Interviews
Roundtable – Thinking Outside the Box with experts from Betsson, Gamingtec and Press Enter
Q: Is the online gambling industry lagging behind others when it comes to UX?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
Although we are seeing substantial improvement, the simple answer is yes, when you compare the industry to other digital industries and their giants like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon – it is clear that these companies invest heavily in differentiating themselves from others in their field, offering customers with the most user-friendly and effective browsing experience. As an industry, our focus has heavily been on the content we release, innovation and adapting to constant change, which can distract our focus on user experience optimisation. It is understandably quite a challenge given that the industry has grown at such a fast pace and we’re often faced with regulatory changes, even impacting the way we can promote games on site, which means that every market has different UX requirements.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the very foundations of businesses from different industries, forcing them to adapt to changing times at a much faster pace. More and more businesses realized the importance of building their online presence as the world retreated indoors. We can say that the gambling industry is somewhat more conservative hence lagging behind tech, travel or big data, yet there are certain markets (like EU) which are focusing a lot of attention on UI/UX.
Press Enter – Hampus Eriksson – Chief Product Officer
We are operating in an online industry, estimated to be worth more than $50bn which says to me we are doing something right. The industry is incredibly competitive and in order to acquire and retain players, UX has to be a priority for anyone hoping to drive a successful business and experience substantial growth.
Competition also drives innovation and our industry is renowned for pioneering technology that provides the best UX available. This not only applies to the moment players arrive at the lobby but also the choice of games, easy navigation, player personalisation, but also to more compliant requirements that are in place to ensure player protection. UX is everything and I believe the gambling industry truly thinks about the end to end player journey and what that UX looks like.
There will always be some incredible examples outside of gambling that surprise and impress us, and this is great, because it’s also important to be regularly inspired and learn how we can adapt new technologies to enhance our own industry.
Q: Casino game lobbies have not drastically changed in many years – why is this?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
The focus through the years has very much been around providing players with the best content and engagement before and whilst playing the games. This includes tailored content targeted at specific players based on their preferences, intriguing offers and engaging gamification experiences such as tournaments and missions, often offering massive prize pools. This was always the most effective way in attracting players to browse games, however as markets regulate and marketing becomes more limited, optimisation of your shop window becomes integral in allowing players to find content which they enjoy.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
This is again a matter of the markets we are looking at. The more technically evolved countries have also brought in a better UX and are constantly updating their online gambling offering. We can easily tell the difference between operators active in Africa versus Europe. So lesser tech progress attracts conservativeness.
Press Enter – Hampus Eriksson – Chief Product Officer
At a glance, I can understand how one might think that lobbies have largely stayed the same in terms of format, however there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. Casinos have gone from offering players hundreds of games to thousands of games across multiple verticals. Today, players are provided with all the tools to navigate the lobby, with filtering systems, game categories, etc and operators are now finding ways of using the information they glean from player behaviour to come up with new and interesting ways to present games that the player would enjoy most.
Q: What technologies/solutions are available to help deliver a more personalised experience?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
We are definitely not short of data in our industry, which is the key ingredient to developing a personalized gaming experience. We spend hours on hours every day drilling down on deep dive analysis, with the end goal to deliver the most dedicated user journey. There are also third party companies specializing in content analysis and building personalized frameworks. Apart from this, with the tremendous volume of games on display and influx of new content being released on a daily basis, having a smooth content management system is essential. I would say there should be a balance of a refined game recommendation engine, with the touch of human experience as the ideal approach to achieve this experience, since our industry is constantly evolving, with new game types constantly being innovated by game studios – we need to ensure we are always on top of the current trends.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
There are several tools that have been widely used in the past years to shape the UI/UX and they will keep on having an important role. Yet it’s only natural that designers and developers alike will look into the emerging UX technologies like Voice UI (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana), touchless gesture control, AI, VR and others. The industry will need to adapt as the trends show us the users being more and more connected to emerging technology.
Press Enter – Hampus Eriksson – Chief Product Officer
Going back to the previous question about UX, personalisation plays a large part in this. If a client doesn’t feel like they feel valued or that they belong, then they’re not going to want to stick around. An operator can provide the most immersive and thrilling content, but without ensuring personalisation is a priority within their UX ambitions, then it will not be money well spent.
