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Exclusive Q&A with Mike Fox, CFO at Crystal WG
Q. Let us start with a quick intro of yourself for starters. Could you briefly describe your career?
A. I have 20 years’ experience in the gambling industry. For more than 10 years, I worked as the Group CFO of Euronext listed company Thunderbirds Resorts in Panama. I was lucky enough to work on some fantastic land-based casino projects in several emerging markets. At the time, the group operated 30 casinos and 10 hotels with 5,000 employees in the Philippines, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
I played an integral role in helping expand our remit, opening two large properties in the Philippines – one included a hotel, golf course and casino and the other a hotel and casino. In Lima, Peru the group purchased six hotels and opened a flagship casino in the heart of Miraflores along with acquiring several slot parlors around the country. In Costa Rica, the group opened a flagship casino adjacent to the International Airport and subsequently several more casinos. In Panama, the group operated six casinos. At the time these properties were built, they were the best casino products to enter the markets.
In 2015, I joined Crystal Wealth Group to offer my financial consulting and investment experience for casinos, iGaming and the crypto/NFT space before helping launch new online casino BetCoco this year.
Q. You are a veteran casino professional. How challenging is a shift to the online casino segment?
A. One key difference is the ability to reach a global audience using the power of the internet. This is where a lot of time is spent with every territory we target in making sure we match the specific compliance requirements and own the correct operating licences to be able to offer our product to specific regions.
However, whether it’s land-based or online, the premise of operating a casino brand remains the same. If you can provide a service that surpasses customers’ expectations and offers them an experience that they cannot get anywhere else, they will return.
This is something we have focused on heavily in our design of BetCoco.
Q. Tell us about BetCoco. What are the immediate objectives of the company? Could you also tell us quickly about your job brief.
A. BetCoco is a fun brand that offers the best-in-class player experience with the leading games and services that the industry has to offer. Innovation is at the foundation of everything we do through creating the best features to continuously improve our user experience.
We initially launched in cryptocurrency, yet now offer fiat. One of our immediate objectives is to onboard new customers from the territories where we are operational. We are going to be working with the industry’s top affiliates and media partners to bring quality traffic to our site in every location we are situated.
My role is to facilitate this by focusing our investments on markets that are not necessarily saturated with competitors where our players get excited about a new brand with attractive bonus and loyalty programs.
Q. Could you now talk about your digital marketing strategies and the benefits that customers are going to get from BetCoco?
A. We’re quickly deploying exciting paid media marketing and affiliate campaigns to let the markets know about us such as in Brazil we are partnering with the top affiliates in the market to promote our recurring bonus offers.
We also have a very clear approach to making customer satisfaction one of our key goals. For instance, our aggressive customer bonus plan with 100% bonus up to 0.5BTC is designed to attract keen crypto players – and now we are on the verge of releasing industry-best bonus rewards for fiat customers.
Q. According to your recent press release, BetCoco wants to bring back “more thrill” for customers, which is something that “iGaming operators have lost in their brand promotions in recent years”. Could you elaborate a bit on this point?
A. We think some of the bigger operators with a large market share lose touch sometimes of what will attract players that are new to online gaming. Especially, in emerging markets like Latin America, Asia and Africa, we plan to be the trusted brand that excites new players to begin their online journey into iGaming.
Q. What are the features BetCoco offers as of now and in which markets they are available?
A. We have created a best-in-class suite of tech with our iGaming software platform integrated with the best gaming providers, My Affiliates for affiliate management and Customer.io for CRM. Our intention is to give our players a first-class betting experience and a seamless user journey. This includes making them feel special and appreciated with our special offers and VIP treatment.
We understand that some of our users enjoy the feeling of betting next to friends / other users. So, we are offering exclusive live tournaments and daily challenges and leaderboards with new games announced weekly. Our platform allows players to collect loyalty points and redeem for special rewards and prizes.
Q. Could you outline the new initiatives of BetCoco that are in the pipeline and likely to roll out in the next two years?
A. Our group is the process of launching new sites under a Malta license that will allow us to enter higher value markets. We are also acquiring best in class technology to continue to build additional brands under Malta licensing using our own CMS platform to allow complete control over the customization of our sites for each market.
