Franz Gerhart on Smart Aggregation, Reverse Integration & AI Intelligence

How are AI, paid media and changing search algorithms reshaping iGaming affiliate marketing?In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Faruk Aydin is joined by Esko Rissanen, Director of Revenue at Gentoo Media, and Marcin Kumiega, Business Development Director at Voluum, to discuss how Google's AI Overviews, declining organic traffic and AI-driven advertising are changing iGaming performance marketing. The conversation also explores the shift towards paid media, creator-led marketing, tracking challenges and the strategies affiliates need to remain profitable in 2027.Key takeaways:How Google's AI Overviews and core updates are affecting traditional affiliate SEOWhere affiliates are reallocating their budgets as organic search traffic declinesWhy creator-led marketing is becoming an important acquisition channelHow to improve S2S tracking and accurately attribute FTDsHow AI is transforming AdTech, dynamic bidding and content creationCommon tracking mistakes that can affect campaign performanceWhat affiliates need to prioritise to protect profitability in 2027This Revpanda LIVE episode is brought to you by Darpha Studios.

Can simple, retro-style slots really outperform flashy new releases?In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Faruk Aydin is joined by Jaime Carvajal, Business Development Manager at 1spin4win, to discuss why classic slot mechanics continue to attract players, how 1spin4win has expanded across 1,000+ partner casinos, and what operators are looking for in 2027. The conversation also explores the company's success on Stake, its GGR growth, and how promotional tools can improve player engagement and retention.Key takeaways:Why classic slot mechanics continue to compete with flashy new releasesHow 1spin4win achieved 56% GGR growth in 2025Why retro-style slots perform well on crypto-first platforms like StakeHow 1spin4win expanded across 1,000+ partner casinos and launched over 200 games on StakeHow Cash & Drops promotional tools contributed to over 60% player growthWhat casino operators are prioritising when selecting game providers for 2027This Revpanda LIVE episode is brought to you by SOFTSWISS.

Are prediction markets the next big opportunity for iGaming operators? In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Faruk Aydin is joined by Andrii Lypovyi, Platform Sales Team Leader at Slotegrator, to discuss the rapid growth of prediction markets, how operators can combat AI-driven fraud, and what it takes to build a competitive iGaming platform. Recorded during SBC Summit Lisbon, the conversation also covers expansion into emerging markets, player retention and the key trends operators should prepare for in 2027.Key takeaways:Why prediction markets are gaining popularity and how they can complement traditional sportsbooksHow operators can strengthen risk management to combat AI-driven fraudWhy speed to market matters and what operators need to consider for long-term growth and player retentionHow operators can overcome localisation and technical challenges when expanding into LatAm, Africa and AsiaWhat iGaming operators should prioritise to stay competitive in 2027This Revpanda LIVE episode is brought to you by Darpha Studios.

Could having too many games in your library actually be harming your iGaming brand?In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Faruk Aydin is joined by Franz Gerhart, CEO of Vyking, to discuss why traditional game aggregation models need to evolve, how AI can improve player retention, and how operators can modernise their technology without replacing their existing infrastructure. Recorded during SBC Summit Lisbon, the conversation also covers payment flexibility and what operators should prioritise in 2027.Key takeaways:Why larger game libraries don't always lead to better player engagement and retentionHow AI can help operators predict churn and improve player segmentationHow reverse integration allows operators to connect new platforms without replacing existing technologyHow operators can manage crypto and fiat payments within the same ecosystemWhat iGaming operators should focus on to stay competitive in 2027This Revpanda LIVE episode is brought to you by Darpha Studios.

What makes players stay, return and keep engaging with a game? At Ace Alliance Riga 2026, Bilyan Balinoff, Founder of Vegas Legends & Felix Gaming, Mykhailo Kachanov, CBO at SlotCatalog, Eugene Camilleri, Director Malta at Pateplay, and Yury Makarov, Head of Sales at EvenBet Gaming, joined Faruk Aydin to explore what operators need to rethink as player behaviour continues to change.Key takeaways: Local player preferences and market differencesThe rise of casual and instant-win mechanicsPlayer stickiness and session behaviourRetention through missions and progressionSmarter approaches to cross-sellingStronger collaboration across the iGaming ecosystemThe iGaming Sessions are brought to you by Nordic Partners.

What happens when operators remove rev-share fees and replace complex betting interfaces with conversational AI? In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Valentina Synenka, CEO of BetSymphony, joins Faruk Aydin to discuss a new approach to platform ownership, AI-driven player experiences, market expansion and the real business value of AI.Key takeaways:How BetSymphony’s “no rev-share” ownership model gives operators more control over margins and growthHow BetHarmony uses conversational AI to simplify the player experienceWhy BetSymphony is taking an Africa-first approach to market entryWhere AI can deliver real value across support, operations and personalisationHow the mindset behind completing an Ironman 70.3 translates into leadership and businessVisit the BetSymphony website to learn more.

Did World Cup 2026 betting behaviour follow the patterns operators expected? Not quite. In this episode of Revpanda LIVE,  Dmitry Belianin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Blask, joins Faruk Aydin to discuss what the 2026 World Cup data tells us about betting demand, player behaviour, prediction markets and future acquisition strategies. Key takeaways: How Kalshi’s $32M advertising push outpaced FanDuel and DraftKingsWhy demand on the day of the final was 63% below the tournament peakWhat caused Argentina’s unusual betting demand patterns Why markets including Panama, Japan and Germany surgedWhere operators should focus their budgets and content nextVisit the Blask website to learn more.

What does it really take to build slot games that keep players engaged? In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Danielle Calafato, CCO at Delulu Gaming, joins Faruk Aydin to discuss the company’s approach to game design, player retention, industry partnerships and the future of slot development.Key takeaways:Why retention needs to be built into game design from the beginningHow better player engagement can contribute to operator growthWhy game mechanics, localization, and player experience matter more than post-launch fixesHow studios and operators can build stronger partnerships through data and collaborationDelulu Gaming’s vision and ambitions in the global slot market

Can operators improve payment approvals in Africa and LATAM without losing players to failed transactions? In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Olexiy Ternovy, COO at FLEXIFAI, joins Faruk Aydin to discuss how FLEXIFAI reached payment approval rates of up to 90% in emerging markets by combining real-world AI routing with local, on-the-ground teams.Key takeaways:Why managing Africa and LATAM from Europe fails, and how on-the-ground presence fixes payment drops.How machine learning hits an 85% average approval rate even in the toughest iGaming markets.Automating the merchant journey and compliance workflows without risking transaction data integrity.Catching and plugging checkout leaks instantly using real-time visibility across technical and commercial teams.

🎙️ Are payment issues hurting retention and reducing player lifetime value? In this episode of Revpanda LIVE, Faruk Aydin talks to Ivan Sharov, CEO at Crassula, and Vlad Maltsev, CCO at WhiteBIT, about how operators can overcome banking limitations, improve payment performance, and use crypto infrastructure to create a smoother player experience.Key takeaways:Why high decline rates, slow payouts, and chargebacks impact player retention How unified fiat and crypto payment infrastructure reduces transaction frictionWhy instant crypto cashouts can help retain high-value playersHow blockchain-based payment solutions minimise fraud and chargeback risksHow operators can launch crypto payment products quickly without building infrastructure from scratchWhy embedded crypto rails are becoming an important part of the player experience and operator growth strategy