Latest News
YGAM, StreetGames and YSF Team Up to Provide Problem Gambling Education to Youth
Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) has started a new training alliance with national sports charity StreetGames and Yorkshire Sport Foundation (YSF) to provide problem gambling education to youth.
“Working with sports clubs and groups is a natural progression for YGAM and something we have been making progress on for some time. There is a clear alignment in our values and mission, to safeguard children and ensure each young person gets a healthy start in life,” Sam Starsmore, YGAMs’ National Education Manager, said.
“Since we first began working with StreetGames and YSF, we have seen just how passionate both organisations are about the work they are doing. To have them supporting YGAM’s objectives and taking the steps to utilise our training and resources is great news for the young people and their families who make use of their services,” Sam Starsmore added.
“We are looking forward to supporting YGAM and working with YSF in the Yorkshire region, on an issue which too often has a real and detrimental impact on communities. Ensuring the safeguarding of young people is a key area of work for StreetGames and using sport as a driver for these conversations can be a great way to engage openly and honestly with trusted community organisations. We hope this training will help raise awareness of the potential issues caused by gaming and gambling, as well as offering ways to prevent the harm this can cause,” Halima Khan from StreetGames said.
“The safety and welfare of young people is of utmost importance to Yorkshire Sport Foundation, and we are committed to working with local sports clubs and organisations to raise awareness of issues that can affect young people. We hope through our involvement, we can spread the messages and help to reduce the harm caused to young people through gaming and gambling,” Gillian Brown, Safeguarding Lead for Yorkshire Sport Foundation, said.
BGaming
BGaming awarded Peru supplier licence
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has secured a highly sought-after licence in Peru, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across LatAm.
BGaming’s technical system of gaming software and its engaging portfolio have been officially approved by the gambling regulator Mincetur, a national administrative authority which implements and oversees all aspects of online gaming and sports betting in Peru. By receiving the B2B certification, BGaming broadens its appeal with local licenced operators in the newly regulated market.
The licence also opens up more opportunities for BGaming to expand its business and strengthen its position in the wider LatAm region, where it has enjoyed significant attention in the last 12 months.
Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “Securing the Peru licence marks a pivotal moment in BGaming’s global expansion. This certification not only strengthens our presence in Latin America but also underscores our commitment to bringing high-quality, immersive gaming experiences to new audiences.
“We are excited about the opportunities this will unlock, both in terms of growth and the reception of our slots in this new market.”
BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,600+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.
Latest News
Blueprint Gaming spreads its Christmas charm in King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play
Blueprint Gaming’s iconic gorilla makes a special, festive return in the studio’s latest release, King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play, offering slot enthusiasts a plethora of bonus rounds to enjoy just in time for Christmas.
The 4,096 ways to win slot takes its place in the depths of a frozen jungle with the 6×4 grid playing host to a series of Kong’s fellow inhabitants and festive-themed bonus icons.
Landing a collect symbol on reels one or six will see all cash and jackpot symbols awarded that land simultaneously. Once the Cash Collect feature has been triggered, players then have the chance to benefit from four Kong upgrades; Dual Collect, Lock & Spin, Cash Boost and the coveted Golden Monkey, all optimising the chance for lavish wins through a series of cash-enriching features.
As in its predecessor’s offering, all unlocked upgrades remain in the base game and during the title’s free spins feature. However, any non-collected banana, golden monkey or golden barrel symbols are added to the new banana pot at the top of the player ‘s screen which can trigger the Go Banana’s feature at random, presenting players with a choice of three Pick a Prize features.
The series’ renowned Free Spins round is accessed by landing between three and six Kong scatters, granting 10 free spins and the perfect Christmas treat of a direct payout of up to 500x.
For slot enthusiasts on the hunt for further gameplay, Blueprint’s festive release also features a brand-new Power Play game available at 5x the original bet, benefitting from only cash, cash pots, collects and bonus symbols active, increasing the chance of additional collects and bonus wins.
King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play marks Blueprint’s blockbuster Christmas and final release of 2024, showcasing its commitment to consistently enhancing its game families with fresh features for players to enjoy worldwide.
Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events, said: “We’re delighted to launch King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play and what better Blueprint character is there to lead our Christmas offering than the face of our beloved series that has gone from strength to strength over the last year.
“The latest addition promises festive fun with an array of bonus features to enjoy including the iconic Kong Upgrades, the new Power Play feature, and with a maximum win of 10,000x the player’s bet also up for grabs, the perfect presents await our players this December!”
Click here for more on King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play
The post Blueprint Gaming spreads its Christmas charm in King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas Power Play appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Blockchain
Navigating Blockchain’s Future in iGaming: Insights from Michał Ftouni, Head of Sales at Zondacrypto
The European Gaming Congress 2024 concluded with resounding success, attracting nearly 200 participants who benefitted from premier learning and networking opportunities. In this exclusive interview, we are thrilled to host Michał Ftouni, Head of Sales at zondacrypto – our Selfie Mirror Sponsor – and a key voice on blockchain’s transformative impact in iGaming.
Given your extensive experience in fintech and payments, what key developments do you see as the most transformative for the iGaming industry when it comes to blockchain technology?
I would say that making use of the inherent nature of the blockchain, meaning the transparency, immutability and security of it, is the most disruptive and transformative development for the iGaming industry. Players are able to confirm that the outcome of games is fair and make sure they are not being tampered with. Their payments are also safe, quick and cheap, something that is highly sought after by players. Of course, one has to mention also the effect DeFi and web3 has had on iGaming, by adding great features like staking and yield farming which brings a whole new dimension to user engagement. As for merchants, blockchain technology reduces operational costs by cutting out intermediaries, enabling instant settlements, lowering transaction fees. The biggest advantage in my opinion is the adherence to compliance and regulation since everything on the blockchain is transparent and traceable. Every transaction is securely recorded and easily auditable. Last but not least, we have to talk about chargebacks and fraud. These are the biggest pain for merchants when it comes to payments, and blockchain technology completely eliminates these risks.
During the panel discussion on ‘Chain Reaction: Securing and Disrupting iGaming with Blockchain Innovations,’ you shared some compelling insights on how blockchain is transforming the industry. Could you expand on the unique perspectives you brought to the panel and how your experience at zondacrypto has influenced your views on blockchain’s role in iGaming?
At zondacrypto, we see blockchain as so much more than just a tool for payments. We see it as a foundation for reshaping the entire gaming experience. It’s not just a buzzword but a foundational technology for addressing key challenges in iGaming, such as trust, security, and efficiency. My insights are rooted in real-world applications we’ve implemented at zondacrypto, particularly through our zondacrypto pay gateway. For example, our payment solution uses blockchain technology to streamline payments and cross-border transactions, reduce costs, and ensure transparency in the payment flow. All are critical elements for operators catering to a global audience.
Additionally, my experience has taught me that blockchain’s potential extends beyond payments for iGaming. A key role is in enhancing trust through permanent and unchangeable records and smart contracts that automate processes like custom wagering limits, automated payouts or unique bonus structures. This means that iGaming companies can improve efficiency and build strong trust among their clients. Throughout the years, I’ve seen firsthand how blockchain can elevate player engagement and operational integrity. This leads me to believe that Blockchain Innovations are a game-changer for the industry.
Blockchain is often praised for its potential to enhance transparency and trust in various industries. What specific blockchain features do you believe are most beneficial for iGaming platforms, particularly in the areas of security and data management?
For iGaming platforms, the most valuable aspects of blockchain are decentralization, immutability, and its built-in cryptographic security. Decentralization eliminates the reliance on a single authority, which helps ensure that game outcomes are fair and tamper-proof. Immutability is crucial because it guarantees that once data, such as bets or transaction histories, is recorded, it can’t be altered—this builds a strong sense of trust with both players and operators. Lastly, the security provided by blockchain technology protects sensitive data like personal information and payment details, which significantly reduces the risk of breaches and fraud. These features make blockchain an ideal solution for addressing the unique challenges of the iGaming industry.