There are a number of technologies available and many of which are easily integrated into iGaming platforms. These can range from extremely advanced solutions using many data points that will subsequently start learning player preferences by recommending games they are likely to enjoy or more simple solutions that allows you to present a range of games to be presented to a group of players qualifying into some set criteria’s.
The implementation of AI has also played a huge factor when it comes to personalisation and has been a hugely valuable tool in driving overall engagement throughout the player journey leading to increased wagering activity and ultimately maximising the lifetime value of each customer.
Q: Why is delivering a personalised experience so important for the player?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
Picture yourself as a person who is opening an online casino page for their first time, all you are presented with is a bunch of game thumbnails, perhaps some important information about the game, as well as the option to filter through the various game offerings and studios. As an average player, this massive selection can be quite overwhelming and often the player will choose a game related to an offer, or one of the first games they see on the page. If one of the first games you enter is an extremely volatile game for instance, as an average player you could deplete your balance instantly and get the opinion that you cannot win. We are building some brilliant content in this industry and there is absolutely something for any type of player, how you guide a player to making their choice of game is key to their perception of playing online.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
Focusing on customers and testing different options is key in determining the most relevant and effective UX for online gambling. Various types of screen resolutions and browsers need to be supported to ensure an equally easy and enjoyable experience for the players. Moreover, operators need to make sure they consider every step users might take to find a game, access help, search and any reasons why they might want to abandon the site/app. The quicker users get to their goal, the more frequently they are likely to return to the same operator.
Q: What opportunities does it present the operator?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
The obvious opportunity is of course a far greater customer engagement and retention. By delivering a personalized experience from a UX point of view, every time a player logs in to their account, they are not seeing a static page, but ideally a fully customized experience. Retention is key in any industry, it is cheaper to retain players than acquire, I believe that the user experience, especially looking ahead, is going to be key in judging site stickiness and brand loyalty. Players are spoilt for choice nowadays, with new brands always being launched, the user journey is more important than ever.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
Personalization is at the heart of a comprehensive customer experience. The benefits of good UI/UX are measurable and research shows us the importance of proper personalization:
- the ROI is likely to increase 5 to 8 times and sales by 10%
- personalized calls to action convert 200% better
- 90% of users are likely to be willing to share their behavioral data if the operator can make their experience faster and easier
Press Enter – Hampus Eriksson – Chief Product Officer
Investing in personalisation is a necessary approach by most operators because without it, it will dramatically reduce the lifetime value of that player. Therefore, the opportunities are all around ensuring the retention of players. I think that Game Recommendation Engines in all their various forms are maturing, and there is a lot of focus and investment going into that. CRM personalisation has also come on leaps and bounds, enabling operators to offer an end to end level of personalisation. This is particularly valuable when we engage with our players via Customer Support and/or Payments. The chat bots are great at taking care of many FAQs, and this undoubtedly expediates many requests on behalf of our players.
However, there will always be situations where players will need a real human interaction to solve a problem. Therefore, I think we have a great opportunity to improve how we respond to these types of enquiry; such as, why do I have to explain my problem to a customer representative and why have they not got the technology and tools to see what my problem is before I start talking to them? The stuck game rounds, spins that didn’t pay out correctly or bonuses that didn’t trigger or release is the type of information buried deep in 3rd party systems and can be accessed if you are guided where to look. I think we can make significant improvements in that area and empower 1st line support more to give help more promptly, rather than start collecting the information from the user to start up the investigation. Furthermore, as an industry we still need to continue to invest into empowerment of our 1st line. This is one of the few chances we get to communicate directly with our players, and you do not get a better opportunity to change a bad experience into a positive one. I am still amazed when I gamble around casinos and need help and still get hit with the same response that I got 10 years ago: “we need to escalate to the relevant department” answers, we need to minimise this to the absolute necessary level.
Q: How do you see casino game lobbies and the way content is pushed to players changing?
Betsson – Janick Bonnici – Gaming Content Optimisation Manager
I imagine that lobbies will come more alive with more customization on the user-end. The average shelf-life of a new game is becoming shorter and shorter, given the volume of content coming through, as a result the decay curve of a new game release is also much quicker. Everyone wants that front-page exposure, therefore judging that a game sticks from the beginning is vital. This should tie in with games becoming more feature-rich, which guarantees that they’ll be pushed through in more categories and filtering, thus granting them more exposure. We should aim to move away from static looking lobbies and bring online casino pages to life, really bringing forward the exciting experience and thrill which you experience in-game, before you even open the game.
