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Evolution launches Funky Time, a disco-themed live game show and its biggest new development since Crazy Time

Published

3 years ago

May 24, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Evolution today announced the launch of its unique new Funky Time live game show, a ’70s disco-themed, bonus and multiplier-laden extravaganza, and the company’s biggest new game show since Crazy Time.

This innovative online game with live presenter celebrates the iconic disco era with a retro club ambience, funky beats, daring dancefloor moves and the chance for players to accumulate multipliers in all phases of the game.

At the heart of the main game a spinning DigiWheel money wheel generates numerous random multipliers per round, which can further multiply winnings on either numbers, letters or bonus games. The 64 segments on the wheel, which spell out the words PLAY, FUNK and TIME, and which also feature a series of number 1s and various bonus game segments, offer different ways to win and progress in the game.

Win on any of the number 1 or letter segments of the wheel and players can cash out instant wins. Win on a bonus segment and they proceed to one of four unique bonus games – Bar, Stayin’ Alive, Disco, and VIP Disco — in which multipliers are guaranteed. While all bonus games offer great entertainment, Disco and VIP Disco really put the FUN in FUNKY, as both see the cool Mr Funky character step out onto the virtual dance floor to collect even more multipliers while avoiding toppling off the edge of the floor.

Todd Haushalter, Evolution’s Chief Product Officer, said: “At Evolution, we invented the live Game Show gaming category with Dream Catcher, and since then we’ve never looked back. We have created most of the top 10 new games of the last five years, many of which are our live game shows, and we’re confident that Funky Time will achieve similar success. When I first saw the DigiWheel, a big vertical revolving wheel with an electronic LED centre, I knew there was a great game show to be built around it. Then the team and I started brainstorming what that game could be, and we knew we were onto something very special with Funky Time.”

Haushalter continued: “Around 100 people were involved in getting Funky Time live, and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements. It’s the most expensive and complex game we’ve ever created, but most importantly, it’s a game that just oozes fun. I’m often asked, ‘what’s the inspiration for new game ideas?’ The answer comes from literally asking ourselves the question, ‘what is the most fun game we can make?’ While different players look for different things, Funky Time is sure to have broad appeal. We believe it’s every bit as entertaining as Crazy Time, but it’s got a completely different feel and it adds a few extra goodies too. I hope players enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Codere Online

Codere Online Launches iOS Poker App in Mexico, Advancing Its Multi‑Product Expansion Strategy

Published

8 minutes ago

February 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

codere-online-launches-ios-poker-app-in-mexico,-advancing-its-multi‑product-expansion-strategy

Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, today announced the launch of its new iOS Poker application in Mexico, reinforcing the Company’s strategic objective to provide customers with access to a complete suite of online gaming products. As part of this multi‑product roadmap, both Bingo and the Android Poker app will form the next steps in expanding the Company’s offering in the country.

Developed in partnership with Playtech, one of the world’s most established gaming technology providers, the new iOS Poker app integrates directly with Playtech’s player‑vs‑player (P2P) Poker network. This allows Mexican users to compete in real time with players across multiple operators, ensuring deeper liquidity, a more dynamic environment and a superior competitive experience.

Codere Online continues to observe strong demand for Poker in Mexico, with more than 1,300 unique active users per month already engaging with the vertical across existing channels, a clear indicator of the product’s relevance and potential as mobile availability expands.

“Launching the Poker app for iOS in Mexico is a key step in delivering on our commitment to offer customers all major online gaming categories,” said Alberto Telias, Chief Marketing Officer at Codere Online. “Poker has quickly emerged as a highly attractive vertical for our users, and through our partnership with Playtech, we are bringing them a premium, high‑liquidity platform that elevates their experience.”

The new app offers a stable and intuitive interface with access to cash tables, multi‑table tournaments, Sit & Go formats, and fast‑paced modes. It also incorporates Codere Online’s robust responsible gaming tools to ensure that customers can enjoy Poker in a safe and controlled environment.

