Industry News
KamaGames and Hard Rock International Announce Joint Partnership With Launch of All-New App
KamaGames, the largest European social casino operator, has announced the launch of a new app in partnership with the iconic global brand, Hard Rock International. The new app, titled Hard Rock Blackjack, contains the most popular casino-style games in the KamaGames portfolio.
The stand-out feature of Hard Rock Blackjack is the inclusion of high calibre, 3D versions of classic casino table games including roulette, craps, baccarat and of course, the core title within the app, blackjack. In addition, this all-new app will include a number of other casino-style games such as slots and video poker, familiar to even the most casual of players.
Hard Rock Blackjack also includes a fully comprehensive and market-leading social poker game based on the Pokerist Texas Poker model, currently the third-largest social poker game in the world. In addition to the much loved Texas Hold’em Poker, a number of other poker-based titles have also been added to the app including fan-favourites Set Poker and Split Bet Poker.
As well as the strong line up of social casino games, Hard Rock Blackjack will also play host to a range of competitive poker tournaments including Sit’n’Go, Shootout, multi-table tournaments (MTT) and weekly tournaments all of which have experienced long-standing success among KamaGames’ existing user base, a success that both KamaGames and Hard Rock International anticipate to be replicated among the millions of Hard Rock International customers.
Alongside tournaments, the app offers unique Party modes and poker game variations to excite players of every skill level as well as providing a host of different ways to encourage a feeling of community. Social interaction between players will be made possible via a range of creative chat options such as in-game instant messenger, animated emojis and the ability to send gifts back and forth throughout the many highs and lows of a game.
Commenting on the new partnership, Hard Rock’s Kresimir Spajic, Senior Vice President of Online Gaming & Sports Betting, stated: “We are excited to announce this partnership and the release of the highly sophisticated Hard Rock Blackjack app, a perfect expansion of our free-to-play games portfolio and a major draw for both current and new Hard Rock customers. The exciting table games, multiplayer functionality and availability in 28 different languages will empower us to stay regularly connected with our guests in a new and creative way between visits to our Cafes, Hotels and Casinos around the world.”
Spajic added: “Hard Rock has seen positive results leveraging free2play mobile games to extend the legendary experience guests have come to expect from the 262 Hard Rock ensues around the world into a digital format to both deepen relationships and drive incremental brand engagement both online and at our real-world venues. Partnering with KamaGames and their industry-leading technology in the social casino space gives us the opportunity to amplify the reach of our social casino portfolio with best-in-class casino gameplay and global availability.”
KamaGames CEO, Andrey Kuznetsov explained: “For KamaGames, this partnership holds an unparalleled opportunity for growth. Using our expertise, which has been honed over many years in the social casino industry, we are confident that we have created a product that will offer true entertainment value for Hard Rock International customers. KamaGames is very proud of the product we’ve brought to the market with Pokerist Texas Poker and are happy to share this technology with Hard Rock to provide their loyal customers with a high-quality product which will give them even more opportunities to interact and engage with Hard Rocks iconic, globally recognized brand, leading to a continued positive relationship and greater brand loyalty”.
Whilst the Hard Rock Blackjack portfolio is already extensive at its launch, throughout 2020 and beyond, the partnership between KamaGames and Hard Rock International is expected to generate a variety of cross-promotional campaigns and projects, as well as incorporating even more new slots, game modes, tournaments, and events into the app.
Blueprintx
Zingo Bingo Launches “Your Era” Nostalgia Series Featuring Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp
Zingo Bingo Launches “Your Era” – A Social-First Nostalgia Series for 2026
Zingo Bingo has officially unveiled Your Era, a new short-form social media content series celebrating iconic throwbacks, shared nostalgia and the cultural moments that defined generations. The series launches in February 2026 and will roll out weekly across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Designed to strengthen Zingo Bingo’s identity as a home of nostalgic fun, Your Era focuses on authentic conversation rather than traditional promotional content. The format highlights music, fashion, technology and pop culture milestones that shaped each guest’s personal journey.
Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp Headline Series One
The first confirmed guests include Kerry Katona, singer and media personality best known from Atomic Kitten, and Pat Sharp, the iconic radio and TV presenter associated with classic UK entertainment shows. Additional celebrity names will be revealed throughout the year.
Each episode features five themed nostalgia segments crafted to spark memories, conversation and emotional connections among viewers.
