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Interviews

Q&A w/ Katya Machuganova, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming: Are trademarks really worth it

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Q&A w/ Katya Machuganova, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming: Are trademarks really worth it

 

More and more studios are trademarking mechanics. What has led to this situation?

Momentum has been building behind studios trademarking mechanics for some time but undoubtedly the success of Big Time Gaming’s Megaways has been a catalyst for more developers getting in on the action. Megaways introduced a unique, highly engaging mechanic that has become a slot format in its own right and has now been licensed by hundreds of studios, taking its success to the next level. Other developers want to replicate this success by creating and trademarking unique mechanics of their own. This in turn has seen more focus put on mechanics and the impact they can have on the game in terms of ensuring a slot stands out from others stocked in the operator’s lobby. Another driver is the desire to monetize IP within the slot provision space and to prevent rivals from copying mechanics and features that developers believe give them the edge.

What are the upsides to a studio trademarking a mechanic?

By trademarking a mechanic, the studio can legally protect its intellectual property and prevent others from creating slots that use a similar mechanic without their permission. This can prevent the dilution of their brand and the potential loss of revenue that could result from competitors using their IP. This has become surprisingly common in recent years due to the highly competitive nature of the market and the need for developers to come up with engaging gameplay that appeals to players and drives them to their slots over those of their rivals. Those who opt to licence their trademarked mechanics can open up new, lucrative revenue streams. Beyond that, a trademark can establish a studio as an innovator which can help secure operator partnerships and premium lobby positioning.

What challenges do studios face when it comes to trademarking a mechanic?

Trademarking is not a straightforward process and the legalities around it are often complex. In some cases, it might not even be possible for a studio to secure a trademark if the mechanic features components that are already being widely used by other developers or if it is deemed to be too generic. Trademarking is often costly and draws resources away from the studio’s primary focus, which is to develop slots that players want to play. This can make it tough for a studio to determine if trademarking is right or not – if the studio has invested heavily in developing a unique mechanic, then it might be worth protecting its IP through trademarking. But this still doesn’t guarantee success – if the game doesn’t hit the mark with players, it will flop regardless of whether it uses a trademarked mechanic or not.

What does a mechanic need to include in order to be trademarked?

For a game mechanic to be eligible for trademark protection, it must meet certain legal requirements. It must be distinctive, so the game mechanic needs to be unique or different from other mechanics used in the industry. It must be non-functional, which means it can’t be essential to the functioning of the game or necessary for gameplay. It must be used as a trademark or a source identifier for the studio, such that consumers associate the mechanic with that studio or its products.

In addition to meeting these legal requirements, a game mechanic should also provide value to the gameplay experience in order to be worthwhile for the studio to trademark. A successful game mechanic should enhance the gameplay experience, provide a unique and engaging challenge for players, or otherwise contribute to the game’s overall enjoyment.

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The decision to trademark a game mechanic should be based on a variety of factors, including legal considerations, the unique value of the mechanic to the game, and the studio’s overall business strategy. By carefully considering these factors, studios can make informed decisions about which game mechanics to trademark and how to use them to enhance their products and protect their intellectual property.

Is this push for trademarked mechanics ultimately benefitting players?

Yes and no. In some respects, the push for developing mechanics that can be trademarked has forced studios to invest more heavily in this area of the game and this has resulted in new player experiences hitting the market that have proved to be popular. In particular, NetEnt’s Cluster Pays, Reel Play’s Infinity Reels, Yggdrasil’s GIGABLOX and Nolimit City’s xWays and xNudge. But in some cases, studios have developed mechanics solely for the purpose of trademarking without giving much consideration to whether players will actually enjoy the experience they provide or not. Another consequence is a potential rise in legal disputes and ultimately the hindering of the sharing of ideas and innovations across the industry. If studios become super protective over their IP and are less willing to collaborate with others, innovation and progress become stifled.

What is Silverback Gaming’s approach to trademarking?

We do have a trademarked mechanic, ClockWaysTM, that will debut on our soon-to-launch title, Mega Fishing Deluxe. During one of our brainstorming sessions, we came up with the idea of a unique game mechanic that would completely change how a traditional slot works. After some further discussion, we came up with a game-changing concept that is super simple and easy to understand – we want players to be pleasantly surprised rather than startled. With ClockWays, the player always wins. On every few regular spins, paylines are evaluated and wins are paid. All the external symbols that have landed on the reels and form a kind of frame will rotate i.e. will change their relative positions with a number of places clockwise or counter-clockwise in search of new winning combinations. After the first rotation, paylines are evaluated again with the new symbol positions and new pays are awarded. Reels will rotate as many times as needed to form a guaranteed winning combination.

