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Building anticipation with every spin

Published

11 months ago

June 18, 2024

Katya Machuganova, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, talks about how studios are taking their games beyond spinning and winning to deliver the thrilling entertainment experiences players now expect.

There was a time when players were happy to hit spin and then sit back to see if they would win or not. That alone was enough to generate the anticipation and thrills that make playing online slots such as buzz.

But now it’s different with players demanding more from the slots they play. They want to be engrossed in themes and narratives, interact with characters, have greater control over the outcome of the spin and ultimately be entertained to the same degree as when watching a movie.

Studios are also competing with other entertainment options such as mobile and video games, and these offer rich experiences that keep players engaged and coming back for more. Slot developers must compete with this and simply being able to win money is no longer a strong enough draw.

One of the key reasons for playing online slots is the anticipation of the win – this can sometimes be more exciting than the win itself. As the symbols drop and align, players find themselves on the edge of their seats waiting to see if they can land the right combo.

Studios have been upping the ante here with many now using cluster wins and cascades instead of standard win lines. This not only builds the win anticipation to a much higher level with each cascade bringing new win opportunities, but it also delivers more value from a single spin.

Cascades on their own are not enough to provide the action-packed experience that players are seeking so the pay system needs to be combined with the right combination of features and bonuses, with the whole game packaged up in a striking theme.

This is something we have done with our latest game, Banana Blitz Deluxe. It takes a zany theme – monkeys and bananas – and wraps it around the cascade mechanic. The team has then built a flow of bonuses that enhance the anticipation built through the cluster pays.

This includes the ever-popular free spins – triggered when at least three Scatters land in the base game – and expanding wilds. This is triggered when the monkey throws a banana peel onto the reel and sees the palm tree wild symbol cover the entire reel.

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It’s important to ensure bonuses tie in with the theme of the game, so Banana Blitz Deluxe also includes the Banana Bonus. This comes to life when scatter symbols land on reels one and five. The player must then pick banana symbols to reveal multiplier prizes.

Once the collect symbol is revealed, all of the picked multipliers (they range from 2x to 100x) are combined and applied to the win.

This is a great example of how to give players some control over the outcome of the game – the picking of the banana symbols is done by them which means they have some say in the multipliers that are revealed before the collect symbol is hit.

The challenge for studios is ensuring that bonuses click together and allow the overall gameplay to flow. Developers also need to be mindful of the market or markets the game is destined for as this will impact the complexity of the features included in the game.

We have been heavily focused on the US for some time now, and the themes, mechanics and bonus combos that hit the mark with players in the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania are very different to Norway and Portugal, for example.

In the US, players are still finding their feet with online slots so while it’s important to create games that excite and entertain, the gameplay needs to be easy to understand – players are often unwilling to spend their balances on learning new slot mechanics and features.

This is why we look to use tried and tested mechanics but combine them in a way that builds the anticipation and energy that players love to experience, even if they are relatively new to playing slots online.

One of the most effective bonus features is the progressive jackpot. Players instantly understand what it is and, most importantly, how they win. It also provides the big win potential that attracts players to certain games over others – the great thing about jackpots is that they appeal to casual players just as much as seasoned spinners.

The Banana Bonanza Progressive Jackpot can be won at random from any base game spin. The prize pot is made up of a 4% contribution from every wager with the jackpot amount always displayed on screen – it increases in real-time with every bet.

This itself is really powerful when it comes to building anticipation as players can see the size of the prize increasing second by second. Of course, as with most progressives, increasing the bet per spin value increases the player’s chance of triggering the jackpot.

Getting the right balance with theme, mechanics and bonus features is easier said than done – especially in new and emerging markets where player preferences are not quite as advanced as those in more established regions like Europe.

But all players want to be entertained and one thing’s for sure – just hitting spin and waiting to see if a win lands no longer cuts it.

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Casino Kings Knocks Out Partnership with Boxing Powerhouse BoxNation

Published

8 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Two titans of entertainment are joining forces! UK-licensed casino and sportsbook, Casino Kings, and the legendary boxing platform, BoxNation, have announced a dynamic new partnership, set to deliver a knockout blow of exclusive content, promotions and responsible betting experiences for fans. Becoming their official boxing betting partner, Casino Kings is stepping into the ring with one of the most respected names in the fight game, promising fans a ringside seat to even better betting.

This isn’t just a bell ringing for another sponsorship deal; it’s a knockout partnership designed to bring you closer to the action than ever before. Casino Kings branding will be engrained into the boxing industry, prominent across BoxNation’s popular YouTube channel through branding and content, where the biggest names and personalities in boxing step into the spotlight for exclusive interviews.

For you savvy fight fans, Casino Kings will be rolling out a series of exclusive offers, adding even more thrill to 2025’s already-explosive boxing schedule. And here’s a great way to kick things off: Casino Kings is welcoming new members with a £35 Free Bet! Just deposit a minimum of £10 and place bets of £10 or more to grab yours. Don’t miss out!

Given BoxNation’s powerful presence in the boxing arena and Casino Kings’ reputation as a premier UK online casino and sports betting platform, this partnership is bound to be a knockout you won’t want to miss.

