“The studios that last are those willing to experiment and try new things, while staying grounded in their core principles. It’s easy to follow trends, but what really matters is understanding players, trusting your instincts, and consistently delivering quality.”

As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, the pressure to innovate has never been greater. True success, however, goes beyond simply following the latest trends.

Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, where Tom Horn Gaming will take the stage as Grand Sponsor, our CEO, Ondrej Lapides, shares his perspective on what it really takes to build games that stand the test of time.

In this exclusive interview with Hipther, we explore how Tom Horn Gaming approaches product development, from balancing innovation with familiarity to designing games that resonate across diverse player segments and markets. The conversation also touches on the growing importance of player-centric design, long-term engagement, and the industry shifts shaping slot development in 2026 and beyond.

As Central and Eastern Europe gain increasing relevance in the global iGaming landscape, the Prague Summit provides a timely platform to exchange ideas, share insights, and look ahead at what’s next for the industry.

Tom Horn Gaming has been in the industry long enough to see trends come and go. From your perspective, what really separates studios that stand the test of time from those that simply chase what’s popular?

In my view, longevity in this industry comes down to balance and a genuine belief in what you do. The studios that last are those willing to experiment and try new things, while staying grounded in their core principles. It’s easy to follow trends, but what really matters is understanding players, trusting your instincts, and consistently delivering quality. When you combine creativity with discipline and a long-term mindset, you create products that resonate well beyond the latest industry buzz.

Your portfolio balances recognisable slot formats with proprietary mechanics like QuickX. How do you decide when to innovate and when to refine what already works?

It’s always a mix of data, experience, and intuition. Innovation is important, but it should never come at the expense of clarity or player enjoyment. Sometimes the right move is to take something that already works and refine it further. At other times, the market clearly shows that players are ready for something new. Finding that balance is partly analytical and partly instinctive, built over time through a deep understanding of how players engage with games.

Your games often combine modern mechanics with very recognisable slot DNA. Why do you think familiarity still plays such a strong role in player engagement today?

Player expectations vary a lot across markets and segments. Some players prefer classic slot gameplay that feels instantly familiar, while others are looking for something more experimental. Our role is to cater to both by offering a diverse portfolio. Familiarity makes games accessible and comfortable, while modern mechanics bring fresh excitement and new layers of engagement.

Player attention spans are getting shorter, yet expectations around engagement and excitement keep rising. How do you approach game design to make titles instantly accessible without sacrificing depth?

It really comes down to putting more thought and effort into the design process. We dedicate significant resources to balancing gameplay so the core experience is easy to understand from the first spin, while sustaining engagement over time.  Achieving that balance requires close collaboration among designers, mathematicians, and product teams to make sure the experience feels both intuitive and rewarding.

Looking at your recent releases, there’s a clear focus on replayability rather than one-off novelty. How important is long-term player value when developing new games?

Long-term engagement is very important, but again, it’s about balance. Not every game is built with the same objective in mind. Some are designed to deliver quick excitement, while others aim for longer sessions. A strong portfolio needs both. The key is making sure each game delivers real value and keeps players coming back.

From your perspective as a slot supplier, which innovations do you believe will genuinely shape slot development in 2026 and beyond, and which current trends are unlikely to last?

We’re already seeing a growing demand for more layered gameplay and richer feature sets, and I expect that to continue. Players are looking for more dynamic experiences rather than purely static mechanics. At the same time, fast-paced formats like crash games have gained strong traction and are influencing expectations around immediacy and interaction. That said, not every trend will last. In the end, the games that succeed will be those that combine innovation with strong fundamentals and a clear understanding of player preferences across different markets.

Your recent partnerships significantly extend distribution across Europe and Latin America while reinforcing compliance-focused delivery. How can aggregation partnerships contribute to sustainable scaling across different regulated markets?

Scaling across regulated markets requires the right partnerships and strong technical foundations. For this to work properly, the technical integration needs to be robust, seamless, and fully aligned with regulatory requirements. When that connection is well implemented and continuously optimised, it allows content to reach operators quickly while maintaining the reliability and compliance that these markets demand.

As Grand Stage Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, what message or mindset would you like operators, partners, and industry leaders to take away from your presence at the event?

Events like the Prague Summit are particularly valuable because they put a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is playing an increasingly important role in the global iGaming landscape but doesn’t always get the same attention as larger markets.

For us, the real value lies in knowledge exchange. It’s an opportunity to discuss the latest developments, share insights from real operations, and compare experiences across different jurisdictions. Bringing these perspectives together helps the industry learn from one another and take away practical insights that can support future growth and innovation.