This is a good example of being innovative for the players’ benefit. Our feature guarantees wins which adds anticipation, fun and value to the player’s play. However, it also protects players from potential large balance losses and keeps the balance reasonably stable while still eligible to win big. Everything we do at Silverback is about delivering experiences that players actually want to enjoy, and we have taken the exact same approach with ClockWays.

Interviews

Review Fatigue Is Real: How to Make Casino Comparisons Clear, Honest, and Human

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Review Fatigue Is Real: How to Make Casino Comparisons Clear, Honest, and Huma

 

Sebastian Jarosch is the founder of Mithrillium Media Ltd, and a very famous figure in the iGaming industry. His contributions to the market have been immensely influential. Jarosch has overlooked several projects relating to the online gambling market, most notably those involving affiliates. Because of his past works, we believe he is uniquely qualified to address the topic of Review Fatigue, that seem to be plaguing the industry right now.

Actions speak louder than words. And Jarosch’s actions have earned him several of the most notable industry awards. Among the most notable are the Casinomeister 2020 Awards for Best Casino Group, the AskGamblers Awards for Best Partner in 2021, and the Affpapa Awards Affiliate Programme of the Year 2022.

Interview Questions:

What is “review fatigue,” and why do you think it’s becoming a growing issue in the iGaming space?

Review fatigue happens when players are faced with repetitive, overly long, or generic content. With so many casinos offering similar bonuses, games, and licensing, users quickly lose interest if every review sounds the same. Many reviews lack real insight and simply list features without context, often sounding too good to be true. As a result, players tend to skim or move on entirely, especially if they’ve already seen the same structure and wording on multiple other sites.

How can overly technical or overly promotional content alienate users instead of helping them?

When content is too technical, it can confuse or intimidate newcomers. Ideally content is educational and written with the player in mind. On the flip side, a sales pitch feels dishonest, especially to experienced players who know what to look for. Users are looking for clarity and guidance, not marketing sugar coated casinos. If a review sounds like it’s trying to sell rather than help, it erodes trust immediately. Players want transparency, real pros and cons, not just buzzwords.

What are the most important things players want to see in a casino comparison, and what can we safely leave out?

Players want to know the promotions, payment methods, withdrawal speeds, licensing, game variety, and reliability of a casino. They also care about things like support quality, KYC, ownership, RTPs, and real player feedback. What they don’t want is generic content that could apply to any casino and offers no real value. Sites like Casino-Groups help players pick the right casinos based on individual preferences.

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How do you balance clarity with completeness when writing or designing reviews?

It’s all about prioritizing information and guiding the reader. We aim to answer the most important user questions right at the beginning, often using summary tables to make things easier to digest. More detailed information comes later for those who want to dive deeper. It’s important to avoid walls of text and explain complex terms in plain language. The goal is to give users exactly what they need to know, without bombarding them with unnecessary information.

Do players trust shorter, more digestible content more than long-form reviews today? Why or why not

Shorter content tends to convert better because users find what they’re looking for quickly, without digging through long paragraphs full of filler. Dense, meaningful content with no waste often performs best. A short, clear, and well-structured review can build more trust than a long one filled with fluff. That said, some players do enjoy longer reviews, especially when they’re broken up with visuals, clear sections, and genuinely useful insights.

What role does tone of voice play in making reviews feel more human and less “salesy”?

A review should feel like it’s written by a real person who’s an expert in the field, not by ChatGPT or a salesperson. We use conversational language where possible and speak directly to the user. If something’s bad or a bonus is just average, it needs to be mentioned. That kind of honesty builds far more credibility than flashy design or empty buzzwords.

How do you verify and present information (e.g., licensing, terms, payment speed) in a way that’s both accurate and user-friendly?

We manually verify everything by signing up, testing support, and reading the fine print. We also check licenses through official registries and monitor user feedback on watchdog sites. To present the information clearly, we use tables, lists, screenshots, and both internal and external links to relevant pages. All our reviews follow a consistent format so players know what to expect and can easily find the details they need.

Have you experimented with visual elements like comparison tables, badges, or rating meters to reduce cognitive load?

