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Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo

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The 16th European Dealer Championship, hosted by Holland Casino at its Venlo operation proved to be a hugely popular event, where 37 dealers from 21 European countries gathered to demonstrate their exceptional skills before the EDC judges.

Three days of intense tournament competition culminated in Noemie Serra of Casino de Monte-Carlo being crowned the European Casino Association’s Dealer of the Year. Jamie Cummins from London’s Crown Casino took the runners-up spot, with Asa Ekerot from Casino Copenhagen securing third place.

As well as taking home their trophies, the winner scooped a grand prize of €5,000. The second and third place finishers were awarded €3,000 and €1,500, respectively. In addition to the main prizes, there were another five Skill Challenges, each offering a prize of €500 for the winners, showcasing the diverse talents and expertise of the competitors.

  •     Best Mathematician: Jamie Cummins, Aspinalls
  •     Best Chipping: Tsvelan Kritonov Yanchev, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
  •     Best Cutting Chips: Noemie Serra, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
  •     Best Pushing Stacks: Stefano Samperi, Casino Malta
  •     Best Card Handler: Marco Skorjanic, Casino Innsbruck, Austria

The finals, which followed intense national heats, brought the crème de la crème of Europe’s casino dealing professionals to Venlo for the skill-based competition to demonstrate their astute decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and seamless ability to balance chip management, mathematics, and engaging social interactions.

The dealers were evaluated by a dedicated panel of impartial international judges, each an experienced professional dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the gaming industry. The EDC jurors played a vital role in evaluating participant performances, thoroughly examining game control, communication, and technical skills.

Erwin Van Lambaart, Chairman of the ECA, said: “It has been a huge honour for Holland Casino to host the 16th European Dealer Championship in Venlo. I’d like to thank the team behind the scenes for their tremendous efforts in organising and hosting this prestigious event, and I’d like to thank the event’s sponsors without whom it simply wouldn’t happen. It has also been a great honour to be able to celebrate the amazing craftsmanship of live dealing. This event is a showcase offering a glimpse into the passion, professionalism, and hospitality that define the experiences of guests at our member casinos daily. Our dealers and croupiers must be recognised as the most vital ingredient at the forefront of customer interaction. They are the very essence of the land-based casino industry, and we really have celebrated the ‘best of the best’ in the field here in Venlo. This event gives us an opportunity to honour these skilled professionals, to highlight the remarkable achievements of our dealers and to say thank you for making live casino gaming what it is today.” 

Hermann Pamminger, General Secretary of the European Casino Association (ECA), remarked: “This year’s has been a truly phenomenal event. I would like to thank all the sponsors of this year’s competition who made it possible to stage this international celebration of land-based gaming talent. The ECA extends its gratitude to these leading companies from the European gaming industry for their continued commitment to the European Dealer Championship, ensuring its success and growth into the future.” 

The winner, Monaco-born Noemie Serra, said: ‘Being a croupier is the best job in the world. I am so thrilled to take home the top prize. I came through the dealer school for Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco in 2018 and have worked there ever since. It was an honour to represent them in this competition. My father also works as a dealer for SBM, so I suppose you could say that being a croupier is in my blood. The tournament has been intense and exhausting, but all the competitors have been so supportive throughout the event.’

Runner-up Jamie Cummins of Crown London said: ‘It is a huge honour to finish second in this prestigious event. I’ve loved every second of the event and my time with the other dealers. Since starting out at Genting Casino in Luton, it has always been a dream of mine to work in Mayfair, which I achieved with Aspinalls and Crown. Doing so well in this competition is right up there, though. I was at the tournament in London a few years ago, which was an outstanding event, but this one has topped even that. I’d advise any croupier anywhere in Europe to have a go at this dealer championship. It’s an incredible experience.’ 

Second runner-up Asa Ekeret from Casino Copenhagen added: ‘I’m thrilled to have been recognised at this event. It has been tiring and gruelling, but just as in my job in Copenhagen, the other dealers have been amazingly supportive and encouraging. We’ve picked each other up and kept each other going. It’s been an amazing experience.’ 

The European Casino Association is excited to announce Grand Casino Lichtenstein as the next distinguished location for next year’s European Dealer Championship 2025, which will run from June 16 to 19.

