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Q&A session with Alpha Affiliates CPO: Navigating key iGaming trends and regulations in 2024

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2024

q&a-session-with-alpha-affiliates-cpo:-navigating-key-igaming-trends-and-regulations-in-2024

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We’ve sat down with Irina Pisanko, CPO at Alpha Affiliates, and talked about the key iGaming trends and regulations in 2024.

Our Q&A session will help to understand the state of the iGaming industry globally – whether it is affecting economies around the globe and how regulations and trends are affecting it.

How has the iGaming industry evolved globally over the past decade, and what are the key trends driving its growth?

IP: With the development of technology over the past decade, the iGaming industry has experienced pronounced growth. We have seen a shift in users from desktop devices to mobile, especially as 58% of online casino players are users on mobile devices. It is also important to note that cryptocurrency has changed the world and taken significant positions in our business. Almost every online casino now allows deposits in a variety of cryptocurrencies, and there are also separate casinos specializing in crypto, with the currency itself being used in the games.

In addition, it is impossible not to mention that in the early 2000s, operators primarily obtained licenses that allowed them to operate in multiple countries simultaneously. However many countries, especially in Tier-1, are now introducing their own local regulations, reducing online casinos operating across borders with one license, and therefore, the whole iGaming environment globally has become more regulated.

What are the major economic contributions of the iGaming industry, and how does it affect local and national economies?

IP: An increasing number of countries are now adopting local regulations, which means new economic implications. Firstly, there are tax implications. Every operator working in markets with a local license is required to pay taxes. Secondly, upon obtaining a license, the operator needs to establish a company in the operating country, open a bank account, and, accordingly, make a deposit of a significant amount of money. Of course, these factors positively influence the economy, as, otherwise, the taxes would go to the country issuing the license rather than the country where players spend their funds. Countries like Malta, Gibraltar can maintain their economies at a commendable level through tax revenue generated by the gaming industry. Regulation leads to the creation of jobs, thereby contributing to an improved standard of living in the country.

Which countries are currently leading in the iGaming sector, both in terms of market share and technological advancements?

IP: Currently, leading positions in both the iGaming industry and technological advancements are held by countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, China, and Australia. These countries have well-developed online gambling and land-based gaming sectors, contributing to the growth of the industry as a whole. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of market players opened their online casinos, not only retaining their player base but also expanding it several times over.

Additionally, these countries were among the first to implement local regulations, thus securing dominant positions in the market. Advertising online casinos with local licenses has become more accessible, providing the opportunity to reach and engage a larger audience.

Can you elaborate on the key factors contributing to the success of these leading countries in the iGaming industry?

IP: The development of offline casinos in these countries is likely the biggest contributing factor to their success. People in these nations are accustomed to see online casinos as a form of entertainment rather than a means of earning. The advancement of information technologies has propelled the development of online casinos, eliminating the need to spend time on travel, expenses, and so forth. Now, the casino is in your pocket anytime. This has largely contributed to the rapid growth of online gambling in these countries.

How does the iGaming industry influence job creation and employment opportunities in the regions where it operates?

IP: First and foremost, the establishment of local regulations contributes to job creation, as licensees, legal firms, payment companies all require personnel. And, of course, we should not forget about the operators themselves. In one online casino, specialists from various fields such as marketing, development, traffic management, finance, and more can be involved, meaning more jobs need to be filled. Local language support alone creates a significant number of jobs for low-skilled professionals.

Additionally, industry events taking place in different countries provide employment opportunities in the event organizing sector, which inevitably impacts overall employment.

What are the potential future growth areas or untapped markets for the iGaming industry, and how might these affect its global presence?

IP: In my opinion, the new potential markets for the industry include Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Looking at Latin America, the population in this region is very large, and the overwhelming majority of residents do not have access to offline casinos, making online casinos more accessible to them. The nation has a strong affinity for gambling and enjoys sports betting, bingo, and lotteries.

Asia is one of the most densely populated regions globally. Many countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and certain regions of India, are in the discussion stage of regulation. While Japan restricts online gambling, sports betting is highly popular among its residents. In India specifically, the growth of iGaming has become evident with the development of the internet. Among players, sports betting is popular, especially for cricket and the local IPL, as well as live dealer games.

In Africa, the most potential markets are South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya. The region’s potential lies predominantly in sportsbooks, and with the growth of mobile phones and the internet, online casinos and betting platforms are increasingly entering these markets.