The post Building Beyond Trends: Tom Horn Gaming on What Really Drives Slot Success appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Interview with Kateryna Rybka, Affiliate Team Lead

Ahead of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, we speak with Kateryna Rybka, Affiliate Team Lead representing WinSpirit Casino, one of the fastest-growing brands in the global iGaming ecosystem. WinSpirit is a General Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, boasting a portfolio now exceeding 17,000 games. Kateryna shares insights into WinSpirit’s product vision, marketing approach, and the role responsible gaming plays in building sustainable growth.

Kateryna, WinSpirit positions itself as a fast-growing brand built on player-centric technology. From your perspective, what are the key pillars currently driving the brand’s momentum in today’s competitive iGaming landscape?

The core difference is that WinSpirit doesn’t treat players as traffic — we treat them as people. Most operators optimize around bonuses and acquisition. We optimize around behavior. What keeps a user engaged beyond the first deposit? What makes them return because the experience is compelling, not just because there’s a promo? That’s our focus.

Speed is critical. Hypothesis-driven experimentation happens weekly, not quarterly. Product, marketing, and affiliates work in tight loops, and if something isn’t working, we adjust fast. We prioritize LTV over volume — affiliate partnerships are strategic, not transactional. We work with partners who value engaged players, not one-time depositors.

Responsibility is non-negotiable. Responsible gaming isn’t compliance for us — it’s a product principle. Session reminders, deposit limits, reality checks are core features, because if our audience burns out or loses trust, no bonus will bring them back. That balance — innovation with measured execution — is what drives our momentum. We’re building something sustainable.

With a portfolio of more than 17,000 games, content depth is clearly a major strength. How does WinSpirit ensure that scale translates into meaningful player engagement rather than just catalogue size?

Scale without curation is just noise. We don’t treat our portfolio as a static catalogue — we treat it as a personalized experience. Our UX adapts based on player behavior through intelligent filtering and recommendations. If someone gravitates toward high-volatility slots or live tables, the experience reflects that. We use data to understand which games retain players beyond the first session and optimize accordingly.

Provider partnerships give us an edge here. We work with top studios to secure exclusive conditions, early access, and unique variants — so our users get something they can’t find everywhere else. Genre diversity also supports retention. Players evolve, and a deep portfolio lets us keep them engaged as preferences shift from slots to live casino to crash games, without them looking elsewhere.

Scale is only valuable if it serves engagement. We’re building an experience that evolves with our players, not just a library.

WinSpirit emphasises experience-driven growth over short-term promotional tactics. How is this philosophy reflected in your marketing campaigns and affiliate strategy today?

Our campaigns are built around ideas and narratives, not just bonuses. We try to go where the industry doesn’t — creating experiences that feel emotionally engaging, not transactional.

For example, WishExpress was a feature where players could send virtual gifts to each other during the holidays. It wasn’t about driving deposits — it was about creating connections. UnValentine’s Day flipped the traditional romantic narrative and resonated with users who don’t buy into the Valentine’s hype. Both saw strong engagement because they tapped into something real.

WinSpirit works with emotion, not just CPA. Our affiliate strategy reflects that — we look for partners who understand storytelling and retention, not just volume. And we pay close attention to player feedback. Long-term reputation matters more than short-term spikes.

Responsible gaming is becoming a defining factor for sustainable operators. How is WinSpirit embedding responsible gaming principles into both the product experience and its broader marketing approach?

Responsible gaming isn’t a separate feature for us — it’s embedded in the product. Session reminders, deposit limits, self-regulation tools, transparent bonus terms — these are core, not optional. Beyond that, we’re actively collaborating on education. SmartPlay, our partnership with Casino Guru, focuses on helping our audience make informed decisions through educational content and tools. The response has been strong — players engage more when they feel empowered, not just marketed to.

We’re also working with the Digital Wellness Center, which specializes in behavioral health and digital well-being. This partnership is rolling out now, and it’s about providing users with resources that go beyond gaming — addressing habits, balance, and long-term health. It’s about balancing engagement with ethics. Growth that compromises player well-being isn’t sustainable.

As WinSpirit strengthens its long-term market positioning, what key developments – whether product, partnerships, or player experience – should the industry be watching from the brand in the months ahead?

We’re doubling down on brand positioning and experience innovation. There’s a new creative campaign launching very soon — I can’t spoil it, but it follows the same philosophy as WishExpress and UnValentine’s Day. Players should expect something unexpected.

On the product side, we’re deepening gamification and personalization. The goal is to adapt the experience to each user — not just through recommendations, but through mechanics and features that respond to individual behavior. We’re also optimizing retention tools and expanding our responsible gaming framework, including the Digital Wellness Center partnership I mentioned earlier.

Sustainable growth remains the priority. We’re not chasing shortcuts — we’re building infrastructure that scales responsibly. And innovation is ongoing. Recently, WinSpirit received Special Recognition as Most Innovative Online Casino Operator for AI-driven customer support, automated query handling, and behavioral analytics that improve service quality. For us, that’s just the beginning. We’re applying similar thinking across WinSpirit — smarter systems, better player experiences, stronger foundations. The industry should watch for a brand that’s moving with intention, not just speed.

