podcasts

The art of building teams and scaling platforms in iGaming

29 July 2025

Outstanding iGaming leadership isn’t just about having the knowledge. It also requires trust, adaptability, and the ability to grow with your team, according to Amund Stensland, COO of CasinoEngine at EveryMatrix. In Episode 18 of Evoplay Podcast, he shares how his career evolved and what it took to become COO at one of the industry’s most recognised companies.

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Tune in to hear an inspiring story for anyone building a career in the iGaming world!

events

Discover surprises at Evoplay’s stand at SBC Lisbon!

25 July 2025

It’s one of those rare events where people from every corner of iGaming come together to talk, share, and actually move things forward. We’ll be there with our latest games, fresh ideas, and an open mind, ready to connect with others who love this space as much as we do.

If you’re planning to be there, stop by our stand. Let’s catch up, trade thoughts, and see where the conversation takes us.

See you there!

 

events

Meet Evoplay’s innovation at the European Lottery Congress!

We’re heading to Bern this September for the 12th EL Congress – and we’d love to see you there.

The event brings together lottery experts from all over Europe, and it’s always a great place for real conversations, new ideas, and honest takes on where the industry’s going next. It’s not just about panels or presentations – it’s about meeting the people behind the progress.

If you’re going, come say hi. Let’s talk, share a few ideas, and see what we can build next.

See you in Bern!

events

Evoplay’s heading to NASPL 25 – see you there!

We’re getting ready for the NASPL 25 Conference, taking place on September 8-11 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It’s one of the key gatherings for lottery professionals across North America – and a great chance to connect, share ideas, and see what’s next for the industry.

This year’s conference is set to deliver a strong lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a buzzing trade show floor filled with industry leaders and new opportunities.

For Evoplay, it’s about real conversations, groundbreaking ideas, and honest takes on the future of our industry. Planning to be in Niagara Falls this September? Let’s make it happen. We’re always up for a good conversation, fresh ideas, and exploring new ways to move the lottery industry forward – together!

Company Updates

Evoplay’s achievements and team updates in H1 2025

24 July 2025

The first half of 2025 was a successful period for our company. It was marked by impressive growth, new partnerships, and further expansion into key verticals. Let’s have a look at the most important accomplishments of H1 2025. 

All in all, we released 19 new games. A special highlight is Uncrossable Rush – an exclusive product developed together with SlotCatalog. Besides, we continued expanding into new directions, launching our first lottery game in a fresh format – Adrenaline Rush: Scratch – and entering the Peru and Azerbaijan markets to strengthen our presence in the lottery and bingo sectors.

Player engagement kept growing, compared to H1 2024, with:

  • a +47% rise in activity;
  • +27% more rounds played;
  • +21% GGR growth;
  • and a +24% increase in total bets.

Our work didn’t go unnoticed: Evoplay was named Slots Provider of the Year at the AffPapa Awards, while Adrenaline Rush earned the Game Design & Art Direction award at SBC Awards Europe.

On the marketing side, we launched our largest network campaign to date, Big Adventures (€2.5m prize pool), and rolled out Affiliate Hub – a platform dedicated to supporting media and affiliate partners with everything they need to promote our games.

We’ve also seen some important changes in our team. After playing a key role in shaping Evoplay’s commercial strategy since 2021, Chief Commercial Officer Ihor Zarechnyi is stepping down. At the same time, we are proud to announce that Vasilena Gekova has taken on the role of Head of Accounting, while Anton Gyria has become Director of Business Operations, and Olga Pronak is now our Head of KAM.

With plenty of ideas in mind, we’re looking forward to what’s next!

podcasts

iGaming marketing trends: boost retention & build strong communities

22 July 2025

In Episode 17 of Evoplay Podcast, Barb Tasci, Co-Founder and CBO of Revpanda, shares his thoughts on what’s really happening in iGaming marketing. With rising player acquisition costs and retention getting tougher, we discuss why it’s time to leave old affiliate models behind and focus on innovation, flexibility, and building strong, engaged communities.

00:00 00:00

Want to level up your marketing game and connect with your audience in a meaningful way?

podcasts

Leadership, growth & data power in iGaming affiliate marketing

14 July 2025

What does it take to grow a company of 300 people – and still lead with trust, transparency, and passion? In Episode 16 of Evoplay Podcast, Alina Famenok, CEO of Already Media, shares her story of entering the iGaming space and building a motivated team in affiliate marketing and company culture with heart.

