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How NetEnt built an empire based on familiarity

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Initially founded as Net Entertainment in 1996, NetEnt is one of iGaming’s greatest and most recognisable online slot developers, a company that’s universally known for having a truly unbeatable catalogue of online slots.

But how did this gargantuan Swedish development studio grow in prominence over the years, casting an imposing shadow over the rest of the industry? The short answer, brand power!

That being said, we’re not exactly talking about NetEnt’s brand power here… We’re talking about the fact that NetEnt has traditionally utilised other recognised brands to boost their reputation within the world of iGaming.

In the beginning – NetEnt signs collaborative deal with Universal

NetEnt kick-started this incredibly smart strategy in 2010 when they entered into a landmark multi-year licensing agreement with Universal, the film studio behind some of Hollywood’s greatest movies and television shows.

The first big-name IP that NetEnt developed into an online slot was none other than Mr. Tony Montana himself, the notorious drug lord Scarface. Looking back it’s quite understandable why NetEnt decided to go with an R-rated character.

Not only is Tony Montana all about big money, but it’s much easier to pair a classic bad boy with a form of entertainment such as online slots that have long been looked upon as risqué.

Once it was quite apparent that NetEnt had discovered a winning strategy they continued to sign deals with other major film and television studios such as Colombia Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Sony Entertainment to get access to some of the world’s biggest brands.

These brand partnerships gave NetEnt a competitive edge over other studios who were themselves releasing run-of-the-mill online slots themed around ancient Egypt, Las Vegas and Ireland… Nothing particularly exciting when compared to NetEnt’s slots that are based on hit movies and television shows.

Aggressive expansion – NetEnt’s television and movie-themed slots arrive at casinos across the internet

After the success of Scarface, NetEnt decided to stick with creating branded online slots that feature characters and IP that wouldn’t be ‘tarnished’ by being made into an online slot game. Whether this was a decision made by movie and television executives, or NetEnt themselves remains to be seen… Either way, it worked!

Their next hit games were South Park and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Naturally, South Park featured all of the same rude and crude humour the famous animated show is known for, and as a result, it pulled in a whole host of players (old and new) that were interested in this new and unique crossover.

The same can be said for Creature from the Black Lagoon, a slot based on the unsettling 1954 horror movie of the same name. Despite the fact that not too many players will vividly remember the black and white film, players still flocked to this highly volatile slot.

In the months and subsequent years that followed NetEnt released a huge number of branded TV/movie-themed slots that pulled in huge audiences, these include: South Park: Reel Chaos, The Invisible Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, Universal Monsters: The Phantom’s Curse, Emojiplanet, Planet of the Apes and Conan.

NetEnt also used their successful partnership with Universal to muscle in on the world of music as part of the developers 20th-anniversary celebrations, they got their hands on the IP for some of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll stars Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead and Jimi Hendrix.

Having seriously upped their game utilising big-name brands, NetEnt continued to pull out all the stops to wow audiences with new online slots based on iconic people, tv shows and movies.

First came Jumanji Video Slot, then Narcos (based on the hit Netflix series), followed by Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Slot and most recently Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Video Slot.

Building for the future – NetEnt supplement their success by creating their own brand icons

Despite having seen unprecedented success due to their branded slots, credit still must be given to their army of creatives as they’re also responsible for inventing some iconic brands of their own that have gone on to spawn multiple games and feature heavily in casino lobbies.

If you ask anyone today to name a handful of the most recognisable online slot games, odds are they’ll mention NetEnt classics such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Fortune and Twin Spin. All of these games have spawned popular sequels and are often used as part of casino welcome bonuses due to how popular they are with players around the world.

NetEnt seems to be one of the very few successful online slot developers that have found the perfect balance between creating timeless classics of their own and utilising big-name brands from outside the world of iGaming to help grow their reputation.

Blueprint Gaming and Play’n GO are the only two studios that can hold a candle to NetEnt, and it’s hard to say whether any other developers will get remotely close to any of them at this point. Ultimately, the costs and intricacies involved in licensing are just far too great for up and coming developers to front.

Looking back, it’s clear to see that NetEnt took a serious risk in signing expensive deals with Hollywood studios, but it’s one that paid off tenfold. NetEnt is without a doubt the biggest name in online slots, and has been for the last decade. 

We believe that their success is entirely down to the fact they’ve played host to the biggest names and therefore gained the attention of the biggest casinos, seeing their games front and centre of slot lobbies all over the world.

