Conferences

Building Beyond Trends: Tom Horn Gaming on What Really Drives Slot Success

Published

3 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

building-beyond-trends:-tom-horn-gaming-on-what-really-drives-slot-success

“The studios that last are those willing to experiment and try new things, while staying grounded in their core principles. It’s easy to follow trends, but what really matters is understanding players, trusting your instincts, and consistently delivering quality.”

As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, the pressure to innovate has never been greater. True success, however, goes beyond simply following the latest trends.

Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, where Tom Horn Gaming will take the stage as Grand Sponsor, our CEO, Ondrej Lapides, shares his perspective on what it really takes to build games that stand the test of time.

In this exclusive interview with Hipther, we explore how Tom Horn Gaming approaches product development, from balancing innovation with familiarity to designing games that resonate across diverse player segments and markets. The conversation also touches on the growing importance of player-centric design, long-term engagement, and the industry shifts shaping slot development in 2026 and beyond.

As Central and Eastern Europe gain increasing relevance in the global iGaming landscape, the Prague Summit provides a timely platform to exchange ideas, share insights, and look ahead at what’s next for the industry.

Tom Horn Gaming has been in the industry long enough to see trends come and go. From your perspective, what really separates studios that stand the test of time from those that simply chase what’s popular?

In my view, longevity in this industry comes down to balance and a genuine belief in what you do. The studios that last are those willing to experiment and try new things, while staying grounded in their core principles. It’s easy to follow trends, but what really matters is understanding players, trusting your instincts, and consistently delivering quality. When you combine creativity with discipline and a long-term mindset, you create products that resonate well beyond the latest industry buzz.

Your portfolio balances recognisable slot formats with proprietary mechanics like QuickX. How do you decide when to innovate and when to refine what already works?

It’s always a mix of data, experience, and intuition. Innovation is important, but it should never come at the expense of clarity or player enjoyment. Sometimes the right move is to take something that already works and refine it further. At other times, the market clearly shows that players are ready for something new. Finding that balance is partly analytical and partly instinctive, built over time through a deep understanding of how players engage with games.

Your games often combine modern mechanics with very recognisable slot DNA. Why do you think familiarity still plays such a strong role in player engagement today?

Player expectations vary a lot across markets and segments. Some players prefer classic slot gameplay that feels instantly familiar, while others are looking for something more experimental. Our role is to cater to both by offering a diverse portfolio. Familiarity makes games accessible and comfortable, while modern mechanics bring fresh excitement and new layers of engagement.

Player attention spans are getting shorter, yet expectations around engagement and excitement keep rising. How do you approach game design to make titles instantly accessible without sacrificing depth?

It really comes down to putting more thought and effort into the design process. We dedicate significant resources to balancing gameplay so the core experience is easy to understand from the first spin, while sustaining engagement over time. Achieving that balance requires close collaboration among designers, mathematicians, and product teams to make sure the experience feels both intuitive and rewarding.

Looking at your recent releases, there’s a clear focus on replayability rather than one-off novelty. How important is long-term player value when developing new games?

Long-term engagement is very important, but again, it’s about balance. Not every game is built with the same objective in mind. Some are designed to deliver quick excitement, while others aim for longer sessions. A strong portfolio needs both. The key is making sure each game delivers real value and keeps players coming back.

From your perspective as a slot supplier, which innovations do you believe will genuinely shape slot development in 2026 and beyond, and which current trends are unlikely to last?

We’re already seeing a growing demand for more layered gameplay and richer feature sets, and I expect that to continue. Players are looking for more dynamic experiences rather than purely static mechanics. At the same time, fast-paced formats like crash games have gained strong traction and are influencing expectations around immediacy and interaction. That said, not every trend will last. In the end, the games that succeed will be those that combine innovation with strong fundamentals and a clear understanding of player preferences across different markets.

Your recent partnerships significantly extend distribution across Europe and Latin America while reinforcing compliance-focused delivery. How can aggregation partnerships contribute to sustainable scaling across different regulated markets?

Scaling across regulated markets requires the right partnerships and strong technical foundations. For this to work properly, the technical integration needs to be robust, seamless, and fully aligned with regulatory requirements. When that connection is well implemented and continuously optimised, it allows content to reach operators quickly while maintaining the reliability and compliance that these markets demand.

As Grand Stage Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, what message or mindset would you like operators, partners, and industry leaders to take away from your presence at the event?

Events like the Prague Summit are particularly valuable because they put a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is playing an increasingly important role in the global iGaming landscape but doesn’t always get the same attention as larger markets.

For us, the real value lies in knowledge exchange. It’s an opportunity to discuss the latest developments, share insights from real operations, and compare experiences across different jurisdictions. Bringing these perspectives together helps the industry learn from one another and take away practical insights that can support future growth and innovation.

