Latest News

Can any of the upcoming slots dethrone Starburst in 2021

Published

5 years ago

January 20, 2021

Starburst is the video slot created by NetEnt back in 2012. Despite its age, it is still one of the most popular slots currently, and probably the most played video slot game of all time! What makes this classic 5×3 slot so special that is still played by millions today, and can anyone find the secret behind its success, and create the slot which can dethrone Starburst in 2021? We will analyze the facts of what makes Starburst that popular, and take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases from the first quarter of 2021 and try to give an answer to that question. Also, if some of you, by any chance, still haven’t tried this amazing slot, Starburst free play is available. Try it now and see why it is so popular.

The Building Blocks behind Starburst Popularity

At first glance, we can see that Starburst’s graphics and design are impeccable. It is still modern, although it is more than eight years old! Although this is just makeup, it is very important for slot longevity.

With the fast evolution of technology and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated. After that, their player counts go to the abyss. With Starburst this didn’t happen, and we even believe that it won’t, because graphics are that sophisticated, and yet so simple, that we won’t see a huge dip in their popularity anytime soon.

The second reason behind Starburst slot popularity is its simplicity. Some of the slot game providers experiment with a huge number of reels and rows, many different features, and various cosmetic additions to keep the players entertained and happy. Starburst makes all the things simple, with its classic 5×3 design. Some players argue that Starburst is boring, but it is not a coincidence that the 5×3 design is the most popular slot design ever. It is not too plain and boring, and not too complicated as well, because slot game players want to win some cash, and not feel overwhelmed by design and gameplay.

Starburst has a huge betting range, from €0.01 to €100. That allows both casual players and high-rollers to play this slot. Although high-rollers don’t like this slot very much, because it is not volatile, casuals adore it. There are many more casual players than high-rollers, so they again targeted a broad audience.

We mentioned that Starburst has low volatility and therefore is not that popular with the players who want to win big. However, casuals love to see many small wins, because they have a feeling that they are generally winning, although they actually don’t – the wins you will get will often be smaller than the bet you made, but some of the players somehow don’t notice it. The sessions are usually long if you play for the smallest amounts, so you can have fun, even if you lose money.

For all these reasons, Starburst retained its popularity over the last eight years. Although it is not the best slot in terms of the chances of winning big, all the reasons we mentioned make it appealing for most players, which happen to be casuals.

We will now take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases and try to guess whether or not they have a chance for dethroning Starburst.

The Most Anticipated Slot Releases 2021

January is not over yet, and we already got some exciting slots this year. For example, we got an exciting video slot from Gamomat, an independent slot game provider, called Crystal Strike. It is a highly volatile slot, beautifully designed, with classic features such as respins and wilds.

Nolimit City released San Quentin xWays. This slot is based on the infamous US jail, which is a theme that wasn’t widely used, so it can be hit or miss, but we expect to be popular, especially among the younger audience.

iSoftBet, another award-winning games supplier, released Mighty Stallion Hold & Win, the Wild West theme-based video slot. It is another slot that uses their Hold & Win mechanic, but the theme is not inventive, nor the slot itself is offering something new – it is basically the type of slot we get from them all the time, only with a slightly altered theme.

Play’n GO released Miner Donkey Trouble, while Pragmatic released Mysterious Egypt. These slots feel like they were already seen before, and there is no chance that slots that use the same, boring theme, such as the Ancient Egypt flourish and dethrone Starburst.

Pragmatic Gaming has a more interesting release scheduled for February – Dragon Kingdom: Eyes of Fire. This slot should be way better and way more popular than Mysterious Egypt because it has a flawless design and many features attached. Dragons are still a popular topic, and they aren’t overused in video slots such as Ancient Egypt, so we can see this release gaining popularity right off the bat.

Another highly anticipated release should be the Playtech Age of the Gods series’s next release – Book of Oracle. This slot should be the first to come from Playtech in 2021, and they decided to go big right away. Age of the Gods series gained a significant amount of players which is getting bigger with every new slot release. We expect that this slot will be masterfully done in terms of the graphics and interface (since we still didn’t have an opportunity to see it), and the features should be similar to the ones from the previous slots. This is a volatile, progressive jackpot slot, so it will draw attention from the high-rollers.

What Features Should a Slot Have to Beat Starburst

Since we know what is behind Starburst’s popularity, and we saw what the first slot releases are in January 2021, the question arises – does any slot from this list have the features and traits required to dethrone Starburst? We can never know for sure, but the answer is probably – no.

To be as popular as Starburst, the audience must be predominantly casual players. There are some amazing, volatile slots you can make a fortune on, but there are not enough people who would risk big money to try it out. Long, interesting sessions, with lots of small wins, which give you the false impression that you are an overall winner, are the key to the slot popularity.