The post Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Casino Games and Console Games: Are They Really That Different?

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Games come in many shapes and sizes. This has long been the case. The digital age brings everything from slot machines to sprawling console adventures. Casino titles and console games might look like they live in two different worlds. One is often focused on quick play and chance. The other leans into storylines and hours of immersion.

There are definitely a lot of differences. But there are similarities and overlaps that not everybody has considered.

Two Industries, One Trend: Growth and Choice

One of the clearest similarities between casino games and console gaming is how both industries have grown in recent years. Players now face huge menus of choices.

Casino fans know that there can be some very big libraries and even new titles appearing by the week. They are all trying to stand out with a new theme or mechanic (or just new characters). New and emerging markets like Canada still benefit from the huge libraries that are available. Bodog Canada is a casino that has a lot of different slot games as well as a lot of traditional table games. Blackjack and similar options are ubiquitous – there are even new developments and tweaks to the gameplay.

Big slot developers and brands may even create a lot of different new games for the market. There are enough for brands to even advertise regular slots of the week or similar.

Meanwhile, the console market has exploded. There are AAA open-world adventures and indie gems. The huge number of games caters to different tastes. Just like casino libraries, console platforms thrive on variety. This abundance means players in both spaces are never short of something new to try.

The numbers definitely back this up. A record number of new titles were launched in 2024 on Steam. There were over 15,000 new titles. Nobody could possibly try all of the games that have been put out on the market. Steam is a PC platform – we have seen a similar pattern in other console games.

Different Styles of Play

There’s no denying that the styles of play differ. Casino games are designed around quick interactions. A spin of a roulette wheel or a few seconds on a slot machine. All of these fit neatly into short bursts. Console games often ask for long sessions. They draw people in with depth and are designed to be longer. Some even take hundreds of hours to complete or give open-world designs people can explore endlessly.

But even here, there are overlaps. Casual console games like mobile ports and indie titles can mimic the quick pace of casino games. Think of puzzle games or arcade-style shooters that are all about instant gratification. They echo the same “jump in and jump out” model seen in many casino titles.

Shared Themes and Visuals

Themes are another place where links appear. Casino developers know that visuals matter. Slots come dressed in everything from mythology to sci-fi to jungle adventures. Console games also lean heavily on themes. They build entire worlds around specific styles.

In both spaces, developers reuse familiar ideas because they work. Things like mythology and science fiction appear across slot libraries and console releases. The art and atmosphere can often feel strikingly similar, even if the gameplay itself is very different.

Mechanics: Skill vs Chance

One of the biggest differences lies in mechanics. Casino games are usually driven by chance. Spins and card draws are random – strategy often plays a secondary role. In contrast, console games usually rely heavily on skill.

Some casino titles do bring elements of strategy into play. Poker requires both luck and skill, and blackjack asks players to think carefully about probability. Console games sometimes lean into randomness, too. Loot systems or even dice-roll mechanics mimic the uncertainty of chance found in casinos.

Social Experiences

Another interesting similarity is the social side. Some casino games have turned into shared experiences. Players can sit at the same table virtually in a live dealer game and interact with others. Console gaming has mirrored this with online multiplayer. This could mean teaming up in a shooter. It could also be facing off in a sports game; the social element keeps people engaged.

Both industries understand the power of community. It’s no longer just about the game itself. The social element is huge.

Technology Driving Both

Technology has been the engine behind the rise of both casino and console games. Casino developers have embraced mobile play and used HTML5. Console makers have pushed graphics and processing power to create lifelike worlds.

Interestingly, both industries borrow from each other here. Casino games sometimes mimic console-style graphics and storytelling. Some console games sneak in casino-style mini-games, like card tables or slot-style mechanics tucked inside larger adventures.

The post Casino Games and Console Games: Are They Really That Different? appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Strategies that Scale: Evoplay’s Alex Malchenko on Cracking the Code of Localised iGaming Success

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Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, joins us for an exclusive conversation ahead of HIPTHER’s European Gaming Congress 2025.

Evoplay, proud Pen & Paper Sponsor of this landmark event, continues to pave the way in iGaming with pioneering content, creative game design, and strategic market expansion.

