Interviews
Exclusive interview: Lucksome director Bryan Upton
Lucksome, the new games studio powered by Blueprint Gaming, has launched its first ever slot with the release of Divine Links. In this exclusive interview with European Gaming, Lucksome director Bryan Upton discusses the studio’s ambitions to deliver games that hand further control over to the player, as well as it plans over the coming months
Tell us more about Lucksome, how do you intend to differentiate yourselves?
Bryan Upton (BU): We intend to provide players with better game information, communicating clearly on how our games will feel to play and what they can expect from each Lucksome title. This gives the end user a more informed choice about our games. With Divine Links, the first release from Lucksome, players will find that there are options on how they want to play, which enables them to drive the action across the gameplay.
In addition, we’re localising games in key markets to provide more attuned gaming experiences, with translated game names for more familiarity for those players. Clean graphics, along with strong and bold presentation, are key characteristics of our slots for players to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.
The first release includes new features Lux Reels. What was the inspiration behind these new concepts and how do they work? Will they feature in future releases?
BU: Lux Reels Lucksome Locks absolutely achieves that, as there’s still some suspense as to whether the bonus will be activated or not.
Are there any particular markets you are targeting with Divine Links and future Lucksome games? BU: The ambition of Lucksome is target global markets with our content, but some of our games will be aimed at specific markets or market clusters. We see differing tastes from Eastern to Western and Northern to Southern European countries, as well as further flung countries. You can be sure to expect games coming from us looking at clusters of countries with commonalities.
For a new games studio, how important is the support of Blueprint Gaming in elevating the reach of your content?
BU: It’s huge for us. Blueprint Gaming and the team have done an absolutely cracking job with their distribution, the technology and capabilities of the games development system. Small studios need strong distribution and support in order to achieve success. Blueprint has all of this with its ever growing network of operators.
They’ve been great people and partners to work with, as well as being incredibly supportive and understanding about the need for studios to have their own brand, identity and approach to game design. They’ve given us a playground to innovate within, so expect some great things to come!
What kinds of new games and features can we expect from Lucksome for the rest of the year? BU: We only kicked off in September 2020 as a studio, so we’re just getting our first games under our belt and are really picking up steam and have come a very long way already.
Expect the quality within our games to increase, as well as the functionality and features to more innovative. We’re working on something very special at the moment. I can’t really say too much but with the support and collaboration of the Blueprint team, we’ll be announcing something truly unique, innovative and big this year.
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HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to welcome NSoft, an awarded software provider in the betting and gaming industry, as a key participant in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Zlatan Omerspahić, Head of Legal and Compliance at NSoft, to explore the challenges of entering the Brazilian market, the company’s new slot development plans, and the latest updates on its Next Gen Platform and Sportsbook solutions.
As new markets emerge, compliance requirements continue to evolve. What are the biggest regulatory challenges NSoft faces when certifying its portfolio for international expansion, and how do you navigate them?
When facing a new regulatory framework or amendments, one of the main challenges is determining how to adapt your existing portfolio. On the one hand, you need to comply with regulations; on the other, you must remain attractive to players.
Each market typically has its own set of technical standards. Some European jurisdictions require Random Number Generator (RNG) certification from specific labs. Different U.S. states mandate unique reporting formats for game logs or jackpot payouts.
The modular architecture allows us to develop games and platforms that can be easily adapted or toggled on/off for specific features required by different regulators. Our dedicated compliance team tracks each market’s technical updates. We have established an internal process to quickly evaluate and implement changes and we work closely with accredited labs (e.g., GLI, BMM) that have experience across multiple jurisdictions. Early and regular testing in these labs can speed up certification.
The biggest challenge lies in anticipating all necessary steps so that both you and your client have a clear understanding of the time to market. Securing licenses can be expensive and time-consuming.
Some markets, like the UK, have strict guidelines under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Others, such as Malta, follow the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requirements. The frameworks can vary significantly in scope. Separate licensing is often needed for each new product type (e.g., sports betting vs. online slots).
