Erik Tsyrkin, an entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of DragonSSpin casino, has been leading projects in the iGaming and payment systems field for 6 years.
Representing Generation Z, he possesses a unique understanding of the young audience, enabling him to introduce innovative solutions into the industry.
His mission is to modernize and innovate the casino experience to meet the needs of young players.
- We’re always glad to see new faces shaping the iGaming industry. Could you please share with us the professional ambition that led you to the industry and what new ideas you’re ready to bring to the table?
It’s great to be here! I joined the iGaming world because I was looking for something new and exciting.
My previous experience at a Fintech company, developing SaaS for brokers was a perfect background for exploring new directions to deliver innovation.
That experience got me thinking about how these ideas could shake things up in iGaming, so here I am. I felt that gamification strategies that were present and thriving in other businesses could be transferred to the iGaming sector. I’m creating a casino where every game tells a story, where every character feels alive, and where the mechanics are as exciting as a video game. That’s what we’re going for.
I saw an opportunity to pair up with devs from the gaming industries, not just the igaming industries, and leverage what they know about making good games to create a fresh, innovative and unique product.
It’s all about making something that’s not just new, but also genuinely fun and different.
- As a newcomer and representative of the Millennial generation, how do you view the current state of casinos and their interaction with players? What crucial changes are needed for the industry to truly elevate the gaming experience?
Jumping into the casino industry as a Millennial, it’s clear to me that there’s a huge disconnect in how casinos cooperate with us younger players.
The focus has been all about the over-40 crowd, the so-called ‘golden whales’ known for their deep pockets. But what about us—the gamers of the 90s and early 2000s? We’re all grown up now, with disposable income, eager for engaging gaming experiences that differ from past generations.
It is not just about gamification; it is a fundamental shift in how casinos should interact and establish a connection with all players, especially the younger generation. Today’s younger generation seeks a connection that feels personal and respectful, not just transactional. They desire a distinct, personal experience, one that makes them feel unique and emotionally involved in the process rather than just a source of revenue.
By focusing on creating a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, casinos can attract and retain these younger players as they mature into the next generation of ‘golden whales.
- What are your thoughts on the future of iGaming, what strategies are you implementing to attract and retain younger players in the iGaming space?
Let’s define who the younger player is;
The younger players were born with phones in their hands, they are digital natives. This demographic consumes content in huge volumes and demands control over their interactive environments. We can see this in the rise of dual-screen content on TikTok, as consuming one video at a time is already becoming too, ‘boring’.
They appreciate being able to choose only the very best—the games that are truly engaging and immersive. Everything from the type of font used in the game and casino website, its graphic design, to the overall user experience including customer support, every element needs to resonate with a sense of novelty and thoughtful design.
It’s also important to differentiate our offerings from traditional models. Younger players can easily tell between a casino that’s just after their money and one that genuinely certifies to their preferences—one that is made with soul and listens to their needs.
- What does it look like to set up a new business in this industry? What kinds of challenges do you face? This could be an interesting insight for those planning to start their own business.
There are some challenges, particularly when it comes to funding and team building. But nothing that DragonSSpin can’t overcome.
Starting a casino business requires substantial investment, often deveral of $1m. One of the key hurdles is bridging the generational divide with investors, who are predominantly over 40.
Convincing them that the future of gaming is not them, and catering to a younger audience, rather than their own generation, can be a delicate matter as it sometimes risks alienating them.
For newcomers in the industry, building a competent team is also a challenge. With thousands, if not millions of attractive industries competing for top talent, telling apart our innovative iGaming company from others is tough. Potential employees often find it difficult to identify which companies are genuinely innovative and which are not, making recruitment a significant obstacle.
- Could you tell us more about your new casino, DragonSSpin? What should the industry and players expect from it?
You shouldn’t expect anything, because it will be nothing that you could’ve expected. We’re setting a new standard for what players and the industry should expect from a casino. It’s not just about meeting expectations—it’s about surpassing them with innovation. Players coming to DragonSSpin should come prepared for a casino experience unlike any other, with groundbreaking changes that redefine iGaming.
Our games, inspired by top-tier game developers rather than traditional casino game models, feature unique, competitive mechanics similar to popular titles like Brawl Stars and Clash Royale. This means players can expect dynamic interactions and a competitive edge not typically found in casino games. We hand-pick our providers to ensure each game stands out, offering an immersive and engaging experience.
- When can we expect the launch of the casino?
We are on the brink of launching DragonSSpin, with the final touches being applied as we speak. Our team is hard at work ensuring that every innovative feature we’ve envisioned is perfectly integrated. The interest from game developers eager to partner with us has been overwhelming, showing us strong industry anticipation for what we’re about to offer.
So, In the spirit of gamification and to ramp up the excitement, we’ve planned a unique engagement for our followers and players. Head over to our Instagram reel and let us know when you think DragonSSpin will go live. Engage with us, and you could win $750 if your guess for our launch date is accurate.
Stay tuned for an official announcement soon—we promise it will be worth the wait!
