Evoplay expands its footprint in Mexico by partnering with Winpot.mx, a leading force in the Mexican online casino market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ongoing expansion across Latin America.

Under this partnership, Winpot.mx has integrated a full suite of our games, including fan favourites like Penalty Shoot-out, Hot Triple Sevens, and Fruit Super Nova. As one of Mexico’s most prominent casino brands, Winpot.mx provides the perfect platform for us to deliver our innovative iGaming experiences to a rapidly growing audience in the region.

With this integration, we’re not just introducing our games to Mexican players; we’re redefining their gambling experience by offering a diverse range of video slots, instant and table games, and jackpot titles. This collaboration underscores our commitment to becoming a leading player in the global iGaming industry.

The first half of 2024 has been the most successful ever for Evoplay in terms of GGR and Bet Sum. 

This success is largely due to a 39% year-on-year increase in our partner network. Among the agreements we signed were deals with Light & Wonder for platform integration and with key operators such as Vegas.hu and Sesame.bg.

We’ve also added over 20 new games to our portfolio this year, including our flagship title, Adrenaline Rush. Released alongside a slot and a crash title, this unique 3D racing game earned us the Skill Games Supplier award at the EGR B2B Awards 2024.

These new releases contributed to a 26% increase in GGR and a 37% rise in Bet Sum compared to last year. Additionally, we’ve introduced Wheel of Fortune, a promotional tool designed to enhance player engagement and boost profitability for operators.

Looking ahead, we plan to use this success to push towards becoming a top multi-product supplier, with exciting new developments in bingo and lottery on the horizon.

A strong team is the backbone of a successful company. This is particularly crucial in the iGaming industry, where competition for top talent is intense – about 75% of companies cite attracting and retaining skilled professionals as their primary challenge.

Below, I’ll share the strategies we at Evoplay use to attract and retain top talent, especially as we expand our presence on the international stage. 

Evolution of Evoplay’s talent acquisition strategy during international expansion

Adapting our talent acquisition strategy during international expansion is a necessity, fueled by both external and internal factors. Externally, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and global volatility generally necessitated a significant shift in our approach, requiring us to adapt to new circumstances. Internally, the need to scale our business has been a major factor. Since our founding in 2017, Evoplay has consistently expanded in game volume, partnerships, and overall business metrics. Strengthening our team to support this growth has been paramount. 

Our evolving recruitment and retention strategies reflect our experiences and specific needs. While international expansion requires new approaches, the core principle remains: matching company and employee values. This strategy has shown its effectiveness in practice. For example, we’ve sometimes had to wait from 3 to 11 months for highly qualified candidates to start once we found the right match. This challenging process of attracting top talent with significant experience was intense, but our patience and effort have proven to be well worth it.

At Evoplay, we prioritise a collaborative partnership where mutual dedication, creativity, and innovation are celebrated. This ensures both parties are committed to each other’s success.

Talent acquisition strategy: key elements

• Data analytics

You can’t manage what you can’t measure. When we implemented Applicant Tracking System (ATS), we saw significant benefits, especially as we scaled. This system has allowed us to analyse recruiting data and calculate key parameters more efficiently and insightfully.

• LinkedIn as a powerful recruitment tool

We’ve focused on LinkedIn for connecting with both active and passive candidates. After I’ve implemented changes to our hiring strategy, we completely abandoned job boards and payment for recommendations, and we lobby LinkedIn as the main tool for expanding the TA team’s networking. Due to this, we optimised the TA budget by 3 times and thus reduced the cost per hire.

• Addressing turnover causes

It’s commonly thought that employee turnover is negative, but from my experience, it’s not always the case. When turnover is linked to business demands, it becomes a necessary part of growth. To manage turnover effectively, we focus on optimising work processes, communication, and feedback.

Specifically, our staff turnover rate has dropped by 5.1 times, which I see as a great result. This shows how crucial it is for the Talent Acquisition (TA) and People & Performance (PP) departments to work well together. Having the right people helps us reduce risks and turnover. Going forward, the PP department should focus on developing and strengthening our team to maintain this success.

• Supporting professional development

Offering opportunities for professional growth tailored to individual interests has a positive influence on employee satisfaction and retention. It’s not about offering every course available but providing personalised development paths, which employees value most. For example, the TA and PP teams, thanks to my networking and participation in certain organisations such as Women in Tech, Cartier Awards, SHRM, have access to various training and certifications to improve their development.