Thanks to the metaverse and advanced VR Technology, players can now visit physical casinos from the comfort of their homes. We plan to have all kind of VR Games – Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Game Shows, and even a Sports betting room, where the player can wager on a sports match and stay to watch the game next to other users, just like in Vegas! For this, player just needs to have a VR headset.
We have built relationships with the world’s best metaverse and VR tech companies and will integrate this technology into our brands over time.
We also plan to offer the ability to mint NFT slot machines with a shared revenue model and NFT player passes with in-app purchases.
Q. You plan to enter new markets, especially in Africa and Asia. What are your plans to tackle the fluid state of regulation in many of the African and Asian countries, with respect to cryptocurrency. For example, in India, a potentially large market, the legal stature of cryptocurrencies is in a disputed state. What will be your strategy?
A. While our view of the markets is worldwide, including Asia and Africa, we also see solid opportunities to secure country level licensing in places like Peru and Colombia. In addition, in the short term, we plan a major push in Brazil during the World Cup period. Since we have a presence in Latin America, for example, it allows us to understand better the local players and create brands that appeal to the particulars of each market.
Q. Finally, what is your take on the future of igaming segment, especially in relation to advances in technology such as machine learning and block chain?
A. Artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming and will be a very important part of the iGaming industry in years to come.
From better understanding user experience through advanced data sets to more complex security measures via anti-money laundering detection software to faster transaction speeds via blockchain-powered cryptocurrencies, the advancements in technology can benefit the industry in so many ways – and it’s still growing.
These developments allow us to operate in a sector that is safer, more enjoyable and just generally more informed. For instance, with machine learning, we can hone the information we have on our customers to create better experiences. With blockchain, we can offer users the most streamlined and frictionless approach to playing.
As technology is always evolving, part of our mission is to evolve with it, so our players can enjoy the best and most advanced gaming. To bolster customer experience, we are already looking at planning to design and incorporate our own VR Games on-site. These games will be available in 1st person view, as well as in 3rd person view. Our VR Casino Games will offer players the most immersive experience on the market.
Saroca Reimagines Leadership Development for the Gaming Industry
Saroca, a leader in professional development for the gaming industry, is proud to announce its Transformational Leadership Program, launching February 2025. Building on the success of the 2024 LeadHERship Program—a pioneering initiative for women in gaming—the new program expands its reach with two distinct cohorts: one exclusively for women and another open to all genders.
The Legacy of LeadHERship
The 2024 LeadHERship Program achieved an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90, with participants citing transformative growth. With participants like Clemence Dujardin citing it as a “game-changer”. Confidence in leadership abilities rose by 46%, resilience increased by 27%, and imposter syndrome diminished by 39%.
Participants praised the program’s focus on emotional resilience, feedback mastery, executive presence and communication all in a supportive community.
Leadership Development: A Game-Changer for Gaming
In a rapidly evolving and diversifying industry, strong leadership is essential. Saroca’s programs go beyond skill-building to foster resilience, trust, and inclusivity—key traits for thriving in the global gaming market.
“We believe leadership is not about hierarchy—it’s about transformation,” said Emily Leeb, CEO of Saroca. “The Transformational Leadership Program reflects our commitment to cultivating leaders who will shape the future of gaming.”
Transformational Leadership Program Highlights
The program builds on the proven curriculum of its predecessor, featuring:
- Two Cohorts: A women-only cohort and a new all-gender cohort to enrich perspectives.
- Eight Modules: Covering topics such as emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, and radical candor.
- Community and Growth Tracking: Strengthening connections and measuring individual progress.
Registration Now Open
The Transformational Leadership Program begins in February 2025, with limited spots available. Scholarships are also offered to ensure accessibility. For more information, visit Saroca’s website or contact [email protected].
About Saroca
Saroca is a leader in leadership development for the gaming industry, committed to empowering professionals through inclusive, high-impact programs that drive personal and professional growth.
