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Industry veterans Nikos Zygouris and Alfred Bashllari bring more than three decades of combined experience to build sportsbook provider’s product strategy

Altenar has reinforced its sportsbook product credentials with the appointment of Nikos Zygouris as Head of Sportsbook Product and Alfred Bashllari as Sportsbook Product Consultant.

With extensive experience in iGaming and sports betting, both new hires bring a wealth of knowledge to support Altenar’s consistent focus on innovation and high-performance solutions that deliver more value to operators.

Zygouris joins the company from Campeon Gaming, where he served as Head of Product. Additionally, he holds more than 12 years of industry experience from leading suppliers and operators such as Novibet, Intralot and OpenBet. His passion for product innovation and collaborative working will play a key role in shaping Altenar’s roadmap.

Bashllari brings two decades of product development, operations and M&A experience, having held senior roles at major providers including Sportradar, Betgenius, Scientific Games and OPAP. His deep understanding of the sports betting, gaming and lottery sectors will support Altenar’s strategic decision-making.

Both appointments mark another step forward in Altenar’s evolution as a partner-led technology provider, enhancing its ability to deliver scalable, flexible and market-ready sportsbook solutions for a growing number of operators worldwide.

Antonis Karakousis, Director of Product at Altenar, said: “As we expand into new markets and push the boundaries of what our sportsbook can deliver, it’s vital that we continue to invest in product leaders. Nikos and Alfred bring a wealth of experience and strategic thinking that will directly support our long-term goals. We’re excited to welcome them aboard.”

Nikos Zygouris, Altenar’s Head of Sportsbook Product, said: “I’m delighted to join the product team at Altenar following what has already been a hugely successful year for the provider. They continue to prove that they are on the pulse of the industry and attuned to what the customer needs. I look forward to contributing to Altenar’s ambitious plans going forward.”

Alfred Bashllari, Sportsbook Product Consultant at Altenar, said: “Altenar’s commitment to product excellence and its approach to exceeding expectations really stood out to me and is one of the reasons I’m thrilled to join the team. I’m excited to see how we can drive forward innovative solutions that help our clients grow.”

The post Altenar strengthens sportsbook product leadership with two senior hires appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Velvet Gems, a glamorous slot filled with sparkling stones, seamless gameplay, and high reward potential.

The game immerses players in a luxurious realm of shimmering rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, where each spin radiates opulence. Striking visuals and a refined soundtrack create a premium atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for players seeking an elegant, feature-rich experience.

Landing three or more bonus symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins round, awarding fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five spins depending on the number of triggering symbols.

During free spins, various symbols may appear, while stacked wilds enhance the potential to form high-value winning combinations. The feature can also be retriggered, extending the magical atmosphere and increasing the win opportunities.

To heighten the experience, players can choose to activate the bonus chance feature, doubling their chances of triggering free spins with a slight increase in their bet. Those wishing to jump straight into the game can also use the bonus buy function to access the top feature immediately.

Stylish and engaging, Velvet Gems combines simple mechanics with lively design to provide a luxurious slot experience that shines from the first spin to the last.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Velvet Gems exemplifies how Evoplay blends classic themes with sophisticated mechanics to offer premium entertainment.

“We’ve designed a classic-style slot that feels fresh, luxurious, and accessible, while still delivering the medium volatility thrills players enjoy. From the sophisticated visuals to the feature-rich gameplay, it’s a release we’re immensely proud of, a true gem in our expanding portfolio.”

The post Evoplay releases dazzling new title Velvet Gems appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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12BET, shaping the igaming landscape since 2007, has been shortlisted for “Best Customer Service” at the EGR Operator Awards 2025. This recognition highlights 12BET’s commitment to building trust, transparent interactions and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations. Being named a finalist shows how 12BET’s service philosophy sets new standards in responsiveness, empathy and professionalism across its global player community.

In 2025, 12BET strengthened its customer-first approach with honest communication and transparent service. A structured Trustpilot review programme invited genuine feedback from long-standing users, building public trust while informing service improvements. This reflects 12BET’s belief that customer feedback should not only resolve issues but also inspire continuous learning and evolution.

“We are proud to be recognized for Best Customer Service at the EGR Operator Awards. Customer trust is the foundation of our brand, and this shortlisting honors the dedication of our teams who serve players with integrity and care. Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce our values and strengthen our relationship with the community,” 12BET Spokesperson Rory Anderson said.

The post 12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.