• Developing a supportive work environment

Building a supportive and respectful culture is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment. At Evoplay, employees highly value their supportive teammates, fostering a collaborative and positive atmosphere. By centring our talent acquisition strategy on key pillars – analytics, clarity, consistency, and personalised communication – we minimise our reliance on large hiring budgets. Instead, we harness the power of positive word-of-mouth and LinkedIn as effective recruitment tools. As the saying goes, “A good reputation is worth more than gold.”

Key recruitment metrics as performance indicators: Evoplay’s experience

Competition for talent in the iGaming sector is fierce. Our strategy has allowed us to reduce cost-per-hire by threefold and achieve a 96% vacancy fill rate last year. We predict a similar result by the end of 2024. Achieving these results requires more than simply following a strategy; it involves continuous testing and learning from mistakes.

Here are the key metrics we monitor to ensure efficiency in our talent acquisition (TA) team:

Time:

• Time to hire
• Тime to fill
• Job position age
• Time for pre-onboarding* (TPO)

TPO metric was developed by me to accurately reflect the complete hiring process. Our recruiters manage contract and NDA signings before the start date and handle other pre-start procedures. The metric also accounts for varying notice periods, which can be lengthy, particularly in Europe and for C-level positions. This ensures a fairer assessment of our team’s efforts beyond just the time to fill.

Effectiveness:

• Recruitment funnel effectiveness
• Sourcing channel effectiveness
• Yield ratio

Offer:

• Offer acceptance rate

Cost:

• Cost per hire

TA experience:

• Candidate experience
• Hiring manager experience

Quality:

• Quality of hire
• First-year attrition
• Selection ratio (for top-level vacancies)

By calculating and analysing retention rates, we identify and address weak areas, helping us build a truly engaged and motivated workforce.

Key results of our recruitment strategy implementation:

1. Systematised and configured analytics for the talent acquisition process.
2. Increased vacancy closing rate by 96% in 2023.
3. Eliminated ineffective hiring channels to focus on productive ones.
4. Developed targeted hiring.
5. Implemented ATS, significantly enhancing the hiring process.
6. Actively expanded hiring in the EU market and beyond.

Concentrating on data-driven insights, clear processes, and personalised communication ensures our recruitment strategy remains effective and agile. This approach not only optimises our hiring practices but also enhances our ability to attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for our international expansion.

Sustaining team motivation: cultivating an engaging workplace culture

Mutual support, both professionally and personally, along with opportunities for growth, are crucial to our team’s and company’s success. Keeping this in mind, we focus on creating an engaging work environment. Our internal research shows that when employees are engaged, absenteeism drops, and turnover decreases. For example, in 2024, we observed a reduction in employee turnover of up to 10.2% and a decrease in the absenteeism rate to 29.63%. 

Offering ample professional growth opportunities, providing strong team support, and fostering a shared drive for success – these are the pillars that uphold our work culture. Our core values play a key role in this effort. They guide us in shaping the culture and practices that make Evoplay a great place to work.

Core values that unite Evoplay team members

• Industry innovations: At Evoplay, we lead with cutting-edge technology and exciting incentives. When team members share our passion for innovation, it’s a sign of alignment and readiness for effective collaboration.
• Continuous development: We focus on ongoing improvements to boost efficiency and performance. Our team thrives in a fast-paced environment and values both professional and personal development.
• Collaboration: We foster a culture of trust and teamwork while valuing individual contributions and new ideas from every team member.
• Informal approach: We encourage transparent communication. Employees appreciate direct access to C-level executives, which enhances feedback and creates a respectful work atmosphere. This approach has led to the successful implementation of many great ideas.

Candidates can explore our general career benefits on the Evoplay.careers website, which serves as our business card. For more detailed information, we encourage a private discussion, as we find a personal approach to be most effective.

We emphasise professional development over perks and seek individuals who share our vision for innovation and leadership. We believe that self-motivation combined with a supportive environment is key to long-term success.

In my view, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs aptly illustrates that while basic needs like salary are important, they aren’t the sole drivers of motivation. At Evoplay, we offer a platform for both personal and professional fulfilment, allowing our employees to advance rapidly and benefit both themselves and the company.

In summary, our success is built on a strong company culture and a dedicated team where everyone feels valued. This focus on professional growth and positive relationships creates a workplace that people truly enjoy being a part of.

