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Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
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Pre-Submission Check-Up: Is Your Project Ready for an Investment Fund?

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Securing investment is a crucial step in the growth of any business, but before submitting an application, it is essential to critically assess its readiness. Does the team have the necessary expertise? Is the product in demand in the market? Is there a well-thought-out development strategy and financial model?

Founders often become so engrossed in their ideas that they overlook critical aspects that are key for investors. Investors evaluate not just the concept but also the actual viability of the business—market demand, team professionalism, financial stability, and scalability potential.

One of the funds that support promising companies, teams, startups, and technologies and help them grow is PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS. The fund follows a meticulous selection process, investing in verified projects that are prepared for sustainable development. COO Ihor Denysov has outlined the key criteria that define an ideal candidate for investment, emphasizing strategic business development and scalability potential. These criteria serve as guiding principles rather than strict requirements, helping projects better align with the fund’s vision.

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1. Strategic Investment Focus Areas

To attract investment, the product of potential investee must align with the verticals that match current investor focus areas. Essential alignment niches include:

  • MarTech Solutions — traffic solutions, advertising agencies, and marketing tools, including arbitrage teams, media platforms, telegram channels, advertising networks, influencer marketing, and AI-driven technologies. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are of interest.
  • iGaming Innovations — casino game studios and comprehensive iGaming solutions, particularly slots, instant games, and infrastructure solutions for online gaming operators.
  • Fintech Advancements — digital banking services, cryptocurrency projects, and innovative payment systems.
  • AI/ML Applications — advanced artificial intelligence technologies enhancing user engagement, retention, and innovative solutions across various domains.
  • Analytics Platforms — operational solutions optimising user acquisition, retention strategies, marketing performance, and overall business processes. Projects falling outside these strategic domains may not align with our current investment thesis regardless of their individual merit.

2. Product with Proven Market Demand

To secure investment, businesses, companies, technology projects, and teams must have more than just an idea; they need a real, market-validated product. Minimum requirements include:

  • MVP+ (Minimum Viable Product Plus) — a product with basic functionality and initial users.
  • Market demand validation — stable customer base growth, user behavior analytics, early sales, market research, alignment with the key market trends.
  • A clear business model — understanding how the initiative will generate revenue.

If the product has not yet demonstrated market demand, it is crucial to focus on testing hypotheses before seeking investment.

3. Innovative Features for Market Advantage

Product differentiation is a crucial element for market success. It is essential to have:

  • Unique solution to an existing problem that addresses the pain points in ways competitors don’t.
  • Clear superiority backed by data, user testing, experience.
  • Technologies that are hard to replicate—ideally patent-protected—can help maintain a competitive edge in the market. While not a strict requirement, having such innovations significantly strengthens a project’s investment appeal.

Products lacking distinctive features significantly reduce their chances of gaining market traction and investment.

4. A Strong Team with Industry Experience

The team is a critical factor in determining a project’s success. It is essential to have:

  • An experienced CEO and competent core team (devOps, marketers, technical specialists, financial experts) who understand their field.
  • Clearly defined roles and efficient internal processes.
  • Previous experience in launching or developing similar projects.

Teams lacking the necessary expertise significantly reduce their chances of securing investment.

5. Transparent Financial Model and Growth Forecast

It is essential that the potential investees have:

  • A well-structured financial model — revenue streams, cost structure, and expected profitability.
  • Key customer acquisition metrics (CAC, LTV, ROI) that demonstrate marketing strategy effectiveness would be considered as the plus.
  • A profitability forecast — outlining when and under what conditions the project will become self-sustaining.

Projects that cannot justify financial viability typically do not pass the selection process.

6. Readiness for Scaling

It is crucial to demonstrate:

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  • Growth potential — the ability to expand into international markets or scale within the current niche.
  • Adaptable business model — ability to pivot or modify offerings based on changing market conditions and feedback.
  • A well-planned customer acquisition strategy — including performance marketing, SEO, and partnership programs.

Projects without a clear scaling strategy are not considered investment-attractive.

Conclusion

Meeting these criteria significantly increases the chances of securing investment. PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS considers only verified, promising projects that are ready for growth. When submitting an application, businesses must be prepared to demonstrate not just anticipated but also concrete results that confirm their sustainability and competitiveness.

The post Pre-Submission Check-Up: Is Your Project Ready for an Investment Fund? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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XSOLLA LAUNCHES THE XSOLLA GOLD GIFT CARD TO ENHANCE GAME BRAND VISIBILITY THROUGH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL CHANNELS, OFFERING GAMERS A NEW WAY TO PAY

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Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces the launch of the Xsolla Gold Gift Card, a flexible payment solution designed to enhance how gamers purchase, gift, and redeem virtual goods. Available in physical and digital formats, the Xsolla Gold Gift Card provides players with an accessible and convenient way to engage with their favorite games across multiple platforms.

