Inside Tom Horn Gaming Strategy: Innovation, Awards & Future in iGaming

At LCB, we love to explore the stories and insights behind the top names in iGaming. That's why we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Tom Horn Gaming, a company that's truly making waves in the industry. Known for their innovative slot games and strategic expansion into new markets, Tom Horn Gaming continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in online gaming.

We sat down with Katarina Slaninova, the dynamic Head of Marketing & Communications at Tom Horn Gaming, to chat about their exciting journey and plans for the future. From their recent success at iGB Live Amsterdam to their award-winning performance at the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit Awards, there's a lot to uncover. Slaninova shares how their unique approach to game development and market expansion is shaping the future of iGaming.

So grab a cup of coffee and join us for this engaging conversation as we dive into the world of Tom Horn Gaming, like we did once before in 2022.

Q: In 2022, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tom Horn Gaming during Sigma Balkans, discussing all kinds of unique company features. This year, you attended iGB Live Amsterdam, another major iGaming event. How did your participation in iGB Live Amsterdam contribute to your company's goals for 2024?

A: iGB Live Amsterdam has always been one of those events we really looked forward to, so it was bittersweet knowing this year was unfortunately the last iGB in Amsterdam. The event has been a fantastic opportunity to network, build partnerships, and show off our latest games and features over the years.

The turnout this year was huge, which allowed us to connect with industry peers and learn about the latest innovations in the casino world. We also put a lot of focus on expanding our affiliate outreach, which is key for our B2C marketing efforts. The insights we gained and the connections we made will definitely help us reach our goals for 2024, especially when it comes to expanding our market presence and improving our products.

Interestingly, not having a stand at iGB actually worked in our favour. It allowed our commercial team to have more personal interactions with new leads and existing partners. We could dive deeper into potential collaborations and discuss our latest innovations without the pressure of manning a booth. Plus, it didn’t hurt that we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Amsterdam one last time!

Q: At which events can we see you in the coming months?

A: The second half of 2024 is going to be super busy for us. First up is the SBC Summit in Lisbon, where you can find us at stand B900. We're really excited about this one because Portugal is a vibrant market that's growing fast. It's the perfect place for high-quality online gaming experiences. We have a strong presence there, so it’s a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing partners and form new B2B and affiliate partnerships.

After that, we'll be at SiGMA Europe, which will wrap up our year before we head to Spain for the first-ever ICE in Barcelona. These events are crucial as we continue expanding in key European markets. We're eager to see what new connections and opportunities these events will bring our way!

Q: Tom Horn Gaming recently celebrated success at the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit Awards, winning Best Online Casino Provider in the Baltics and Best Slots Provider in the Nordics. How do these awards impact your company’s strategy and goals for the future, and what do you attribute to your success in these regions?

A: Winning those awards at the MARE BALTICUM Summit was a huge deal for us! It really validated our efforts in understanding our target audiences and operator partners in each market. We’ve worked hard to understand player tastes and preferences, and we always localise our gaming solutions to hit the sweet spot for our players.

Our strategy allows us to tailor our approach to the unique intricacies of each market, and we constantly gather and analyse data to improve our product offerings. Being recognised by industry peers is like getting a pat on the back, and it motivates us to keep innovating and pushing boundaries. These awards drive us to strengthen our presence in the Baltics and expand into new regions.

Q: With a presence in numerous regulated markets, including recent expansions in Europe such as Croatia and Romania, how do you tailor your games to meet diverse regulatory requirements and player preferences across different regions?

A: Balancing growth and compliance is at the core of our approach. We make sure our games meet local regulatory requirements while delivering content that truly resonates with players in each market. Our games are designed to be engaging, offering players a well-balanced experience that encourages extended play and delivers rewarding wins.

We use a data-driven strategy to understand players’ unique preferences in different regions, ensuring our games stand out in each market. By leveraging the vast amount of user data and insights we collect, we can fine-tune our games to offer compelling experiences that are just right for our audience.

Q: Tom Horn Gaming has a strong focus on innovation in the highly competitive slot game market. Given that many slot games share similar basic features, how does Tom Horn Gaming continually introduce unique and engaging elements to stand out and maintain its reputation for innovation?

A: At Tom Horn Gaming, we keep things simple while making sure we enhance the player experience and boost engagement with every new game. We push the boundaries of what slot games can offer, introducing unique twists to popular features and creating fresh, engaging content that captivates players.

We prioritise player feedback and keep an eye on industry trends to develop innovative gameplay mechanics and features that set our games apart. Our dedication to continuous improvement and experimentation ensures we deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences that stand out in the crowded slot game market.

Q: Can you tell us more about the QuickX™ and BlastX features and how they enhance the gaming experience for players?

A: Sure! QuickX™ and BlastX are features we developed to add excitement and boost players’ chances of winning big. QuickX™ lets players dive straight into the game’s features by purchasing a bonus round at a specific bet multiplier. It’s all about offering a customisable experience that keeps players engaged.

BlastX, on the other hand, combines popular mechanics for a dynamic gaming experience. It has a shatter mode where winning combinations explode, making way for new symbols and fresh wins. Plus, it includes dynamic multipliers that vary across games, allowing players to unlock new multipliers based on different features. For example, multipliers might increase with each new shatter round or be unlocked with specific symbols. This feature extends gameplay and boosts excitement by creating more opportunities for consecutive wins.

Both features highlight our focus on innovation and player engagement, ensuring our games remain fresh and captivating for our audience.

Q: What has been your favourite milestone or achievement in 2024 so far?

A: One of our favourite milestones this year was having our slot game Biggy Winnie feat. Mr. First recognized in the Best Storytelling category at the B.F.T.H Arena Awards. The game was developed exclusively for BetConstruct’s prestigious awards, showcasing our innovative capabilities in slot development. This year saw an unprecedented surge in creativity, with over 120 projects submitted by more than 70 providers.

Being one of the 24 winners to share the 3,333,000 FTN prize pool is a huge success. It allows us to promote our game further and engage in a long-term collaboration with the Ortak initiative, which focuses on innovation in gaming with technologies like NFTs.

Q: How do you see the iGaming landscape evolving, and what role will Tom Horn Gaming play in that future?

A: Growth has been one of the defining features of the igaming industry. In the coming years, we can expect technology advancements, new approaches to personalising the player journey, and the integration of gamification with responsible gaming to dominate game development.

Tom Horn Gaming is committed to staying ahead of these trends by investing in innovation and adapting to market changes. Our focus on innovation, market expansion, responsible gaming, and strategic partnerships will ensure we play a significant role in shaping the future of iGaming. We aim to remain a trusted name in the industry, while delivering top-notch gaming experiences to players worldwide.