Pragmatic Play has introduced Free Bet Blackjack, a fresh take on the classic table game designed to give players more strategic flexibility and greater reward potential. The new release allows players to Double Down and Split at no additional cost, delivering a more dynamic and engaging live casino experience.

Free Double Down and Split Mechanics

Free Bet Blackjack adds a new strategic layer by enabling players to:

• Double Down for free on totals of 9, 10, and 11

• Split pairs at no extra cost (excluding 10s and face cards)

• Double Down After Split in qualifying scenarios

These mechanics enhance decision-making and create more opportunities to maximize winning potential without increasing the original wager.

Enhanced Gameplay Features

The game also includes the Push on 22 rule, meaning active bets are returned if the dealer busts on 22 (except when facing a winning blackjack). Additional features include:

• Popular side bets such as Perfect Pairs and 21+3

• Up to seven seats per round

• Smooth live dealer gameplay for an immersive table experience

Together, these elements deliver a fast-paced format that balances traditional blackjack fundamentals with modern enhancements.

Strengthening Pragmatic Play’s Live Blackjack Offering

Free Bet Blackjack joins Pragmatic Play’s extensive live casino lineup, which features hundreds of tables and customizable environments powered by Smart Studio technology. The new title complements established games such as Blackjack X, Privé Lounge Blackjack, and Bet Behind Pro Blackjack, further expanding the provider’s live blackjack portfolio.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, noted that the game introduces more strategic freedom while enhancing the classic blackjack format with accessible, player-friendly features.

A More Rewarding Take on a Classic

With free betting options, expanded strategy, and modern live casino features, Free Bet Blackjack reinforces Pragmatic Play’s commitment to innovation in table games. The release offers operators a distinctive addition to their live casino offering while delivering players a familiar experience with greater flexibility and excitement.

The post PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS MORE ACTION AND MORE REWARDS WITH FREE BET BLACKJACK appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Season 4 of Bet It Drives has officially launched, opening with a candid and controversial debate between two prominent industry leaders. Cedomir Tomic, Founder of Alea, and Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, hit the road in Barcelona during ICE to confront the topics many in iGaming prefer to avoid.

From expo spending and marketing budgets to regulation loopholes and grey market growth, the season premiere delivers the unfiltered discussion the show has become known for.

Big Booths, Bigger Egos?

One of the episode’s standout moments comes in a single line that captures the tone of the discussion:

“If the booth is big, that’s growth. If the booth is very opulent, that’s ego.”

It’s a sharp observation that reflects the broader theme of the episode — questioning industry norms and exposing the realities behind high-profile conference appearances and award wins.

The CEOs dive deep into:

• How much iGaming companies really spend on conferences

• What percentage of budgets go toward marketing

• How much is allocated to affiliate partnerships

• When and why grey markets began accelerating

• What doesn’t make sense about regulation in the US and UK

Debate, Confessions and Prank Calls

Beyond boardroom-level discussions, the episode maintains the show’s signature mix of entertainment and unpredictability.

Filmed against the backdrop of rainy Barcelona during ICE, both guests take part in the “Confess or Call” segment, delivering dramatic prank calls. Cedomir Tomic shares stories from some of the wildest iGaming conference parties, while Oleksandr Feshchenko opens up about the shadiest thing he has done in his professional life.

The result is a fast-paced, unscripted conversation that balances serious insight with candid humour.

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech and host of Bet It Drives, said:

“The opening of ICE is always electric, and I hope this episode gives everyone a boost. This is an entertainment business, so we didn’t want a boring piece. Huge respect to both CEOs for being so public and sharing what usually stays behind the scenes.”

What’s Ahead in Season 4

Season 4 continues with three more high-impact episodes, each maintaining the same uncompromising tone:

• Max Krupyshev explores crypto payments and their long-term impact on iGaming

• Akhil Sarin discusses streaming-first acquisition strategies and sponsorship power plays

• Marek Suchar examines esports betting infrastructure and where the ecosystem still falls short

With strong opinions and little room for safe answers, the new season promises even sharper debates and deeper industry insights.

Where to Watch and Listen

Season 4, Episode 1 of Bet It Drives is available on:

• YouTube

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

About Bet It Drives

Powered by GR8 Tech, Bet It Drives positions itself as the “Front Seat in the iGaming World.” The show brings industry leaders into a moving conversation format where bold questions, candid answers and quickfire games replace traditional scripted interviews.

Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, the podcast blends hard truths with light-hearted moments as guests discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of iGaming — all while cruising past iconic landmarks around the world.

The post Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

The Scatters Club Streamers Awards has officially confirmed its return for 2026, promising its largest and most exciting edition to date. The annual celebration of creativity, influence, and impact within the iGaming streaming community will be broadcast live on Kick.com on March 5, 2026.

As the flagship awards event for iGaming streamers worldwide, the ceremony continues to grow in scale, prestige, and global reach.

Nominations and Voting Process

Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in October, inviting both streamers and fans to submit their picks. From thousands of entries, organizers compiled a 25-selection longlist.

Public longlist voting remained open until February 1, followed by shortlist voting from February 9 to February 20. Each category will feature five finalists, with winners determined through a combined voting system that includes:

• Public votes

• Jury decisions

• Streamer votes

Final voting closes on February 20, setting the stage for a highly anticipated live reveal in March.

25 Award Categories Across Community and Data-Driven Excellence

The 2026 ceremony will present 25 award categories, divided into two nomination types:

Community-Driven Awards

These celebrate personality, creativity, and memorable moments, including:

• Brightest Win Reaction

• Best Stream Outfit

• Most Original Stream Concept

• Best Channel Branding

Data-Based Awards

Powered by Strmlytics, these recognize measurable achievements such as:

• Most Watched Streamer

• Streaming Marathon Runner

One of the most prestigious honors of the evening, Best iGaming Streamer, will be awarded in four languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian—underscoring the global influence of iGaming streaming.

Returning Partners and Media Support

The 2026 edition welcomes back key industry partners, including:

• BGaming, known for its innovative, streamer-focused game design

• Strmlytics, providing industry-leading streaming analytics

• NoLimit City, recognized for its bold and creative slot development

• Stake, a major force in the streaming-driven casino ecosystem

• Casino Guru, joining as the official media partner

These partnerships reinforce the awards’ position at the heart of the iGaming streaming landscape.

A Record-Breaking Trajectory

The Scatters Club Streamers Awards has grown significantly year after year. In 2025 alone, the event generated:

• Over 5,000 submissions

• More than 1,020 nominated streamers

• Participation from 16,000+ voters

With 2026 already surpassing previous benchmarks in submissions and nominees, this year’s ceremony is expected to be the most competitive and widely viewed edition yet.

Celebrating the Power of Streaming

Veranika Maskaliova, Digital Events Manager of the Scatters Club Streamers Awards, shared her excitement:

“We are proud to continue shining a spotlight on one of the most creative aspects of the iGaming industry: streaming. Streamers build communities and shape how players interact, and our award ceremony celebrates this. Last year’s event exceeded all expectations, and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.”

As anticipation builds, the Scatters Club Streamers Awards 2026 is once again set to become the defining night in the iGaming streaming calendar—bringing together creators, fans, and industry leaders for a celebration of innovation, talent, and community.

The post Scatters Club Streamers Awards to Return with Biggest Ceremony Yet in March 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.