Latest News
NSoft: Top 3 virtual draw-based betting games
The virtual draw-based betting games have been steadily thriving for years, and recently there has been a significant resurgence of bingo in online markets.
The exciting bingo-style games with colorful, eye-catching graphics also feature a host of bonuses and extra chances to win, thus the player’s favorite.
NSoft has its share of enchanting the players worldwide with our virtual draw-based betting games. With simple yet immersive gameplay challenges, our top 3 virtual draw-based betting games include Lucky Six, Roulette, and Spin and Win.
Bingo Type Games offer a Powerful Revenue-Generating Model
Fast-paced entertainment in virtual form brings bingo and lottery games to players every few minutes. The ability to enjoy the draws more than 280 times each day, combined with an excellent user interface, has proved to be a massive success with players and a revenue-generating model for our customers.
NSoft brings an omnichannel experience as our products are available on various channels, devices, and operating systems. Customers choose the delivery channel depending on their needs – land-based or online.
The action of virtual number games is based on the results produced by a random number generator (RNG). Approved testing laboratory for online gaming systems, iTech has confirmed that our games are statistically random and unpredictable. Thus the results cannot be influenced or adjusted.
Lucky Six – millions of tickets daily across 40+ countries
Our draw-based, bingo-style game Lucky Six recently celebrated its 12th birthday. It was our firstborn game and a solid foundation for soon becoming a successful business in the gaming industry on a global level. Everybody loves Lucky Six – millions of tickets are played daily across 42+ countries with our clients.
Since the V1, the game was simple, neat, running on any device, with good (configurable) RTP. The RNG-driven entertainment soon became a must-have for any betting shop. And yes, it was first made for bet shops.
Through NSoft’s years of experience in the iGaming market, with our partners, and 150 betting and gaming operators from 42 countries, we have gathered invaluable information from the players. Lucky Six’s secret – the players, helped us polish it!
Now we know what it takes to boost player engagement and retention levels. The game was renewed with visual enhancement, better performances, new bonus games, simpler UX, richer statistics, sound effects, etc.
How to play Lucky Six?
A total of 48 numbers are divided into eight groups. Every group has its color so that the player will find red, green, blue, purple, brown, yellow, orange, and black colored balls with numbers. In the hope of choosing the Lucky Six winning numbers, the player chooses six to ten numbers, and 35 out of 48 numbers will be drawn from the drum. To win the draw, the player has to guess six numbers correctly.
The global success of Lucky Six
Globally, the game is offered across 9,000+ bet shops and 4,800 terminals (28% increase YoY). The number of punters playing Lucky Six online reached impressive figures and held to it during 2020 and 2021.
As a result, the reporting period recorded 14% more tickets and almost 20% turnover (total turnover 2021 vs. 2020 in %).
To boost the game for the online channel, the NSoft team has created a Lightning Lucky Six – an even faster version of the original game. Another novelty in our growing Casino portfolio is a spin version of Lucky Six. The game is called Slingshot 6 and proudly represents the latest upgrade of our classic.
Slingshot 6 is a casino game for the online channel. It is a spin game based on bingo which brings diversity into inevitable video slots category and ultra-popular crash categories.
Roulette – the simplicity of this game attracts millions of players
The game of Roulette is one of those games that has barely changed over the centuries. It is often mentioned in mainstream media and movies, with references connecting it to luxurious casino resorts and lavish parties.
James Bond, 007, was a big roulette player in Ian Fleming’s original books, and his favourite number was 17.
If you visit any brick-and-mortar casino, you can see the crowd of people around the roulette table cheering every spin of the wheel. The game provides a unique excitement that is hard to surpass in other fast games.
Online Roulette has quickly gained popularity and is preferred over slots, blackjack, poker, and other casino games. Online casinos don’t have the same overhead expenditure as land-based casinos so they can offer better and higher payouts to players. Also, online casinos offer a variety of attractive bonuses and incentives to attract new players and increase overall retention.
Roulette is a fast-paced game of chance; players don’t need skills or experience to win this game.
European Roulette features a black and red colored wheel with numbers ranging from 0-36. It has one zero-number pocket, its most distinctive feature.
