Industry News
‘Quality of Content Missing in Operator Retention Strategies’
Play’n GO’s Chief Commercial Officer Magnus Olsson delivered his verdict on the importance of using content to drive operator retention strategies on a standout panel at the 2023 iGaming Next conference in Valletta, Malta.
Joined by the CEOs of Crucial Compliance and Aspire Global, Olsson highlighted how the drive towards regulation in many markets had made player acquisition costs so high that ‘retention strategies through great content are what everyone needs to invest more in’.
While the panel moved to discuss the importance of RTP levels in retention strategies, Olsson added,
“I think it’s more about the content than RTP. If you’re a good supplier, you can design a game that is engaging and entertaining and has loads of both acquisition and retention capabilities.
“If you look at mechanics and volatility, I would say those two things are far more important [than RTP levels] in retention strategies.
“I think what’s missing in retention strategies today is an emphasis on the quality of content and entertainment value.”
The panel went on to discuss the importance of giving players a good experience immediately after you’ve paid to acquire that player, but that the slots game they land on first to play didn’t really matter.
Olsson disagreed with this view strongly and said,
“If your first experience in online casino is with a game that has a base game that just goes on and on, and basically has been designed for functionality like bonus buys, you end up with a very very bad customer experience – that person will probably never return to online slots. It’s not a good start.
“The first game a player sees has to be a high-quality game. One that really captures the player. I don’t think that a winning experience is required if they get to enjoy a high-quality, entertaining game.”
The discussion moved onto how markets, and therefore players, differ and Olsson was able to highlight the strength of the Play’n GO portfolio. He said:
“We have some amazing games in our portfolio that were released a few years ago like Lady of Fortune, which is perfect for markets with a strong land-based history and it’s nice to see them coming back in popularity – especially as it’s medium volatility with a relatively low max win of 500x. It shows that great games that are fun to play trump everything else.
“Where I think the industry can do better is to not focus so much on short-term thinking – what’s the latest release only etc.. – and get away from predatory functionality games in your retention strategies.”
Finally, the panel discussed VIP players and the future of revenue generation in a regulated reality. Olsson added,
“The old ‘80/20’ rule, where 80 per cent of the revenue comes from 20 per cent of the players in certain markets, like Germany, the UK, other markets in Europe, is gone forever.
“What Play’n GO would like to see is marketing that adjusts to this new reality. Where recreational and social players are the main audience. We aren’t seeing that yet.”
International Game Technology has won seven awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show. The EKG Slot Awards Show is a performance-based, annual programme produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) that recognizes excellence in slot game development in the casino gaming industry. IGT won the most awards of any gaming industry supplier, taking home trophies for seven of the program’s 25 categories.
IGT won the following categories at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show:
• Top Performing NEW Premium Game: Tiger and Dragon Cash on Reels
• Most Innovative Land-Based Game: Tiger and Dragon Cash on Reels
• Top Performing 3rd Party IP Branded Game: Whitney Houston Slots
• Top Performing Game – EMEA: Magic Treasures Dragon
• Top Performing NEW Video Poker/Keno Game: Mega Hot Poker
• Top Performing NEW Online Table Game: Blackjack Poker & Pairs Surrender
• Best Overall Supplier of Online Content: IGT PlayDigital
“IGT winning seven awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show is a significant achievement that speaks to our performance momentum across multiple product categories and the immense talent and dedication of IGT employees worldwide. We look forward to continuing to help our customers benefit from these strong IGT themes in 2025 and beyond via follow-up games for Tiger and Dragon, Whitney Houston Slots, Magic Treasures and Mega Hot Poker,” said Nick Khin, IGT President, Global Gaming.
“It was exciting to see IGT PlayDigital honored at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show in the most esteemed iGaming category, ‘Best Overall Supplier of Online Content,’ and recognized with the ‘Top Performing NEW Online Table Game’ award for Blackjack Poker & Pairs Surrender. Developing and delivering market-leading content and performance tools is a cornerstone of IGT PlayDigital’s strategy and I wish to congratulate the entire team on these remarkable accomplishments,” said Gil Rotem, IGT PlayDigital President.
The post IGT Wins Seven Awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AskGamblers hits a new milestone by surpassing 700,000 registered members on the website. Since 2006, AskGamblers provides accurate and reliable information on online casinos, sportsbooks, bonuses and more, with the motto Get the Truth. Then Play.
The website has grown, but not only in numbers. In 2024, AskGamblers introduced a comprehensive sports betting section where users can access sportsbook reviews, live scores, odds calculators and find exclusive deals.
Additionally, AskGamblers hosts the annual AskGamblers Awards, a prestigious event where players can nominate and vote for their favourites in four categories: Best Casino, Best New Casino, Best New Slot and Best Sportsbook, but six additional industry awards are handed out during the gala ceremony.
Dijana Radunović, General Manager at AskGamblers, said: “Reaching the milestone of 700,000 registered players is remarkable. It’s great to see new players coming in daily, but the fact that they remain active is what’s truly special!”
The post AskGamblers Surpasses 700,000 Registered Members appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Irina Rusimova, Amusnet’s Chief Commercial Officer, gave a video interview at ICE Barcelona 2025, the premier iGaming event, sharing insights on the company’s business priorities and future strategic vision. The event provided an ideal platform for Amusnet to showcase its latest innovations and set the tone for the year ahead. With a strong presence across the Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-Based verticals, the company reaffirmed its position as a leading all-casino solutions provider.
“In 2025, our strategic focus remains on expanding in key markets across Europe and Latin America. Our teams in Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Croatia, Malta, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Georgia, Serbia, and LATAM will continue working closely with partners to deliver tailored content that meets regional player preferences,” said Irina Rusimova.
“We started the year strong with our successful launch in Brazil, certifying over 160 games and becoming one of the first providers in the newly regulated market. We aim to deepen our market position by offering localized content and collaborating with local operators.
“We will continue reinforcing our relationships with international partners to ensure Amusnet’s games reach diverse audiences worldwide.”
As part of its strategic expansion into LATAM, Amusnet participates as a Headline Platinum Sponsor at SBC Rio from February 25 to 27 at stand B680. The company will showcase popular slots such as 20 Golden Coins, Candy Palace, Cocktail Rush, and Hot Deco, along with new titles like Stoichkov #8, Cavemen & Dinosaurs, and Dancing Dead. It will also unveil new jackpot systems and promotional tools designed to boost player engagement. Attendees can explore Type S, Amusnet’s first-ever slot cabinet series, crafted to meet the highest standards of the global land-based casino industry, and discover Crazy Red, a highly anticipated cascade slot featuring the “tumbling reels” mechanic, vibrant characters and exciting features.
The post Amusnet CCO Irina Rusimova Unveils 2025 Business Strategy and Vision appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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