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Long live the lottery: Future-proofing your business model

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Ade Repcenko, CEO of Spinola Gaming discusses the new forms of technology available for the lottery sector and how it can help companies innovate their offering and create a future-proof business model in order to adapt to new market behaviour. He explores how technology can help lottery operators spend less yet increase their revenue, while driving more value towards good causes in the process.

Mobile first

Mobile penetration and stable internet access are at their peak, even across emerging markets, with almost 80 percent of the world’s adult population always having a smartphone within arms reach. This is not news for anyone, but while other industries have long adapted to this shift, the lottery sector has been somewhat stagnant in the digital and mobile transformation of their products. Operators across all markets, especially those in emerging markets such as Africa and LATAM where people are more likely to own a mobile than a computer or tablet, should be adopting a mobile-first approach as a necessity, not an option. People rely on their mobile for all kinds of purchases, now more than ever with the restrictions brought about by COVID-19. It therefore makes sense that players would want to access their favourite games, scratch cards and lottery draws on mobile.

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Merging retail and online

Retail is not dead, but the belief that lottery player preferences will shift from retail to online is shared by many in the global lottery industry. The “Lotteries in Covid-19 Lockdown” webinar ran an interesting audience poll asking what changes the lottery industry predicts for post-Covid lottery player behaviour. Many European lottery executives and industry experts believe that some players would return to their normal retail/online preferences, while other players would choose to remain online, with retail lotteries becoming less relevant. As a new generation of lottery players emerges, lotteries need to adopt a hybrid approach which merges retail and online. Business models need to adapt in order to be able to give players what they want, whenever and wherever they want it.

Online ticket purchasing is set to play a very large part in the global lottery industry over the coming years. In fact, Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director Michael Sweeney, told the Lottery Commission that the online lottery market is the next big thing, and no longer the distant “future” of lotteries, but the present reality which companies need to adapt to in order to continue to reach their players long-term. He stressed that without an online element to lottery ticket sales, retail land-based lotteries such as the Massachusetts Lottery face “a significant threat of becoming somewhat obsolete”.

Rethinking retail

The time for change is now. Using large clunky lottery terminals that occupy very valuable retail counter space is no longer required. There is a whole range of modern lottery solutions that can be used to sell retail tickets of multiple lotteries via a retail POS application software that can be installed into already existing retail POS systems, without the need for traditional retail lottery hardware.

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Lotteries can also be used for customer loyalty schemes and other retention or profit boosting incentives. Imagine going to your local grocery store, getting to the checkout, and there is an offer giving you a free lottery ticket with purchases over $100. Many customers will try to reach the $100 purchase mark therefore boosting shop profits and increasing lottery sales and exposure. The retail owner will purchase these lottery tickets as the cost is very low compared to potential overall retail earnings or giving away store credits.

Utilizing online retailers

Lotteries use retailers in the physical space to sell lottery tickets, and this same model can and should be applied to online retailers in the digital space. There is a plethora of online marketplaces, media and news websites, and other popular websites that can embed lottery widgets and iframes into their pages. It requires no integration and allows players to purchase official lottery tickets without leaving the website, earning online retailers a commission in the process. Adopting this system would give lottery operators more exposure, free advertising for their games, and also open up their entire product offering to a readily available global audience.

The power of online influencers

Social Media influencers can be a very powerful asset to leverage. In the same way that some influencers promote clothing brands and hotels, they could also generate exclusive content and promote online lottery games to their global network of followers. Influencers have an immense amount of power over the purchasing decisions of their audiences, based on their authority in the area and relationship with their audience. The unique content they generate, in exchange for earning a commission, can be used to promote lottery games and draws in order to encourage new users to buy a ticket.

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The importance of engagement

Let’s face it, lotteries are NOT engaging. The reason why people play is to win the huge jackpots on offer. They dream of buying a new car, boat, house or of having enough money to live the dream.

Younger player demographics want more than just the prize, they want to be engaged, they want to feel like they have earned the prize whether it be through a challenge or journey. Traditional lotteries therefore need to look at new forms of games that can keep younger players engaged for longer periods of time. One way of doing this could be through creating e-sports inspired games with pooled jackpots. These would be short engaging games of 30-60 minutes, aimed at targeting the commuter market looking to kill time whilst at home or on their daily work commute. These games would take players on a journey where they collect points along the way, with each point getting players closer and closer to the opportunity to win lottery style jackpot cash prizes.

More frequent draws

Most national lotteries have draws once or twice per week. Players buy a ticket and wait a few days for the draw to take place. It is understandable that high-value games with multi-million jackpots cannot normally happen every day, but through new forms of jackpot insurance models and prize pooling, operators have the opportunity to create high value jackpot games as frequently as they want, even every hour! Most people, especially younger demographics, need instant gratification when it comes to gambling, they are not patient enough to wait a week for a draw to take place to know if they have won or not. Creating more frequent draws keeps players more engaged and gives them a reason to increase the frequency of their ticket purchase.

