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Not Just Games. Experiences: Interview with Gabor, CPO at DreamPlay

Published

3 months ago

November 18, 2025

The iGaming industry has evolved far beyond spinning reels and flashy win screens. Today, it’s a rapidly shifting space where player expectations define innovation. Creativity, data, and emotional design have become central to building not just games — but experiences.

We sat down with Gabor, Chief Product Officer at DreamPlay, to discuss what modern slot development really means, how ideas transform into products, and why the future belongs not to games that are simply entertaining — but to those that resonate.

What makes a slot competitive today — math, visuals, gameplay, or a combination of factors? And which matters most?

Gabor: A great game is like an orchestra: you need every instrument playing in harmony or the whole thing falls apart.

The math and design are the heart and soul of every game — without them, even the best art is just a pretty face. Today’s players also expect to be entertained: strong pacing, polished audiovisuals, and features that feel meaningful, not gimmicky.

I always say that one of the challenges of creating great slots is that you have to be able to tell a whole story just through a push of the button — making them feel exciting while being simple and smooth for the player, but this means a lot of complexity for the creator.

So the real magic happens when everything clicks together. The best slots feel effortless, but behind that effortlessness is a very deliberate balance of math, flow, visuals, and just the right level of innovation.”

When working on a new release, what helps you shape the product vision before development even begins?

Gabor: Ideas can come from anywhere – a family vacation, a conversation, a movie, a meme, pretty much anything you can think of.

Creativity thrives when everyone on the team can chip in with their own ideas – we actively encourage that.

But inspiration alone isn’t enough. Every game needs a clear purpose. Is it pushing boundaries? Refreshing a classic theme? Continuing a successful series? We always start by defining the ‘why.’

Then we let data and experience meet in the middle. When the numbers support the idea and our collective instincts say ‘yes, this will work,’ that’s when a concept becomes a vision worth building.”

Do you see potential for an even closer integration of video games and slots, or are they still two different markets?

Gabor:There’s definitely potential — and honestly, the two worlds have been borrowing from each other for years. iGaming has embraced progression systems, more complex storytelling, achievements… while video games picked up loot boxes and other elements from gambling.

They will never fully merge, because the motivations and regulations are different, but there is clearly much more overlap than 10–15 years ago when these two industries were completely different. Today’s players grew up with games that blend entertainment, challenge, psychology, and reward, and they

expect a different form of entertainment than previous generations.

So we’re moving from ‘old-school gambling’ toward ‘interactive entertainment with a gambling core.’ And that trend will only continue.

Is the industry truly ready for bold experimentation, or does it still prefer playing safe?

Gabor: This is where it gets interesting. The industry loves talking about innovation and bold ideas – but in reality, the audience is still quite conservative. Most players enjoy evolution, not revolution.

We’ve seen a few big hits like Megaways and crash games, but they didn’t throw the core DNA of gambling out the window. These mechanics are mainly focused on enhanced entertainment value and presentation.

So yes, there’s room to experiment, but true format-breaking innovations tend to become niche and usually struggle to gain wider traction. The sweet spot is pushing boundaries without losing the essence of why players show up in the first place.”

What was your first step in iGaming, and when did you realize this was your industry?

Gabor: My start was completely unplanned. I moved to Israel from Hungary at 26, didn’t speak Hebrew yet, and was looking for any English-speaking job. A friend worked at an online casino, said they were hiring, and I thought, ‘Perfect, something temporary to help me get settled, I will find a proper job once my Hebrew improves.”

I have never even tried finding a ‘proper job’ afterward. That ‘temporary’ role turned into a 15+ year career across multiple countries, teams, and roles across casino management and game production — and I’ve loved every minute of it.

This industry is fast, sometimes (often) chaotic, but full of brilliant people and challenges that keep you sharp. Even after all these years, I still wake up excited about what we’re building. It’s hard to imagine doing anything else at this point.”

Final Takeaway

The iGaming industry continues its transformation — not just technologically, but emotionally. As Gabor pointed out throughout our conversation, the future belongs not to those who release the most games, but to those who understand what players truly feel.

We’re seeing a shift toward more immersive, meaningful experiences — where design, psychology, and data work together to create lasting engagement.

And it’s leaders like Gabor — and companies like DreamPlay — who are moving the industry forward, proving that innovation isn’t just about features or mechanics… it’s about connection.

Dream Play’s most recent releases and upcoming products here:

👉 Dream Play

ACR Poker

MONSTER VENOM TOURNAMENTS ON ACR POKER AWARD OVER $11 MILLION IN PRIZE POOLS TO PLAYERS AND DELIVER BIG POKER ACTION

Published

52 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

monster-venom-tournaments-on-acr-poker-award-over-$11-million-in-prize-pools-to-players-and-deliver-big-poker-action

ACR Poker has wrapped up its flagship Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tournaments, delivering more than two weeks of high-octane online poker action and awarding over $11 million in total prize pools to players from around the world.

The hugely popular series once again surpassed expectations, smashing guaranteed prize pools and cementing the Venom brand as one of the biggest and most exciting events on the online poker calendar.

The Venom No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) event comfortably exceeded its $8 million guarantee, generating a massive $9,182,500 prize pool, with $4,591,250 allocated to mystery bounties. Meanwhile, the Venom Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) tournament surpassed its $2 million guarantee, creating a $2,092,500 total prize pool, including $1,046,250 in bounties.

In the NLH event, 28-year-old Portuguese poker professional Pedro “MatasSembolas” Neves emerged victorious after outlasting a formidable field of 3,673 entrants. Following a three-way deal with ‘BALDOUS’ and ‘basaboy’, Neves captured the Venom title and secured a total payout of $728,281, made up of $630,327 in prize money and $97,953 in bounties.

