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Popular games, VR in esports, top technologies, and prominent markets: Slotegrator presents a report on iGaming trends in 2024
In the iGaming world, it’s essential to predict industry trends. Each year, Slotegrator, one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators, traditionally shares its vision of trends with its audience. This year, Slotegrator released a new report on iGaming trends in 2024 to help gambling operators and B2B service providers strategize for the next year.
The new report is based on the company’s survey of online casino operators and gaming content developers, some of whom preferred to stay confidential, and some of whom shared their comments with Slotegrator to create useful material. Among them are Caleta Gaming, Macaw Gaming, SKILROCK, Turbo Games, Amigo Gaming, 3 Oaks Gaming, Gamzix, etc.
The report covers all the major iGaming trends of 2024 and predictions about future gambling market developments.
To look at them in detail, let’s break them down into several blocks:
- What games will be popular?
Today’s players (especially younger ones) look for formats with rapid-fire gameplay and interesting mechanics, so game developers will continue to create new crash games and increase the number of these games in their portfolio.
According to Slotegrator’s report, there are two key insights:
- The demand for crash games is growing among players 25-34 years old.
- 75% of game developers surveyed either currently offer crash games or are planning to do so in the future.
- Will the popularity of sports betting rise?
According to Statista, the online sports betting market is expected to reach $43.55 billion in 2023 and show an annual growth rate of 9.94%, reaching $63.62 billion by 2027. It’s been estimated that 35.4% of people placed a bet at least once a year worldwide.
- VR integration in esports.
VR is increasingly penetrating into all spheres, including esports. The immersive experience that VR creates allows players to become not just spectators but active participants, dropping them right in the middle of the action.
With VR tech making esports more and more exciting, you can safely assume that the esports betting market will continue to grow. The esports betting market revenue is projected to reach $2.1 billion in 2023. The market is estimated to show an annual growth rate of 10.45% and reach $3.2 billion by 2027.
- What technologies will be on top?
Online casinos continue to use AI to enhance security, personalize player experiences, and promote responsible gaming. AI also provides market insights, SEO improvement, and affiliate traffic analysis. Game and software providers already use AI in their products and solutions.
Another one is the blockchain technology trend. It has produced a range of tools and mechanics that are growing in popularity, facilitating operators’ work, and making a huge impact on the iGaming industry. One of the most widespread and commonly used applications of blockchain, cryptocurrency, has become a fixture in the iGaming landscape. A quarter of our clients, online casino operators, say that up to 40%
of their players use cryptocurrency; another quarter says this number reaches 80 to 100%.
- What about the gambling markets with the most potential?
According to Slotegrator’s report, most of the company’s partner providers responded that they already operate in or are planning to expand into Latin America (and its top markets Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru), Asia (India, Georgia, Turkey), and regulated African markets (like Kenya and Nigeria). 73% of respondents already operate in Latin America or are planning to expand there in the near future. A similar indicator applies to the Asian market.
Some additional key findings:
- Responsible gaming is essential for the future of the online gaming industry. Young players are concerned about the quality of their gaming experience. Responsible gaming is more than a buzzword, and developed, regulated jurisdictions are fostering growth in this direction.
- According to 75% of respondents among Slotegrator partners, adding new types of games helps to attract new players. This process is much quicker in cooperation with gaming content aggregators.
- Every casino needs an effective bonus policy, which is more of a mainstay than a trend. Bonuses have always been the number one way to acquire and retain players, and this won’t change in 2024.
- Mobile-first gameplay has gone from trend to standard, and in the near future will only solidify its position on top. Convenient, portable, and affordable, mobile devices are increasingly players’ first choice — and often the only one, in areas where laptops are expensive and broadband unavailable.
“This report will be useful for beginning operators doing research before launching their first project, platform operators planning to expand into new markets or add new offers to their established online casinos, B2B service providers working on their business development strategy, and gambling community members who want to stay on top of current trends”, emphasizes Ayvar Gabidullin, business development manager at Slotegrator.
You can download the report on iGaming trends in 2024 here or watch the video review at Slotegrator Academy.
Expanse Studios
Expanse Studios Launches Super Heli Premium Across Core Markets
Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc., has launched Super Heli Premium, an expanded version of its flagship crash game now live across core markets.
Super Heli Premium introduces four new gameplay mechanics designed to broaden player appeal and increase session engagement. The additions address operator demand for content that retains players without requiring promotional spend.
New Game Modes
Over/Under allows players to predict whether the crash multiplier will land above or below a set threshold, with maximum bet multipliers up to 24x. The mode rewards pattern recognition and adds a prediction layer to the base crash mechanic.
Range betting requires players to predict the multiplier range where the helicopter’s flight will end. Wider ranges offer lower payouts with reduced risk. Narrower ranges increase volatility and potential returns. The mechanic gives conservative and aggressive players different optimal strategies within the same game.
50% Cash-Out enables partial exits during active rounds. Players can secure half their stake at any multiplier while keeping the remaining half in play. The feature reduces all-or-nothing pressure and extends average session length.
Auto Play and Auto Cash-Out provide preset betting parameters for players who prefer hands-off gameplay across multiple rounds.
Regional Customisation
Operators can deploy market-specific visual themes (US, Greece, Egypt, Brazil, Japan) without changing core mechanics or RTP. The customisation supports localised marketing campaigns and cultural preferences across different jurisdictions.
The game maintains a 97% RTP across all modes and themes, matching the original Super Heli’s player return rate while adding strategic depth through the new mechanics.
Market Context
The original Super Heli became one of the most requested titles in European iGaming within months of launch, with operators reporting session lengths above industry averages and retention metrics “materially better than category norms”.
Super Heli Premium positions the title as a platform rather than a single game variant. Operators can configure volatility, bet limits and visual themes to match specific player demographics without requiring separate game integrations.
