Interviews
“This summer will prove to be one to remember”: Exclusive interview with R Franco on its MGA Licence

With restrictions ending and a summer of sport ahead of us – we caught up with the MGA’s latest licensee, R Franco Digital, to talk through CCO Mario Benito’s vision for the coming months – with the Spanish supplier now poised for some very exciting expansion plans.
Congratulations on R Franco Digital’s recent MGA Licence! Can you tell us what it means for the company and your plans for the next 12 months?
For R Franco, the acquisition of the Critical Gaming Supply Licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) represents a major step forwards for the business, capping a period of growth the extends right across Europe and beyond. We are now currently licensed to operate in Spain, Colombia, Portugal, Belgium and now, Malta. Our plans for the next 12 months will be focused on this new market for us, which provides us with enormous opportunities to expand our business.
What key European markets does R Franco Digital see as holding major growth potential?
Not only is Spain a market that is close to our heart, given that it is our home and where the business originated in 1965, but it is also one that contains real potential for online growth going froward. We have significant experience in capturing the interest of land-based players – and offering them online as a channel, as well as a world-class digital offering to keep them there. The Netherlands is very much an established market in many ways, where local players already spend more money on gambling activities than in many other regulated markets in Europe, ahead of the new regulations that are set to come into being later this year. After that, you also have the German and Portuguese markets, where we also see significant growth possibilities.
How have the last year’s events shaped the gaming landscape in terms of player behaviour? Are players looking for different types of games?
The online gaming market around the world is very volatile – with plenty of variables at play. All of our competitors are innovating every day to create new, entertaining experiences for players and no supplier can afford to be left behind in that race. With players expecting more than ever from casino games, the market in turn is providing them with new possibilities. One example is the purchase of Free Spins, which was included as an option some time ago; now, there are very few slots in certain jurisdictions that do not integrate this feature.
How is R Franco Digital look to adjust its development pipeline to suit the new environment?
It is fair to say that our in-house development team is improving in leaps and bounds and the proof of that lies in the games themselves, which are getting better and better in order to serve the entertainment needs of players. We are specialists in the Spanish market – because that is where we have been present for the longest period – but our games have also proven to be popular in many other international markets including Portugal and Colombia, and we’re looking forward to building on that this year with our MGA licence.
Looking to your home market of Spain – how has this year shaped up so far – do you see the Spanish operators on track for recovery and a return of land-based?
It has indeed been a difficult year for Spanish operators. New regulations meant increased advertising restrictions and new rules around bonusing and this had the double impact of making it more difficult to attract new players and also to keep them. At the same time, this is a very versatile market and there is still plenty of room for manouevre, so we are sure that there will be a recovery. As one of the market’s leading players we look forward to helping drive that recovery – and we see plenty of potential for activity returning once the conditions are right.
Last but not least, what are your expectations for betting and casino this summer with the upcoming Euros?
It has been a year in the waiting, and we are sure that the delayed European Championships will prove to be successful in every way, with both betting and casino being part of that success. While domestic football leagues are not yet concluded, it will not be long before operators are able to reveal the special promotions they have been working on for so long, in order to capture the attention of their customers. Without a doubt, this summer will prove to be one to remember – and casino has plenty of opportunity to capture the interest of not only sports betting fans, but also traditional land-based players who want to join in this summer’s action online while indoor restrictions are still in place.
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Interviews
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame

Online casinos are in a race to meet the growing demands of players, but many operators are being left behind. Slow payment systems, high transaction fees, and outdated software are limiting growth and hurting the player experience. But with the right tools, operators can break free from these limitations and create fluid, player-first experiences.
Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, offers solutions that many operators have been waiting for. With NuxGame’s crypto-ready turnkey platform, operators can quickly solve common issues and roll out future-forward digital casinos that appeal to modern players. The crypto market is growing fast, with an expected $5 billion by 2030. Find out in this interview how making the most of crypto can take your casino to the next level and leave competitors behind.