We start with smaller or simpler markets to fine-tune our processes before moving on to the bigger, more complex ones. We maintain a comprehensive library of corporate and technical documentation (policies, procedures, financial statements) so it can be adapted quickly for each new licensing application.
Different regions have different data privacy requirements. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU requires strict controls on handling personal data, with hefty fines for noncompliance. Some markets have data localization rules (e.g., certain Latin American or Asian regions) requiring that customer data remain on local servers.
We integrate encryption, access controls, and clear data retention policies from the outset. Working with hosting and cloud providers who offer local data centers where required, ensures we meet data residency requirements. We maintain comprehensive privacy policies that clearly outline data usage, storage, and protection mechanisms.
iGaming operators are prime targets for illicit money flows because of high-volume transactions. Regulators impose strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, including identity verification, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.
What to do here? Integrate robust KYC and AML software that automatically flags unusual betting patterns or rapid deposit/withdrawal cycles. Tailor AML protocols to match the specific risk profiles of each jurisdiction. High-risk areas might require enhanced due diligence measures.
Each regulation has its own requirements, and regulatory bodies lack a uniform approach, so there is no single stance on the matter. Fortunately, thanks to my team of experienced professionals who have been in the industry for many years, we can quickly adjust to whatever these regulations entail.
The Brazilian market is currently undergoing significant regulatory changes. From a compliance perspective, what are the key hurdles for suppliers entering this market, and how is NSoft ensuring full adherence to local requirements?
Brazil has undoubtedly been the most important topic in the industry over the past few months. As part of the Sportradar Group, we have big plans for this market and are excited about the opportunities it offers.
From a regulatory standpoint, Brazil is a textbook example of a market transitioning from unregulated to regulated status for the first time. It naturally creates uncertainty and complexity for suppliers entering the market.
The challenges we encountered are interpreting new and evolving legislation around sports betting, online gaming, and taxation, each of which may require different licenses or technical approvals. We also faced regulatory changes during the certification process, which prolonged our time to market.
Also, data protection rules under Brazil’s LGPD mirror GDPR in some respects but introduce distinct obligations, such as potential data localization or particular reporting guidelines. In parallel, suppliers must adapt to local financial and banking processes to fulfill AML and KYC requirements, which can differ significantly from those in North America or Europe.
Through close collaboration with leading certification bodies, we worked diligently to meet all requirements.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our development team, we managed to overcome these challenges. However, there is a sense that the regulatory framework may need further adjustments after some time, once the newly regulated environment begins functioning in practice.
NSoft has been expanding its casino portfolio, particularly in slot development. How do compliance and regulatory standards shape the innovation process, and what are the biggest challenges when launching new video slots?
Balancing innovation and regulation is always challenging. While development focuses on creating the highest-quality product tailored to players’ preferences, regulation aims to protect players through a framework that covers various aspects.
We face a range of challenges, from game design and RTP percentages specific to certain markets to acceptable game names and mechanics.
In highly regulated jurisdictions, for example, a new slot might need to limit the maximum bet, include automatic loss or time-limits, or remove potentially addictive features such as rapid-fire spins.
The biggest challenge lies in balancing innovation with meeting these stringent regulations. Each game feature, like bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, or social elements, must be tested and certified by third-party labs, adding time and cost to the development cycle. Additionally, different markets might impose unique conditions on how results are displayed or how player data is stored.
What sets us apart, however, is our adaptability. We have in-house solutions for everything we offer, which makes the adaptation process significantly faster.
Your Next Gen Sportsbook Platform is built with a strong punter-centric approach. How does regulatory compliance play a role in platform development, and what steps does NSoft take to ensure both operators and players benefit from a secure and compliant environment?
Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of NSoft’s Next Gen Sportsbook Platform, ensuring that both operators and players benefit from a secure, fair, and legally compliant environment.
Given the ever-evolving nature of global betting regulations, NSoft integrates compliance into every stage of platform development. NSoft’s platform is designed to meet the strictest regulatory requirements across various markets, supporting compliance with multiple gambling authorities, including the MGA, UKGC, and local regulators, to facilitate seamless licensing and adherence to legal frameworks.
