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Experience big win magic with Magikspell from Fantasma Games

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Developer’s latest release promises to deliver a spellbinding experience with each spin as players seek out gems to help conjure enchanting wins

Fantasma Games, the developer of slots beyond gambling, is taking players to a dark and mystical land where gems can be discovered and wizards work their magic to conjure plenty of big win potential with each and every spin.

Magikspell, which is available via Relax Gaming’s Silver Bullet platform, sees players arrive at a foreboding castle set deep within a petrified forest. Those that dare to enter will find an unusual reel matrix of 3x4x5x4x3 with 20 paylines active.

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As the reels spin and become enchanted, players must look out for the Purple Magikspell Gems as these are what will enable them to unlock some truly spellbinding Magik Bonus Features including Free Spins with a 250x Multiplier.

As players seek out the Purple Gems, they will also want to keep an eye out for the Magikspell Gold Gem symbols that can land at any time during the base game. They use an “infectious” mechanic that sees them transform all adjacent symbols Wild.

Of course, it is in the Magikspell Progressive Free Spins bonus where the real magic happens. Players will be left mystified as the Multiplier continues to rise up to a maximum of x250, delivering truly legendary wins of up to 20,000x the player’s original bet.

Magikspell sits at the higher end of the volatility scale and has a return to player of 96.08%. It has been certified for launch in key regulated markets including the UK, Malta, Sweden, Gibraltar, Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia, Romania, Estonia and the Isle of Man.

Fredrik Johansson, Founder at Fantasma Games, said: “Magikspell promises to take players an on an enchanting journey to a dark and mysterious land. But with plenty of gems to be found, and Magik bonuses such as Free Spins and massive Multiplier to discover, it is a place where players will want to be.

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“The game has been designed and developed with our ethos of creating slots beyond gambling, and this is achieved by creating engaging narratives combined with thrilling gameplay. Magikspell certainly offers this and a whole lot more.”

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Betano Renews Sponsorship with Formula One Legend Felipe Massa

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Former Ferrari, Williams and Sauber driver remains Betano’s ambassador in Brazil, participating in responsible gaming campaigns and social initiatives, with the brand also displayed on his car and race suit

 Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s sports betting and gaming brand, announces the renewal of its successful partnership with Felipe Massa, active since 2023. The Brazilian driver, recognized worldwide for his career in Formula 1 and recent victories in Stock Car, which made him runner-up in the sport, will continue his partnership with Betano under a multi-year contract, reinforcing the connection between the brand, driver and his fans.

“Felipe Massa is more than an ambassador for Betano; he is a symbol of trust that shares similar values with us and has a story that inspires. Renewing this partnership is part of our commitment to offering fans unique experiences and expanding our presence in Brazilian sports. Massa will also be our ambassador for responsible gaming and will engage in social initiatives driven by Betano,” says Guilherme Figueiredo, Betano’s Country Manager in Brazil.

To celebrate the renewal and officially sign the contract, Massa visited Betano’s brand-new office in São Paulo, Brazil. Employees had the chance to meet him in person, get autographs, and take photos while sharing their excitement for the renewed partnership.

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“This is a very special relationship. I am proud to represent a brand that understands and values ​​sports. Each event and activation we have done together was created with one goal in mind: to create unforgettable moments for sports fans. It is a pleasure to continue this collaboration and I’m looking forward to achieving more together in the coming years,” says Felipe Massa.

The Brazilian driver has a career full of achievements. Runner-up in F1 in 2008 and with victories in several international competitions, he is an idol to thousands of motorsports enthusiasts.

During his partnership with Betano, Felipe Massa participated in several activations with sports fans and the brand’s customers. Among the highlights, the Betano Racing event stands out, where influencers and guests had the opportunity to race side by side with the driver, creating moments of adrenaline and fun. In addition, Betano welcomed Massa to the Copa América Cup Tour in São Paulo and to activations in Belo Horizonte during the historic first stage of the Stock Car in the city.

The post Betano Renews Sponsorship with Formula One Legend Felipe Massa appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Imagine Live Receives ONJN License

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Imagine Live, the live casino provider has been approved by ONJN – the Romanian regulator

Imagine Live is thrilled to announce that it has successfully obtained the Class II license in Romania through its subsidiary ImagineLive Ro for the streaming of Live Casino games.

