Latest News
Week 2/2021 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases!
GAMOMAT, one of the leading independent slot game developers, has launched its latest spectacular title, Crystal Strike. Energy Spheres also hide within the Crystal Cave and when revealed they trigger respins and spread into large Wild blocks to enable huge wins. Crystal Strike is a 5-reel and 4-rows, 20 fixed-payline slot that is highly volatile. RTP stands at 96.17% and the title is available to all ORYX partners via ORYX HUB and for social gaming via WHOW.
Serve 25 to life with Nolimit City´s San Quentin xWays. The award-winning, Malta based Software Provider behind some of the most talked about titles in the industry, are back to kick-start the new year. Taking a different turn on the creative side, the team behind the chaos filled Punk Rocker hit game wanted to amp things up and smack the senses out of any unwitting player; introducing their high-octane, unforgiving, relentless first slot game of the year – San Quentin xWays®. As you enter the gritty prison yard you’ll get to meet with an ensemble of interesting personalities such as Heinrich 3rd, Crazy Joe Labrador and Beefy Dick, that will all make sure that you stay on your toes. Pick your new acquaintances wisely, and make sure that you don’t cross any lines, or you might end up with a shank in your back!
Inspired Entertainment, Inc is pleased to announce the launch of Reel Lucky King Megaways features cascading wins, the notorious Reel King Dings, a Free Spins trail and big bonuses throughout. Developed with the Megaways
Relax Gaming, the igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, is kicking off the year with another blockbuster slot game, Kluster Krystals Megaclusters after becoming the first supplier to gain IP rights to the popular mechanic, with every spin bringing the possibility of upgrading symbols for an incredibly rewarding player experience. Winning clusters kick things up a notch, causing all neighbouring symbols to upgrade to a double, triple or quad. The feature also applies to multipliers, boosting them by up to three times their starting value, causing win potential to soar. Serving up even more action is the treasure trove of Krystals, with three mini features that are guaranteed to trigger a sequence of six avalanches, each offering the chance for players to enhance their game.
iSoftBet, the award-winning online games supplier and content aggregator, invites players to ride the reels in its latest galloping hit Mighty Stallion Hold & Win. Set in the Wild West, the 3×5 slot combines both a free spins and respins bonus feature alongside iSoftBet’s highly popular Hold & Win mechanic that has sent many of its titles to the top of the slot charts in the last year. Taking iSoftBet’s Hold & Win format, players start with an initial three respins, which reset every time a fireball lands on the reels. If all 15 reel spots are filled, a gigantic 1,000x a player’s stake is awarded. Players’ chances of winning are not just limited to respins. Within base gameplay, the Mighty Stallion Wild Spin can be triggered at any time, where giant Wild Stallion symbols will spin through, with any landing turning into colossal wilds.
GAMING1 has launched its latest engaging slot game, Faëlorn. The 5×3 title invites fearless players to select their hero from a choice of eight, before chasing archenemies across the fields, mountains and deserts where the game is set. The fun-filled release’s cutting-edge SpinQuestTM feature allows intrepid slots players to win a guaranteed jackpot at the end of the adventure, by vanquishing all the rivals of the slot’s eight heroic characters. Live bonus options, free spins and HiRoller games for experienced enthusiasts can all be discovered along the way, with players taking a well-deserved break at the tavern to enjoy a game of cards with their trusty companions.
This week sees the launch of the latest Play’n GO title; an entertaining underground adventure, Miner Donkey Trouble. Another slot with a richly developed narrative to immerse their players, Miner Donkey Trouble. The story revolves around the Miner and his donkey, Trouble. When a cave-in separates the Miner from Trouble, he must frantically dig his trusted mule out, collecting hidden gold and gems along the way. The fully developed characters and strong narrative are paired with a fun, detailed art style that fully captures the game’s feel.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider to the igaming industry, takes players to the land of the Pharaohs in its latest game, Mysterious Egypt. The 3×5, 10-payline video slot allows players to contribute to the expansion of Ancient Egypt in search of unfathomable wins. The base game features modifiers that mix up the immersive experience, including a brand-new mystery scatter symbol that is selected on each spin. The symbols, based on Egyptian artefacts, range from low-paying classic icons to more premium symbols, represented by birds, cats, pyramids, and the special Eye of Horus. The highest paying symbol in Mysterious Egypt is the Eye of Horus, which pays 500x for landing five across a payline. On every spin a special mystery symbol is randomly selected which can expand vertically to cover a reel. Three or more Scatter Symbols trigger the Free Spins mode. The Scatter also acts as a wild throughout all gameplay modes.
