters games, player behaviours, metadata and in-game data to support observational conclusions which Future Anthem states will provide the “essential ingredients” to target specific player behaviours for Raw, resulting in an increasing performance in building, launching and managing games.

Leigh Nissim, CEO of Future Anthem, added: “Raw is exactly the type of partner we are excited about. We will provide them with an unprecedented view into how players use and play their new innovative games through Anthem Amplifier. 

“It will be an indispensable tool for Raw and help ensure even more exciting games will come out of this new and disruptive studio.”

The partnership with Future Anthem continues a busy 2022 for Raw iGaming who debuted its SuperSlice engine at the beginning of the new year, which it lauded as an “entirely new way to play casino games”. 

SuperSlice, which uses wheels instead of reels, delivers slices on any design so that players never know how many slices will appear or what each will contain. 

Not long after its maiden release, Raw added to its product and released its first add-on Clusterspin, resulting in a side bet that allows players to wager on whether they will win or lose over a set number of game rounds. 

Either side of the above releases, Raw also confirmed the appointments of Ricardo Ruiz and Henrik Fagerlund to its senior management team and invested in a new game studio in Malaga, Spain, to coincide with its recently announced development hub.

The post Raw aims to understand engagement via Future Anthem’s Amplifier appeared first on CasinoBeats.

We asked: What are you most looking forward to at ICE?

Martin Hodges, Director of Marketing, Vivo Gaming

It’s safe to say that we are looking forward to showcasing and discussing our solutions in real life. Live casino is a visual medium and seeing these set-ups and games up close is the only way to appreciate the detail that goes into making them appealing. 
 
Over the past year, we have really focused on increasing the quality of our products with high-quality streaming and improved camera angles, not to mention the new casino games. So it’s fair to say that we are all looking forward to announcing what we have come up with in that time.

Helen Walton, CCO at G.Games

That buzz of a big crowd of people who care about what they are making, looking at each other’s work and feeling inspired. That’s what happens when ICE is at its best and that’s what we’re hoping for. 

Also we’re hoping to have lots of fun and slightly silly photo opps on our stand, because… why not?

Paul Crisp, CMO at Symplify

It may sound a little odd, but human interaction. After two years of being completely separated from the industry physically, the sense of reunion is almost palpable. We at Symplify relish the opportunity of meeting face to face with new, existing and potential customers.

Lisa Karran, COO at Eminence

I’m looking forward to continuing my education in blockchain and cryptocurrency and, as always, meeting old friends and making new ones.

Nadiya Attard, CCO of Relax Gaming

A return to ICE will be the ultimate return to normality. I think that is what everyone is looking forward to. Particularly, we will be prioritising connecting with UK-facing operators. 

But, of course, this is the world’s biggest igaming event, so it’ll be an amazing opportunity to connect with our international customers who we weren’t able to visit due to the restrictions over the past two years.

Naturally, we are excited about sharing a couple of announcements that Relax Gaming has been working on but that’s all I’ll say for the moment.

Alberto Alfieri, Jada Gaming CEO and Co-Founder 

Although Jada and Symplify only began working together a few months ago, we advanced quickly and produced a lot of new and cool features that we cannot wait to show to our partners and ICE visitors.

Teams from both companies will be at the stand, and will be looking forward to showing and explaining the new opportunities generated by the artificial intelligence of Jada Brain and the ecosystem of Symplify.

Lahcene Merzoug, Chief Executive Officer at PressEnter

One of the best things about attending ICE is having the opportunity to meet and interact with existing and potential new partners face to face, which will add that extra personal touch. 

We also pride ourselves on offering the most exciting casino content to our players, and ICE is a great platform to discover new trends that are emerging and new games coming to market to ensure we are always offering the most engaging content possible. 

Discussion amongst our peers is also crucial as we share the opportunities and challenges we’re facing in the industry and ICE is the perfect venue to enable these meetings.

Tom Wood, Chief Executive Officer from RAW iGaming

Outside of meeting up with old industry friends, we are looking forward to receiving feedback on our new games and innovations along with seeing what our competitors and partners are up to, as well as finally showing off what RAW has been cooking up over the last year. 

RAW is all about standing out or standing down and for those who have been invited to see the more secretive stuff, boy are they in for a surprise.

Victor Pronk, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games

Whilst the pandemic has shown that working remotely is very much possible, making new connections over Zoom or Skype is just not the same as in a face-to-face meeting. 

So, we are looking forward to seeing more than just a face and shoulders of the new relations we have made over the past 18 months. 

Finding out what our clients, partners and suppliers are like outside of work and sharing personal experiences with them that hopefully create long and lasting relationships.

Suzanne Jiggens-Johnson, Marketing Director from Slots Temple

Being able to physically be in the same place as others from the industry is massively exciting for us. It’s been a long time since we can all come together and share ideas and new innovations. 

Being able to speak with people face to face is really important in helping us build and develop existing and new relationships.

