/The higher the prize pool, the more attractive the tournament becomes for players/

Christian Staedter, esports researcher and founder of Gaming Science

Prize pools have long been a magnet for player attention, but in today’s iGaming landscape, players seek more than just high numbers. They want a journey, a thrill, and a reason to come back. We took this insight and elevated it. Big Adventures isn’t just about rewards – it’s rather about delivering a full-spectrum experience that combines gameplay, excitement, and emotion into one unforgettable event.

Why did we create Big Adventures? 

At Evoplay, we set out to build a campaign that would engage, inspire, and fascinate. The goal is to reach a wider audience, introduce Evoplay’s games to new players, and surprise our loyal fans with something fresh and exciting. We also wanted to reinforce our brand in the eyes of our partners, showing that we’re not keeping up with trends – we’re setting them.

Big Adventures was designed with a simple idea: bring something truly new to iGaming. We surveyed players and partners, gathered their ideas and preferences, and used those insights to shape every aspect of the campaign. While this campaign followed a standard technical flow, it broke creative ground with its layered structure and narrative-driven experience. We imagined it as a unique trip for players – one where every spin could lead to a win and would surely create lasting memories.

Also, we focused on scale and diversity of engagement. Unlike anything else on the market, Big Adventures combines three major mechanics into a single event: Tournament, Prize Drops, and Wheel of Fortune. This “3-in-1” format, paired with cool rewards like iPhones and a dream trip to the Maldives, makes the campaign one-of-a-kind.

“We created Big Adventures to bring something new to iGaming – a campaign that will attract more new people to our product, gather fans of our brand, provide a new unique iGaming experience, and immerse players in the world of exciting adventures. With three core mechanics and unforgettable prizes, it’s our boldest step yet toward building a community around Evoplay products.”

– Diana Larina, Head of Marketing at Evoplay

What’s inside Big Adventures?

Big Adventures is built to keep players engaged (and traffic consistent) over nine months of action. With a €2,500,000 prize pool and four activation phases every month, it combines the industry’s top-performing mechanics in one seamless iGaming campaign.

As for the campaign structure, each month is divided into four activation bursts to keep momentum high and traffic predictable. Activation dates (recurring each month):

• 1-5
• 9-13
• 17-21
• 25-29

This pulse-based structure creates a clear rhythm that players quickly recognise and return for, and it gives operators consistent engagement spikes to plan around. The monthly format also aligns seamlessly with ongoing promo cycles and reporting.

Tournament

Slogan (for player-facing use): Competitive by nature and design.

Five days of intense competition – players climb the leaderboard to win epic rewards at the finish line! For operators, it means longer sessions, more return visits, and consistent spikes in engagement across each phase.

Prize Drops

Slogan (for player-facing use): Random wins bring a real thrill.

Surprise rewards drop at any moment – no strings attached. With minimum bet requirements starting at just €0.20, Prize Drops offer instant excitement that rewards all types of players and keeps the reels spinning longer. It will give you longer sessions and higher average bet frequency without additional effort.

Wheel of Fortune

Slogan (for player-facing use): Spin to win – let the play begin!

Triggered automatically through base gameplay, Wheel of Fortune gives players a chance to win money. It adds a dynamic level of interaction that increases player engagement and session depth without interrupting the core gameplay.

Why will players love it?

Big Adventures goes beyond in-game bonuses. It gives iGamers the kind of real-world rewards that drive excitement and loyalty.

iPhone giveaways

Every quarter, the most active player across the network receives the latest iPhone Pro Max. No extra steps are needed because participation is automatic. It’s a highly desirable prize that keeps players engaged and coming back across each three-month cycle.

Giveaway Periods

At the end of each 3-month period, total points are counted. The top-scoring player is awarded the prize. All costs are fully covered by Evoplay.

Grand Prize: a trip to the Maldives

At the end of the campaign, the top 100 players enter a live-streamed prize draw. One of them wins a luxury trip for two to the Maldives. Flights, hotel, and full experience – all covered by Evoplay. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime reward that players won’t forget.

