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World Series of Poker® Main Event ® to Return

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The World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced plans to host 2020’s hybrid online and live version of the $10,000 No-Limit Hold-Em World Championship, known better to poker players and fans as the Main Event. The Main Event will begin for international players on Sunday, Nov. 29 and domestically on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Due to travel restrictions and out of an abundance of caution for player safety, this year’s format will be unique, where early round play will begin online with one entry on WSOP.com or GGPoker.com, before shifting to a live setting for final table action on two continents. Each “bracket” will pay out prize money to tournament entrants independently. The final table will be a world’s first, as an ultimate heads-up duel for the World Championship, where $1 million in prize money will be on the line courtesy of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) and GGPoker. The Main Event will be held consistent to the traditional “freeze-out” standards of the Main Event, offering only single entry, as well as the longest levels and deepest stacks ever offered on the online platform.

All in-person tournaments, domestic and international, will be subject to special COVID rules and procedures, the details of which will be published at a later date and will require players to undergo a required health screening prior to live participation. All participants must agree to abide by all applicable rules.

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U.S. residents will be able to play the Main Event on the WSOP.com platform in either New Jersey or Nevada beginning on Sunday, Dec. 13. The $10,000 event is expected to take two full days to reach the final table, with play being suspended for an overnight break after approximately 12 hours of action. The tournament will be paused when play hits the final table, with the final nine players traveling to Las Vegas for the TV taping and culmination of the tournament to take place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, subject to applicable regulatory approval.

Dates for Domestic Tournament:
Day 1 – Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020
Day 2 – Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, Play down to 9 players
Final Table – Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Monday, Dec. 28, Play continues to a winner; prize monies paid

International residents eligible to use GGPoker’s popular online poker platform will have three dates from which to choose their starting flight. Similar to the traditional offline events, players may only choose one date of play. Similar to the domestic flight, and subject to casino availability, play will be paused for the final nine contestants who will report to King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic to play their final table in a live TV taping. Should travel restrictions or a casino shutdown prevent the live portion from moving forward in December, organizers reserve the right to continue the tournament play online or reschedule to a later date.

Dates for International Tournament:
Day 1A – Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020
Day1B – Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020
Day 1C – Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020
Day 2, Play down to 9 players, Monday, Dec. 7
Final Table – *King’s Casino, Tuesday, Dec.15, Play down to a winner

*Subject to local regulatory approval

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Finally, the winner of the Domestic Tournament and the winner of the International Tournament will meet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, subject to applicable regulatory approval, for a televised showdown on Wednesday, Dec.30, 2020. In addition to any prize monies won by entrants in their respective tournament, WSOP and GGPoker have committed an additional sum of $1 million to the winner of the Heads-Up match along with the Main Event championship bracelet and the title of 2020 World Champion. *Note, should the international winner be under the age of 21 and thereby ineligible to play in the state of Nevada, organizers reserve the right to change the date and location of the Heads-Up match.

Heads-Up Championship of Domestic Winner vs International Winner:
Wednesday, Dec. 30
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas*

A comprehensive list of satellite events allowing qualification for as little $1 will be available on both WSOP.com and GGPoker.com. There will also be weekly free-rolls offering $10,000 seat entry for multiple weeks leading up to the tournament.

To welcome visiting players, Caesars Entertainment will offer special Main Event room rates at several resorts in Nevada and New Jersey. Additionally, new options to deposit money into a WSOP.com account and cash out in person will be available for the first time at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, NV. For more information about special hotel rates, and cash at the cage locations, visit wsop.com/mainevent.

Note, players are allowed to create and/or fund their online poker accounts prior to arriving within the state borders of Nevada and New Jersey. However, they must be geolocated through a CPU of mobile device to be within the state borders to be able to commence any gaming activity. New players may require document verification and are highly encouraged to register early.

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As has been the case each year since 2003, ESPN will air coverage of the 2020 WSOP Main Event featuring Lon McEachern and Norman Chad.

“There must be a World Champion in 2020,” said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of the World Series of Poker. “Poker’s history is too important. It’s a unique format for the Main Event, but this is a unique year. We want to keep players’ health and safety top of mind and still deliver a great televised showcase for the game we love.”

Added GGPoker Head of Poker Operations Steve Preiss, “We’re very happy to continue to deepen our relationship with WSOP. It was a huge summer of record-setting action on GGPoker and we’re excited to offer players access to the biggest tournament of all.”

To stay up to date on the latest WSOP news, visit: www.WSOP.com.

SOURCE Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

 

The gambling industry is evolving rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges daily. To help affiliates maximize their earnings by focusing on what truly engages players, experts from Megapari discuss the latest trends and key developments shaping the future of the sector in their newest article.

Megapari Partners is an affiliate platform that welcomes traffic from more than 50 geographical regions. With revenue shares of up to 50%, as well as CPA and hybrid options, the platform boasts an active partner base of over 30,000 affiliates.

When discussing the evolution of online casinos, Megapari emphasized the ongoing growth in the popularity of crash games. Although the mechanics of these games are not new and have been recognized within the industry for some time, Megapari notes that their popularity continues to rise. Leading providers have adapted to the overwhelming demand for this category of slots by introducing their own variations of the crash game mechanics. Games like Aviator and Aviatrix have solidified their positions in the platform’s Top 5 most popular slots, combining high RTP with appealing graphics and captivating gameplay. Compared to Q4 2023, Megapari has observed an increase in the popularity of crash slots more than 60%, further confirming the hypothesis of the ongoing expansion of these types of games.

Additionally, Megapari’s experts point to the significance of the “retention” rate in clicker slots. These types of slots gained popularity during the first half of 2024, attracting players with their incredibly simple mechanics. While it may be too early to compare the popularity of clickers with that of crash games, Megapari believes that in the second half of 2024, the industry will likely witness further growth in this category of slots.

