Industry News
Merkur’s latest launches bring the heat to ICE London
Whether sipping on sunshine from a tropical island or feeling the hot breath of a dragon, Merkur Gaming’s latest three games are set to catch fire at ICE London as the company prepares for a “big” show and an even bigger year ahead…
“Maximum performance and maximum entertainment,” is how Merkur Gaming has described its focus at the start of 2020 as the company prepares to enhance its online portfolio even further following a hugely successful year launching eye-catching and popular new titles. The launch of its three latest titles, Dragon’s Maid, Mojito Beach and Tri Piki, is testament to the Gauselmann subsidiary’s ongoing reel game line-up expansion with 2020 set to be a shining year for new releases according to Maja Cvetkovic, Business Development Manager – Online at Merkur Gaming.
Commenting on the company’s latest, sizzling reels, Cvetkovic said: “Our newest releases all deliver on our usual strong passion for details of classic casino games with an online twist and will for sure match players’ expectations as they combine unique mathematics and in-game features in fun and exciting ways.”
Dragon’s Maid is a 5-reel with 10, 20 or 40 win lines, which beckons players into a story of a special hero family of the titular maid and her dragons. “We developed a game which centred around the unbreakable bond between the Dragon’s Maid and these majestic blue Dragons. Have you ever seen lively creatures being there for each other, going through one adventure after the other and always holding their backs? This game will bring this unique story to life as players learn from their deep relationship.”
This medieval game features wilds and sticky wilds centred around the adventure whilst also bringing its fantasy creatures into a new free game feature. “The Maid and the Dragons help each other and use their strengths also for the other one’s benefit,” Cvetkovic explained. “Players can also make their way into the free game feature. The number of free games which are set off is based on a secret magical formula only the Dragons know: Depending on how many of his Dragon mates the blue Dragon summons, the number of free games is decided. This means that the Dragon’s Maid belongs to a big Dragon family and in a good family everyone does his best for the other family members!”
Merkur Gaming’s other latest release bring players in contact with a different kind of heat, the hot summer sun of the tropics filled with surfing, swimming and sipping on cocktails. Mojito Beach delivers a party in a glass with a 5-reel-10-win-lines-game which makes the famous rum-based beverage the star of the show.
“For this impressive slot we wanted to offer the feel of the bright sun, big waves on the shore and the famous Mojito Beach Party as well as big payouts and some winning wild features,” Cvetkovic said. “Players will meet a highly motivated barkeeper and his female co-worker who created her own Mojito recipe! She creates and serves them with all her talent as she is wild and expanding wild but her speciality is also to turn all the glasses of Mojito appearing on the reels into wild symbols as well. This is a game filled with good times from the music, stunning graphics and gameplay, bring out the ice and let’s get this party started!”
Finally, Merkur’s Tri Piki game brings the myths of a tropical island, which is a highly popular game theme in the reel game sector, into a winning formula of wilds and scatters for players of any type. The story unfolds of a dancing woman who uses spiritual magic to keep the sunset sparkling through the night which all combines with state-of-the-art game mathematics and a calming, meditative gameplay.
“Tri Piki is a 5 reels and 10 or 20 win line game in which the dancing woman is wild and scatter and sets off 10 free games when her symbol appears 3 times on the reels. Through her ritual dance she chooses 3 special symbols and hides all of the symbols under shells which then have to be picked by the player or her upon which she reveals the special symbols.”
Cvetkovic concluded: “Tri Piki is not a typical vacation destination and as a game it stands out for the variety of hidden in-game features tied into the idyllic setting. In daylight when the dancing Woman sleeps, you can sip on mango sunshine cocktails and bathe in the sun, doing a trip with the boat or swim with the dolphins in the sea. So this small island bears more hidden treasures than those which can be seen at first sight. The beautiful nature of Tri Piki is outstanding and definitely provides everything a player needs to forget the hectic life outside.”
GR8 Tech
GR8 Tech Unveils Major Platform Enhancements Ahead of the World Cup
GR8 Tech is implementing a series of platform-wide enhancements designed to help operators maximize performance during the year’s biggest sporting event. With the World Cup expected to drive massive traffic, repeated betting surges, and intense competition for player acquisition, these updates focus on the areas that most directly impact operator results. The improvements aim to help partners convert more traffic, retain more players, and extract greater value throughout the entire tournament journey.
“World Cup traffic by itself does not guarantee better results. What matters is how well operators can turn that attention into acquisition, conversion, retention, and long-term player value,” said Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “That is where our focus is right now. We are enhancing the sportsbook experience, expanding engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to help partners make the most of the biggest opportunity of the year.”