Oliver Niner, Head of Sales at PandaScore

We have so much to share at ICE, including new products to showcase including our bet builder and expanded customer engagement tools. 

We’re looking forward to seeing all our global partners and prospects, as well as sharing a comprehensive whitepaper that will serve as a north star for operators wanting to build a successful esports product.

Kevin McGinnigle, Founder of Positively Distinctive Media

Being able to put ourselves out there amongst the crowd. We’ve grown organically by adding value to those we’ve worked with and decided it was time to finally let the world know about us. 

In addition to this, we’ve got a special guest joining us at the show. He’s someone close to my heart and is rather entertaining. I’ll bet I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing him in action either! You best come to our stand if you want to find out more

Sarah Blackburn, Founder at GameOn

Seeing as many clients as possible. Over the last couple of years, we’ve started working with people that we’ve only met via Zoom, Teams and Skype etc. 

We’ve forged some really strong bonds with our clients and I’m so excited about meeting face to face and just building on those relationships further. You can’t beat a “face to face” meeting and I’m really looking forward to whatever ICE has to bring.

Abby Kimber, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Digital IOM

It will be such fantastic experience to get the sector together again under one roof on the scale of ICE – at Digital Isle of Man we’re really looking forward to meeting new and existing contacts to talk about how licensing in the Isle of Man and having a base of operations located here can benefit your business and support growth.

Joe Hall, Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer at Gift & Go 

Looking forward to meeting all our industry friends after a two year absence and showing off all of the new features and functionality we have built for the gaming sector.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins

We cannot wait to meet our industry peers again and show them what Livespins is all about and the mission we are on to socially charge the iGaming industry and create a whole new category of live entertainment while doing so.

As an industry, we have a lot of work to do to offer digital entertainment experiences that match what the consumers experience outside our industry. Livespins solves just that and we are excited to speak to providers, operators and streamers who are curious and wants to know more.

James King, Chief Executive Officer from Flows

I’m looking forward to seeing industry innovation and new products showcased as ICE has always been a hub for product launches. 

Then it’s to catch up with everyone in person from those I’ve known for years within the industry to new ‘virtual’ friends met during the pandemic.

The post ICE London is ‘at its best’ when people feel inspired appeared first on CasinoBeats.

With the event scheduled to take place on April 12-14, following the cancellation of the event in 2021 due to the pandemic. In the first of two articles, we checked in with our 100 Club members to unveil what their expectations are for the igaming conference. 

We asked: What are you expecting from ICE this year? 

Martin Hodges, Director of Marketing, Vivo Gaming

I’m expecting to see a lot of familiar faces that I haven’t seen in far too long. I’m also excited to meet people I haven’t seen in real life yet but have only interacted with through email or on video calls. It’s going to be interesting to find out how tall everyone actually is! 
 
Of course, reconnecting with our partners and clients will be a huge priority for us throughout the week.

Sarah Blackburn, Founder at GameOn

I’m expecting there to be a huge buzz and for it to be filled with people excited to have meetings and presenting new products and services. 

Although the timing of the event isn’t ideal, I think it will make people more selective as to the meetings they have and taking a more focused approach to their own business development strategy.

Abby Kimber, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Digital IOM

After what feels like a very long time, I’m expecting an exultant atmosphere at ICE this year. Although things are slowly getting back to normal, I think we all recognise that international travel might still be a little tricky depending on where you are located so I’m expecting a little less traffic but that means that we’ll get the chance for some more meaningful, in-depth conversations.

Joe Hall, Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Gift & Go

We’re expecting to show both the online and offline gaming sectors how integrating Gift & Go technology into their player reward programmes and user journeys can increase the key metrics for operators acquisition and retention teams.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins

I look at ICE 2022 very positively, finally the show is back in action, the wait is over. Will it be a different show this year? “Clearly, however, the fact that some exhibitors have pulled out or morphed into hospitality instead only equals opportunity for the brave and bold and we believe Livespins fits perfectly into that category of companies.

James King, Chief Executive Officer from Flows

For Flows we expect two things, the first is the opportunity to really push brand and product awareness to the largest face to face audience of the year and demonstrate to as many as possible the power of Flows. 

Secondly it’s to meet with current partners as well as those we’re already in talks with in person both on stand as well as at our hosted dinners.

Kevin McGinnigle, Founder of Positively Distinctive Media

I have no expectations for two reasons; 1) I’ve never exhibited at ICE before and have only ever been part of the crowd and 2) having moved the dates, I’ve no idea what to expect in terms of attendance. 

Of those who do attend, I would imagine they’ll be excited to get out of their houses and or/offices and put in some facetime. We’ve all been locked up far too long and it’s nice to be able to get back to some sort of normality. I know I am.

Suzanne Jiggens-Johnson, Marketing Director at Slots Temple 

We’re hopeful ICE will be just as exciting as previous years. It’s an important opportunity for us to reconnect with our partners, as well as discover new technologies and services. 