The post Building Beyond Trends: Tom Horn Gaming on What Really Drives Slot Success appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Conferences

NOVOMATIC Drives the Evolution of the Colombian Market at GAT Cartagena 2026

Published

3 days ago

April 9, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

novomatic-drives-the-evolution-of-the-colombian-market-at-gat-cartagena-2026

Following a remarkable participation at GAT Cartagena 2026, NOVOMATIC Gaming Colombia reaffirmed its leadership in the Latin American gaming industry by combining a strong technological showcase with a prominent role in the discussions shaping the future of the sector. The company, which has led gaming device imports in Colombia for more than three years, used this strategic platform to present solutions designed to maximize performance in gaming venues across the region.

The exhibition at stand A27 focused on innovation in progressive jackpot systems and high-performance configurations. The centerpiece of the showcase was the XTENSION LINK series, which included the debut of XTENSION LINK Evolution and XTENSION LINK Volume 4, the latter presented in the BLACK EDITION II 1.49J cabinet featuring its signature J-curved screen. The offering was complemented by high-impact titles such as SUPERIA GAMES WIN WAYS and RISING TREASURES, as well as XTENSION LINK Ultimate and the Impera PROLINK titles, consolidating a versatile and state-of-the-art portfolio for regional operators.

In addition to the linked systems, NOVOMATIC showcased a selection of multi-game libraries designed to provide operational flexibility for different types of gaming floors. Among them were Magic Games Premium HD, GAMINATOR X5, Impera Line HD Edition 9, and Superia Games Premium 3, installed on the modern FUNMASTER 2.27/3.27 and PANTHER 2.27 cabinets.

The brand’s institutional presence was evident from the very beginning of the event with the participation of Max Bauer, Vice President Latin America & Caribbean at NOVOMATIC, in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. This leadership continued throughout the conference agenda, where Manuel Del Sol, CEO of NOVOMATIC Gaming Colombia, and José Casapía Bardales, Institutional Relations Manager of NOVOMATIC Peru, delivered one of the most insightful contributions during the Land-Based Panel.

During the session, Del Sol and Casapía analyzed the critical role manufacturers play in the certification processes under Colombia’s machine reliability regulations. Both experts provided a detailed overview of the market, identifying the volume of machines that will need to adapt to the new standards and outlining the role manufacturers will play in supporting this transition.

The post NOVOMATIC Drives the Evolution of the Colombian Market at GAT Cartagena 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Baltics

HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration

Published

4 days ago

April 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-baltics:-vilnius-2026-agenda-sets-the-stage-for-the-region’s-next-era-of-igaming-regulation-&-fintech-integration

The agenda for HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 has officially been revealed, marking a defining moment for the Baltic region’s iGaming, fintech, and regulatory landscape.

Taking place on 21 April 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, the conference launches HIPTHER’s new Baltics-focused series, a bold evolution designed to bring deeper, jurisdiction-specific insight and high-level dialogue to one of Europe’s fastest-transforming digital markets.

At its core, the Vilnius edition is built around a powerful theme:
“iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration” — a convergence shaping the future of compliance, payments, and digital innovation across the region.

A Defining Moment: Lithuania’s Regulatory Reset

Lithuania is entering a new phase — one where rapid fintech growth meets tightening regulatory expectations.

The agenda reflects this shift directly, capturing a market transitioning from accessibility to accountability, structure, and long-term sustainability. From post-MiCA realities and stricter AML frameworks to evolving iGaming controls, Vilnius becomes the place where these changes are not just discussed — but decoded.

The Agenda: One Day, Two Stages, Zero Filler

The newly released agenda delivers a high-density, decision-maker-focused experience, designed for professionals who need clarity.

Across two parallel tracks — Compliance & Operations Lab and TechXperience Stage — the program cuts straight to the pressure points shaping the industry:

On the Compliance & Operations side:

Gambling Regulation in the Baltics: Enforcement, Gaps, and Political Pressure
Post-MiCA Survival: Maintaining Your License Under the 2026 Strictures
The Bank Pivot: SME Lending, EMI Stability & Financial Resilience
AML 2.0 & MiCA in Practice: Building Compliance That Actually Works
The iGaming Ad Ban: Survival Strategies in a “No Marketing” Era

On the TechXperience Stage:

Next-gen Payments: A2A, Open Banking & Cross-border Infrastructure
AI in Product & Workforce Transformation
Blockchain Beyond the Hype: Infrastructure, Tokenization & Settlement
Esports, Gaming & Digital Communities: Building Next-Gen Ecosystems
AI in Product, Risk & Compliance: From Buzzwords to Deployment + Agentic AI & Data-Driven Organizations

Going beyond theoretical insight, this Agenda is a working blueprint for navigating what’s already unfolding.

Curated Networking & Meaningful Connections

The refreshing morning break and delicious complimentary lunch, will be followed by an evening social gathering at Jazz Cellar 11 –– offering rum, jazz, conversations, and the kind of networking that somehow becomes more productive after the formal agenda ends.

Spotlight on Speakers: The People Driving the Change

The Vilnius stage brings together a carefully selected lineup of regulators, compliance and fintech leaders, legal experts, and technology innovators — the very people operating at the frontlines of transformation.