Gamingtec – Andrei Beu – Commercial Director
Online casino operators generate huge volumes of data on a daily basis, and within this data there are plenty of indicators as to player preferences in each market. Identifying and monitoring trends in each market enables the operators to determine which games/providers they should promote, also allowing them to create bespoke content.
There is a series of factors to consider if you want to really engage with your players as an operator and the change will likely be based on behavioral data as well as emerging tech allowing the operators to provide a unique UI/UX.
Press Enter – Hampus Eriksson – Chief Product Officer
Our industry is constantly innovating and it won’t be long before it’s introducing a much more advanced way of serving the games and marketing information that players want to receive. I also think that for the more casual and recreational player, there might be a slower uptake in any significant changes to the game lobby but who knows – watch this space!
2024 was your debut year with Xanada Investments. Looking back, what are the key highlights or moments that defined this first year for the fund?
2024 marked the beginning of an ambitious journey for Xanada Investments – a year where we laid a strong foundation for what’s to come. While the real work lies ahead, I can confidently say that we’ve set the stage.
The highlight was undoubtedly our successful allocation of $9 million across 8 impactful projects, selected from a pool of 350 submissions. Each startup impressed us with its scalability, strong team, and ability to deliver real results – qualities we value as the cornerstone of every successful partnership.
Another defining moment was the debut of the Xanada Startup Contest. It was a platform not just to identify potential investments. We actively participated in major industry events like iGB LaunchPad, SiGMA Pitch, and SBC First Pitch – events we couldn’t pass up. As a newcomer, we not only made our presence known but also earned recognition, securing awards and forging valuable connections.
Beyond numbers, the year was about building a community – a network of partners, founders, and investors who believe in driving transformative change.This is just the start of an exciting journey.
What inspired you to launch the Xanada Startup Contest, and how would you evaluate its impact in 2024?
It’s no secret that many startups are in need of investment. But the real question is, do they have the expertise, networks, and strategic foundation to actually make that investment work? This was one of the key insights that led us to create the Xanada Startup Contest. It wasn’t about running a competition with just a single winner; it was about creating a transparent process: a live showcase of how startups grow, pivot, and adapt in real-time.
Too often, what happens behind the scenes stays hidden, but we wanted to change that. The results speak for themselves. With 250 applications pouring in, representing a diverse range of ideas from around the globe, we witnessed firsthand the depth of creativity within the startup ecosystem. And through a rigorous selection process, we identified and elevated one standout winner – FTDx. The real impact of the contest lies in its ability to challenge founders to think bigger and execute better. That’s what makes the Xanada Startup Contest more than just a competition.
Many associate investment funds with slow decision-making processes. Yet Xanada Investments has been incredibly dynamic. What’s your secret to keeping up this pace in the previous year?
The secret lies in creating frameworks that balance precision with speed. We’ve developed rigorous evaluation processes that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess startups effectively without losing momentum.
But beyond frameworks, it’s about having a team with the right mindset. At Xanada Investments, we embrace adaptability and foster collaboration. Our team operates with the energy and agility of a startup, and that allows us to move quickly, even in an industry often seen as traditional and slow.
You partnered with 8 startups this year. What caught your attention in these projects, and what’s your strategy for picking the “perfect match” for Xanada Investments?
At Xanada Investments, our focus has always been on backing projects that bring something unique to the table. What sets us apart is not just what we look for, but how we see it. For us, it starts with the people – the founders. Their vision, resilience, and ability to execute are what capture our attention first. These are individuals who truly understand their markets, are ready to pivot when challenges arise, and have the determination to turn ideas into reality.
Among the projects we’ve backed this year, Promofy is revolutionizing user retention with AI-driven gamification, delivering personalized engagement at scale. Gamixter is helping operators optimize player interaction with real-time engagement tools, creating more immersive gaming experiences. Bettorify, focused on the rapidly growing Asian market, provides localized white-label and turnkey solutions, enabling operators to navigate regional complexities with ease.
These are just a few examples of the startups we support. Each project we invest in plays a role in building a stronger, more dynamic iGaming landscape. And we’re only getting started.