Reflecting on his victory, Neves said:

“It feels great to win such a big tournament. The Venom is one of the most well-known events on the schedule, so finishing in first place is very satisfying and something I’m really happy about.”

Despite finishing runner-up, UK player ‘BALDOUS’ claimed the largest overall payday of the tournament. By landing the top $500,000 and $150,000 mystery bounties, ‘BALDOUS’ walked away with $510,378 in prize money and an incredible $729,931 in bounties, totaling $1,240,310.

In the PLO Venom, ‘StickyMinaj’ topped an 837-player field, earning the $209,860 first-place prize along with $104,062 in bounties to cap off an impressive performance.

ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker praised the series, saying:

“The Mystery Bounty Venoms had it all — huge fields, nonstop action, and unforgettable moments — and showed why it’s one of the most exciting formats in online poker. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who landed those incredible bounties — now bring on the next one!”

Fans looking to relive the action can catch a full recap of the NLH final table on ACR Poker’s Twitch channel, featuring commentary from ACR Pros Chris Moneymaker and Jon Pardy, alongside ACR Team Online member Svitlana Dryha.

While the Dual Venom tournaments have concluded, the action on ACR Poker continues. Players can now take part in the $1 million guaranteed Moneymaker Mystery Million, the popular weekly high-stakes tournament Phil’s Thrill, and a packed schedule of additional events.

The post MONSTER VENOM TOURNAMENTS ON ACR POKER AWARD OVER $11 MILLION IN PRIZE POOLS TO PLAYERS AND DELIVER BIG POKER ACTION appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

DBET

Immense Group appoints Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET

Published

52 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

immense-group-appoints-marcus-adler-as-nordic-director-for-dbet

Immense Group has appointed Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its sports betting footprint across Sweden and other regulated European markets.

DBET is Immense Group’s first dedicated sports betting brand. Launched in August 2024, the brand has quickly established itself in the Swedish market by delivering a sports betting experience focused on popular sporting events, international pools and jackpots. DBET is available online and on mobile devices, while also boasting a strong retail presence through an extensive nationwide network of betting shop terminals.

Over the past year, DBET has significantly increased its brand visibility by forming strategic partnerships with key Swedish sports organisations, including the Swedish Bandy Association and the Swedish Basketball Association. These collaborations have strengthened DBET’s ties to local sport and helped position the brand as a trusted and recognisable name in a highly competitive landscape.

Based in Sweden, Marcus Adler brings extensive experience in commercial leadership, digital growth and sports gaming. He most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at RoninSport.io, a Swedish sports TV data and digital engagement provider working with media companies, iGaming operators and sports platforms to deliver real-time sports content solutions. Prior to that, Adler led Online Acquisition at LeoVegas and held several senior commercial roles across the sports media and digital entertainment sectors.

Adler’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Immense Group as it continues to invest heavily in its sports betting capabilities. In 2025, the company selected Altenar as its global sportsbook partner, enabling scalable, localised and compliant sports betting operations across its portfolio of brands in regulated markets.

Commenting on his new role, Marcus Adler said:

“I am very pleased to join Immense Group at a time when the company is making significant investments in sports betting and DBET is gaining real traction in Sweden. The brand already has strong foundations, from its product offering to its partnerships within local sport. My focus will be to provide clear strategic direction for the Nordics, prepare DBET for its next phase of growth, and ensure we deliver a sports betting experience that feels trusted, intuitive and genuinely competitive for players in Sweden and across the wider region.”

The post Immense Group appoints Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Animo

Elantil and Animo Unite to Redefine Live Casino Gaming

Published

52 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

elantil-and-animo-unite-to-redefine-live-casino-gaming

Innovative platform solutions provider collaborates with specialized Live Casino supplier to offer clients real-time games featuring a pop culture flair.

Transforming the industry for operators through its cutting-edge technology and adaptable multi-currency choices, leading platform solutions provider, Elantil, has revealed the integration of a revolutionary studio into its online marketplace with Animo.

Centered on the commitment to employ actual dealers and genuine equipment to provide extraordinary experiences, Animo has revolutionized live entertainment by merging real-time table games with virtual broadcast production, resulting in an immersive format that harmoniously blends pop culture and iGaming.

Animo is presently providing various roulette versions and will expand into additional live gaming formats over the year, utilizing professional dealers in high-quality casino environments and applying its innovative technology to convert them into customizable virtual avatars that meet operators’ needs.

This opens the door to thrilling commercial collaborations that can enhance engagement; Animo’s product is anticipated to attract crypto operators, making the integration especially pertinent as Elantil will showcase at SiGMA Eurasia this month.

Due to the new collaboration, all Animo games will be highlighted in Elantil’s Marketplace, allowing customers to reach out to the supplier directly to establish their own tailored agreements; this eliminates any intermediary expenses and guarantees they receive the ideal package for their requirements.

After terms are settled, they will receive login credentials to access their games directly from Elantil’s Marketplace, while the company manages all technical aspects to ensure they are operational.

John Debono, Chief Technical Officer at Elantil, said: “As anyone who’s visited an Elantil stand at ICE will know, we’re a company that embraces the unconventional and loves to get creative. With this in mind, Animo is the perfect addition to our marketplace, and we believe their unique approach to Live Casino will prove incredibly popular with partners – especially those in the crypto space.”

Harley Fresh, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Animo, said: “Like Elantil, Animo has forged its own path in the iGaming industry, the interactive experiences we provide are unlike anything else. By blending the real world and the virtual, we create a new level of engagement that supports both player acquisition and market penetration. We can’t wait to hear how our line-up can be tailored to Elantil’s customers’ needs and are excited to bring more brand IP to life.”

The post Elantil and Animo Unite to Redefine Live Casino Gaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.