There are differences between European and American Roulette; thus, they differ in one way. It has an extra slot: Double Zero. Instead of 37, it has 38 slots — numbers 1 to 36, 0, and 00. The presence of an additional slot means American roulette has a higher house edge than European roulette.
Generally, we recommend our clients to use American Roulette in their retail business. Web and terminal businesses can opt for the one that suits their company or players more. Having both versions is also an option.
What are the advantages of NSoft Roulette?
NSoft’s Roulette is a fast-paced modular and engaging game that brings an entirely new experience to players. It is an appealing product, available and running smoothly on all channels. The game features a smooth and intuitive UX/UIX, easy to use for operators in bet shops and players on all channels.
It is a must-have product for our clients with the biggest RTP that simultaneously covers both virtual games and casino categories.
The game is round-based, meaning that all players play together in a single round, and features colourful visuals and eye-catching graphics. A customizable appearance enables a better product experience and generates revenue.
We are constantly working on improving Roulette on all channels by keeping in mind the feedback of our players and clients. Therefore our in-house Casino team once more showed enviable creativity by developing the Lightning Roulette game, as the name suggests, as fast as lightning and round-based.
Spin and Win – a high-speed and highly customizable modern take on Roulette
Anybody who has played our Roulette will enjoy it, even more, the gameplay and bonus options that NSoft’s Spin and Win offers.
Spin and Win was made exclusively for land-based betting businesses, and indeed, it is one of the best spin games in retail. The use of the newest technologies has enabled our Casino team with vast possibilities for development on various devices, even those with lower performance levels. The game is enriched with colorful visuals and eye-catching graphics. A completely customizable appearance according to market specifics and clients’ wishes enables a better product experience and creates revenue increases.
The visualization shows the paytable, the wheel, and the statistic in the stunning color palette. Visual presentation of the game plays a significant role when we talk about engagement. The wheel is always centered and visible whether the round has begun and marked with numbers ranging from 0 to 36. If the countdown for the next round is in progress, available markets on the pay table are highlighted from top to bottom, one by one, approximately every 3 seconds.
The game offers four markets: Straight up, Dozens (1, 2, 3), Odd/Even, and Red/Black.
The statistic displays the most and least drawn five numbers together with the ten latest results.
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eSports
Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors
The Esports Awards is set to return in 2026, bringing together the global esports community for its annual celebration of excellence.
Scheduled to take place in North America later this year, the awards will honor the top players, teams, creators, and innovators who defined the past year in competitive gaming. Exact dates and venues will be revealed in the coming months.
Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of esports achievements at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony recognized industry icons such as Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed, and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while inducting six new members into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025. Earlier in 2025, the Esports Awards hosted the one-off Decade Awards, which drew a global audience of 36.25 million live viewers.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favorite categories such as Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year, and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving fans a direct voice in recognizing the standout moments and figures in esports over the past year. Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, which includes seasoned industry veterans, broadcasters, creators, and professional players, ensuring both credibility and integrity.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will make a comeback, offering a day of networking and friendly competition for industry leaders, creators, and esports competitors ahead of the awards.
Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, said: “The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026. Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognizing the individuals, teams, and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ official X account for updates on venues, dates, nominees, and voting.
The post Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Acquisition
Optimove Buys Smartico, Keeps Independence
In a strategic move set to reshape the competitive landscape of iGaming marketing technology, Optimove has announced the acquisition of Smartico. Despite the deal, both companies will continue to operate independently—preserving their brands, leadership teams, and product strategies.
This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for the global online gambling industry. According to recent market research, the sector reached an estimated $95.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to $185.17 billion by 2033. As the industry scales, so does its complexity, driven by evolving regulations in Europe, fragmentation in the United States, and rapid expansion across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In this environment, robust customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are no longer optional—they are essential.
A Strategic Alliance Without Integration
Unlike traditional acquisitions that lead to integration, Optimove’s approach is notably different. Smartico will remain a fully autonomous business unit, with its founders continuing to lead strategic direction, product development, and day-to-day operations. Clients can expect no disruption in services, pricing, or product offerings.
