Latest News

Forza Kalamba!

Published

5 years ago

February 26, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Tamas Kusztos, Head of Sales and Account Management at slots developer Kalamba Games gives us some insight into the company’s recent entry into the vibrant Italian market and what it hopes to bring to the well-established territory.

The Italian market for gambling is one of the most proven and lucrative in Europe, if not globally. From land-based and online to esports and sports betting, there’s little that a bettor can’t wager on in the country thanks to the regulated landscape it operates in. But what about newcomers like Kalamba? Is it actually advantageous for us to make our debut now? Well, there are certain benefits in that we have been able to identify some player preferences and trends which will help us hit the ground running. The market being as mature as it is also helps us to quickly get a handle on general market conditions and how regulation has progressed.
As it’s turned out, it’s actually been a very good time to do it, as online casino has grown to become the most lucrative product vertical in the Italian online market, with slot products now accounting for upwards of two-thirds of overall segment revenue of €831m in 2019 and €837m in the first nine months of 2020. As recently as last November, the 2 billion revenue mark was surpassed by regulated operators for the first time ever and that was followed by another record-breaking December, which saw a 40 per cent month-on-month increase.
Given our success in other European markets, we are sure that there will always be an appetite for fresh content such as ours and we are excited to introduce it to the Italian players.

But of course, not all European territories are the same – Italy has a very strong land-based heritage and many online operators also run betting shops. This gives us a good insight into what this slightly different player demographic enjoys. We will be looking to develop new content for the Italian market that offers the mechanics, features, and themes that the local player base knows and loves. It is all about knowing your customer and making sure our content is tailored to attract them and we will learn as we go and improve our content along the way.

Getting us off to a good start, we have a really broad portfolio of titles with our 50th game being launched later this year. We offer players a range of different themes and have been working hard to develop our signature features. Some of our best loved ones are HyperBet and HyperBonus, which allow players to adjust the volatility level of the game and to shortcut into bonus rounds. Coupled with exciting themes and a slick user interface, this means we can really cater for all demographics. We have a packed roadmap for 2021 which will see us take our content to new heights.

But having those games alone isn’t the whole picture, we need to align ourselves with the right local partners to gain the best possible insight. As a supplier, you only have access to part of the performance data of your games with operators holding the other important piece of information. It is therefore crucial to work closely with operators to get a 360 view of how well our content is performing in the market and what kind of content players prefer. We have talked with some of our partners in detail about the market trends and we will certainly take it into consideration when creating games. We are however confident that our unique offering will carve out a decent market share with our fresh approach towards slots.

That approach is also evident in our player engagement and part of our Bullseye RGS, which has been doing particularly well since its introduction last year. We have already released Big Win Replay, where players can go back and watch their big wins repeatedly. Our data shows that this significantly increases the engagement levels compared with players who choose not to use it. Building on that, we’re soon to include our own unique take on the classic Jackpots feature, while later this year, we’re set to introduce some really fresh and exciting gamification tools that will increase engagement and retention levels with players.

So all in all, it’s exciting times in Italy and with our powerful combination of innovative games and promotional tools, we’re confident we can take advantage and push forward to become one of the leading suppliers there.

Digital Games

Scientific Games Partners with LEIA to Drive Digital Innovation Across European Lotteries

Published

6 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

scientific-games-partners-with-leia-to-drive-digital-innovation-across-european-lotteries

Scientific Games has strengthened its position in the European digital lottery market after being selected as a strategic digital partner by the Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance (LEIA). The alliance brings together five of Europe’s most prominent lottery operators: Danske Spil (Denmark), FDJ United (France), Norsk Tipping (Norway), Svenska Spel (Sweden), and Veikkaus Oy (Finland).

The partnership positions Scientific Games at the center of LEIA’s mission to accelerate digital transformation across member lotteries. By fostering collaboration and shared innovation, LEIA aims to enhance digital growth, strengthen market positions, and ensure responsible engagement with modern and younger adult audiences.

According to Morten Eriksen, CEO of LEIA, innovation is a cornerstone of the alliance’s strategy. The selection of Scientific Games reflects LEIA’s commitment to developing digital experiences that align with evolving consumer expectations while maintaining responsible gaming standards. Through this collaboration, LEIA seeks to balance technological advancement with social responsibility, a growing priority for European lottery operators.

Formed as a shared innovation platform, LEIA enables its members to access a collective marketplace for digital games and services. This structure allows participating lotteries to benefit from improved scalability, faster time-to-market, and reduced development costs through shared resources and purchasing power. The alliance model is designed to streamline operations while encouraging creativity and experimentation in digital lottery content.

Under the newly signed two-year agreement, Scientific Games will deliver digital game projects aligned with LEIA’s strategic initiatives. As the world’s largest creator and supplier of lottery games, Scientific Games will also provide localized digital titles from its extensive portfolio of more than 270 premium games developed by SG Studios. In addition, the company will design bespoke digital games tailored to the unique preferences and regulatory environments of individual LEIA markets.

Matt Lynch, President of Digital at Scientific Games, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the company and LEIA’s member lotteries. He emphasized that the expanded partnership will support lotteries in reaching new audiences, enhancing engagement, and shaping the future of digital lottery entertainment across Europe.

Through this collaboration, LEIA will gain access to Scientific Games’ expansive library of over 100 licensed brands, alongside a growing catalog of digital instant games distributed via the SG Content Hub. This platform connects innovative third-party studios with lottery operators worldwide, expanding content diversity and accelerating innovation. Studios such as Random State, BWLoto EHF, and Harman Connected Services GmbH have also been selected as part of the LEIA collaboration, further enriching the alliance’s digital ecosystem.