With over a decade of B2B sales experience, Alex has played a lead role in entering regulated territories, forging new Bingo and Lottery partnerships, and launching fresh business directions – making him the ideal voice to explore insights around localising content for different markets: challenges, nuances, and successful strategies.

 

Alex, with your background scaling new markets and products, what challenges have you encountered with content localisation in the iGaming space?
When we enter or grow in a new market, we look at its own specifics. In some markets, the main challenge is regulation, whether it’s strict certification rules, requirements on game content and promotions, RTP levels, or even small details like how session time is displayed. That’s why we take time to understand the rules, the culture, and what local players actually want.

One good example is our instant game Penalty Shoot-Out: Street, which we created for Brazil and its strong football culture. The challenges there were both technical and regulatory, since Latin American markets often have very different rules. In some countries, just certifying the game isn’t enough — additional RGS and RNG certificates and official confirmations are also required.

On top of that, we had to make sure the gameplay matched what players expected. With Penalty Shoot-Out: Street, we achieved this by combining fast bets, quick results, a familiar theme and the thrill of every goal, and it worked.

Another case is our Hot Triple Sevens, a worldwide-popular slot, which we’ve refreshed with new mechanics like Hold & Win. Then we re-skinned the game to suit different audiences — for example, American Sevens and Fogo do Brasil 777 — to make them resonate more with local styles and tastes.

When games are built with the right themes and mechanics for a specific market, they feel more engaging and relevant to players, which can significantly boost their appeal. That’s why localisation is something we put thought into every time, learning from experience, working with partners, testing locally and improving as we go.

 

When it comes to Evoplay approaching localisation for a new market, what are the first strategic frameworks or priorities you put in place?
In short: regulation, communication with partners, and understanding players. When entering a new market, we carefully study all aspects, analyse the situation, and build a strategy. This includes legal, commercial, marketing and financial components, among others. Of course, for a complete picture, we also look at competitors’ experience, talk extensively with local participants, and study players — sometimes launching special campaigns independently, sometimes in collaboration with partners.

In this regard, Evoplay has made significant progress this year, reaching a new level. To support this approach, we also run campaigns that help us better understand players and their preferences. For example, the Oath of Steel campaign with SlotsCalendar, featuring a shared prize pool, invited players to take part and share their feedback, which we looked at thoughtfully. Similarly, we worked on a joint game with SlotCatalog, drawing on insights from their player preference analytics. Initiatives like this give us a better sense of what players enjoy and help us shape our games for different audiences, supporting our broader approach when entering or growing in new markets.

 

Could you share an example where you had to adapt a game significantly – theme, mechanics, or language – to resonate with local players? What were the specific market nuances you had to tune into?

In our business, every game must meet regulatory requirements, and it’s normal that adapting a game for a specific market requires some extra adjustments. A good example of this is the lottery vertical, which is quite different from standard iGaming. In our business, every game must meet regulatory requirements, and it’s normal that adapting a game for a specific market requires some extra adjustments. A good example of this is the lottery vertical, which is quite different from iGaming. Here, we need to follow particular rules regarding content and promotions, along with other market-specific restrictions.

Other bright examples of our games adapted to local markets include mythology-inspired hits like Temple of Thunder II Bonus Buy and Roman Rule, as well as the previously mentioned American Sevens and Penalty Shoot-Out: Street. These games work well because everything comes together — the theme clicks with players, the visuals fit the concept, and the mechanics are engaging. I’d also highlight the simplicity of the games and their user-friendly UX/UI, which players appreciate no matter the region.

 

Operating in regulated markets obviously adds complexity. How do you strike the balance between compliance (e.g., legal, cultural mandates) and maintaining the brand’s creative integrity during localisation?
In situations like this, branded games are a good approach. Creating them involves working closely with partners, discussing details such as logos and technical settings like RTP or bet ranges.

At the same time, we like to experiment with small creative touches to see what really clicks with players. A good example is The Easter Catch slot, an updated version of our worldwide popular The Greatest Catch, especially designed for the Easter holidays. Taking this approach keeps the game flexible, meets legal and cultural requirements, and still feels like our brand. Tailoring it for the partner and their audience also makes the game more engaging and usually leads to better performance.

