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Playing the technology card: How Europe is winning the game
By Eriks Petersons, Digital Transformation Director, Ciklum
The last few years have seen a real period of growth in the gaming industry fuelled by technology. The push for responsible gambling and tighter regulations has helped reposition an industry which has carried a negative stigma for so long. Instead it is now accepted as a form of entertainment which is governed responsibly.
Europe has been at the core of this image transformation and now accounts for more than half of iGaming revenue worldwide. Investing in gaming technology over the last few years has seen Europe take advantage of the stagnant gaming scene in the US, which came as a result of the Black Friday events of 2011, and saw the closure of the three largest online poker websites.
Whilst the online gaming scene came to a halt in the US, advancements in European gaming technology meant that in the case of sports events, for example, bets could be placed live during a game – even via a mobile phone. In contrast, the US was reliant on land-based establishments where bets had to be placed before a game started. This resulted in many US companies snapping up European companies in order to benefit from these innovations. And who can blame them, with the sports scene so big in the US compared to across the pond.
But what the Black Friday events in the US taught the whole industry was the need for stricter regulations. Also crucial for upholding the gaming industry’s new positive reputation. Again, this is where Europe has been at the forefront – with the UK, Sweden and Germany leading the way – and certainly looking to stay in pole position.
How Covid-19 helped propel the gaming industry online
The Covid-19 pandemic hit the gaming industry on a global level, and as with many industries, companies were forced to move their operations online. With the temporary closure of land-based establishments, it taught the gaming industry an important lesson on product diversification and why it shouldn’t be over-reliant on physical world interactions.
With live sports temporarily suspended, meaning loss of revenue from sports betting, many players switched to casino gaming. Live shows with a real dealer helped to bridge the gap between online and land-based casinos, with players feeling more confident watching a real person dealing rather than trusting an algorithm.
It came down to which iGaming operators were willing to adapt to meet their players’ changing needs – and who had the technology to be able to do so. Those who did were the ones who came out as winners.
Why gaming platforms need to be customisable
The last ten years have seen the industry change from one that was initially market-driven to one that is now technology-driven. Traditionally gaming platforms were monolithic in nature meaning updates were often slow to implement and with many limitations.
Fast forward to the present, and as a result there are a lot of big companies who now own multiple platforms and products under one umbrella, but who have also inherited legacy technology obstacles.
Modernising platform infrastructure is key for allowing both scalability and flexibility. Microservices allow specific functions to be developed, deployed and managed independently from one another. This allows teams to focus on different areas, for example, whilst one team works on ‘responsible gaming’, another can work on ‘player acquisition’ testing or improving new features on the homepage.
Using microservices with APIs – which allows numerous front end experiences to be connected to a single back end program – enables flexibility beyond the limits of any one platform or technology. This allows gaming companies to work on regulatory changes and product features in parallel meaning one does not hold the other back.
Cloud is also key to scalability meaning you can manage large spikes of traffic or prepare for a new market launch. It also means that huge amounts of data can be stored securely.
Why tech has been key in adapting to new regulations
Technology has played a key role in ensuring the gaming industry is compliant as rules continue to evolve. As the call for improved consumer protection and responsible gaming rises, we have seen stricter regulations being introduced across Europe. For iGaming operators, this has demonstrated the need to have highly customisable gaming platforms which can be swiftly adapted to meet new regulations introduced country by country.
Take Germany as an example. In July this year, Germany launched its legal casino market, allowing private operators to apply for licenses offering sports betting, online poker and virtual slot machines. Industry players seeking the new license had a full year to make adequate changes, known as toleration regime. With the long list of German regulatory rules touching upon different parts of the system, many of these were kept to the last moment before they were introduced.
Player deposits, for example, were reduced to a maximum of 1000 euros. This was a big hit on the industry which is very VIP driven – with the majority of revenue coming from such players.
Spins in slot machines also came under fire with new regulations dictating a time limit of five seconds per spin. With an average spin lasting 0.5 seconds meaning a 5 second period normally allows for multiple spins, this runs the risk that players can’t play quickly enough and in turn will get bored.