These prizes aren’t just attractive. They create emotional impact, long-term motivation, and strong retention around your platform.

Big Adventures – built to perform

This campaign is designed with one thing in mind – performance. Big Adventures gives operators a powerful engagement tool that drives traffic, extends session time, and delivers measurable results.

What it will bring to your platform:

• Mass participation – thanks to the low entry point (€0.20 min bet), it is accessible for a wide player base.
• High retention – weekly activations, rotating mechanics, and real-world prizes keep players coming back.
• Predictable traffic spikes – four event bursts per month create repeatable, structured engagement patterns.
• Full transparency – leaderboard and engagement APIs provide real-time tracking and performance insights.
• Plug-and-play simplicity – no integration required; campaign mechanics run across Evoplay’s participating games by default.
• Marketing support – get promo kits, monthly updates, localised assets, and a dedicated account manager to help you launch and grow the campaign easily.

Big Adventures is a performance-driven campaign that transforms gameplay into traffic, builds retention, and converts engagement into revenue.

Big Adventures

Ready to jump in?

The €2,500,000 Big Adventure is live.

We’ve got the games, the tools, and the rewards – all you need to do is activate.

Let’s turn engagement into performance! Join the campaign now!

Myroslava Mykytyn

Senior Content Manager

Senior Content Manager

With over 7 years of experience as a copywriter and content writer, I have honed my craft across diverse industries, including iGaming and email marketing. My passion lies in crafting engaging, error-free content that resonates with readers. Meticulous by nature, I blend creativity with precision to ensure every piece is polished to perfection and deliver impactful messaging.

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We’re proud to share that our flagship game, Adrenaline Rush, has won the Game Design & Art Direction award at the SBC Awards Europe 2025!

This recognition means a lot to our team. At Evoplay, we’ve always seen game design as more than visuals – it’s how stories are told, moods are set, and worlds come to life. This award is a reflection of that work – and the incredible team behind it.

A big thank you to the SBC Awards Europe for the recognition and to our partners and players who keep pushing us to aim higher.

We believe the future of iGaming is bold and full of creativity, with so much more still ahead!

Ivanna Nahorniak

Content Team Lead

Content Team Lead

With 5+ years of experience across different sides of iGaming, I’m now leading the content team at Evoplay. I create content that brings company's products to life and drives sales, all while blending creativity with clear, powerful messaging. My deep industry knowledge and rich skill set are the keys to my content success.

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The lottery isn’t what it used to be. You don’t need to stand in line, fill in a bet slip or carry a paper ticket anymore – now, you can play the game from your smartphone, whether that’s a lotto game or a scratchcard – wherever you are. That’s basically what iLottery is: the traditional lottery so many love but evolved to fit modern life.

And the numbers? They’re huge. Lotteries bring in about $130 billion GGR worldwide every year, and digital platforms are grabbing a bigger slice of that all the time. A lot of it comes down to convenience – faster access, better tech, and players looking for something that fits into their day. The thing is, most national lotteries still operate under a monopoly – no competition at all. That means fewer players’ choices and less incentive (or need) for the lotteries to shake things up. Unfortunately, but at Evoplay, we’ve seen how this system works. And more importantly, we know how to move past it.

What are the main lottery products?

Lotteries offer a diverse array of products, primarily categorised into two main types: 

• Draw-Based Games (DBG) include popular formats like Lotto, such as 6/49 or 6/36, and multi-jurisdictional games like EuroMillions or Powerball, where players must wait for scheduled draws to determine their winnings.
• Instant Win Games (IWG), commonly known as scratchcards, provide immediate results on paper tickets. 

Both come in paper and digital formats. Traditional scratchcards still use the familiar latex panels, but now you can also play them straight from your phone. Going digital just made it easier – you don’t have to go anywhere to play, and there’s a whole variety right at your fingertips.

The position of lotteries in the iGaming market

Lotteries hold a unique place in the iGaming space. Most of the time, they stick to draw-based or instant-win games, but there are exceptions. Some operators offer sports betting and even casino games. Sure, the payouts tend to be smaller. Return-to-player rates usually fall between 50% and 65% for draw games and 45% to 80% for instant ones, making it hard to compete with the flashier online casinos or sportsbooks. But lotteries have something those others don’t: trust.