 

You’ve been instrumental in forging Bingo and Lottery partnerships. How does localisation differ when tailoring for those verticals versus standard casino-style titles?

First of all, I want to emphasise that Bingo and Lottery are quite different from standard iGaming. These are established verticals with their own history, unique communities, and regulatory features. The lottery market is also largely monopolised and moves at a slower pace compared to the fast-moving world of iGaming.

Some online lotteries, while offering more dynamic and engaging experiences than paper versions or traditional online formats, are subject to many restrictions. For example, design themes common in slots are often prohibited, RTP requirements differ, and other regulatory rules apply.

When it comes to trends in this area, the World Lottery Association sets the pace, and other lotteries tend to follow their lead.

Evoplay entered this sector to bring a fresh, innovative perspective, showing how classic games can be reimagined for a new generation of players and enthusiasts seeking new experiences. The projects we’re currently developing here hold great promise and add a fresh spark to this traditional space.

 

Thank you, Alex, for walking us through Evoplay’s thoughtful approach to content localisation and the art of balancing strategy with respect for local flavor. We can’t wait to hear more from you and other industry leaders live at the European Gaming Congress 2025.

 

Join us at the European Gaming Congress 2025 | 30–31 October | Warsaw

👉 Secure your spot today, network, and dive deeper into how industry leaders like Evoplay shape the future.

The post Strategies that Scale: Evoplay’s Alex Malchenko on Cracking the Code of Localised iGaming Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SOFTSWISS Calls on Industry Leaders to Join the iGaming Trends 2026 Survey

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, is preparing the new edition of its flagship industry research – iGaming Trends 2026 – and invites experts worldwide to contribute their insights. The upcoming report is written in collaboration with NEXT.io, the world’s iGaming community, and will spotlight the key tendencies set to shape the industry in the year ahead.

The previous edition, iGaming Trends 2025, became one of the most influential industry resources. With over 100 pages of insights covering regulation, marketing, responsible gambling, innovation, and fraud prevention, the report had over 13,000 downloads . This strong reception confirmed the importance of having a trusted knowledge hub – and set the stage for an even more ambitious 2026 edition.

The iGaming Trends 2026 report is being developed jointly with NEXT.io, the world’s iGaming community, bringing additional depth and diversity of perspectives to the research. By combining the expertise of both teams with insights from the industry at large, the new edition will offer an unparalleled overview of the forces driving iGaming forward.

“The iGaming industry is changing faster than ever, and foresight comes from collective expertise. The strength of iGaming Trends lies in the community behind it. By partnering with NEXT.io, we are making iGaming Trends 2026 the most forward-looking edition yet, built directly on the voices of industry leaders,” added Max Trafimovich, International Non-Executive Director at SOFTSWISS.

Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NEXT.io shared: “The iGaming Trends report has become a cornerstone resource for our industry, and this year’s edition will be the most collaborative yet. We’re truly excited to be working alongside SOFTSWISS to bring iGaming Trends 2026 to life, ensuring it reflects the voices, insights, and ambitions of the people shaping the future of our sector. At NEXT.io, we believe foresight comes from community, and this partnership embodies that vision.”

The iGaming Trends 2026 report will be built on the contributions of industry experts worldwide. The survey is anonymous, but participants may leave contact details if they wish to be quoted. In appreciation of the participation, a few lucky winners will receive Apple AirTags, and one special winner will score a unique one that comes with an exclusive SOFTSWISS merch bundle.

Why Take Part?

  • Co-create a leading industry resource – Your insights will directly influence one of the most widely read iGaming reports.
  • Strengthen your professional visibility – A chance to share your perspective with thousands of peers across the industry.
  • Be part of a collaborative effort – For the first time, the report is being developed together with NEXT.io, raising its scope and relevance.

Take the survey here: https://softswiss.typeform.com/to/AMCd3VcT

The SOFTSWISS Team will be at SBC Lisbon 2025, Stand B160, a perfect chance to connect and talk about iGaming Trends 2026.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Calls on Industry Leaders to Join the iGaming Trends 2026 Survey appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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