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Branded lottery games

Creating games in partnership with major brands, films and events is something which the slot industry has accomplished quite successfully. There is a huge opportunity for lotteries to follow suit and partner up with globally recognized brands to create branded lotteries. The games would instantly amass the brand’s established base of fans and followers, with the brand’s reputation reflecting on the actual game produced.

These could be used as CSR based lottery initiatives for the brands to support and endorse good causes, or as PR stunts giving lucky fans the chance to win life changing jackpots or unique prizes like tickets to a film premier or a test drive in a supercar’s latest model. Player ticket purchase can be achieved on a global level through placement on product merchandise and promotional materials, or by using widgets and iframes embedded directly on the brand’s website which links the players directly to the games.

Looking forward

Going digital and embracing the technology available to the lottery sector can open up the door to many new opportunities and kick-start a new era of borderless global lotteries. This would give lotteries access to new player bases and revenue streams on a global level, something that is not currently attainable through the traditional retail model.

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Companies like Spinola Gaming provide powerful digital solutions that allow lottery operators to achieve all of what is suggested above, to digitize their products, and create innovative new products to appeal to today’s changing audience. Their software allows operators to monitor all lottery ticket sales and track all online and offline purchases in real-time, complete with a myriad of marketing functions and analytics available at the touch of a button. It allows for full 360 player and reseller network management through one seamless interface. The system is available across all markets, currencies and languages and is fully customisable to suit each operators’ particular needs.

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Scott Pilgrim Takes Over San Diego – New Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay and Physical Editions Revealed During San Diego Comic Con Panel

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Physical Editions available for pre-order from Limited Run Games

San Diego got a face full of hard-hitting Canadian brawler action with a panel from Scott Pilgrim franchise creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, developer and publisher Tribute Games, Limited Run Games, and Universal Products & Experiences on Scott Pilgrim EX that included a lively discussion and a first-look at a gameplay teaser showcasing the start of Scott Pilgrim’s latest adventure. The panel culminated with an announcement revealing Scott Pilgrim EX’s physical editions, which will be available for pre-order now through Sept. 21 from Limited Run Games.

Today’s panel included Bryan Lee O’Malley as well as Tribute Games President Jean-Francois Major, Tribute Games Narrative Designer Yannick Belzil, Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst, Universal Products & Experiences Executive Producer John Melchior and was moderated by Blank Check Podcast host Griffin Newman. The panel dove into the game’s place in the franchise as a brand-new adventure in its ever-growing universe. Bringing some in-universe music to the show, acclaimed rock band and Scott Pilgrim alumni Anamanaguchi’s Peter Berkman made a surprise appearance to chat about the group’s involvement in creating Scott Pilgrim EX’s soundtrack and showcase a brand-new track from the game.

The sneak peek of gameplay for the upcoming beat’em-up highlighted the start of Scott and Ramona’s romp through Toronto. With Sex Bob Omb’s instruments stolen, the duo has to race across the city’s landscape, from its streets to its beaches (Toronto always had beaches, right?) and maybe even back in time to reclaim them from new gangs that threaten to take over the worl in d and Ramona’s returning evil exes.

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You can watch the all-new Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay Sneak Peek that debuted during the Scott Pilgrim EX San Diego Comic Con panel here: youtube.com/watch?v=nnR9UNNDEt0

Limited Run Games announced it will release three different physical editions of Scott Pilgrim EX – all of which are available to preorder now:

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Standard Edition ($39.99) includes:

  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Reversible cover art with artwork by Crisppyboat
  • Game disc/cartridge

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Deluxe Adventure Edition ($64.99) includes:

  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Reversible cover art with artwork by Crisppyboat
  • Game disc/cartridge
  • Tie-in comic by Bryan Lee O’Malley
  • CD game soundtrack
  • Deluxe box with reversible cover art by illustrator Matias Bergara

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Ultimate Adventure Edition ($174.99) includes:

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  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Game disc/cartridge
  • CD game soundtrack
  • Scott Pilgrim EX Game Goose replica box
  • Reversible poster featuring art from Bryan Lee O’Malley and Matias Bergara
  • Hardcover artbook / strategy guide
  • Acrylic diorama with Scott and Ramona figures
  • Pixelated, two-sided commemorative coin

 

The post Scott Pilgrim Takes Over San Diego – New Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay and Physical Editions Revealed During San Diego Comic Con Panel appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Slotsoo Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across Casinos and Game Providers

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Summer is here and it is time for Slotsoo’s signature celebration of the iGaming industry. The Slotsoo Casino Awards return for its third edition, continuing the tradition of highlighting operators who excel in delivering a top-tier player experience. This year also marks an exciting expansion with the inaugural Slotsoo Game Provider Awards, giving long-overdue recognition to the creators of great slots.

