Inside Playson: Exclusive Interview with Deputy CEO Vsevolod Lapin

Playson is one of the casino software providers stirring up the industry with market expansions, innovative developments, and casino games that have proven instant successes with players worldwide.

We asked Vsevolod Lapin, the Playson Deputy CEO, to share some of what drives the company and how it maintains its focus despite the breakneck speed at which it operates.

Overall Business Strategy & Growth

Q: Playson has established itself as a leading digital entertainment supplier. Can you share the key pillars of your overall business strategy for 2025 and beyond?

A: At Playson, our strategy for 2025 and beyond revolves around four key pillars: Gamecraft, Boost, Community, and Fair Play. We focus on Gamecraft by delivering high-quality, engaging slots that maximise player satisfaction. Through Boost, we provide seamless, data-driven solutions to enhance operator success. Our Community pillar fosters strong partnerships, and Fair Play ensures compliance, sustainability, and long-term growth in regulated markets. Together, these pillars drive our mission to deliver #MORE—more entertainment, innovation, and value for our partners and players.

Q: What have been the main drivers behind your recent growth, and how do you see this trajectory continuing in an increasingly competitive market?

A: Playson's growth is fueled by game innovation, market expansion, and strong partnerships. Our commitment to Gamecraft ensures engaging, high-quality slots while strategic expansion into Brazil, Canada, and other regulated markets strengthens our global presence. Our xPlatform guarantees seamless performance, and our promotional tools boost engagement. By prioritising compliance, scalability, and collaboration, we continue delivering the best service for our partners in a competitive industry.

Q: Innovation is at the heart of Playson's portfolio. How does your approach to game development set you apart from other providers in the industry?

A: At Playson, innovation is driven by a player-first mindset and a commitment to creating immersive, high-quality slots with engaging mechanics. Our refined portfolio of numerous themed titles with Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus™ mechanics set us apart. We blend data-driven insights with creative excellence, ensuring every game is polished, visually captivating, and optimised for seamless performance. By constantly refining gameplay and introducing fresh features, we deliver thrilling gaming experiences to a vast audience.

Q: Can you highlight any new or upcoming products that best reflect your vision for the future of online gaming?

A: Royal Express: Hold and Win, which was released at the end of March, embodies Playson's commitment to innovation and premium gameplay. This 3x3 slot with 5 winning lines takes players on a luxurious locomotive journey, offering a classic yet dynamic experience. The Boost Feature collects Bonus values, enhancing wins instantly, while the Royal Express Multipliers introduce unpredictable, high-value rewards. With Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand Jackpots, alongside a Buy Bonus feature, the game ensures continuous excitement and engagement. The Pile of Gold Feature further boosts anticipation, randomly adding Bonus and Boost symbols to trigger the Bonus Game, making Royal Express a standout in Playson's portfolio. 

New Products & Market Trends

Q: Your Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus series have been major hits. What factors do you believe make these mechanics so appealing to players?

A: Our Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus series thrive because they offer engaging, easy-to-understand mechanics while delivering thrilling gameplay. Players love the anticipation of bonus rounds, the potential for big wins, and the variety of innovative features we integrate. By combining high-quality visuals, immersive sound, and proven retention mechanics, we ensure every game is both entertaining and rewarding, making them a staple in modern online casino experiences.

Q: Are there any emerging trends in player preferences or technology shaping your product development strategy in 2025?

A: In 2025, our focus is on expanding our game portfolio, optimising infrastructure, and ensuring swift market entry. We continue to enhance our Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus series with fresh mechanics and engaging gameplay. Our dedicated cloud clusters improve performance, delivering seamless, uninterrupted gameplay. Additionally, we are streamlining regulatory adaptation processes, allowing us to enter new markets efficiently and provide top-tier gaming experiences from day one.

Q: With AI-driven game mechanics and personalisation becoming more prevalent, how is Playson leveraging technology to enhance player engagement?

A: At Playson, we explore AI to enhance game development, using advanced tools to streamline content creation, automate testing, and refine game balancing. While AI-driven RNG is not yet viable due to regulatory constraints, we study its potential for future innovation. Our tech-first approach, including dedicated cloud clusters and scalable infrastructure, ensures seamless gameplay, while AI tools assist in optimising internal development processes to deliver high-quality, engaging content faster.

Expansion into Brazil & Future Growth

Q: Playson recently made a significant move into the Brazilian market. What excites you most about this expansion, and what challenges did you overcome to make it happen?

A: Entering Brazil’s regulated market is a major milestone for Playson, reinforcing our commitment to Latin America. We’re excited to bring our top-performing Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus games to a massive, engaged player base. Overcoming strict compliance requirements, we ensured day-one readiness with certified games and launched a dedicated cloud cluster in Brazil for seamless gameplay. This expansion strengthens our foothold in LatAm with a promise to pursue future possibilities.

Q: Given the partnerships you have secured with popular Brazilian companies, what are your expectations for market performance in Brazil?

A: With key partnerships secured among Brazil's top operators, we expect strong market performance driven by our localised game portfolio, proven mechanics like Hold and Win, and seamless infrastructure via our dedicated cloud cluster. Brazil's engaged player base and evolving iGaming landscape offer significant opportunities for growth and retention. By delivering high-quality, compliant content from day one, we aim to establish Playson as a top-tier supplier in this dynamic market.

Q: Beyond Brazil, are there other regulated markets that Playson actively targets, and what factors influence your expansion strategy?

A: Playson is committed to regulated markets, currently operating in 26 of them. While expanding further, we closely monitor emerging regulations to ensure we are among the first providers going live when new opportunities arise. Our proactive approach, combined with a strong compliance framework and scalable infrastructure, allows us to seamlessly enter new markets, delivering best-in-class content and services from day one, just as we successfully did in Brazil.

Step into the Future with Playson

If you are new to Playson’s expansive offering, or have found your interest in the world-class provider renewed, please visit our dedicated Playson portal to learn about their games, licensing, and which online casinos proudly host their titles. While you’re at it, be sure to claim the fantastic welcome bonuses they offer!