Latest News
Week 10/2021 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases!
iSoftBet, is preparing for St Patrick’s Day with its fun-filled, big win potential Irish themed hit, Wishing Wheel. Enter the land of the leprechauns with this 5-reel, high volatility title, which takes the highly engaging spinning wheel from iSoftBet favourite, Hot Spin, and brings it to life with modifiers and multipliers. Wishing Wheel also contains an Ultra Reel modifier, turning the entire reel set in one Ultra Reel, with huge win potential. The free spins mode is triggered when three bonus symbols land on any spin, awarding up to 15 free spins with one of the six modifiers available. In the bonus round, players can also trigger a multiplier for the entire period, leading to lucrative wins.
The much-awaited sequel of the blockbuster Lara Jones is Cleopatra has been made available by Spearhead Studios, gaming developer within EveryMatrix Group. The new high-volatility title can bring wins up to a massive 17,000x. Lara Jones is Cleopatra II is a high volatility, 5×3 video slot with ten pay lines and brings a Return to Player (RTP) of 96.10%. The base game offers Cleopatra Cascade Spins where all winning symbols stick, and re-spins keep occurring until the wins can no longer be improved. When reaching the free spins feature, where all wilds become sticky, players can choose between the standard or high volatility options.
Game lovers around the world are eagerly waiting for Betsoft Gaming’s new game, Safari Sam 2. The game is scheduled for release on 22 April 2021. This 5 reel 50 pay line slot will take its players to new levels of gaming exhilaration. The game is full of features, free spins and more. To enjoy these, join Sam on his savannah safari for a stack of winnings. Players can attack the SAFARI STACKS using a classic grid, with 3 identical symbols stacked on top of a reel, to pay out a three-of-a-kind prize. Matching symbols collapse while new symbols drop down to grant ever more chances to win. Stacks can keep occurring until there are no more triple vertical matches.
Push Gaming reaches for the sky and a host of features with fantasy title, Land of Zenith. The enthralling new game was released across the Push Gaming network on Thursday, March 11th following a successful exclusive launch with beta partners Rootz earlier this month. The titular world is inspired by the floating realms of Gulliver’s Travels and sees players seek adventure in the clouds alongside a band of intrepid explorers. An intriguing golden disc introduced during the base game serves to trigger an array of features if all grooves are aligned across the 6×4 reel layout. This mechanism can also be combined with turner symbols to enhance anticipation for the player.
Stakelogic, has debuted the latest title in its classic slot series, Hot 7 Hold and Spin. The game has been designed to appeal to players that love the anticipation that builds when they hold the reels and wait for the top paying symbols to land and deliver those mega wins. Hot 7 Hold and Spin is a 3×3 reel, 5 payline slot that comes with three features – Hold and Spin, Expanding Wilds and Gamble – to add even more excitement. Hold and Spin is triggered when three silver or gold coin symbols land on the middle reel. The middle reel is then locked and the symbols on reels one and three are replaced by feature symbols.
Lightning Box is set to take players deep into a land of mythology and mountains with its latest title Phoenix Coins. The ancient Greece themed game from the Sydney-based studio, which goes live with LeoVegas before a general release, prompts the Phoenix to rise from the flames in order to soar away with stunning wins. The reels are made up of a mix of creatures and characters from mythology, including warriors, maidens and the Owl of Minerva, whilst the Phoenix and Fountain acts as the Wild. If a full stack of coins along with the Phoenix Bonus appears on the reels, the Free Spin round is triggered, leaving the game’s healthy jackpot up for grabs.
Play’n GO have released their first sequel title of 2021 today, with the announcement of their slot, House of Doom 2: The Crypt. A sequel to 2018’s House of Doom, this time around the music for the game is provided by emerging rock band The Crypt and four of their songs; I love the Darkness, Mistress of Fire, Metal Priestess and Into the Crypt, are featured during gameplay. House of Doom 2: The Crypt is the supplier’s first music slot sequel, which is fitting because it is the follow up to their very first collaborative music slot House of Doom. A collaboration with Swedish doom metal band Candlemas, House of Doom was a successful start into what has become a popular section of games for Play’n GO.
