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How to conduct rebranding and enrich the brand with new meanings

Published

3 years ago

September 18, 2023

Wladimir P.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Deputy CEO of Pokerbet Igor Terebinov

How do you think rebranding helps businesses and why do big companies do it?

Rebranding is a powerful tool that can give a new breath and direction to a business. Large companies rebrand in order to achieve several significant benefits.

First, rebranding allows companies to adapt to an ever-changing market and consumer demands. Updating the look and image of the brand helps keep it relevant, attract new customers and retain existing ones.

The second benefit is audience expansion. A change in image or positioning can help attract new market segments.

Sometimes rebranding can be associated with a change in a company’s strategy. It can help express new brand values, principles and goals, making the brand more modern and relevant.

However, it is important to note that rebranding requires careful research and analysis of the target audience to avoid losing loyal customers. Successful rebranding means balance between preserving brand authenticity and introducing innovations that can provide new impulse for business development and maintain its competitiveness in the market.

PokerMatch has become Pokerbet. Why did such a big stable company with such a recognizable logo need a rebranding?

The decision to rebrand PokerMatch was driven by strategic and market factors. While stable and recognizable, it was important for the brand to remain relevant and adapt to the changing demands of the industry.

We set ourselves the ambitious goal of changing customer perceptions of the company and repositioning the brand. The desire for a complete rethink of values, approach and technological innovation was our driving force. We sought to transform PokerMatch into a more adaptive business, responsive to new trends and audience preferences.

The refreshed Pokerbet aims to provide a wide range of iGaming services beyond just the poker vertical. The rebranding has successfully reflected the new directions and diversified the updated product portfolio.

How has the brand philosophy changed?

First of all, when considering a change in brand philosophy, it is important to understand that we are talking about a change in its direction and expansion, not a complete revision. The company’s philosophy has always included a sports component, and this remains unchanged. Thus, in the rebranding process, this component has simply expanded. Previously, the brand slogan was “Poker is your sport.” Now we are promoting the idea that everyone can choose the product vertical they like, as the brand portfolio has become more diverse with sports betting. As a result, the slogan has undergone some changes and now it’s “Choose your sport”. The expansion of the product range has changed the brand philosophy, allowing it to interact with a wider audience of users and become more visible and recognizable.

Why the crown?

The choice of the crown as a symbol was quick and reasonable. However, it is worth emphasizing that we took into account its popular use in the context of gambling. The symbolism we sought to convey through the visualization of the crown refers more not to the gaming element, but reflects the trinity of verticals that are united in the renewed brand portfolio: betting, poker and casino. Our main goal was to make this symbol a recognizable and independent element. The crown is our brief logo and is also used as an independent unit in elemental identity on merch, display advertising and many other configurations. Just as importantly, this graphic element has gained popularity among our users due to the symbolic eye that draws attention and seems to look out from under the crown. In the future, we plan to integrate this element as an icon in our advertising campaigns.

How long did it take to prepare and implement the rebranding?

It is important to note that the rebranding process was not constrained by a clear timeframe and exact launch date. At the initial stage of the project, there were no defined boundaries and it evolved as key decisions were made about the need to give the brand a new look. In terms of timeframe, we can say that after the concept and strategic vision were approved, it took about six months to prepare and implement the rebranding.

How did your audience respond to the changes?

The rebranding was well accepted by the brand’s audience. We received a significant amount of positive feedback and reactions. The name change and image update aroused interest and attention, which is confirmed by the activity of our followers in social networks, discussions on forums and feedback through various communication channels.

We, in turn, gave users an opportunity to get reacquainted with the brand by organizing tournaments with good prizes and other pleasant surprises.

The overall audience reaction to the rebranding was an inspiring and motivating factor for our entire team.

What was the most challenging part of the rebranding process for you personally?

One of the biggest challenges was striking a balance between keeping the old brand recognizable and making the necessary changes to update and adapt.

Before deciding which brand elements to keep and which to change, my team and I had a lot of discussions and analysis. We wanted to make the rebranding visible and inspiring to attract the attention of new customers, but also take into account the expectations of the old audience. The changes had to be a balance between innovation and tradition.

It was also a challenge to maintain unity in the team during the change process. Rebranding involves many aspects, and it was important that each team member shared a common vision and goals. This required each department manager to communicate, harmonize and incorporate the opinions of each employee.

What are the current challenges the brand is facing? What will you identify as success?

