Evoplay recently announced the launch of its lottery products in partnership with EQL Games. What has the initial market response been like, and how do you see the products evolving?

We view the partnership with EQL Games as an exciting development, as it represents our first steps in the US lottery market. While it’s still too early to assess the market response, EQL is one of the largest independent providers of games in the US lottery market. Integrating our products into their US portfolio provides lotteries with access to super competitive content and lays the foundation for future growth, opening the door to broader opportunities.

Evoplay is famous as an award-winning iGaming studio that produces innovative games that many operators across the globe take up. However, as newcomers to the very different lottery market, we are taking a strategic, step-by-step approach to building visibility and establishing a strong presence. Not all of our games are appropriate for the far more conservative iLottery market – we are, therefore, modifying our most popular instant win games as well as developing specific ‘lottery friendly’ content to establish a lottery focussed portfolio of games that support safer gaming initiatives while still being attractive to players.

In October, Evoplay will be attending the World Lottery Summit in Paris, where we will showcase our lottery games and ideas. This engagement is vital to our strategy to expand our network and explore new partnerships.

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How would you evaluate the current landscape of the US lottery market? Are there any new partnerships on the horizon for the US market?

There are two factors currently impacting the US lottery market. First, retail sales are down, with most lotteries reporting significant declines in draw-based game sales for this fiscal year (FY25), mainly due to the lack of massive jackpots seen in FY24. Second, there’s increased competition for gambling dollars as states legalise online sports betting, bringing faster casino-style games to mobile devices. The attractive sign-up bonuses from online operators are drawing younger players away from traditional lottery games.

While North America’s iLottery sales are expected to reach $17.7 billion by 2032, this won’t fully offset the decline in draw-based games. To compete, lotteries must offer similar opportunities while leveraging their trusted branding. Evoplay can help by providing games that are not only safe but also appealing. This approach is already attracting interest from potential partners, and we expect that number to grow.

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When introducing a long-established product like lottery, how do you ensure it resonates with new players while maintaining engagement from your core audience?

To engage new players as well as our existing audience, we’ve begun by transforming our popular instant games, such as Penalty Shoot-out, along with flagship titles like Adrenaline Rush and Star Guardians, into captivating lottery experiences. Unlike traditional lotteries, our games will offer a unique blend of excitement and entertainment, appealing to players who enjoy both casino dynamics and large jackpotswhile retaining familiar elements that resonate with our loyal audience.

By turning our popular titles into innovative lottery games and introducing entirely new ones, we aim toimpact in both the iGaming and lottery markets. We’re confident that our audience and newcomers alike will be curious about these new games, and we’ll further boost interest through various promotions. Evoplay’s products will deliver a unique gaming experience, combining nostalgic charm with modern appeal, ensuring they resonate with different player types worldwide. When players discover they’re not only having a great time but also having a chance to hit the jackpot and make their dreams come true, they won’t be indifferent.

In which global markets is the lottery experiencing the most growth, and where do you see the biggest opportunities?

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Right now, the American (both North and South) market is at the forefront of online lottery growth, and there are huge opportunities here. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many players from retail to online platforms, leading to a clear increase in lottery participation globally. In the US, new online and sports betting laws have further accelerated this growth.

Asia is also a significant growth market, as is Latin America, which is becoming more accessible for operators. But if you ask me to pinpoint the biggest area for opportunity, I’d definitely say it’s the US. I believe our partnership with EQL Games is the first step for Evoplay to enter this market and sets the stage for future growth and success.

We are also focused on expanding our presence in other key markets, including Europe and beyond, where there are many lottery fans. The open data for 2024 highlights the growing potential in these regions, particularly in the top five countries by revenue, whichthe United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada lead. . This landscape presents us with numerous opportunities to leverage.

What does the future of the lottery look like to you?

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As the lottery evolves, it will increasingly have to take on some of the characteristics of an online casino. To stay relevant, lotteries must enhance their game offerings and refresh their image to attract younger players, as most current participants are still 50 and older. This transformation is already underway and is set to accelerate, creating significant opportunities for innovative companies like Evoplay.

While engaging a younger audience is essential, prioritizing player safety remains crucial. This can be achieved by crafting games that encourage responsible play, offering captivating formats and dynamic gameplay that keep players engaged without compromising their well-being.

I believe the future of lotteries is bright as we innovate and adapt to the evolving preferences of players. Instant win games are poised to gain traction, potentially shifting the current balance from traditional lottery ticket sales to a greater emphasis on instant win formats by 2030.

Winpot.mx, the go-to destination for online casino players in Mexico, continues to strengthen its offering to players with the integration of content provider Evoplay.

Under the deal, Winpot.mx has added Evoplay’s full suite of video slots, classic slots, jackpot slots, table games and instant win titles to its packed game lobby.

This includes chart-topping titles such as Penalty Shoot-out, Hot Triple Sevens, Fruit Super Nova, as well as the studio’s future releases.

Evoplay has become a must-have game provider for operators, earning a reputation for visually striking slots that deliver innovative gaming experience to players.

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The integration strengthens Winpot’s position in the thriving Mexican market where it has built a large and loyal online player base driven in part by its content offering, which now includes Evoplay.

Winpot combines this with generous bonuses and promotions, a great selection of payment options and quick withdrawals, a loyalty scheme and dedicated customer support.

It even has the Winpot Angles, a team of feisty heroes who have become the face of the brand.

The Angles are highly trained members of the team who have been walking the gaming floor of Winpot’s retail casinos, answering questions and raising awareness for the online casino.

Tsvetan Dzhurov, Commercial Manager at Winpot.mx, said: “Evoplay is responsible for some of the most thrilling slot games in the market right now and I couldn’t be happier to have added its content to our online casino game lobby.

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“Evoplay has cracked the code when it comes to combining great themes, bold design and compelling gameplay, with each of its titles promising to excite and entertain players.

“That this integration also includes instant wins, table games and jackpot titles makes it all the more important as it really elevates our offering to players and further strengthens our position as the go-to online casino for players in Mexico.”

Ihor Zarechnyi, CBDO at Evoplay, added: “Our content is performing exceptionally well in LatAm markets, and we expect it to hit the mark with players at Winpot.mx, too.

“Our team is passionate about creating innovative and exciting games, and our broad portfolio ensures there’s something to meet all player preferences. Winpot really understands the value of content, and we are thrilled to have entered into the partnership. One we believe will be a big success.”