Red Papaya, the vibrant flagship studio powered by Microgaming, has officially launched its latest blockbuster title: Nova Blast Ultra. Strapping players into a high-octane journey to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, this cosmic release blends high-end cinematic production with a suite of volatile mechanics.

Set against a backdrop of radiant space diamonds and blazing asteroid fields, the game promises a “white-knuckle ride” through deep space, where galactic wins shine brighter than the stars.

Interstellar Mechanics & Dazzling Rewards

Nova Blast Ultra is engineered to deliver futuristic precision and explosive potential. The game features an expansive 6,400 ways to win, ensuring constant action across the reels.

Key gameplay features include:

• Nova Blast Cash & Jackpot Collection: A futuristic evolution of the popular collection mechanic. Hidden within the nebula-rich treasure zones are five static Jackpots, with the top prize reaching a stellar 2,500x the bet.

• Energy Core Multipliers: Collect Energy Cores to boost your Cash Multiplier. In the base game, multipliers reach up to 5x, while the Free Spins round rockets this potential up to 10x.

• Nova Blast Respins: Trigger enhanced respins that clear the board for the coveted Cash and Jackpot symbols, supercharged by Random Multiplier Energy.

Choose Your Orbit: Quantum Customization

For players seeking full control over their mission, landing Bonus symbols or filling the Quantum Meter triggers the Choose Your Nova Blast Free Spins. This feature allows players to select their own orbit, balancing the number of Free Spins against the frequency of Cash symbols.

The “space storm” intensifies during this round, where retriggers and surge respins work together to push the Cash Multiplier toward its dazzling 10x peak.

A New Standard for High-Production Slots

The high-stakes gameplay is complemented by out-of-this-world animations and a pulsating electronic soundtrack that keeps the momentum high.

Madelein Ozok, Head of Studio at Red Papaya, commented on the launch:

“Nova Blast Ultra is our most explosive slot to date. It captures the essence of Red Papaya—thrilling gameplay, big sound, and striking animations. We’ve combined creativity with deep data analytics to ensure this hits the mark with players spin after spin. We can’t wait to see it navigate its way to the top of casino lobbies.”

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Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has been named number one in GamblingIQ’s prestigious ‘Security 10’ global rankings. CEO Michael Tobin is recognised as the top industry leader in security, trust and data integrity.

This accolade reinforces Continent 8’s position as the trusted provider of data centre services, cloud hosting, private connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding operators, suppliers, and players in an increasingly complex and regulated digital landscape.

Continent 8 is the partner of choice for hundreds of leading operators, suppliers, and platform providers worldwide. From tier-one brands to emerging innovators, these companies depend on Continent 8’s secure, compliant, and resilient infrastructure to power their businesses and protect their players. Customers include FanDuel, Kambi, Sportingtech, Playtech, DraftKings, Alea, BetMGM, and more.

GamblingIQ stated: ‘Michael Tobin is one of gambling’s rare figures who combines respect with genuine popularity: a feat almost impossible in an industry as volatile and scrutinised as ours. His reputation isn’t built on flash or hype, but on steady, practical leadership, curiosity about technology, and an ability to make complex challenges seem manageable. Operators, regulators, suppliers and colleagues value his clarity, his evidence-backed thinking, and his long-term approach to partnerships. After nearly 30 years, his standing signals more than success: it reflects consistency of character, reliability and a human touch in a sector that often forgets both.’

Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, commented: “Security and trust are the cornerstones of iGaming – they are the principles on which I founded Continent 8. This recognition from GamblingIQ is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on safeguarding the industry and enabling our customers to innovate with confidence. Congratulations to all the other companies listed in the Security 10.”

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Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to unveil its 2026 multi-vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches alongside the latest season of its industry-leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.

The exhibition will mark the start of what promises to be another standout year for Pragmatic Play, following a record-breaking 2025 in which the provider launched more than 100 network slots, expanded its dynamic game show portfolio, and entered a new vertical with its arcade collection.

A show-stopping stand designed to deliver a fully integrated experience, spanning more than 1,750m² and featuring 100 screens powered by over 150 million pixels, including two giant displays, will bring Pragmatic Play’s characters to life. The centrepiece will be a striking candy cascade featuring more than one tonne of sweet treats, alongside a dedicated Pragmatic Play Sports zone, housing famous football memorabilia.

Over the past 12 months, Pragmatic Play has reinforced its localisation strategy by rolling out more than 150 new live dealer tables, 55 of which are localised for specific markets, supported by the opening of new studios in Serbia and Colombia. This has been complemented by the first-class Smart Studio technology, which has delivered over 800 bespoke tables for prominent operators.

Live Casino remains a major focus for the business, and following recent studio openings in Serbia and Colombia, there are plans to open additional Live Casino studios in 2026, including one in Brazil.

Pragmatic Play’s expansive portfolio will be on full display across stands 2P30, 2P50, and 2P70, featuring headline slots Jelly Express and Sugar Rush Super Scatter, which further strengthen its sweet-themed collection, Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin, the latest iteration of its timeless franchise, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War 250, a sequel to its hugely successful 2023 title.

The provider will also debut the upcoming Gates of Olympus Roulette, taking the popular Greek mythology IP into a new vertical and building on the momentum of numerous high-profile game show releases in 2025, including Fortune Roulette, Money Time, and Mega Roulette 3000. This will feature amongst a stellar live casino lineup that includes Color Game Bonanza, Crystal Roulette, and the provider’s all new Flow Blackjack tables, which aim to redefine the blackjack experience by reimagining the classic game through contemporary design.

Alongside its core verticals, Pragmatic Play will also spotlight additions to its arcade portfolio, including Plinko+ and Chicken+, a fast-paced, retro-style title built around simple gameplay and risk-reward cash-out mechanics.

Further supplementing its portfolio, Pragmatic Play will spotlight the latest season of Drops & Wins. Offering up to €25,000,000 in Weekly Wheel Drops and Daily Tournaments – the largest provider-funded prize pool in the industry – Drops & Wins underscores the supplier’s ongoing drive to deliver tangible value to its global partners and their players.

Pragmatic Play Sports will also be in attendance, shining a light on its rapidly expanding sportsbook offering. The brand is promising a hive of activity throughout the conference, including an intimate Q&A with football legend Clarence Seedorf on Monday 19^th at 2pm, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Polly James.

Pragmatic Play’s showstopping presence at ICE Barcelona outlines its 2026 ambitions, as it continues to push boundaries in betting and gaming innovation, setting new benchmarks for industry service.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Pragmatic Play, with our strength across multiple product verticals reflected in record player activity and the receipt of 39 industry awards. 

“2026 is shaping up to be another exceptional year, and it all starts at ICE Barcelona. We’re looking forward to showcasing our newest games, including Chicken+, Jelly Express, Color Game, and Fortune of Olympus Roulette, and demonstrating how we plan to deliver bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences for our partners and their players.” 

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