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The online casino game has changed

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Keith Goddard, CEO at Blaze Gaming, says non-traditional content is now a must if operators are to meet the expectations of new and existing players, many of whom are turning away from restricted slots in search of bigger thrills.

Take a look at any online casino lobby and you’ll notice things have changed over the past 12 months. Where once you would find only slots and table games, with the odd instant win and a cluster of live dealer titles also in the mix, now you find a vast array of game types.

From Crash to Plinko, Mines to HiLo, Hotline, Dice and Keno, player preferences have changed and in a big way. Sure, slots still dominate, but the demand for non-traditional content is high and, in my opinion at least, only getting higher.

There are plenty of reasons for this. Players are seeking deeper experiences that go beyond those offered by slots and table games. They no longer want to just spin and win – instead, they want to feel there’s an element of skill to the game and that they have some control over the outcome.

This is why crash games have been such a hit. Players love that thrill of watching the win multiplier climb and the control they have over when to cash out.

This makes them really popular with the next generation of players. I’m talking about younger tech-forward audiences who enjoy strategy, decision-making and skill-driven entertainment options such as mobile games.

That evolving technologies are allowing providers to create games that go beyond the limitations of slots to deliver the action and big win potential these players are seeking has also been a catalyst for the meteoric rise of non-traditional content.

Operators have been quick to add these games to their lobbies and to maximise the acquisition and retention opportunities doing so provides. Non-traditional content is great for tapping into new player audiences as well as those that have been deterred by restrictions to slots in some markets.

By that, I mean regulatory updates that have slowed spin speeds, forced studios to remove things like Buy the Bonus features and, of course, the introduction of stake limits. This has all impacted the player experience, with many looking for other game formats for their thrills.

But this type of content is also a powerful driver of retention among existing players, providing them with new experiences that are easy to understand. This is key to driving engagement, with players reluctant to spend time and money getting to know complex game mechanics.

This was a consideration when developing the concept of our Bull Casino Trading Games which combine the excitement of casino gaming with the strategy of trading, offering a unique, entertaining but still easy-to-grasp game format. These games are all about risk and reward.

The idea stemmed from the convergence of finance and gaming. We saw an opportunity to merge market dynamics with casino play with this fusion creating a dynamic environment that would appeal to those looking for something beyond the standard slot format.

Of course, this is an increasingly competitive space, but our Bull Casino Trading Games stand out by offering a unique combination of trading mechanics, entertainment and the ability to win money.

The gameplay includes real-time strategy elements to challenge players in a way that traditional casino games don’t, making them compelling and re-playable.

Operators know they need to diversify their proposition to cater to evolving player preferences and changing regulatory requirements.

Failing to offer non-traditional content not only risks losing existing players seeking excitement beyond slots but also missing out on the opportunity to reach new player audiences such as Millennials and Gen Z.

The game really has changed, and operators need to keep pace if they are to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their businesses.

The post The online casino game has changed appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Tony Bellew signs as PartyPoker brand ambassador through 2026

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

Former WBC cruiserweight champion to appear at PartyPoker Tour UK stops and take part in online activations.

PartyPoker has appointed former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Tony Bellew as a brand ambassador for the remainder of 2026, with appearances tied to the operator’s live PartyPoker Tour and online poker offering.

The company said Bellew will be “a regular face” at its remaining UK tour stops this season following an earlier appearance at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. Bellew will also take part in online activity linked to the PartyPoker schedule.

“I had such a great time at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. The atmosphere, the people and the passion for the game were incredible. I’m really excited to be joining the PartyPoker team for the rest of the year, getting involved at the live events, meeting players and seeing where the cards take me,” Bellew said.

PartyPoker said Bellew is scheduled to attend each remaining UK stop on the 2026 PartyPoker Tour: London in July, Glasgow in August, Cork in November, and London in December. The operator also referenced a series of exclusive online events running alongside the live calendar.