With 11 award nominations and 2 wins already, success is clearly part of Xanada’s DNA. But how do you define success beyond the numbers?
For us, success isn’t measured by the number of awards. Of course, we are talking about financial returns, about impact, although we deeply appreciate the recognition – it’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a level. These awards are proof that we’re on the right track, but they are only part of the story.
But are we helping startups achieve their goals? Are we setting new benchmarks in the iGaming industry? The true measure of success lies in the growth of the projects we support and the people behind them. When we see startups flourishing, scaling their businesses, and turning ideas into impactful solutions, that’s the ultimate reward.
Another key indicator of success for us is the relationships we cultivate. When founders and partners come to see Xanada Investments not as just an investor but as a trusted collaborator and ally, we know we’re doing something right. These connections, built on trust and mutual ambition, are the foundation of our ecosystem.
What does the future hold for Xanada Investments in 2025? Are there any ambitious goals or projects you can share with us?
2025 is about scaling powerful results. We plan to invest in 10–12 new startups, focusing on projects with strong business fundamentals, exceptional teams, and clear strategies for growth. Our approach prioritizes opportunities with a targeted IRR of 25–40% and a MOIC of 3–5x, ensuring every investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable, measurable returns.
We’re taking the Xanada Startup Contest to the next level this year. Xanada Investments is expanding its reach and updating the evaluation process to attract a wider range of participants from diverse industries and markets. To ensure the best selection, we’re involving not only our team but also top industry experts to evaluate the entries. This will help us find and support the most promising ideas out there. With more transparency and live engagement, you’ll have the chance to see and hear these groundbreaking ideas in action. Stay tuned, big things are on the horizon!
Xanada Investments is also focused on strengthening our internal capabilities. A key priority for 2025 is to grow our team by bringing in top talent, including a dedicated analyst, to refine our data-driven approach to startup evaluation. We want to be a partner that equips startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The road ahead is ambitious, but we’re ready to seize the opportunities 2025 has in store.
The post XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Interviews
How to Ace an iGaming Industry Interview: Insights from Valeriia Virchenko, PIN-UP Global
The iGaming industry is highly competitive, and standing out in a job interview requires more than just a strong resume. In an exclusive interview with Next.io, Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at PIN-UP Global, shares expert insights on what recruiters focus on, common mistakes candidates make, and how to prepare effectively for a successful interview.
Interview Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job
According to Valeriia Virchenko, some candidates unknowingly make interview mistakes that leave a lasting negative impression.
“Sometimes, candidates do unexpected things during interviews. For example, I once had an interview where a candidate applied makeup during the call. I assure you, this is not the best way to make an impression,” she recalls.
Other red flags include:
- Poor communication skills – Struggling to engage in a constructive dialogue can be a dealbreaker.
- Being late – Punctuality is a sign of professionalism and respect for the recruiter’s time.
- Lack of basic interview etiquette – Candidates should showcase both professional qualifications and ethical behavior during an interview.
How to Make a Strong Impression in an iGaming Interview
So, what does it take to succeed in an iGaming job interview? Virchenko highlights several key preparation strategies:
✅ Research the company – Learn about its operations, values, and hiring team to establish rapport during the interview.
✅ Showcase your work – A portfolio, work samples, and references from past employers add credibility.
✅ Understand company pain points – Ask questions about the challenges the company faces and suggest potential solutions based on your experience.
✅ Adaptability & efficiency – iGaming is a fast-paced industry; candidates who demonstrate quick thinking and problem-solving skills stand out.
“We have seen highly positive cases where candidates shared their experience or proposed interesting solutions to company challenges right during the interview,” Virchenko explains.
What PIN-UP Global Looks for in Candidates
At PIN-UP Global, finding the right fit means more than assessing technical skills. Virchenko emphasizes that the company seeks candidates who align with its core values:
🔹 Industry expertise & results-driven mindset – Specialists who excel in their field and focus on delivering measurable impact.
🔹 Strong communication & teamwork – Open dialogue, constructive feedback, and collaboration are highly valued.
🔹 Agility & decision-making skills – The ability to adapt quickly, multitask, and navigate an ever-evolving environment.
🔹 Minimal bureaucracy, maximum efficiency – The company prioritizes fast decision-making and values employees who can take initiative.