“This release reflects our strategy to broaden our product offering and enhance the user experience across all key gaming verticals,” said Ran Licht, Head of Product at Codere Online. “Playtech’s P2P network enables us to deliver a feature‑rich Poker environment connected to a broader operator ecosystem, and we look forward to expanding our product suite with additional verticals currently in development.”

“We are proud to partner with Codere Online and bring our P2P Poker network to their players in Mexico through their new iOS app,” commented Marat Koss, Playtech Chief Interactive Gaming Officer. “Codere Online players will now boast access to one of the most liquid and competitive poker networks in the entire industry.

The post Codere Online Launches iOS Poker App in Mexico, Advancing Its Multi‑Product Expansion Strategy appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Akhil Sarin

Akhil Sarin Joins Bet It Drives: Stake’s Growth and What iGaming Gets Wrong About Marketing

Published

1 hour ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

akhil-sarin-joins-bet-it-drives:-stake’s-growth-and-what-igaming-gets-wrong-about-marketing

Season 4 of Bet It Drives is back, and Episode 2 features Akhil Sarin, CMO at Easygo and the marketing and partnerships mastermind behind Stake.

Sarin dives into the realities of iGaming marketing, sharing how some of the most cost-effective campaigns can deliver massive impact—including a low-budget idea that went viral with over 16 billion impressions.

Key insights from the episode include:

Stake’s most valuable partnerships and why they worked
What sets their sponsorship strategy apart
Common mistakes iGaming marketing teams make
The one thing Sarin wishes teams focused more on
Biggest red flags and warning signs in partnerships
Leadership lessons and internal trust challenges

The episode also features a fun “Confess or Call” segment, highlighting a late-night call to a senior exec about a high-stakes, unconventional idea—a true test of trust and creativity.

“This season is about open conversations, and Akhil was straight with us,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech and host of Bet It Drives. “iGaming marketers will rethink spend, partnerships, and what truly drives growth after this episode.”

Season 4 also includes a CEO debate with Cedomir Tomic (Founder, Alea) and Oleksandr Feshchenko (CEO, GR8 Tech), along with upcoming insights on crypto payments in iGaming and esports betting strategies.

Watch or listen to Season 4, Episode 2 on:

The post Akhil Sarin Joins Bet It Drives: Stake’s Growth and What iGaming Gets Wrong About Marketing appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

ELA Games

SiGMA Eurasia: ELA Games MD Marharyta Yerina Talks Progression Milestones in Dubai

Published

1 hour ago

February 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

sigma-eurasia:-ela-games-md-marharyta-yerina-talks-progression-milestones-in-dubai

At SiGMA Eurasia on February 11, Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director of ELA Games, joined the panel “Progress Paths: Making Milestones Matter” to discuss innovative approaches to player retention and engagement. The session, moderated by Tim French (Commercial Manager, Greco Fast Track), explored how studios can design progression systems that go beyond conventional loyalty schemes.

Marharyta emphasized that maintaining player interest often comes from subtle design choices rather than overt progress bars. She highlighted how optimizing volatility and feature frequency creates natural anticipation, keeping players engaged through gameplay rhythm. She also advocated for micro-goals—short, intra-session milestones—and stressed the importance of audio-visual feedback to make moments feel rewarding in real time, rather than relying on long-term VIP systems alone.

The panel featured diverse perspectives from the industry, including Alena Tsuranova (CCO, Megafair) and Bulat Fakhrutdinov (Head of Partnerships, Betronic Software), who discussed how commercial strategies and partnerships shape the player journey.

Marharyta’s participation underscores ELA Games’ commitment to player-centric design and demonstrates how the studio’s “For Players, By Players” ethos translates into creating games that keep audiences coming back, while fostering long-term value in partnerships.

The post SiGMA Eurasia: ELA Games MD Marharyta Yerina Talks Progression Milestones in Dubai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.