Interviews
Exclusive Q&A w/ Stuart McCarthy, Head of Product & Program at Yggdrasil
Games designed to piggyback on popular entertainment themes have been proven to perform well in emerging online markets including the United States. With exclusive IP rights often very expensive, we look at the key factors involved in creating games that appeal to fans of well-loved films, TV shows and video games.
What are the main aspects to consider when designing a game that can tap into the buzz around an upcoming release in the world of entertainment?
At Yggdrasil, we released our first Vikings game a few years after the hit TV series Vikings first aired. It was mainly developed to tie in with the norse mythology and our Scandinavian heritage, however it cannot be denied that the game series’ popularity has been boosted by the large following of the TV show.
Vikings is of course a large part of Nordic history and has been portrayed numerous times in popular culture and therefore also makes a good theme for slot games. Our Vikings portfolio has been further enhanced with each new title we release. Just like a TV series or a film, we have developed characters that return in all of the games, and we create a storyline around them. This way, we build some familiarity which ensures players come back.
What types of content – genre of film or TV show, for example – are suitable for designing a game around, and are there any which are out of bounds?
Out of bounds is an interesting term. Over the years, there would have been a lot of taboo topics that we didn’t go near but that seems to have changed with the advent of more ‘challenging’ themes for slot games seen recently.
Back on topic, game shows have always been the obvious cross over between mainstream TV and gaming with Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Deal or No Deal being prime examples of where players fundamentally understand the mechanics and are therefore comfortable or excited to play the slot because they have watched the shows.
Outside of that, the world is your oyster really and working with existing popular themes gives developers real scope to think outside the box and really be creative. Most themes can be turned into a game and if it works for film and TV, it’s likely to be also popular with slot players. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from just film and TV, with video games for example being another great source for ideas. Many popular video games have later been turned into films and TV, highlighting that it can go both ways. The trick is then to ensure the mechanics and features of the slot work well with the theme to create an exciting and entertaining experience.
Is it more important to consider creating this type of content with an eye on emerging markets, where typical online game genres might be less familiar?
I wouldn’t say so. Often, big hit shows, films or video games become a global phenomenon, meaning a casino product with a particular theme will appeal to a wide audience across numerous markets. When we develop our content, we always try to ensure it will attract as many player demographics as possible, and often themes from popular culture works really well.
What legal aspects need to be considered to avoid straying too close to an original IP?
We don’t try to imitate or copy existing franchises, we want to create our own take, inspired by a popular theme. We therefore work hard to develop our own characters and stories, as showcased in the Vikings series.
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affilliate
BlueBull.tech strengthens as AffPlus.io launches new LatAm affiliate assets
In less than a year since its launch, BlueBull.tech has positioned itself as a versatile partner within the iGaming ecosystem, providing managed services, strategic consulting, marketing, operations, and technology support to operators across multiple markets.
Led by the founder Lucas Lebleu, the company aims to act as an external growth and execution arm for operators seeking speed and market expertise.
Alongside this B2B services model, the group is also expanding its affiliate media presence through AffPlus.io, an independent network of international money sites and satellite platforms designed to capture qualified traffic and connect operators with targeted audiences across Brazil, Latin America, the United States, and other English-speaking markets.
“We are not just building websites. We are building media, acquisition, and positioning assets that are aligned with the new phase of global iGaming.” (L.L)

Before we talk about Cazinho.com, it is worth starting with BlueBull.tech. In just a few months, you have already positioned yourselves across several fronts in the sector. How do you define BlueBull.tech today?
BlueBull.tech was born with a very clear proposal: to be a strategic execution platform for operators. We did not want to be seen merely as an agency, nor just as a consultancy, and certainly not as a one-off supplier. What we built is something more transversal.
Today, BlueBull.tech acts as a managed services partner for operators of different sizes and realities. This includes fronts such as growth strategy, acquisition, CRM, content, marketing, operations, commercial expansion, business development, brand positioning, and technological support. In some cases, we come in in a very tactical way; in others, in a much more structural capacity, almost as an extension of the operator itself.
We have experience supporting operators in regulated markets such as France, as well as in markets with other international licensing structures.
This gives us a very broad reading of the sector, because we understand the differences between regulatory maturity, competitive dynamics, acquisition channels, and the operational requirements of each market.
Most importantly, BlueBull.tech was built to generate real impact. Less theory, more execution.

And where does AffPlus.io fit into this vision?
AffPlus.io is a separate business unit. This is very important to make absolutely clear. It has a different team, its own operation, and a specific focus on media, content, SEO, performance, and monetization through an international network of digital assets.