Pragmatic Play, welcomes players to take a dive into the unknown in its latest underwater slot release, Fishin’ Reels. The 3×5, highly volatile video slot features 10 paylines and a set of transparent reels that allow players to see all kinds of coral and fish in the background. The clear water and beaming rays of sunshine give the title a tropical paradise feel. Three or more matching Scatter symbols trigger the Free Spins feature. When this happens, players will need to choose one of two Bonus Round options.
Yggdrasil, the leading worldwide publisher of online gambling content, is preparing for a festival of fun in new hit Buster Hammer Carnival, in partnership with ReelPlay. Buster Hammer Carnival is ReelPlay’s fifth launch through the YG Masters program, following the most recent title El Dorado Infinity Reels
Blueprint Gaming has unearthed a new gold mining adventure with a twist in its new release Rolling in Gold. The developer has evolved the classic casino themed game and incorporated a unique game field, using six reels in a 3-3-4-4-4-4 configuration along with 2,304 pays way, which is packed with several surprises to fuel excitement as players dig deep for golden nuggets. Wild TNT symbols must land on the first two reels in order to guarantee a win or a chance of triggering the Gold Spins bonus feature that incorporates hold and win mechanics. During the bonus round, golden nuggets displaying cash values remain fixed in place and the reels respin for another chance to capture gold.
Relax Gaming, is conjuring the luck of the Irish just in time for St.Patrick’s Day in its latest feature-rich slot, Emerald’s Infinity Reels. Offering Relax’s signature take on the classic player favourite, an Irish meadow sets the scene for players seeking their fortune – with a host of unique charms, treasures and gold along the way. Luck is on the player’s side when 3 matching symbols land, triggering the Infinty Reels mechanic, shifting reels to the left and re-spinning for as long as matching symbols keep coming. Every time a reel moves out of screen, symbols are collected and applied to the win as multipliers, adding to each winner’s pot of gold.
Pariplay Ltd, is transporting players to a magical land in its new Irish-themed slot Wild Fortunes. Vivid rainbows, pots of gold and lucky four-leaf clovers all spring to life in this lush, vibrant title. With a lucky Leprechaun at the player’s side, a wild and rewarding adventure awaits in a game that features two progressive jackpots that can pay out at any time. In addition to the progressive prizes, this 5-reel, 3-row video slot also hosts the Wild Fortunes feature. Three or more Pot O’Gold Scatter symbols landing starts the feature, where picking gold coins and clovers can award up to 190 Free Spins with a multiplier of up to 17 times.
Booongo, the global content developer, has delivered another epic Asian adventure to its slots portfolio with the launch of its latest Hold and Win hit, Super Rich God. With an artfully crafted theme, the majestic deity descends to the reels to gift loyal followers with his blessings on the reels. Featuring both a Free Spins and Hold and Wins respins mode, Super Rich God offers players ample opportunity to enjoy fantastic wins. The Free Spins mode removes all low-paying symbols for the duration of the round and is triggered by landing three Money Trees on the reels on a single spin. The Hold and Win mode is launched when six Mystery Stones land, transporting players to a 15-spot grid.
The legend has it that finding the four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day means being rich and happy. It’s a hard challenge but BGaming gives players a brilliant chance for that! Starting from March 11th, Fruit Million, the first ‘chameleon’ slot in BGaming’s portfolio is going green to take on the Irish look for St. Patrick’s Day. The online slot is fully packed with lavish features bringing great opportunity to grab all the gold of the game. But there is one pleasant detail, this gold won’t disappear! Wild, Scatters and Expanded Wild Symbols convert into one hundred paylines for fantastic winnings. Spinning colourful reels accompanied by upbeat Irish melodies players will be taken to a loud and generous feast!
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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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