Through the use of microservices, iGaming operators were able to create and release new features gradually. Instead of facing a huge hit on resources at one time, they were able to apply feature toggling and test and push different changes live over time. And ultimately ensure that by releasing these at the last moment they would not affect the customer experience earlier than they needed to.
How tech is improving player acquisition and retention
One area where companies can use technology to stand out is by offering a differentiated player experience. Player trends are constantly changing, and the successful iGaming operators are the ones that keep experimenting, keep validating and keep improving their product.
With some exceptions, most casinos are all the same, they just have a different look and feel. Through agile software development, gaming platforms can use canary releases to trial and test changes and features initially within a small group of users before rolling out to a wider audience. For example, how you show games to players or how games are grouped together to understand game player behaviour. This can also be applied to promotions to decide which ones work most effectively.
The registration process is another area which is a key part of the player acquisition journey. Consider experimenting with a three-stage process rather than one lengthy form. Also what works better in the UK, may not work so well in Germany.
Even the smallest things like the colour, shape or positioning of a button can have an enormous impact on the player behaviour and thus the conversion rate.
Technology has played a key role in transforming the European gaming industry. For iGaming operators, there’s both a need to innovate as well as to regulate. It’s about ensuring gaming platforms are adaptable, scalable and that changes can be implemented at speed. In other words, if you want to ride this positive wave that’s happening in the industry right now, then you need to implement the technology that will allow you to stay ahead of the game!
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COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR ACR POKER’S MASSIVE DUAL VENOM TOURNEYS WITH $10 MILLION GUARANTEED AND HUGE BOUNTIES
$8 Million NLH and $2 Million PLO events start this weekend, with top bounty prizes of $500,000 and $200,000 respectively
ACR Poker is turning up the heat this Sunday with the return of its flagship Dual Venom tournaments, featuring a combined $10 million guaranteed and massive mystery bounties.
The action kicks off with the first of five Day 1 flights for the $8 million NLH and $2 million PLO Mystery Bounty Venoms, starting this Sunday at 12:05pm ET. Players can build momentum by combining their stacks ahead of Day 2 on Monday, August 25th at 1:05pm ET, where all remaining players will already be in the money. Those who make it to the Final Table will battle for the Venom titles on Tuesday, August 26th at 4:05pm ET.
Alongside massive guarantees, both events boast huge bounties. In the Venom NLH, knocking out just one opponent could unlock a top bounty of $500,000, with the tourney winner projected to take home around $600,000. The Venom PLO, which ties ACR Poker’s biggest Omaha tourney ever, offers a $200,000 top bounty and an estimated $200,000 top prize for the champion. Every knockout in both tourneys earns players a minimum bounty of $5,000.
“Big bounties, massive guarantees – the Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tourneys are coming in hot,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “The action kicks off this Sunday, so don’t miss out. Satellites start at just $0, so players of all bankrolls can take a shot. Let’s make it a big one – see you at the tables.”
While the buy-in for both tournaments is $2,650, players can still qualify for much less. Hundreds of low-cost qualifiers are up for grabs starting from $0 via Venom Fever Satellites. Plus, the Venom Vault and the Poison Path offer players more chances to unlock $2,650 Venom tickets.
Fans can tune in to watch the Venom NLH Day 1A action on ACR Poker’s Twitch channel this Sunday, featuring ACR Pros Chris Moneymaker, Rob Kuhn and Jon Pardy. The Final Table live stream follows on Tuesday, August 26th.
For more Mystery Bounty action, players can join ACR Poker’s new Daily Mystery Bounty tournaments for a shot at Mystery Bounty Chests packed with surprise rewards, with top bounties worth up to 10% of the prize pool.
For further details on the Dual Venom tournaments and other promotions, visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR ACR POKER’S MASSIVE DUAL VENOM TOURNEYS WITH $10 MILLION GUARANTEED AND HUGE BOUNTIES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
SBC has officially announced the shortlisted nominees for the 12th edition of the SBC Awards, set to take place at Lisbon’s MEO Arena on Thursday, 18 September, the final day of SBC Summit 2025.
