Latest News

Introducing new verticals to the online casino space

Published

4 years ago

December 5, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

FunFair Games made its debut in 2020 to take advantage of the non-traditional games vertical including crash and multiplayer content. Since its inception, the company has experienced a great level of traction, and recently boosted its management team to help further scale the business and enhance its product pipeline. Carlo Cooke was appointed Commercial Director just over six months ago and speaks to European Gaming about his experience with the company and the challenges and opportunities with introducing new products in a crowded marketplace.

What are the biggest challenges in selling-in non-traditional content to operators?

Whilst there are undoubtedly top performing non-traditional games already in the market, the vertical is still very much in its infancy in contrast to slots. There is not even really an established vocabulary with some operators referring to the genre as crash or arcade, and others as non-traditional or even just games. This also means that there isn’t necessarily a natural home for the games in the casino lobby yet, and they are often positioned amongst slots. As we are somewhat targeting a different demographic to the slot player (although our content appeals to this audience as well), we believe that this causes some confusion.

Larger operators with their own technical infrastructure are able to substantiate a dedicated tab for non-traditional games, further supported by significantly larger acquisition/CRM budgets. In other words, they can afford to experiment. In contrast, smaller operators may be more limited in their capacity to position or market this emerging content.

The approach that we are taking is to share our learnings and to educate and inform both operators and players on a localised and market relevant level.

Are you finding that operators are slow/reluctant to accept new and different verticals?

Not at all! It’s quite the opposite in the sense that our content is genuinely something new and innovative, and for that reason, it is in high demand. Casino and content managers are always on the lookout for the next big thing, and multiplayer experiences, which help to create an authentic sense of community, are currently extremely sought-after. We find this really encouraging and it keeps the creative juices flowing in the FunFair Games workshop.

I also take the view that there is immense job satisfaction (both from a B2C and a B2B perspective) in being the first to market with an innovative product, or the first to experiment and get it right. This is why I believe this vertical is so appealing and exciting at the moment. Whilst slots are still the core for many operators, we’re definitely in the middle of a sea-change at the moment. I believe the foundation of the non-traditional vertical has been laid, and we’re finding that more operators have the appetite to test our content within their respective audiences, and across their target markets.

When speaking to operators, what are the biggest frustrations that you hope to solve for them when it comes to innovative new content?

We believe that Gen Z and Y simply do not engage with slots in the same way as previous generations. As this younger audience is continuously emerging in the iGaming space, it creates an opportunity for operators to provide a new experience, one which is akin to meeting the high expectations of that demographic. One of our core values is to fill this gap by creating more social (as opposed to solitary), and more active (player driven volatility) games, whilst keeping them simple and engaging. In addition to this, we’ll also be exploring new features and tools in the coming months ahead!

You have expanded into a few new markets in 2022, what’s next on the agenda?

It might be late in the year, but there is still a lot more to come from FunFair Games. It’s true that this year saw us increase our presence in key markets, such as the UK, Italy and Belgium to name a few. This momentum is still truly ongoing and we’ll aim to make the most of the last remaining weeks of the year from a distribution point of view, as well as celebrating the launch of new customers. There is currently a genuine buzz at the studio for our roadmap next year. We’ve recently hired a new Head of Game design and Math who is working hard with our CEO to produce some incredible games which will be available for our clients in the near future so watch this space!

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot

Published

45 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

blueprint-gaming-releases-wolf-fury-fire-blitz-slot

New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.

Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.

The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”

Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.

Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.

The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.

“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”

The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win

Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes

Published

45 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

playson-releases-4-chili-pots:-hold-and-win-with-dual-bonus-modes

Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.

The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.

A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.

Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.

Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.

“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”

The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

Published

2 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

merkur-group-strengthens-global-compliance-strategy

Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.