Martin Martirosyan Imagine Live Group CEO, commented: “Imagine Live is an established brand committed to delivering exceptional products and gaming experiences by putting the player at the centre of the live gaming experience. Imagine Live is equally committed to providing premium and customised live dealer solutions with bespoke tables and studios for our Romanian operator partners to ensure a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return, which drives deeper engagement and revenue opportunities.

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The successful regulatory Class II approval from the Romanian ONJN regulatory authority further underpins our company’s growth plans and investments for state-of-the-art live dealer studios and customised live dealer product experiences.”

The post Imagine Live Receives ONJN License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming

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How legislative shifts influence media buying strategies and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry

The iGaming industry is one of the most heavily regulated digital sectors, constantly adapting to new compliance frameworks worldwide. Regulatory changes affect not only operators but also media buyers, who must rethink their advertising strategies, creatives, and audience engagement approaches. While regulation enhances player safety, it also fosters challenges such as increased costs, creative limitations, and the rise of unlicensed operators.

Experts from the media buying agency RockApp have conducted an in-depth analysis of how regulatory changes impact the entire iGaming ecosystem.

How Regulations Shape Ad Creatives in iGaming

One of the most immediate effects of regulation is the restriction on advertising creatives. The UK, for instance, is one of the most tightly regulated markets, where media buyers must comply with strict guidelines:

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  • No mention of currency in ads: According to the UK Advertising Codes regulated by the ASA, there is no direct ban on the use of currency in gambling advertisements. However, advertisers must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure they do not mislead customers regarding potential winnings.
  • No misleading claims or exaggerated expectations: Ads should not mislead users by exaggerating the chances of winning or implying that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns.
  • No streamers or influencers with significant underage audiences: Featuring individuals who are, or appear to be, under 25 years old is prohibited. Additionally, using celebrities or influencers who have a strong appeal to under-18s is not allowed.
  • Strict moderation of creatives before approval
  • Social Responsibility: Advertisements must not portray gambling as indispensable or as a way to achieve financial security. They should not suggest that solitary gambling is preferable to social gambling.

These regulations necessitate careful consideration during the creation of advertising content. For instance, the prohibition on content that strongly appeals to under-18s means avoiding the use of animated characters, certain color schemes, or themes associated with youth culture. Additionally, the restriction on featuring individuals under 25 limits the selection of brand ambassadors and influencers, requiring brands to choose representatives who not only resonate with the target audience but also comply with age-related guidelines.

According to AppsFlyer’s “State of Gaming App Marketing – 2024 Edition,” global app user acquisition ad spend grew by 5% in 2024 to $65 billion, with a significant portion allocated to gaming apps. This increase underscores the importance of adhering to advertising regulations to ensure that marketing efforts are both effective and compliant.

In summary, the UK and other regulated countries’ stringent advertising regulations significantly influence the development of ad creatives in the iGaming industry. Advertisers must navigate these rules carefully to create content that is engaging yet compliant, ensuring that their marketing strategies uphold the principles of social responsibility and consumer protection.

Licensed media buying agencies can effectively adapt by integrating disclaimers and legal notices without compromising user engagement. While these additions reduce creative space, they don’t hinder performance significantly.

The Paradox: Regulation Enhances Safety but Fuels the Gray Market

Regulation is designed to protect players, but in some markets, it has also led to a surge in unlicensed casinos. For example, France, Poland, and the Netherlands have all experienced an influx of offshore operators who can acquire players at lower costs compared to licensed brands.

In Poland alone, nearly 50% of the gambling market operates in a gray zone, leading to an estimated annual tax loss of over $247 million. In 2023, transactions through unlicensed platforms reached $8.6 billion, prompting industry experts to call for urgent regulatory reforms by 2026 to curb further market deterioration.

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Why does this happen? Strict regulations often limit marketing avenues for legal operators, making it difficult for them to compete with unlicensed platforms that operate without restrictions. As a result, players may turn to black-market casinos that offer more aggressive promotions, unrestricted gameplay, and fewer account verification hurdles.

For media buyers, this creates a complex landscape – navigating between compliance, profitability, and market demand.

The Value and Strategic Advantage of Media Buying in Regulated Markets

Operating under a license means adhering to an extensive list of requirements:

  • Adhering to jurisdiction-specific advertising laws
  • Complying with responsible gambling policies
  • Avoiding blacklisted traffic sources
  • Implementing strict user verification processes

While these regulations add complexity, they also bring long-term benefits. Running campaigns in a legally compliant manner allows for sustainable business growth, fostering trust among players and partners. Although user acquisition costs in regulated markets are higher, the quality of users significantly improves due to the absence of low-quality creatives with miss-promises, exaggerated expectations, and outright scams, which are prevalent in unregulated markets.