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THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE

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The world’s biggest poker series returns to the Las Vegas Strip from May 26 through July 25

The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today announced the daily event schedule for the 2026 World Series of Poker, the 57th edition of the world’s richest and most prestigious poker series. Returning to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the 2026 WSOP promises a summer of unparalleled action, where new legends will be made and 100 gold bracelets will be awarded.

The excitement begins on May 26 with a revamped lineup designed to maintain the momentum of 2025’s record-breaking season, which saw GGPoker ambassador Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi capture the Main Event title and a $10,000,000 top prize.

The $10,000 Main Event & Free Daily Stream

As always, the centerpiece of the summer is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the ‘Main Event’, which begins on Thursday, July 2. Play will proceed until the final table is reached on July 13, with specifics on the Main Event final table play dates and broadcast coverage to be announced at a later date.

To bring WSOP action to a wider international audience for free, a daily stream will be broadcast live on the official WSOP YouTube channel from May 26 through to the start of the Main Event. This daily broadcast will showcase the new and improved TV set in Paris Las Vegas and feature some of the game’s most recognizable commentators.

WSOP 2026 Highlights

Additional highlight events include:

  • Event #7 Heads Up No-Limit Holdem Championship – 64 players max (3-day event) – May 29 – $25,000 buy-in
  • Event #18 MONSTER STACK No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 3 – $1,500 buy-in
  • Event #34 COLOSSUS No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 10 – $500 buy-in
  • Event #41 Super High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 13 – $250,000 buy-in
  • Event #47 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (4-day event) – June 15 – $25,000 buy-in
  • Event #50 MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 17 – $1,500 buy-in
  • Event #60 Poker Players Championship (5-day event) – June 21 – $50,000 buy-in
  • Event #63 Mystery Millions – No-Limit Hold’em (3-day event) – June 23 – $1,000 buy-in

Additional flights have also been added to several of our most popular bracelet events offering players more opportunities than ever before to play their favorite WSOP events.

New Events & Summer Circuit Momentum

To maximize the excitement, the 2026 schedule introduces several high-impact events and a seamless transition into the Circuit season:

  • Event #1 Mini Mystery Millions No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $550 buy-in featuring a massive $1M bounty prize guarantee – May 26
  • Event #11 GGMillion$ High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $10,000 buy-in prestige event with two starting flights – May 31
  • Event #16 U.S. Circuit Championship No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $1,700 buy-in event following the success of WSOP Paradise – June 2
  • Event #53 Five Card Pot-Limit Omaha (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in PLO event – June 18
  • Event #91 “Pick Your PLO” (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in Dealer’s Choice format including PLO, PLO8, Five-Card PLO (High), and Big O – July 9
  • Summer Circuit: For the first time, a WSOP Circuit will begin during the final days of the bracelet series, running from July 14 – 25, ensuring the action in Las Vegas never slows down. The full schedule and other details will be available at WSOP.com

Executive & Ambassador Reaction

“As we saw in 2025, thousands of incredible stories are waiting to be told at the World Series of Poker,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. “We’re more committed than ever to being poker’s unquestioned biggest stage and to shining a brighter spotlight on our favorite game.”

“Our favorite time of year is around the corner, and we cannot wait to once again welcome the poker world back to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas,” said Jack Effel, Senior Vice President of Poker Operations at Caesars Entertainment. “This summer’s World Series of Poker promises more action and more opportunities to play your favorite events than ever before, from the first ‘Shuffle Up and Deal!’ to the crowning of the Main Event champion.”

“GGPoker’s WSOP Express satellites allow enthusiasts all over the world to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. Whether you are an international player qualifying via GGPoker or a domestic U.S. player winning your seat via WSOP Online, we want to see you taking your shot at the gold in 2026!” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador and seven-time WSOP bracelet winner.

WSOP+ Registration & Accommodations

Players can now access all tournament details via the WSOP+ app, which has already been updated with the full schedule. Registration for all summer events will open soon, streamlining the path to the podium. Players planning to visit the WSOP this summer should install the app and complete registration before arriving in Las Vegas; those who participated in WSOP 2025 and previously verified their identity do not need to do so again this year unless their personal information has changed or a new payment method is used.

Reduced room rates are available across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts for the series. To access them, visit caesars.com, select a date between May 26 and July 25, 2026, and use promo code WSOP26.

