Interviews
Counting Down: A Roundtable Preview of Brazil’s iGaming Era

As Brazil finally gives the green light for sports betting and iGaming, industry leaders are gearing up for a transformative chapter in 2024. In this insightful roundtable discussion, we had the privilege of engaging with key figures, namely Henrique De Simoni (Account Manager LatAm at 3 Oaks Gaming), Massimiliano Vandelli (Head of Sales at ESA Gaming), Denis Kosinsky (VP Operations at NuxGame), Ihor Zarechnyi (CBDO at Evoplay), Jack Smith (Senior Sales Director at Sportingtech), and Roman Bogoduhov (Head of Accounts LatAm at EvenBet Gaming) to delve into the exciting prospects of casino entry into the newly regulated market. Our focus centred on the meticulous preparations undertaken by suppliers, understanding local player preferences, and exploring the collective vision for the future of this burgeoning market.
As the journey to secure the final approval for iGaming regulation in Brazil concludes, what strategies and preparations has your company put in place for the upcoming market launch?
Henrique De Simoni
Despite Brazil’s iGaming market being in its incipient stages, it has transitioned from a rising star to a tangible reality. This regulatory milestone in the largest Latin American country signifies a plethora of opportunities for the entire iGaming ecosystem, spanning from operators to providers.
As a company known for its agility and meticulous attention to detail, we’ve been actively engaging with key events in the region such as SBC Brazil, and SiGMA Americas. By fortifying our network and relationships with major operators, platforms, and aggregators, we’re positioning ourselves strategically for the impending market launch.
Massimiliano Vandelli
The impending regulation of iGaming alongside sports betting in Brazil presents a pivotal opportunity for our company. We’ve meticulously prepared for this milestone by adopting several strategic initiatives. Firstly, we recognise the significance of a diverse portfolio, particularly given the potential exclusion of certain online casino games. Therefore, we’ve focused on ensuring a balanced offering to cater to varying preferences and regulatory requirements.
Localization lies at the core of our approach. Brazil’s vast and distinct market demands tailored solutions, encompassing language support, minimum bets, and game types that resonate with local preferences. Additionally, understanding the nuances of player behaviour, such as volatility preferences, is crucial for delivering a compelling gaming experience.
Furthermore, leveraging our existing partnerships with established operators positions us strategically in capturing a substantial market share. We have a track record of success with these operators, and collaborating closely with them not only strengthens our market presence but also facilitates smoother market entry.
Ihor Zarechnyi
Evoplay’s business strategy after the final approval of iGaming regulation in Brazil will involve forging key partnerships to strengthen our position in the Latin American market.
With Brazil’s population surpassing 215 million and the local audience’s passion for entertainment, our diverse game portfolio is calibrated to cater to their preferences. Our overarching goal is to replicate and surpass the success we’ve already achieved in Latin America. We focus on enhancing the gaming experience of Brazilian players by addressing their entertainment requirements.
Denis Kosinsky
As for all new market entries, our strategy for Brazil consists of compliance, localization, partnerships and innovation. Much like Europe, Brazil is a highly fragmented market and each state should be approached on a case-by-case basis. We are customizing our platform for Brazilian players by adapting to the culture in terms of language, local payment methods and games that resonate locally while our multi-brand feature can be used by casino operators to manage different geos. We’ve also turned our attention to forming partnerships with Brazil-based companies, enabling us to both broaden our reach and enhance our offering.
With smartphones dominating as the preferred device for iGaming, we’re optimising our tech’s mobile compatibility for a superior experience. In addition, our marketing efforts are tailored to engage Brazilian audiences through localized content and community events. As Brazil finalizes its iGaming regulations, NuxGame is ready to deliver a comprehensive and culturally attuned gaming experience.
Jack Smith
We have recently seen that the Brazilian government has now officially recognised GLI as a certified testing lab. As part of this we have made continued efforts to conform to GLI 19 and GLI 33 which are synonymous with other markets on a global level. In addition to that we have also been working closely with Serpro on data transfer requirements.
In terms of strategy, our stance remains the same as always. We are focused on collaborating with our operators to ensure that we give them all of the technical tools and capabilities to harness their own local expertise and continue to be successful. This is crucial in what will likely be a very competitive market.
Roman Bogoduhov
The country is still at the early stages of regulation, so setting rules and transforming them into business practices will take several long and hectic months. Traditionally, online poker is not the first vertical to be regulated, and this is the case for Brazil as well: our turn will come after sports betting and online casino games. What we are doing now is a lot of homework and preparation: connecting with the market stakeholders, getting to know the player preferences, specific market challenges, and software demands.
Product localisation and customisation are at the core of the EvenBet Gaming platform, and our offering has to be ready for the market launch. So, our business development team explores the market and identifies the features and solutions needed by the Brazilian operators and players, so that we can adapt our product to their needs.
