Gaming
Fish Games in Latin America: a Real Catch
With their roots in the Asian iGaming market and a long history of success in the region, fish games have now found a new wave of popularity in Latin America. Thanks to their easy-to-learn gameplay, the chance to catch a big win while playing something other than slots, these games have quickly become a favourite pastime for many LatAm players. The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, with its partner, game provider KA Gaming, have been observing their rise of popularity and are ready to cover this trend in detail in this article.
FISH GAMES PHENOMENON
Fish games are RNG games for online casinos. These games are based on the concept of fishing, where players use virtual fishing nets or guns to catch fish or other aquatic creatures on the screen. Each shot or reel accounts for a bet, and every fish or character has its ‘value’. When the shot hits the fish, the winning prize is awarded to the players.
These games often have colourful graphics, lively sound effects, a variety of characters with different point values, and, consequently, the potential for big payouts. Players can win prizes by catching fish and accumulating points for this, and some games even offer bonus rounds or jackpots for particularly skilled players.
FROM ASIA TO LATIN AMERICA
Diving back into the history of fish games, they grew from simple arcade video games in China in the 2000s. Over time, the games became more advanced, with improved graphics, gameplay, and online connectivity, leading them into online casino portfolios. Many Asian iGaming companies now offer players a wide range of fish game options.
KA Gaming is one of the game providers whose portfolio includes around 50 fish games. In partnership with the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, they supply these games to operators in different markets via API, including LatAm, where the demand for fish games has increased significantly during the last year.
Argentina, in particular, has emerged as a hotbed for fish games, with KA Gaming’s average number of ‘fish’ bets exceeding 8.5 million a month. This is a significant milestone, especially when compared to Asian countries where fish games have been popular for years.
The popularity of this game type has also spread to other countries in the region, including Brazil, Chile, and Peru. As players across Latin America continue to discover the excitement and potential rewards of fish games, likely, the popularity of these games will only continue to grow.
Mei Tu, Director of Sales and Marketing at KA Gaming, comments: “We are thrilled by the potential for growth that the Latin American market represents for fish games. With an assumed room for growth in this region, the numbers we see from Argentina are auspicious. While fish games have been popular in Asian countries for many years and have already gained a regular audience, the average monthly spins range from 12 to 25 million. In contrast, the figure of 8.5 million spins per month in Argentina alone is an excellent result, especially considering that fish games have only been gaining popularity for the past year and that slot games remain the most preferred option in the region. We’re excited to see how the popularity of fish games will continue to grow in LatAm and beyond.”
REASONS FOR INCREASING POPULARITY IN LATAM
So why have fish games become so popular in LatAm? There are several reasons for this trend. For one, they are easy to learn and play, with simple controls and fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged. Additionally, fish games are known for their high payouts, which can attract both casual and serious players alike.
Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, has also noted that the easy entry threshold, allowing players to place small bets and still win, is a major factor driving the popularity of fish games in LatAm.
“The trend we’re seeing among players in this region is to place small but regular bets, which sets them apart from players in other regions. Fish games have a high probability of winning due to the ‘frequent catches’ and low betting options.”
Additionally, Tatyana notes that players in LatAm prefer to place bets using mobile devices. Since many fish games offered by operators and gaming providers are mobile-friendly, this is convenient for players in the region, contributing to the increasing popularity of these games.
KA Gaming also highlights the reasons for the rising popularity of fish games in LatAm. Among them, there are the following:
- Fish games have the element of player interaction in the same rooms (usually 4–6) as they compete to ‘hunt the big fish for big rewards, creating much excitement for the players
- There are multiple stages of the game, such as the “big boss” stage, where the players expect big wins once they successfully ‘reel in the ‘big boss’
- The dynamic movement of the fishes and other characters on the screen, the fast pace of the fish hunt coupled with colourful visuals provide a great gamification experience for players
- In addition, the gameplay learning curve is low compared to other games. KA Gaming usually sets the minimum bet lower than a typical slot game, making it easy for players to dive into the game
Summing up the above, Mei Tu adds: “Good games will always be good, regardless of culture and geography. Fish games’ exciting and engaging nature attracts players seeking a unique experience. Physical table fish games have already proven popular in North America, so we believe that with proper exposure and availability in the LatAm market, fish games will also gain popularity. It may take some players a warm-up or educational period, but it will also attract new players to iGaming who originally enjoyed arcade games.”
