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Allwyn Begins Next Phase of Retail Investment with New National Lottery PPOS Rollout Trial
Brand new National Lottery permanent point of sale (PPOS) has started hitting the walls, floors and counter tops of a small number of National Lottery retailers over the last few weeks, as Allwyn begins testing the rollout of the specially designed kit at trial stores in preparation for wider distribution.
Designed in collaboration with accessibility and sustainability experts, the family of PPOS will help deliver more modern retail environments and capture the attention of customers with eye-catching branding and “call to action” messages, as well as giving National Lottery retailers for the first time the ability to display information about National Lottery-funded projects that are local to their store.
The suite of kit includes an attention-grabbing illuminated Scratchcard dispenser with integrated lighting and 15.6-inch HD screen, and a new Playstation with double-sided graphics and a wing to display key information – such as stories about local National Lottery-funded projects. Completing the collection are a new external wall sign and a double-sided pavement sign featuring a “call to action” to play in store, as well as a refreshed window poster frame. In most cases, these items will be swapped out on a like-for-like basis with a store’s existing kit – but larger or additional assets may be offered in certain circumstances.
Allwyn called on the expertise of its accessibility partner, Purple, and its sustainability partner, Planet Mark, in designing the new PPOS to help with its commitment to delivering a more sustainable and accessible National Lottery. For example, the height of the new Playstation tables has been standardised at a level recommended by Purple (750mm) which is considerate of wheelchair users – as has the Scratchcard dispenser media screen – while the playslips are set at a height within reach of wheelchair users. Graphics and signage, as well as the surfaces they sit behind, have also been designed to meet accessibility requirements.
In terms of sustainability, lightweight designs ensure that the kit and its transportation are carbon-efficient, while recycled and recyclable materials have been prioritised in the manufacture and deployment of the new PPOS – with some components made with 60-100% recycled materials.
The first independent retailer to have the kit installed as part of the “test and learn” trial, Raj Kularajah, owner of Twinsco store in St Albans, said: “I was delighted to be selected as the first independent store to have the new PPOS installed, and to be able to provide feedback on the equipment to help with the wider rollout. After it was first installed, two of my regular customers who had never played the lottery before saw the new kit and decided to play EuroMillions, which is absolutely excellent.
“I’m really impressed with the kit overall, particularly the new Playstation wing which can be fitted to either side of the stand depending on how the store is laid out and what space is available. But my favourite piece is the new Scratchcard dispenser which really brings to life and illuminates the individual games. Its bigger windows also make it easier to load with cards.”
Allwyn’s Director of Channel Operations Alex Green said: “We’re hugely excited that National Lottery retailers are starting to get their hands on this brilliant new kit as part of our ‘test and learn’ trial deployment. As well as looking fantastic, the new PPOS has been designed to high standards of accessibility and sustainability – demonstrating The National Lottery’s commitment to delivering wider societal benefits. We know retailers will be keen to get the kit as soon as possible, but it’s important we trial it first and use our findings to inform a more substantial phased rollout across our 40,000-strong estate. This will help us get the deployment absolutely right for our retail partners.
“The project to equip retailers with the very best National Lottery PPOS also represents the next stage of our investment in retail and signals our commitment to the channel as a whole, with retail being central to our vision to grow The National Lottery responsibly over the next 10 years. But equipping stores with the latest innovative kit is just one element of a much bigger overall project to build a more modern in-store environment. As part of this, we’ll also be delivering an enhanced Vodafone network solution for our retail partners from this spring, and installing new software from the summer onwards ahead of us starting to roll out new state-of-the-art terminals towards the end of the year.”
The next phase of the PPOS rollout will see the new kit deployed in around 40 stores by the end of May, with another 10,000 outlets scheduled to receive the new PPOS later in the year. The kit will then be rolled out to the remainder of the estate throughout the autumn and into 2025.
The post Allwyn Begins Next Phase of Retail Investment with New National Lottery PPOS Rollout Trial appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.
The Full Story
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.
The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.
Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.
Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.
The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.
The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.
Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:
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Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
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Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
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Player’s Pick Award.
Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:
“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”
The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.
The Full Story
Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.
The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”
The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:
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Plinko
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Mines
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Tower
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Limbo
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Crash
Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.
Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.
Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:
“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”
Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.
The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.
The Full Story
Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.
Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.
The Commercial Deal
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SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
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The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.
A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.
Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:
“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”
Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:
“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”
The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year:
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9th Jan: Wolverhampton
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6th Feb: Newcastle
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20th Feb: Southwell
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20th March: Wolverhampton
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27th March: Newcastle
The post Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