Key Areas of Focus
1. Sportsbook
The sportsbook is receiving a comprehensive upgrade, including redesigned navigation for easier event discovery, improved campaign visibility, and enhanced Bet Builder functionality. Additional updates include quick-access, player-specific markets and new Odds Boost features, balancing player appeal with margin control.
2. Engagement and Retention
GR8 Tech is expanding its loyalty and bonus systems with a VIP-focused program, automated bonus mechanics, more flexible bonus selection, and enriched casino and sports-related engagement tools. The update also includes updated tournament settings and the introduction of new game content to enhance player retention.
3. Crypto
The company is strengthening its crypto offering with early-stage player segmentation based on wallet transaction history, more flexible VIP and risk management before first deposit, and smoother wallet-based payments, including ramp payments and direct top-ups via WalletConnect and other wallets.
Across the platform, these updates are designed to help operators capitalize on the World Cup’s peak traffic, delivering measurable improvements at every stage of the player journey. Detailed release notes will follow, highlighting specific product enhancements and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform.
GR8 Tech – Platform for Champions
GR8 Tech is an award-winning provider of high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and win in competitive markets. Its portfolio includes Crypto Turnkey and Hyper Turnkey solutions, ULTIM8 Sportsbook, Infinite Casino Aggregation, and the proprietary affiliate management platform Aff.Tech.
With a geo-specific, operator-first approach, GR8 Tech delivers practical innovations that drive measurable results quickly and efficiently. Trusted by top operators worldwide, the company has over 100 successful deployments and multiple industry recognitions, including Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards 2025.
The post GR8 Tech Unveils Major Platform Enhancements Ahead of the World Cup appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Akshay Khanna
Jackpot.com Launches First of its Kind Loyalty Program, “Jackpot Rewards”
Jackpot.com announced the launch of Jackpot Rewards, a new loyalty program designed to reward players for their engagement with the platform. The program is the first loyalty program offered by a lottery courier tailored to the lottery industry. It allows customers to earn points on every order while unlocking special challenges, exclusive promotions, and other perks. Players can redeem their points to order more tickets and get more chances to win.
The program introduces a new layer of excitement and engagement for Jackpot.com customers, encouraging regular play while providing meaningful value through ongoing promotions and milestone achievements.
“Jackpot Rewards is an important step forward in how we reward and engage our players. Our goal has always been to build the most player-friendly lottery platform in the market. With Jackpot Rewards, we’re creating a differentiated experience where every order counts toward something bigger – whether that’s unlocking new promotions, completing challenges, or earning rewards just for playing,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO of Jackpot.com.
The program reflects Jackpot.com’s continued focus on enhancing the player experience through innovation and loyalty-driven features. By combining points accumulation with dynamic challenges and promotions, Jackpot Rewards introduces a gamified system that rewards engagement and builds deeper connections with players.
Jackpot Rewards will initially be available to players in Ohio, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Colorado, and Arizona, with additional markets expected to be added over time.
The post Jackpot.com Launches First of its Kind Loyalty Program, “Jackpot Rewards” appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Ainsworth Game Technology
AGEM Announces Board Of Directors Elected at 2026 Annual Meeting
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced that its membership elected a new Board of Directors at its 2026 Annual Meeting. AGEM Board Chair Ryan Comstock, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Ainsworth Game Technology, was not up for election as he transitions into the second year of his two-year term as Chair and led the meeting which approved one-year terms on the Board of Directors for:
• Elaine Hodgson, DIRECTOR (President / CEO, Incredible Technologies)
• Lauralyn Sandoval, DIRECTOR (Vice President of Gaming Strategy & Business Development, Aristocrat Gaming)
• Phil O’Shaughnessy, DIRECTOR (Vice President, Global Communications, Government Relations & Sustainability, IGT)
• Steve DiMasi, DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs & Business Development, Light & Wonder)
• Randy Gilbert, SECRETARY (Chief Executive Officer, TableTrac)
• Thomas Jingoli, TREASURER (President & Chief Operating Officer, Konami Gaming).
The AGEM Board of Directors also approved one-year terms as ex-officio/non-voting members on the Board of Directors for:
• Cassie Stratford, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President, Legal Operations & Compliance–Boyd Gaming Corporation; Global Gaming Women Advisory Board Member)
• Bob Parente, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT TREASURER (Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer, Light & Wonder).
The post AGEM Announces Board Of Directors Elected at 2026 Annual Meeting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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