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Exclusive interview w/ Thomas Kolbabek, CTO at Golden Whale Productions

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To kick things off, could you give our readers a bit of background on what Golden Whale does? What is the company’s primary focus and what systems does it have in place to help its customers?

Golden Whale is a next-generation gaming infrastructure supplier that aims to streamline the process of integrating, modelling and orchestrating strategically relevant models derived from large data sets. We use a combination of data science and machine learning to assist companies in taking their player retention to the next level and maximise the expected lifetime value of their customers. The systems we use greatly reduce the time required to generate learnings and insights from a company’s data, which they can then apply to their products. Ultimately, we believe this will change the way that games and gaming systems are built and operated.

 

Are there any aspects of Golden Whale’s offering that makes it unique from other data tech companies? If so, how do the solutions that you provide differ from what the competition is doing?

While all data science companies claim to have the best model when it comes to making accurate predictions and segmentations, these are typically black box processes with little to no transparency. One of the things that makes Golden Whale unique is that we build a second layer on top for model orchestration and competition so users can compare all the outcomes from similar data sets. This allows companies to be more independent from single sources and helps them build an evolving system around their modelling that easily can be configured to find specific target values.

Apart from that the combination of long-standing domain know-how and latest methods in data-science lets us increase the learning speed of our customers systems significantly and reduces time between general analysis and useful execution!

 

Being a relatively new company in the iGaming industry, what were the main challenges that you encountered while establishing Golden Whale and how have you tackled these up until now?

The challenges that we’ve faced have been largely the same as any other innovative company aiming to make an impression in market – that is to say converting initial curiosity and scepticism into excitement and opportunity. Fortunately for us, we began operating at a time when the first wave of machine learning companies had already laid solid foundations for how this incredible technology can be used to benefit the industry. Our goal is now to really push the boundaries of what data science and machine learning can do for platforms and game systems and it’s a challenge we’re really relishing.

 

How has the experience your team has gained in the past helped to shape what Golden Whale does? Have there been any previous learnings that have influenced your approach to data science?

Our team has accumulated a lot of domain know-how from our backgrounds in gaming and data science that has enabled us to fine-tune our models to deliver optimal results. Of course, our previous experience has allowed us to identify gaps in the market that can be plugged by doing things a little differently, but it’s important to also respect the pace at which data science and machine learning is moving forward. In our field, it’s vital to stay on top of the latest developments and ensure this is what’s influencing and enhancing your product, rather than relying on insights from several years ago.

 

Golden Whale’s mission statement is to provide tools that “convert gaming companies into learning companies” – what are the key insights that they can expect to gain by using your product?

Our main focus is building products that directly interact with customer behaviour and player experience across different levels of product. We build on existing machine learning and data exploration tools to give partners new insights on how they can maximise efficiency and profits by improving their systems. In order to make full use of these insights, our models are ideally connected to gaming systems in real time with the resulting feedback loop being designed in a smart way. Our unique approach in this area can drastically speed up the process of how businesses can understand and enhance their offering based on the information they already have at their fingertips.

 

What does Golden Whale have lined up for 2023? Is there a clearly-defined plan for what you hope to achieve and can we expect to see any specific product launches over the coming months?

All younger companies in the data science sector are likely to experience a period of exponential growth during their first few years of operation, and Golden Whale is certainly no different in this respect. We currently have a pipeline with new customer launches, a product roadmap that encompasses many exciting projects and a bank of real-life results that we’re eager to share with our customers. We’re really excited about what’s coming up over the next 12 months and believe our future innovations will help Golden Whale make a real splash in the industry.

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Xpoint aims to bring battle-tested geolocation tech to Italy as regulatory complexity grows

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Having built its reputation as a trusted geolocation partner for North American gambling operators, Xpoint is now setting its sights on Europe. With Italy as its entry point, the company is looking to bring the same compliance precision and seamless player experience it has delivered stateside to a continent where regulatory boundaries are anything but straightforward. CEO Manu Gambhir sets out what is driving the expansion.

With a previous focus on the North American gambling market, what is driving your expansion into Europe now?

Our success in North America has given us an understanding of the complexities around geolocation as well as invaluable insights into what operators truly need from a geolocation provider. We have spent years building technology that balances compliance precision with user experience, and we have seen firsthand how critical that balance is. Europe presents a natural next step as markets like Italy have sophisticated regulatory frameworks and operators who understand the value of reliable geolocation. Our technology already handles complex multi-jurisdictional scenarios in the US where you might have different rules between states, or even between counties. That granular precision translates well to markets where regulatory boundaries don’t always follow national borders. We are not just looking to export our North American solution, we aim to bring our proven technology and adapting it to meet European requirements.

You mentioned Italy, how does Xpoint’s approach address that market’s specific compliance needs?

In Italy, geolocation rules for online gambling have recently undergone a massive overhaul. As of late 2025, the regulatory body Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) has transitioned the country into one of the strictest geolocation and identity verification frameworks in Europe. The core principle is simple. To gamble on an Italian-licensed site, you must be physically located within Italian borders. The complexity is added with the requirement of excluding specific territories like Vatican City and San Marino which are not covered by the local gambling laws. Some regional legislation also dictates safe distances from military zones, schools and places of worship which operators need to block activity from.

The ADM now also requires operators to use multi-layered location verification and to implement anti-spoofing technology, blocking access if VPN, proxies or Remote Desktop Software is detected.

Italy’s regulatory environment is rigorous, and rightfully so. Our approach has always been to work closely with regulators rather than simply meeting minimum standards. We are now focused on understanding ADM’s requirements around player location verification and responsible gambling measures.

What lessons from the North American market are most applicable as you expand into Europe?

The biggest lesson is that geolocation technology must be invisible when it works and transparent when questions arise. Operators in North America initially worried that location checks would create friction in the player experience. We have proven that accurate geolocation can happen seamlessly as players barely notice it. But when disputes arise, or when regulators have questions, our audit trails and documentation provide complete clarity. European operators have the same concerns, and we’re looking to bring solutions that have already solved them at scale.

Beyond Italy, what’s your broader vision for Xpoint’s presence in Europe?

Italy is our intended entry point, but we are also starting to look at Europe as a whole. In the US, we are seeing the use cases for geolocation evolve, with certain states like Illinois, introducing a higher levy in one county, making it even more important to identify the exact location of players. Similar challenges may emerge in Europe, too.

We are currently in a learning phase about Europe and what each market might need. As we have found in North America, what will definitely be essential is local expertise, responsive support, and technology that evolves appropriately with each market’s regulatory landscape.

The post Xpoint aims to bring battle-tested geolocation tech to Italy as regulatory complexity grows appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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BlueBull.tech strengthens as AffPlus.io launches new LatAm affiliate assets

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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.

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Adam Miles Director of Sales DEGEN Studios

Why the Slot Market Needs to Move Beyond the ‘Safe Middle’

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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.

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