The post Saroca Unveils the Transformational Leadership Program for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Introducing Magawa vs Mines, the debut game from Slammer Studios – a fresh new player in the industry. With the launch of this vibrant 7×7 slot, the studio is kicking things off in style. Inspired by the legendary Magawa, a rat whose life-saving landmine detection skills have earned worldwide acclaim, this game pays tribute to this incredible hero. With Magawa vs Mines, players get to honour the courage of an extraordinary rat, reliving his daring missions through high-energy gameplay.
Spinomenal has added Zeus Unchained Hold & Hit to its marvellous Mythology series. Zeus Unchained Hold & Hit presents a grid framework of 5×3 and is set at 25 fixed lines. Once the action is underway, players join Zeus, the ancient Greek god of sky and thunder for a battle on the reels. A powerful soundtrack heightens the anticipation as players look for Wild symbols on screen.
Betsoft Gaming brings players to the heights of Mount Olympus with Coins of Zeus – Hold & WinTM, an engaging video slot with a 3×3 grid and 5 paylines set in a stunning Ancient Greek theme. From immersive visuals to thrilling gameplay features, Coins of Zeus – Hold & WinTM brings mythology to life, delivering divine entertainment and win potential.
BGaming is helping players hunt for ancient treasures in its latest release Catdiana. Boasting two purr-fect bonus games, the gameplay is further enhanced through cat-themed scatters, coveted coins and high-value gem symbols. The 5×3 reel action unfolds deep within a mystical cat temple where Catdiana goes on the prowl, performing as a wild to guide players to hidden treasures and big wins.
Tom Horn Gaming, a leading igaming software supplier, has unveiled its latest game, Wild Snowfakes, just in time for the winter season. A winter-themed slot transports players to a serene snowy wonderland filled with excitement and rewards. This medium-to-high variance game is played across a 5×3 gaming grid, populated with frosty fruit symbols and snowflakes, which act as wilds.
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has revealed its latest immersive slot, Dolce Dreams, offering a sweet twist on the classic Italian café culture, with the experience designed for high engagement and substantial win potential. Set against the backdrop of a charming streetside cafe, Dolce Dreams features stacked Wilds in the form of waffle ice creams, which substitute for other symbols to maximise winning combinations.
Relax Gaming is taking players on an exhilarating snowy adventure with the launch of Winter Champions, a sports-themed slot that propels players through the mountain tops in pursuit of golden victories. At the heart of Winter Champions is the innovative Sliding Respins mechanic, ensuring the reels remain active as long as winning combinations continue to land, adding a layer of non-stop excitement to the gameplay.
Nolimit City is serving up a twisted carnival treat in Munchies. Step into the fair grounds as Nolimit’s latest Labs game released following the release of Outsourced: Slash Game. As a Labs title, expect a fresh and experimental spin on the classic Nolimit style. In the heart of the carnival tents lies a curious attraction: Fluffers—a cute, cuddly, but oh-so-smelly creature that’s causing quite the commotion among visitors. Some may say it’s the attraction of the year!
Thunderkick has unveiled Split Happens, the latest addition to its product portfolio that combines a quirky bowling theme with Walking Wilds and respins to provide a unique and compelling gaming experience. The action takes place across a classic 5×3 grid, where winning combinations can be formed both ways to help unlock 3,000x maximum wins.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, 10 Bulky Fruits. It is not an ordinary fruit slot but a dazzling, energetic and exciting game. This is a 5-reel, 10-fixed paylines video slot that offers vivid gameplay, epic sound effects and a variety of features. Keep an eye out for the Clover Wild Symbol and its great rewards – it appears on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reel. The Star and the Dollar are the shiny Scatter symbols boosting the winnings.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Booming Games are getting in the spirit early with the November arrival of their fresh, festive game, Holly Jolly Bonanza 2. ‘Tis the season for snowy slots, and just like Santa Claus himself, Holly Jolly Bonanza 2 delivers in style. This sparkling sequel is a sure-fire Christmas classic, a 5×6 game with cascading reels, introducing new features to the festive game.
How deep do you dare to descend in Yellow Slotmarine by Twin Win Games – the exciting new slot where cash prizes can be accumulated and collected on any base game spin, but three bomb symbols are always lurking to potentially blow players out of the water. Utilising just three reels and one row of symbols, Yellow Slotmarine introduces a completely new mechanic where every character that lands contributes towards a specific cash pot.
