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MERKUR Donates £3225 to Ripples of Compassion Charity

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2026

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Leading gaming company MERKUR has pledged a total of £3225 to Bristol based charity Ripples of Compassion, following an additional donation as part of its MERKUR Community programme.

Founded in 2018 by Fiona Corless, the charity honours the memory of her daughter, Ripley Olive Corless, who tragically passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at just two years old.

They are committed to ensuring that all parents, carers and families impacted by childhood cancer, life-limiting conditions, or the death of a child have timely access to high-quality social, emotional, and mental health support that is inclusive, accessible and compassionate.

The extra £1200 donation provided by MERKUR will allow the charity to continue to give additional self-care resources to grieving families, offer comfort items and memorial support so that no child is forgotten, and develop new wellbeing tools for families in crisis like relaxation cards and soft toys.

In addition to the £2025 donation made last year, the extended funding from MERKUR will mean that the organisation can meet the growing needs of families and children facing these life-changing challenges. The extra £1200 donation will allow the charity to continue to provide additional self-care resources to grieving families, offer comfort items and memorial support so that no child is forgotten, and develop new wellbeing tools for families in crisis like relaxation cards and soft toys.

Importantly, the funds will maintain their bereavement therapy service, which will reach those who struggle financially as well as those on the waiting list, greatly reflecting their mission to create an accessible space for all families and children going through difficult times.

Each year, there are approximately 1900 children diagnosed with cancer in the UK, and around 240 children pass away because of the disease ever year. These shocking figures have pushed the charity to create an even bigger supporting impact this year.

Since MERKUR’s first donation in 2025, the charity has been able to provide its free services to hospitals, hospices, and charities in supporting those children, parents, and families affected across the UK. The services range from bereavement therapy and home-cooked meals to self-care boxes and extra-activity resources.

The donation made by MERKUR comes at a time where this support is vital.

Fiona Corless, founder and chair of Ripples of Compassion, said: “We are so grateful for the additional donation made by MERKUR. Their continued support means that we not only can meet the growing needs of those families and children that are facing the hardest moments of their lives, but also, we can strengthen our mission. The support from MERKUR does not just provide resources, it gives those affected the space to feel seen, heal, and ultimately know that they are not alone. Every box, every toy, and every therapy session are critical to providing a little glimmer of light to families during their darkest of times. MERKUR’s extra funding will ensure that we can continue to make 2026 a year of hope and healing.”

The donation was made through MERKUR’s community programme, highlighting its dedication to promoting social responsibility and strengthening local connections. By partnering with nearby organisations, the initiative seeks out opportunities to make meaningful contributions and enhance the wellbeing of community members.

Since its launch, the programme, funded by MERKUR and voluntary donations from its customers from venues across the UK, has donated £323,773.67 (including 3 corporate partnerships from 2025) to support 150 community groups and charities nationwide.

Mark Schertle, Chief Operations Officer at MERKUR, said: “At MERKUR, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, particularly by supporting those facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

“Ripples of Compassion offers an essential service to families experiencing unimaginable grief and loss, providing both emotional and practical guidance when it is needed most. Their work delivers genuine, meaningful support that truly impacts people’s lives, and we are proud that our additional donation will help them maintain their resources and mission. Through the MERKUR Community, we strive to build lasting partnerships with organisations like Ripples of Compassion, whose dedication truly makes a real difference.”

The post MERKUR Donates £3225 to Ripples of Compassion Charity appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

weekend-reels-|-week-30:-slot-drops-&-trends

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Spinomenal has released 3 Fuego Chillies, a new 5×3 video slot themed around a Mexican street fiesta. The game ships with a feature-led Bonus Game and a top prize billed as a Grand Jackpot of x3,000 the total bet.

CT Interactive has released its latest slot game, 40 Mega Star. As the night sky comes alive with countless shimmering lights, only a select few stars have the power to capture attention and become true Mega Stars.

TaDa Gaming has expanded its popular Unlimited Fortune mechanic with the launch of Joker Coins Unlimited Fortune. Combining Lock & Respin, progressive bonus expansion, jackpots, multipliers and the signature Unlimited Fortune feature, this compact three-reel release delivers layered gameplay and win potential of up to 5000x.

Blueprint Gaming is releasing an upgraded version of Super Graphics Upside Down exclusively on Lottomart, giving Lottomart’s UK players early access to the title. Originally launched in 2021, Super Graphics Upside Down is being re-released with a new bonus wheel feature and an increased max win potential, rising from 250X to 3000X, according to the companies.

ICONIC21 has released Wild Gold Mine 2, a high-volatility sequel to its Wild Gold Mine slot. The game is played across 243 ways and launches with multiple RTP configurations, with a stated top prize of 10,000x.

Games Global has launched Rumble Kong CASHINGO, a new jungle-themed online slot developed with exclusive studio partner Alchemy Gaming. The title went live on 23rd July 2026. Rumble Kong CASHINGO is a 5×5, 3,125 ways-to-win game built around an expanding CASHINGO collection grid.

Swintt has released a new slot from its Elysium Studios label, titled Odyssey Hold & Win. The supplier said the game is built around a Hold & Win collection mechanic and features a stated maximum win of 3,317x. Odyssey Hold & Win runs on a 4×4 grid that can expand to 4×8 when Athena appears, according to the company.

