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iCasino and lessons learned from across the pond

Published

2 years ago

March 22, 2024

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The rollout of regulated online casino in the US has been slower than many anticipated with only a handful of states having embraced the vertical alongside sports betting. But you only need to look to more established markets such as Europe to see that casino is the main driver of revenues, providing the stability that operators need for the market to be viable in the long term.

Even with the limited market size at present, online casino presents a massive opportunity stateside, but operators must deliver a world-class entertainment experience if they are to acquire and retain players at the scale needed.

This goes beyond bonuses and game selection and to more fundamentals such as seamless customer onboarding, a smooth in-app UX and localised payments.

Savvy US operators will be looking to established markets such as the UK to understand how they can continue to develop their iCasino offerings to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations.

It must be remembered that operators are competing with the likes of streaming, gaming and e-commerce when it comes to where consumers spend their entertainment hours and dollars, and this sets a very high bar for the overall customer experience. So where can the greatest improvements be made?

Martyn Hannah, Managing Director of online casino comparison site, Comparasino, says that payments are a key focus for players, especially when it comes to payouts.

Comparasino has a proprietary recommendation engine and from the data it generates it’s possible to understand emerging player preferences. Hannah says that more and more players are now searching for fast withdrawal casinos, as well as those that offer payment methods such as PayPal and Apple Pay.

“The methods available to players for depositing and withdrawing are an important factor players consider when deciding which casinos to play at. Visa and Mastercard are always a must, but many now want to make payments using digital and mobile wallets like PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay. This aligns with wider payment trends and the rise in usage of these methods for day-to-day transactions.

“Of course, a major upside to these alternative payment options is the transaction speed they provide, especially when it comes to payouts. Players want their winnings without delay, and digital wallets as well as open-baling solutions provide the near instant withdrawals they are seeking.”

Bonusing is another factor that players consider. Historically, operators in the UK have become locked in a bonusing battle with deposit matches getting bigger and literally hundreds of free spins being included in welcome offers. But recent regulation changes have meant that casinos have had to reign in their promos, making it harder for them to differentiate.

Hannah says this is not a bad thing as it gives online casinos the chance to change their approach to bonusing and be more transparent and fairer with the promotions they are running.

“With operators being limited on the bonuses they can offer to UK players, they are having to look to other ways to stand out from the competition. This has seen a rise in the number of no wagering bonuses, and this is absolutely a good thing.

“Wagering requirements are underhand, with most casual players not understanding how they work. By removing it and letting players keep their winnings, casino brands can build more trust with players and ensure their experience is positive from the off.

“US online casino operators really should consider doing away with wagering requirements, especially in the early days of the market where acquisition costs are rising and players are happy to jump between brands until they find the one that really offers what they are looking for. By removing the wagering requirement, they better position themselves as a brand for players to go back to having had a great first experience.”

Even in established markets such as the UK, there is still a lot of player education that needs to take place, certainly around areas like player onboarding and the information they are required to give to the casino, as well as why transactions can be delayed and even how slot games work.

Hannah says this is why operators should work more closely with online casino comparison sites as they do a lot of work when it comes to building trust between player and brand and educating players about the world of online casino.

“At Comparasino, we see it as our responsibility to help players understand how online casino works, from how payments are made to the responsible gambling tools they can use to stay in control of their play. To help with this, we recently launched a blog where we are compiling articles, interviews and explainers from experts across the industry.

“US online casino operators should look to work more closely with their affiliate partners when it comes to player education and even supplement this with their own knowledge hubs for the players already signed up to their brands.”

iCasino may have had a slow rollout in the US so far, but over time additional states will undoubtedly extend their regulations so that licensed operators can offer it. But until then, there’s still a huge opportunity to explore and the brands that offer a truly compelling player experience will be the ones in the driving seat to maximise this and enjoy long-term success in the market.

By looking to brands in established markets such as the UK, operators can see exactly what players expect and then make sure they are offering it to them.

Related Topics:iCasino latest-news norss

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Blueprint Gaming

Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

weekend-reels-|-week-30:-slot-drops-&-trends

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Spinomenal has released 3 Fuego Chillies, a new 5×3 video slot themed around a Mexican street fiesta. The game ships with a feature-led Bonus Game and a top prize billed as a Grand Jackpot of x3,000 the total bet.

CT Interactive has released its latest slot game, 40 Mega Star. As the night sky comes alive with countless shimmering lights, only a select few stars have the power to capture attention and become true Mega Stars.

TaDa Gaming has expanded its popular Unlimited Fortune mechanic with the launch of Joker Coins Unlimited Fortune. Combining Lock & Respin, progressive bonus expansion, jackpots, multipliers and the signature Unlimited Fortune feature, this compact three-reel release delivers layered gameplay and win potential of up to 5000x.

Blueprint Gaming is releasing an upgraded version of Super Graphics Upside Down exclusively on Lottomart, giving Lottomart’s UK players early access to the title. Originally launched in 2021, Super Graphics Upside Down is being re-released with a new bonus wheel feature and an increased max win potential, rising from 250X to 3000X, according to the companies.

ICONIC21 has released Wild Gold Mine 2, a high-volatility sequel to its Wild Gold Mine slot. The game is played across 243 ways and launches with multiple RTP configurations, with a stated top prize of 10,000x.

Games Global has launched Rumble Kong CASHINGO, a new jungle-themed online slot developed with exclusive studio partner Alchemy Gaming. The title went live on 23rd July 2026. Rumble Kong CASHINGO is a 5×5, 3,125 ways-to-win game built around an expanding CASHINGO collection grid.

