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Largest gaming trade show was a galactic success for NOVOMATIC
This year’s ICE, Europe’s largest gaming trade show, which took place from 6th to 8th February at ExCeL London, was a complete success for NOVOMATIC: With innovative products, state-of-the-art technologies and impressive new products on the largest stand at the ICE, NOVOMATIC set new standards in the gaming industry and received enthusiastic reactions from visitors and technology enthusiasts alike.
Modern gaming solutions for different industries and markets inspired both operators and visitors. The 360° portfolio presented included land-based casino products, AWP gaming machines, casino management systems including biometric access and player tracking technologies, secure cash handling kiosks as well as sports betting products and online gaming solutions that meet the highest standards of technology and quality. In addition, NOVOMATIC’s subsidiaries and technology partners such as Ainsworth Gaming Technology, APEX, FAZI, Greentube and LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT presented their current product portfolios. The wide range of AWP products was presented by NOVOMATIC Netherlands, while NOVOMATIC Gaming UK showed a country-specific portfolio for their segments, including their groundbreaking NovoLive™ Studio.
Spotlight on the Very Important Player X-Perience
The newly launched V.I.P. X series from NOVOMATIC was the centerpiece of the elegant trade show stand in Black & Gold design. This sophisticated product line is aimed at discerning gaming guests and casino operators who want to offer their visitors a high-quality gaming experience. The impressive V.I.P. X Royal™ 1.85, the V.I.P. X Dream™ 3.43 and the V.I.P. X Lounge™ 2.32 offer exceptional luxury with exquisite V.I.P. comfort, extra high and wide gaming screens and a first-class sound system with comfortable seating.
NOVOMATIC also made a real statement for galactic gameplay at this year’s ICE: the world premiere of the exclusive V.I.P. Galaxy™ 2.65 took the gaming experience to a new level of immersion. This ultimate luxury lounge chair features two 65″ gaming screens and adjustable luxurious seating comfort.
“Our V.I.P. X Galaxy™ 2.65 luxury cabinet has to be experienced – it stands for the combination of high-end comfort and futuristic design. Functionality meets modern gameplay and transports every gamer to new gaming galaxies,” explains Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President Global Sales and Product Management NOVOMATIC AG enthusiastically.
Gaming highlights took visitors into new spheres
At the centre of the NOVOMATIC stand, the new V.I.P. X Royal™ 1.85 cabinet showcased an innovative product that has already become legendary: the four games of the GODS & LEGENDS™ link. Divine characters transported players to the mythical worlds of Ancient Greece, Egypt, Asia and the Scandinavian Viking Age. The mythically-authentic characters in the live photo corner at the NOVOMATIC stand proved to be an absolute crowd puller. The powerful Viking from Hammer Power™ by GODS & LEGENDS™ Link and Athena Goddess of War™, for Greentube’s iGaming segment, posed for legendary photos with the visitors.
Another gaming highlight at ICE was Secrets of Wealth™, Magic Cleopatra™ and Roll on Fire™, the new Linked Progressive trio from CASH FLOOD™ Link. The new multi-game mixes also offered a very special gaming experience – Impera Line HD™ Edition 9 in a new design with additional features and the brand new Superia Games™ Premium 3 mix.
The innovative Superia GOLDEN LINK™ Volume 2 rounded off the presented portfolio and guaranteed an inspiring gaming experience with five new titles and just as many all-time classics. The powerful jackpot XTENSION LINK™ returned as Volume 2 with five new titles and thrilled with NOVOMATIC classics such as Golden Book of Ra™ and Golden Charming Lady™ in their own XL version. The current IMPERA LINK™ Series 2 offers a unique variety of games with a total of 41 games in each category.
NOVOMATIC classics as well as new titles were included in the NOVOLINE™ Interactive Edition X4: From the underwater worlds of Lord of the Ocean™ and Dolphin’s Pearl™ deluxe to the hidden treasures of Book of Ra™ – Temple of Gold™ – this mix of games offered the perfect gaming experience for every guest.
The innovation highlight in the sports betting sector, the NOVOMATIC ActionBook™ Edge 1.43J, heralded the future of sports betting kiosks: more action, more bets, more options, an impressive screen and an attractive design that blends effortlessly into any environment. The “Beat the Champ” challenge was also sporty, with up to 8 people simultaneously competing against Chris Marks, the world table soccer champion. Thousands of visitors jumped at the chance to win – nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Other product innovations on display in the dedicated ETG area included the LOTUS Roulette™ Genius and LOTUS Roulette™ PRO as well as the new high-speed multi-roulette wheel for the Novo Unity™ platform.
Revolutionary on the booth was NOVOMATIC’s own casino management system: NOVOVISION™ once again presented visionary solutions for the casino requirements of the future based on state-of-the-art technologies that cover all areas of modern casino operations and enable operators to make informed data-based decisions for their business.
The iGaming offering from Greentube, the digital gaming and entertainment division of NOVOMATIC, complemented the land-based portfolio in its own stand area with a constantly growing range of iGaming content, including both NOVOMATIC classics and its own products and developments.
Ryszard Presch, Member of the Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG, said: “The impressive demand at the trade show underlines the effectiveness of our development strategy in the areas of hardware, content and international gaming solutions. As an important meeting point for the industry, the trade show is also a valuable platform for exchange. We would like to thank all our employees for their commitment and dedication.“
Thomas Schmalzer, VP Global Sales and VP Product Management NOVOMATIC AG, adds: “We look forward to establishing the new products on the international markets in the coming months and continuing to present groundbreaking technologies. We proudly look back on highly successful decades at ICE in London and look forward to continuing this success story in Barcelona. Last but not least, we would like to thank our customers and partners for the very positive feedback and good cooperation.
