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Not making progress
Yordan Petkov, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, talks about some of the unique challenges studios are facing when developing slots for the US market
Momentum is starting to build behind legal online casino in the US, with a growing number of states rolling out regulatory frameworks and awarding iGaming licences to operators. This is creating a significant market for studios to explore, with increasing demand among operators and players for new and exciting slot content.
This opportunity has not gone unnoticed by studios that have made their name in the European market, with many now turning their attention to North America. But those that think the slots that top the charts in the likes of the UK, Sweden and Italy will be as successful in the US are mistaken.
The US is a very different market when it comes to culture and player expectations. Added to this are the regulatory requirements that studios must ensure their games comply with. This means not being able to launch slots with certain mechanics and features, and this in turn makes for a challenging environment in which studios must produce games that hit the spot with players.
The classics are always the best:
At the moment, players seem to be drawn to the slots they recognise from the gaming floors of their favourite land-based casinos in Las Vegas and beyond. I’m talking about slots such as Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune. Online casinos stock these games as it is a great way to transition players online for the first time via titles they are familiar with and trust.
But as the market matures, player expectations will change with more complex games coming into favour. Of course, modern slots with gripping mechanics and engaging bonus features will also have greater appeal among the lucrative but hard-to-reach Millennial and Generation Z audiences, which operators will want to tap into via their online offerings.
However, the US presents a unique challenge for studios to overcome in that states have specific regulations that relate to the features that are and are not permitted in online slots. In particular, there is a ban on progressive features that are carried over several spins. In short, each spin is seen as an independent game round so all features must begin and end within that spin.
So, what does this mean? No progress bars, no collectables, no multipliers or free spins that build as the game plays out. Essentially, all the things that make modern slot games so exciting to play. This is leaving studios with a bit of a conundrum – how to hold the player’s attention for longer periods when any potential progression made in a single spin is lost on the next spin.
The clock is ticking:
This is forcing studios to think outside of the box, and that of course is a good thing. The key is to come up with concepts, mechanics and features that build high levels of anticipation into a single spin. This can include things like offering a second chance to win on every base game bet – this is something that we have done with our ClockwaysTM mechanic.
The way it works is that the outer symbols rotate clockwise, changing the symbol positions to create more, bigger wins in a way that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Another tactic studios can look to explore is adding progression into multi-round bonus features such as free spins. With free spins usually lasting eight rounds or more, there is scope to bring in elements of progression here with any progress made reset once the bonus round comes to an end. This is easier said than done and requires super-smart mathematicians to create the models behind such mechanics while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
But it’s not just the gameplay where studios can try new things. There is plenty of room to be creative around themes, design, sound and even narratives and characters that run through the game. US players are drawn to a wide range of slot themes, from magic to the Wild West as well as dragons, farming, sports, Egypt and Norse.
There is so much that can be done here to take these classic themes and elevate them through stories, characters, striking artwork and immersive sound. While the gameplay is always crucial to engagement, so too is the look and feel of the game.
Of course, the ultimate success of a game requires all of these factors coming together – theme, design, sound, math and gameplay. The US does present some unique challenges for studios to overcome, but those with the right teams in place will be able to work together to create compelling slot games that are fully compliant with the rules in each state.
It’s a tough hurdle to clear, but it’s what makes the US market so interesting for studios.
CT Gaming has announced its debut installations in Guatemala, marking a significant milestone in the expansion across Latin America. Following this year’s successful installations in Mexico and Perú, CT Gaming’s presence in the region continues to grow at full speed.
“We are proud of the established partnerships and see these installations as the foundation for a long-term collaboration. We believe this is just the beginning of our journey toward becoming a leading provider in Guatemala,” said Georgi Koprinarov, General Manager LatAm at CT Gaming.
Leading gaming venues in Guatemala, among which Fantastic – Majadas, Fantastic – Las Americas, Magic Bingo – Metro Norte and Magic Bingo – Capitol, are now equipped with EZ Modulo 32/32/32 slot cabinet and the newest addition to the Diamond King family – Diamond King 4. Among the 40 games in the pack, players will experience a unique blend of classic titles and brand-new games such as Zet Fruits,Clovers on Fire and others. Additionally, half of the games are linked to the progressive jackpot Diamond Tree Deluxe, which concept is offering exciting rewards and enhanced gameplay. Another new feature that premiers within Diamond King 4, is the “Buy Bonus” game which brings additional excitement and better chances of winning.