A lot of people don’t see lotteries as just another form of gambling, especially when the money goes to something good. There’s something about that mix of doing a little good and maybe, just maybe, changing your life. It’s less about the odds and more about the feeling that anything could happen.

Doing business as a technology or game provider 

Business in the lottery sector is often put in the same category as general gambling. And it is a critical mistake. Secondary lotteries or ‘betting on lotteries’ are considered separately. In many cases, the laws that regulate them are different and managed by various authorities within the state. Lotteries consider themselves servants of the state, the most ethical, operating under strict rules to ensure that players stay within safe limits.

A retail-focused approach generally characterises this area, although this is gradually shifting towards digital platforms. Lotteries are often managed by existing or former state entities, with political appointees frequently holding leadership positions. However, they typically operate under a monopoly status, contributing to their slow pace of change and risk-averse nature. Additionally, they often rely on mutual support and recommendations for suppliers and products.

How is Evoplay changing the iLottery future?

Evoplay is transforming the future of the iLottery industry by combining traditional gaming with modern innovations, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding its diverse game library.​ Our vision is to merge classic gaming elements with contemporary technology. We put a lot into how our games look, sound and feel – smooth animations, clear design, and interfaces that make sense.

In September 2024, we took a big step and joined the U.S. lottery scene by partnering with EQL Games. They’ve got a solid reputation in the space, and by teaming up with their iLottery Aggregator platform, we’re bringing our style of digital lottery games to a whole new audience.

We’ve been growing our game lineup, adding more bingo and iLottery titles along the way. Our lottery games don’t just follow a template – each one has its own vibe:

• Old West – an instant scratch game puts players in a dusty frontier town, where the sheriff keeps an eye on every cowboy hoping to strike gold.
• Book of Keno – a mystical instant game quest that takes things in a more mysterious direction – players pick their numbers, open the ancient book, and see if the Pharaohs are feeling generous.
• Adrenaline Rush: Scratch – a faster-paced lottery action. The more expensive a symbol is, the bigger your prize.

What makes our approach so special as a gaming provider? There are several reasons why our products always stand out:

• High-quality graphics and design, with exciting audio similar to that found in non-gambling online games, satisfying players’ expectations.
• An innovative 3D gaming style (as used in Adrenaline Rush) gives players a choice of how the game is played without affecting the outcome.
• A promotions platform, allowing (among other features) for leaderboards and quests that can include rewards for engaging with responsible gaming messages.
• Brandable games that allow lotteries to sell sponsorship space or include safe gaming messages.
• Games customisation to suit any given lottery in terms of volatility or RTP.
• Games with an RNG or depleting pool win determination. An in-house depleting pool allows for customisation.
• Online training and access to back-office features and functions, allowing full control.

We’re always asking ourselves, “Can we make this more fun? More engaging?” And every time, the answer is yes. So we keep building. Keep trying new things. If you’re curious about what’s coming next, just keep an eye on us.

Frank Cecchini

Head of Lottery

Head of Lottery

Continuing a 25-year journey in the gambling industry, I’m now in charge of the lottery direction at Evoplay. Here, my primary focus is on crafting a lottery experience tailored to the modern generation’s preferences. Drawing upon my extensive industry knowledge, I’m dedicated to tackling challenges and developing game-changing solutions.

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In Episode 13 of Evoplay Podcast, Julia Weygandt, Director of Zelda Global Ltd., talks about how empathy-driven leadership helps build resilient teams in iGaming. She discusses the role of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and real friendships at work. Julia also shares how mentorship empowers women in the industry and how embracing mistakes is key to growth.

Take a moment for a truly inspiring conversation about leading with heart and purpose.