The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator and KA Gaming have joined forces to provide top-notch content to operators in various regions, including supplying fish and hunting games to online casinos in LatAm. KA Gaming’s fish games, such as KA Fish Hunter, Poseidon’s Secret, Golden Dragon, Three Head Dragon, and Happy Food Hunter, are among the most popular titles among LatAm players in the content hub’s portfolio.
Tatyana Kaminskaya says: “We will continue to monitor the increasing popularity of fish games in LatAm. We recognise the potential for growth in this region beyond, and recommend operators to add this type of games to their online casinos The surge in popularity of certain game types reinforces this belief. Our portfolio boasts over 16,000 games available to LatAm clients, complete with API integration, exceptional service, and a range of tools that boost player engagement rates in online casinos. Notably, our recently launched Tournament Tool has already been tried out by several clients and has shown great promise.”
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Executive Summary – Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report (May 2025)
The May 2025 report analyzes data from over 3.2 million U.S. players and 21 million global players to benchmark performance across casino and sports betting.
Key Insights:
U.S. Players Spend More: U.S. bettors consistently outperformed the global average in deposit amounts, averaging $604 in May 2025 marking a 10% year-over-year increase for the US compared to just 2% globally.
Casino Activity Remains Strong: U.S. casino bettors averaged $8,259 over the period, 6.2x the global average of $1,329 — ending at $7,928 in May 2025. Despite a slight slowdown since January, the number of U.S. casino bettors grew 30% year-over-year by May, compared to 14% globally.
Sports Betting Surges, Then Slows: U.S. average monthly sports betting peaked at $1,001 in May 2025, versus $380 globally. However, the number of U.S. sports bettors declined, showing only a 14% year-over-year increase in May — while global numbers remained stable, slightly decreasing to 97% compared to the May 2024 baseline.
Global Players More Engaged: Global players showed consistently higher engagement, averaging 8.9 days per month per active customer in May 2025, compared to 7.9 days in the U.S. — a 12% engagement gap.
Retention Higher Globally: While close, global retention remained stronger, reaching 71% in May 2025, compared to 65% in the U.S.
Conclusion:
While the U.S. market continues to lead in player spend and betting volumes, global markets show superior engagement and retention. U.S. growth remains closely linked to seasonal events and regulatory expansion, with future success tied to boosting long-term customer engagement and retention strategies.
Report Metrics:
- Source: Betting trends in United States compared to the global benchmark in the trailing 12 months (May 2024-2025)
- Database: A 12-month average of over 3.2 million active players per month in the U.S. and over 21.3 million globally.
Category: Average Deposit Amount
Key findings: Average Deposit Amounts Greatest in the US
In terms of monthly average total deposit amounts, the US consistently outpaces the global average, with an average deposit value 2.6 times higher throughout the period.
The U.S. average kept the highest global average in May 2025 with $604 average deposit amount. marking a 10% year-over-year increase, while the 12-month average leading to May 2025 stood at $550.
Global deposit amounts remained relatively stable, reaching $214 in May 2025, representing a 2% increase in May year over year.
Definition of Average Deposit Amount: The average deposit amount is calculated by taking the total sum of all deposits and dividing it by the number of Sports and Casino bettors (players) who have made at least one deposit.
Category: Total Monthly Casino Betting Amount & Number of Casino Bettors Growth
Key findings: The US has been leading in both betting amount and number of casino bettors’ growth
Throughout the period, the US consistently outpaced global averages, with an average of $8,259 per bettor over the period compared to $1,329 globally. US ending at $7,928 in May 2025 while the global average stands on $1344.