Expanse Studios currently operates across 1300+ B2B partnerships globally, with over 300 new operators added in Q3 2025 alone. Super Heli Premium expands the studio’s portfolio to 66 proprietary titles, all 100% owned IP with no licensing dependencies.
The game is now live across Expanse’s operator network in core markets globally.
The post Expanse Studios Launches Super Heli Premium Across Core Markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Digitain Secures Isle of Man iGaming Software Supplier Licence
Digitain has successfully secured an Isle of Man software supplier license.
This reflects the value Digitain has placed on stable institutions, credible oversight and long-term regulatory certainty — evidencing a clear signal that the Island remains a tier-one jurisdiction for serious, long-term gaming technology businesses.
Granted by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), with Cavendish Trust and Digital Isle of Man supporting Digitain throughout the process, the licence further deepens the Island’s regulated supplier base and reinforces the Isle of Man’s proposition: a mature, well-regulated jurisdiction with a collaborative, high-standards approach to doing business.
Digitain is a leading global supplier of sportsbook and gaming technology to operators across multiple regulated markets, supporting both online and retail betting. With more than two decades of industry experience, the company is recognised for its scale, technical capability and enterprise-grade approach — making its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence a strong endorsement of the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “Digitain is a significant player in the global iGaming industry, and its decision to secure an Isle of Man licence is a strong vote of confidence in the Island’s regulatory credibility and long-term stability. It demonstrates that the Isle of Man continues to attract serious, enterprise-scale technology providers who value high standards and regulatory certainty. We remain committed to supporting a future-focused iGaming sector that delivers sustainable, long-term economic value for the Isle of Man.”
With more than 20 years as a leading iGaming jurisdiction, the Isle of Man is recognised for proportionate, risk-based regulation, political and economic stability, and strong cooperation between Government, the GSC and industry — a combination that continues to attract high-quality businesses seeking a trusted base for regulated growth.
Shaun Corris, Director at Cavendish Trust, said: “We would like to congratulate Digitain on securing its Isle of Man licence. Supporting Digitain through the licensing process highlighted both the strength of the business and the calibre of the jurisdiction. Digitain’s decision to secure an Isle of Man licence reflects the Island’s continued appeal to established, international iGaming technology providers seeking long-term credibility and stability.”
Aida Vardanyan, Director within the Digitain group said: “The Isle of Man represents one of the most credible and mature iGaming jurisdictions globally and working under the oversight of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has reinforced our confidence in the Island as a long-term base for our regulated operations.”
“The licensing process of Digitain’s Isle of Man entity, Blue Whale Limited, was rigorous, transparent, and constructive, reflecting the depth of regulatory expertise and institutional stability that the Isle of Man is known for. Cavendish Trust played a central role in this journey, providing exceptional guidance, regulatory insight, and operational support throughout the process. Their experience, professionalism, and deep understanding of both the jurisdiction and the global iGaming landscape were instrumental in achieving this milestone, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as we grow our regulated business from the Isle of Man.”
The post Digitain Secures Isle of Man iGaming Software Supplier Licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
FDJ UNITED
FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland
As Finland prepares to transition to a licensed gambling market in July 2027, FDJ UNITED has set out its ambition to become a leading, long-term participant in the market – combining scale, responsibility and meaningful local engagement.
In a recent interview, Joel Häkämies, Head of FDJ UNITED’s operations in Finland and Estonia, outlined how the Group is preparing for the opening of the Finnish market and the principles that will guide its approach.
Building a top-three position – responsibly
FDJ UNITED’s ambition is clear: to be among the top three licensed gambling operators in Finland over time.
With more than €1 billion currently spent annually on online gambling in Finland, the move to a licensing system is expected to significantly reshape the market. Häkämies is clear that this is a long-term objective, given the importance of the new regulatory system being closely linked to strong regulatory oversight.
“The most important factor for how the market develops will be the actions of the authorities,” Häkämies notes, highlighting the role of regulation in ensuring a sustainable and well-controlled market.
A licensing system that strengthens player protection
While increased competition will inevitably bring greater visibility and marketing, FDJ UNITED believes that a licensed framework creates the right conditions to address gambling-related harm more effectively than the current system.
The Finnish licensing model will bring gambling activity into a more controlled environment, with clearer responsibility requirements and enforceable standards. FDJ UNITED has committed to reducing the share of revenue generated by high-risk players and to embedding player protection at the heart of its operations from day one.
This approach reflects the Group’s wider strategy across regulated markets, where growth and responsibility are treated as inseparable.
One of the most significant changes expected from market liberalisation is increased investment in sponsorship, particularly in sport.
According to Häkämies, FDJ UNITED expects a meaningful rise in annual sponsorship funding once the market opens, with sponsorship viewed as one of the most permissible and socially constructive forms of marketing under the Finnish Gambling Act.
Rather than short-term visibility, the focus is on long-term partnerships that support clubs, athletes and communities.
“A sponsor becomes part of a wider story. In many cases, fans and supporters are more closely connected to clubs and athletes than to leagues themselves,” Häkämies explains.
FDJ UNITED’s experience across multiple European markets has shown that well-structured, professional sponsorship can deliver sustainable benefits well beyond sport alone, extending into culture, events and wider community initiatives.
A local presence, backed by international scale
While FDJ UNITED operates globally with approximately 5000 employees across 10 countries, the Group is committed to establishing a local presence in Finland, including an office in Helsinki.
The Finnish operation will be supported by FDJ UNITED’s broader multi-market expertise, enabling efficient operations while ensuring decisions remain rooted in local knowledge and context
Unibet will be among the brands entering Finland, with further brand decisions to be confirmed closer to launch.
The post FDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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