Scientific Games currently serves more than 30 iLottery customers globally, delivering advanced digital solutions including CRM systems, loyalty programs, promotions, mobile and web applications, and second-chance initiatives. With operations spanning 150 lotteries in 50 countries, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping both retail and digital lottery experiences worldwide.

The partnership with LEIA underscores Scientific Games’ commitment to driving digital innovation at scale while supporting responsible growth in the European lottery sector.

The post Scientific Games Partners with LEIA to Drive Digital Innovation Across European Lotteries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Scientific Games Enters Digital Collab with Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance

Published

6 hours ago

January 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

scientific-games-enters-digital-collab-with-lotteries-entertainment-innovation-alliance

Company Will Deliver Digital Game Projects to European Lotteries Group LEIA

Scientific Games has been selected as a digital partner to Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance (LEIA), a collaboration between five leading European lotteries: Danske Spil in Denmark, FDJ United in France, Norsk Tipping in Norway, Svenska Spel in Sweden and Veikkaus Oy in Finland.

“LEIA is an international collaboration between lotteries sharing the same goal to foster open innovation, strengthen market position and boost digital growth locally” said Morten Eriksen, CEO of LEIA. “Our focus on innovation has naturally led to the selection of Scientific Games as our digital partner. We support digital development that meets modern customer expectations, including younger adult audiences in a responsible way.”

LEIA was formed to help its partner lotteries accelerate digital innovation by creating a shared marketplace for relevant games and services. The alliance aims to increase operational efficiency and scalability, enabling each lottery to launch new content faster while reducing costs through collective purchasing power and shared development.

Under the new two-year agreement, Scientific Games—the world’s largest creator and provider of lottery games—will deliver digital games projects to LEIA based on strategic initiatives determined by the Alliance. Scientific Games will also offer localized games from its portfolio of more than 270 premier digital titles developed by SG Studios, and develop bespoke games tailored to specific LEIA markets.

“Scientific Games is a long-time, trusted business partner to the individual lotteries in the alliance, providing a broad portfolio of products and services. We’re thrilled to further extend our collaboration through this strategic digital partnership with LEIA, helping these lotteries expand their reach, engage new audiences and continue shaping the future of lottery entertainment,” said Matt Lynch, President of Digital for Scientific Games.

Through the partnership, LEIA will gain access to Scientific Games’ portfolio of more than 100 licensed brands, as well as a growing library of digital instant games created by partner studios made available through the company’s SG Content Hub, which connects innovative studios and their content to lotteries around the world.

Lynch added, “Scientific Games congratulates our game studio partners, Sweden-based Random State, BWLoto EHF and Harman Connected Services GmbH, who have also been selected for this LEIA collaboration.”

Serving more than 30 iLottery customers globally, Scientific Games offers world-leading digital programs including CRM, loyalty, promotions, second-chance, mobile and web applications. The company provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide, offering entertaining game content featuring the largest portfolio of licensed brands in the lottery industry.

The post Scientific Games Enters Digital Collab with Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

EMEA ESPORTS

MOVEMBER TEAMS UP WITH RIOT GAMES EMEA ESPORTS

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

movember-teams-up-with-riot-games-emea-esports

TLDR:

Movember is partnering with the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, and Game Changers EMEA Championship as the Official Mental Health Partner, supporting players, team staff and the wider community for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Date: January 20, 2026 [London]

What you need to know:

Riot Games and Movember announce a multi-year partnership focused on embedding mental health and wellbeing into the EMEA esports ecosystem.
The partnership will integrate mental health and wellbeing frameworks, support systems, and initiatives across the leagues.
Movember will provide tools and resources to better manage competitive pressure, build healthier habits, and be encouraged to discuss mental health openly.
Planned initiatives for the upcoming year include mental health training for players and staff, and player-only roundtables on stress and coping strategies, with a view to use this to cascade content and guidance to the wider esports community.
Movember will share messaging on the broadcasts and on-site during events that highlight the importance of mental health and help reduce the stigma around honest discussions and seeking help when needed.
Together, Movember and Riot Games aim to make the gaming environment a healthier environment for all.

Quote from Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports, EMEA:

“Supporting the wellbeing of the VCT EMEA community, our players, and team staff is something we are committed to strengthening, so we’re thrilled to welcome Movember as a partner. While supporting open conversations and ensuring our players know trusted resources are available is a priority, this partnership also helps raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing across the wider VCT EMEA community. Movember’s expertise will help normalize these discussions beyond the competitive stage, and provide the tools so everyone connected to our ecosystem feels supported by professionals committed to making a positive impact.”

Quote from Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports, EMEA

“Partnering with Movember allows us to take our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our players and teams to the next level. We want our community to feel empowered to speak openly about the challenges they face and know resources are available if needed. Gaming should be a safe and healthy space for everyone, and this partnership will help us ensure that the environment is maintained and strengthened.”

Quote from Dan Cooper, Global Director, Innovations at Movember:

“Movember is committed to bring community first solutions to today’s most urgent mental health challenges. Esports is a focus area for our work in mental health, and by working with Riot Games we aim to have a real impact and drive positive change in esports.”

The post MOVEMBER TEAMS UP WITH RIOT GAMES EMEA ESPORTS appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.