Since joining the cryptocurrency space in 2017, you’ve seen significant changes in the industry. How has the perception of blockchain evolved among iGaming stakeholders, and what misconceptions still persist?
Back then, there was a lot of skepticism around blockchain, particularly in the iGaming sector. Blockchain was often seen as a niche concept, mostly associated with speculation and volatility. Over time, iGaming stakeholders have become more aware of its practical benefits, especially in areas like transparency, security, and faster payments. However, some misconceptions persist. One common one is that implementing blockchain is overly complex or requires a complete overhaul of existing systems, which isn’t true—there are many plug-and-play solutions now available. Another is the idea that blockchain automatically means anonymity and is therefore linked to illegal activities, overlooking the advancements in compliance, like KYC-enabled systems, that make it secure and regulatory-friendly for businesses.
zondacrypto offers a range of B2B services, including crypto payment processing and OTC services. Could you share some insights into how these services have impacted gaming platforms, and what trends you anticipate in the near future for crypto in iGaming?
Our B2B services, especially crypto payment processing, have made a significant difference for gaming platforms by speeding up transactions, lowering costs, and enabling operators to cater to players globally. For instance, quick settlements and reduced fees give operators a competitive edge, while OTC services are perfect for managing larger transactions, particularly for VIP players. Looking ahead, I expect stablecoins to gain more traction because they address concerns about crypto volatility while keeping the benefits of blockchain intact. Another big trend I see is the growing use of NFTs within games—not just as collectibles but as tools that enhance player engagement and create new revenue streams for operators.
As zondacrypto expands its footprint across the EU, what challenges do you face in driving blockchain adoption, and how are you working to overcome them, particularly in the iGaming sector?
One of the biggest challenges we face is navigating the regulatory landscape, which varies significantly across EU countries. Some jurisdictions are very supportive of blockchain innovation, while others remain cautious or unclear about their policies. To address this, we actively engage with regulators, provide education, and advocate for clear, fair rules that balance innovation with compliance.
We must of course mention the upcoming implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation by December 2024 which marks a significant milestone for the crypto industry, as it will introduce a unified regulatory framework across all EU member states, providing much-needed clarity for businesses operating in the space. As zondacrypto was one of the first centralized exchanges to be fully MiCA-ready, it will allow us to streamline operations and scale more effectively across multiple markets.
Another challenge is convincing traditional gaming platforms to embrace blockchain. There’s often hesitation due to concerns about complexity or the resources needed for integration. To overcome this, we focus on demonstrating how blockchain simplifies operations, reduces costs, and enhances trust. Sharing real-world success stories and showing the long-term value of blockchain solutions have been effective strategies in driving adoption.
Looking ahead, how do you envision blockchain continuing to disrupt and reshape the iGaming landscape over the next five years? Are there any upcoming innovations from zondacrypto that you’re particularly excited to share?
Over the next five years, I see blockchain becoming deeply embedded in the iGaming industry, not just for payments but across the entire gaming experience. We’ll likely see innovations like DAOs giving players a voice in decision-making, blockchain-based loyalty programs enhancing player retention, and NFTs creating new ways for players to own and trade in-game assets. These developments will make gaming more interactive and engaging while giving players more control.
We’re particularly excited about enhancing zondacrypto pay with a strong focus on MiCA compliance to align with the EU’s evolving regulatory framework. By integrating MiCA-compliant features, we aim to provide gaming operators with a secure, transparent, and fully regulated payment solution that meets the highest standards. This will not only ensure smooth, legally sound operations but also build trust with operators and players alike, solidifying blockchain’s role as a dependable foundation for iGaming transactions.
Michał Ftouni provided his valuable insights at the European Gaming Congress 2024 as a panelist at the discussion “Chain Reaction: Securing and Disrupting iGaming with Blockchain Innovations”, and with his Keynote Presentation “Leveling up your payments with crypto”.
The post Navigating Blockchain’s Future in iGaming: Insights from Michał Ftouni, Head of Sales at Zondacrypto appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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