This independence reflects a deliberate strategy: fostering competition within the same ecosystem. Both companies will continue to innovate separately, pushing each other—and the broader industry—forward.
Two Distinct Visions of iGaming CRM
The deal unites two of the most influential approaches to CRM in iGaming:
- Optimove built its reputation on advanced data analytics and AI-driven marketing. As the originator of the “Positionless Marketing” concept, the company enables marketers to orchestrate campaigns using intelligent agents that deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale. This approach has reportedly improved campaign efficiency by up to 88%.
- Smartico, on the other hand, carved out its niche by integrating gamification directly into CRM systems. By embedding game-like mechanics into player engagement strategies, Smartico has helped operators drive deeper interaction and retention. The company is now advancing further by incorporating generative AI across its platform.
Together, these two philosophies—data-centric intelligence and gamified engagement—represent the future of player retention and marketing in iGaming.
Strengthening Market Leadership
According to Pini Yakuel, the decision to acquire Smartico was driven by its originality and execution. He emphasized that Smartico stood out as a competitor due to its pioneering role in combining gamification with CRM—an innovation that has since become a key differentiator in the market.
Similarly, Arman Gal highlighted that the partnership allows Smartico to scale faster while maintaining its identity. With Optimove’s backing, the company gains additional resources to expand its innovation capabilities and global reach.
Competition as a Catalyst for Innovation
Interestingly, both companies will continue to compete in the same market. Optimove will further develop its gamification solution, Optimove Gamify, while Smartico continues executing its independent roadmap. This dual-track strategy is rooted in the belief that competition drives better outcomes for operators.
Rather than consolidating power, the acquisition creates a dynamic ecosystem where two leading platforms evolve side by side—each pushing the boundaries of what CRM can achieve in iGaming.
The Role of AI in the Next Phase of Growth
Artificial intelligence remains at the core of this transformation. Optimove has been embedding AI into its platform since 2012, long before it became industry standard. Today, its AI-powered decisioning agents enable real-time campaign orchestration across multiple channels.
Smartico is following a similar trajectory, integrating generative AI to enhance its gamification-driven engagement model. This convergence signals a broader trend: the fusion of AI, CRM, and user experience design as the next frontier in digital marketing.
A Defining Moment for iGaming Marketing
This acquisition underscores the maturation of the iGaming CRM sector. What began as a niche category has evolved into a critical component of modern marketing infrastructure. With two leading innovators now aligned—yet independent—the industry is poised for accelerated innovation.
For operators navigating an increasingly complex global market, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who can combine data intelligence, personalization, and immersive engagement.
Similar Content
A high-authority source covering similar developments in iGaming and martech is:
- Forbes – Known for in-depth coverage of tech acquisitions and marketing innovation. A relevant article on AI-driven marketing trends in gaming and customer engagement can be found on their platform.
The post Optimove Buys Smartico, Keeps Independence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE
- The Esports Awards will return later this year for its 2026 edition, taking place in North America and honouring the outstanding players, teams, creators and innovators of the past year in esports
- Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of excellence at the HyperX Arena, alongside the one-off Decade Awards, which reached 36.25M live views globally
- The Esports Awards Golf Invitational will also return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the main ceremony
- Full details on the venue, date, nominees and voting will be revealed in the coming months
The Esports Awards has announced the return of its annual ceremony for 2026. Bringing together the global esports community under one roof, the Esports Awards will once again recognise the players, teams, creators and innovators who have defined the past year. The ceremony will take place in North America later this year, with exact dates and venue to be revealed in the coming months.
Last year’s edition of the Esports Awards marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of esports excellence at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony honoured some of the industry’s most recognised figures, including Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while welcoming six new inductees into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025 award. Earlier in the year, the Esports Awards also hosted the one-off Decade Awards in August, presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden and Barney Banks, reaching 36.25M live views globally.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favourite categories including Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving the community a voice in recognising the moments and individuals that shaped the past year in esports.
Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, a group of industry veterans, broadcasters, creators and players, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the awards.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the awards.
“The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards. “Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognising the individuals, teams and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Further updates regarding the venue, date, nominees and voting will be announced in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ X account for the latest updates.
The post THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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