Celebrating excellence across the global betting and gaming industry, the ceremony will spotlight standout achievements from operators, industry leaders, and suppliers across a broad spectrum of sectors, including payments, marketing, and platform innovation.
This year’s edition has already broken records, with the highest number of nominations ever received across its 37 diverse categories, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to delivering exceptional performance.
Leading the shortlist are Pragmatic Play and Sportradar, each earning seven nominations. Close contenders include BetConstruct and Betsson Group with six nominations apiece. Other standout nominees include Bragg Gaming, Campeon Gaming, Novibet, Playtech, and Top Bet, each securing five nominations.
Returning to co-host the ceremony is football legend Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper and UEFA European Championship winner, who previously brought his trademark charisma to the stage in 2024.
The 2025 edition of the SBC Awards will also mark the first year without dedicated affiliate categories. Instead, SBC will host a dedicated and expanded Affiliate Leaders Awards on Wednesday, 17th September, at the same venue.
Commenting on the upcoming SBC Awards ceremony, Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “This industry never stands still. New talent, ideas, and technologies are constantly changing the game. The SBC Awards are our way of recognising those who are making a real impact and giving the community a moment to celebrate together.”
In the operator categories, alongside Betsson Group’s notable six nominations, TotoGaming also stands out with four nominations, including Marketing Campaign of the Year and Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment. Meanwhile, Kaizen Gaming and Campeón Gaming return to defend their titles in the Operator of the Year – Medium and Large categories, respectively.
The hotly contested Casino Operator of the Year category includes names such as LeoVegas, Bally’s, Codere Online, and Winbet. 1xBet, EstrelaBet, and Sportsbet.io are among the frontrunners for Sportsbook Operator of the Year.
In the operator and supplier categories, competition for Employer of the Year includes Alea, Flutter Entertainment, Parimatch, and Play’n GO, all aiming to take the crown from reigning champions SOFTSWISS. The Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year category features nominees such as Associação de Mulheres da Indústria do Gaming (AMIG), BGaming, EveryMatrix, and Pay4Fun.
The highly anticipated Leader of the Year award will be kept under wraps until the night, with nominees and the winner to be revealed live during the ceremony.
In the payments and compliance categories, Noda and payabl. lead the way with nominations in all three awards: Payment Solution of the Year, Payment Innovation of the Year, and Fraud & Compliance Solution of the Year. MiFinity, Monnet Payments, OKTO, Pay4Fun, Paysecure, and Trustly have also earned multiple nods across the categories.
The supplier categories, which will span 22 awards, will include several new additions this year, such as Aggregator of the Year and Crash Game of the Year.
Fast Track and BETBY will look to retain their titles in Acquisition & Retention Partner and Esports Supplier of the Year, respectively. Meanwhile, Delasport, Evolution, Evoplay, iGP, Optimove, and Spotlight Sports Group are among the fifteen companies competing for the Industry Innovation of the Year award.
Soft2Bet will return in pursuit of back-to-back wins for Innovation in Casino Entertainment and Innovation in Mobile, while Digitain will aim to defend its title as Sportsbook Supplier of the Year.
The sought-after Platform Provider of the Year award features a strong field of contenders, including EGT Digital, GiG, GR8 Tech, Sportingtech, and White Hat Gaming.
Continuing SBC’s commitment to shining a light on the future stars of the industry, the evening will once again feature four ‘Rising Star‘ awards: Rising Star in Casino, Rising Star in Sports Betting, Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation / Software, and Rising Star in Casino Innovation / Software.
The post Peter Schmeichel Returns as SBC Awards 2025 Host as Finalists Are Announced appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
When it comes to online casino play, and indeed online gaming in general, there is no such thing as inertia. In fact, things change all the time as technology advances and consumers become ever more demanding and expectant.