“We’re buzzing to partner with BoxNation—this really puts Casino Kings in the heart of the action.” Says Jack Dunn, COO of Casino Kings. “The team have been absolutely brilliant, and we’re excited to get stuck into some top-tier behind-the-scenes boxing content for the fans!”

“BoxNation is delighted to announce our partnership with Casino Kings. Casino Kings has a great reputation for delivering sports and entertainment options for users. We look forward to working together with Casino Kings to create a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.” adds Umar Ahmed, BoxNation Channel Lead.

Want to be the first to know? Follow Casino Kings and BoxNation on social media now for instant updates, special offers, and all the ringside action!

About BoxNation:

BoxNation is a dedicated boxing news and media outlet, providing fans exclusive interviews and behind the content featuring the boxing’s biggest names and personalities. With over 95k YouTube subscribers and 50 million plus views, BoxNation is delivering the best boxing content from all around the world. To find out more about BoxNation, visit: www.youtube.com/@BoxNationOfficial

About Casino Kings:

Casino Kings isn’t just another UK-licensed online casino and sportsbook – it’s a platform that puts player well-being first. Deeply committed to responsible gambling, they offer a secure environment equipped with robust tools to empower users to manage their play effectively. Beyond this dedication, Casino Kings delivers consistently fair and competitive odds across a thrilling selection of sports. Plus, the king casino team consistently provides their players with the best welcome bonuses, weekly promotions, daily offers, and much more!

Let’s keep the fun in the game. Please remember to gamble responsibly. 18+ only. For more information, visit: www.gambleaware.org.

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Grand View Research: Global Sports Betting Market Size is Estimated to Reach USD 187.39 Billion by 2030

Published

12 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

The global online gambling market size is estimated to reach USD 153.57 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research.

Sports Betting Market Report Highlights:

• The offline segment accounts for a significant revenue share in the sports betting industry in 2024, particularly in regions with a mature gambling infrastructure such as Europe and Australia.

• Based on the sports type football segment dominated the sports betting market, holding the largest share due to its vast international fan base and the continuous presence of domestic and international tournaments.

• Live/In-Play Betting emerged as the leading segment in the sports betting market in 2024, thanks to its real-time and interactive nature.

• Europe sports betting market accounts for the largest revenue share of around 48% in 2024. The sports betting market in Europe is continually evolving, bolstered by established regulations in several countries and increasing digital engagement.

The growth of the global sports betting market is driven by the proliferation of internet infrastructure and evolving regulatory landscape of the entire gambling industry across the world. In addition, the increase in the number of sports events and leagues worldwide such as the NFL, FIFA World Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Europa League has positively influenced the growth of the market. Furthermore, an increase in disposable income and the rising usage of AI and blockchain technologies to improve the prediction algorithms in betting software are likely to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Esports, which is an organized, multiplayer video game competition, played by professional players, individuals, or teams, has gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed a surge in the number of events worldwide. Market players are utilizing the increased number of esports events to offer an opportunity for their customers to bet on such esports competitions and earn extra income. The surge in online sports events backed up by a rise in the number of esports tournaments offers stable growth opportunities for the betting industry. For instance, according to the report by the UK Gambling Commission, there was a huge 2922% year-on-year rise in esports betting revenue from March 2019 to March 2020.

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CANJ Launches “Casinos United Against Hunger” Campaign

Published

12 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

In an effort to address food insecurity in New Jersey, the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) has launched the Casinos United Against Hunger campaign in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ). Atlantic City casinos collectively are donating more than $170,000 to support CFBNJ’s mission.

“Ending hunger will take all of us stepping up to do more for our neighbors. Atlantic City casinos are coming together to form Casinos United Against Hunger, a new campaign dedicated to strengthening our efforts to combat food insecurity in New Jersey. By supporting important organizations like the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, we will help address hunger by providing meals to families throughout the state,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.

The donation was presented at CFBNJ’s Night of 300,000 Meals on May 1, 2025, a culinary event that brings together local chefs, restaurants and community members to help provide 300,000 meals for neighbors in need. Chefs from Atlantic City casinos participated in the annual event.

“Atlantic County has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state. We’re grateful to the Casino Association of New Jersey for helping to honor the FoodBank’s 50th anniversary with their generous support and for uniting the Atlantic City casino community to help address hunger. Through this partnership, we can provide more meals to local families in need and make a lasting impact in the area,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, president & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

In addition to the CFBNJ’s 50th anniversary, the partnership between the CANJ and CFBNJ comes at an especially crucial time given the level of food insecurity in New Jersey. Nearly 1 million people in the state, including more than 260,000 children, are at risk of hunger. Atlantic County, home to Atlantic City’s casinos, has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state, with 12.2% of residents and 17.4% of children affected.

The casinos involved in the Casinos United Against Hunger initiative – Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City Resorts, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel – are joining a long-standing tradition of support for CFBNJ. Many properties in Atlantic City are longtime supporters of CFBNJ, and this collective effort demonstrates their commitment to addressing this critical issue. Through this partnership, CFBNJ will be able to distribute more meals to families in need, especially in areas that are most impacted. The $170,000 donation is a total of all financial, grant and in-kind contributions from each Atlantic City casino to the CFBNJ this year.