Latest News
European Gaming Q1 2024 Meetup: Exploring Innovation, Marketing, and the iGaming Industry Hubs
HIPTHER’s staple Quarterly Meetups for the Gaming industry have officially returned for 2024! The European Gaming Q1 Meetup 2024 took place on February 28 online, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers, including Ilya Machavariani, CEO and Senior Partner at 4H Agency, Krysta Muscat and Kevin Perks, International Recruiters at Van Kaizen, Jekaterina Dubnicka, Marketing & Communications Manager at Slotsjudge, Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO at Golden Whale Productions, and John Chyriwsky, Head of Marketing at Fincore Ltd. HIPTHER’s Co-founder and Host-Extraordinaire, Zoltan Tuendik, moderated the panel discussions.
The Meetup sessions explored the gaming and technology industry, focusing on various topics such as the importance of innovation and transformation in the sector, strategies to combat offshore gambling, the emergence of Malta and the Isle of Man as iGaming industry hubs, potential future hubs for the gambling industry, marketing strategies in the gaming industry, and innovation in the gaming with a particular emphasis on personalization.
Gaming and TECH: Future Journey and Fight Against Offshore Gambling
The meeting kicked off highlighting the importance and intersection of gaming and technology industries, which will be explored at the upcoming MARE BALTICUM and Prague Gaming & TECH Summits by HIPTHER. Our first guest, Ilya Machavariani, CEO and Senior Partner at 4H Agency delved further into technology and the latest strategies in the global fight against offshore gambling.
Ilya discussed strategies to combat offshore gambling, proposing a separation into active and passive instruments. He suggested that governments should legalize all verticals of the industry and ensure operators obtain licenses. Ilya also emphasized the importance of transparent and sensible regulations and the role of technology in identifying and preventing access to offshore gambling sites. He highlighted the challenges of regulating and blocking websites from a governmental perspective and the need for international cooperation.
The discussion ended with a focus on improved consumer protection measures and the importance of educating consumers about potential risks associated with illegal gambling activities.
Gaming Industry Hubs: Malta, Isle of Man and Beyond
For the 2nd Session of the European Gaming Q1 Meetup, we welcomed Krysta Muscat and Kevin Perks, International Recruiters at Van Kaizen, to discuss iGaming hubs and hotspots of the Gaming Industry. Kevin introduced their global headhunting company that primarily serves the gaming sector, recruiting for approximately 140 businesses. The discussion revolved around the factors contributing to Malta and the Isle of Man emerging as hubs for the iGaming industry, with Krysta highlighting Malta’s modernized infrastructure and highly regulated environment, and Kevin pointing out the supportive government and dedicated government agency in the Isle of Man, along with its tax breaks. Both islands were found to have a skilled workforce and a multilingual population. Kevin also discussed the benefits of living on the Isle of Man, emphasizing the slower pace of life, the island’s 40% open space, and its status as one of the safest places in Europe. The discussion ended on the topic of the government’s efforts to promote the island and attract businesses, with a focus on recruitment strategies for gaming companies in competitive markets.
The session concluded with a discussion on potential future hubs for the iGaming industry, with Krysta and Kevin emphasizing on the US, Canada, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Bulgaria, highlighting the significant interest and potential opportunities in these regions.
Marketing, Communication, and Community building in iGaming
In this first Marketing-focused session, Zoltan hosted our special guest Jekaterina Dubnicka – Marketing & Communications Manager at Slotsjudge. The conversation focused on marketing strategies in the gaming industry, with Jekaterina explaining the shift towards more interactive and immersive content by leveraging social media and video interviews, and focusing on SEO tools to gain insights into audience interests. She also provided insight into the role of community in the gaming experience, the importance of navigating strict regulatory environments while maintaining compliance and a strong brand voice, the importance of innovation in content creation and delivery, and emerging trends in the gaming industry.
Innovation and Personalization in Gaming Industry
The last panel discussion focused on innovation in the gaming industry, with a particular emphasis on personalization. Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO at Golden Whale, and John Chyriwsky, Head of Marketing at Fincore Ltd joined us to discuss innovation in iGaming and Sports Betting. John highlighted the potential for improvement in the area of personalization and user experience, suggesting that platforms should “step up” to respond better to user needs. Eberhard pointed out the industry’s flexibility and the importance of meeting customer expectations, while John emphasized the need to enhance customer experience, suggesting the use of real-time data to create personalized experiences. He cited examples of successful companies that prioritize customer experience, such as Amazon and Uber. Eberhard also discussed the potential of AI and machine learning in the industry. The conversation concluded with a group exercise where participants shared their hopes for technology implementation in the gaming industry by the end of 2024.
