Industry News
Developing slots with player safety in mind
Light & Wonder’s VP Game Development Rob Procter describes how the slot development process is influenced by progress in safer gambling policy and best practice
Keeping players safe is of paramount importance for every stakeholder in the gaming business.
It is a factor that is at the forefront of regulatory and advertising codes in markets around the world, with European Safer Gambling Week serving to bring the issues at play under an especially sharp focus. At Light & Wonder, it is our firm belief that the creation of safe, sustainable playing environments is a necessity if our industry is to continue to flourish worldwide.
We see online gaming as a firm part of the overall entertainment ecosystem. Within this environment, players must be made to feel comfortable enough to play responsibly, having enjoyed an experience that they feel has given them value for their money.
Player safety is about far more than simply being compliant and doing the bare minimum to stick to a set of regulations. It is our belief at Light & Wonder that player safety should be hard-wired into our overall entire content strategy. Within our creative teams, we are always cognisant of the new features and mechanics that we are putting into games and the ways in which they will interact with the player to enhance entertainment levels while also keeping them safe from potential harms.
Landscape
In recent years, the landscape has changed markedly in terms of widespread awareness of the need to protect players. If you look at the example of the UK, buying directly into a bonus feature was prohibited by the Gambling Commission of Great Britain a few years ago, which necessitated a change in approach for game suppliers. We have been focusing strongly on providing compelling experiences within slots to all levels of players across all regulated markets, without them having to stake to high levels, or play for longer in order to access certain features. We don’t want players to feel that a certain level of investment in a slot is a necessity and that numerous spins must be undertaken before a certain level of potential is reached within a game. It is about approaching game design with an ethical, fair mindset, and this comes to the fore when deciding on the distribution of RTP and the way a slot’s mechanics interact with the base game.
Our desire is that we provide players at all stake levels with a positive experience and to show that any top-ranking bonus is attainable by any type of player. Attractive features can no longer only be on offer to the player who is prepared to spend more time and money on their stake – on any given game.
Across all channels
Restrictions in land-based gaming are different in nature compared to the online world, while also varying across different markets. Throughout the process of designing an omni-channel game, we ensure that our content behaves in the same way as our native digital titles with regard to enhancing the game experience, without putting the player in harm’s way.
At Light & Wonder, my colleagues in the land-based creative teams have the same perception of safer gambling as we do in iGaming. We are able to take mutually beneficial learnings as business units, looking at how the land-based teams have incorporated RTP splits and features and mechanics changes, and utilizing those within the online sphere.
Pitfalls
Naturally, operators have a strong imperative to uphold their social responsibility commitments, and to remain as compliant as possible to the regulators. As we see it, though, suppliers certainly have their own part to play in providing operators with content that has player safety already built-in, through entertaining features that can be accessed at all staking levels. Furthermore, we make sure we’re always present in industry working groups, pushing forward the development of best practice in responsible game design – this work is incredibly important to us, and something we’d encourage broader engagement with from others.
In most mature markets, regulation appears to have one direction of travel, towards greater restrictions. Yet in creating new solutions that can cater for evolving guidelines, there lies an opportunity for clever content creators to produce games with original and compelling math models and mechanics. Players can play safely and be entertained but it is up to all stakeholders in our industry to ensure to play their part to ensure that this is the case.
casino games
BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market
The golden Vegas offerings and entertainment of BetMGM is coming to the Netherlands, following a successful launch in the UK. BetMGM will offer a best-in-class Las Vegas experience to deliver a new golden era of online casino and sports betting in the Netherlands. Leveraging LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, the launch marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.
BetMGM, the entertainment and sports brand known for its golden offerings and authentic Vegas experience, is launching in the Netherlands. The new brand is set to provide customers with exciting new product features, including large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive slots, as well as unique and compelling sports promotions. Utilising LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, this expansion into the Dutch market represents the second European launch, succeeding a well-received rollout in the United Kingdom.