The number of casino bettors in the US market showed a slowdown over the past two months following a peak in January. However, the year-over-year growth remains strong, reaching 130% by May 2025 compared to the May 2024 baseline of 100% (a 30% increase). In contrast, global growth was more moderate, rising to 114% over the same period.
Definition of Total Monthly Casino Bet Amount: The average casino bet amount is the total sum of all casino bets and divided by the number of bettors who have placed at least one casino bet.
Definition of Casino Bettors Growth Trend: calculated by dividing the total number of casino bettors each month by the number of casino bettors in May 2024, which serves as the baseline (100%).
Category: Total Monthly Sports Betting Amount & Number of Sport Bettors Growth
Key findings: The US consistently outpaced global averages in monthly average sports bet amounts peaking at $1,150 in March 2025, however with a decrease in number of sport bettors by May 2025.
Throughout the period, the US keeps outpaced global averages in monthly average sports bet amounts. The US average was at $1,001 in May 2025, however with a notable decrease compared to May 2024.
In contrast, the global average remained steady, reaching $380 in May 2025.
In terms of the number of sport bettors, the US market experienced a sharp decrease in May 2025, reaching only 14% increase in May 2025 compared to May 2024.
Global growth remained more stable, changing from 100% to 97% over the same period.
Definition of Total Monthly Sport Bet Amount: The average sport betting amount is the total sum of all sports bets and divided by the number of bettors who have placed in least one sport bet.
The Sport Bettors Growth Trend: calculated by dividing the total number of sport bettors each month by the number of sport bettors in May 2024, which serves as the baseline (100%).
Category: Average Number of Activity Days per Active Customer
Key findings: the global market consistently maintained a higher engagement level than the US.
The global market keeps consistently maintaining a higher engagement level than the US, with 12% more activity days on average per active customer throughout the period. In May 2025 the US average stands at 7.9 days per month per active customer while the global average stands at 8.9.
Definition of Average Activity Days: The average number of activity days is the total number of activity days divided by the number of bettors who have at least one activity day.
Category: Average Active Retention Rate
Key findings: Although retention rates remained relatively close, the global market consistently outperformed the US.
While retention rates between the US and global markets remained close throughout the period, the global rate consistently outperformed the US in most months.
The global average on May 2025 stands at 71% compared to 65% in the US.
Definition of Active Retention Rate: The percentage of bettors who were active in the preceding month and remained active in the current month.
The post Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report – May 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Bridging the gap between functional hardware and considered design, Phantum debuts its first line of high-performance mousepads. The collection is built for users who demand precision but won’t compromise on aesthetics. Developed in Paris by founders Amine G. and Victor B., the mousepads combine minimalist design with carefully selected materials and collectible elements, positioning the product as a functional tool and a design object.
Created for gamers and digital creatives, Phantum’s mousepads emphasize tactile performance while remaining visually restrained. The surfaces are crafted using Japanese Poron and advanced fabrics chosen for their durability, responsiveness, and sensory qualities. Each product is designed to enhance, not distract from, the overall composition of a desk setup.
The company’s visual language draws on space, transparency, and disappearance themes, an intentional move to create objects that integrate flawlessly into a work or play environment. “Every detail reflects our DNA: clean, sharp, and futuristic,” said co-founder Amine G., whose tech-focused YouTube channel, MRG TECH, has built a following of over 200,000 subscribers. “We create tools that disappear under the hand but leave a lasting impression through design, feel, and finish.”
Phantum’s founders launched the brand after finding few products that met their standards for both performance and design integrity. The debut line is only the beginning: the team is developing glass mousepads and matching performance sleeves, with plans to expand into a broader ecosystem of desk essentials. Each new release will continue to feature collectible packaging designed to add narrative value rather than act as decoration.
Though recently launched, Phantum is already drawing attention beyond France, particularly in Latin America, where design-conscious gamers have begun to integrate the mousepads into their setups. The first collection is now available on phantum.co, with new formats and accessories to follow.