The post Tony Bellew signs as PartyPoker brand ambassador through 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arizona

Arizona regulator orders five operators to stop alleged illegal gambling activity

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-regulator-orders-five-operators-to-stop-alleged-illegal-gambling-activity

Cease-and-desist letters cite alleged felonies and underage access tied to BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator.

The Arizona Department of Gaming said it has issued cease-and-desist orders to five online platforms—BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator—after investigations that the Department says involved alleged illegal gambling activity and underage access in Arizona.

In its announcement, the Department said each enforcement action alleges conduct giving rise to three felonies under Arizona law: promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise, and money laundering. The agency cited Arizona’s prohibition on gambling unless specifically authorized (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Tit. 13, Ch. 33) and said the legal gambling age in the state is 21.

“Arizona is taking decisive action against illegal gambling operators that put Arizonans at risk,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “Our top priority is protecting Arizonans and I’m grateful for the efforts of our intelligence unit led by Chief Law Enforcement Officer Doug Jensen to do just that. Through these cease-and-desist orders we are putting operators on notice: their conduct runs contrary to Arizona law and they must stop promoting illegal gambling.”

The Department’s letters describe different alleged violations by operator. For BetOpenly, the Department said peer-to-peer gambling rules prohibit third-party benefit, and alleged the platform benefited via a commission structure while enabling event wagering and daily fantasy sports contests without the required state licenses, including availability to underage Arizonans. For Bookmaker, the Department said its investigation found wagering on horse racing, casino games, and sports betting without an event wagering license or an advanced deposit wagering provider license, adding that online casino games are not legal in Arizona.

For Club WPT Online Poker, the Department alleged the platform enabled individuals under 21 in Arizona to enter pay-to-play online poker tournaments for prizes while using deceptive “no purchase necessary” language; the Department said online poker is illegal in Arizona. For Kutt Inc., the Department said Arizona “social” gambling prohibits third-party benefit and directed the operator to stop allowing Arizona users to deposit money and wager on sports, politics, pop culture, and casino-style games. For Raffle Creator, the Department said the operator did not meet requirements that allow Arizona nonprofits to conduct lawful raffles and alleged it allowed people under 21 to purchase tickets for prize chances.

The Department said the notified entities are directed to immediately stop all gambling operations and activities in Arizona “whether through mobile applications, online, or otherwise,” and to cease any future illegal gambling in the state. It added that future actions may include criminal charges or civil action against entities, principals, and employees, and that operators “may be subject to a potential award of restitution” and forfeiture of monies acquired due to the alleged conduct.

The post Arizona regulator orders five operators to stop alleged illegal gambling activity appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Former WBC World Champion Tony Bellew Joins PartyPoker as Brand Ambassador

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Tony Bellew has officially joined the PartyPoker Brand Ambassador team for the remainder of 2026, strengthening the brand’s growing roster of ambassadors and reinforcing its commitment to bringing poker to a wider audience.

A former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and one of Britain’s most recognisable sporting personalities, Bellew will play an active role across both PartyPoker’s live tour and online offering throughout the rest of the year.

Speaking about joining the team, Tony Bellew said: “I had such a great time at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. The atmosphere, the people and the passion for the game were incredible. I’m really excited to be joining the PartyPoker team for the rest of the year, getting involved at the live events, meeting players and seeing where the cards take me.”

His return follows a hugely successful appearance at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham earlier this year, where he embraced the atmosphere, spent time with players and immersed himself in the event. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, Bellew will now become a regular face at the remaining UK stops on the PartyPoker Tour throughout the rest of the 2026 season.

As part of his ambassadorial role, Bellew will attend every remaining UK stop PartyPoker Tour in 2026:

London – July
Glasgow – August
Cork – November
London – December

With four live festival stops and a series of exclusive online events still to come, players will have plenty of opportunities to meet Bellew at the tables throughout the remainder of the 2026 PartyPoker calendar. Look out for opportunities to take him on online, and at the PartyPoker Tour in Glasgow, Cork and London.

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