Staying ahead in the competitive iGaming talent market: the Evoplay vision

Looking ahead, it’s clear that AI could transform our operations. While AI is great for automating routine tasks, it’s unlikely to significantly impact how we personalise our candidate outreach, which remains crucial for us.

In my view, maintaining a personal touch in recruitment is what truly sets us apart. So, no matter how technology evolves, our primary focus will always be on developing our internal talent. Despite tough external competition, we prioritise skill growth and building a strong team community. This approach keeps our team motivated to stay and contribute.

To stay ahead, we view our team as our greatest asset, so we’re committed to their growth and dedicated to smart innovation.

Slots have long been a favourite among players due to their perfect mix of entertainment, chance, and variety of mechanics, attracting both casual players and avid gambling enthusiasts. For years, video slots have been the backbone of online casinos, captivating audiences with their thrilling gameplay and potential for big wins. But what sets one slot game apart from another?

/Slots for me have always been the world’s greatest puzzle./ Cameron Stewart, SciPlay group vice president of U.S. Game Development

When everything in the game is thought out and correctly combined, then it will work

At the first stage of development, it is necessary to think about features the slot will have. This is what makes one game different from another. Often, a specific feature defines the game as a whole. Some slots are closely associated with their main modes. For example, Evoplay’s Temple of Dead is all about Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol – it is considered to be a gold standard in such slots.

The type of game dictates the features used. For instance, to create a high-demand online slot, you’ll implement features proven to work well, ensuring they are configured and balanced correctly within the game. Sometimes, the absence of features is the main peculiarity. If we talk about certain slots with Scatter pays, free spins with cumulative multipliers are often used there. It’s just something that meshes well and is liked by most gamblers.

The theme is chosen later. First of all, it is very important to think through all the nuances. Then, any mechanics can be applied to almost any topic. While some themes, like Ancient Egypt and fruits, are popular, relying solely on them can become monotonous. It’s crucial to introduce a variety of themes to keep the games interesting. Topics are not limited and can be diverse, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for players.

The target audience should be taken into account as well

When developing online slots, understanding and catering to the target audience is paramount. Each region has unique preferences and cultural nuances that significantly influence player engagement and satisfaction.

There is no doubt that the tastes of players in Asia, Latin America, and Europe are different. Even within Europe, they will differ. It’s not just about which type of game is used more frequently, but how it should look and feel. Visual decisions can significantly impact the demand for a particular game among a specific audience.

For example, if we take the older generation of casino-goers, this segment, though not the largest, is incredibly active, making a significant number of spins. They have a penchant for classic fruit slots, which typically involve the main game with an additional feature. This particular audience, primarily found in European countries, as well as in North America, enjoys traditional slots. However, this style does not resonate in China, where players seek different themes and elements that are culturally relevant to them.

Thus, it is important to define and thoroughly understand the target audience to create engaging and successful online slots. By learning the specific preferences and cultural contexts of a certain region, one can tailor their games to meet players’ expectations, ensuring a more enjoyable and satisfying gaming experience.

It all depends on the correct presentation of the feature

No one likes features they don’t understand. The question is not how complex the feature is but how understandable we can make it for the audience. This is the main goal. We have to rely on the fact that players often choose simple things because they want to play slots. If they wanted something more difficult, they would choose computer games or maybe poker. Slots are a game of chance, where you simply place a bet and then see how lucky you are.

/The only sure thing about luck is that it will change./ Wilson Mizner, American playwright and entrepreneur

The key is to ensure that, even if a feature is complex, it remains clear to the player. For instance, if it’s a special symbol, its meaning must be well explained. If it’s a progress bar, it should be obvious what needs to be done to fill it and what the reward will be once it is filled. Players need to understand the path they are on and what they are working towards. Ultimately, the success of a feature lies in its design and how we present it to the players.

What works well for online slots

There are certain features that have a positive effect on the game. Among them are Hold & Win, Bonus Buy, and Double Chance.

Fixed jackpots in Hold & Win

Hold & Win is a popular bonus mode in slot games, where players collect bonus symbols that remain on the reels until the end of the bonus game. Each symbol typically carries a value, contributing to the player’s total winnings.

A jackpot display (a board showing the jackpot amount) has a positive impact on the popularity of slot games. These boards motivate players to engage more actively, likely because they provide a tangible goal to strive for and occasionally achieve. Fixed jackpots, integral to many bonus modes like Hold & Win, enhance this engagement. However, they need to be used judiciously, as they are not suitable for every game type.