After that, the slot must have an impeccable design that will age well, so it can stay relevant with time, and must have simple, but yet unique and interesting features. You should overcomplicate, but the slot can’t have a dull theme or average graphics.

Summary

We eagerly expect more great slot releases in 2021. In January and February, we should get several amazing slots from the biggest slot games providers, but in terms of popularity, we don’t think that any slot will be able to dethrone Starburst anytime soon.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try out new slot additions, especially if you are a high-roller. There is a trend of more progressive jackpots, mega ways, and other great features incorporated in new slot releases, and in general, it seems that the average volatility is getting higher, which is excellent news for the ones chasing big wins.

Latest News

Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

where-to-drive-tier-1-sport-traffic-in-april:-top-events-&-promos

April continues the high-intensity sports season, with a dense schedule of matches, tournaments, and decisive stages that consistently drive spikes in player engagement and deposit activity. For affiliates, this creates a strong opportunity window to capture high-intent traffic and scale performance during peak moments.

Affiliates working with N1 Partners can run sports-driven traffic across three products: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

This gives you the flexibility to scale on a dedicated sportsbook while also expanding monetization through high-converting casino brands. By covering both betting and casino audiences, you can tap into a wider range of user intent and increase overall revenue potential.

This is especially relevant for partners participating in the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, where timing, traffic allocation, and smart scaling directly impact your final results — and where teams can also drive SEO traffic to sports, expanding their coverage and growth opportunities.

Key Sports Events in April

To help you plan campaigns and scale Tier-1 traffic efficiently, the N1 Partners team has prepared a selection of key sports events worth focusing on this month.

Soccer

April is driven by decisive European competitions and top-league clashes. Quarter-finals and semi-finals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, along with key domestic matches, create consistent traffic spikes.

Basketball

The start of the NBA Playoffs marks one of the strongest engagement periods for high-intent traffic and repeat activity

18.04 | NBA | Playoffs

Ice Hockey

April combines regular-season action with the start of NHL Playoffs, where engagement traditionally grows as teams fight for elimination rounds.

10.04 | NHL | Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
18.04–21.06 | NHL | Playoffs

Tennis

21.04 | WTA | Madrid Open
22.04 | ATP Masters | Madrid

MMA & Boxing

Fight cards in April include headline matchups and strong co-main events, which work well for short-term traffic bursts and hype-driven campaigns.

11.04 | Boxing | Tyson Fury vs Makhmudov
12.04 | UFC 327 | Procházka vs Ulberg
12.04 | UFC 327 | Van vs Taira
12.04 | UFC 327 | Blaydes vs Hokit
12.04 | PFL | Pettis vs McKee

Cricket

International series provide steady traffic flow, especially in GEOs where cricket has strong demand.

17.04–23.04 | ODI Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand
27.04–29.04 | T20 Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand

Active Promotions Across N1 Partners Brands

To help affiliates maximize conversion and extract more value from traffic, N1 Partners is running a range of seasonal promos across key brands for users. These campaigns give you stronger angles for creatives and help drive higher player engagement.

Fortune’s Gold Lottery (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 09.04–29.04
Prize pool: €85,000 (RollXO) | €100,000 (N1 Bet)

Advent Calendar (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 03.04–12.04
10 daily tasks with rewards for players.

Egg Hunt (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 01.04–04.04
Seasonal Easter promo with short-term engagement mechanics.

Race Lottery (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €20,000 + 5,000 FS

April Fortune Lottery (SlotLords, SlotsMines)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €10,000 + 5,000 FS (SlotLords) | €7,000 + 3,000 FS (SlotsMines)

Easter Lottery (SlotMafia, SlotHunter, LuckyHunter)
Period: 10.04–17.04
Prize pool: €10,000 (LuckyHunter) | €8,000 (SlotMafia, SlotHunter)

To learn more about the promos, contact your manager.

How to Maximize Results from Event-Driven Traffic

Performance in Tier-1 markets is directly tied to major events. Key matches, playoffs, and finals naturally increase attention and create better conditions for deposits and repeat engagement.

To get the most out of April traffic:

focus on high-impact matches, playoffs, and finals where user intent is strongest
align campaigns with match days and key tournament stages
scale budgets during peak demand windows instead of spreading traffic evenly
combine sportsbook and casino funnels to increase total monetization
react quickly to performance data and scale winning campaigns

How Affiliates Can Scale Traffic Right Now

April offers multiple high-conversion windows driven by major sports events and strong promotional mechanics for players.

Drive traffic to key sports events and active promos across N1 Partners brands: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

The N1 Partners team is ready to support you with up-to-date promos, analytics, and hands-on guidance to help you scale efficiently.

Join N1 Partners

N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, bringing together 14+ casino and betting brands with strong LTV and Reg2Dep rates of up to 70% across Tier-1 GEOs.