As the global gift card market is projected to reach $5.3 trillion by 2033, developers face increasing opportunities to expand their monetization strategies and engage players more effectively. The Xsolla Gold Gift Card offers a seamless way for players to acquire in-game items, gift content to friends, and redeem rewards, enriching their gaming experience. This solution unlocks new revenue streams for developers, enhances brand visibility, and enables targeted marketing initiatives, including co-branded promotions and customized campaigns.

Discover the standout benefits making this gift card a game-changer for players and developers:

  • Flexible Distribution Options: Includes physical and digital cards, ensuring broad accessibility for players worldwide
  • Enhanced Community Engagement: Encourages players to share gaming experiences through gifting, fostering deeper connections within gaming communities
  • Monetization and Marketing Opportunities: Leverages gift cards for cross-promotions, partnerships with retail brands, and exclusive in-game offers, driving increased engagement and revenue for developers
  • Cross-Platform Usability: Fully compatible across multiple platforms and game titles, catering to a diverse player base with various spending preferences

“We’re excited to offer a gift card to help simplify how players purchase and share virtual goods while helping developers increase player retention and engagement through strategic integrations,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer of Xsolla. “The Xsolla Gold Gift Card allows us to continue innovating, enhancing how players interact with their favorite games and how developers can reach a broader audience.”

The Xsolla Gold Gift Card will be available in various denominations, adapting to different player needs. Developers can integrate these cards into their ecosystems to enhance player engagement and drive monetization through tailored campaigns and promotions.

The post XSOLLA LAUNCHES THE XSOLLA GOLD GIFT CARD TO ENHANCE GAME BRAND VISIBILITY THROUGH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL CHANNELS, OFFERING GAMERS A NEW WAY TO PAY appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Forging Strong Partnerships: SYNOT Games on Market Growth & Client Success

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HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to present SYNOT Games, our Lanyards Sponsor, and a leading force in the iGaming industry. SYNOT Games has built a reputation for innovative, high-quality slot content, boasting a portfolio of 180+ certified games and “unleashing digital delights” across over 40 jurisdictions.

In this exclusive Sponsors Spotlight interview, we sit down with Dagmar Cvrckova, Head of Strategic Partnership, to discuss their expansion across global markets, business-oriented approach to clients, and what’s next for their growing portfolio.

 

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SYNOT Games has successfully expanded into multiple regulated jurisdictions, from Europe to emerging markets. What factors drive your decision-making when entering new territories, and what challenges do you see in the current regulatory landscape?

Our expansion strategy rests on three core pillars: market potential, regulatory stability, and demand for unique content we develop. Before entering a new jurisdiction, we conduct comprehensive research to assess the player base, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements and operator demands.

Navigating compliance is one of the biggest challenges in the iGaming industry, as regulations are constantly evolving and changing. We take proactive steps by working closely with regulators, ensuring our games meet all certification standards, and staying ahead of legal changes. This approach ensures robust compliance and keeps us well positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in new markets.


With a portfolio of over 180 certified games, how does SYNOT adapt its content to meet the preferences of diverse player demographics across various regions?

Player preferences vary widely across regions, and our game development strategy is deeply rooted in data-driven decision-making. For example, while European players often favor classic slot mechanics and high-volatility games, Latin American markets prefer vibrant themes and engaging bonus features.

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We analyze player behavior, session data, and engagement rates to fine-tune our content. Our localization goes well beyond language translation; it encompasses a complete adaptation of the gaming experience, including themes, payout structures, and bonus mechanics – to align with regional trends. But we’re not afraid to experiment either.

This approach allows us to deliver games that resonate with a global audience while staying true to the distinctive SYNOT Games style.


Strategic partnerships are a key focus for SYNOT Games. How do you approach collaborations with operators to ensure mutual success and long-term growth?

Strong and strategic partnerships are built on flexibility, customization, and shared goals. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we work closely with our partners to deliver customized offerings – including exclusive games and tailored promotional tools – that drive player engagement and retention.

The key to our success is our ability to adapt, whether through customized game offerings, innovation, marketing support or technical solutions. This collaborative approach ensures sustainable growth for both parties.

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SYNOT Games prides itself on “unleashing digital delights”: delivering original content adaptable to any operation configuration and needs.  How do you balance innovation with maintaining a consistent and engaging player experience?

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, but our approach is always player-first. We continuously experiment with new mechanics, themes, and features, but we also maintain the core elements that players love – intuitive gameplay, engaging graphics, and rewarding experiences. However, it is essential to strike a balance between innovations and solutions that are both effective and engaging for players, whether they are directly part of the games or retention tools.