If BlueBull.tech was designed to serve operators and partners from the B2B side, AffPlus.io was created to develop our own acquisition, audience, and authority channels.
In other words: BlueBull.tech provides services, structures solutions, and drives business forward; AffPlus.io builds and scales proprietary affiliate and media assets.
The two fronts complement each other extremely well, because we have vision from both the operator side and the acquisition side.
This allows us to better understand what truly generates value, what converts with quality, what supports retention, and what makes sense in increasingly professional markets.
In addition to these two fronts, you also maintain important strategic partnerships within the industry. Does that remain a central part of the operation?
Without a doubt. We remain a strategic partner of Alea, and we continue to support different partners in the sector through a logic of consulting, commercial development, and strategic support.
That is also part of the DNA of BlueBull.tech. We have always viewed the business from an ecosystem perspective.
iGaming is an industry built on relationships between operators, aggregators, providers, affiliates, platforms, payment methods, technology, and distribution.
Our proposal has always been to operate with a broad rather than isolated vision.
Now moving into AffPlus.io: Cazinho.com is the first major hub announced for Brazil. How did the idea come about and what opportunity did you identify?
Cazinho.com was born from the perception that Brazil has entered a new stage. There is a huge market, a very active audience, operators seeking scale, and at the same time a growing need for professionalism, segmentation, and trust.
What we saw was that there was still room to build something better structured. Many affiliate projects remain overly generic, too dependent on a single site, weakly segmented by search intent, and in some cases insufficiently prepared for the new reality of the Brazilian market.
Cazinho.com was created precisely to respond to that. Not as a simple reviews site, but as a central hub within a broader acquisition ecosystem, with satellites designed to capture specific interests, reinforce thematic authority, and feed a smarter scaling strategy.
Who is behind the project? Is there a group operating this network?
Yes. The project sits within AffPlus.io, which is our unit dedicated to the network of money sites and satellite sites. It is an operation separate from BlueBull.tech, although both are led by me.
This distinction matters because it shows that this is not a side experiment, but a structured business line.
BlueBull.tech and AffPlus.io operate with different teams, different objectives, and different roles, even though they are aligned in vision and leadership.
What was the main gap you wanted to fill in the affiliate market with this initiative?
The main gap was the absence of a truly integrated model.
In many cases, the affiliate operates only with a focus on clicks and immediate conversion. In others, there is content, but without acquisition intelligence.
In still others, there is traffic, but no concern for reputation, regulatory context, or long-term value for the operator.
We wanted to fill exactly that space between media, content, segmentation, performance, and strategic positioning.
We want to build assets that function not only as traffic channels, but as authority and qualified acquisition platforms.

Cazinho.com was presented as the main portal of a broader network. What is the role of satellite sites such as Joga360.com, JogaTigrinho.com, AviatorCassino.com, and JogaAviaozinho.com?
They are fundamental to the strategy. Cazinho.com is the central hub of the brand in Brazil. It is where we consolidate editorial breadth, institutional positioning, comparisons, reviews, promotions, and the main authority architecture.
The satellites, in turn, allow us to attack niches, behaviors, and specific search intentions with much greater precision.
Joga360.com broadens reach into a wider layer of interest and discovery. JogaTigrinho.com speaks directly to an extremely strong vertical in Brazil.
AviatorCassino.com and JogaAviaozinho.com speak to a very specific type of search with enormous cultural and commercial relevance in the country.
This logic matters because high-quality traffic today does not come simply from being present, but from being present with the right asset, for the right intent, in the right language.
So will segmentation be based on game type, player profile, or another logic?
In practice, on several layers at the same time.
We segment by game type, by theme, by search intent, by stage of the funnel, by language, by geography, and by commercial fit between audience and operator.
This is an important point. We are not thinking only about more traffic. We are thinking about a better match between audience, context, and offer.
This increases the quality of acquisition and tends to generate more sustainable relationships with operator partners.
How do you intend to integrate all these sites to generate scale and qualified traffic?
Integration happens at different levels.
At the editorial level, each site has its own role, but all are part of a coherent architecture. At the SEO and intent level, each domain covers specific search fields, reinforcing the group’s presence as a whole.
At the commercial level, we are able to organize delivery for operators more intelligently, observing conversion, product fit, retention, and real value.
This creates a network effect. Instead of concentrating everything in a single asset, we are building several entry points that feed one another in terms of reach, authority, and monetization capacity.
Will the model be purely affiliate, based on CPA and RevShare, or will you offer something beyond that?
The affiliate model remains central, of course. CPA, RevShare, and hybrid structures are part of the natural logic of this business.
But the difference is that we do not think about our relationship with operators only in that way.
