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Movers and Shakers: How awager plans to redefine online casino gaming in the European market
“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
Can you introduce the awager product and tell us about your company’s aims in the European market?
With awager’s unique products, we aim to usher in a new era of casino gaming in Europe. Our products bridge the gap between traditional land-based casinos and online gaming by allowing players to access land-based slot games remotely. We use modular design, the latest in streaming and audio technology, and a cutting-edge, user-friendly interface to allow players to experience the sights and sounds of a real casino wherever they decide to play.
This product is a unique proposition in the iGaming industry. We have already established ourselves as a presence in North America, including launching the third iteration of our product with Loto Quebec.
Our aim is to provide players with a more authentic and immersive online gaming experience and after finding success in North America, we are now excited to introduce our product to European audiences.
Which markets will be a priority for awager as you expand into Europe, and why?
We have laid out a detailed roadmap for our European expansion. At the forefront of our strategy is a commitment to focusing exclusively on regulated markets, ensuring compliance and sustainability in our operations.
The United Kingdom is going to be a key target. It is undoubtedly the busiest and most dynamic market on the continent, and it offers a huge player base hungry for something fresh and exciting. This will help give us a strong foothold in the region and present plenty of growth opportunities for us as a company.
Sweden will also be a priority during our first wave. Swedish players have a strong affinity with land-based casinos, and as they begin to close down, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to step in and quench that thirst for a physical gaming experience. The Netherlands will also be an important market.
Once we have established a presence in these key markets, we will turn our attention to other regulated markets like Spain, Switzerland, Romania, and Greece. There is plenty of appetite in these countries for something different, and that is exactly what awager can bring to the table.
Are customer tastes significantly different in Europe compared to North America, and if so, how does awager intend to navigate this?
I don’t think there are too many major differences. America has a much stronger land-based culture than Europe, but European players are much more accustomed to online play, which is where our action takes place.
We anticipate some differences in spending habits. Generally speaking, American players tend to gravitate toward higher stakes games compared to their European counterparts, largely due to regulation and cultural differences.
However, all indications point towards European players strongly embracing our products with the same enthusiasm that has characterised our success in the American market. Given that Europe represents a much larger potential market, we have extremely high ambitions over the next years.
What are some of the biggest trends impacting the European market right now? And how is awager positioned to capitalise on them?
Innovation has been the industry’s buzzword for the last few years. Operators are relentlessly seeking to introduce fresh and exciting offerings that will captivate their players, and we are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.
Players are looking for more from their online casino experience, and operators are looking for innovative ways to attract more players. Our product is the ideal link between these two needs, enabling operators to draw in high-stakes players from traditional land-based casinos while appealing to players who crave a more authentic and fresh casino experience.
There is also a real movement towards creating a more authentic gaming experience. Our products cater to that need by using the latest streaming and sound technology to immerse players in the experience. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we receive from both players and operators is that they can not quite grasp how real the whole experience is.
What are some of the biggest barriers to entry in the European market?
The biggest challenge for most companies looking to break into the European market is navigating regulations. We want to be in as many markets as possible, but we will strictly only work in regulated markets, which does rule out some countries.
Of course, there are also some regulatory hoops we need to jump through in each market, but our product is well-set to do that.
The post Movers and Shakers: How awager plans to redefine online casino gaming in the European market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brazil
Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth
Brazil’s regulated betting market continues to gain structure and momentum, as the country balances regulatory consolidation, integrity safeguards, and commercial growth.
Over the past week, key developments, from federal policy implementation to strategic partnerships and product innovation, highlight how the ecosystem is maturing ahead of major global sporting events.
Government launches national policy to combat match-fixing
A major regulatory milestone was reached with the creation of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combating of Sports Manipulation (PNPEMR). Established through a joint ordinance by the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Justice, the policy introduces a comprehensive national framework designed to address integrity risks in sports.
The initiative is structured around four central pillars: regulation, prevention, monitoring and enforcement, aiming to protect the credibility and unpredictability of sporting competitions in Brazil.
The policy emphasizes interinstitutional cooperation, bringing together public authorities, sports organizations, betting operators and international bodies.
Among its key measures are:
- Standardization of reporting flows for suspicious betting activity
- Continuous education programs for athletes, referees and sports officials
- Protection mechanisms for whistleblowers
- Strengthening of criminal investigations targeting organized match-fixing networks
Under the framework, the Ministry of Sports will coordinate implementation, while the Ministry of Finance will oversee betting regulation and operator compliance. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, alongside the Federal Police, will lead intelligence-sharing and enforcement efforts, particularly in cases with interstate or international scope. See DOU
A multi-stakeholder governance committee will be responsible for monitoring progress and proposing adjustments, ensuring that the policy evolves alongside the market.
