Latest News
Playson promotes Nikolay Illiustrov to Head of Games
Playson, the fast-growing digital entertainment supplier, has promoted its former Game Producer, Nikolay Illiustrov, as the company’s new Head of Games to spearhead the development of its next generation iGaming content.
As the Head of Games, Illiustrov will lead Playson’s slots portfolio strategy, setting the strategic goals for the entire game department. He will also build and optimise an enhanced games development process, manage product leads and develop the company’s product-centric culture that maintains Playson’s popularity.
Illiustrov joined Playson in 2015 as a Game Designer, before being promoted to his previous position as Game Producer, during which he regularly conducted market research and analysis to plan the roadmap of slots and develop new game concepts.
The recent change in structure demonstrates Playson’s enhanced ambitions to expand rapidly and deliver more high-quality titles and retention-driving promotional tools to operators and players across the globe. As a result of agile game development principles, Playson has evolved from an emerging developer to one of the most prominent suppliers across the iGaming industry.
Commenting on the appointment, Alex Ivshin, Playson CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have promoted Nikolay to our Head of Games position. Since his time here, Nikolay has shown nothing but commitment and passion for developing highly immersive slots.
“With the company adopting an enhanced growth strategy and games development process, it’s vital that we provide our most dedicated and talented employees like Nikolay more responsibility.”
Nikolay Illiustrov, Playson Head of Games, added: “I’m pleased to have been promoted to Head of Games of such a forward-thinking company like Playson. In my seven years here, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and am looking forward to the next chapter.
“It’s a crucial time for Playson as we recently evolved our brand identity. I’m looking forward to supporting the company with an enhanced output of incredible games.”
Powered by WPeMatico
igaming-conte
PokerStars Casino adds Skullapalooza as fifth 2026 Slotlist pick
Psiclone Games and Playtech-built title features three Free Spins modifiers, including expanding reels, sliding wilds and jackpots up to 500x bet.
PokerStars Casino has released Skullapalooza as the fifth game in its 2026 The Slotlist series, making the title the featured slot on the operator’s Casino tab for the month.
Skullapalooza is developed by Psiclone Games and Playtech. The game’s core hook is a Free Spins system built around three “Skull” features that can be triggered individually or in combination: expanding reels, jackpot accumulators and stacked sliding wilds.
According to the company, players can land different coloured gems to randomly trigger one or more Free Spins variants. Pink gems may trigger Free Games with Expanding Reels, blue gems may add Sliding Wilds, and purple gems may activate pots with a grand prize of up to 500x total bet. The company said all three variants can be active at once.
“The Slotlist is designed to spotlight games that deliver a well-rounded player experience, combining innovative features, striking visuals, and immersive gameplay”, said Ed Fogarty, Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial. “Skullapalooza embodies all these qualities, and we’re thrilled to feature it prominently in The Slotlist this month.”
Skullapalooza joins earlier 2026 Slotlist picks including Baozang Empire of Plenty, Magnificent Power Leprechaun, and 12 Burning Baseballs.
The post PokerStars Casino adds Skullapalooza as fifth 2026 Slotlist pick appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona
Arizona extends Gaming Department for six years; problem gambling budget rises 20%
Governor Hobbs signs SB 1671; new budget sets $4M spend authority plus $500K a year from event wagering funds.
The Arizona Department of Gaming has secured a six-year continuation after Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1671, following the 2026 legislative session that adjourned June 12, 2026. The continuation also covers the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission and the Arizona Racing Commission.
The Department said SB 1671 affirms its authority to regulate tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports, horse racing and simulcast wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts.
In parallel, the Department said Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget expand expenditure authority for its Division of Problem Gambling. The budget authorizes $4,000,000 in total spending for the Division, which the agency said is a 20% increase from FY26.
The Department also said the legislature granted an annual $500,000 expenditure authority to use Event Wagering funds to support problem gambling, and that the Division will have grant oversight authority for the first time.
“Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than thirty years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.”
“The new state budget will strengthen longstanding investments in problem gambling assistance made possible through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “We continue to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources, and treatment for gambling-related harm. This increased funding will help us expand the continuum of care and ensure more Arizonans have access to effective, inclusive, and timely support.”
The post Arizona extends Gaming Department for six years; problem gambling budget rises 20% appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Ed Fogarty Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial
Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech
PokerStars Casino has unveiled the fifth game release in its 2026 The Slotlist series, Skullapalooza, a vibrant, high-energy slot game which brings a Mexican fiesta to life, combining bold visuals with layered mechanics.
Developed by Psiclone Games and Playtech, Skullapalooza offers classic slot action combined with a dynamic Free Spins system built around three distinct Skull features, allowing players to trigger and combine expanding reels, Jackpot accumulators, and stacked sliding wilds for enhanced gameplay depth and variety.
Players land different coloured gems on reels to randomly trigger one or more of the Free Spins Skulls. Pink gems might trigger Free Games with Expanding Reels; Blue gems might come with Sliding Wilds; and Purple gems might activate pots with a grand prize of up to 500x total bet. All three variants can be active at once for the ultimate Free Games experience.
The Slotlist curates a single headline slot game on the PokerStars Casino tab each month, hand-picked for its creativity, visual appeal, and engaging gameplay. PokerStars Casino continues to offer the broadest and most exciting selection of new slot releases every month.
“The Slotlist is designed to spotlight games that deliver a well-rounded player experience, combining innovative features, striking visuals, and immersive gameplay”, said Ed Fogarty, Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial. “Skullapalooza embodies all these qualities, and we’re thrilled to feature it prominently in The Slotlist this month.”
Skullapalooza is now available to play on PokerStars Casino, joining titles such as Baozang Empire of Plenty, Magnificent Power Leprechaun, and 12 Burning Baseballs as part of The Slotlist’s standout picks for 2026.
For more information about PokerStars Casino The Slotlist visit the website.
The post Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoDutch Gambling Trade Association Sues Meta Over Illegal Gambling Ads
-
BetWarrior7 days agoKambi Group Extends its Partnership with BetWarrior
-
Amusnet6 days agoAmusnet Strengthens its Position Among Bulgaria’s Leading Employers in ICAP CRIF Ranking
-
Australia7 days agoFeedback Sought on How Public Lotteries are Run in NSW
-
3 Oaks Gaming5 days ago3 Oaks Gaming releases Joker Glitz x1000 slot with stacked multipliers
-
Asia5 days agoPhilWeb Secures ₱2.02 Billion Strategic Investment from Lance Y. Gokongwei to Accelerate AI-Driven Technology Expansion
-
adtech6 days agoPropellerAds says Social Traffic lifts game registrations 34.5% in Nigeria test
-
Africa6 days agoBGaming signs PlaylogiQ distribution deal to grow Africa reach