A rather big challenge, even during the operation of the past brand, was a high-quality entry into new markets, which would allow the company to take a key position in the industry among competitors in a particular market. However, at this point in time, we cannot claim that we have been able to achieve this goal. Although we are present in several markets, we cannot claim to be the leading brand in any of them. Thus, a sign of success would be to achieve leadership status not only in the home market but also in foreign markets.

Therefore, the first significant achievement after the rebranding will be a strong presence and activity in external markets, where we aim to take a leading position in terms of recognition, engagement and business activity of our brand. In the medium term, we are also focusing on two specific markets for which we already have expansion plans and strategies in place.

Andrew Pink Head of Brand & Communication at Play’n GO

Reactoonz 100 Crowned Game of the Year

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is proud to announce that Reactoonz 100 has been named Game of the Year at the SBC Europe Awards 2026, held last week in Malta.

The award recognises the outstanding creative ambition, commercial performance and cultural impact of Reactoonz 100, which has quickly established itself as one of the most significant releases in Play’n GO’s history. Building on the legacy of the much-loved Reactoonz series, the title has delivered exceptional engagement across regulated European markets since launch.

Reactoonz 100 was supported by a record-breaking launch campaign as part of Play’n GO’s 20th anniversary celebrations, most notably sending the series’ iconic character Garga into space – a first for the iGaming industry, since copied. The activation captured attention far beyond traditional industry channels and reinforced Play’n GO’s reputation for creativity that extends well beyond the game itself.

Andrew Pink, Head of Brand & Communication at Play’n GO, said: “Winning Game of the Year is a huge moment for Reactoonz 100 and for everyone across Play’n GO who brought this project to life.

“Reactoonz is one of the most important franchises in our history, and with Reactoonz 100 we set out to push both the creative and cultural boundaries of what a game launch could be. This award is a powerful validation of that ambition, and of the belief that bold ideas, executed properly, still cut through in this industry.”

Since its release, Reactoonz 100 has achieved near-universal rollout across Play’n GO’s partner network in more than 35 regulated markets, delivering strong and sustained performance well beyond launch. Its success reflects both the enduring appeal of the Reactoonz brand and Play’n GO’s continued focus on innovation within a responsible, regulation‑first framework.

The Game of the Year win at the SBC Europe Awards further strengthens Play’n GO’s position as the leading supplier of premium casino entertainment, following a year defined by landmark launches, creative ambition and industry recognition.

The post Reactoonz 100 Crowned Game of the Year appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cafrino Gaming

Cafrino Gaming Appoints Stephen Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

cafrino-gaming-appoints-stephen-crystal-as-chief-commercial-officer

Cafrino Gaming is entering a new phase of commercial expansion, and it starts with leadership.

We’re excited to welcome Stephen A. Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer of Cafrino Gaming, a move that brings one of the most experienced and globally connected leaders in the gaming industry directly into our growth strategy.

With more than three decades at the forefront of gaming innovation, Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping everything from tribal and riverboat gaming to modern iGaming and sports betting ecosystems. His career spans the ownership of iconic Las Vegas properties, the development of U.S. operations for major international bookmakers, and the execution of over $3 billion in project finance, M&A, and gaming technology initiatives.

As Founder of SCCG Management, Stephen has built one of the most respected advisory firms in the industry, supporting more than 120 client partners across 100+ countries. His work has consistently focused on scaling emerging technologies, unlocking new markets, and building high-impact partnerships across the global gaming landscape.

Now, he brings that experience directly to Cafrino.

A Leadership Move Built for Scale

Stephen’s appointment marks a strategic step forward as Cafrino accelerates its global commercial efforts.

In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, he will lead:

Global commercial strategy and revenue growth
Strategic partnerships and market expansion
Key account development and deal execution

His experience building large-scale distribution networks and navigating complex gaming markets positions Cafrino to expand faster, partner smarter, and execute at a higher level across regions.

This is not just about adding leadership, it’s about embedding proven global execution into the core of Cafrino’s growth engine.

Aligning Vision with Opportunity

Throughout his career, Stephen has consistently been at the center of industry evolution, from early casino development to today’s rapidly expanding digital gaming ecosystem.

He has secured major partnerships with professional sports organizations, helped establish sports betting frameworks within tribal markets, and worked across both emerging and regulated jurisdictions worldwide.

That perspective is critical as Cafrino continues to scale its poker platform across:

Social and free-to-play environments
Sweepstakes and promotional models
Crypto and Web3 gaming platforms
Real-money gaming operators

With a deep understanding of both legacy gaming infrastructure and next-generation technology, Stephen’s leadership helps bridge where the industry has been with where it’s going.