Behind AffPlus.io sits the full background of BlueBull.tech, which allows us to understand branding, acquisition, positioning, expansion, content, campaigns, operations, and strategy.
So yes: we can build much broader relationships with partners when that makes sense.
That is perhaps one of the group’s greatest differentiators.
The Brazilian market already has many affiliates. What makes the Cazinho network different?
I would say the difference lies in the combination of real industry experience, ecosystem vision, operational capability, and international ambition.
We are not entering the market merely as publishers.
We have hands-on experience supporting operators, an understanding of regulated and non-regulated markets, sensitivity to brand positioning, and a very strong commercial vision.
In addition, we are not building just one site. We are building a network of assets.
And that makes a difference, because it creates more touchpoints with the user, greater editorial depth, and more flexibility to work across different verticals and search intentions.
Editorial content seems to play a central role. How important will it be within the strategy?
Absolutely central.
Content will be one of the backbone elements of the project. In more mature or more regulated markets, you do not build value only with commercial pages.
You need trust, context, education, and credibility.
Reviews, guides, comparisons, editorials, thematic pages, and well-structured promotions will be an essential part of our operation.
But we want to do this in a useful, relevant, and consistent way, not as simple filler content to rank.
The best content is the kind that helps the user make better decisions — while at the same time helping the right operator find the right audience.
Brazil is going through a new regulatory phase for betting. How does that change the way of thinking about an affiliate project like this?
It changes a lot, and for the better, in my opinion.
This new regulatory phase tends to raise the level of requirements, reduce the space for improvisation, and favor more serious, more responsible structures that are aligned with a long-term vision.
For us, it reinforces exactly the direction we were already taking: operating responsibly, constantly reviewing content, adjusting communication quickly, respecting limits, working on reputation, and building something sustainable.
In a more regulated environment, trust becomes even more valuable.
And trust cannot be improvised.
Do you intend to work exclusively with licensed operators in Brazil?
In the Brazilian context, our direction is very clear: we want to build an operation aligned with the new reality of the market and with the consolidation of a more trustworthy environment for everyone.
The natural tendency is to strongly prioritize operators that are properly framed and prepared to operate within the new Brazilian scenario.
This is important for the project’s reputation, for audience protection, and for the type of positioning we want to build.
At the same time, as a group, we have international operations and continue to work through BlueBull.tech with markets of different regulatory natures.
But in Brazil’s case, the strategic path is one of increasing alignment with the new local environment.
You are launching not only in Brazil, but in several markets at the same time. What is the logic behind this international expansion?
The logic is to build an international architecture with localized execution.
In Brazil, we are moving forward with Cazinho.com and its satellites. In Spanish-speaking Latin America, with CasaDeApuestas.com and its complementary domains.
In the United States, in the sweepstakes vertical, with Sweeptakes.com and its satellites. And in the English-speaking market, with BetsWatch.com.
Each of these assets was designed for a distinct market context, behavior, regulation, and language. We do not believe in blind replication. We believe in strategic adaptation.
How is the CasaDeApuestas.com project positioned in relation to the Brazilian ecosystem?CasaDeApuestas.com represents our front for all of Spanish-speaking Latin America. It is a huge geography, with important particularities between Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and other countries, but also with points of convergence in search behavior, gaming culture, and acquisition opportunities.
The satellites — jugaaviator.com, bonos247.com, jugaruleta.com, and gano365.com — follow the same logic as Brazil: thematic specialization, coverage of specific intentions, and reinforcement of the main hub.
And in the case of the United States, why enter through the sweepstakes vertical?
Because the North American market requires its own reading. It cannot be treated as a direct extension of traditional casino and betting models.
The sweepstakes vertical has a specific dynamic, a specific audience, and its own acquisition and positioning logic.
Sweeptakes.com, together with sweepsflix.com, sweepstake365.com, and sweepzon.com, was created precisely to respond to that reality, with an approach tailored to the local context.
What does BetsWatch.com represent within this strategy?
BetsWatch.com gives us an English-language asset with the potential to engage with a broader audience and also offer a more editorial and observational coverage of the market.
It expands our sphere of action and strengthens the group’s presence in English, which matters both from an audience standpoint and from an institutional positioning perspective.
In just 10 months of operation, you are already combining consultancy, managed services, proprietary affiliation, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. What explains this speed?
I would say there are three factors. First, accumulated experience.
We are not starting from zero in terms of industry knowledge. Second, clarity of vision.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to build something bigger than a niche operation.
Third, execution. We have a mindset of making things happen, testing fast, adjusting fast, and moving forward.
The market moves quickly. Those who wait too long lose timing.