“We are looking for people who understand that collaboration is the key to success,” she adds.
Final Thoughts: How to Secure Your Dream iGaming Job
The iGaming sector is constantly evolving, and companies like PIN-UP Global seek innovative, adaptable, and results-driven professionals. By following these expert tips from Valeriia Virchenko, candidates can improve their chances of making a strong impression and securing a role in this dynamic industry.
You can read the full interview on Next.io: How to Pass an Interview in the iGaming Industry
The post How to Ace an iGaming Industry Interview: Insights from Valeriia Virchenko, PIN-UP Global appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Q: Gaming Corps has just released its latest slot game called Gates of Hellfire. Tell us how it works and what its standout features are.
The Gaming Corps team prides itself on our innovative approach to slot development, which is exactly what we’ve delivered with Gates of Hellfire.
It’s a slot that’s unlike any other. I say that because it uses a unique payment system, requiring players to battle various demon enemies on the reels to secure wins, for a maximum prize of 5,000x the player’s stake.
We have prizes that can only be collected if the player gathers specific weapons that eliminate the enemies – and in doing so, they collect their prizes.
The objective is to land an enemy on the grid, while simultaneously landing a weapon to destroy that enemy. For example, shotguns are the weakest weapon but will kill the lowest-valued enemy.
Then, as the game progresses, players will see different weapons with different attributes that will cause various types of damage and have different radii of destruction that will affect the grid.
Gates of Hellfire offers a thrilling and groundbreaking way for players to collect prizes. To put it another way, there’s simply nothing quite like it on the market.
Q: Where did the name Gates of Hellfire come from, and what is the thinking behind giving this slot the feel of a video game? Why will this appeal to the market?
Gates of Hellfire is a battle of Good vs Evil played out across a slot-machine grid, a sort of demonic fantasy sci-fi epic that’s a battle between Good and Evil.
We decided to have this as the theme and then the name came quickly after that.
And yes, the game is heavily influenced by shoot ’em-up video games. We took established mechanics for the millennial generation and merged them with an innovative version of a classic mechanic and themes that will induce nostalgia among our players.
We think the results will appeal to both traditional players who played video games in their youth, as well as delight a millennial generation looking for the latest and best features in their slot entertainment experiences.
Q: Are you focusing on gamification with this slot, rather than just trying to deliver a traditional slot experience?
Collection mechanics have become immensely popular with slot players in recent years, and with Gates of Hellfire we have reimagined these mechanics to offer players something unique.
People want more nowadays, the simplicity of traditional slots doesn’t deliver enough entertainment any more. Players want to be reminded of video games or the social games they play on their phones.
Gates of Hellfire is an example of how modern slots are now influenced by video games.
It’s got a lot of action but it’s still recognizably a slot machine, with the same functionality but different reward mechanisms that will remind the player of a video game.
Q: Does Gaming Corps believe mixing slots and video gaming will appeal to players?
We aim to give players captivating gameplay experiences they can’t find anywhere else.
You must offer features that connect with players if you want to attract them and then keep them coming back. There’s a lot of choice out there so you need something special to retain their loyalty and interest.
That’s why we mixed things up and offer elements of more than one type of entertainment experience.
We see animations as extremely important because they build suspense and are another way of capturing the player’s attention.
Sound is an important component too, which is why we design the music and sound effects early on so they create an appropriate atmosphere.
All these elements are used to make the slower parts of the game more exciting, and the exciting parts become truly memorable.
Q: What factors will determine whether this release is a success for Gaming Corps, and what do you aim for when you release a game onto the market?
With Gates of Hellfire and all our other slots, we’ll start gauging its impact by paying attention to the standard statistics for slots, such as player retention rate and what LTV and ROI the game offers operators.
But those aren’t the only metrics we follow. Feedback is really important to us, both from players and operators, and we’ll take that on board when we come to launch our next release.
The best thing you can do when you release any game is to have people talking about it, generating a buzz about an exciting new release.
It’s hard to achieve all the time, but we think we’ve done just that with Gates of Hellfire.
We’re already working on sequels and further iterations for it, so things are hotting up very nicely for our latest slot game right now.
Playing with hellfire has never looked so good.
The post Gates of Hellfire Q&A with Connor Blinman, Head of Games at Gaming Corps appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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