Advertisers appreciate this shift, as the traffic quality far exceeds expectations. This, in turn, improves lifetime value (LTV) and fosters long-term relationships between brands and agencies. Here’s a comment from a representative of HighRoller Casino, one of RockApp’s key clients:

“Stricter regulations in the iGaming industry have significantly increased operational demands and social responsibility for businesses. While compliance creates a more structured and reliable market, it also adds layers of complexity that companies must navigate. There are both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, licensed operators benefit from greater stability and credibility; on the other, the regulatory burden requires continuous adaptation. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring sustainable growth without restricting innovation.“– HighRoller Casino, CEO.

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And a perspective from Soft2Bet:

“Choosing the right traffic partner is crucial in today’s iGaming landscape. RockApp has proven to be a reliable partner, delivering high-quality traffic and seamlessly adapting to the regulated market with the right approach. They don’t just follow trends – they anticipate changes and optimize processes to ensure outstanding results. The strategies that worked in the past are no longer effective, but RockApp excels at evolving, refining, and elevating performance to an entirely new level.” – Soft2Bet, CEO.

In contrast, grey and black market operators often have lower operational costs since they bypass licensing fees and may evade taxes. This cost advantage allows them to offer more attractive odds or bonuses to players. However, these operators face significant risks, including legal actions, lack of access to reputable payment processors, and challenges in establishing trust with players due to the absence of regulatory oversight.

A 2024 report by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) highlighted concerns that overly stringent regulations in some European countries are inadvertently driving players towards black market operators.

This trend is further reflected in Sweden, where a report by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) revealed that traffic to unlicensed gambling operators has increased tenfold since 2019. The study estimates that the gross gaming revenue (GGR) of illegal operators now reaches 13 billion SEK ($13.64 billion) annually, with users reportedly spending 10-20 times more in unlicensed online casinos. ATG’s CEO has criticized Sweden’s current gambling laws, stating that excessive restrictions on licensed operators are creating an unfair playing field and driving users toward unregulated alternatives.

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While licensed operations bring stability and quality assurance, excessively restrictive regulations can inadvertently push players and advertisers toward unregulated markets. This paradox is evident in markets like Sweden and Poland, where overly stringent policies have led to a surge in black-market activity. Thus, the key lies in finding a balance – ensuring robust consumer protection without stifling the competitive landscape for licensed operators.

In summary, while operating in the white market entails higher compliance costs, it ensures legal security and fosters player trust. Conversely, grey and black market operations may offer short-term financial gains but come with significant legal and reputational risks.

For media buying agencies, working within legal frameworks unlocks significant advantages:

  • Access to bigger clients: Major iGaming brands prefer licensed agencies.
  • Better partnerships: Large ad networks and platforms favor advertisers that comply with regulations.
  • Higher-quality traffic: Compliance reduces fraud, improving traffic efficiency.

Many traffic sources, including Google, Facebook, and premium programmatic platforms, enforce strict iGaming policies. This means agencies that operate in compliance gain preferential access, while black-market operators struggle with bans and restrictions.

In contrast, working with unlicensed brands often leads to short-term gains but long-term instability. Black-hat media buying comes with high risk, including frequent account shutdowns, payment delays, and loss of advertiser relationships.

The Impact of Regulations on Influencer and Streaming Marketing

Strict regulations have also affected influencer marketing. In countries with tight restrictions, streamers can no longer serve as direct brand ambassadors for casinos. For example, while streamers in Tier 3 markets (regions with lax regulations) aggressively promote gambling to younger audiences, this is strictly forbidden in Tier 1 markets like the UK and France.

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To adapt, agencies have found creative solutions:

  • Using AI and deepfake technology to modify streamer appearances
  • Replacing copyrighted music with royalty-free alternatives
  • Carefully curating influencer partnerships to avoid compliance risks

These strategies help agencies continue leveraging influencer marketing without violating legal guidelines.

Conclusion

Regulation is an unavoidable reality in iGaming media buying. While it presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for agencies that know how to navigate the landscape effectively.

For media buyers, working within legal frameworks is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. The future belongs to those who can play by the rules while still outperforming the competition. Recently, RockApp has secured licenses in all regulated states across the United States, further solidifying its commitment to compliance and long-term growth in the iGaming industry.

The post The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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