Pictures speak a thousand words and help break up content into smaller, more digestible sections, reducing review fatigue. We use comparison tables for things like bonus terms, game selection, and payment methods. Every review includes a rating, and we apply badges to highlight our top casinos. This makes it easier for users to compare options at a glance and make smarter decisions with less effort.

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What strategies do you use to keep review formats consistent while still personalizing the experience for different user types?

We follow a consistent structure that works well for both SEO and conversions. However, if a specific area needs emphasis or additional context, we’re happy to deviate from our standard format to ensure topical completeness. Some casinos offer unique features that deserve extra attention, and in those cases, we’ll add dedicated sections. The framework is consistent, but we stay flexible where it counts.

Looking ahead, how do you think casino reviews will evolve to meet changing user expectations and attention spans?

We’ll see more interactivity, personalization, and smarter use of data. Reviews could adapt in real time based on user preferences, highlighting crypto options for one user and game selection for another. AI chatbots may help users find the best match and answer questions about a casino instantly. Integration with platforms like Discord or Telegram where players can exchange themselves could also make reviews feel more social and trustworthy. Reviews need to become sharper, more authentic, and more genuinely helpful than ever before.

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Interviews

Curated for impact: How Infingame is redefining games aggregation

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In an exclusive with Gaming Americas, Katsiaryna Shuhai, Business Development Manager at Infingame, explores how the supplier’s curated approach to casino content  is redefining the games aggregation space.

 

Katsiaryna, can you begin by introducing yourself – what does your role at Infingame entail? 

As the Business Development Manager at Infingame, I lead strategic partnerships and integrations with game studios and content providers. My role focuses on identifying standout gaming content that fits our platform’s vision, negotiating collaboration terms, and ensuring smooth onboarding.

With a background in advertising, I bring a strong focus on relationship-building, open communication and a personalised approach to each partner. I believe that genuine connections and tailored solutions are key to driving successful, long-term collaborations.

 

Infingame has recently integrated with innovative game studios, including TaDa Gaming and Popiplay.  What factors influenced your decision to partner with these two studios in particular? How have they impacted your partners’ engagement and retention across Latin America? 

Our decision to partner with TaDa Gaming and Popiplay was driven by each studio’s ability to deliver innovative, high-performing content that resonates with players across our key markets, including Latin America. Popiplay offers energetic, entertainment-led slots, while TaDa brings a diverse mix of popular formats such as crash and fishing games.

We’re confident that these integrations will help our partners boost player engagement and retention, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Both studios align perfectly with our goal of delivering meaningful and localised content.

 

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With 16,000+ games from 200+ providers available via Infingame’s platform, how do you ensure that new titles don’t just add volume but deliver real value to your operators?

While our platform boasts a vast library of games, we prioritise quality over quantity. It’s important to deliver content that we know players will enjoy, rather than just sheer volume.

When adding new content to our platform, each new title undergoes a rigorous evaluation process to ensure it meets our standards for player engagement, technical performance and market relevance. By focusing on curated content that aligns with operator needs and player preferences, we ensure that every addition enhances the overall value proposition for our partners.

 

Infingame is now taking a much more curated approach to game studio integrations. What sparked this change in strategy?

The shift towards a more curated approach stems from our commitment to delivering tailored, high-quality content that meets the specific needs of our operators and players. We want to make sure that the games on our platform are suited to local player behaviours, technical requirements and localised to each individual market.

As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, and more markets begin to embrace gambling regulation, it’s essential to focus on partnerships that offer strategic value, ensuring that each integration contributes meaningfully to our platform’s objectives and enhances the user experience.

 

With more selective onboarding of game providers, how does Infingame evaluate which studios to integrate with? What criteria do you consider?

We evaluate potential game studio partners using a rigorous set of criteria to ensure quality and compatibility with the Infingame platform. Key factors include the uniqueness and quality of game content, with an emphasis on standout mechanics, visuals and immersive experiences. Technical reliability is absolutely crucial – we assess API stability, integration efficiency, and overall tech performance to guarantee seamless operations.

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We also consider the studio’s reputation and regulatory compliance across our target markets, ensuring that they meet legal standards and industry expectations. A strong track record of player engagement and retention is another important indicator of long-term value.

Additionally, we look for a clear commitment to innovation, including new formats or features that enhance the player experience. This selective onboarding approach helps us maintain a diverse, high-performing game portfolio that supports our operator partners and meets the evolving demands of players worldwide.

