GBC Time has interviewed – Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, a creative and fast-growing iGaming content provider. Today BGaming’s portfolio includes 150+ products such as video slots, video poker, lottery and more.
Please give us some details about BGaming, how long have you been in the market? What are your unique selling points?
BGaming is beyond an iGaming content provider. Since our journey began in 2018 as an independent game studio in Malta, we’ve worked hard to establish a name for ourselves as a player-focused game developer and publisher. It’s been a rewarding experience to create high-quality and innovative gaming experiences that truly cater to the needs and preferences of players around the world.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our diverse portfolio. With over 150 online casino games, including everything from video slots and poker to casual games, we ensure that each one is optimized for mobile devices. When I think about our games, I envision the balance we strive for — engaging visuals paired with smart game mechanics — to create rich experiences that players will enjoy.
Another aspect that makes BGaming special is our extensive global network. We’re working with more than 1,600 online platforms and partnering with some of the most reputable names in the industry. Beyond just providing games, we also offer a robust suite of promotional tools that help operators attract and retain players, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. It’s fulfilling to see our efforts come together in a way that makes both players and operators happy!
What are the top features and tools BGaming used in iGaming content development in 2024? Are there any specific trends that are followed by the majority of players worldwide?
For instance, when we were developing Aztec Clusters, we worked closely with the Casinolytics AI platform to really dive into what players and streamers love most about gaming. Over 18 months, they gathered data by analyzing more than 10,000 hours of gameplay, focusing on streamers’ behaviors, emotions, and playing styles. What we found was that streamers are especially drawn to games that offer a challenge, a sense of progression, and, of course, the chance to win big.
The success of Aztec Clusters reflects this perfectly. With features like the impressive max win of x10,000, the cluster-pay mechanic, Sticky Wilds, a flexible Buy Bonus, and Wild Spins, we designed the game to hit all the marks players are looking for.
At BGaming, we’re firm believers in collaboration and co-creation. Working closely with our partners and using insights like these allows us to go beyond just making games—we create experiences that players genuinely connect with. It’s this approach that helps us stay ahead of trends and continue to deliver games that resonate with players worldwide.
Do you consider the GEO factor while developing iGaming products? How may this affect the final outcome?
Absolutely! The GEO factor is something we take very seriously when developing our iGaming products. Before we even start designing a game, we dive deep into understanding the target regions. This research shapes everything we do, from the design to the mechanics and features of the game. By considering geographic differences, we can create games that resonate with the cultural, legal, and demographic specifics of various areas.
I love seeing how this approach enhances our games’ appeal to local players. It’s rewarding to know that by tailoring our products to fit different markets, we’re aligning better with what players really want. This GEO-based strategy not only improves the user experience but also drives the commercial success of our products. Ultimately, it helps boost our brand popularity in specific regions, making our games feel more relevant and enjoyable for players across the globe.
What latest games can BGaming boast?
I’d like to highlight one game in particular that we’re really excited about — Snoop Dogg Dollars. Released exclusively on Roobet on September 25th and available globally starting October 30th, this game has already generated a lot of buzz.
Snoop Dogg Dollars is the first celebrity-themed game in our portfolio, developed in collaboration with Roobet and Casinolytics. It features the popular cluster-pay mechanic, a max win of 10,000x, and an engaging bonus game — all infused with Snoop Dogg’s unmistakable style. One unique aspect of the game is that Snoop Dogg himself recorded the voiceover, making it a truly special release for us.
We believe this game will make a significant impact in the iGaming world, and I highly recommend everyone to give it a try!
Since we found out what makes slot gaming popular among consumers, what can mess it up? What are the most common mistakes casino gaming developers can make?
One of the biggest pitfalls I’ve noticed in slot game development is overcomplicating the gameplay. While players do love innovation, if a game has too many mechanics or confusing rules, it can become really overwhelming. I’ve seen it happen — players start to feel frustrated instead of enjoying the experience, and that’s the last thing we want.
Another common mistake is getting too caught up in design and forgetting about the user experience. A slot might look stunning, but if it’s not intuitive to navigate or the gameplay feels sluggish, players won’t stick around for long. I believe the experience should be seamless and enjoyable, which is why we pay close attention to how players interact with our games.
And, of course, a major misstep is not understanding your target audience. If developers don’t know what players and streamers want, they can end up creating games that don’t resonate at all. That’s exactly why we’ve been dedicated to studying player behavior and preferences for the past three years. We want to create games that truly connect with players, bringing them joy and excitement every time they play.
You were recognized as the Leader of the Year by SBC Awards 2024 in Lisbon, did you expect the win?
This year has been a busy one for me in the media spotlight — my first speaking engagement at the Next Valletta Summit in Malta, several exciting interviews about women in iGaming, leadership, our team, and new collaborations. Naturally, I was hoping to win!
However, to be honest, I didn’t expect it, especially considering the incredible talent and achievements of the other nominees. It’s truly an honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire BGaming team.
For me, leadership is about empowering others, and I believe this award is a recognition of the collective effort at BGaming to innovate and push the boundaries of the iGaming industry.
What are the primary goals BGaming is setting up for the rest of 2024?
For the rest of 2024, our focus at BGaming is on growing in markets like Spain and Brazil, and we’re actively working to bring on new partners in these regions. We’re also in the process of getting certifications for Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, which is a big step for us. Denmark is already moving forward, and we’re eager to make progress there soon.
I’m particularly excited about the launch of our new BGaming Loyalty promo tool — it’s something we believe will really boost player engagement. Plus, we’re gearing up to release some fresh slots and casual games with innovative features. A few of these are being developed in collaboration with Casinolytics, so we’ve got some thrilling titles in the pipeline that we can’t wait to share with everyone!
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