

Press Releases
Create an offline game for Opera GX to never get bored when your WiFi is out
We all know the horror of bad online connections. Ever lost the game due to lag? Got kicked out from a server when your WiFi went crazy? The Internet is great when it works. But what if it doesn’t?
Opera GX [NASDAQ: OPRA], the world’s first web browser built specifically for gamers, today announced a challenge for the best in-browser offline game: the Opera GX Game Jam 2021.
‘When the internet is out, some browsers get on our nerves with dinosaurs or surfing games which only reminds gamers that without the internet we’re back to the stone age and can’t surf the web. We created the Opera GX Game Jam to call on all artists and creative gamers to make the offline experience fun,’ said Maciej Kocemba, Product Director of Opera GX.
The Opera GX Game Jam competition will give one winner the unique opportunity for their game to be played by millions in the Opera GX offline page. The top three artists will also win cash prizes of $3k, $7k and $10K. The winning game will gain the prestige of becoming the first playable game to ever feature in Opera GX, helping to entertain gamers during those rare offline moments that would otherwise make them cry.
The GX Game Jam is being hosted with GameMaker Studio 2 – the world’s leading 2D game development engine, and in collaboration with Game Jolt, one of the largest communities for games and the people who make and play them.
The best game will receive expert development support from the GameMaker team, before being unleashed within the Opera GX desktop browser. Once completed, it will also be promoted to Opera GX’s millions of users through the browser’s GX Corner and across the social accounts of Opera GX, GameMaker Studio 2 and Game Jolt.
The Opera GX Game Jam will be open for submissions starting on the 29th of July, when the theme for the event will be revealed.
The expert jury includes:
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Maciej Kocemba (Opera GX Product Director)
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Russell Kay (GameMaker Studio 2 CTO)
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Yaprak DeCarmine (Game Jolt co-founder and CEO)
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GameMaker game creators:
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Johan Vinet (Canari Games – LUNARK),
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David Galindo (AKA chubigans – Cook, Serve Delicious!)
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dietzribi (Toodee and Topdee)
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Artists and game creators can register their interest, receive a free GameMaker Studio 2 licence for the duration of the jam, and read the terms and conditions by visiting this LINK.
“GameMaker Studio 2 is the perfect engine for Game Jams, as it allows anyone to convert creative ideas into playable games quickly. Whether using the intuitive no-code/low-code Drag and Drop system or it’s powerful GameMaker Language (GML), anyone can use GameMaker to take part in the Opera GX Game Jam 2021,” commented Russell Kay, CTO for GameMaker Studio 2. “It’s imagination that counts most, so get involved!”
Awards
BETBY SHINES AT SiGMA AMERICAS WITH LOCALISED STRATEGY AND WINS ESPORTS AWARD

BETBY, the cutting-edge sportsbook provider, has further cemented its position as one of the most innovative suppliers in the sports betting landscape following a standout appearance at SiGMA Americas, the leading event for the iGaming industry in Latin America.
Hosted in São Paulo, Brazil, SiGMA Americas brought together the industry’s most influential stakeholders, with a spotlight on the dynamic and fast-growing Latin American market. BETBY stood out at the event by showcasing the full strength of its flexible sportsbook solution, designed to empower operators with complete control over the betting experience.
A major highlight of the exhibition was BETBY’s showcase of its hyper-localised content capabilities, which empower operators to engage regional audiences with culturally relevant offerings. This strategic focus was exemplified by the industry’s most comprehensive Vaquejada betting solution, a rodeo-style sport particularly popular in northeast Brazil. BETBY’s unique content portfolio, which includes both pre-live markets and an immersive e-sim version of the sport, resonated strongly with operators and attendees. It demonstrated not only a deep understanding of regional preferences, but also the supplier’s ability to create tailored content for any market.
Alongside this, BETBY exhibited continued innovation through its proprietary esports feed BETBY Games, and its comprehensive suite of AI tools AI Labs, which leverages artificial intelligence to deliver personalisation, real-time recommendations, and enhanced operational efficiency.
As further recognition of its ongoing innovation in the iGaming industry, BETBY was honoured with the Best Esports Product award during the SiGMA Americas Awards ceremony. This win underscores BETBY’s vision to redefine the esports betting experience through its BETBY Games solution, which is designed to deliver unmatched flexibility, customisation, and engagement for operators and players.
“This recognition at SiGMA Americas is a proud milestone for our entire team, even though our presence in Brazil this week was about much more than awards,” said Leonid Pertsovskiy, BETBY’s Chief Executive Officer. “It was about connecting with the region, understanding what local players truly value, and showing that we have the technology and vision to meet those needs. We’re building products that scale globally but connect locally, and that’s what sets BETBY apart.”
The post BETBY SHINES AT SiGMA AMERICAS WITH LOCALISED STRATEGY AND WINS ESPORTS AWARD appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences in Europe
ELA Games’ Yaroslav Soloshenko to Speak at the SBC Digital Conference 2025