Swintt has released a new slot from its Elysium Studios label, titled Odyssey Hold & Win. The supplier said the game is built around a Hold & Win collection mechanic and features a stated maximum win of 3,317x. Odyssey Hold & Win runs on a 4×4 grid that can expand to 4×8 when Athena appears, according to the company.

ELA Games has released a new slot, Age of Cleopatra, adding another ancient-Egypt theme title to its portfolio. The studio positions the game as a medium-volatility release and says it is available to demo now. Age of Cleopatra runs on a 5×3 reel set-up with 25 paylines.

Endorphina has launched Zalatar, a new myths-and-legends themed online slot, expanding its recent run of fantasy-leaning releases. The supplier said Zalatar is a 5-reel, 3-row game with 25 fixed paylines, 96.03% RTP and high volatility.

The post Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Awards

Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Slotsoo is proud to announce the winners of the Slotsoo Awards 2026, recognising the online casinos and game providers that have delivered the best player experiences over the past year. Now firmly established as an annual celebration of excellence, the awards continue to recognise the companies setting new standards for quality and innovation across the iGaming industry.

Spotlighting the Best Game Providers of 2026

Following last year’s successful debut, the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards returned for a second year to recognise the studios pushing online slots forward through original ideas, engaging gameplay, and consistently high-quality releases. This year’s winners are:

The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
Bonus Buyer – Eurasian Gaming
Volatility Virtuoso – 1spin4win
Jackpot Jumbo – Platipus Gaming
Symphony Spinner – Peter & Sons
Reel Renegade – TaDa Gaming
Promising Prodigy – EXCO Game Studio

Pragmatic Play retained the prestigious Machine MVP award for a second consecutive year, while every other category crowned a new winner, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent and new ideas among game providers.

Casino Awards Return for a Fourth Year

Since their debut in 2023, the Slotsoo Casino Awards have celebrated the operators raising the standard for online casino experiences. This year’s winners continue that tradition, earning recognition for excellence across bonuses, withdrawals, gamification, and overall quality. The seven winners for 2026 are:

The Gambling GOAT – Lunar Spins
The Bonus Buff – Go4Casino
The Loyalty Lord – Valhalla Wins
The Withdrawal Wizard – Taste Vegas
The Gamification Guru – Lucky Fuel
The Payout Professor – Stupid Casino
The Noisy Newcomer – Kudos Bet

While the Game Provider Awards saw several first-time winners, the Casino Awards reflected the continued strength of a few established operators. C24 Partners enjoyed a particularly successful year, with four awards going to brands from its portfolio, including the main trophy The Gambling GOAT.

Recognition That Goes Beyond Popularity

Unlike many industry awards, the Slotsoo Awards are not decided by public voting. Winners are selected by the Slotsoo team after evaluating casino operators and game providers throughout the year. Each nominee is assessed on factors such as player value and innovation.

This approach ensures that both established industry leaders and ambitious newcomers have an equal opportunity to be recognised. Whether it’s a casino redefining loyalty rewards or a game studio introducing fresh mechanics, the awards highlight companies that genuinely move the industry forward.

Other News from Slotsoo.com This Summer

The Slotsoo Awards weren’t the only milestone for the company this summer. In June, the team attended the HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics Gaming Conference in Tallinn, connecting with industry professionals, exploring the latest developments in iGaming, and returning home with plenty of inspiration.

July marked the publication of Slotsoo’s first book, The Casino Player’s ABC, written by Markus Björk, Head of Content. This tongue-in-cheek ABC book for adults takes a humorous look at the ups and downs in slot gaming. Markus Björk comments:

“The awards and the book may seem like very different projects, but they share the same goal. Both are about celebrating what makes this industry unique and helping players navigate it with a sense of humour.”

With another successful awards season, the publication of their first book, and an active presence at industry events, 2026 has been one of Slotsoo’s busiest and most exciting years to date.

The post Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BETBY

BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

betby-builds-on-a-strong-start-to-2026-with-solid-h1-sportsbook-growth

BETBY, the Tier 1 sportsbook supplier, has continued its strong start to 2026, delivering solid year-on-year growth across its business during the first half of the year. Building on the positive Q1 results reported in April, the supplier’s performance was supported by continued market expansion, product innovation, and strong activity across its operator partnerships.

During the first half of 2026, BETBY’s sportsbook Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased by 42.7% compared to H1 2025. The number of active players across the provider’s partner network grew by 47%, while the total number of bets placed rose by 21.2%, reflecting sustained growth across both new and existing operator partnerships.

The period also saw BETBY further expand its product ecosystem through several key launches and developments. Among them was BETBY Predictions, the industry’s first fixed-odds prediction markets feed, opening a new betting vertical for operators. The supplier also introduced Stories, an engagement feature built around a familiar, interactive content format and delivered directly within the sportsbook experience.

The FIFA World Cup provided an additional boost during the last three weeks of June, generating high levels of betting activity across BETBY’s partner network and demonstrating the scalability and reliability of its sportsbook during the world’s largest sporting event.

BETBY’s proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, also delivered continued growth during H1 2026, recording a 28% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue. Active players grew by 46%, while the number of bets placed rose by 14.8%. These figures reinforce Betby Games’ importance within BETBY’s broader product portfolio.

Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “After a strong first quarter, we are pleased to see that the positive trend continued throughout the first half of the year. These results reflect the strength of our long-term strategy, combining continued market expansion with a clear focus on product innovation and helping our partners grow.

“The launch of products such as BETBY Predictions and features like Stories, alongside the continued evolution of Betby Games, demonstrate our commitment to delivering solutions and technology that create measurable value for operators. We are proud of what we have achieved so far this year and remain focused on continuing this progress throughout H2.”

The post BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.