Industry News
Poker site records a 92% increase in online poker interest during UK lockdown
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Online poker is experiencing a resurgence as more Brits are turning to playing than ever before as a result of lockdown, new research reveals.
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Online poker is also experiencing an influx of new players, as searches for ‘poker rules’ and ‘best poker hands’ rose by 87% and 282% in a month.
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GGPoker has witnessed a 92% increase in online poker interest since the UK lockdown began, as well as an increase of 102% in new users.
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Interest in Texas Hold’em poker has also increased by 292% month on month, while searches for ‘how to play poker’ have seen a 200% rise.
Online poker has seen a significant increase in interest since the UK lockdown began, leading to an influx of new players for online poker sites, new research shows.
Analysis of Google Search Trends and Analytics data conducted by online poker provider GGPoker shows that more Brits are turning to playing the popular card game to help pass the time while lockdown restrictions are in place.
The month following the UK heading into lockdown saw a massive 282% increase in searches for ‘best poker hand’, while searches for the top four poker hands are also up: royal flush (47%), straight flush (106%), four of a kind (66%) and full house (43%).
Looking at search trends over the past three months shows that interest in online poker has grown steadily since the end of February, with searches for ‘Texas Hold’em’ having increased by 292% month on month.
This increase is seemingly largely due to new players looking to take up poker, with searches for ‘how to play poker’ seeing a 200% increase month-on-month, ‘poker rules’ seeing a 98% rise and ‘poker hands’ seeing a 182% growth.
Interestingly, although players are no longer taking part in face-to-face tournaments, total searches for ‘how to bluff’ also increased by 144% in the first month, implying that players are keen to strengthen their strategy in preparation for when lockdown ends.
GGPoker’s own data shows that interest in online poker is up by 92% as measured by an increase in sessions on their UK site, which has led to a surge of 102% in new users.
Jean-Christophe Antoine, Head of the GGPoker Network, says: “With people looking for ways to pass the time and escape from the current climate, it’s no surprise that popular escapism activities like playing poker online have seen a substantial increase in interest over the past few months.
“We anticipate that poker engagement will continue to grow and we look forward to seeing how the market evolves as a result of old and new players alike continuing to refine, adapt and advance their online skills.”
Canadian poker sites have also seen a significant increase in interest over time among new players, as searches for ‘how to play poker’ have risen by 60%, ‘poker rules’ queries have increased by 21%, and ‘Texas Hold’em’ searches have grown by 42% month-on-month.
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Best Slot Developer
Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026
Amusnet has been awarded the title of Best Slot Developer at the GamingTECH Awards 2026, marking a notable acknowledgment of the company’s innovative and technical prowess. Unveiled on March 25th in Prague at the 10th-anniversary edition of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, this recognition emphasizes the influence of the company’s varied, high-achieving slot collection throughout Central and Eastern European markets.
This accolade highlights the organization’s capacity to provide a diverse array of titles that satisfy the changing needs of both operators and players. By prioritizing technical dependability, dynamic animations, and captivating features, Amusnet has positioned itself as a key partner in the area.
“We are truly honoured to receive the Best Slot Developer award,” commented Julia Peeva-Sertov, CEO & Director at Amusnet Gaming, Malta. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences for players. Empowering our partners continues to inspire us to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the industry.”
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit united industry leaders and top executives to explore the connection between gaming, AI, and fintech. During the event, representatives from Amusnet Gaming participated in strategic networking and high-level discussions within the industry, enhancing connections with partners in the CEE area. Winning this title at a milestone anniversary occasion reinforces the company’s position as an innovative leader in the digital entertainment industry.
The post Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Golf
Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience
Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.
Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.
Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.
The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.
Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”
The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.
The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI chat technology
Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry
Casinofy, a forward-thinking leader in the online casino space, announced the launch of its completely redesigned platform featuring cutting-edge AI chat technology, a modernised user interface and a suite of innovative features that position the company at the forefront of the iGaming industry.
A Bold Leap Forward in Online Casino Innovation
The newly redesigned Casinofy platform represents one of the most ambitious overhauls in the online casino sector. With a focus on user experience, intelligent personalisation and next-generation technology, Casinofy is redefining what players expect from an online gaming destination.
Key highlights of the new platform include:
• AI-Powered Chat Assistant — An intelligent, real-time chat system that provides instant player support, personalised game recommendations, responsible gaming guidance and seamless interaction — available 24/7 with human-like conversational ability.
• Complete UI/UX Redesign — A sleek, modern interface built for speed, accessibility and engagement across all devices, delivering an immersive experience from the first visit.
• Smart Personalization Engine — Leveraging AI to tailor game suggestions, promotions and content to each player’s unique preferences and play style.
• Enhanced Navigation and Game Discovery — Intuitive categorisation, advanced search and AI-driven recommendations that help players discover new favorites effortlessly.
AI Chat: A Game-Changer for Player Experience
At the heart of the new Casinofy experience is its proprietary AI chat system — a feature that goes far beyond traditional customer support. The AI assistant understands context, remembers player preferences and delivers instant, accurate responses on everything from game rules and bonus terms to account inquiries.
Unlike conventional chatbots, Casinofy’s AI chat is designed to enhance every touchpoint of the player journey, making it one of the most sophisticated implementations of artificial intelligence in the online casino industry to date.
Leading the Industry Through Innovation
While the online casino market continues to grow, few operators have invested as heavily in technology-driven differentiation as Casinofy. The new platform positions Casinofy among the most innovative operators globally, bridging the gap between traditional online gaming and the AI-first future of digital entertainment.
The Casinofy team said that they are not just keeping up with the industry, but setting the pace. The new platform is built on the belief that players deserve smarter, faster and more personalised experiences. They added that the integration of AI chat is just the beginning of what they have planned.
The post Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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