Yaroslav Soloshenko, ELA Games’ Business Development Team Lead, will participate in the panel discussion titled “Boosting the appeal of live casino to next-gen players” at the upcoming SBC Digital Conference 2025 on April 17, 2025.
The online full-day conference will gather the iGaming industry’s influential leaders to host in-depth conversations on the most relevant and talked-about topics in the online casino and slots space.
Yaroslav will be part of a three-person panel to discuss the future of online gaming and how live casino features can capture a modern audience. He will highlight how ELA Games’ titles, such as Cash Crab, have a crucial role in inspiring business success for operators with social gamification mechanics while providing a fresh gaming experience for players.
Yaroslav Soloshenko commented, “It’s a pleasure to represent ELA Games at the upcoming SBC Digital Conference, where I’ll join influential panelists to explore how live casino features can evolve to accommodate the next generation of gamers. Our studio has witnessed firsthand how games like Cash Crab, with real-time social and gamification mechanics, can help operators drive engagement and acquire new players in a competitive market. I’m excited to discuss this topic further and provide relevant insights for all attendees.”
The post ELA Games’ Yaroslav Soloshenko to Speak at the SBC Digital Conference 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Comprehensive Guide to Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players

Playcasino.co.nz has published a new comprehensive guide to payment methods for New Zealand online casino players. The guide highlights the growing popularity of mobile casino payment solutions among New Zealand players and provides detailed information about the various options available in the market.
According to industry observations, mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular choices for online casinos transactions in New Zealand. This trend appears to align with the wider adoption of smartphone technology across the country and growing consumer demand for convenient, secure payment options.
“We’ve created this guide to help New Zealand players navigate the complex landscape of online casino payment options,” said Terri Radford, Content Director at www.playcasino.co.nz. “Payment methods like PayforIt and Zimpler are gaining traction because they align with how Kiwis prefer to manage their online entertainment spending—directly from their mobile devices, with enhanced security and spending controls.”
The guide emphasises that choosing the right payment method significantly impacts player experience, affecting everything from transaction speed to financial security. With online gambling continuing to grow in popularity in New Zealand, understanding available payment options has become essential for players seeking both security and convenience.
Payment Options Explained
The guide provides information on several payment methods currently available to New Zealand players:
- Mobile Solutions: PayforIt and Zimpler offer convenient mobile-based payment options. These services are particularly popular among younger players who prefer managing their gaming expenses directly through their mobile devices.
- E-Wallets: PayPal and Skrill are noted for their quick processing times, with PayPal being one of the few e-wallets supporting both deposits and withdrawals in New Zealand. E-wallets typically process deposits within minutes, which is considerably faster than traditional bank transfers.
- Traditional Methods: VISA/MasterCard remain widely used options, available at virtually all online casinos. Card payments continue to be a preferred method for many New Zealand players, particularly those who value familiarity and ease of use.
- Local Favourites: POLi has maintained strong usage among New Zealanders due to its immediate transaction times and absence of currency conversion fees. As a locally-developed solution, it has gained the trust of many New Zealand players.
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer benefits for players who value transaction speed and withdrawal flexibility. While still considered alternative payment methods, cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are gaining acceptance at many online casinos serving the New Zealand market.
- Prepaid Options: Paysafecard and Neosurf provide prepaid voucher systems that are popular among players who prioritise privacy and spending control. These methods are particularly useful for players who wish to maintain strict budget limits on their gaming activities.
According to industry feedback, transaction speed and security measures are important considerations for New Zealand players when selecting a payment method. Many players also indicate a preference for payment methods that support both deposits and withdrawals, eliminating the need to register multiple services.
Understanding Player Preferences
The guide acknowledges that personal preferences significantly influence payment method choices, with factors such as spending habits, withdrawal frequency, and security concerns playing key roles in decision-making.
“Every player has unique requirements when it comes to managing their funds,” Radford noted. “Some prioritise absolute privacy with methods like Paysafecard, while others value the convenience of integrated solutions like POLi. Our goal is to help players make informed decisions that enhance their overall experience while practising responsible gaming.”
The guide also highlights several notable trends in the online casino payment landscape:
- Enhanced Security Features: Many payment providers now implement additional security measures like two-factor authentication and biometric verification, offering players greater peace of mind.
- Regional Solutions: Payment options specifically designed for the New Zealand market continue to be popular choices among local players who appreciate services tailored to their needs.
- Faster Withdrawals: Many online casinos now emphasise the speed of withdrawals as a key selling point, with some offering same-day or instant withdrawals for certain payment methods.
- Responsible Gaming Tools: Some payment methods now offer built-in spending limits and tracking features, which can be valuable tools for players committed to responsible gambling practices.
“The payment landscape for online casinos continues to evolve,” said Daniel Williams, Managing Director of Playcasino.co.nz. “Our observation is that successful online casinos in New Zealand tend to be those that offer a diverse range of payment options while prioritising both security and user experience. We’re also noticing increased interest in payment methods that support responsible gaming practices.”
Regional Considerations
The guide notes that preferences may vary across different regions of New Zealand. Urban players might have access to and comfort with a wider range of digital payment options, while players in rural areas might rely more heavily on traditional banking methods.
“These regional differences highlight the importance of offering a diverse range of payment options,” noted Radford. “The online casino market in New Zealand is not monolithic, and player preferences vary significantly based on location, age demographics, and technological comfort levels.”
About Playcasino.co.nz
Playcasino.co.nz is a leading online casino affiliate website that offers comprehensive guides, reviews, and the latest news tailored for New Zealand’s real money casino players. The site adheres to responsible gambling principles and provides resources to help players make informed choices.
In addition to payment method information, Play Casino offers detailed reviews of online casinos available to New Zealand players, up-to-date information on no deposit bonuses and promotions, and comprehensive guides on casino games and strategies. The site’s team regularly publishes informational content on various aspects of the online gambling industry, with a particular focus on the New Zealand market.
The post Comprehensive Guide to Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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