Ihor Zarechnyi

Chief Commercial Officer

Chief Commercial Officer

As Evoplay’s Chief Commercial Officer, I lead the company’s global commercial strategy, overseeing sales, key account management, marketing, legal, and compliance teams. My focus is on building scalable systems, aligning cross-functional efforts, and driving sustainable growth across all verticals. In addition to strengthening our core business, I spearhead the launch and scaling of new strategic directions such as lotteries, bingo and aggregation. I’m also proud to be behind initiatives that deepen our industry presence and community engagement – including the launch of Evoplay Podcast and the creation of Game Changers Club, a growing community of professionals shaping the future of iGaming. With more than a decade of experience in business development and sales, I remain committed to forging meaningful partnerships and unlocking long-term value for our partners and the company.

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Digital transformation in lotteries isn’t a simple yet necessary step for its successful future. In Episode 12 of Evoplay Podcast, Frank Cecchini, Head of Lottery at Evoplay, and Johann G. Sigurdsson, CCO at Bwloto, share their opinions on what it takes to do this right. Overcoming challenges in lottery regulation, introducing innovation to lottery technology and engaging Gen Z players – they discuss it all.

Get honest answers and effective strategies from the top industry experts for staying ahead!

Ihor Zarechnyi

Chief Commercial Officer

Chief Commercial Officer

As Evoplay’s Chief Commercial Officer, I lead the company’s global commercial strategy, overseeing sales, key account management, marketing, legal, and compliance teams. My focus is on building scalable systems, aligning cross-functional efforts, and driving sustainable growth across all verticals. In addition to strengthening our core business, I spearhead the launch and scaling of new strategic directions such as lotteries, bingo and aggregation. I’m also proud to be behind initiatives that deepen our industry presence and community engagement – including the launch of Evoplay Podcast and the creation of Game Changers Club, a growing community of professionals shaping the future of iGaming. With more than a decade of experience in business development and sales, I remain committed to forging meaningful partnerships and unlocking long-term value for our partners and the company.

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The buzz around the Brazilian gambling market isn’t slowing down, and Thomas Carvalhaes, Country Manager for Brazil at Stake, perfectly knows why. With over 12 years in iGaming and deep local expertise, he shares exclusive market insights in Episode 11 of Evoplay Podcast. Thomas opens up about his volunteer work in Africa, habits, and passions – all that have shaped who he is today.

Find out his secrets on how to empower teams for big wins!

Ihor Zarechnyi

Chief Commercial Officer

Chief Commercial Officer

As Evoplay’s Chief Commercial Officer, I lead the company’s global commercial strategy, overseeing sales, key account management, marketing, legal, and compliance teams. My focus is on building scalable systems, aligning cross-functional efforts, and driving sustainable growth across all verticals. In addition to strengthening our core business, I spearhead the launch and scaling of new strategic directions such as lotteries, bingo and aggregation. I’m also proud to be behind initiatives that deepen our industry presence and community engagement – including the launch of Evoplay Podcast and the creation of Game Changers Club, a growing community of professionals shaping the future of iGaming. With more than a decade of experience in business development and sales, I remain committed to forging meaningful partnerships and unlocking long-term value for our partners and the company.

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“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” A gem of wisdom that hits the bullseye in the world of iGaming products. 

In casino games, that first click, that first impression, sets the tone for the player’s onboarding journey, determining how deeply they dive into the gameplay and how long they linger within it.

90% of consumers make their purchase decisions within the first few seconds of encountering a product. Believe it operates differently for online casino games? Absolutely not. When launching a casino game on a device for the first time and making that initial click or spin, it establishes the trajectory for the player’s subsequent interaction with the product.

Here is how everything comes together to create a casino game that captivates players right from the first click.

What players generally expect when they start playing online casino games

The solution to this dilemma is pretty straightforward. Considering that iGaming is all about gambling entertainment, players are looking for the thrill of scoring a win but also with a touch of enjoyment.

To reach this goal, players must grasp how to attain it; otherwise, the game won’t capture their interest. Every aspect of the iGaming product comes into play here:

• features;
• mechanics;
• setting;
• consistent game plot;
• user-friendly interface;
• responsive design;
• visual hierarchy;
• clear and concise information;
• engaging animations;
• in-game tutorials;
• colour scheme and contrast;
• intuitive navigation.