Also, it’s crucial to mention that the Brazilian iGaming community is quite closed and somewhat wary towards foreign vendors and providers, preferring to establish partnerships with companies that demonstrate a proven success record in the local market. While regulation moves forward, we can take it slowly, creating fruitful relationships, showcasing examples of our partnership with operators in South America and educating the market on the business strategies allowing us to earn on poker.
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In anticipation of the iGaming launch, which specific verticals do you believe will capture the hearts of local players, and have you identified any unique preferences or trends that are shaping your approach?
Denis Kosinsky
As part of our continuous improvement strategy, NuxGame conducts regular market research and player feedback analysis to tailor our offering and stay ahead of the tech curve. With our aims of delivering a diverse, engaging, and secure gaming environment that aligns with local player preferences, we have identified key verticals that are poised to captivate local players.
Mobile gaming is one of the largest growing trends worldwide and Brazil is no different. NuxGame’s platform has optimized games to present a seamless mobile experience, catering to this increasing demand. Looking at specific genres, live dealer games perform particularly well in Brazil. For these titles to flourish moving forward, it is important to ensure that there is a Portuguese-language option in addition to high-quality live streaming and a diverse array of experiences to engage as many players as possible. Brazil is also a large adopter of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. NuxGame’s Web3 technology and cryptocurrency purchasing feature position us to leverage these technologies for secure and efficient gaming experiences.
Ihor Zarechnyi
Initial findings from Brazil reveal a strong preference among the local audience for online casinos and sports betting. Based on third-party market research, it appears that Crash games capture the attention of 79.61% of Brazilian players. Following closely behind are slots, with a significant 39.83% engagement. Leveraging these data and our experience in the LatAm market, we’re confident that Evoplay’s diverse game portfolio, particularly our sport-themed titles, will deeply resonate with this audience.
However, despite our solid foundation, we remain committed to further understanding the local business culture and refining player communication approaches for strategic success. We’re actively developing exclusive projects like Slotopia and Bingo to enrich our offerings and cater to diverse player demographics.
Roman Bogoduhov
Undoubtedly, sports betting will stay the top online vertical in Brazil. As the market expands, new technologies and advanced solutions are coming to the country, online sports betting has a chance to become more prominent than offline, thanks to live bets, mobile access, and fast and secure payments which become available as the regulation settles.
Traditionally, the lottery is the second most popular gaming activity. Still, the state has a monopoly here, so the operators and vendors will demand lottery-like games: bingo, scratch games, keno, etc. Live casino games, card games (including poker and blackjack), and new trends like crash games will follow the leaders.
Jack Smith
As we know in most established markets there is a traditional split between sports betting and casino with Brazil unlikely to differ. Brazilians have a huge affinity with Soccer and that is not going to change anytime soon with more operators vying for sponsorship opportunities with its biggest clubs.
The inclusion of iGaming into the bill was hugely important as well as this represents a sizeable piece of the market. The likelihood is that we will likely see this continue to grow through traditional live dealers and crash games which have proven to be popular in the region as well.
At Sportingtech we recognize iGaming’s importance, hence why we are continuing to partner with local games providers to supply fresh new casino content that we feel will identify with the consumer. It remains to be seen how the landscape will change in the future but as always, our teams will continue to research the market and look for new innovative products to satisfy Brazilian players.
Massimiliano Vandelli
We foresee a diverse landscape of gaming verticals that will resonate with Brazilian players, driven by both traditional and innovative content. One area of particular promise lies in non-traditional games, such as crash games, which have demonstrated considerable appeal across Latin American markets. Our EasySwipe™ portfolio, in particular, stands out as a compelling offering for sportsbooks seeking to diversify into casino games. For instance, games like Goal Mine World, which allows players to personalize their gaming experience by selecting colours associated with the Seleção Canarinha (Brazilian national team), are tailored to resonate with local tastes.
Our widget integration within sportsbooks has already yielded remarkable results, fostering player loyalty and facilitating seamless cross-selling between sports and casino content. This underscores the importance of delivering fast and engaging casino experiences that complement sports betting activities.
While sports are expected to drive significant engagement, the initial interest from online operators targeting the Brazilian market indicates a growing demand for high-quality casino content as well. In response, our latest line of video slots, featuring titles like 12 Deadly Spins and Candy Drops, is poised to captivate avid casino enthusiasts seeking immersive gaming experiences.
Henrique De Simoni
Absolutely! With our company’s wealth of experience in the iGaming industry, I’ve been entrusted with spearheading our efforts in LatAm, particularly in Brazil. Understanding the local culture, speaking the language, and possessing a background in the B2C sector allows us to infuse our offering with user-centric experiences for enhanced player engagement.