Blueprint Gaming has enhanced its hugely popular Jackpot King series for the new year with the inclusion of the classic gaming title, 7’s Deluxe. Following the successful additions of Reel Time Gaming (RTG) transitioned games to the Jackpot King progressive system, such as Eye of Horus and Fishin’ Frenzy, the company has moved to broaden the appeal of the industry’s leading jackpot offering with this latest entry. Only three Jackpot King symbols are required to gain entry to the Wheel King in this scorching-hot slot, where anticipation goes into overdrive with the potential to win big from one of three progressive pots. The original RTG game holds extensive market appeal across Europe, particularly within newly-regulated territories. The fruit machine inspired title is based on the classic sevens game and includes Wild Seven Substitutes, where the flaming 7 wild symbol substitutes the classic 7 symbol for extra wins.
Playson has unveiled an enthralling new slot title, Super Sunny Fruits: Hold and Win. Following on from the beloved Playson hit Sunny Fruits: Hold and Win, the developer’s latest game enhances that popular classic with the collecting symbol being added to Hold and Win mechanics, which remain a firm favourite among fans throughout the globe. In another exciting twist, the 3×5 title features a new Super Sun Bonus symbol that appears only during the Bonus Game. The symbol collects all visible Bonus Symbol values and adds them to its own total, giving players a thrilling chance to claim even bigger wins. Super Sunny Fruits: Hold and Win marks the most recent addition to Playson’s highly acclaimed Funky Fruits portfolio, comprising smash-hits such as Fruity Crown and Fruit Xtreme, which has helped the studio continue attracting audiences in regulated markets across the globe.
GameArt is proud to announce the release of Diego: El Pibe de Oro, a slot that pays homage to Diego Maradona, one of football’s greatest ever players and one of the world’s biggest personalities. Officially licensed through Applovesoft, it’s a game that will resonate with millions of fans around the world. Already in development months before the world lost a hero, GameArt delayed the release out of respect, and now hopes the game can help keep his spirit alive for his millions of fans around the world. Players can join Diego for an evening of wealth and glitz in a stunning slot featuring plenty of free spins, a novel Low Pay Wild upgrade, offering the opportunity to give luck a helping hand.
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eSports
Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors
The Esports Awards is set to return in 2026, bringing together the global esports community for its annual celebration of excellence.
Scheduled to take place in North America later this year, the awards will honor the top players, teams, creators, and innovators who defined the past year in competitive gaming. Exact dates and venues will be revealed in the coming months.
Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of esports achievements at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony recognized industry icons such as Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed, and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while inducting six new members into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025. Earlier in 2025, the Esports Awards hosted the one-off Decade Awards, which drew a global audience of 36.25 million live viewers.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favorite categories such as Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year, and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving fans a direct voice in recognizing the standout moments and figures in esports over the past year. Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, which includes seasoned industry veterans, broadcasters, creators, and professional players, ensuring both credibility and integrity.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will make a comeback, offering a day of networking and friendly competition for industry leaders, creators, and esports competitors ahead of the awards.
Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, said: “The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026. Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognizing the individuals, teams, and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ official X account for updates on venues, dates, nominees, and voting.
The post Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Acquisition
Optimove Buys Smartico, Keeps Independence
In a strategic move set to reshape the competitive landscape of iGaming marketing technology, Optimove has announced the acquisition of Smartico. Despite the deal, both companies will continue to operate independently—preserving their brands, leadership teams, and product strategies.
This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for the global online gambling industry. According to recent market research, the sector reached an estimated $95.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to $185.17 billion by 2033. As the industry scales, so does its complexity, driven by evolving regulations in Europe, fragmentation in the United States, and rapid expansion across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In this environment, robust customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are no longer optional—they are essential.
A Strategic Alliance Without Integration
Unlike traditional acquisitions that lead to integration, Optimove’s approach is notably different. Smartico will remain a fully autonomous business unit, with its founders continuing to lead strategic direction, product development, and day-to-day operations. Clients can expect no disruption in services, pricing, or product offerings.