The impact of crypto in iGaming is undeniable. Bar, do you believe Bitcoin is here to stay, or are we just seeing the beginning of a temporary trend?
The truth is, Bitcoin and crypto are here to stay, and it’s not just a “cool new thing” for players. They offer fast transactions, more security, and a level of transparency that players are increasingly looking for. The iGaming scene is modernizing, and those who aren’t adopting crypto solutions are definitely going to fall behind. You don’t want to watch everyone else pass you by.
So how does NuxGame support the crypto trend? What makes your platform stand out in this fast paced environment?
At NuxGame, we’re not simply handing over a crypto solution and calling it a day. We provide a fully integrated crypto casino software solution that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, but more importantly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our customer service managers understand that each operator has unique priorities, so we work closely with you to make sure that everything works exactly the way you want it. The dashboard shows everything in real-time, while players get quicker transactions and a better overall game. And the best part is that you’re not left alone with the system integration. Our team is always ready to make your operations work exactly how you want.
I know you’ve got a lot of experience with turnkey solutions. What makes NuxGame’s turnkey casino solution a perfect fit for operators looking to add crypto into their business?
The whole idea behind a turnkey casino solution is to give operators everything they need to go live as soon as possible. When you add crypto, that means offering everything from crypto-friendly payment systems to blockchain-backed gaming for transparency and security. But the important part is that it’s not merely about putting a “crypto” label on your website and leaving it at that. We provide full integration with multi-coin support, crypto bonuses, and even real-time analytics. For operators, it’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing that upon making the switch, everything works — and it works fast. No waiting, no stress, just a revenue-boosting crypto experience. And you’ll be seeing profits in no time. Because you’ll get the tools to start engaging players immediately.
Bar, let’s talk about the notable transition from traditional casinos to online. Are operators who come from land-based casinos jumping on the crypto train? How are they adapting?
Absolutely! A lot of traditional operators are taking their first steps into the online scene and realizing crypto’s impact in it all. They already have local brand recognition, and now it’s time to take that trust and build it online. The great thing is, with crypto, they don’t have to worry about those annoying international payment delays or high fees. We help them adapt without the growing pains, offering localization for both payments and content. It’s basically taking what they already know and applying it to the online space: no need to rebuild everything. You’ve got your brand and audience — now let us help you go digital. It’s that easy.
One last thing: with all the changes happening in the iGaming space, especially with the crypto’s growing presence, what do you think operators should be focusing on in 2025?
2025 is all about speed and adaptability. Markets are moving at record pace, and operators who are stuck in the “perfect platform” mentality are going to miss the boat. Players expect fast, secure experiences, and with crypto, that’s what they get. But to keep up, operators need to launch fast, learn fast, and be ready to grow quickly. That means not over-complicating things: you don’t need to build from zero when you’ve got the right tools. With platforms like ours, operators can quickly adapt to trends, integrate new features, and focus on what really matters: delivering a fantastic player experience. The market’s moving, and those who move with it are the ones who win.
The post Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brazil
Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM

Looking Back: Growth & Achievements
FBMDS is celebrating five years of expansion and innovation. How would you describe the brand’s journey during this time?
Our journey over the past five years has been one of bold moves, strategic growth, and relentless innovation. As part of the FBM® Group, we began as pioneers in Video Bingo, but our vision extended far beyond that. We have focused on delivering profitable products to our clients and engaging gaming experiences to players. By expanding into multiple gaming categories and strengthening our global presence in key markets like Mexico and Brazil, we have redefined what a localized, player-centric gaming experience should be.
What were the key milestones that shaped FBMDS’ success over the past five years?
Several milestones have defined our success. First, our solidification as a market leader in Video Bingo and Lotto Games, setting the gold standard with best-seller products like Multi Mega, Power Pick Lotto, and Champion IV. Our leadership in Video Bingo is reinforced by unique features like the jackpot system, Magic Ball, and attractive paytables, all of which drive engagement and retention.
