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The emergence of new gaming venues are accounting for 30 percent of Blueprint machine orders
Renewed market confidence, a strong product offering and the opening of new gaming ventures on the UK high street are all combining to help drive the sales of Blueprint digital machines, according to feedback from the brand, which is part of MERKUR UK.
Reflecting on the market dynamics David Purvis, Managing Director of Blueprint Operations, stated: “We went into the ACOS show on the back of a very successful quarter in which sales were 50 percent up on the same stage 12-months ago” he confirmed. ”We subsequently put a lot of care and resource into our presence at ACOS which included holding a virtual exhibition the week prior for those members of the industry who were unable or not comfortable with travelling to London and the investment that we made has certainly paid dividends.
“In the month following ACOS we have continued to take orders across the range. Significantly, customers know that despite the well documented supply chain issues and due to a combination of meticulous planning and the fact that Blueprint machines carry the Made In Germany badge we are not subject to the long transit times incurred when production is in the Far East. As it stands currently we are able to quote the normal delivery times which means that operators are able to invest in their existing premises and perhaps most significantly that new venues can open with a full complement of top earning Blueprint product and start to pay back on the investment made.”
He added: “Analysing the orders processed during and followingmOctober’s exhibition , some 30 percent of the total volume has come from operators launching new venues. Clearly the UK high street is undergoing a period of significant change and low stake, low prize gambling entertainment venues are bringing much needed life and energy to UK high streets.”
Blueprint’s new product offering comprises three cabinets which aim to extend the digital entertainment experience from the home environment into retail venues. The Ultramax Cat C features a seamless edge-to-edge gaming experience courtesy of the two 31.5” screens. The B3 Wave+ and Auroramax+ also feature large screens – the Wave+ has a 43” curved portrait screen with the Auroramax+ boasting two 32” HD screens. Both have a new 15.6” video play deck to deliver a more interactive experience and feature the QXI6000 Quad core PC for enhanced graphical performance and smooth gameplay. David Purvis concluded: “Looking ahead I think there’s a buoyancy and quiet confidence in the market. The high proportion of vacant premises sitting empty on the high street has led to a restructuring of shop rents and the emergence of a more leisure oriented retail experience all of which augurs well for the future.”
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Diego Van Meerbeke
Diego Van Meerbeke Named Commercial Director at InsightPlay.ai
InsightPlay.ai has named Diego Van Meerbeke as Commercial Director as the firm speeds up its growth in Latin America and important regulated markets.
InsightPlay.ai is an AI-driven engagement platform that assists businesses in handling real-time customer interactions on a large scale, with significant momentum in the iGaming sector.
Van Meerbeke arrives from Better Collective, where he spearheaded commercial initiatives in Spanish-speaking LATAM, collaborating closely with operators and boosting revenue in a highly competitive affiliate landscape. He has held positions at The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, developing a solid foundation in media sales and collaborations.
His appointment coincides with InsightPlay’s transition from initial traction to commercial scale after its recent seed funding and implementation of AI-powered engagement solutions in various markets.
“Diego understands how this industry actually works, from both the media and operator side,” said Javier Troncoso, CEO of InsightPlay.ai. “We’re building the layer that manages real-time interaction between brands and their customers.”
InsightPlay’s platform allows operators to connect with users through voice, messaging, and digital channels, managing thousands of interactions each day and creating significant effects in reactivation, onboarding, and retention.
Although the company’s early expansion has been fueled by iGaming, the existing framework is currently being investigated in various sectors where immediate customer engagement directly influences earnings.
Most of the industry is still focused on acquisition,” said Diego Van Meerbeke. “The real opportunity is what happens after that.”
The post Diego Van Meerbeke Named Commercial Director at InsightPlay.ai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alea
Alea Returns to SiGMA South America as Brazil’s iGaming Market Enters a More Demanding Stage
Alea, the leading aggregator with the largest portfolio of certified games in Brazil, is returning to SiGMA South America 2026, held from April 7–10 in São Paulo, as the country’s regulated landscape continues to settle into a more structured and competitive phase.
After the initial excitement of market entry, operators are now focusing on the everyday realities of running in a formalized environment: keeping systems stable, ensuring games and platforms are certified, and meeting the expectations of a maturing player base. The conversation has shifted from launch milestones toward long-term growth and sustainable operations.
Alea CEO Jordi Sendra is attending the event alongside teams from partnerships, account management, business development, and marketing. The group will be based at Booth N145 throughout the week, meeting with operators and studios to discuss ongoing projects and the practical challenges they are facing in Brazil.
Bridging the Gap: The Future of Land-Based and Digital Gaming
On Wednesday, 8 April at 12:45, Jordi Sendra will join the panel “Physical or Digital? Between Boundaries and Convergences in the Casino Industry.” Alongside representatives from ANCASSINOS, Sportradar, Zitro Digital, Amusnet, and Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, the session explores how operators can stay competitive as the lines between land-based and online gaming continue to blur.
Oxygen Bar and Award Recognition
Alea will once again host its signature oxygen bar on the exhibition floor, offering a space to recharge and have focused conversations. The event also marks a milestone for the company, as Alea is shortlisted for Best Aggregator at the SiGMA South America Awards on 6 April.
“Being nominated in Brazil this year carries a lot of weight for us,” says Jordi Sendra. “The market has raised the bar for everyone. It’s pushed us to be more disciplined, more present, and more focused on what the local player actually needs. For our team, this is a great recognition of the miles we’ve put in on the ground and the relationships we’ve built with our partners across the region.”
Supporting Growth in a Maturing Landscape
Between the panel session and the meetings at the booth, the week is centered on providing the practical guidance and technical support that operators now need to grow with confidence. As the aggregator with the largest portfolio of certified games and game providers in the territory, Alea’s focus remains on helping its partners navigate the complexities of a more structured environment, ensuring both studios and operators stay competitive as the landscape continues to mature.
The post Alea Returns to SiGMA South America as Brazil’s iGaming Market Enters a More Demanding Stage appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Diamond King Gorilla
R. Franco Digital claims the jungle crown with Diamond King Gorilla
R. Franco Digital, the Spanish iGaming provider, has launched its latest high-energy slot, Diamond King Gorilla, taking players deep into the jungle for a thrilling adventure.
This 5×3, 243-ways-to-win slot features a sophisticated collect mechanic and progressive multiplier system designed for big rewards. Players can trigger the Free Spins round by landing three or more Scatter symbols, where the Wild symbol collects values from Direct Prize and Special Prize symbols.
The Level Indicator enhances the action by tracking every Wild, awarding extra spins and increasing multipliers at key milestones. For those seeking immediate excitement, a direct purchase option lets players jump straight into the bonus round.
Certified for eight regulated markets, including Spain and Portugal, Diamond King Gorilla also offers four jackpots — Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand, which pays up to 1000x the stake.
Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R. Franco Digital, said:
“With Diamond King Gorilla, we’ve focused on creating a high-velocity experience where every Wild symbol carries the potential for a massive payout. It captures the raw energy of the jungle while providing the sophisticated features our partners and players expect.”
With its fast-paced mechanics, multiplier-driven gameplay, and jackpot potential, Diamond King Gorilla delivers an immersive jungle adventure with every spin.
The post R. Franco Digital claims the jungle crown with Diamond King Gorilla appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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