Evolution eyes up esports opportunity
Live casino supplier reveals potential crossover game has moved beyond a “theoretical concept”
Evolution is planning to capitalise on the esports betting trend with a new live casino product towards the end of this year, EGR can reveal.
When asked about the future of live casino innovation, Evolution chief product officer (CPO) Todd Haushalter told EGR that a potential crossover with esports, as well as the advancement of virtual reality technology, could breathe new life into the vertical in 2021.
Haushalter revealed an esports-led game was in development and had already moved beyond the “theoretical concept” stage at the Stockholm-listed supplier.
“We think there is an intersection between esports and live casino and I think there’s probably something to be done there,” said Haushalter.
“Video games, and that other form of gaming which is bigger than the gaming world that I work in, is here to stay.
“Some people grew up watching football, but this generation is growing up watching esports, and betting on esports has found its way into sportsbooks.
“I think the fusion of that with live [casino] is an opportunity for some really fun games.
“Whether you’d be betting on player versus player or player versus AI or AI versus AI remains to be seen, but there are definitely some fun games to be made there,” he added.
Elsewhere, Evolution has made strategic inroads in the Canadian gaming market this week by sealing a deal with the Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) to deliver online live casino services as part of a major enhancement programme to national lotteries run or supported by the business.
The supplier has also struck an agreement with Canada’s Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) to provide live casino services and six initial live dealer games, including Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Baccarat and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
The games are now available to play on AGLC’s PlayAlberta.ca website.
AGLC is the Government of Alberta’s crown commercial enterprise and agency that oversees the gaming, liquor and cannabis industries in the province.
Evolution commercial director Jeff Millar said: “The launch of AGLC is another proud moment for Evolution in the roll-out of our services in Canada.
“We are committed to delivering enhanced online gaming choice and entertainment for Albertans in the most exciting way possible with our world-leading games portfolio,” he added.