The PEAK (Player Engagement & Acquisition Kit) is a prime example of a powerful retention tool that unlocks exciting new reward options and simplifies promotion management. It allows operators to set promotions according to their needs. And the best part? We’re continuously enhancing it with new features to keep engagement at its peak.

Of course, every innovation must be developed with a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while delivering an exceptional gaming experience across different markets.

 

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As a Lanyards Sponsor and key participant in this year’s Summit, what insights will SYNOT Games bring to the discussion, and what makes this event an essential platform for industry collaboration?

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, but our approach is always player-first. We continuously experiment with new mechanics, themes, and features, but we also maintain the core elements that players love – intuitive gameplay, engaging graphics, and rewarding experiences. However, it is essential to strike a balance between innovations and solutions that are both effective and engaging for players, whether they are directly part of the games or retention tools.

The PEAK (Player Engagement & Acquisition Kit) is a prime example of a powerful retention tool that unlocks exciting new reward options and simplifies promotion management. It allows operators to set promotions according to their needs. And the best part? We’re continuously enhancing it with new features to keep engagement at its peak.

Of course, every innovation must be developed with a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while delivering an exceptional gaming experience across different markets.

 

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With SYNOT Games leading the way in market expansion and client partnerships, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 is set to offer exclusive insights into the evolving iGaming landscape. Don’t miss the chance to connect with top industry professionals, explore the latest trends, and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!

 

The post Forging Strong Partnerships: SYNOT Games on Market Growth & Client Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development

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Bitline, the only provider for casino chip access directly from cryptocurrency, has announced its first major collaboration in the U.S. casino market, teaming up with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts through its collaboration with Everi, a premier provider of financial technology and gaming solutions. This collaboration introduces cryptocurrency and digital assets as a new source of liquidity for casino patrons and marks the first time that such a functionality has been enabled within the American gaming industry. 

Leveraging Everi’s CashClub’s comprehensive payment infrastructure, Bitline’s solution is able to efficiently board, screen and verify patrons looking to leverage their digital assets whilst also allowing patrons to move screened assets into custody within minutes. Bitline’s integration with Everi Cash Club, the leading financial access services suite for casino payments, will enable the technology for the benefit of Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and is the first time that such a functionality has been possible in the U.S. regulated casino market.

Catering to the growing demand for greater cryptocurrency and digital asset integration within the casino industry, the collaboration between Bitline and Everi’s forms a transferable blueprint that offers casino operators and their patrons an alternative way to manage funds, access liquidity, and leverage the benefits of cryptocurrency and other digital assets. 

This milestone reflects a strategic shift in how casino operators view and manage financial interactions with their guests. The introduction of cryptocurrency as a liquidity solution provides additional options for guests and lays the foundation for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as it looks to the future of gaming sector finance, setting a new standard in financial accessibility and convenience. 

“Working with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts and Everi to make this a reality is a historical moment for both the casino and blockchain industries. Bitline was conceptualized to advance the gaming sector and offer a wider variety of financial options for the casino industry,” said Richard Jones, CEO at Bitline. “We’re entering an era where digital assets can fundamentally enhance the gaming experience, providing casino operators with a future-ready financial framework that can expand and evolve as the industry does. This collaboration is just the beginning of our vision to modernize casino payment capabilities on a global scale.”

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Victor Newsom, SVP Product Management, Payments Solutions at Everi comments “This unique integration combines BitLine’s additional payment accessibility options with Everi’s ability to enable seamless, secure, and regulatory compliant financial transactions for casino patrons. Designed from the ground up to exceed the rigorous compliance demands of the industry as well as the discerning expectations of gaming VIPs around the world, Choctaw’s patrons are now no longer limited to the access, times, amount, and speed constraints of the legacy financial systems. This also significantly reduces risk for our casino customers, such as Choctaw.”

“We are excited to be the first casino in North America to offer our guests another way to play,” said Thomas McDonald, Senior Director of Cage and Credit at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. “Through our long-term relationship with Everi, a leader in fintech solutions, we will continue to invest in innovative offerings that provide the discerning gaming VIP access to funds in a safe and secure manner.”

The Choctaw Casinos & Resorts integration represents only the first phase of Bitline’s broader mission to bring cryptocurrency solutions to casinos and casino patrons worldwide. As cryptocurrency and digital assets continue to gain traction in the gaming sector, Bitline’s easy to integrate and patented payment model stands poised to become a key player in transforming gaming finance. Future plans include expanding  services across other major casinos and gaming markets, both domestically and internationally, establishing cryptocurrency as a new standard feature of the gaming experience.

The solution is to be formally rolled out on March 7, 2025, with the first transaction taking place at Choctaw’s Durant, Oklahoma, location.

The post Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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