What to Expect from “Your Era”
Every guest takes part in recurring throwback features designed to boost engagement and relatability:
- The Memory Bag – Guests reveal five nostalgic items and share the stories behind them
- Flashback Files – A rapid-fire interview covering music, fashion, tech and cultural trends
- Mixtape Memories – Guests curate throwback tracks for the official Your Era playlist
- Taste of the Past – Sampling retro sweets and snacks while rating nostalgia levels
- Yesterday’s News – A humorous headline-guessing game using real throwback media stories
The series aims to tap into the growing popularity of nostalgia-driven digital content while positioning Zingo Bingo as a community-led entertainment brand.
Built by Kinetic Digital and Blueprintx
Your Era has been developed by Zingo Bingo’s operators, Kinetic Digital, in collaboration with long-term creative partner Blueprintx. Blueprintx has previously supported digital and television campaigns for Kinetic Digital brands including Prime Casino and Slingo.
The production strategy prioritises shareable, short-form content optimised for social discovery and influencer amplification, with episodes distributed across dedicated platform pages as well as guest channels.
A Strategic Play for Community Engagement
Jack Watson, Brand Manager at Zingo Bingo, said the series reflects the brand’s commitment to fun, familiarity and connection.
“Your Era is about celebrating the music we replayed, the fads we cringe at and the memories that still make us smile. It’s designed to bring people together through shared nostalgia while reminding audiences that bingo is about enjoying those moments collectively.”
Series one will feature six guests throughout 2026, with new weekly segments designed to drive audience engagement and repeat viewership.
The post Zingo Bingo Launches “Your Era” Nostalgia Series Featuring Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Industry News
Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth
Yaspa, the renowned fintech focusing on instant payments and identity solutions, today reveals the appointment of Justin Fraser as its Chief Revenue Officer.
Fraser becomes part of Yaspa’s executive team during a crucial period of global growth. He has more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the payments ecosystem, having occupied senior leadership positions at notable industry companies like Cybersource, Visa, and Paysafe.
Having a career centered on maneuvering through intricate payment environments, he offers knowledge in rapidly expanding, regulated sectors such as iGaming, cryptocurrency, and financial technology.
As the new CRO, Fraser will manage Yaspa’s worldwide commercial strategy, concentrating on expanding the company’s Intelligent Payment platform, which integrates open banking with AI-powered customer insights, throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.
Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the team during this period of rapid acceleration. His deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and his proven track record in scaling payment solutions are invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in the US and beyond. Justin’s appointment further strengthens our leadership as we continue to help businesses lower costs, grow revenues, and enhance financial compliance through open banking.”
Justin Fraser said: “Yaspa is at the forefront of the shift toward real-time payments. The company’s unique blend of open banking and AI-verified insights solves genuine friction for merchants, particularly in industries like iGaming. I am excited to join such an innovative team and look forward to driving the next phase of our commercial growth globally.”
Fraser will collaborate closely with the recently strengthened US team, which includes the newly appointed US Sales Lead, Peter Kula, and US Senior Solutions Manager, Jackson Esoda.
This statement comes after a year of significant growth for Yaspa, highlighted by increasing its workforce from 15 to 75 employees and successfully securing a $12 million investment round spearheaded by Discerning Capital. In this timeframe, the firm broadened its international presence with new ventures in Atlanta and Leeds, while winning esteemed honors such as the 2025 Payments Award for Real-Time Payments Innovation and a spot on the CB Insights Top 100 Fintech list.
The post Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Blueprint Gaming
Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management
Blueprint Gaming has named Mattia Luchesini as Head of Account Management – International, enhancing its commercial leadership as the company continues to grow in regulated markets.
In his new position, Mattia will oversee Blueprint’s global account management function, prioritizing the establishment of strategic operator partnerships and fostering ongoing growth in vital regions. He will collaborate closely with commercial, product, and delivery teams to guarantee that partners receive support through a cooperative, value-oriented strategy.
Mattia comes to Blueprint from Games Global, where he dedicated more than two and a half years to senior account management positions, fostering robust relationships with operators throughout EMEA and acquiring substantial experience in international market dynamics.
This recent appointment demonstrates Blueprint Gaming’s ongoing investment in its commercial strengths, guaranteeing that partners receive support from seasoned leadership while the company advances its growth strategy.
Mattia Luchesini, Head of Account Management – International at Blueprint Gaming, said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Blueprint at a time of strong international momentum.
“The business has a clear vision and a reputation for working closely with its partners, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that approach while helping to drive growth across global markets.”
Matt Cole, Managing Director at Blueprint Gaming, added: “Mattia brings valuable international experience and a strong understanding of what operators need from a long-term content partner.
“His appointment supports our continued focus on strengthening relationships and delivering a high standard of account management as Blueprint grows its global footprint.”
The post Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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