 

How will this refined integration strategy impact your existing and prospective partners, particularly in terms of content diversity and speed to market?

This refined integration strategy empowers us to deliver greater value to both existing and prospective partners by emphasising quality over quantity. By curating a portfolio of high-performing, innovative content, we ensure that our partners can offer games that genuinely resonate with their target audiences and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Our focus on onboarding only top-tier, reliable studios means partners benefit from diverse and engaging content that drives player retention and growth. Additionally, by streamlining technical integration and reducing operational friction, we can accelerate speed to market, enabling our partners to launch new titles more efficiently and capitalise on emerging trends.

This agility is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Ultimately, our strategy is designed to foster long-term success for our partners by delivering not just more games – but the right games, faster.

 

Finally, what’s next for Infingame? Are there any upcoming partnerships, features, or innovations that you can give us a sneak peek of?

Looking ahead, Infingame is committed to expanding its portfolio through strategic partnerships with studios that deliver innovative, high-impact content. Our focus remains on curating games that not only entertain but also enhance player retention.

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At the same time, we’re investing in new technologies and platform features – such as advanced tournament mechanics, real-time engagement tools, and personalised player experiences – to help our partners stay ahead of industry trends.

These enhancements are designed to drive deeper engagement, increase revenue potential, and strengthen the overall value we bring to our operator network as a trusted, forward-thinking iGaming aggregator.

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Interviews

Sweepstakes’ next chapter: Exploring global potential, US regulations and player preferences

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Sweepstakes’ next chapter: Exploring global potential, US regulations and player preferences

 

Sweepstake casinos have seemingly come out of nowhere to dominate the discourse across the US. We spoke to a number of providers who have entered the space to see what their expectations are, and how far the sweeps vertical can go alongside the traditional casino experience.

With/ Rory Kimber, Commercial Director at LuckyStreak, Daniel Mitton, Chief Business Development Officer at Sweepium and Allan Turner CEO at Cogniplay

 

What games are best received by sweepstake customers? Traditional games or more gamified titles such as boosted multipliers or big jackpot games?

RK: I would say that for live dealer, it’s a traditional genre of games that are popular with sweepstakes casinos players, and as we’ve seen, particularly Blackjack. US players are more likely to play in land-based casinos, so the authentic and human aspects of live dealer games naturally resonate well.

We’ve seen a big uptake of all our core games, which was gratifying, but that’s not to say the gamification aspect doesn’t play a role, as our leaderboards and tournaments are popular and very effective, particularly with this segment of players that are looking for more than just gameplay.

In slots it seems to depend on the brand; some operators bring in players who want traditional maths and features but an increasing number are seeing strong performance from new games with unique features that never lose your attention for a second. The providers that create games with sweepstakes players in mind will be more likely to see success.

AT: What we’re seeing is that players seem to lean towards games that feel quite traditional and familiar to them in most cases. Although, they often come with features like fixed jackpots that scale with your bet, which adds a bit more excitement to their playing experience. I would say that users are gradually getting more experimental over time, and as the prevalence of non-US based games providers increases on sweeps sites, with them applying the sweeps mechanic to their games, innovation is certainly speeding up, and this is being embraced by users.

DM: What we’re seeing from the U.S. audience is a clear preference for high-energy, feature-rich games. Titles that include interactive mechanics, boosted multipliers, or big-event style moments consistently drive the most engagement. These kinds of experiences are more immersive, more social and they give players a sense of momentum and excitement.

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That said, traditional slots and classic-style games still play an important role especially as an entry point for new users. Over time, players really respond to content that feels fresh, dynamic and packed with surprises. It’s not just about spinning, it’s about participating in an entertainment experience.

 

 

Do you tweak titles to be unique to sweepstake casinos, or does the same product respond well on traditional online casinos and social?

AT: Right now, we mostly work with studios to handle any tweaks, though in general, the classic versions of games tend to perform well across different platforms. One area that we do see more interest in the sweeps market, is in things like fishing and shooting-style games, which have a real captive audience in the US, due to the history of fish table games in the market. One tweak that a lot of brands are employing is asking their game providers to create branded games for them, which in a lot of cases tends to perform very well, particularly for the more well-known brands.

RK: We tweak our games to be compliant first and foremost, but in terms of the actual gameplay in the Live games, it’s pretty much the same.

