Emiliano Sanchez: “Our core identity and expertise remain rooted in slots, crash games are on the radar”

In this exclusive interview, Casino Guru News sits down with Emiliano Sanchez, Mancala Gaming CCO, to discuss the studio’s expanding footprint in the iGaming market, its evolving approach to crash games, and the growing influence of crypto-first audiences. Sanchez also reflects on the company’s ongoing innovation in slot mechanics, player psychology, and the challenges of standing out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Q:Mancala Gaming has quickly become renowned for its slot portfolio, but of late, you have been equally focusing on crash games. How has this segment been beneficial to your company’s strategy, and what key lessons can you take away from the vertical?

Crash-style games are definitely on our radar, and we’ve been observing the segment grow steadily over the last couple of years. While our core identity and expertise remain rooted in slot games and gamification tools, we’re well aware of how crash mechanics have carved out a solid niche in the iGaming ecosystem, especially among younger players seeking more dynamic and fast-paced experiences.

We wouldn’t say we’re "equally" focusing on the crash vertical just yet, but we are actively preparing surprises in this direction. It's a natural evolution for us. The mechanics behind crash games connect well with our strengths in player retention, visual feedback loops, and interactive gameplay. We’re not rushing into it, but we’re building carefully, applying what we’ve learned from our slots DNA to ensure that whatever we release has both a strategic and entertainment-driven foundation.

Q: Mancala Gaming has been a strong proponent of crypto casinos. Has this required the company to adjust its game development strategy – are crypto casino players different than players who choose to stick to FIAT?

We’ve always approached crypto casinos as an opportunity rather than a challenge. From a development standpoint, crypto-first platforms do require a few technical tweaks, especially in terms of currency support; however, our core game mechanics remain unchanged.

What is different, however, is the player behavior. Crypto players tend to be younger, more risk-tolerant, and used to seamless tech experiences. They appreciate volatility, transparency, and innovation, and they typically gravitate toward games that offer real-time excitement and social sharing potential. This aligns well with our game philosophy—especially when it comes to building in progressive jackpots, collector features, and community-driven competition mechanics.

Q:You have remained committed to the traditional slots space, continually trying to innovate the core concept with the addition of hidden jackpots, collector bonus games, double bonus games, and more. Have these features really worked with players, and have they consistently pulled audiences to your products?

Absolutely. We’ve seen fantastic performance and retention from players when these innovative features are introduced. What we’ve learned is that it’s not just about packing a slot with flashy features—it’s about creating cohesion between math, design, and surprise mechanics that keep players engaged.

The Trigger Bonus System, for instance, or our hidden jackpot mechanics, have proven to be player favorites. They introduce a layer of anticipation and reward without needing to reinvent the whole gameplay loop. Our recent releases, like Diego’s Spicy Truck and Jackpot VIP show how these features can be tailored to different markets while driving engagement and repeat play.

Q:Speaking of, how does Mancala Gaming navigate today’s competitive field of slot games? What makes your products stand out at a time when reaching the end customer is increasingly challenging?

It comes down to experience, storytelling, and technology. There are many great studios out there, but not all of them manage to strike that delicate balance between aesthetic appeal, solid mathematical models, and operator-friendly features.

What sets us apart is our ability to blend artistic vision with gamification and a deep understanding of player behavior. Our slots are immediately recognizable thanks to their distinct themes and visual style, but they’re also built to perform. Tools like the Trigger Bonus System give operators more options and give players more reasons to stay. That combination of form and function is key.

Q:Your company recently spoke about player psychology and how understanding audiences is one of the key ingredients of success. How does Mancala Gaming establish such rapport with its players, allowing it to deliver on specific preferences?

We’ve built our processes around data-backed intuition. On one hand, we listen closely to operator feedback and player reviews. On the other hand, we monitor real-time performance across markets and make adjustments based on actual in-game behavior.

But more than that, we see the industry shifting toward a new kind of player, one shaped by social gaming, mobile-first platforms, and shorter attention spans. That’s why we invest heavily in progression mechanics, visual clarity, and rewarding feedback loops. Everything is designed to align with how players think, play, and feel.

Q:What do you see as a key challenge that Mancala Gaming still needs to address?

I’d say one of the ongoing challenges is scaling innovation without compromising identity. We’re growing rapidly, expanding into new markets, and increasing our partner base. It’s easy to fall into the trap of repeating what works. Still, at Mancala, we constantly challenge ourselves to push boundaries, not just in gameplay, but also in backend systems, gamification tools, and UI/UX design.

Another challenge is ensuring we continue to stand out in an increasingly fragmented space, especially as new verticals like crash games and social betting begin to blur the lines between gambling and casual gaming.

Q: What is your proudest moment in 2025?

Without a doubt, our performance across key and competitive markets. Seeing our games consistently become top picks across different regions, while being recognized by the industry, has been incredibly rewarding.

But if I had to choose one moment that captures our essence, it would be seeing operators use our bonus tools to not only drive acquisition but also boost long-term retention. That’s where we truly shine—not just delivering good games, but building systems that deliver measurable value to our partners.

Beyond all achievements, what makes me most proud is our team and the people behind Mancala Gaming. We’ve grown from a small, passionate group into a diverse, international company powered by creativity, collaboration, and commitment. Every success we’ve had—whether it’s a new partnership, a game launch, or an award—comes from the talent and energy of this incredible team. They are the foundation of what Mancala is today and the reason I’m confident about where we’re headed next.

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