I firmly believe that cross-selling will be the primary vertical to target. Seamlessly transitioning players from the sportsbook to casino presents a golden opportunity, especially in a country where sports hold significant cultural sway. While crash games have made initial waves, we anticipate slots to take centre stage in the long run. Our successful slot title, Coin Volcano, with its captivating theme, user-friendly gameplay, and vibrant graphics, exemplifies the high-quality gaming experiences we’re aiming to deliver in the market.
What are your overarching expectations for its trajectory? Are there specific milestones, challenges, or growth indicators that you foresee shaping the landscape in the coming years?
Massimiliano Vandelli
Looking ahead, we anticipate various challenges and growth indicators that will shape the trajectory of our operations in Brazil. Regulatory developments, including the implementation of iGaming legislation and associated licensing frameworks, will significantly influence market dynamics and operator engagement. Furthermore, evolving player preferences and market trends, such as the integration of sports and casino content, will present both opportunities and challenges for our growth strategy.
Primarily our aim is to secure significant exposure for our games with leading operators in the market. To achieve this, we are committed to fostering and strengthening our relationships with major partners in Latin America, who are poised to play a pivotal role in the market. We’re exploring opportunities for exclusive partnerships, developing sports-driven content, and creating bespoke games tailored to the requirements of major operators. By prioritizing localization, we aim to enhance player engagement and drive adoption of our offerings across the Brazilian iGaming landscape.
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Jack Smith
Given the strong interest by what feels like the majority of the iGaming industry, it’s fair to say that everyone sees the growth potential in Brazil over the coming years. Research suggests that revenues will reach $2bn in 2024 and a projected market volume of $4bn by 2029. If those projections were to be correct, Brazil would solidify itself as one of the largest markets globally.
There aren’t specific milestones we are working towards but the continued increase of internet penetration in Brazil will play a crucial role in the development of the online gambling market. Smartphones are becoming more cost effective and available to everyone, and with the incoming legislation we will see the introduction of native apps to the iOS and Google Play stores. This will add an additional layer of convenience to the consumer.
There is also the retail opportunity, which has been hidden in plain sight for a number of years, so it will be interesting to see whether operators transition into retail to penetrate players who are limited to cash only transactions.
Ihor Zarechnyi
With the market’s upcoming launch, we anticipate a notable surge in activity. However, like any new endeavour, this journey may be accompanied by challenges and will require thoughtful, well-balanced actions from regulatory authorities and market participants.
We maintain a positive outlook based on predictions that Brazil’s online sports betting, casino, and bingo market could soar to nearly $3 billion in revenue by 2027, positioning it among the world’s leading markets.
As we navigate rapid growth, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks, including market overheating. However, armed with a robust strategy and a line-up of games that culturally connect with Brazilian players, we’re well positioned for success in further solidifying our standing in the LatAm market.
Henrique De Simoni
The average Brazilian spends over nine hours on the internet per day, signalling a profound digital presence ready for exploration. As such, we’re poised to leverage this extensive online engagement by ensuring our high-quality games, coupled with robust gamification elements, provide unparalleled slot experiences.
In anticipation of numerous new entrants and potential mergers and acquisitions in the market, we’re gearing up for increased competition. With over 134 companies vying for licences in Brazil, each capable of operating three platforms, the landscape is primed for expansion, with an estimated 402 regulated betting sites anticipated. Despite the challenges ahead, we’re optimistic that our expertise and ability to resonate with the Brazilian audience will set us apart. The best is indeed yet to come!
Roman Bogoduhov
Now the Brazilian iGaming market is shaping, and once the project is launched and adapted to the local preferences, it’s relatively simple to compete and acquire players. The operators will win with attractive bonuses and promotions, well-thought campaigns, and in particular social media marketing and influencer-based advertising. Brazil is one of the biggest influencer markets in the world, according to the statistics, up to 45% of consumers here trust social media platforms and recommendations. At this stage, I will not be surprised if Instagram and TikTok are literally invaded by sports betting and casino placements.
During this initial bountiful period, operators must keep in mind long-term goals. Given the difficult history of long and painful payouts and the lack of local or at least Portuguese-speaking customer support, these two operational aspects are irreplaceable for building trust and long-term engagement and are currently in the top three reasons for player churn.
Denis Kosinsky
With regulation finally being implemented, we can expect Brazil to become a favorable market for growth and sustainability. Early insights signal toward rapid expansion fuelled by the recent legislation, while its young, tech-savvy population’s strong interest in digital entertainment means it is poised to become one of the biggest markets worldwide. Pivotal to success in the market will be player acquisition and retention strategies that provide a superior user experience. Initiatives such as loyalty systems, player battles and brand customization will be critical in retaining players and staying competitive.