As for growth areas, cryptocurrency casinos are undoubtedly one of them. Cryptocurrency removes restrictions on the movement of funds, and with a high approval rate, it increases the number of players worldwide. Crypto casinos don’t care about the player’s location; what matters is having a way to deposit and a good internet connection.

Another interesting idea, albeit for the distant future, is the transition of online casinos into metaverse universes. There has already been an experiment where a casino was opened in GTA, and it gained overwhelming popularity. After all, our lives are moving increasingly online.

Can you discuss the challenges and risks associated with the iGaming industry’s expansion, both from a regulatory and market perspective?

IP: The most significant risk to the development of the iGaming business is the proliferation of so-called “Grey” online casinos. These establishments operate without obtaining a license, and unfortunately, at times, fail to pay out winnings to their customers.

This primarily impacts the reputation of online casinos since users, after encountering such issues, may become hesitant to make deposits in other platforms. This, in turn, can decrease the overall number of online players. Secondly, such casinos evade tax payments, leading to a shortfall in government revenue. Thirdly, these operators might prove to be unscrupulous employers, potentially depriving their employees of their rightful wages.

How do advancements in technology, such as blockchain and virtual reality, impact the iGaming industry, and which countries are at the forefront of adopting these innovations?

IP: The future lies in such technologies, significantly simplifying the lives of both players and operators. Cryptocurrency provides us with payment anonymity and a 100% approval rate. As for Virtual Reality and Metaverses, they have the potential to replace offline casinos, offering real interactions and the sensation of being part of an event. However, this is not in the immediate future and more something we can expect further down the line.

Blueprint Gaming

Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends

Published

14 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

weekend-reels-|-week-30:-slot-drops-&-trends

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Spinomenal has released 3 Fuego Chillies, a new 5×3 video slot themed around a Mexican street fiesta. The game ships with a feature-led Bonus Game and a top prize billed as a Grand Jackpot of x3,000 the total bet.

CT Interactive has released its latest slot game, 40 Mega Star. As the night sky comes alive with countless shimmering lights, only a select few stars have the power to capture attention and become true Mega Stars.

TaDa Gaming has expanded its popular Unlimited Fortune mechanic with the launch of Joker Coins Unlimited Fortune. Combining Lock & Respin, progressive bonus expansion, jackpots, multipliers and the signature Unlimited Fortune feature, this compact three-reel release delivers layered gameplay and win potential of up to 5000x.

Blueprint Gaming is releasing an upgraded version of Super Graphics Upside Down exclusively on Lottomart, giving Lottomart’s UK players early access to the title. Originally launched in 2021, Super Graphics Upside Down is being re-released with a new bonus wheel feature and an increased max win potential, rising from 250X to 3000X, according to the companies.

ICONIC21 has released Wild Gold Mine 2, a high-volatility sequel to its Wild Gold Mine slot. The game is played across 243 ways and launches with multiple RTP configurations, with a stated top prize of 10,000x.

Games Global has launched Rumble Kong CASHINGO, a new jungle-themed online slot developed with exclusive studio partner Alchemy Gaming. The title went live on 23rd July 2026. Rumble Kong CASHINGO is a 5×5, 3,125 ways-to-win game built around an expanding CASHINGO collection grid.

Swintt has released a new slot from its Elysium Studios label, titled Odyssey Hold & Win. The supplier said the game is built around a Hold & Win collection mechanic and features a stated maximum win of 3,317x. Odyssey Hold & Win runs on a 4×4 grid that can expand to 4×8 when Athena appears, according to the company.

ELA Games has released a new slot, Age of Cleopatra, adding another ancient-Egypt theme title to its portfolio. The studio positions the game as a medium-volatility release and says it is available to demo now. Age of Cleopatra runs on a 5×3 reel set-up with 25 paylines.

Endorphina has launched Zalatar, a new myths-and-legends themed online slot, expanding its recent run of fantasy-leaning releases. The supplier said Zalatar is a 5-reel, 3-row game with 25 fixed paylines, 96.03% RTP and high volatility.

The post Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Awards

Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers

Published

16 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

slotsoo-awards-2026-celebrate-the-best-casinos-and-game-providers

Slotsoo is proud to announce the winners of the Slotsoo Awards 2026, recognising the online casinos and game providers that have delivered the best player experiences over the past year. Now firmly established as an annual celebration of excellence, the awards continue to recognise the companies setting new standards for quality and innovation across the iGaming industry.