When implemented correctly, jackpots and scoreboards can have a profoundly positive effect on player engagement and game popularity, creating a compelling reason for players to continue spinning the reels.

Bonus Buy

Bonus Buy allows players to access a game’s bonus rounds instantly by purchasing them. This feature appeals to gamblers who prefer not to wait for the bonus rounds to be triggered naturally through regular gameplay, providing a more immediate and thrilling experience.

In essence, the Bonus Buy option lets players bypass the main game to jump straight into the action of free spins, multipliers, or other special features. This technique is particularly attractive to those who seek bigger potential wins without the unpredictability of when a bonus round might naturally occur.

Evoplay has effectively incorporated the Bonus Buy feature into many of its popular games. One of the notable examples is Mega Greatest Catch. Here, Bonus Buy allows players to purchase and immediately receive Free Spins with the Fishing feature. This instant access to the game’s most lucrative features makes it a favourite among players seeking quick and rewarding gameplay. According to our statistics, if we compare Mega Greatest Catch Bonus Buy with Mega Greatest Catch, the game growth reached 285% (including such metrics as Bet Sum, GGR, Rounds, and Count of non-unique users).

Double Chance

Double Chance is a unique addition to online slots that enhances the player’s experience by slightly increasing the base bet to boost the chances of activating bonus modes, such as free spins or other special features. In other words, it is designed to increase the likelihood of special symbols appearing on the reels, which in turn activates the bonus mode. By opting for Double Chance, players place an increased bet, which heightens the probability of entering bonus rounds where they can enjoy additional rewards like free spins or other bonuses. This feature is particularly appealing to players who are willing to take risks for greater rewards.

Evoplay has integrated the Double Chance feature into several of its games. Let’s mention Candy Dreams: Sweet Planet, where players can activate the Double Chance feature to increase their bet, thereby raising the odds of triggering special symbols and entering the Free Spins mode.

Various other innovative mechanics can significantly enhance the gaming experience in online slots, including:

• Infinity Reels: here, landing a winning combination causes the reels with the winning symbols to shift, for example, to the left, while additional reels appear. These additional reels can theoretically continue to appear indefinitely as long as winning symbols keep landing, prolonging the winning round. For instance, Evoplay’s Unlimited Treasures features the same mechanics, set in an Arab market theme.
• Random Event: it will add an element of surprise and excitement to the game. These can include random wins or unexpected activations of free spins. For example, a coin symbol might land on the reels and fly up to a chest above the reels. At a random moment, the chest is activated. After that, it opens and drops coins onto the reels, replacing symbols and activating a bonus game. Such events keep the game engaging by breaking up long periods without significant wins, providing a pleasant surprise akin to finding a wallet on the street.

It’s not one feature that works; it’s their right choice and combination

Success in slot games isn’t about which specific feature is used but how well all elements are integrated and balanced. It’s not about tying a fishing feature exclusively to fishing mechanics. Different themes and features can be creatively combined to create a cohesive and engaging experience. Another example is a wheel of fortune, triggered under specific conditions, that should be tailored to fit within the game’s overall design.

Tradition plays a role, too. Classical mechanics, like the Book mechanics with its expanding special symbols in free spins, can be adapted in various ways.

A great example of the successful integration and combination of features is Hot Rio Nights by Evoplay. Here, symbols fall in stacks, creating a festive animation of a dancing woman when winning combinations occur. This visual element, tied to a Rio Carnival theme, evokes a festive atmosphere, demonstrating how setting and mechanics can complement each other.

Creating a game isn’t just about features; it’s about evoking emotions. Both positive and negative emotions play a role. For instance, in high-volatility games, long periods without wins can build tension, making the eventual big win feel even more rewarding. This emotional journey keeps players engaged and invested.

Last but not least is a game’s design. It must appear natural and believable, with every element carefully considered and integrated. It’s about understanding what should take centre stage and what can be in the background, ensuring that every aspect of the game is polished and thoughtfully designed. In short, a well-thought-out game design is essential to creating a successful and engaging slot.

Oleg Yakovlev

Game Producer

Game Producer

I'm a game producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. For the past 7 years, I've been passionately crafting slots and games that captivate players and keep them engaged. What really gets me going is dreaming up those innovative game mechanics and features and seeing players thoroughly enjoy them.