N1 Partners offers competitive terms for top partners, including CPA up to €650-700 and RevShare up to 45%, ensuring stable and scalable performance.

Trusted by 14,000+ partners, N1 Partners stands out for its transparency, flexibility, and focus on long-term partnerships, supported by a strong product portfolio and advanced retention systems.

The post Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2RBO Affiliates

2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

2rbo-affiliates-presents-lodur:-a-viking-inspired-casino-and-sportsbook

2RBO Affiliates is proud to present Lodur, a new casino and sportsbook brand that brings Norse mythology to life through an immersive, gamified experience.

Inspired by the age of Vikings, their conquests, legends, and spirit of exploration, Lodur invites players into a world where every bet contributes to continuous progression.

At the core of the experience is the Island System, a persistent progression layer that evolves across sessions. Alongside sports betting and casino play, players build and upgrade their own island settlements, unlock new territories, and voyage through more than 110 uniquely themed islands — ranging from Nordic-inspired landscapes to cyberpunk enclaves and eerie cemeteries.

Progression is fueled by Elixir, a resource earned through every deposit and wager. Players use Eliksir to access the Lodur Slot game, where they can win the coins needed to build and upgrade their settlements. Beyond building, landing the right symbols can trigger the Attack feature, allowing players to breach a rival’s defenses and claim their coins.

This interactive layer introduces a fierce rivalry that fuels long-term engagement. Whether attacking an opponent or defending their own settlement, players must constantly evolve their tactics to grow. With a vast world to conquer, Lodur offers a deep and rewarding journey — a high-stakes loop of building and competing that drives continuous player loyalty and forges a lasting bond with the saga.

“Lodur is a product where entertainment and progression go hand in hand. For players, there is always a new island to conquer and new land to explore, ensuring the hunt for glory never ends and the next horizon is always within reach. For affiliates, this creates a high-retention ecosystem where players stay invested in their journey, remain active, and scale in value over time,” commented Aviv, Head of 2RBO Affiliates.

For partners, Lodur is a powerful retention machine. By merging a premier sportsbook and casino with an adventurous Viking world, the brand creates a thrilling journey accessible via both iOS and Android apps. This seamless ecosystem of high-action gaming and continuous progression transforms standard traffic into a loyal, high-value player base, ensuring steady growth and maximum LTV for partners.

Lodur is now live and ready to fuel your profitability. Be among the first to drive traffic to Lodur and unlock a treasury of opportunities with 2RBO Affiliates!

About 2RBO Affiliates:

2RBO Affiliates is a high-performance affiliate program representing top iGaming brands. Built on an advanced platform, it combines modern gamification features, flexible commission models, and a no negative carryover policy to maximize partner profitability.

The post 2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

ela-games-scales-up-its-presence-in-europe-by-certifying-a-suite-of-9-hit-games-in-5-key-markets

ELA Games is accelerating its European expansion strategy after securing certifications for nine of its top-performing titles across five major regulated markets: Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and Malta.

This latest milestone enables operators in these regions to access a diverse portfolio of proven games, featuring award-nominated mechanics and modern takes on classic casino experiences.

A Balanced Portfolio for Local Markets

With a strong focus on localisation, ELA Games has curated a selection designed to resonate with varied player preferences across Europe. The newly certified lineup is built around three core pillars:

High-Performing Hits: Titles such as Buffalo Force, Piñatas Festival, and Riches Express have delivered strong GGR growth and demonstrated high player engagement in competitive markets.
Innovative Mechanics: The rollout introduces ELA Games’ Winpot feature to new jurisdictions. This mechanic, which allows players to control their cash-out strategy, is now available through titles like Zeus Winpot and Rabbit Winpot Deluxe.
Modernised Classics: Games such as Juicy Crystal and Noble Crown bring updated visuals and smooth gameplay to traditional slot formats, appealing to players who prefer familiar mechanics with a modern twist.

Market Availability

The certified titles are now live across multiple operator platforms, with game selections varying by jurisdiction:

Sweden: Betinia, Swiper, CampoBet, QuickCasino
Denmark: Betinia, CampoBet, Swiper, Betoro
Romania: Don.ro, TopBet, Swiper
Greece: ElaBet

Strengthening European Partnerships

These certifications build on ELA Games’ growing presence across Europe, supported by strategic partnerships with leading operators. The company has recently expanded in Denmark through a notable collaboration with Stake.dk, alongside integrations with Danske Licens Spil (Tivoli Casino), RoyalCasino, and Casino House.

Further expansion has been driven by partnerships with major industry players such as Betsson, as well as regulatory approval from the Hellenic Gaming Commission in Greece.

With a steadily growing footprint and a portfolio tailored for regulated markets, ELA Games is well positioned to capture additional market share and deliver strong returns for its partners across Europe.

The post ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.