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When it comes to classic and well-known mechanics, roulette games remain among the top preferences for players. American and European roulettes—classic games with familiar rules—continue to attract players with their straightforward and well-known gameplay. Despite the fact that roulettes have long been a staple among popular and widely recognized slots, Megapari has noted an increase in the popularity of this category of games, demonstrating that the appeal of classic games should not be underestimated.

Beyond the games themselves, the hardware used by players is also advancing, leading users to seek out slots with superior graphics. More and more providers are focusing not only on game mechanics but also on enhancing gameplay with visually stunning and immersive slots, such as Medusa by Spinomenal or Heist: Bank Rush. Complex animations and vibrant icons attract players, enriching their gaming experience with greater variety.

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The Role of Adaptive Soundtracks in Player Engagement

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Video slot games have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Today’s gaming experience is not just about graphics or slot gameplay; sound has also taken center stage, adding depth and enhancing player immersion. One aspect that has emerged as a slot game-changer is adaptive soundtracks. These dynamic musical scores adjust in real-time based on the player’s actions, emotions, or in-slot game events. This innovation has significantly impacted player engagement, contributing to a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

What Are Adaptive Soundtracks?

An adaptive soundtrack refers to a musical score that changes depending on what’s happening in a slot online game. Unlike static soundtracks, which play in a loop or remain the same throughout the slot game, adaptive music evolves as players progress through different levels or encounter specific challenges. The changes in the soundtrack can reflect various in-slot game elements like mood shifts, action sequences, or environmental changes, helping to create a seamless experience.

In simpler terms, adaptive soundtracks adjust to the slot game’s flow. If a player is in a high-stress situation like a battle or chase, the music might intensify to heighten the feeling of urgency. On the other hand, if the player is exploring a peaceful environment, the music may slow down or become more calming. This dynamic nature of adaptive soundtracks plays a crucial role in how engaged a player feels while playing.

How Adaptive Soundtracks Work

Adaptive soundtracks rely on a system that monitors in-slot game events, player movements, and environmental changes. Based on specific triggers, the music shifts to suit the atmosphere or slot gameplay. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques:

  • Layering: The slot game’s soundtrack is composed of multiple layers of music. Depending on the situation, different layers are added or removed to create the right mood. For instance, in a stealth slot game, the soundtrack may begin with a light, suspenseful melody, but as enemies approach, an additional layer of percussion or a faster rhythm may be introduced to increase tension.
  • Transitioning: In some slot gacor games, rather than layering, the music transitions between different themes. For example, when a player enters a combat sequence, the tranquil exploration theme may fade out and a more intense battle score takes over. The shift is smooth, ensuring that the player doesn’t feel disconnected from the slot gameplay.
  • Reacting to Player Inputs: Some adaptive soundtracks are directly influenced by the player’s decisions. In role-playing slot games (RPGs), where players make moral choices, the music may shift to reflect the emotional weight of those decisions. A heroic act may bring in uplifting music, while a villainous choice might introduce darker, more ominous tones.

Why Soundtracks Matter in Gaming

Sound is an often overlooked but essential aspect of gaming. Without it, slot games would lose a significant layer of immersion and emotional depth. Music sets the mood, adds tension, and can guide players through complex narratives without using words.

Enhancing Emotional Connection

One of the primary ways adaptive soundtracks contribute to player engagement is by enhancing emotional connections. The music in a slot game can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement to fear, sadness, and triumph. By adjusting the soundtrack to match the player’s experience, adaptive soundtracks ensure that the emotional impact of the slot game is felt more strongly.

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For example, in horror slot games, sudden changes in music can signal an impending threat, causing players to feel anxious or on edge. In adventure slot games, a soaring soundtrack during a climactic moment can make players feel empowered or inspired. This emotional engagement is key to keeping players invested in the slot game.

Maintaining Immersion

Another critical factor in player engagement is immersion. When players are fully immersed in a slot game, they lose track of time and become deeply involved in the slot game world. Adaptive soundtracks help maintain this immersion by creating a consistent and reactive audio environment that responds to the player’s actions.

If the music didn’t change to reflect what’s happening in the slot game, players might feel disconnected or disoriented. Imagine playing a slot game where the music remains calm and peaceful during a high-stakes battle; it would break the immersion and reduce the overall intensity of the experience. By constantly evolving to match the slot gameplay, adaptive soundtracks keep players in the moment, making every action and decision feel significant.

Increasing Replayability

Replayability is an important aspect of modern slot games, and adaptive soundtracks can contribute to this in a big way. slot games with dynamic music systems offer a fresh experience each time a player plays, as the soundtrack can vary based on different actions or choices. This variability can make players want to come back and explore different possibilities, knowing that even the music will change to match their new path.

For instance, in slot games with branching narratives, the music will adapt to the storyline the player chooses, offering a unique soundtrack for each playthrough. This keeps the experience fresh and engaging, encouraging players to revisit the slot game multiple times.

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Conclusion

Adaptive soundtracks have transformed the gaming experience by enhancing emotional connections, maintaining immersion, and increasing replayability. By responding to in-slot game events and player actions, these dynamic soundtracks keep players engaged and invested in the slot game world. As technology evolves, the role of adaptive soundtracks in player engagement will only continue to grow, offering slot gamers an ever-deepening connection to the virtual worlds they explore.

From iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda to intense shooters like DOOM, adaptive soundtracks are proving to be a vital component of modern video slot game design, making each gaming experience truly unique and unforgett

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

 

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.

This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.

Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.

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The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.

“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.

Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.

Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow.

 

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About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

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