The post Phantum Introduces High-End Mousepads with Collectible Packaging and Parisian Design Roots appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
In the latest round of Prototype Funding, Gamecity Hamburg, part of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, supports six promising digital games with up to 80,000 euros each as a non-repayable grant. This funding enables start-ups in Hamburg and supports companies in developing marketable prototypes. In addition, start-ups and developers can apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator until June 10: https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/de/inkubator/
The awarding committee selected projects with the greatest market potential from the many applications. Including this seventh round of funding, the development of 37 prototypes has been supported as part of Prototype Funding since 2020. The application phase for the next Prototype Funding round will start in spring 2026.
“The high quality of the projects submitted to this funding round led to an intensive decision process within the awarding committee. The funded projects show a wide variety of genres, ideas, and teams. With the Prototype Funding, we are supporting established companies and up-and-coming start-ups in Hamburg as a games location,” commented Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg and member of the awarding committee.
The 2025 funding recipients were selected by the awarding committee, consisting of Hamburg industry experts Nina Müller (VP Publishing & Development Services, Goodgame Studios), Jonas Hüsges (Publishing Director, Daedalic Entertainment), Valentina Birke (Director Indie Arena Booth / Super Crowd Entertainment), Michael Schade (CEO & Co-Founder ROCKFISH Games) and Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg).
The Funded Projects 2025
- NeverLight by Nightless Games – € 80,000
- Pet Universe by Tivola Games – € 80,000
- Space Station Manager by gameXcite – € 80,000
- Unbreachable by Buckfish – € 72,000
- Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio – € 32,000
- Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs – € 30,000
NeverLight by Nightless Games
NeverLight is a dark, cooperative role-playing game with fantasy and extraction elements, in which up to three players act as hunters in an endless night in search of terrifying monsters and collect valuable loot. The game combines monster hunting with the excitement of having to bring each reward to safety with the team to receive it.
Pet Universe by Tivola Games
In the 3D animal shelter simulation “Pet Universe”, players build their animal shelter from the ground up, organize animal care, collect donations, and design the shelter grounds according to their own ideas. The aim is to care for the animals with their individual needs and to find them a loving home.
Space Station Manager by gameXcite
In this strategy building game with real-time space battles, players manage a space station that serves as a base for spaceships, battles, recruitment, and a strategy hub for missions. In addition to organizing the base, players manage their limited resources and various upgrades, improve crew morals, and explore the galaxy with their individual fleets.
Unbreachable by Buckfish
In the multiplayer strategy game “Unbreachable”, players build a fortress in each run that competes with ten castles of rival players. Players strategically construct the different fortress buildings to increase attack power or minimize weaknesses to climb the leaderboard in competition with other players.
Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio
In this sci-fi horror game with puzzle mechanics, players are trapped in the communication room of a remote research station during a toxic storm. To escape, they must coordinate the various crew members, decipher cryptic transmissions, and complete the research as the threatening situation escalates over several days.
Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs
In this humorous and fast-paced roguelite, players fight their way through space with their ship in order to escape from a capitalist alien dictatorship. Weapons, shields, upgrades for the engine, and customization of the ship determine the narrative of the game. Depending on the character chosen, the course of the game and the story told vary in several runs.
All detailed information on the teams and games can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/#Funded_Projects_2025
Developers, start-ups, and companies from Hamburg were able to apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s prototype funding from March 3 to April 7. In 2024, Gamecity Hamburg introduced a diversity checklist when applying for prototype funding, the answers to which can optionally be used by the awarding committee in the evaluation process.
The next application phase for prototype funding will start in spring 2026.
Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg
Each year, the Games Lift Incubator supports five teams, developers, and start-ups in the development of digital games. In addition to € 15,000 in start-up funding, the recipients receive a comprehensive coaching and mentoring program with international experts as well as workshops and follow-up individual support. Since 2024, the program has also included a visit to an international industry event.
Teams and developers can currently apply for the Games Lift Incubator until June 10.
All information can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/incubator/apply-now/
The post Gamecity Hamburg Supports six new Digital Games with Prototype Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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