As a speaker at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, what key insights will you be sharing with the audience? What makes this event an essential platform for discussing the intersection of compliance, innovation, and market expansion?
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, I will share key insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of technology in compliance, and how innovation drives sustainable market expansion. My primary focus will be on the Balkan countries.
This event is crucial for networking with regulators and industry leaders, giving direct insights into what’s next in compliance, technology, and market growth. It’s the perfect platform for staying ahead of regulatory challenges and finding practical solutions.
With NSoft at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Navigating Compliance & Innovation: NSoft’s Vision for iGaming’s Future appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Navigating New Frontiers: Relax Gaming’s Approach to Growth & Market Expansion
HIPTHER, organiser of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to present Relax Gaming, the Summit’s Delegates Bag Sponsor and a key player in the iGaming industry. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Cliona Griffin, Business Development Manager, Casino at Relax Gaming, to explore their approach to market expansion, transparent competitive strategies, and what to expect from their presence at the Summit.
Relax Gaming has built a strong reputation as a premium aggregator and supplier in the iGaming space. How does your approach to business development ensure that Relax Gaming stays ahead in an increasingly competitive market?
We’re always focused on being one of the industry’s most innovative providers, both in terms of the content we produce and the platform we offer. By constantly evolving our products and maintaining a strong commercial framework, we ensure that Relax Gaming remains a key player in the market.
Our competitive and fair commercial approach has been instrumental in strengthening our presence in existing markets while also enabling smooth entry into new ones. It’s all about staying agile and forward-thinking to ensure our partners get the best possible experience when working with us.
A competitive yet transparent commercial structure is a core focus for Relax Gaming. How do you strike the right balance between offering competitive deals while maintaining transparency with partners and operators?
I think both fairness and transparency are key to building long-term relationships with our partners. That’s why we apply the same commercial structure across the board in each market, ensuring that every partner has a clear and equal opportunity to succeed.
This approach not only makes our offering competitive, but it also gives our partners confidence in knowing they’re working with a provider that values consistency and openness. By keeping things straightforward and fair, we create a commercial environment that benefits operators.
With new markets constantly evolving, what key factors influence Relax Gaming’s decision-making when entering and expanding into emerging markets? Are there any specific regions that are currently on your radar?
When looking at new markets, we take a strategic and measured approach to ensure that any expansion aligns with our business objectives asl well as the needs of our partners.
One of the biggest factors we consider is regulatory complexity. Each market comes with its own set of rules, and we need to ensure that we can operate efficiently while fully complying with local requirements. Beyond compliance, we assess the potential return on investment, evaluating market size, player demand, and long-term sustainability to determine whether it’s the right fit for Relax Gaming and our network of operators.
Right now, we’re actively monitoring several European markets that show strong growth potential. However, our primary focus for H1 this year is expanding our presence in the US. The region presents exciting opportunities, and we’re working to establish a solid foothold by leveraging our expertise and proven content portfolio to meet the needs of operators and players in this market.
Given the dynamic nature of the industry, how does Relax Gaming adapt its offerings to support both new and existing operators in maximising their revenues?
We take a very hands-on approach when it comes to supporting our partners. Our Account Management team works closely with operators to help them maximise revenue by tailoring strategies to suit their needs. Whether it’s optimising game performance or identifying new opportunities, we’re always looking for ways to add value.
On the content side, we’re also moving towards a more bespoke approach, adapting our offering to fit the demands of different markets and player preferences. This flexibility allows us to continue delivering high-quality, relevant content that keeps engagement levels high.
As a speaker at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, what key insights will you be sharing with the audience? And what makes this event an essential platform for discussing the future of iGaming?
I’m looking forward to sharing how Relax Gaming approaches market expansion, focusing on how we assess new opportunities, navigate regulatory challenges, and use our aggregation model to drive growth.
I’ll also highlight the importance of localisation and how we tailor our content to different markets while supporting operators with the tools they need to maximise engagement. With the industry evolving rapidly, staying ahead of trends is key, and I’ll touch on the innovations shaping the future of iGaming.