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This episode is full of valuable lessons and personal insights, so watch till the end to learn more!

podcasts

Turning passion for strategy into successful VIP management

10 July 2025

In Episode 15 of Evoplay Podcast, Gali Hartuv, CEO & Co-Founder of WarriorLab, shares how he transformed a passion for strategy into a consultancy supporting top global operators. From the strategic evolution of VIP management in iGaming to building operational excellence in B2C environments, this episode offers insights that you won’t want to miss.

00:00 00:00

Tune in for valuable takeaways that can reshape your approach to VIP player management!

Partnerships

First-time entry into the Azerbaijani market via “Azərlotereya” OJSC

9 July 2025

Evoplay has debuted in the Azerbaijani market via partnering with “Azərlotereya” OJSC – the state-owned lottery operator and a member of the World Lottery Association. Operating under the “Azərlotereya” and “Misli” brands, the company runs lottery and sports betting games across retail and online channels.

This partnership opens the door to bringing our top e-instant win titles to Azerbaijani players and marks a major milestone in expanding Evoplay’s presence in the regulated lottery sector.

Already live on Azərlotereya’s digital platforms are:

Coming soon this month: 

All titles have been localised for the market – including language, currency, and Responsible Gaming adjustments.

We’re proud that “Azərlotereya” has chosen Evoplay to support its mission of generating revenue for good causes.

podcasts

Turning goals into growth: Fellipe Fraga on strategy & leadership

3 July 2025

How do you turn your aims into reality? In Episode 14 of Evoplay Podcast, we explore this with Fellipe Fraga, Chief Business Officer at EstrelaBet, who shares his transition from legal background to iGaming leadership. He opens up about building EstrelaBet strategy, managing a family business with a focus on trust and accountability.

00:00 00:00

Watch the full episode to learn more about the current state of Brazil iGaming regulation and how operators must prepare for market consolidation in the growing LATAM gambling market!

Partnerships

Evoplay breaks into Peru’s lottery market with Loterías Torito

An important partnership unveiled! Evoplay has expanded into Peru’s lottery market via Loterías Torito’s tie-up. The deal with this licensed national operator sees five of Evoplay’s top instant games go live, fully localised to meet regulatory and responsible gaming standards. The list of the games is as follows: 

It marks a key milestone in Evoplay’s LatAm growth strategy, aligning with our goal to deliver engaging, mobile-friendly content to regulated markets.

insights

Event marketing in iGaming 2025: from branding to business driver

2 July 2025

From the grand spectacles of Ancient Rome to today’s high-tech showcases, events have always sparked excitement. But in an iGaming world overloaded with content and noise, how has the role of events evolved? Can they still deliver that same level of impact in 2025, and what’s next?

To explore this, we spoke with leading voices in iGaming: Rhys Jones, Head of Business Development at NEXT.io and Diana Larina, Head of Marketing at Evoplay.

Classic strategies still work – but only with reinvention

According to open data, 54% of marketers believe events are one of the most effective ways to engage clients, while 47% of business representatives say event marketing outperforms both email and content marketing. And with good reason – as the saying goes, seeing something once beats hearing about it a hundred times.

This is especially true for iGaming. From branded parties to major exhibitions like NEXT.io, ICE, iGB, and many more worldwide, these events are filled with energy and intent. They bring together providers, operators, affiliates, media, and others, each with goals – from networking and lead generation to showcasing new products and building connections. Whether the focus is business, professional growth, or a mix of both (business by day, party by night), these formats offer unique value for each participant.

The blend of formats makes event marketing a powerful tool – and as Diana Larina, Head of Marketing at Evoplay, explains, it plays several strategic roles at once: “Event marketing serves as both a brand awareness and lead-generation tool alongside expanding networking.

At the same time, she notes that while large expos offer broad reach, they often come with significant costs and commitments. That’s where smart resource allocation becomes crucial. Diana highlights that “To make a real impact, you need a skilled team, careful planning, and a well-defined strategy”.

Rhys Jones, Head of Business Development at NEXT.io with extensive experience in the field, also emphasises the growing need for a strategic mindset: “Event marketing now demands a holistic strategy that intertwines brand awareness, lead generation, and thought leadership.

Reflecting on how the landscape has evolved since the early days of industry conferences, Rhys adds, “It’s no longer sufficient to focus on a single aspect; companies need to deliver value across multiple fronts to stand out.” He also points out that prioritising quality over quantity became more crucial than ever: “It’s not about how many meetings you can fit into a day, but the depth and authenticity of those interactions”. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Rhys stresses that staying agile is key: “The holistic approach, combining careful planning with real-time flexibility, is essential to navigating today’s event marketing landscape.”

