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AMIQUS & Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame launch new EDI Platform, Empower Up

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Award-winning specialist games recruitment agency Amiqus and Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame initiative have today launched Empower Up, a comprehensive platform to equip games companies of all sizes with the knowledge, frameworks, guidance and resources they need to establish, improve or grow their Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) policies, practices and processes.

Empower Up is suitable for all games companies, wherever they are on their EDI journey. For those looking to gain more understanding about what EDI is and why it’s important, the Intro To EDI section provides an overview. It also provides a summary of different Diversity Characteristics and Under-Represented Groups, along with some specific advice and guidance on each.

At the heart of Empower Up is a practical Health Check tool that enables games companies to benchmark where they are on their EDI journey. This will then signpost those companies and individuals to specific areas of the website where they can gain relevant advice and actionable steps on how to move forwards.

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The EDI Journey section provides just that information and guidance, covering a number of areas, including:

  • Getting Started
  • Your Workplace Culture
  • Recruitment & Hiring
  • Staff Development & Retention
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Accessibility & Representation
  • Activities & Outreach
  • Legal Requirements

Meanwhile, a Resources section will provide inspirational Case Studies from studios already doing great work in EDI; a Directory of EDI organisations and initiatives; and a Glossary of Terms area. News and Events will also be regularly updated.

Studios and individuals are encouraged to sign up to become Empower Up Members, which will provide additional benefits, namely:

  • Take the Health Check and save results, allowing you to monitor your progress
  • Access to informative Case Studies from other games businesses and organisations
  • Bookmark articles to save in your personal Reading List
  • Downloadable resources, such as document and policy templates
  • Receive a monthly newsletter
  • VIP invitations to Empower Up events

Empower Up is a not-for-profit, industry-led platform from Amiqus and #RaiseTheGame.

Amiqus is headed up by Business Manager Liz Prince. With 20 years industry experience as a woman in games, she is also the force behind the G Into Gaming campaign, a pro bono initiative to drive more diversity and promote gender balance in the games industry. She is also a Women in Games Ambassador and a regular speaker on EDI topics at industry events. She said:

“There are many studios and employees who know that making their organisations a more inclusive, equal and welcoming place is the right thing to do – but often they just don’t know where to start, or how to progress. That is where the idea for Empower Up was created. There are some brilliant organisations and initiatives out there, but nothing that pulls everything together in one place to help studios to take actionable steps in this area. Empower Up has been a real labour of love, and we’re really proud and happy that it’s now ready to help games companies in the UK push forward with their EDI efforts.”

Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame initiative aims to get games businesses of all sizes to pledge to improve EDI through diverse recruiting practices, building inclusive working environments and representing voices in their games. Dom Shaw is the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator for Ukie, as well as managing #RaiseTheGame. He said:

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“It’s really exciting to see Empower Up come to life, and we thank both Amiqus and our leading #RaiseTheGame partners for supporting this important project. We want the games industry to be a more diverse and inclusive community, in which people from all backgrounds are welcome, valued and can flourish in their careers. Empower Up exists to empower organisations and individuals in the UK games industry to take their EDI knowledge and practices to the next level, through measurable and actionable steps. We look forward to seeing it in action in studios around the UK.”

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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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