This independence reflects a deliberate strategy: fostering competition within the same ecosystem. Both companies will continue to innovate separately, pushing each other—and the broader industry—forward.
Two Distinct Visions of iGaming CRM
The deal unites two of the most influential approaches to CRM in iGaming:
- Optimove built its reputation on advanced data analytics and AI-driven marketing. As the originator of the “Positionless Marketing” concept, the company enables marketers to orchestrate campaigns using intelligent agents that deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale. This approach has reportedly improved campaign efficiency by up to 88%.
- Smartico, on the other hand, carved out its niche by integrating gamification directly into CRM systems. By embedding game-like mechanics into player engagement strategies, Smartico has helped operators drive deeper interaction and retention. The company is now advancing further by incorporating generative AI across its platform.
Together, these two philosophies—data-centric intelligence and gamified engagement—represent the future of player retention and marketing in iGaming.
Strengthening Market Leadership
According to Pini Yakuel, the decision to acquire Smartico was driven by its originality and execution. He emphasized that Smartico stood out as a competitor due to its pioneering role in combining gamification with CRM—an innovation that has since become a key differentiator in the market.
Similarly, Arman Gal highlighted that the partnership allows Smartico to scale faster while maintaining its identity. With Optimove’s backing, the company gains additional resources to expand its innovation capabilities and global reach.
Competition as a Catalyst for Innovation
Interestingly, both companies will continue to compete in the same market. Optimove will further develop its gamification solution, Optimove Gamify, while Smartico continues executing its independent roadmap. This dual-track strategy is rooted in the belief that competition drives better outcomes for operators.
Rather than consolidating power, the acquisition creates a dynamic ecosystem where two leading platforms evolve side by side—each pushing the boundaries of what CRM can achieve in iGaming.
The Role of AI in the Next Phase of Growth
Artificial intelligence remains at the core of this transformation. Optimove has been embedding AI into its platform since 2012, long before it became industry standard. Today, its AI-powered decisioning agents enable real-time campaign orchestration across multiple channels.
Smartico is following a similar trajectory, integrating generative AI to enhance its gamification-driven engagement model. This convergence signals a broader trend: the fusion of AI, CRM, and user experience design as the next frontier in digital marketing.
A Defining Moment for iGaming Marketing
This acquisition underscores the maturation of the iGaming CRM sector. What began as a niche category has evolved into a critical component of modern marketing infrastructure. With two leading innovators now aligned—yet independent—the industry is poised for accelerated innovation.
For operators navigating an increasingly complex global market, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who can combine data intelligence, personalization, and immersive engagement.
Similar Content
A high-authority source covering similar developments in iGaming and martech is:
- Forbes – Known for in-depth coverage of tech acquisitions and marketing innovation. A relevant article on AI-driven marketing trends in gaming and customer engagement can be found on their platform.
The post Optimove Buys Smartico, Keeps Independence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE
- The Esports Awards will return later this year for its 2026 edition, taking place in North America and honouring the outstanding players, teams, creators and innovators of the past year in esports
- Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of excellence at the HyperX Arena, alongside the one-off Decade Awards, which reached 36.25M live views globally
- The Esports Awards Golf Invitational will also return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the main ceremony
- Full details on the venue, date, nominees and voting will be revealed in the coming months
The Esports Awards has announced the return of its annual ceremony for 2026. Bringing together the global esports community under one roof, the Esports Awards will once again recognise the players, teams, creators and innovators who have defined the past year. The ceremony will take place in North America later this year, with exact dates and venue to be revealed in the coming months.
Last year’s edition of the Esports Awards marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of esports excellence at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony honoured some of the industry’s most recognised figures, including Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while welcoming six new inductees into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025 award. Earlier in the year, the Esports Awards also hosted the one-off Decade Awards in August, presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden and Barney Banks, reaching 36.25M live views globally.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favourite categories including Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving the community a voice in recognising the moments and individuals that shaped the past year in esports.
Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, a group of industry veterans, broadcasters, creators and players, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the awards.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the awards.
“The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards. “Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognising the individuals, teams and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Further updates regarding the venue, date, nominees and voting will be announced in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ X account for the latest updates.
The post THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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