Powering the Next Phase of Cafrino Gaming

Cafrino’s poker platform has already reached more than 2 million players, supporting experiences for globally recognized brands including WWE, Hustler Casino, South Point Casino, and CardPlayer Poker.

As demand for flexible, scalable poker solutions continues to grow, Cafrino is focused on expanding its reach and strengthening its position as a leading provider of poker technology for operators worldwide.

Bringing Stephen Crystal into the organization is a clear signal of that direction.

Looking Ahead

This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cafrino Gaming.

With Stephen leading commercial strategy, we are positioned to accelerate growth, deepen partnerships, and expand into new markets with greater precision and impact.

We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we’re just getting started.

The post Cafrino Gaming Appoints Stephen Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

“90s”

BETBY launches “90s”, a new retro-inspired genre within BETBY Games

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

betby-launches-“90s”,-a-new-retro-inspired-genre-within-betby-games

BETBY, the leading sportsbook supplier, has announced the launch of “90s”, a new genre within its proprietary esports feed, BETBY Games, bringing exclusive retro-inspired content to operators and players.

Designed around the look and feel of classic 90s video games, the new genre introduces a lineup of e-sims that take players back to the pixel era, combining retro-inspired visuals with the simplicity and high-frequency betting mechanics that define BETBY Games. While many modern esports products focus on realism and

advanced graphics, 90s takes a different approach by returning to the roots of gaming, transforming familiar retro aesthetics into a fully optimised betting experience.

The launch responds to a growing demand for greater content variety within sportsbook environments, particularly products that can deliver constant engagement beyond traditional live sports schedules.

With 1-minute match formats, 24/7 availability, and quick settlements, “90s” is designed to offer operators a new layer of always-on entertainment while maintaining the speed and betting intensity that define BETBY.Games.

One of the key strengths of “90s” lies in its distinctive positioning within the modern iGaming market.

By bringing retro-inspired game formats into a fully betting-ready environment, BETBY is offering operators access to a type of content that is rarely available today, creating a differentiated experience inspired by the iconic titles and visual style that shaped a generation of players.

The first wave of titles includes eBasketball’98, eBaseball’95, eTennis’89, and eFighting’93, each bringing its own distinctive retro identity while being fully integrated with modern betting mechanics.

The collection covers a mix of major sports and fighting content, combining familiar retro gaming cues with formats built specifically for sportsbook performance.

eFighting’93 introduces a format that complements BETBY Games’ existing eFighting portfolio, offering fast-paced matchups and simple winner markets across 6,000 monthly matches.

eBasketball’98 delivers a dynamic format featuring a high-speed 1v1 shootout between two players at a single hoop.

Bettors can place wagers on the top scorer, point handicaps, total points, and individual point counts, with the title delivering 6,000 matches per month. eBaseball’95 condenses baseball into a

high-intensity 1-inning format, offering 5,000 monthly events across 1×2, handicap, and totals markets. Completing the lineup, eTennis’89 brings an ultra-fast tennis format focused on single-game action, with 6,000 monthly matches and winner markets.

Inspired by the visual identity of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, “90s” creates a product that feels instantly recognisable to players who grew up with this style of gaming, while also offering younger audiences a distinctive and visually engaging alternative to conventional esports content.

“90s is an exciting new direction for BETBY Games because it brings something completely different to sportsbooks,” said Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation & R&D at BETBY.

“There is still a very strong emotional connection around retro games, from the pixel art to the sounds and the simplicity of the gameplay.

We wanted to take that nostalgia and transform it into a product that works for modern betting: fast, clear, engaging, and available around the clock.”

“Our goal was to increase content diversity for our partners. Operators need engagement tools that work 24/7, and the “90s” genre provides a unique, fast-paced solution.

This initial launch is just the start, as we will continue to expand the portfolio with a wider mix of 90s-themed sports and casual titles,” he added.

The launch of 90s further strengthens BETBY.Games’ position as one of the most innovative proprietary esports feeds in the market, offering operators a broad portfolio of fast-betting content designed to drive engagement, increase event volume, and deliver a differentiated sportsbook experience.

BETBY

BETBY is a leading B2B provider of top-tier sports betting services, renowned for its groundbreaking technology and dedication to excellence.

BETBY’s team of industry veterans tap into their knowledge and expertise to deliver a premium, adaptable, and scalable sportsbook platform tailored to meet the varied demands of operators across the globe.

From dynamic in-play betting options to robust risk management tools and ground-breaking AI tools, BETBY is committed to propelling the success of its partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports betting.

The post BETBY launches “90s”, a new retro-inspired genre within BETBY Games appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.