WSOP Player Of The Year

The 100 bracelet events that make up the World Series of Poker 2026 will shape the race for the revamped WSOP Player of the Year (POY) competition. New for 2026, WSOP will award $1M in total to POY competitors, with the player who finishes first receiving a $100,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package.

This year’s POY race starts at the World Series of Poker Europe 2026, which will be hosted in Prague, Czechia, from March 31 through April 12. For more details on the 2026 POY competition, please visit the WSOP POY page.

More Information & Online Qualification

Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates.

To qualify online for WSOP 2026, please visit GGPoker.com to find out more about WSOP Express, or wsoponline.com if located in the United States.

The post THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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CEO of GGBET UA Serhii Mishchenko

GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign

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A leading gaming brand in Ukraine has launched a collection of ads featuring the tagline “Keep it GG” as part of an extensive communications initiative. The videos are currently being broadcast on Ukrainian TV, online platforms, and the brand’s social media accounts.

“GG” (Good Game) started in video game culture, yet its significance has far surpassed the literal meaning of “well played.” Currently, it symbolizes a worldwide sign of honor and gratitude for the feelings exchanged following a match, no matter the outcome. This concept served as the basis for GGBET UA’s latest marketing campaign. The video series embodies a unique GG atmosphere: rather than using a conventional voiceover, it incorporates complete audio tracks; the narrative features both literal and metaphorical allusions to sports and esports terms, alongside in-game and casino aspects; and prominent Ukrainian footballers are among the main characters.

“Every game, every match, every tournament is a moment that brings people together. For us, it’s important that every interaction with GGBET gives users that good game feeling — an experience that outlives the result and leaves vivid emotions behind, just like after watching a match,” comments CEO of GGBET UA, Serhii Mishchenko.

Going beyond the traditional view of GG also signifies a more profound implication — the brand’s strategic focus. The international brand, which has concentrated on esports for several years and attained significant success in esports betting and collaborations, is now adopting best practices to enhance traditional sports in regional markets. GGBET UA showcases a wider strategy for Good Game via collaborations (FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Polissya, and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation), by organizing its own events and special projects, including initiatives that blend sports with esports, like the Match of LeGGends: Derby showmatch on the server featuring esports athletes and football players.

The brand’s creative team collaborated with a Ukrainian advertising agency and a Ukrainian production company to develop the commercials. GGBET UA made this choice to assist the local creative sector amid the war.

The post GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem

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Global esports entertainment company BLAST, in partnership with Brawl Stars, is bringing the first-ever live in-person Brawl Cup to Berlin from 15–17 May 2026. The three-day event promises top-tier international competition alongside a full fan experience at the Uber Eats Music Hall.

This landmark event is part of BLAST’s new multi-year partnership with Brawl Stars, creating a refreshed, large-scale competitive ecosystem for the mobile action game available on iOS and Android. The collaboration introduces a global calendar of events, expanded live broadcasts, and blockbuster arena shows, setting a new standard for Brawl Stars esports.

A Milestone for Brawl Stars Competitive Scene

As BLAST’s first standalone live event for Brawl Stars, Brawl Cup Berlin marks a key milestone in the new competitive season. The 3-day format showcases BLAST’s growing footprint in Europe and reinforces Supercell’s commitment to expanding Brawl Stars’ global competitive circuit.

Under this partnership, BLAST will:

  • Deliver 32 broadcast days per year across six competitive seasons

  • Host three major live events annually

  • Enable teams to qualify through regional competitions across EMEA, North America, South America, APAC, and China

Top teams from each region will compete in marquee in-person events, bringing world-class competition directly to live audiences.

Event Details: Brawl Cup Berlin

  • What: Brawl Cup Berlin

  • When: 15–17 May 2026

  • Where: Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin, Germany

  • Tickets: On-sale dates and pricing to be announced

What Fans Can Expect

The Berlin event will deliver a full arena experience, combining:

  • High-energy live competition

  • BLAST’s signature broadcast spectacle

  • On-site fan activations and interactive experiences

Further announcements will reveal participating teams, broadcast schedules, and detailed fan experiences in the coming weeks.

Media and Press Opportunities

Media representatives will have access to:

  • Accreditation for the full event weekend

  • Player and spokesperson interviews

  • Exclusive coverage of the new-look Brawl Stars competitive circuits

This event represents a pivotal step in BLAST and Supercell’s mission to elevate Brawl Stars esports on a global stage.

The post BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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