Spotlighting the Best Game Providers of 2026

Following last year’s successful debut, the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards returned for a second year to recognise the studios pushing online slots forward through original ideas, engaging gameplay, and consistently high-quality releases. This year’s winners are:

The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
Bonus Buyer – Eurasian Gaming
Volatility Virtuoso – 1spin4win
Jackpot Jumbo – Platipus Gaming
Symphony Spinner – Peter & Sons
Reel Renegade – TaDa Gaming
Promising Prodigy – EXCO Game Studio

Pragmatic Play retained the prestigious Machine MVP award for a second consecutive year, while every other category crowned a new winner, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent and new ideas among game providers.

Casino Awards Return for a Fourth Year

Since their debut in 2023, the Slotsoo Casino Awards have celebrated the operators raising the standard for online casino experiences. This year’s winners continue that tradition, earning recognition for excellence across bonuses, withdrawals, gamification, and overall quality. The seven winners for 2026 are:

The Gambling GOAT – Lunar Spins
The Bonus Buff – Go4Casino
The Loyalty Lord – Valhalla Wins
The Withdrawal Wizard – Taste Vegas
The Gamification Guru – Lucky Fuel
The Payout Professor – Stupid Casino
The Noisy Newcomer – Kudos Bet

While the Game Provider Awards saw several first-time winners, the Casino Awards reflected the continued strength of a few established operators. C24 Partners enjoyed a particularly successful year, with four awards going to brands from its portfolio, including the main trophy The Gambling GOAT.

Recognition That Goes Beyond Popularity

Unlike many industry awards, the Slotsoo Awards are not decided by public voting. Winners are selected by the Slotsoo team after evaluating casino operators and game providers throughout the year. Each nominee is assessed on factors such as player value and innovation.

This approach ensures that both established industry leaders and ambitious newcomers have an equal opportunity to be recognised. Whether it’s a casino redefining loyalty rewards or a game studio introducing fresh mechanics, the awards highlight companies that genuinely move the industry forward.

Other News from Slotsoo.com This Summer

The Slotsoo Awards weren’t the only milestone for the company this summer. In June, the team attended the HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics Gaming Conference in Tallinn, connecting with industry professionals, exploring the latest developments in iGaming, and returning home with plenty of inspiration.

July marked the publication of Slotsoo’s first book, The Casino Player’s ABC, written by Markus Björk, Head of Content. This tongue-in-cheek ABC book for adults takes a humorous look at the ups and downs in slot gaming. Markus Björk comments:

“The awards and the book may seem like very different projects, but they share the same goal. Both are about celebrating what makes this industry unique and helping players navigate it with a sense of humour.”

With another successful awards season, the publication of their first book, and an active presence at industry events, 2026 has been one of Slotsoo’s busiest and most exciting years to date.

The post Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BETBY

BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth

Published

16 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

betby-builds-on-a-strong-start-to-2026-with-solid-h1-sportsbook-growth

BETBY, the Tier 1 sportsbook supplier, has continued its strong start to 2026, delivering solid year-on-year growth across its business during the first half of the year. Building on the positive Q1 results reported in April, the supplier’s performance was supported by continued market expansion, product innovation, and strong activity across its operator partnerships.

During the first half of 2026, BETBY’s sportsbook Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased by 42.7% compared to H1 2025. The number of active players across the provider’s partner network grew by 47%, while the total number of bets placed rose by 21.2%, reflecting sustained growth across both new and existing operator partnerships.

The period also saw BETBY further expand its product ecosystem through several key launches and developments. Among them was BETBY Predictions, the industry’s first fixed-odds prediction markets feed, opening a new betting vertical for operators. The supplier also introduced Stories, an engagement feature built around a familiar, interactive content format and delivered directly within the sportsbook experience.

The FIFA World Cup provided an additional boost during the last three weeks of June, generating high levels of betting activity across BETBY’s partner network and demonstrating the scalability and reliability of its sportsbook during the world’s largest sporting event.

BETBY’s proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, also delivered continued growth during H1 2026, recording a 28% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue. Active players grew by 46%, while the number of bets placed rose by 14.8%. These figures reinforce Betby Games’ importance within BETBY’s broader product portfolio.

Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “After a strong first quarter, we are pleased to see that the positive trend continued throughout the first half of the year. These results reflect the strength of our long-term strategy, combining continued market expansion with a clear focus on product innovation and helping our partners grow.

“The launch of products such as BETBY Predictions and features like Stories, alongside the continued evolution of Betby Games, demonstrate our commitment to delivering solutions and technology that create measurable value for operators. We are proud of what we have achieved so far this year and remain focused on continuing this progress throughout H2.”

The post BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.