Being able to fully immerse ourselves in all the exciting developments happening in the industry at the moment is really important for us to be able to stay at the forefront of where the gambling industry is heading.

Oliver Niner, Head of Sales at PandaScore

We’re expecting great things from ICE after it’s long hiatus, particularly how much growth and success esports has experienced since the last conference, including PandaScore’s contribution to this.

Contributing to the ESIC conference running in tandem is a great opportunity to continue building greater integrity in esports and how the gambling sector engages with these competitions.

And seeing the global iGaming community together again and striving for further exciting product innovation is always fantastic.

Victor Pronk, Chief Commercial Officer of Incentive Games

With the event running up to the start of the Easter Holiday period, the ongoing uncertainty with regards to the pandemic, the situation in the Ukraine and the additional and continuously changing travel requirements we have already seen several big exhibitors that have withdrawn. 

Therefore we expect a smaller exhibition, that is more online focused and with a dominant UK/European visitor attendance. This is an opportunity for smaller innovative suppliers to step into the spotlight.

Tom Wood, Chief Executive Officer at RAW iGaming

ICE is an amazing opportunity for RAW iGaming to showcase for the first time our new, patent pending game engine, SuperSlice to a larger audience.  

We will also be revealing our up-and-coming SuperSlice games and new, secretive, patent pending innovations for selected operators. 

Lahcene Merzoug, Chief Executive Officer at PressEnter

There are some great conferences happening throughout the year like the SBC and CasinoBeats Summits and iGaming NEXT to name just a few but ICE is traditionally the biggest event of the year for igaming and where all the latest features and innovations are showcased. 

Although there will be less attendee’s than usual given that it is being held over the Easter holidays, we do anticipate more of the same, as many providers reveal new products for the first time and use ICE as the launchpad for their new offerings. 

We expect it to be a very busy event and our team is really looking forward to attending.

Nadiya Attard, CCO at Relax Gaming

I’m expecting to truly appreciate the value of face-to-face meetings once again. Technology has played a fantastic role in keeping business going over the last couple of years, but a Zoom meeting doesn’t hold a candle to the productivity of a group of like-minded people in a room together.

That being said, the gaming sector thrived in the adversity of the pandemic – innovating its way to success all the way through. This period of necessarily thinking outside the box will lead to some exciting new ideas, which always come to the fore at ICE. I wouldn’t miss this year’s show for the world!

Jeremy Coleman at Commercial Director at PearFiction Studio

A much smaller show with most of the big industry names missing. This is a shame but we cannot be surprised because the Easter/Passover week will be difficult for many attendees.

Lisa Karran, COO at Eminence

I expect it to be a very different event this year with more of a focus on getting together over huge exhibits on the expo floor. 

If people are not required to be manning large stands all day they will have more opportunity to attend educational sessions and networking. I’ve no doubt there will still be good attendance.

Helen Walton, CCO at G.Games

Reconnecting with some operators we haven’t been able to meet in person. We’re hearing a lot of negativity from some people about the event, but I think it will prove very effective still for the online gaming industry.

Paul Crisp, CMO at Symplify

A great event and a chance to get going. Meet face to face. Hear and understand challenges, present our vision in terms of creating solutions.

Gaming for us has always represented one of the most dynamic and fast moving industries, the more we get to speak to the people behind the curtains of the industry, the better.

Alberto Alfieri, Jada Gaming CEO and Co-Founder  

In a very hectic environment, due to the COVID emergency and more recently the international political turmoils, we expect ICE to represent a return to some sort of normality where meeting and getting together with colleagues and peers will be the most welcome novelty.

The post ICE 2022: What do CB100 members expect this year? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Entitled Clusterspin, the add-on, as part of its SuperSlice game engine, is a side bet that allows players to wager on whether they will win or lose over a set number of game rounds.

Tom Wood, chief executive at Raw iGaming, said: “Add-ons really complement and enhance player experience and in Clusterspin we have a feature that is truly innovative and unique by allowing the player to play to win, even when they lose.

“Raw iGaming is all about challenging industry norms and to deliver new and innovative player experiences, and our add-ons are designed to support that progression.”

Clusterspin is a side bet game that lets players wager on whether they will win or lose over a chosen pack of game rounds – five, 10, 15 or 20. The player then selects their side bet and whether the round will be a winning or losing one, easing a bad round but increasing excitement on a good one.

Another add-on rolled out by the company is Bonus Rush, a buy feature which the company stated has been “trending for the last few years”, and lets players choose a feature and bet level for the bonus round. 

Clusterspin is available on Raw iGaming’s debut titles Wheels of Rock and Journey to Chaos – market regulations permitting while Bonus Rush is available on Journey to Chaos.

Raw iGaming stated that its add-ons are a “nice complement and enhancement” to the SuperSlice engine, that provides slices on any wheel design so that players never know how many will appear on the wheel or what each slice will contain – including multiplier triggers, high value symbols, free spins or a mini game.

The post Raw iGaming releases first SuperSlice engine add-on appeared first on CasinoBeats.