A good example of implementing the same agile approach was Evoplay’s decision to set up a podcast room right at ICE Barcelona at the start of the year – a space created to interview top industry voices and spark meaningful conversations on the spot. It was all about quality and a move that’s not commonly seen at such events. As a result, Evoplay’s network has not just increased, we also strengthened our connections. Behind the scenes, the team is refining the format – and getting ready to unveil what’s next.

Beyond glitter: what really makes an impression?

When it comes to parties – still a powerful marketing tool – iGaming has taken extravagance to new heights. These events remain a bold way to make a statement, and this still holds true today. But in a space saturated with flashy, sprawling showcases – often costly – audiences are beginning to tire of over-the-top displays, and their impact is starting to fade. Not to mention the expense – something not everyone, especially newer brands, can easily afford or justify.

As Diana Larina puts it: “Throwing a big party makes a loud statement – people start talking about you right away. But the cost of such an approach often exceeds that of a targeted, themed campaign that genuinely resonates with your audience. That’s why it’s usually a move for brands with serious resources; for newcomers, it’s a strategy that should be weighed even more carefully.” 

As attention shifts, the pendulum is swinging back toward more natural, refined formats. It’s not just a move away from excess, but a shift toward thoughtful, elegant experiences that also help lower the barrier to entry. 

Rhys Jones echoes the broader trend toward intimacy and quality: “There’s also been a noticeable move away from extravagant parties to more intimate, meaningful engagements. Companies are choosing quality over quantity, aiming to build real connections rather than simply collecting contacts.” 

And from our side, we can add: those who’ve attended flagship summits or exclusive retreats organised by NEXT.io know just how rich these experiences are – packed with insight, real value, and a strong sense of community. It’s a true pleasure to be part of it.

After all, you can throw the most spectacular party, but if people feel more like extras than part of the experience, it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. In iGaming, where trust and meaningful partnerships are essential, overly flashy or one-size-fits-all approaches may no longer deliver the same impact.

And just a little bit about branded ‘socks’

As personalisation becomes more important in iGaming, brands are rethinking how they connect with their audience at events. While branded stands, giveaways, and content still matter, the focus is shifting towards exclusive, well-curated, and on-trend experiences that boost visibility and memorability.

Diana Larina agrees, saying that every detail counts – from how often your logo appears (to avoid banner blindness) to ensuring the design feels fresh and relevant, to the impact of merchandise. “Gifts are a point of contact with the target audience. If they’re cool and useful, they stay with partners long after the event.”

She adds that it’s ultimately about leaving a lasting impression: “It’s not just about recognition – it’s about making sure our brand resonates emotionally.

A new chapter: thoughtful formats are on the rise

As 2025 brings even bolder initiatives, we’re seeing how brands are finding their own ways to stand out – each in a style that reflects their values and resources. One strong example is Evoplay’s launch of Game Changers Club – a gathering designed to bring together like-minded minds to share ideas that are reshaping the industry. Such new formats strip away the noise: smaller groups, handpicked attendees, fewer distractions. And in return? More honest connections and bold ideas that spark real collaboration.

Evoplay’s Game Changers Club was created to unite like-minded people who, like us, are driven to move the industry forward. Here, we focus on the people – not the brands – who are bringing real change,” says Diana Larina, who helped shape the concept and set the tone for the club’s first gathering.

She recalls the atmosphere of the debut meeting, held out at sea, away from the usual industry buzz: “We slowed down, shared honest insights, and actually listened to each other – all while enjoying plenty of good fun. Everyone wants to feel at ease in a fair, open community. And it’s great to be part of something like that.

Diana shares that the warm feedback from guests confirmed just how valuable such intimate gatherings can be, adding: “This club is by invitation only – so keep an eye out as we’ll be glad to welcome more thoughtfully curated, atmospheric meetings soon. ”

But don’t get it wrong – bright, fun-filled events are still exciting. This approach works just as well for both small and large gatherings, whether it’s a party or a conference. What we’re seeing is simply a shift towards quality, meaningful, and naturally honest connections.

Rhys Jones highlights this trend when speaking about major conferences: “Decision-makers today are seeking more than just leads; they’re looking for authentic human connections and valuable use of their time.” He points out that in these environments, trust is often built, and relationships move beyond professional contacts into long-term partnerships – even friendships.

That’s why, for iGaming professionals, Rhys Jones recommends focusing on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting business cards. “Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level exchanges, and seek out events that prioritise meaningful interactions.”

And as Diana Larina puts it: “You realise it’s a costly investment, but with the right team and approach, it pays off in partners’ trust and loyalty – the most valuable coin in business.

Summing up, experts agree on what truly matters today: the industry is prioritising deeper connections that go beyond business. And, for those who want to truly stand out, creativity and professionalism will matter more than expensive gifts or wow-flashy shows.

 

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