Gary Fritz, President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, said “We are thrilled to launch BetMGM in the Netherlands and build on BetMGM’s successful expansion into global markets. The Dutch market offers an exciting opportunity and will be an important part of our international expansion efforts and strategy to become a global gaming leader.”
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas Group, said “Our launch in the UK was tremendously successful, and we eagerly anticipate bringing the golden Vegas experience to the Netherlands. This launch in the Dutch market is an important step in our international expansion, but we have much more in store.”
The post BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
“Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming!
PopOK Gaming, a trailblazer in the world of iGaming, is happy to announce the launch of their latest slot game, “Royal Flash.” This classic-style slot game takes players on a fruity escapade, promising an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and grand wins fit for royalty.
Drawing inspiration from traditional fruit machines, “Royal Flash” exudes classic charm with its timeless design and iconic symbols. Set across 5×3 reels and featuring 10 paylines, this game is adorned with familiar fruit symbols such as strawberries, cherries, grapes, and the illustrious Seven symbol.
But the real excitement lies in the gameplay – each Wild symbol that graces the reels expands to form a Wild reel, ramping up the intensity and offering thrilling win potential with every spin. Additionally, keep a keen eye out for the coveted gold bar symbol; landing three or more unlocks a prize from any position on the reels, adding an extra layer of thrill to your gaming experience.
Players can expect to bask in the glory of majestic wins, with the opportunity to claim up to 1,500 times their bet in this modernized twist on a retro-inspired classic. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of gaming, “Royal Flash” promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, thrills, and the chance to win big!
Experience the Majesty of “Royal Flash” Today!
The post “Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
NuxGame’s Aggregation Platform shortlisted in EGR B2B Awards
NuxGame, the experienced betting and casino software provider, has been recognised at this year’s EGR B2B Awards, receiving a nomination for its Aggregation Platform.
The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most esteemed events in the industry and this shortlisting solidifies NuxGame’s status as a leading casino software supplier and a one-stop shop for casino operators.
Winners are to be selected by a panel of industry experts ahead of the ceremony at The Roundhouse in London on 13th June.
NuxGame’s aggregation platform boasts over 13,600 slots titles from 135 leading providers, which has recently been bolstered thanks to partnerships with the likes of 3 Oaks Gaming, Vivo Gaming and Hacksaw Gaming.
The nomination follows a strong year for the provider, which has made strides in player retention and acquisition tools for its aggregation platform customers with features such as free spins, network tournaments, live streamer promotions and custom thumbnails.
This latest development for NuxGame serves as a testament to its philosophy of staying ahead of the tech curve and harnessing the latest technologies to provide a bespoke and customer-centric service.
Denis Kosinsky, Chief Operating Officer at NuxGame, said: “The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most important dates in the iGaming calendar, so we are honoured that our leading casino aggregation platform has been shortlisted.
“It’s fantastic to be recognised in these prestigious awards, as we are dedicated to delivering the most innovative casino game aggregation platform for our customers.”
The post NuxGame’s Aggregation Platform shortlisted in EGR B2B Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Baltics3 weeks ago
Lithuania’s Nese enters iGaming with a record sponsorship deal
-
Asia6 days ago
Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit
-
Africa3 weeks ago
BMM Testlabs Continues Its Expansion in Africa with New Licenses in Botswana and Nigeria to Test Land-Based and Digital Products
-
Australia4 weeks ago
VGCCC Fines Bookmaker MintBet $100,000 for Repeat Breaches of its Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
3 Oaks Gaming extends European reach with Romania licence
-
Central Europe4 weeks ago
Gaming Corps makes key European addition with Fortuna Entertainment Group partnership
-
Africa3 weeks ago
KingMakers’ Nigerian operating business, BetKing, selects Genius Sports to power growth with in-play trading services
-
Press Releases2 weeks ago
OpenBet Powers Record-Breaking 100,000+ Peak Bets per Minute at Grand National 2024