And what is the long-term ambition for Cazinho.com within the Brazilian iGaming ecosystem?
We want Cazinho.com to become one of the sector’s references in Brazil — not only in volume, but in credibility, editorial relevance, qualified acquisition capacity, and value delivered to partners.
We want to be recognized as a serious, useful platform, strong in content, strong in positioning, and aligned with the professionalization of the Brazilian market.
But in the end, Cazinho.com is also the symbol of something bigger: the construction of a new generation of international media and performance assets within iGaming.
To close: where will the market be able to find you in the coming months?
We will be at BIS / SiGMA São Paulo and, shortly after that, in Paraguay.
It will be an excellent opportunity to reconnect with partners, open new conversations, and show in greater depth everything we are building with BlueBull.tech and AffPlus.io.
We are only at the beginning.
With a proposal that combines B2B execution, ecosystem vision, proprietary media assets, and international ambition, Lucas Lebleu is shaping an operation that is still uncommon in today’s iGaming landscape.
On one side, BlueBull.tech is consolidating itself as a strategic partner for operators of different profiles and markets. On the other, AffPlus.io is accelerating the launch of its own network of hubs and satellites spanning Brazil, Spanish-speaking Latin America, the United States, and English-speaking markets.
In a sector that is becoming increasingly competitive, regulated, and professionalized, the message is clear: this is not just about generating traffic or providing services.
It is about building structures with commercial depth, market intelligence, and long-term vision.
The post BlueBull.tech strengthens as AffPlus.io launches new LatAm affiliate assets appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Adam Miles Director of Sales DEGEN Studios
Why the Slot Market Needs to Move Beyond the ‘Safe Middle’
Check out our latest Q&A w/ Adam Miles, Director of Sales, DEGEN Studios
You’ve joined DEGEN as Director of Sales at a key moment for the studio. What drew you to the role?
DEGEN has a very defined identity. It’s not trying to sit in the safe middle of the market, and it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. The games are high-volatility, identity-led and built with a specific player in mind. That makes the commercial proposition much stronger.
In a saturated industry, differentiation isn’t optional. Operators don’t need more generic content. They need studios that understand their audience and can deliver something with character and intent. DEGEN already had that direction, which made the opportunity compelling.
DEGEN positions itself as bold and disruptive. Does that make the sales conversation easier or more challenging?
It makes it clearer. When you have a defined identity, you’re not trying to convince every operator. You’re engaging with those who understand the value of differentiated content and who have player segments that respond to high-volatility, high-impact experiences.
Safe content will always have a place. But there is a significant audience looking for something more intense, more distinctive. Our job commercially is to ensure DEGEN’s portfolio is positioned where it will resonate most.
Transparency around who you are simplifies the conversation, shifting the focus from volume to value.
What are your immediate priorities in the role?
First, strengthening global distribution in a targeted way. It’s not about placing the portfolio everywhere. It’s about aligning with operators and aggregators who understand our positioning and can give the games the right context in their lobbies.
Second, deepening partnerships. We want operators to see DEGEN as a studio with a defined role in their content mix, particularly for high-volatility segments.
Internally, it’s also about feedback. Sales shouldn’t operate in isolation. Performance data, operator insight and market trends need to feed back into roadmap discussions. That loop between commercial and creative teams is essential if you want consistent growth.
DEGEN recently launched the DEGEN Powered initiative. How does that fit into your commercial strategy?
DEGEN Powered expands the conversation beyond individual releases. By partnering with studios like Spin Lab, who share a similar philosophy around player-first, identity-led design, we’re building a broader ecosystem.
It’s not a funding model or a traditional publishing structure; it is a strategic alignment. The studios maintain independence, but the DEGEN Powered banner signals shared values and a commitment to high-impact gameplay.
Commercially, that adds depth. It shows consistency in approach and reinforces the idea that this isn’t a one-off tone, it’s a growing segment of the market.
In such a competitive market, what gives DEGEN a genuine edge?
Most studios will aim for the broadest possible appeal, for DEGEN it’s about audience focus and being intentional. The portfolio is built around clearly defined player behaviours, particularly those who engage with higher volatility and stronger thematic identity.
When you understand who the game is for, your commercial message becomes sharper. Instead of promising universal appeal, you can demonstrate defined appeal backed by performance logic.
Operators are increasingly data-driven. They segment their player bases carefully. When a studio understands that segmentation and builds accordingly, the commercial discussion becomes more credible.
As your role develops, what does success look like for you?
Success is about expanding the brand sustainably. That means entering key markets with the right partners, strengthening our global footprint and ensuring the portfolio performs consistently across different territories.