This move reinforces Brazil’s intention to align regulatory oversight with global integrity standards, particularly relevant as the country prepares for high-volume betting scenarios during major international competitions.

Sportradar expands iGaming strategy with Playradar launch
On the corporate front, Sportradar announced the launch of Playradar, a new brand dedicated to its iGaming vertical, signaling a strategic shift toward more integrated and immersive betting experiences.
The new offering is built around hybrid gaming concepts, combining real-time and historical sports data with live streaming and casino content.
Among the key features is a 24/7 live experience hub, where users can engage simultaneously with sports events and interactive gaming formats.
The initiative will be led by Edo Haitin, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in live gaming and product development.
The company plans to roll out Playradar starting in 2026, initially targeting regulated markets in the UK, North America and Latin America.
According to CEO Carsten Koerl, the move represents a natural evolution of the company’s capabilities, leveraging its existing infrastructure in data, streaming and user behavior analytics to enhance engagement and monetization across the player lifecycle.
Haitin also emphasized the strategic vision behind the launch, highlighting the ability to combine technology and content in line with evolving market demands, particularly as operators look for differentiated and immersive user experiences.
Importantly, Playradar will operate exclusively in regulated environments, maintaining a strong focus on responsible gaming and integrity, aligning with broader industry and regulatory trends.
Playson strengthens Brazilian footprint through Betnacional partnership
Further reinforcing Brazil’s position as a high-growth market, Playson expanded its regional presence through a new partnership with Betnacional, a leading local operator owned by Flutter Entertainment.
The agreement will see a portfolio of Playson’s top-performing titles integrated into Betnacional’s platform, including 4 Pots Riches, Diamonds Power, and Sugar Teddy x1000, all recognized for their strong performance in regulated markets and engaging gameplay mechanics such as Hold and Win.
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward localization and mobile-first strategies, as operators seek to better align content with regional player preferences.
Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm at Playson, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:
“Partnering with Betnacional is an important milestone for us in Brazil. It is a highly respected local brand with a deep understanding of its audience, and we are confident our content will resonate strongly with its players.
This launch further strengthens our position in the market and reflects our commitment to delivering engaging, high-performing games to operators across Latin America.”
From the operator’s perspective, Frederico Cunha, Head of Commercial at Betnacional, also emphasized the value of the collaboration:
“We are delighted to welcome Playson’s portfolio to Betnacional. Their games are recognised for their quality, strong mechanics, and consistent performance, making them a valuable addition to our offering.
We look forward to working closely together and bringing an enhanced entertainment experience to our players.”
A market balancing integrity and growth
Taken together, this week’s developments illustrate a clear dual trajectory in Brazil’s betting sector: strengthening institutional and integrity frameworks while simultaneously attracting investment, innovation and international partnerships.
As regulatory structures become more sophisticated and collaboration between stakeholders deepens, Brazil is positioning itself not only as a compliant and secure market, but also as a central hub for growth in Latin America’s gaming industry.
SportyBet appoints DJ Khaled as global ambassador to expand connection between sports, culture and entertainment
SportyBet has announced DJ Khaled as its new global ambassador, strengthening its positioning at the intersection of sports, music, and contemporary culture.
He joins a global roster that includes José Mourinho and Éder Militão, reinforcing the company’s strategy of connecting with audiences through entertainment. The partnership will roll out across key markets such as Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Africa, supporting SportyBet’s expansion as an experience-driven platform.

According to Elias Gallego, Vice President of Sporty Group, the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on partnering with culturally relevant figures to engage diverse audiences, particularly in markets like Brazil where sports and lifestyle are closely linked.
Deeper push into music and entertainment
The move also signals a broader effort by Sporty Group to integrate music into its entertainment ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Burna Boy on the “For Everybody” project, blending music, football, and global culture.
In this context, DJ Khaled’s appointment further strengthens a strategy centered on storytelling and fan engagement, especially in regions where sports and music are deeply connected.
Global mindset and brand evolution
DJ Khaled highlighted the shared vision behind the partnership, emphasizing mindset, authenticity, and global connection with fans.
The agreement reinforces SportyBet’s evolution beyond sports betting, positioning the brand within a broader entertainment ecosystem. In Brazil, it aligns with the company’s ongoing growth and its focus on delivering integrated experiences that combine content, culture, and user engagement.
The post Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
affiliate automation
ReferOn Shortlisted for “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at SiGMA Awards South America
ReferOn, the next-generation affiliate management platform, has been shortlisted for the “Best Affiliate Software 2026” category at the upcoming SiGMA Awards South America.
The nomination recognises ReferOn’s continued growth and the platform’s ability to support operators with scalable, transparent, and efficient affiliate management solutions in increasingly complex markets.