Second, our presence at international trade shows has played a crucial role in strengthening relationships with key partners and clients while reinforcing our brand positioning, as seen in events like G2E Las Vegas 2024. Lastly, our rapid expansion in the LATAM region, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, has solidified FBMDS as a trusted and respected brand in a highly competitive landscape.
What has been the most significant challenge, and how did FBMDS overcome it?
The online gaming industry is highly competitive, and differentiation is key. Our challenge was to deliver games that not only stood out but also ensured profitability for operators and engaging experiences for players. We tackled this by investing in customization, localization, and innovation—ensuring that every product aligns with the preferences of specific markets. Our ability to adapt game mechanics, themes, and retention strategies has positioned us ahead of the competition, creating unique gaming experiences that drive business success.
Product Evolution & Market Leadership
FBMDS has built a strong reputation in Video Bingo. How has this segment evolved, and what makes FBMDS a leader in this category?
Video Bingo is our DNA, and we have continuously pushed its evolution by refining gameplay mechanics, introducing engaging themes, and incorporating advanced technology to enhance user experience. Our commitment to differentiation sets us apart: our jackpot feature, the Magic Ball, and attractive paytables are tailored to maximize player engagement and operator profitability. Customization is at the heart of our strategy, ensuring our games resonate with local markets and drive long-term success.
Among FBMDS’ product portfolio, do you have a personal favorite? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d highlight our Video Bingo games because they represent our legacy and continued leadership in the industry. We believe Video Bingo is an essential asset for any online casino, as it offers a nostalgic yet modern experience, combining interactive features with high retention rates. Our jackpot system enhances player excitement, while innovative game mechanics keep engagement levels high. In addition, our crash games showcase our adaptability and innovation, delivering high-quality visuals and dynamic gameplay. These two categories reflect our strategic pillars: player engagement and profitable gaming solutions for operators.
Future Outlook & Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, what’s the vision for FBMDS’ next five years?
We are just getting started. Our vision is to expand our influence by continuously delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences that drive profitability for operators. While we maintain our leadership in Video Bingo, we are also focused on strengthening our position in other gaming verticals. We will continue investing in localized, player-driven innovation, ensuring that every product we launch enhances both player experience and operator success.
Brazil is a key market with huge potential. How does FBMDS plan to strengthen its presence in this region?
Brazil is a strategic priority for us. With regulatory developments and increasing demand for online gaming, we see tremendous opportunities to expand. Our approach is centered on offering tailored gaming experiences that resonate with Brazilian players, ensuring our products align with their cultural and gaming preferences. Additionally, we are forging strategic partnerships with operators to facilitate seamless and impactful expansion in the region, ensuring that our games drive engagement and profitability for our partners.
Innovation & What’s Next
Can you share any insights about upcoming products or features that FBMDS is working on?
Absolutely. We are developing a new generation of Video Bingo games featuring advanced jackpot systems, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and even more engaging features tailored to player preferences. Our goal is to create experiences that keep players entertained while maximizing operator revenue. In addition, we are working on new slots and bonus structures designed to drive engagement and profitability, ensuring that FBMDS remains at the forefront of gaming innovation.
What can operators and players expect from FBMDS in the near future?
A: More expansion, more innovation, and an even stronger, more diverse gaming portfolio. Players can expect cutting-edge experiences featuring interactive and rewarding mechanics, while operators will benefit from flexible, high-performance gaming solutions designed to optimize engagement and profitability. We are committed to maintaining our leadership in Video Bingo while continuously evolving to meet market demands.
Final Thoughts
After five years of continuous growth, what message would you like to share with FBMDS’ partners and players?
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to our players, partners, and the entire FBMDS team. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our journey. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences, driving profitability for our partners, and continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation. The best is yet to come!
If you had to describe FBMDS’ journey in one word, what would it be?
Transformational.