It’s also about reputation. I want DEGEN to be recognised not just as a creative studio with attitude, but as a reliable commercial partner. A studio that delivers differentiated content and backs it with structured, strategic growth.
If operators associate DEGEN with bold, high-volatility experiences that perform for specific segments, and they trust us to support that with strong partnerships and execution, then we’re on the right path.
Ultimately for me, the role is about scaling the commercial side of the business while protecting what makes DEGEN different.
The post Why the Slot Market Needs to Move Beyond the ‘Safe Middle’ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña Senior Business Development Manager at GLI
Compliance by Design: How Built-In Regulation Accelerates Game Launches
Interview with Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Senior Business Development Manager at GLI
Ahead of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, we speak with Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Senior Business Development Manager at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®), to explore how embedding compliance directly into the game development lifecycle can dramatically accelerate market entry in today’s increasingly regulated gaming landscape.
Alberto, you will be speaking on the Markets, Expansion & Forward Outlook panel at the Compliance Stage. From your vantage point, how is the role of “compliance by design” evolving as operators and suppliers scale across an increasing number of regulated markets?
Previously, gaming operators and suppliers focused primarily on designing products to meet market demand, and although this remains a vital focus point, when expanding into multiple regulated markets they face challenges dedicating significant time and resources to adapt these products to meet requirements of each individual jurisdiction.
Today, leading operators and suppliers are integrating compliance into the product lifecycle from the beginning. Compliance is no longer treated as a final checkbox, but as a core design principle that shapes workflows and feature decisions. This approach allows teams to scale faster across regulated markets, reduce rework, and empower teams to build games that are both innovative and regulation-ready.
From your experience working with operators and suppliers globally, what are the most common compliance gaps that still delay launches in regulated markets?
In my experience, the most common delays around launches are due to difficulty in understanding the technical requirements defined by the regulators, which can vary directly and in ways that are more nuanced in each jurisdiction. By consulting and engaging with our compliance specialists upfront, it allows teams to clearly define all technical and regulatory prerequisites before applying changes to products. This proactive approach avoids rework and reduces uncertainty, enabling teams to launch faster.
GLI is widely recognized for its pre-compliance and certification services. How does early engagement with testing partners change the speed and efficiency of market entry for new products?
Early engagement with a testing partner is a key accelerator for successful market entry, especially when planning to launch across multiple markets. When GLI is involved at the very beginning, visibility into technical constraints, certification requirements, and market specific expectations are provided. This full life-cycle compliance approach allows operators and suppliers to build strong, scalable platforms, while clearly separating the elements that must be adapted for each jurisdiction.
As regulated markets continue to multiply, how should development teams balance innovation speed with the growing complexity of jurisdiction-specific technical standards?
Consult with GLI early and often. There are more opportunities than ever before, and that is exciting for suppliers. With that also comes the need to be mindful of regulations which can also evolve quickly. Because of our global network, GLI can provide the most up-to-date information available so that suppliers can build their innovative products with compliance in mind right from the beginning of their development process.
Many emerging jurisdictions are introducing new regulatory frameworks. What practical steps should suppliers take today to future-proof their products against evolving compliance requirements?
After testing and certification, it is equally important for suppliers and operators to stay closely connected with GLI. Ongoing collaboration ensures that teams remain informed about regulatory updates, emerging requirements, and market-specific changes before they become obstacles.
Another practical step is to design products using well-established GLI Standard Series as the framework. These industry standards reflect global best practices and provide technical guidelines that suppliers can use during development, helping them align with many regulatory expectations from the start.
When suppliers build their platforms around these widely recognized standards, they create a strong and compliant foundation that already aligns with the majority of regulatory principles. From there, adapting to specific jurisdictional requirements becomes significantly easier and more efficient.
Beyond technical approval, how does strong compliance strategy contribute to long-term commercial success, trust with regulators, and smoother global expansion?
Having a strong compliance strategy is essential to suppliers of all sizes, and utilizing the global GLI network of technical and compliance experts is the best tool in anyone’s toolbox. One of the most meaningful outcomes we hear from clients who tap into our expertise is that, after completing certification, their product is stronger from a quality and reliability perspective. Doing things properly shows trust and quality, which is one of the keys to success.
GLI is the Grand Quality & Compliance Sponsor at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. What key conversations are you looking forward to having with operators and suppliers during the event, and where do you see the biggest compliance challenges — and opportunities — emerging next?
I am excited to hear what the other panelists will share, but also very interested in the questions from the public, as we need to know the different points of view of all shareholders in the gaming sector. My main goal is to meet new people and support with our knowledge on any projects they will have moving forward.
The post Compliance by Design: How Built-In Regulation Accelerates Game Launches appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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