For social casinos in particular, there are necessary changes because the number of coins people win can be enormous, so that requires some thought too. For slots, we’ve seen our providers make sure the fastest gameplay settings are defaulted, along with all their features enabled that some regulated markets don’t allow, but really a lot of the time the gameplay experience is comparable.

That being said, providers who build sweepstakes and social titles from the ground up do go about things in a different way and have those players front of mind throughout the development process and that has been successful.

DM: We’ve found that the core product translates well across both traditional online and sweepstakes platforms especially when it comes to high-quality, well-designed games. The fundamentals of engaging gameplay, strong visuals and smooth mechanics resonate just as strongly with sweepstakes players as they do in real-money or social environments.

That said, there are subtle but important differences in how players engage. In sweepstakes, we tend to see more interest in longer session times, progress-based features and community-driven elements, which slightly shifts how we position and present the content. For example, boosted multipliers and timed events do especially well in the sweeps format because they align with that desire for ongoing entertainment and personal achievement.

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Ultimately, a strong core game can succeed in both spaces. It’s about making the right adjustments to match player expectations keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

 

Do you think sweeps will become as popular throughout Europe as they are in the US?

RK: I think the elephant in the room is regulation. Sweepstakes are a popular product but are inextricably linked to what local regulation allows. For European markets where the real money industry has experienced  stringent regulations I believe there is a space for sweepstakes casinos to come in and give players an experience more comparable to what they enjoyed a few years ago. I’m no expert on the legalities of sweeps in each of these jurisdictions but I’d be very surprised if they don’t gain a foothold in the European market somewhere.

DM: There’s definitely potential but the dynamics are different. In the U.S., the appeal of sweepstakes is closely tied to accessibility and the ability to engage across most of the country, on a state by state basis. That’s given the model a unique edge in the U.S. market.

In Europe, where the digital entertainment and gaming landscape is already well-established, the path might look different but I do think there’s room for growth, especially in areas where lightweight, low-barrier gaming experiences are in demand. The key will be localization, cultural relevance and regulatory framework. The model works best when it speaks directly to the habits and preferences of each market.

AT: Personally, I think it’s all about how market conditions change in Europe in the coming years, particularly with regards to regulation. In the US sweeps has become particularly popular because it has filled the void left by the fact there are still so few regulated states for real-money gaming. Does this void exist in Europe in the same way? Well, no, not in most countries, not now anyway. However, should regulators continue their current path to over-regulation, who knows how that will end up. There are already several sweeps’ sites operating in a few European markets, that are already quite over-regulated, and that trend could well continue apace.

 

Sweepstake casinos have shot to popularity in a swift time frame. Where do you think they’ll be in 5 years’ time?

AT: This is the billion-dollar question on everyone’s lips right now, with regards to sweeps, it’s certainly a question we get asked a lot! Obviously, there is a lot of noise about sweeps at the moment, and a huge number of variables to consider, and its’ anyone’s guess how it will all turn out in the end. Ultimately there is a huge demand in the US for online gaming products, and it seems logical, as part of free market economic theory that unless regulated gaming can progress much more quickly than it is now.

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RK: Well again the obvious answer is what US regulators do – both in terms of the speed of opening up new states to online casinos, to how they respond to the growth of the sweepstakes sector. If things carry on largely the same I can see sweepstakes being at a similar level in terms of market share, perhaps even growing as more providers and new operators enter the market and improve the product offering.

I think overall it will be a balance, as certain areas in the US close off sweepstakes, other markets round the world will open up, so I see a steady path ahead on a global level – although perhaps not a repeat of the explosion we’ve just witnessed. Social is a different kettle of fish: I believe it will continue to grow rapidly and become linked in more interesting ways with the acquisition activities and  loyalty programmes of real money gambling companies, whether they be land based or online.

DM: Looking five years ahead, I see sweepstakes platforms evolving into full-scale entertainment hubs. The future isn’t just about gameplay, it’s about creating connected, content-rich environments that bring together digital experiences, creator-driven events and community engagement.

We’re building platforms where people don’t just come to play, they come to interact, explore and be part of a larger digital culture. That could mean live-hosted experiences, interactive tournaments or even crossovers with music, sports or media. The sweepstakes format is incredibly flexible and that gives us the ability to adapt fast and scale with the culture. In short, we’re not just part of the digital entertainment world, we’re helping shape where it’s going next.

 

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