And it’s worth noting — platforms like EEG Intelligence Hub play a role in that evolution. Congratulations on 11 years of holding this industry to a higher standard. That kind of journalism matters.

The post How WinSpirit Builds Sustainable Growth Through Player-Centric Innovation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

HIPTHER is proud to announce the Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day of HIPTHER Prague Summit, curated by  the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This special section is scheduled for Day 2 (25 March) of the Main Focus Stage at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026.

The thematic day will focus on current issues related to safer gambling, player protection, regulatory trends, compliance, and illegal gambling and its emerging forms. It will bring together legal experts, regulators, safer gambling specialists, and representatives of the gaming industry to discuss how approaches to safer gambling, consumer protection, and the sustainable development of the legal market are evolving across Europe. Attention will also be given to the way new trends in illegal gambling weaken player protection and why tackling the illegal market is an essential part of the debate on a safer gambling environment.

IPRH has long been regarded as a respected voice in the field of gambling regulation, with its representatives regularly contributing to expert discussions on legislation, public policy, and practical player protection tools in the Czech Republic and across the wider Central European region. Its cooperation with HIPTHER builds on a shared ambition to connect innovation in the sector with responsible governance, regulatory dialogue, and a strong public-interest perspective.

Three Key Topics to Watch

Alongside the broader discussion on developments across Europe, the programme will also highlight several concrete topics that are currently shaping both the market and the regulatory debate.

IRIS: one player, one view, across operators

One of the main highlights of the programme will be the presentation of IRIS, a project that introduces a new perspective on player protection. What makes it unique is that it does not look at risky behaviour solely within a single operator’s environment, but through the lens of one player across multiple operators. This approach has the potential to significantly improve early risk detection and strengthen player protection in practice. The current stage of the project will be presented by Petr Rybák, Project Manager of IRIS.

How much does illegal gambling cost the Czech Republic?

Another key session will feature a new economic study by the Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA) focused on illegal gambling in the Czech Republic. The study will provide data on the scale of the illegal market, the volume of money lost outside the legal sector, and the related losses in tax revenues. Its findings will be presented by Jakub Žofčák, one of the study’s authors.

Can the IPRH model expand beyond the Czech Republic?

An important part of the programme will also be a panel discussion featuring representatives of the Czech, Slovak, and newly emerging Polish institutes. The debate will focus on cross-border cooperation in addressing shared issues in regulation and player protection. It will also explore whether the IPRH model can be transferred to other countries. IPRH is not a traditional industry association, but a unique platform bringing together business, regulators, public authorities, experts, and addiction specialists into one functional ecosystem and one shared discussion.

A Programme Connecting Law, Regulation, Research, and Practice

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will offer a series of expert discussions on regulatory developments, modern player protection tools, responsible marketing, and cross-border cooperation between regulators, experts, and operators.

The programme brings together a broad range of respected professionals from the legal, regulatory, research, and operational sides of the industry. Confirmed speakers include, among others:

• Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH
• Petr Rybák, Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH)
• Jan Řehola, Director at IPRH and Partner at PS Legal
• Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at Casino Guru
• Bill Pascrell III, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group
• Martin Lycka, Vice President Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg
• Nika Gigashvili, CEO and Partner at SMH Global
• Václav Ulrich, Co-founder of the Institute for Gambling Regulation
• Jakub Žofčák, Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA)
• Alina Tace, Partner at WH Simion & Partners
• Olesea Naidion, Brand Manager at Nightrush
• Dan Illovici, Vice President at ROMBET
• Dávid Lenčéš, Executive Director Institute for Gambling Regulation of the Slovak Republic
• Justyna Grusza-Głębicka, Attorney-at-law and Founder at Kancelaria Adwokacka dr Justyna Grusza-Głębicka

Participants can expect practical insights from different jurisdictions as well as discussion on how regulatory requirements, innovation, and the long-term sustainable development of the legal market can be effectively aligned.

A Shared Commitment to a Safer Market

The cooperation between HIPTHER and the Institute for Gambling Regulation reflects a shared commitment to promoting safer gambling and encouraging informed dialogue between regulators, experts, and market representatives.

“As the gaming environment continues to evolve, so must our approach to player protection. This dedicated day gives us an opportunity to show how technology, data, research, and responsibility can work together in the field of safer gambling. We look forward to discussing how modern regulatory frameworks and practical tools can contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment for all stakeholders,” said Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH.

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will form a central part of the 10-year anniversary edition of HIPTHER Prague Summit, bringing together leaders from gaming, fintech, AI, blockchain, and regulatory sectors for two days of discussions shaping the future of the industry.

Secure your place at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

The post Institute for Gambling Regulation Curates Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.