These are just some of the speakers to take the stage:

Rainer Osanik – Head of Fiscal Information and Intelligence Department in the Estonian Ministry of Finance
Ineta Mačinskienė – CEO of Walletto
Edgaras Abromavičius – President of the Lithuanian Esports Federation and Head of Esports and Gaming at the Lithuanian Football Federation
Marija Nudga – Senior Lawyer at Tonybet and Legal Expert in iGaming & Fintech Compliance
Kristina Vabinskaitė – Financial Markets Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania
Saulius Racevicius – CEO of Pace App and Board Member of the Fintech Hub LT

From professionals securing MiCA licenses and building risk frameworks, to experts advising on international licensing, AML systems, and cross-border fintech operations, the speaker lineup reflects real, hands-on expertise.

These are the leaders and experts shaping how regulation and innovation coexist in real time.

Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated about the Vilnius 2026 Agenda:

“Our dedicated Baltics series this year kickstarts in Vilnius and marks a strategic pivot in how we approach regional excellence. Having spent nearly two decades in the media and news sphere, we’ve learned that general insights are no longer enough; the market now demands jurisdiction-specific precision. Lithuania stands at a fascinating crossroads where fintech maturity meets a rigorous regulatory reset. Our 2026 agenda is designed to decode this convergence, helping leaders navigate the post-MiCA landscape and tighten iGaming frameworks. As we celebrate 10 years of HIPTHER impact, Vilnius represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, providing the high-level, boutique environment necessary for the industry’s most critical conversations.”

Boutique by Design — Powerful by Nature

HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 is intentionally built as a boutique, high-value experience:

A senior-level audience of decision-makers
Focused, high-quality networking opportunities
A premium central Vilnius setting designed for meaningful interaction

The format ensures that conversations don’t get lost in scale — they gain depth, relevance, and momentum.

Join the Conversation in Vilnius

The agenda is now live — and with it, the opportunity to be part of a room where regulation, technology, and strategy converge.

Explore the full agenda & secure your spot: https://hipther.com/events/vilnius/

Because in a year defined by regulatory change, the real advantage belongs to those in the room.

The post HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BMM Innovation Group

BMM INNOVATION GROUP HIGHLIGHTS LEADERSHIP IN PRODUCT TESTING AND CERTIFICATION AT THE ITALIAN GAMING EXPO & CONFERENCE, APRIL 14–15 IN ROME

Published

4 days ago

April 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

bmm-innovation-group-highlights-leadership-in-product-testing-and-certification-at-the-italian-gaming-expo-&-conference,-april-14–15-in-rome

BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “The BIG Group,” “BIG,” or “the Company”), a global provider of compliance testing, cybersecurity, and training solutions for the regulated gaming industry, has announced its participation as both an exhibitor and sponsor at the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference, taking place April 14–15 at the Salone delle Fontane, Stand No. 3. This presence underscores BMM’s ongoing commitment to supporting Italy’s regulated gaming market.

The Company is also shortlisted for two prestigious Italian Gaming Awards: the “Do the Right Thing” Award and “Best Executive Leadership” for Marzia Turrini, BMM’s Global President of iGaming & Cybersecurity. These nominations reflect BMM’s continued leadership in integrity, compliance, and innovation across regulated gaming markets worldwide.

At the Expo, BMM will showcase its comprehensive suite of services through:

BMM Testlabs – trusted testing and certification for suppliers, operators, and regulators.
BIG Cyber – advanced cybersecurity protection.
RG24seven Virtual Training – compliance-grade, BMM-certified employee education.

Marzia Turrini will also take part as a featured panelist on April 15:

Women Empowerment in Gaming: Leadership, Skills and the Future of the Industry (11:05–11:50)
Exploring the growing role of women in leadership and how new skills and perspectives drive a more innovative and inclusive gaming industry.
Digital Transformation in Gaming: From Compliance to Growth (12:00–12:45)
Examining how technology, compliance strategy, and modern operating models help gaming companies enhance performance and accelerate growth in regulated markets.

Turrini commented:
“We’re thrilled to support the Italian Gaming Expo and one of Europe’s most important regulated markets. With our office and test lab in Bologna, BMM helps safeguard and grow the industry through trusted testing and certification that enables faster time to market while maintaining the highest compliance and security standards. Our cybersecurity and training solutions empower organizations to innovate confidently in Italy.”

BMM Testlabs provides certification across Italy’s gaming ecosystem, including:

Land-based AWP and VLT machines and systems
Retail sports betting and horse racing platforms
Lotteries and instant gaming
Online casino, sports betting, and wagering technologies
Skill games with prizes

Combined with BIG Cyber’s cybersecurity services and RG24seven Virtual Training’s expert-led programs, BMM delivers a complete compliance and security solution, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements, enhance readiness, and build knowledgeable teams across Italy’s regulated gaming sector.

Expo attendees are invited to visit Stand No. 3 to learn how BMM continues to support Italy’s gaming industry with global expertise, local insight, and trusted compliance leadership.

The post BMM INNOVATION GROUP HIGHLIGHTS LEADERSHIP IN PRODUCT TESTING AND CERTIFICATION AT THE ITALIAN GAMING EXPO & CONFERENCE, APRIL 14–15 IN ROME appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.