ELA Games has released a new slot, Age of Cleopatra, adding another ancient-Egypt theme title to its portfolio. The studio positions the game as a medium-volatility release and says it is available to demo now. Age of Cleopatra runs on a 5×3 reel set-up with 25 paylines.

Endorphina has launched Zalatar, a new myths-and-legends themed online slot, expanding its recent run of fantasy-leaning releases. The supplier said Zalatar is a 5-reel, 3-row game with 25 fixed paylines, 96.03% RTP and high volatility.

The post Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Awards

Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

slotsoo-awards-2026-celebrate-the-best-casinos-and-game-providers

Slotsoo is proud to announce the winners of the Slotsoo Awards 2026, recognising the online casinos and game providers that have delivered the best player experiences over the past year. Now firmly established as an annual celebration of excellence, the awards continue to recognise the companies setting new standards for quality and innovation across the iGaming industry.

Spotlighting the Best Game Providers of 2026

Following last year’s successful debut, the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards returned for a second year to recognise the studios pushing online slots forward through original ideas, engaging gameplay, and consistently high-quality releases. This year’s winners are:

The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
Bonus Buyer – Eurasian Gaming
Volatility Virtuoso – 1spin4win
Jackpot Jumbo – Platipus Gaming
Symphony Spinner – Peter & Sons
Reel Renegade – TaDa Gaming
Promising Prodigy – EXCO Game Studio

Pragmatic Play retained the prestigious Machine MVP award for a second consecutive year, while every other category crowned a new winner, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent and new ideas among game providers.

Casino Awards Return for a Fourth Year

Since their debut in 2023, the Slotsoo Casino Awards have celebrated the operators raising the standard for online casino experiences. This year’s winners continue that tradition, earning recognition for excellence across bonuses, withdrawals, gamification, and overall quality. The seven winners for 2026 are:

The Gambling GOAT – Lunar Spins
The Bonus Buff – Go4Casino
The Loyalty Lord – Valhalla Wins
The Withdrawal Wizard – Taste Vegas
The Gamification Guru – Lucky Fuel
The Payout Professor – Stupid Casino
The Noisy Newcomer – Kudos Bet

While the Game Provider Awards saw several first-time winners, the Casino Awards reflected the continued strength of a few established operators. C24 Partners enjoyed a particularly successful year, with four awards going to brands from its portfolio, including the main trophy The Gambling GOAT.

Recognition That Goes Beyond Popularity

Unlike many industry awards, the Slotsoo Awards are not decided by public voting. Winners are selected by the Slotsoo team after evaluating casino operators and game providers throughout the year. Each nominee is assessed on factors such as player value and innovation.

This approach ensures that both established industry leaders and ambitious newcomers have an equal opportunity to be recognised. Whether it’s a casino redefining loyalty rewards or a game studio introducing fresh mechanics, the awards highlight companies that genuinely move the industry forward.

Other News from Slotsoo.com This Summer

The Slotsoo Awards weren’t the only milestone for the company this summer. In June, the team attended the HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics Gaming Conference in Tallinn, connecting with industry professionals, exploring the latest developments in iGaming, and returning home with plenty of inspiration.

July marked the publication of Slotsoo’s first book, The Casino Player’s ABC, written by Markus Björk, Head of Content. This tongue-in-cheek ABC book for adults takes a humorous look at the ups and downs in slot gaming. Markus Björk comments:

“The awards and the book may seem like very different projects, but they share the same goal. Both are about celebrating what makes this industry unique and helping players navigate it with a sense of humour.”

With another successful awards season, the publication of their first book, and an active presence at industry events, 2026 has been one of Slotsoo’s busiest and most exciting years to date.

The post Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BETBY

BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

betby-builds-on-a-strong-start-to-2026-with-solid-h1-sportsbook-growth

BETBY, the Tier 1 sportsbook supplier, has continued its strong start to 2026, delivering solid year-on-year growth across its business during the first half of the year. Building on the positive Q1 results reported in April, the supplier’s performance was supported by continued market expansion, product innovation, and strong activity across its operator partnerships.

During the first half of 2026, BETBY’s sportsbook Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased by 42.7% compared to H1 2025. The number of active players across the provider’s partner network grew by 47%, while the total number of bets placed rose by 21.2%, reflecting sustained growth across both new and existing operator partnerships.

The period also saw BETBY further expand its product ecosystem through several key launches and developments. Among them was BETBY Predictions, the industry’s first fixed-odds prediction markets feed, opening a new betting vertical for operators. The supplier also introduced Stories, an engagement feature built around a familiar, interactive content format and delivered directly within the sportsbook experience.

The FIFA World Cup provided an additional boost during the last three weeks of June, generating high levels of betting activity across BETBY’s partner network and demonstrating the scalability and reliability of its sportsbook during the world’s largest sporting event.

BETBY’s proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, also delivered continued growth during H1 2026, recording a 28% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue. Active players grew by 46%, while the number of bets placed rose by 14.8%. These figures reinforce Betby Games’ importance within BETBY’s broader product portfolio.

Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “After a strong first quarter, we are pleased to see that the positive trend continued throughout the first half of the year. These results reflect the strength of our long-term strategy, combining continued market expansion with a clear focus on product innovation and helping our partners grow.

“The launch of products such as BETBY Predictions and features like Stories, alongside the continued evolution of Betby Games, demonstrate our commitment to delivering solutions and technology that create measurable value for operators. We are proud of what we have achieved so far this year and remain focused on continuing this progress throughout H2.”

The post BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.