We’re closely monitoring growth indicators such as user engagement metrics, market share expansion, and the adoption of new gaming technologies to adapt our strategies for sustained growth. Furthermore, responsible gaming, at its core, is the most important contributor to making the gambling industry sustainable in the long-term. To play our part in this, NuxGame will be focusing on ethical practices to foster a safe and sustainable gaming environment.
Stemming from complex regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements and heightened competition, encountering challenges in a new market is unavoidable. Through our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships we can address these obstacles before they arise and ensure a smooth launch into the regulated Brazilian market.
Interviews
Curated for impact: How Infingame is redefining games aggregation

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?Â
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?Â
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interviews
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
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Interviews
Built for the branded reality – RubyPlay’s high velocity approach to the US market

With localisation, speed to market, and cross-state scalability at the heart of its strategy, RubyPlay is proving that relevance—and results—come from understanding both the player and the moment. Dr. Eyal Loz, Chief Product Officer at RubyPlay, discusses the company’s fast growing US presence and how its agile, insight-driven approach is resonating with players and operators alike. From crafting bespoke branded content to rolling out favoured mechanics with modern twists, RubyPlay is positioning itself as a key partner in the evolving iGaming landscape.
Just a few months into RubyPlay’s US journey, how has player response shaped your perception of the market? And how will these insights shape your roadmap going forward?
We see very strong player preferences to games that combine a Hold and Spin mechanic with perceived persistence. We also see that American players respond well to classic themes with a clear modern flavour. None of this was very surprising, as we are very well tuned with the preferences of players in America. The RubyPlay offering was always optimised for American players, and it’s nice to see that our roll out is working so well, as we expected it to.
We also explored a handful of innovative mechanics that are less prevalent in traditional land-based casinos, and we are happy to see that these were also well received.
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Titles like Mad Hit® Diamonds and Diamond Explosions 7s® SE are a few of your early standouts. What do you think is making these games click with the US audience compared to other markets?
These two titles are solid performers in all markets, so we had high expectations to see these perform very well with American players. Both these mechanics have all the elements that make for a strong US title – Hold and Spin, perceived persistency, Buy Feature and a solid art package with a classic yet modern feel.
The US iGaming market is unique, not just in regulation, but in how players engage with content. How does your strategy for the US differ from other global regions and how do you maintain global competitiveness while staying locally relevant?
It’s important to remember that top performing mechanics tend to transcend time and space. Hold and Spin mechanics have performed well in almost all markets since they were introduced over 10 years ago. What makes a specific game more relevant to one specific region is the theme and flow of the game. For example, games featuring mahjong tiles will perform well in South East Asia but will not perform to the same level of success in the US. Similarly, games with strong Egyptian themes will not perform in Asia but have a good potential in the US.
RubyPlay’s superpower is in our velocity and adaptability. We are able to identify opportunities with operators to support their brand identity and create specialised bespoke content for them, taking into consideration elements such as the relevance of that theme to the market, and the brand of the operator. We live in a branded reality, and we consider our client’s brand a top priority.
You’ve spoken about empowering brands through strong partnerships. How do you approach collaboration in the US market to ensure both RubyPlay and its partners succeed?
Brands are a lifestyle in the USA. We have to understand this first in order to reach the audience in the way that our US partners take as second nature. By focusing on building high velocity, we are able to create relevant bespoke content for our partners that is unique to their needs.
Velocity is really important because branding opportunities don’t last very long. When a client negotiates a collaboration between their brand and a 3rd party, the deal will always close very late and will not last very long. Our ability to be in tune with the reality of such short deliveries on tight schedules, measured in weeks, not years, has given us a disproportionate advantage.
We have a stronger awareness of special events, whether sports, holidays, or cultural, and our responsiveness allow us to always stay relevant through our portfolio or bespoke content with the timings of such events in mind.
What role does localisation play in your expansion strategy?
Localisation is absolutely crucial. As I mentioned before, the combination of a robust and large variety of game mechanics, combined with the ability to minimise time to market thematically, we are able to always stay relevant to new markets we started operating in. When entering a new market, it’s hard to predict what is going to work, so building velocity, and keeping an open mind is key.
With more states opening up, how is RubyPlay preparing to scale its presence across the country? Any new or upcoming experiences or innovations players and partners can expect this year?
We are well on our way to enter Pennsylvania and West Virginia as we are well aware that US. operators are heavily focused on a cross-state strategy regarding promotions. If we can support this by having the top states, we ensure a stronger and more effective experience for players with branding in mind. After all, markets are one of the most important product features.
Other than that, we are planning to roll out our Awarded Feature with many of our direct clients. This will allow operators to award the Buy Feature for free via a back-office campaign. We saw this can be very effective in branding, retention and acquisition, and allow operators to either award players with the best part of the gaming experience, or up-sell promotions via their CRMs.
I’m very excited to see the impact the Awarded Feature will have with our partners on all areas of their business.
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