ELA Games has announced a partnership with BlueOcean Gaming. This collaboration will see ELA Games’ innovative slot creations integrated into BlueOcean’s GameHub, a leading aggregator of casino games. As a result, operators connected to the GameHub will soon be able to offer ELA’s engaging games to their players.
The Power of Integration
BlueOcean Gaming, known for its comprehensive B2B solutions, will bolster its GameHub portfolio with ELA Games’ offerings. The GameHub, recognized for facilitating easy access to a diverse range of games through a single-point API, is set to enhance its collection, which already exceeds 10,000 titles from more than 110 game developers. This integration underscores the commitment of both companies to providing operators with seamless and diversified gaming content.
Spotlight on ELA Games’ Hit Titles
ELA Games is stepping into the limelight with its unique slot games, including crowd-pleasers like Bandidos Bang, Fish & Spins, and Book of Meow. Mike Cini, the driving force behind ELA Games, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase their distinctive games across BlueOcean’s expansive network.
Diving into ELA Games’ Slot Marvels:
Bandidos Bang: A Wild West Adventure
Step into the boots of the fearless with Bandidos Bang, a wild west escapade that offers players a chance to ride alongside bandits on a quest for treasure. With a return to player (RTP) rate of 95.8% and a max win potential of 750x the stake, this game entices with its array of bonuses and a captivating theme.
Book of Meow: Feline Mystique Meets Ancient Egypt
Book of Meow captivates with a fusion of ancient Egyptian lore and the internet’s undying love for cats. This slot stands out not only for its enchanting theme but also for its straightforward gameplay and the thrill of its bonus rounds. With up to nine expanding symbols, players are guaranteed a purr-fect gaming experience.
Fish & Spins: An Underwater Quest for Treasure
Fish & Spins invites players to plunge into an underwater world teeming with treasures. With an RTP of 95.1% and a maximum win potential of x5000, this game offers a thrilling adventure across its 5×5 layout. The inclusion of features like Avalanche wins and multipliers makes for a riveting experience that’s hard to resist.
SOFTSWISS, a pioneer in the iGaming software industry, marks a significant milestone by securing the inaugural B2B Tobique Gaming Licence. This notable achievement coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary, showing its ongoing commitment to expanding its global reach and enhancing its service offerings. The Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC), in collaboration with Differentia Licensing Advisory Group Limited (DLAG), has endorsed SOFTSWISS for a one-year operational tenure, setting a new precedent in the iGaming sector.
Tobique First Nation: A Sovereign Community’s Visionary Move
Situated in western New Brunswick, Canada, the Tobique First Nation has embarked on an innovative journey by issuing online gambling licenses under the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023. This strategic move positions the indigenous community as a key player in the global online gambling landscape, offering a B2B Tobique Gaming Licence that paves the way for businesses to extend their operations internationally. This license stands out for its broad coverage, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries, alongside benefits such as a streamlined application process and cost-efficiency.
SOFTSWISS: Expanding Its Global Footprint
Yuri Sharapa, Head of Country Projects at SOFTSWISS, expressed gratitude towards the Tobique Gaming Commission for their trust and highlighted the significance of this new license in diversifying the company’s portfolio. Graham Martin, Chairman of DLAG, echoed this sentiment, which proves SOFTSWISS’s role as a tier-1 brand within the industry. This license adds to SOFTSWISS’s robust international and national certifications portfolio, further solidifying its status as a leader in the provision of iGaming software.
Evo Prime Drop: A New Chapter in Player Engagement
In a strategic collaboration with Evolution Gaming Group AB, SOFTSWISS has launched the Evo Prime Drop campaign to elevate player engagement through exciting, premium games. This initiative, accessible to casino operators within the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator network, presents a selection of top-tier games without imposing additional charges. The campaign aims to enhance player retention and offers a generous jackpot prize pool, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between SOFTSWISS and Evolution in fostering innovation in the gaming sector.
Forward-Looking Initiatives: Shaping the Future of iGaming
The partnership between SOFTSWISS and Evolution signifies a forward-looking approach to iGaming, blending cutting-edge technology with innovative campaign mechanics to benefit operators, providers, and players alike. This venture sets a benchmark for future collaborations, highlighting the dynamic capabilities of the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator and the Evolution portfolio in driving the industry forward.
The acquisition of the B2B Tobique Gaming Licence by SOFTSWISS, coupled with the Evo Prime Drop campaign launch, underscores a pivotal moment in online gambling. These developments not only exemplify strategic foresight but also reinforce SOFTSWISS’s commitment to enhancing its offerings and solidifying its position as an industry leader.
NetBet Denmark Enhances Offerings with Playson’s Engaging Titles
NetBet Denmark, a freshly launched iGaming operator, has teamed up with Playson, a leading name in digital entertainment supply, to bring an exciting range of Hold and Win games to Danish gamers. Through this collaboration, Playson will strengthen its position in the Danish market. It will also showcase NetBet’s commitment to diversifying its gaming suite with high-quality offerings.
Having kicked off operations last month with a Danish Gambling Authority license, NetBet Denmark has already formed alliances with major industry players like Light & Wonder and IGT PlayDigital, bringing over 1,000 licensed gaming options to the local market. The addition of Playson’s Hold and Win series, featuring popular titles such as Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Fire Coins: Hold and Win, and Energy Coins: Hold and Win, promises to enhance this collection further.