Events like this are a great chance to connect, exchange ideas, and gain insights into what’s next for the industry, making it an essential platform for discussion and collaboration.
With Relax Gaming bringing its expertise to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Navigating New Frontiers: Relax Gaming’s Approach to Growth & Market Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Katya Machuganova, Gaming Product and Partnership Manager at Silverback Gaming, lifts the lid on the studio’s first crash title and explains why it will hit the market as a social game before being rolled out in the real money format
Silverback’s first crash game is set to hit the market shortly. What more can you tell us about the game ahead of its launch?
We are super excited to launch our first crash game, but the details are a closely guarded secret for now. What I can say is that the design concept is in place, the gameplay has been set, and we are now working on the creative assets. Then it’s just a case of bringing all the elements together. But this being Silverback, it’s not going to be a standard crash game – we are adding plenty of unique twists to take the anticipation and thrills to the next level. We are on track to send the game to Gaming Laboratories International for testing toward the end of March with go-live scheduled for April. The initial roll-out will be in the simulated gaming format with real money to follow.
How will you ensure your crash game stands out in what is an increasingly competitive market?
Players love crash games because of the control they have over the outcome of the game round. They get to choose when to cash out, with experienced players often having their own strategies for deciding the optimal moment to hit the button. It’s this active participation that really gets pulses racing so with our crash game, we are going to be giving players even more control. Crash games generally appeal to players looking to take big risks in return for big rewards, so players will also be able to toggle the risk level to match their preferences. This degree of personalisation and control is simply not offered by the current crash games in the market.
Why did you decide to launch your crash game in the social/simulated gaming format before real-money?
Demand for our simulated gaming content is at an all-time high with many of our partners looking to tap into the huge opportunity the market presents – last year, social gaming was estimated to be worth $12.77bn and is set to hit £23.05bn by 2032. As a provider of both simulated gaming and real money content, it’s our responsibility to provide our partners with the content they need, when they need it. Crash is also perfectly suited to the simulated gaming format – because players can’t win real money, they like to place big bets (with virtual currency) so they can experience the thrill of big wins. This is exactly what crash provides. Of course, we’ll be releasing our crash game in real-money shortly after its debut as a social title.
Has the game been developed for players in a specific market or are you going global with it?
Silverback Gaming is mostly focused on the North American market, although our games are certified in jurisdictions like Malta and Italy. Given our exposure to the US and Canada, we ensure that our games meet player preferences in these markets although they still hit the mark with players in the other jurisdictions where they are offered. The crash format is super initiative and easy to understand, which means crash games can be deployed in most markets, from North America to Europe, Asia and Africa, and very quickly rise to the top of the charts.
Do studios need to have a crash game in their portfolio?
We think so. Studios need to provide the content operators – and their players – are seeking and we are increasingly seeing this demand shift towards non-traditional content. At Silverback, we want to provide our partners with a broad range of content across different formats, and that’s why our portfolio covers slots, table games and now crash, and in both social and real-money formats. Pushing into new formats is also great fun for our designers, sound engineers and developers, and we give them the freedom and flexibility to push the boundaries as that’s how we can ultimately bring new and exciting experiences to players.
What makes crash such an interesting space for studios to move into?
Because the format is relatively new there is huge scope for studios to really play around with it. From themes to mechanics and even elements like control and risk, we are only just scratching the surface of the crash format. If you were to compare crash to slots, we are in the classic phase right now with the video slots phase still to come. This is why we will see an innovation race play out in the crash vertical, with studios looking to be the first to bring something new to the table that then sets the standard for others to follow.
How can operators get the most out of crash games?
It’s still very early days for the crash format so operators do need to educate players as to how these games work and why they are such fun to play. Thought needs to be given to lobby positioning, too. To encourage players to try to crash for the first time, offering a free bets offer works well or letting them play a social version if the game is available in this format. This is part of the reason why we have developed and launched our first crash title in the simulated gaming format.
The post What happens when the worlds of crash and social collide appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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