“We are thrilled to partner with CT Gaming and introduce their cutting-edge products to Guatemala. The installation of the EZ Modulo cabinets in combination with the latest multigame – Diamond King 4 has already sparked interest among our players. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration with CT Gaming, bringing top-tier entertainment to our customers,” said Edgar Paz Ravines, director of Desarrollos Providencia.
Spintec returns to IGA with its exclusive US distributor, Dynamic Gaming, and a shared booth with Gaming Arts.
Spintec’s return to the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Conference & Tradeshow this year is marked by the significant success the company has achieved since the last show. Their partnership with their exclusive distributor, Dynamic Gaming, has expanded their presence across the US by leaps and bounds.
They are currently licensed and approved for their latest product and games, in California, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Washington, with approvals in Arkansas, Wyoming, Idaho, and Florida waiting in the wings. This highlights their ongoing commitment to the US market and their growing footprint across North America, emphasized further by their imminent entry into Ontario, Canada.
To celebrate their unwavering success in North America, Spintec will be showcasing the best parts of their latest Charisma product line at this year’s IGA. Charisma is a brand-new line of products, which has already won awards and has become an instant global bestseller. In an exclusive introduction, the visitors at IGA will be shown its brand-new Craps solution. It comes with super innovative elements such as the shooter button, 7-out function, and a rotating dealer feature. Additionally, they will also be unveiling their virtual/video Charisma Blackjack machine. Both of these exceptional new solutions are designed to elevate the gaming experience and include a variety of side bets on both games.
But that’s not all – visitors will also have the chance to try out their proprietary new Galactic Spin Roulette game. It offers an enhanced roulette experience with integrated Mega, Major, and Minor Jackpots, bet multipliers of up to 300, and the exciting possibility of winning free spins. This game revolutionizes the roulette experience by eliminating breaks, making the wait for the ball to drop the most thrilling part of the game.
Their booth will also include a variety of compact, multi-station solutions, giving the visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the breadth of their latest product portfolio.
TheLotter US has expanded its trusted lottery courier service to Arizona, following successful launches in New Jersey and New York just last year. With this latest addition, TheLotter US now operates in five states, including Oregon, and Minnesota.
Yael Hertz, CEO of TheLotter Group, said: “We’re thrilled to expand our service to yet another state. Now, Arizona residents can enjoy the convenience of entering their favorite lottery draws without having to go out and buy a ticket.”
TheLotter US fulfills lottery ticket orders on customers’ behalf at licensed retailers, scans them, and uploads them to their personal accounts before the draw. From there, they can view their ticket and track their numbers with ease.
With years of experience in the industry, TheLotter US is making lottery play more convenient than ever. Their dedicated 24/7 customer support ensures players always receive prompt and reliable assistance whenever they need it.
Over time, TheLotter US has built a loyal customer base by consistently proving itself as a trusted and reliable service.
Creating an account takes just minutes. After verifying their info, users can choose their favorite lottery game, pick their lucky numbers or use Quick Pick, select the number of lines to be added, and confirm their order. TheLotter US will take it from there.
With years of experience and a solid reputation, TheLotter US uses top-tier security measures like GeoTrust 128-bit SSL encryption to protect all transactions. Plus, ticket scans will be viewable in customers’ accounts before the draw for total transparency, and their 24/7 customer support is always there to assist with any and all queries.
Arizona has seen some incredible jackpot wins, including a $108 million Mega Millions prize in Lake Havasu City just four years ago. More recently, in January 2025, a lucky player in Tempe became the sole winner of a $112 million jackpot.
This win has special significance, as the winner purchased their ticket through an online lottery courier service. This incredible win highlights how ticket courier services make it easier than ever for players to enter their favorite draws—and seize life-changing opportunities.
Now that TheLotter US is live in Arizona, Arizona residents have the same opportunity to play for the biggest prizes and create their own “jackpot moment”.
Whether it is a big or small win, customers will be notified by email right away by TheLotter US. Smaller prizes (under $600) are deposited directly into a players’ account. Should a player win a larger prize, TheLotter US will assist them in claiming their prize in person at the official lottery office.
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