The online gambling industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing norms, and shifting player preferences. With a global industry such as this, leading rather than following can be worth millions.
In 2025, online casinos and slot games are more innovative and accessible than ever before. This article explores the latest industry trends, recent news, and what players and operators can expect in this dynamic landscape.
Of the many evolutions, the ability to play both non-paying games and real money options has been hugely significant. This creates a much larger demographic, or pool of potential players – both those who play for fun and those who wish to place wagers and play against other enthusiasts.
The online casino real money USA market, for example, has grown exponentially, as has the overall number of consumers now accessing online casino sites both here and around the world. Put another way, the online casino real money markets have taken an already multi-billion dollar industry to another fiscal level, and for players, the range of options and choices can only be trending in their favor.
Rapid Technological Advancements Fuel Innovation
One of the most significant drivers of change in the online casino sector is technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are transforming the way players experience and engage with casino games.
Artificial Intelligence Enhances User Experience
AI-powered personalization is now standard in many online platforms. Casinos utilize AI algorithms to analyze player behavior, providing tailored game recommendations and customized promotions.
This not only increases engagement but also improves player retention.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Boost Security and Transparency
Blockchain’s decentralized nature enhances transaction security and transparency.
Several operators now accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and emerging altcoins, allowing for faster deposits and withdrawals with reduced fees. This shift caters to a growing demographic seeking privacy and efficiency.
Industry News: Global Market Expansion Continues for Online Casino Companies
Asia-Pacific: Growth and Gaming
The Asia-Pacific region shows promising growth, especially in countries like Japan and South Korea. With such large populations, this potential player pool can only be positive for the online casino creating community, and for the players themselves.
Continued Rise of Mobile Gaming
Mobile continues to dominate the online casino playing scene.
With high-quality apps and optimized websites, players can access their favorite slots anywhere, anytime. Again, the almost limitless number of online casino choices is helping drive this growth.
As well as this, and as the online gaming stats attest, we’ve seen massively increased accessibility thanks to so many game-friendly devices hitting the market. In such circumstances, it is hard to see how this growth could not continue.
2025 Mobile Slot Innovations
Recent releases feature multi-screen gameplay, augmented reality (AR) integration, and 5G connectivity, leading to faster load times and seamless experiences. The convenience has driven increased engagement among younger audiences in particular.
Growing Popularity of Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games bridge the gap between online play and land-based casinos. High-quality streams, real-time interaction, and professional dealers make this sector one of the fastest-growing.
Online Gaming Creating Coherent Communities
Such is the growth of the online casino and overall game-playing arena that an increasing number of global, as well as local, online gaming communities are starting to emerge.
From playing to offering tips, or even just sharing comments during the game itself, millions now use the online casino as a way to forge new friendships, creating an online gaming culture all of their own. These games appeal to players seeking both thrill and social interaction, and we’re seeing the birth of forums, chat sites, and all things game and online casino-related as a result.
Looking at the creation of online casino communities shows that this is so much more than just a casual pastime for millions; it is a cultural activity that transcends age, demographics, and geography. Indeed, some people take online casino gameplay very seriously, and that’s not a bad thing…
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Future Outlook: What’s Next for Online Casinos and Slots?
Looking ahead, several developments are set to shape the industry further:
- Integration of AI and Big Data: Personalized gaming experiences will become more sophisticated.
- Continued Adoption of Blockchain: Cryptocurrencies will facilitate cross-border transactions and global accessibility.
- Enhanced Player Security: Biometric authentication and anti-fraud measures will improve safety.
Conclusion
The online casino and slots industry in 2025 and beyond is likely to be driven and marked by innovation, growth, accessibility, and even inclusivity. As technology continues to advance and markets expand, both players and operators must stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
Embracing these changes will ensure a safe, engaging, and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
Put another way, the online casino landscape looks hugely positive for all involved. From developers to creators, players to proprietors, the online casino world looks to be growing and gathering even more pace, and I’d bet on that continuing.
The post Future of Online Casinos and Slots: Navigating Industry Trends in 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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