Recently, we sat down with Borg Barthet, the CEO of AirDice Services MALTA to talk about the popularity of online dice games in Europe, game development and plans the software provider has for the future.
Air Dice is one of the most notable software providers that has been active in the online gambling world since 2005, offering players slots, skill slots, bingo and dice games.
We want to thank Borg for taking the time to answer our questions. Here is what our interviewee had to share with AskGamblers!
Let's roll the dice and start with an easy question: how popular are online dice games in Europe?
Online dice games have surged in popularity across Europe, with Belgium leading the charge for over a decade in both online and offline gaming realms. The Dice placement genre has been reigning supreme for the past 10 years online and a whopping 20 years offline in Belgium alone.
Now, this fever is spreading across borders, with countries like The Netherlands eagerly embracing these captivating games. Moreover, numerous game providers are amplifying this trend by introducing these thrilling products to other EU nations, fuelling a continent-wide craze for dice gaming excitement.
What does it take to create high-quality online dice games that players will love? What are you focusing on in development to ensure that each game you launch meets the standards players are used to?
Crafting exceptional online dice games that captivate players requires a meticulous blend of technical prowess, artistic finesse, and gameplay innovation. At our core, we prioritise technical excellence, ensuring seamless gameplay experiences even in the face of connectivity disruptions. Our commitment to uninterrupted play means that players can pick up right where they left off, guaranteeing uninterrupted enjoyment.
Moreover, we spare no effort in elevating the sensory experience. With stunning graphics and immersive soundscapes, our games transport players into vibrant worlds teeming with excitement and possibility. Every visual element and audio cue is meticulously crafted to evoke awe and immersion, ensuring players are fully engrossed in the gaming experience.
However, the cornerstone of our game development philosophy lies in gameplay itself. We understand that the heart of any great game is its ability to engage and entertain players. That's why we invest significant resources in fine-tuning the gameplay mechanics, ensuring a harmonious balance in symbol distribution and payouts between main and bonus games.
We recognize the discerning tastes of our players, relying on seasoned experts to meticulously evaluate each game's feel and flow, guaranteeing that every launch exceeds player expectations and delivers unparalleled enjoyment.
What advice would you give to players who have never played dice games? Which AirDice games would you recommend they check out?
Our 3-box versions are a perfect introduction to this very strategic kind of game for new players. These allow the player to make fewer choices but still get a feel for the skill element in the game.
Our latest one is Gunslinger Legends: Bounty Hunter 3-box, but they can enjoy Curvy Corsairs Slicin’ & Dicin’ Casual, which is already out.
For seasoned players, our biggest hits are Mega Wheels, Infinity Dice, and Spirit Sisters, but our newest games, Volt Extreme and Gunslinger Legends, are also awesome.
In addition to dice games, you also offer bingo, slots, table games, and scratch cards. What games can we expect from AirDice going forward? Are there any specific titles your players can look forward to? Anything big you’re working on that you can tell us about?
Air Dice has a lot of bingo in its roots. In fact, it is with what we started in the UK market. We are currently focusing a lot on LATAM markets, where Bingo products are a key part of our roadmap.
In addition, our next international releases are Fire Lion and Wild Cash Machine, which are my personal favourites.
Of course, we also want to bring in more slots, even if they are very competitive products, as those are still the backbone of the games for the majority of the operators (outside Belgium).
Many providers stick to slot and table games. What would you recommend to gaming providers looking to expand their portfolio with dice games or start-up providers who want to create online dice games?
The dice games are the reason why I joined this business. I fell in love with the mechanic, and wanted to take it internationally. But I also know that dice games aren't popular everywhere, and getting these products approved has also been very challenging.
We have seen interesting developments, like the rise of crash games and dice games, which could become their own success stories. These types of games are difficult to make.
To other providers, I recommend having something unique and different to offer. Today’s operator is presented by no less than 30 new titles a week hence, it is hard to stand out if you have only more of the same product type.
AirDice has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Ontario's AGCO licence, a testament to your commitment and potential. What does this expansion mean for your brand?
We are taking our regulatory expansion very seriously, largely driven by where our customers want to go, and us to remain more relevant as a key provider. Ontario specifically, it is a very interesting market that will look forward to exploring what types of products work for us and seeing it grow.
What are some markets AirDice has an eye on? Where can we expect to see your games?
We have licences available from Belgium Gaming Commission (BEGC), Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Malta Gaming Authority (HGC MGA), the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), and the South African National Gambling Board (ZA).
Additionally, our games are certified for the following regions and countries: Colorado (CO), Greece (GR), Lithuania (LT), Latvia (LV), the Netherlands (NL), Ontario, Canada (ONT), Peru (PE), Portugal (PT), Sweden (SE), the United Kingdom (UK), and South Africa (ZA).
Is there anything you want to share with players we didn't cover in this interview that is important for them to know?
We want to bring more localised products to market, so we want to have a good possibility in the future to adjust our new games to have different, easily changeable themes for different markets and even operator focused.”
On the dice games specifically, it's not perceived skill, but actual skill. Your choices and strategies really do impact the outcome of your time playing. We have seen players effectively moving from an RTP of 94% all the way to 97% based on their skills.
You have to understand the scoring system, and enhance your chances by developing the best strategy, which depends on your playing style.
We wanted to thank Mr. Barthet for taking the time to answer our questions, shed some light on dice games and open the doors of Air Dice to show us why they’ve been successful.
Hopefully, you’ve gained a better insight into dice games and learned something about one of the most influential software companies in the online gambling world.
If you’re unfamiliar with Air Dice and their games, we advise you look for Air Dice casinos and explore their releases. We’re positive that you’ll have tons of fun, regardless of the game you select!