In a nutshell, when players dive into the casino game, they have to get an instantaneous understanding of the button to click and its purpose. If this threshold isn’t met, a gambler might decide to leave the game and explore alternatives that appear more comprehensible to them. 

Ensuring audience expectations are met is crucial in creating a first impression for players, where they feel like, “I know what to do in the game and why. I understand what I need for a win.”

For instance, when a casino game features an engaging bonus round, players should be informed from the start that there’s an opportunity to activate it. So the game is worth the candle *read “time”*. 

But there are also various reasons why people engage in gaming. Often, players opt for this form of leisure because of several factors. When starting a game, they anticipate achieving at least one of their goals.

Why is the first click so crucial for engaging players?

The first impression is the last impression, indeed. It builds a “bridge of trust” between a game and a player, predetermining how long they will stay with it. Research indicates that an overwhelming percentage of players, often exceeding 70%, form enduring impressions of a game based on this initial interaction. As the gateway to the gaming experience, it not only introduces players to the mechanics and aesthetics but also sets the tone for the entire journey. 

Developers keenly understand that a compelling first click significantly influences whether iGamers continue playing, with an estimated 80% of users making this decision within the first few minutes of gameplay. Crafting an engaging and informative first-click experience is crucial, as content that succeeds in doing so tends to retain over 60% of players.

Ways to design onboarding experience for creating emotional connections with players 

Businesses often use the hype word “hooks.” They serve as initial points of engagement, aiming to pique curiosity and draw attention to specific products, services, or promotional messages. They play a crucial role in marketing and communication strategies by creating a memorable and compelling impression on the target audience. 

When discussing online casino games, these “hooks” are what underpin the primary emotion, and that emotion is anticipation. Players expect to win, receive a bonus round, additional spins, or any other perks that excite them.

This is where every game element comes together to form a power play. Incorporating dynamic graphics and sound effects that escalate as players approach potential wins creates a sensory build-up. Moreover, introducing visually stimulating elements like animated reels or engaging storylines within the games can captivate players’ attention, keeping them invested in the unfolding narrative. Progressive features, such as bonus rounds or jackpot accumulations, intensify the thrill, offering players a taste of imminent success. Additionally, real-time updates on jackpot sizes or live leaderboards showcasing successful players foster a competitive atmosphere, intensifying the anticipation of achieving notable victories.

The key is still the same – understanding is the name of the game. Building an emotional connection only happens when the player truly grasps what’s happening.

According to cognitive appraisal theory, emotions are a result of the cognitive appraisal of a situation. Understanding or making sense of a situation can influence the emotional response. If something is more familiar or understandable, it may lead to a stronger emotional connection.

Introducing and guiding players through features during the game onboarding process

The biggest realisation of all is that, in the world of iGaming content, it’s not just about what you see on the surface; it’s about how you perceive it. This principle stands out as a golden rule, emphasising that every move within the game holds significance. 

You can kick things off with a special intro into the bonus round that unfolds with a strategic combination of visual and auditory elements. Subtle animations and a dynamic soundtrack create a transition that immerses players in an environment of heightened anticipation. This deliberate presentation aims to engage players on a sensory level. Whether it’s a brief spark or a sudden sound precisely timed, it adds a layer of suspense.

The primary objective is to prepare the player for the special moment they’re about to experience in a matter of seconds. A significant aspect of these practices is closely tied to the video gaming industry. Take, for instance, a game with a boss that players need to overcome. Just before encountering the boss, there’s this tension-building moment where the game introduces music or sound effects. The background might shift in colour or darken, signalling to players that something special is about to unfold.

Let’s examine this in the context of slots – the very foundation of gambling. Before Free Spins, certain reel zones may be highlighted, creating a brighter ambience with flashes of lightning. Developers also implement particle effects like sparkling stars, colourful explosions, or cascading elements to signify the commencement of Free Spins. Background transformation to a more dynamic or visually appealing scene can also contribute to the feeling of entering a special mode.