Committed to Quality Gaming Experiences
Claudia Georgevici, PR Manager at NetBet Denmark, pointed out the mutual dedication to delivering top-notch gaming experiences as the core reason for this partnership. Playson, currently operating in 23 regulated markets and working together with over 200 global entities, considers this alliance a crucial step in its growth vision, especially following the recent appointment of Vsevolod Lapin as the new Deputy CEO.
Tamas Kusztos, CCO at Playson, expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with NetBet Denmark. He underscored the synergy between NetBet’s strong market presence and Playson’s innovative gaming solutions as a recipe for delivering unique and captivating gaming experiences to players.
This combination of forces signifies Playson’s continued effort to broaden its global reach, and reaffirms its position as a preferred provider for operators in regulated territories. It follows on the heels of another important partnership with Casino Lugano in Switzerland, further emphasizing Playson’s ambition to cement its standing within the European gaming sector.
888 Holdings, based in London, plans a major rebrand to become Evoke plc.
The company, listed on the London Stock Exchange, is shifting its focus towards prominent European markets such as Denmark, Spain, Italy, and the UK, coupled with initiatives to cut costs.
Leadership Aims for Revival
With Per Widerström at the helm since October, 888 Holdings has been facing an 18-month period of challenges that have impacted its stock performance. Widerström, leveraging his extensive experience in online gambling, is set on revitalizing the company’s fortunes amidst managerial changes and regulatory hurdles.
Refocusing Efforts and Financial Goals
The company’s refocused efforts on key markets, which generate 85% of its revenue, resulted in an income boost to £1.7 billion in 2023 from £1.2 billion in 2022. Additionally, the company seeks to significantly lower its debt, heightened by the 2021 acquisition of William Hill’s international operations.
Exiting the U.S. Market for Efficiency
In a move towards operational efficiency, 888 Holdings plans to withdraw from its U.S. consumer sports wagering venture, anticipating considerable cost reductions. This step includes terminating its partnership with Authentic Brands Group, which allowed exclusive use of the Sports Illustrated brand for online gaming and betting in the U.S.
The Challenge of Rebranding
Aiming for a brand that better mirrors its diverse brand model and commitment to top-tier betting and gaming experiences, the company is cautious of the inherent risks in rebranding, learning from others in the industry.
Reviewing Fiscal Year 2023
Despite a net loss, 888 Holdings saw an uplift in revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2023. The company is fine-tuning its operational costs and adopting a market approach that prioritizes sustainable practices, especially in the UK, targeting recreational customers for higher margins.
Evoke plc: A Fresh Direction
The transition to Evoke plc represents the company’s commitment to a new direction and financial aspirations. The launch of a Value Creation Plan (VCP) aims at operational efficiency and a streamlined market strategy, distinguishing between core markets for growth and others for maximized returns.
Confidence in the Future
CEO Widerström is optimistic about the company’s direction and its potential for success, driven by technology, market leadership, and brand strength. Evoke plc aims for revitalization and growth with clear targets for the upcoming years.
As 888 Holdings transforms into Evoke plc, it heralds a move towards optimizing its market presence and financial stability. Under experienced leadership and with a vision, the company will be ready for what the future of the industry holds.
CEO Departure and Interim Appointment
Affiliate marketing giant Catena Media has been undergoing major changes recently, kicking off with the sudden resignation of CEO Michael Daly in late February 2024. Daly, who had served as CEO since March 2021, stepped down with immediate effect after overseeing a disappointing 2023 for the company.
Under Daly’s tenure, Catena saw a sharp decline in revenue, with its crucial US market revenue dropping 21%. This poor performance, coupled with a 75% year-over-year plunge in Catena’s share price, led to calls for Daly’s resignation from industry figures like STS founder Mateusz Juroszek.
Following Daly’s exit, Pierre Cadena, Catena’s Vice President of Corporate Strategy, was appointed as the interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
New CEO Appointment and Board Revamp
On March 25th, 2024, Catena Media announced the appointment of Manuel Stan as its new permanent CEO, effective July 1st. Stan, a former Kindred Group executive with over 16 years of experience, will be based in Las Vegas and tasked with driving Catena’s growth in the North American market.
Alongside the CEO appointment, Catena also proposed a board reshuffle, with Erik Flinck, the chairman of digital health startup Dr Hud, nominated as the new chairman. Dan Castillo, a long-time Catena investor, was proposed as a new board member, while Øystein Engebretsen, Theodore Bergquist, Adam Krejcik, and Sean Hurley were nominated for re-election.
The proposed changes aim to reduce the size of Catena’s board from seven to six members, with outgoing members including former chairman Göran Blomberg, Esther Teixeira-Boucher, and Austin Malcomb.
Strategic Shift and Cost Optimization
Catena’s leadership overhaul comes as the company implements a strategic shift to focus on the North American market while divesting assets in Europe. In August 2023, Catena sold its UK and Australian online sports brands to Moneta Communications as part of this strategy.
Additionally, the company launched a cost reduction program of around €4 million to “optimize group operations” following recent divestments. Daly had initially defended this restructuring, calling for patience as the changes took effect, but his sudden departure suggests the board’s impatience with the pace of the turnaround.
As Catena Media navigates these turbulent waters, the incoming leadership team led by Stan and the refreshed board will face significant challenges in reviving the company’s fortunes and capitalizing on the lucrative but highly competitive North American market.