Coming up Next:
Watch the recording of the European Gaming Q1 Meetup on HIPTHER TV, and keep an eye out for our next European Gaming Quarterly Meetups!
betting solutions
GoldenRace’s Spin2Win returns stronger
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GoldenRace, the leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, has unveiled the latest version of its emblematic number game, Spin2Win&Spin2Win Royale. Recognised for its simplicity, fast gameplay and high rewards, the title has become a cornerstone of the company’s portfolio and a proven engagement tool for operators worldwide.
Number games continue to be one of the most reliable verticals in the global betting market. Figures from H2 Gambling Capital confirm that casino-style products represented 21.5 and 8.5 billion in GGR for online and land-based markets, respectively, in 2024. Their clear rules, short cycles and frequent payouts make them a favourite among players and a steady source of revenue for operators.
At GoldenRace, we constantly push to improve our products, making them more engaging and accessible with every release. And this philosophy runs across our entire portfolio. Big5, a groundbreaking take on Virtual Football and RaceDay, which unites all race types in a single product, are just two recent examples. This version of Spin2Win continues this path.
Among the improvements are a fully optimised user interface and a renewed, visually striking wheel that boosts the excitement of every spin and clearer statistics. The game also incorporates an Autoplay option in instant mode and a Multiplier feature in scheduled mode – tools designed to enhance decision-making, increase engagement and extend player sessions online.
Spin2Win also maintains its variety with four distinct versions: Classic, Royale, American and American Royale. Royale formats introduce an additional sectors wheel that expands betting options, while the American variants highlight the double green with fully transparent odds. Operators benefit from flexible configuration, multiple odds formats and automated validations that ensure seamless and fair gameplay.
With this relaunch, GoldenRace confirms its leadership in the number games vertical and invites operators and players to discover a new era of spinning.
The post GoldenRace’s Spin2Win returns stronger appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
B2B gaming software
Expanse Studios Secures Romanian Class 2 B2B Gaming License
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Expanse Studios, a B2B iGaming content provider and subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has been granted a Class 2 license by Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN), authorizing the company to distribute specialized gaming software across one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.
The license, granted under Decision No. 273, enables Expanse Studios to provide its portfolio of proprietary slot games, crash games, and casino content to licensed Romanian operators. This approval positions the company to serve a market that generated approximately €600 million in gross gaming revenue in 2024 and maintains one of Europe’s highest channelization rates at over 90%.
Strategic Entry into High-Growth Regulated Market
Romania represents one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic iGaming jurisdictions, with internet penetration reaching 88% of its 19 million population and a regulatory framework that has attracted over 50 licensed operators. The market has demonstrated consistent growth, with total industry turnover exceeding €2 billion in 2023, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase.
The Class 2 B2B license allows Expanse Studios to distribute content to Romania’s licensed B2C operators without establishing a Romanian entity or paying Romanian corporate taxes, while providing access to a market where mobile gaming dominates and player engagement continues to accelerate.
Romania’s stringent licensing requirements under Government Emergency Ordinance 77/2009 make ONJN approval a significant credential for B2B providers. The regulatory framework emphasizes technical compliance, player protection, and operational transparency—requirements that align with Expanse Studios’ existing European operations across 1,300+ casino brands.
“Securing ONJN approval validates our technical capabilities and regulatory compliance standards in one of Europe’s most demanding jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “Romania offers substantial distribution opportunities through licensed operators serving a tech-savvy player base with strong engagement metrics. This license strengthens our European B2B footprint and demonstrates our ability to meet the compliance requirements of mature regulated markets.”
Expanding B2B Distribution Infrastructure
The Romanian license complements Expanse Studios’ recent European partnerships, reflecting accelerating demand for the company’s content across regulated jurisdictions. With 56 proprietary titles including Super Heli, Titan Roulette, and Wild Icy Fruits, Expanse continues scaling its high-margin B2B operations across Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Romania’s market characteristics—including preference for mobile platforms, strong affinity for slot content, and established payment infrastructure—align well with Expanse Studios’ content portfolio and distribution model. The company’s games will be available to Romanian operators seeking certified, compliant content for their licensed platforms.
This license approval reinforces Golden Matrix Group’s broader strategy of expanding regulated B2B operations in jurisdictions with transparent licensing frameworks and sustainable growth trajectories.
