ICE is fast approaching, with less than a week to go. And with many from the betting and gaming industry readying themselves for the trip to ExCel London, CasinoBeats has been quizzing leading figures on what their plans are for the three-day event. In this preview of ICE 2023, Andrew Crosby, Chief Commercial Officer at Kalamba Games, takes the stage.
Crosby walks us through the reasons why he believes the igaming industry is in a strong position in terms of player retention, before telling us how Kalamba Games plans to take attendees ‘to the wild, wild west’ with some new slot features.
CasinoBeats: With the event returning to its full size and February slot following last year’s slightly muted April affair, what are you looking forward to most at this year’s ICE?
AC: With each event, both Kalamba Games as a whole and myself always look forward to the unique networking opportunities presented by having so many industry leaders in one place.
We will have ample opportunity to showcase our vast portfolio of both new and existing products along with demonstrating what we will be working on throughout 2023. With a focus this year on new markets, features and innovation, we have a lot to discuss during ICE.
CasinoBeats: Do you think the industry is in better shape now because of the challenges previously faced?
AC: If there is one thing I am always surprised by, it is how adaptable the gambling industry is and how quickly it reacts to challenges. As a whole, the gambling industry of course felt the impact of COVID with it dramatically impacting many land-based casinos.
However, on the flip side of this, the igaming industry saw an increase in the number of users it welcomed during this time, as many players looked online to enjoy some of their favourite titles and find new gambling experiences.
The ease and accessibility of online gambling has put the sector in a strong position to now focus on retaining these new customers through the use of engaging and entertaining content as opposed to the challenge and cost of acquiring players for the first time.
CasinoBeats: What do you intend to showcase at ICE London 2023?
AC: We’ll be showcasing the upcoming Megaways Duel of the Dead which, as the name suggests, will include the classic Megaways mechanic plus a great Wild West zombie shootout feature we think players will love.
We’ll also be able to show our Cash Drop mechanic, the early results of which are excellent with an average launch window bets uplift of 276 per cent, when compared to the same titles without the promotion. And of course, we’ll also have great new slots to look forward to such as 9 Blazing Cashpot Megaways, Divine Gongs and even more titles in our low minimum bet Mini-Max and wheel bonus Hit ‘n’ Roll series.