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Bet It Drives
Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths
Season 4 of Bet It Drives has officially launched, opening with a candid and controversial debate between two prominent industry leaders. Cedomir Tomic, Founder of Alea, and Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, hit the road in Barcelona during ICE to confront the topics many in iGaming prefer to avoid.
From expo spending and marketing budgets to regulation loopholes and grey market growth, the season premiere delivers the unfiltered discussion the show has become known for.
Big Booths, Bigger Egos?
One of the episode’s standout moments comes in a single line that captures the tone of the discussion:
“If the booth is big, that’s growth. If the booth is very opulent, that’s ego.”
It’s a sharp observation that reflects the broader theme of the episode — questioning industry norms and exposing the realities behind high-profile conference appearances and award wins.
The CEOs dive deep into:
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How much iGaming companies really spend on conferences
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What percentage of budgets go toward marketing
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How much is allocated to affiliate partnerships
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When and why grey markets began accelerating
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What doesn’t make sense about regulation in the US and UK
Debate, Confessions and Prank Calls
Beyond boardroom-level discussions, the episode maintains the show’s signature mix of entertainment and unpredictability.
Filmed against the backdrop of rainy Barcelona during ICE, both guests take part in the “Confess or Call” segment, delivering dramatic prank calls. Cedomir Tomic shares stories from some of the wildest iGaming conference parties, while Oleksandr Feshchenko opens up about the shadiest thing he has done in his professional life.
The result is a fast-paced, unscripted conversation that balances serious insight with candid humour.
Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech and host of Bet It Drives, said:
“The opening of ICE is always electric, and I hope this episode gives everyone a boost. This is an entertainment business, so we didn’t want a boring piece. Huge respect to both CEOs for being so public and sharing what usually stays behind the scenes.”
What’s Ahead in Season 4
Season 4 continues with three more high-impact episodes, each maintaining the same uncompromising tone:
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Max Krupyshev explores crypto payments and their long-term impact on iGaming
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Akhil Sarin discusses streaming-first acquisition strategies and sponsorship power plays
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Marek Suchar examines esports betting infrastructure and where the ecosystem still falls short
With strong opinions and little room for safe answers, the new season promises even sharper debates and deeper industry insights.
Where to Watch and Listen
Season 4, Episode 1 of Bet It Drives is available on:
About Bet It Drives
Powered by GR8 Tech, Bet It Drives positions itself as the “Front Seat in the iGaming World.” The show brings industry leaders into a moving conversation format where bold questions, candid answers and quickfire games replace traditional scripted interviews.
Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, the podcast blends hard truths with light-hearted moments as guests discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of iGaming — all while cruising past iconic landmarks around the world.
The post Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Kerry Katona
Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series
Online bingo brand Zingo Bingo is launching Your Era, a new social-first content series designed to celebrate iconic throwbacks, spark nostalgia, and bring people together through shared memories from past decades.
The first episodes will feature Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona and renowned radio and TV presenter Pat Sharp, with additional guests set to be announced throughout the year.
Celebrating the Moments That Shaped Us
Created specifically for short-form social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, Your Era invites well-known personalities to reflect on the music, fashion, technology and pop culture moments that defined their era.
The format focuses on authentic conversation rather than overt promotion, allowing personality and shared experiences to take centre stage. The series reinforces Zingo Bingo’s positioning as a home for nostalgic fun and a community built around shared memories.
Each episode is structured around five themed throwback segments, designed to unlock memories, emotions and discussion.
Episode Format and Recurring Segments
Every guest takes part in five core segments:
The Memory Bag
Guests reveal five personal nostalgic items and share the stories behind them.
Flashback Files
A quick-fire interview covering music, fashion, technology and defining cultural moments.
Mixtape Memories
Guests select the throwback tracks that shaped them, contributing to a collaborative Your Era playlist.
Taste of the Past
Guests sample retro sweets and snacks, rate their nostalgia levels and share personal associations.
Yesterday’s News
A headline-guessing game featuring real throwback media stories with missing words, prompting humour and reflection on past press eras.
Developed with Blueprintx
Your Era was created in collaboration with long-term content partner Blueprintx, which has previously delivered digital and television campaigns for Kinetic Digital brands including Prime Casino and Slingo.
The series launches in February, with new segments released weekly. Series One will feature six guests across 2026. Content will be distributed across dedicated social channels, shared by participating guests, and promoted on Zingo Bingo’s own platforms.
A Community-Driven Approach
Jack Watson, Brand Manager at Zingo Bingo, commented:
“Your Era is all about what we’re doing at Zingo Bingo — having fun while celebrating the moments that shaped us, the music we played on repeat, the old fads we cringe at and the memories that still make us smile.
We’ve created something for all audiences, with a focus on bringing people together through shared nostalgia and reminding everyone that bingo is about enjoying these moments together.
We have an amazing lineup of guests and are delighted to be working with Blueprintx to shape and bring the content to life — we can’t wait to share it all with the world.”
With familiar faces, cultural throwbacks and a strong community focus, Your Era positions Zingo Bingo as more than an online bingo brand — it becomes a platform for shared stories, connection and collective nostalgia.
The post Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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