The post Expanse Studios Secures Romanian Class 2 B2B Gaming License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
League of Legends Fans Flock to Munich for a Thrilling Edition of Red Bull League of Its Own 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
- Red Bull League of its Own 2025 saw Europe’s finest and global icons collide in a showcase of skill, creativity, and pure entertainment, marking another standout chapter for the one-of-a-kind tournament series
- Featuring some of the wildest matches ever played, highlights include G2 securing a huge 45-16 kills against T1 and Los Ratones facing off and beating T1 for the second year in a row
- MSI returned with its MSI Gaming Arena, joined by Sony INZONE as official headset partner and Herman Miller Gaming as official gaming chair partner
A new chapter in European esports history was written this weekend as Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 lit up Munich’s iconic SAP Garden, welcoming over 11,500 live attendees and countless online viewers for a full day of spectacle, strategy, and pure passion. The lineup read like a who’s who of League of Legends greatness – with reigning world champions T1 facing off against Europe’s most celebrated squads, including G2 Esports, Karmine Corp, NNO Old, and Los Ratones. Each team brought their signature flair, creative strategies, and unforgettable personalities, setting the tone for a day filled with unforgettable clashes.
Returning for its third edition, the one-of-a-kind event brought together these global legends and European fan favourites for a show built on daring play. For the first time, the stage was set in Munich’s state-of-the-art SAP Garden, transforming the city’s Olympic Park into a high-energy esports arena that buzzed with anticipation from the opening match to the closing moments. Fans were treated to a thrilling slate of best-of-one showdowns throughout the day, that kept the pace sharp and the competition unpredictable.
G2 Esports and NNO Old opened the event, with G2 coming out on top as attendees witnessed the team setting the tone for the day-long tournament with a huge KDA spike right off the bat. Match 2 saw Karmine Corp emerging victorious after a rigorous battle with Los Ratones, establishing themselves as one of Europe’s strongest. However, G2 pulled no stops showcasing why they are the leading European team in match 3, dominating the match against Karmine Corp and earning them the European title match.
Next came the clash of the titans which saw T1 facing off back-to-back against Europe’s best. G2 Esports vs T1 saw Steven “Hans Sama” Liv dropping 18 kills, resulting in G2 Esports slamming T1 with 45-16 kills in an unprecedented and shocking twist. T1 managed to scrape back after their previous loss, with Faker landing his signature outplays and bringing the team to victory against NNO Old. Then finally the showdown everyone was waiting for: the rematch between Los Ratones and T1. The battle was relentless and the most dominating, lightning-paced showmatches of the day, with 81 kills seen in 28 minutes. T1 countered with their signature flair but Los Ratones proved their might once more, driving T1’s base and closing the show in an absolute tailspin. Each match pushed competitors to their limits, celebrating the creativity and spontaneity that make Red Bull League of Its Own, unlike any other tournament in the scene.
Dynamic host Sjokz led the charge, guiding fans through every twist and turn of the event with trademark charisma and energy. The atmosphere inside SAP Garden was electric – a seamless blend of top-tier esports production, immersive visuals, and a fan community united in their love for the game. Whether watching from the front row or on stream, viewers experienced the full force of Red Bull’s commitment to pushing competitive gaming beyond the ordinary.
By the end of the day, Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 had once again proven why it stands as one of the most unique and beloved events in the League of Legends calendar. With moments that had fans holding their breath, the event captured the true spirit of modern esports – bold, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining. From cheering for their favorite pros to discovering new matchups and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime plays, fans left Munich with memories to last long after the lights went down, with anticipation already building for what the next edition of Red Bull League of Its Own will bring.
The post League of Legends Fans Flock to Munich for a Thrilling Edition of Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Australia5 days agoCrown Melbourne Fined for Exclusion Breach
-
Central Europe6 days agoOddin.gg Wins the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe for the Second Year in a Row
-
Eastern Europe6 days agoWorldMatch Partners with MrBit
-
Balkans6 days agoCT Interactive Shortlisted in Three Categories at the BEGE Awards 2025
-
Balkans5 days agoEGT Digital Wins “Online Platform of the Year” for the Second Consecutive Year at the Golden Spade’s Awards 2025
-
Latest News6 days agoPeter & Sons Strengthens Its Nordic Footprint Through Partnership with Nordplay Group
-
ELA Games4 days agoGlory & Honour Await the Strongest Gladiators in ELA Games’ Newest Game, Roman Fortune
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoStake joins ESIC as official anti-corruption partner



