Blokotech and K2 Digital unite to drive a new era of player engagement

Blokotech, a leading innovator in iGaming software solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with the Digital division of Key2 Group to expand the international distribution of its StickyPlay suite.

The collaboration comes at a critical moment for the industry. As operators prepare for what many are calling the 2026 “efficiency crisis,” the focus is shifting from aggressive customer acquisition strategies to sustainable, long-term player retention. Rising Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) and declining Lifetime Value (LTV) are pressuring operators to rethink traditional bonus-heavy models.

StickyPlay is positioned as a transformative solution to this challenge. By integrating advanced gamification tools such as Plinko, LuckyWheel, and ScoreKing, the suite enables brands to engage players through interactive entertainment rather than costly promotional incentives. The result: turning marketing spend into immersive gaming experiences that drive loyalty.

A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Bonus Models

Operators are increasingly seeking more sustainable business models. StickyPlay replaces blanket bonus campaigns—often vulnerable to abuse—with a competition-driven and socially engaging rewards system. This shift enhances player experience while delivering measurable financial impact.

Data shows that integrating StickyPlay can generate structural bonus savings of between 8% and 10% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), offering operators a powerful margin-protection strategy.

Salvatore Messina, Co-Founder and CEO of Blokotech, commented:

“Integrating StickyPlay aligns with our vision for the future of iGaming—where technology creates a healthier, more engaging, and ultimately more sustainable ecosystem. Millennials and Gen Z players are looking for social validation and fast-paced entertainment. StickyPlay meets these expectations while providing operators with a highly effective onboarding tool and a clear competitive edge through optimized promotional spend.”

Marco Gatti, General Manager of K2, added:

“We are proud to collaborate with Blokotech to introduce StickyPlay to the global market. Today’s operators face a bonus paradox: substantial spending to acquire players who often churn within 48 hours. StickyPlay helps build communities rather than chase short-term traffic. It’s not just about offering games—it’s about defending margins and transforming occasional players into loyal users, significantly reducing reliance on monetary bonuses.”

Redefining Sustainable Growth in iGaming

With acquisition costs climbing and retention becoming the new battleground, the Blokotech and K2 Digital partnership signals a strategic shift for the industry. By combining gamification, community-building, and financial efficiency, StickyPlay is setting a new standard for player engagement and long-term operator profitability.

Spotlighting the Best Game Providers of 2026

Following last year’s successful debut, the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards returned for a second year to recognise the studios pushing online slots forward through original ideas, engaging gameplay, and consistently high-quality releases. This year’s winners are:

The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play

Bonus Buyer – Eurasian Gaming

Volatility Virtuoso – 1spin4win

Jackpot Jumbo – Platipus Gaming

Symphony Spinner – Peter & Sons

Reel Renegade – TaDa Gaming

Promising Prodigy – EXCO Game Studio

Pragmatic Play retained the prestigious Machine MVP award for a second consecutive year, while every other category crowned a new winner, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent and new ideas among game providers.

Casino Awards Return for a Fourth Year

Since their debut in 2023, the Slotsoo Casino Awards have celebrated the operators raising the standard for online casino experiences. This year’s winners continue that tradition, earning recognition for excellence across bonuses, withdrawals, gamification, and overall quality. The seven winners for 2026 are:

The Gambling GOAT – Lunar Spins

The Bonus Buff – Go4Casino

The Loyalty Lord – Valhalla Wins

The Withdrawal Wizard – Taste Vegas

The Gamification Guru – Lucky Fuel

The Payout Professor – Stupid Casino

The Noisy Newcomer – Kudos Bet

While the Game Provider Awards saw several first-time winners, the Casino Awards reflected the continued strength of a few established operators. C24 Partners enjoyed a particularly successful year, with four awards going to brands from its portfolio, including the main trophy The Gambling GOAT.

Recognition That Goes Beyond Popularity

Unlike many industry awards, the Slotsoo Awards are not decided by public voting. Winners are selected by the Slotsoo team after evaluating casino operators and game providers throughout the year. Each nominee is assessed on factors such as player value and innovation.

This approach ensures that both established industry leaders and ambitious newcomers have an equal opportunity to be recognised. Whether it’s a casino redefining loyalty rewards or a game studio introducing fresh mechanics, the awards highlight companies that genuinely move the industry forward.

Other News from Slotsoo.com This Summer

The Slotsoo Awards weren’t the only milestone for the company this summer. In June, the team attended the HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics Gaming Conference in Tallinn, connecting with industry professionals, exploring the latest developments in iGaming, and returning home with plenty of inspiration.

July marked the publication of Slotsoo’s first book, The Casino Player’s ABC, written by Markus Björk, Head of Content. This tongue-in-cheek ABC book for adults takes a humorous look at the ups and downs in slot gaming. Markus Björk comments:

“The awards and the book may seem like very different projects, but they share the same goal. Both are about celebrating what makes this industry unique and helping players navigate it with a sense of humour.”

With another successful awards season, the publication of their first book, and an active presence at industry events, 2026 has been one of Slotsoo’s busiest and most exciting years to date.