Gaming Corps is proud to announce the release of Wet and Wild Beavers. This charming new slot game also marks the debut of the exciting new A-MAZE-CADES™ mechanic. This playful adventure takes players down to the river, where a team of ingenious beavers plot their daring escape by the riverbank. Follow Red Rocket, Old Blue and Yella Fella as they utilise a series of creative bonus features to escape the dam and get their hands on wins of up to 10,000x the player’s stake.
Explore a prosperous underwater world and harness the power of the formidable Greek God of the Sea Poseidon in Stakelogic’s latest release, Trident of Legends. This enchanting aquatic adventure invites players to tap into the awe-inspiring power of the mythical Poseidon as they embark on a quest for fortune. With Poseidon’s legendary Trident in hand, players can trigger enticing bonuses while playing for wins of up to 10,000x their stake.
Play’n GO invites players to join the Wilde family in Wildest Gambit, a globe-trotting 5×3 slot that combines adventure, mystery, and massive win potential with an x20,000 Multiplier. Wildest Gambit unites the legendary Wilde family – Rich, Cat, and Uncle Gerard – in an epic journey across four unique destinations. From the golden sands of Egypt to the dense jungles of South America, players will experience a dynamic blend of Expanding, Sticky, and Multiplier Wilds.
The post Week 47/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
EGT Digital is proud to be among the finalists in the impressive 5 categories of BEGE Awards 2024. This year’s edition of the prestigious annual competition will be held on November 27 at Black & White Club, Palms Royale Sofia Complex. For the 15th consecutive year, the event will recognize individuals and companies for their outstanding contribution to the gaming and entertainment industry.
Burning Hot Instant, one of the newest offerings in EGT Digital’s ever-growing portfolio of games, is among the shortlisted titles in the Online Game of the Year category. It is also one of the latest additions to the top performer Clover Chance. Although it debuted only 2 months ago, Burning Hot Instant immediately became players’ favorite with its mystery jackpot and numerous rewards.
X-Nave, EGT Digital’s in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform, is a contender in the Online Platform of the Year category. The product earned the nomination thanks to the fact that it provides operators with the technology and tools they need to build and maintain a successful online business. The X-Nave platform includes 4 main modules: Sport Product, Gaming Aggregator, CRM Engine, and Payment Gateway. Each module can be part of the complete solution or function independently, allowing seamless integration with developments of third-party providers.
Another prestigious nomination for EGT Digital is in the Online Provider of the Year category, recognizing its wide range of iGaming products and services. The company’s games are extremely popular in a number of markets around the world, where players appreciate their fascinating design, high winning chances, and many attractive bonus features. The X-Nave platform is becoming the preferred choice for an increasing number of operators who want to guarantee their business’ long-term success and sustainable development.
The company is a finalist in the Sports Betting Platform of the Year category as well. EGT Digital’s Sportsbook solution, part of X-Nave’s Sport Product, offers everything operators need to secure a competitive bookmaker position. It includes advanced betting, in-depth statistics, different bet types, back-office tools, a variety of jackpots, and 24/7 technical and trading support. It is provided with powerful management tools that allow betting sites to create personalized content and increase player engagement.
The last category for which EGT Digital has been nominated is Innovative Product of the Year, with its 360-degree retail betting solution. This product covers both software and hardware aspects of the business, including the design and management of devices, the company’s omnichannel solution, sports betting, lottery games, vouchers, online deposits, and commissions. Constantly evolving, EGT Digital’s 360-degree retail betting solution continues to add new tools and options for improving user experience.
The post EGT Digital is shortlisted in 5 categories of BEGE Awards 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Saroca Unveils the Transformational Leadership Program for 2025
Week 47/2024 slot games releases
EGT Digital is shortlisted in 5 categories of BEGE Awards 2024
EGT is a finalist in several categories of BEGE Awards 2024
EGT’s latest innovations to shine at the 15th edition of BEGE Expo
MGM Resorts Teams with USO and American Airlines for 14th Annual Salute to the Troops at Mandalay Bay
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Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018