Go to Author’s page

Evoplay pumps up the burgeoning Hungarian iGaming market thanks to our latest partnership with Vegas.hu! This tie-up made more than 20 Evoplay’s games go live with the operator, including the top-performing instant game Penalty Shoot-out and our player-favourite video slot Forest Dreams. Moreover, the award-winning operator has gained exclusive access to Evoplay’s flagship game, Star Guardians!

We are delighted to join forces with Vegas.hu to deliver the best gaming experiences to players in the region and anticipate a great response. Sharing the same values, such as providing players with the most innovative and exciting titles, will inevitably bring mutual growth to Evoplay and Vegas.hu!

Evoplay doesn’t stand still – we are continuously developing our games with an innovative approach. And it bears fruit in the form of amazing rewards. At EGR B2B Awards 2024, Evoplay received a new win as a Skill Games Supplier thanks to our high-quality, skill-based flagship, Adrenaline Rush.

This prize highlights the company’s exceptional contributions to iGaming, setting new standards for this industry. The team’s dedication to innovation and excellence in game development have led us to this prominent title. Evoplay is moving forward to become an innovation game-changer and gain even more awards in our bright future!

A new partnership has emerged between Evoplay and Gamblers Connect, an award-winning casino affiliate and online gambling information hub. Gamblers Connect is a team of passionate yet experienced iGaming enthusiasts. They support player protection and provide unbiased evaluations of operators, aiming at building a better gambling world for everyone.

This collaboration promises to blend Evoplay’s strategic prowess and devotion to innovations with Gamblers Connect’s meticulous expertise in everything players need to gamble safely, responsibly and enjoyably. Together, we will ensure that every creation is designed with the players’ happiness at its core.

With this partnership, we broaden the exposure of Evoplay’s innovative casino games to reach a wider audience!

Evoplay’s commitment to various collaborations has yielded significant results earlier. That’s why we’ve decided to unite with Sesame to introduce over one hundred of our amazing games, broadening the presence in Bulgaria. As one of the country’s largest iGaming operators, Sesame is the perfect place to deliver our most famous titles to Bulgarian players.

Evoplay’s slots portfolio contains favourites like Fruit Super Nova, Hot Triple Sevens, and Inner Fire Bonus Buy, making this collaboration even more awesome. With this historic agreement, we want to show Bulgarian players a fresh take on the gambling experience, catering to their needs and expectations. So, we’re successfully excelling in one more market in Europe!

Evoplay is ready to power the Georgian market with innovation more, thanks to the partnership with Europebet! Over 20 of our award-winning titles are now available to players across the region and ready to elevate their gameplay. We hope that Evoplay’s high-quality content will resonate perfectly with Europebet’s audience!

The agreement with Europebet, a leading brand within the Betsson Group, amplifies Evoplay’s expansion across regulated European markets. Partnership by partnership, we are accelerating our growth to new heights!

Evoplay continues the string of successful expansion deals in the Baltics!

The latest tie-up with Betsafe, the Betsson Group’s Lithuanian brand, will bring 90+ of our best-performing titles to live for Baltic players. Lithuania is a vibrant market, and we are delighted to present Evoplay’s dynamic games to even more players in the region.

Partnering with leaders like Betsafe, Evoplay keeps developing a stellar reputation across regulated markets in Europe and beyond!

We are delighted to leverage our position across Europe by partnering with Light & Wonder’s leading aggregation platform. Now, more iGamers can dive into over 100 of Evoplay’s dynamic titles on Light & Wonder’s global operator network. Among the featured games, players will find top-performing slots: The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy and Hot Triple Sevens, as well as the Penalty Shoot-Out instant game.

With Light & Wonder’s vast market reach, Evoplay will greatly expand its footing in Europe. This is a significant step toward worldwide recognition of our high-quality, innovative content!

We proudly announce an exciting collaboration between Evoplay and Mr. Gamble, a leading casino comparison platform. Mr. Gamble is renowned for providing players with accurate information about fully licensed and regulated online casinos and exclusive bonuses, ensuring the ultimate iGaming experience.

This partnership is a significant milestone for Evoplay. It enhances our presence within the iGaming community and enables us to showcase our cutting-edge products to a broader audience. For Mr. Gamble, it represents an opportunity to enrich their platform, delivering an even better experience to their esteemed community.

As we continue to push boundaries with our innovative games, this partnership sets the stage for an exhilarating journey into the future of iGaming!