The New Game Provider Awards and the Winners

Game providers are sometimes overshadowed by casinos, but in reality, both are equally important to the online casino experience. That’s why Slotsoo is proud to shine a spotlight on the studios behind the reels. The winners of Slotsoo’s first provider-focused awards were announced on 24 July 2025, and the honors went to:

  • The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
  • Bonus Buyer – Bullshark Games
  • Volatility Virtuoso – Wazdan
  • Jackpot Jumbo – Mancala Gaming
  • Symphony Spinner – Gamzix
  • Reel Renegade – Nolimit City
  • Promising Prodigy – Slammer Studios

Please visit the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards page for detailed descriptions of each trophy and the motivations behind the winners.

The Anatomy of Slotsoo’s Trophies: Where Fun Meets Serious Recognition

At Slotsoo, each trophy is whimsical by design but grounded in real player values, making the Slotsoo Awards both entertaining and insightful. Every category has a clear purpose, recognizing what truly matters in iGaming today.

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At the core of each awards lineup is a main trophy: The Gambling GOAT honors the top-performing casino operator, while The Machine MVP celebrates the best overall game provider. Surrounding these main awards are a collection of supporting trophies, spotlighting specific areas of excellence, from fast withdrawals and fun bonuses to volatility and winning potential.

These award categories offer a chance for actors who crush it in a certain area to be recognized, even if they don’t dominate across the board. Just like other iGaming awards, Slotsoo includes a category for newcomers, encouraging fresh talent and pushing established names to keep innovating.

The timing of the awards is also a deliberate choice. Markus Björk, head writer at Slotsoo, explains the team’s reasoning:

“After a hectic Winter and Spring packed with iGaming events, June and July offer a rare chance for the industry to slow down and reflect on the year so far. Let’s enjoy the cucumber season and appreciate what’s been achieved. This is when you can harvest the rewards of your hard work before autumn arrives with new challenges and opportunities.”

The Winning Casino Operators 2025

The Slotsoo Casino Awards 2025 took place in June, and these were the seven winners:

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  • The Gambling GOAT – Betizy
  • The Bonus Buff – Sugarino
  • The Loyalty Lord – Wisho
  • The Withdrawal Wizard – Vauhdikas
  • The Gamification Guru – Arctic Casino
  • The Payout Professor – Wolfy Casino
  • The Noisy Newcomer – Lunar Spins

This was the third time Slotsoo held the casino awards for its English-language site targeting the EU market in general. During the same period, the dedicated awards for the Finnish market, Slotsoo Kasinogaala 2025, celebrated its second year. These awards consist of seven trophies equivalent to the English ones, plus an eighth trophy dedicated to the casino operator with the best slot streaming offering.

The Nordic country is undergoing big changes, with a new gambling legislation and a licensing system planned to be introduced by 1 January 2027. The future will tell how this will affect the structure and categories of the awards.

The post Slotsoo Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SOFTSWISS Launches First South African Project with Mzansibet

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, proudly announces the launch of its major South African project with Mzansibet. It marks the first project in the country to utilise both the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook and the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.

According to the recently released South Africa: iGaming Market Overview 2025 by SOFTSWISS, the country’s iGaming sector is growing at an impressive annual rate of 20–25%, driven by increasing mobile penetration. In line with this trend and evolving player needs, SOFTSWISS strongly focuses on mobile optimisation across its platforms, enabling seamless and enjoyable gaming experiences for Mzansibet players.

The launch in South Africa, ensuring full compliance with local technical standards, required meticulous preparation. SOFTSWISS products – including its sports betting software and online casino platform – underwent rigorous certification with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), one of the most reputable and globally recognised independent testing laboratories in the iGaming industry. Following this process, the solutions were officially approved for local operation by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board – a respected and influential regulator in the region – affirming the high quality and compliance of SOFTSWISS software.

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Max Trafimovich, International Non-Executive Director at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Mzansibet entered the market with a bold ambition to become a top-tier brand – and we are not only proud to support that vision from day one, but also well-equipped to ensure its sustainable growth. Leveraging our global and local expertise, we provide the technical, business, and service tools necessary for a smooth launch and scalable development. This is made possible thanks to our robust and stable architecture with 99.999% uptime and a flexible platform ecosystem. In addition, the brand launched a nationwide TV advertising campaign and has already attracted tens of thousands of players across the country – a powerful testament to its growing presence and trust.”

In addition to backend certification, the SOFTSWISS team invested heavily in frontend localisation to align with the partner’s vision and market requirements. The Mzansibet project has been fully adapted to meet South African player behaviour and betting patterns.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

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The post SOFTSWISS Launches First South African Project with Mzansibet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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