The post Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Interviews
Irina Laivina, Media 24: “Our content is meant to educate and entertain”

We’ve sat down with Irina Laivina, Head of Content at affiliate marketing company Media 24, to discuss how iGaming content could evolve, the key elements of a successful content strategy, the traits of top content managers, and more.
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to the iGaming industry?
Since childhood, I have been attracted to philology and the study of foreign languages. After university, I realized that content creation was where I could combine my passion for languages with creativity. When I moved to Latvia and changed my social circle, I became more and more drawn into the world of iGaming. Over time, this industry fascinated me so much that I found my professional niche there.
I started at Media24 as a senior content manager, where I introduced new ideas to improve both content and design. These changes had a positive impact on our business goals, eventually leading to my promotion to head of the content department. Now, I continue to optimize and shape our content strategy.
How do you see the role of content evolving in the iGaming affiliate marketing industry over the next five years?
In affiliate marketing content will still play a key role, especially for the SEO-driven affiliate companies. But the way we will create and deliver it will change. The average reader today is more demanding than ever, expecting more value in the content he consumes daily, and willing to spend less time doing it.
The number of content sources has also increased now, too, and that has created many additional angles and opportunities. There’s live streaming, new social media formats, short form videos, and everything in between. So you have to think outside of the traditional strategies and experiment with new ways to connect with your audience to keep up.
Mobile traffic dominance will require adapting for the relevant formats. This trend is already happening globally and will only develop further. Internally, we are following along and are aligning our design and content strategies. Everything must be optimized for mobile-first consumption today.
What are the key elements that make up a successful content strategy in your opinion?
The best content strategy starts with clear goals. At Media 24, we believe that our content should educate and entertain, not take advantage of players. We aim to be a source of helpful information for the reader, not just a platform to promote iGaming brands. In a world of informational overload, your content should be focused on providing real value. Users love it, and search engines prioritize this kind of content too.
We are thinking about the long-term perspective. If content that we produce helps a reader to find what he’s looking for, and is engaging, search engines will naturally rank it higher. So for us it’s not a question of how we can exploit the algorithms, but what is the best way to help a reader make an educated decision.
What role does SEO play in shaping the content strategy at Media 24, and how do both teams collaborate for the best results?
At Media 24 content and SEO departments always work hand by hand. It’s hard to imagine our success without close communication between the two teams. We work closely together to develop content plans, conduct competitor analysis, and rely on the SEO team to guide us in the right direction with their data-driven insights. From there, we apply our editorial expertise to make sure our content is relevant, valuable and helpful. So the SEO team navigates us strategically, while the content department is responsible for creating valuable content that keeps readers coming for more.
When building your team, what traits do you value most in a content manager, and why?
For a content manager, first of all, the key thing is attention to details. In content creation, even small errors can affect credibility, user experience, and performance, so precision is key. I also highly appreciate the initiative and the desire for learning new things. The industry does not stand still, so a good content manager is constantly exploring new tools, trends and working methods, offering fresh ideas and solutions.
We work with 90+ geos and with such a reach it’s very important for the content to be relevant to every country niche specifics and language. That’s why we prioritize hiring native speakers and local experts in every given market. The ones that have a deep understanding of cultural nuances, player preferences and market regulations. This guarantees our content is authentic and resonates with readers in every region.
Are there any long-term goals you’re focusing on at Media 24?
I would really like to optimize all our processes as much as possible. This is something that we are working on actively, and we see that the development of technology can assist us in that. For example, we are currently exploring how we can use the possibilities of AI agents to save time for our team. The main goal is to create smarter work processes.
AI will not replace human content creators, as it lacks originality and niche-specific expertise. But this technology can enhance how we work in many ways. That’s why we’re already developing AI-driven solutions to speed-up our operations and assist us in different repetitive tasks. Once we are able to automate routine and time-consuming parts of our work, this will allow the content team to focus more on creativity and strategy. So by experimenting with AI, we’re not replacing creativity. We are giving it extra space.
The post Irina Laivina, Media 24: “Our content is meant to educate and entertain” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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