ReferOn has become a trusted foundation for businesses worldwide looking to scale their operations. With rapid adoption across the globe, the platform is now the go-to choice for companies that need to scale quickly and reliably. Because the platform handles large volumes of data with ease, it is a vital tool for teams that need speed and precision. In such a competitive market, we provide the accuracy and simplicity required to stay ahead, allowing our users to focus on their goals without the technical stress.
A New Chapter: The Era of “Refie”
This nomination arrives at a defining moment for the company, after the 2025 launch of Refie, the latest evolution of ReferOn. We have humanized B2B software with Refie, an integrated assistant that acts as a helpful navigation layer for our users. This milestone completely removed the struggle of getting started on the platform by visually guiding people through complex steps, making sure everyone can find their way without any stress or confusion.
Refie transforms repetitive daily tasks into an engaging experience that actively minimizes human error. It was specifically designed to eliminate the manual bottlenecks affiliate managers have traditionally faced, making their daily operations much faster and more efficient.
Alex Bukin, General Manager at ReferOn, commented: “Being shortlisted for the SiGMA Awards South America is a strong recognition of the progress our team has made. We are focused on building technology that simplifies affiliate management and gives operators clearer, faster access to the data they need to grow. With Refie and our upcoming developments, we’re continuing to move in that direction”.
Ambitious Plans for 2026
In 2026, ReferOn will upgrade Refie with sophisticated gamification to boost user engagement and streamline daily tasks for affiliate managers. These updates will introduce personalized, smart features, establishing a new industry benchmark for affiliate technology.
Cast Your Vote
We invite all industry peers and partners to support the work we’re doing. If you are a registered delegate attending SiGMA South America 2026, your voice matters.
- Award Category: Best Affiliate Software 2026
- How to Vote: Voting is open exclusively to delegates who hold valid event tickets. Please visit the official SiGMA Awards portal to cast your vote for ReferOn.
The post ReferOn Shortlisted for “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at SiGMA Awards South America appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
ELA Games Contributes to Discussions on Scalable iGaming Ecosystems and Studio Innovation at HIPTHER Prague Summit
ELA Games recently took the stage at the HIPTHER Prague Summit, joining top industry leaders to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of the iGaming sector. Represented by Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development, the studio participated in a forward-looking panel focused on building a more scalable iGaming ecosystem and advancing game innovation for 2026 and beyond.
Rather than just looking at incremental changes, the panel challenged speakers to envision an ideal, universal platform of the future before tackling everyday industry challenges. From there, the conversation shifted to real-world strategies, exploring how enhanced operator-supplier collaboration, gamification, and advanced platform architecture will shape the next generation of iGaming.
One focus of the session was the ongoing evolution of game development and distribution. The group highlighted the necessity of building bespoke, trust-based relationships with operators to secure the best visibility in increasingly crowded game libraries. Tied to this was the critical importance of early operator feedback and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) testing, with panelists noting that smaller studios often have a distinct advantage in implementing operator-driven changes faster than larger competitors.
The topic of artificial intelligence was also raised, with the point made that some studios already have proof-of-concept for fully AI-generated slots. This led the panelists to tackle the relationship between AI and traditional game design, weighing the balance between mass-produced, AI-generated content and the slower, human-led craftsmanship required to build higher-value games.
Addressing the realities of market distribution, the panel discussed how operators are becoming much stricter about the number of games they release to prevent market oversaturation. They also examined how rigorous testing rules in regulated regions can significantly delay product launches. Weighing in on these challenges, Soloshenko brought ELA Games’ forward-thinking perspective to the table, advocating for the ideal of a single global license to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate market entry.
During the session, Soloshenko emphasized the necessity of uniting departments to achieve complete, A-to-B game design. He stressed the fundamental alignment required between product and business teams, noting that because the business division operates on the frontline of the market—tracking industry changes and operator demands—they must actively help guide the product’s direction. To achieve this, he advocated for transitioning away from a factory-line style of production in favor of a “boutique” approach, where all teams collaborate intimately from the initial project kick-off all the way to release day.
“Participating in the HIPTHER Prague Summit gave us a great opportunity to explore how development strategies must adapt to current industry realities,” said Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development at ELA Games. “The foundation of our approach is continuous collaboration, both internally and externally. By working as closely as possible with operators to share early MVPs, we gather invaluable feedback. When those insights are handed directly to a unified development team, it allows us to consistently develop titles crafted exactly for what the market needs at any given time.”
Being a part of these high-level industry talks is part of ELA Games’ strategy to remain closely aligned with operator needs and player expectations as the market evolves.
Play the demo and other games here: www.elagames.com/our-games
The post ELA Games Contributes to Discussions on Scalable iGaming Ecosystems and Studio Innovation at HIPTHER Prague Summit appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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