Big wins are like the cherry on top. Players eagerly await that thrilling moment when the tides turn, savouring the anticipation. The symbols shaking on the screen, along with a special melody, signal to players that the awaited big win is getting closer. Can they feel the connection? Absolutely, yes.

Yes, but…

We should never underestimate how the game’s mathematics plays a crucial role in creating a positive onboarding and future playing experience.

Think about it: a player gets drawn in by the game’s design, plot, and stunning animation, but if they aren’t happy with how often they win, there’s a good chance they might leave the game. It’s that crucial.

The same goes for marketing to a target audience. The product needs to connect with players, and that means developers have to promote the game to an audience that truly syncs with it. Even the best iGaming products, with all the bells and whistles, can be overlooked if they don’t align with the players’ interests.

Intuitive design is just as important. It can either enhance or spoil the player experience. Imagine playing a casino game without a proper button to exit. That could lead a player to leave the website instead of just closing the game. Plus, considering that over 50% of iGamers prefer mobile, the gameplay on a device should be super comfortable. Picture yourself killing time on public transport, holding your phone with one hand and a grip with the other – you shouldn’t need extra effort to play. Convenience is also the name of the game.

A well-crafted player onboarding = or ≠ long-term user retention?

Crafting a seamless onboarding experience in online casino games is a strategic investment that significantly influences user retention. The initial interactions with the game play a crucial role in shaping a positive impression, fostering ease and familiarity. Intuitive design ensures players quickly understand game mechanics, reducing frustration and increasing overall satisfaction.

While we can argue that it is more relatable to other businesses than iGaming, the decision to continue playing an online casino game shares parallels with choosing to purchase a smartwatch, for example. Both are shaped by the initial experience and the integration of features, creating an emotional connection that significantly influences the user’s decision to either stay engaged or explore alternative options.

While a successful onboarding process is undeniably valuable, it doesn’t serve as a one-size-fits-all solution for player engagement and retention. Regrettably, the reality is more complex, and additional factors beyond onboarding contribute significantly to the dynamic landscape of player involvement.

Even with a well-designed onboarding process, sustaining player engagement relies on various factors beyond the game introduction. Mechanics, content diversity, and mathematics play crucial roles, as a lack of innovation, winning experience, or monotony in gameplay can hinder a player’s long-term interest.

The key lies in crafting impeccable UI/UX for your games, ensuring pixel-perfect design. However, it’s crucial to recognise that this is just the basic rung on the iGaming experience ladder. Engage players with the first click and ensure a user-friendly journey as they ascend to its pinnacle.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, yet you always possess an entire gameplay to ensure that the initial click is worthwhile.

Ivan Kravchuk

Chief Executive Officer at Evoplay

Chief Executive Officer at Evoplay

Since taking leadership in October 2019, I have been working as Evoplay’s Chief Executive Officer. Having more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry enables me to drive the company’s vision, strategy, and product portfolio as CEO. Under my guidance, the company introduced a bunch of award-winning titles and now offers over 250 video slots together with instant, classic, table and other games. My mission lies in driving force by shaping Evoplay’s future with innovation and strategic expertise.

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We’re growing stronger in regulated European markets through a new partnership with Palms Bet – Bulgaria’s top betting and casino company. From now on, Palms Bet’s online casino will feature 32 of our games, including worldwide hits Hot Volcano, Hot Rio Nights Bonus Buy, and Fruit Super Nova 40.

With over 20 years in retail and online gambling, Palms Bet is a trusted choice for many Bulgarian players. This partnership allows us to connect with a larger local audience, while Palms Bet refreshes its offering with diverse and engaging content. Together, we’re bringing even better entertainment to the market.

More exciting news is coming soon – stay tuned!

Khelien Sans

Senior Content Manager

Senior Content Manager

Words are my tools, and for nearly 5 years, I’ve been crafting impactful content for iGaming. Inspired by the industry’s bold creativity and forward-thinking innovations, I specialise in blending data, storytelling, and expert insights to create narratives that inform, inspire, and drive action.

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