Ihor Zarechnyi: “New horizons are always open to those who dare to be bold”

In this conversation with Evoplay, Chief Commercial Officer Ihor Zarechnyi discusses the company's strategic roadmap and its ambitions for global expansion. From driving innovation to developing player-focused game formats such as instant and crash games, Evoplay has a lot going on for it, with a particular emphasis on engaging with younger audiences. Not least, Zarechnyi is nominated in the Casino Guru Awards’ iGaming Changemaker of the Year category, reflecting his impact on the industry and his company's mission to shape the future of iGaming with bold ideas.

Ihor, Evoplay has been enjoying a banner year so far. You have only recently released your latest crash game title, Avia Rush, secured a B2B license in Ontario, Canada, and expanded the reach of your games. Has your commercial plan been going as predicted so far?

Yes, everything is progressing as planned. We traditionally set our roadmap for the full year, broken down by quarters, and Q1 fully met our expectations – across partnerships, revenue, and other key metrics.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on deepening our presence in existing markets, especially Brazil, which we entered fairly recently. Our B2B licence in Ontario is just the beginning – there’s still plenty to do, but the potential is clear and promising. We’re also expanding into new European markets, including the Netherlands and Spain. Our teams are fully engaged, and we’re closely tracking progress to stay aligned with our strategic goals.

Evoplay has earned a name for itself as a distinct innovator in the slot and crash game genre, on occasions, even combining the two verticals to create unique products that meet in the middle. In terms of game innovation, what can we expect from you throughout 2025?
We follow our mission to make iGaming more diverse, and innovation is the key to achieving that. This vision shapes how we respond to evolving player behaviour – especially as younger audiences enter the space. While slots still dominate the market, we’re exploring new formats that speak directly to both emerging and established preferences – titles that are visually rich, immersive, and built around balanced, engaging gameplay.

Avia Rush, our latest crash game, is a strong example of how we’re engaging the next generation of players. We went beyond simply offering a trendy theme and mechanics – we tested the game with players, gathered feedback, and refined the experience to meet their expectations. It’s a core part of our B2C strategy this year, and we’re likely to take a similar approach with select future titles.

Another recent release, Young Buffalo Song, shows how we cater to a more conservative or local audience – players who value familiar themes and gameplay, as we aim to create content that resonates across different player types and regional tastes.

So, in 2025, expect to see more from Evoplay – instant games, skill-based formats, slots, and other titles shaped by both market trends and audience diversity.
You have yourself been nominated in the Casino Guru Awards’ iGaming Changemaker of the Year category, alongside several influential iGaming insiders. What does this nomination mean for you personally?

This nomination is a sign that the direction we’ve chosen is truly resonating within the industry. It’s a recognition of Evoplay’s team commitment to bringing fresh ideas, bold solutions, and a more diverse vision to iGaming.

Since the very start of our journey, we’ve been driven by a desire to create change and inspire others to join us in this mission – to be the game changers who push the boundaries. A thriving, forward-looking industry constantly motivates us to aim higher. On a more personal note, this nomination serves as a reminder to keep moving forward – with confidence and determination. Because I firmly believe that new horizons are always open to those who dare to be bold.

Why do you think such awards are important in the first place? What do we tell the industry when we distinguish our best and brightest in this way?

It’s simple – awards serve as recognition of the efforts made by industry participants, highlighting dedication and determination. As the iGaming industry evolves, such recognition helps us take stock of emerging trends and identify those leading the way. Everyone benefits from this, as even those who have already achieved remarkable success continue to learn and grow. Beyond recognition, awards also help expand networks, fostering valuable connections across the industry. Ultimately, awards and recognition play an important role in encouraging development, sparking innovation, and pushing us all to reach new heights.

How have your new games, which focus on the crash game mechanic, been received? Do you see them generating a higher level of excitement among players compared to your traditional slot games?

Both classic and more modern games – including instant and crash formats – have found their own audiences. If we look at it geographically, preferences vary. In Europe, for instance, slots remain in high demand, while instant and crash games are steadily gaining ground. But again, it depends on many shifting factors. Penalty Shoot-out: Street is a great example of a title that performs well in both Europe and Latin America. At the same time, while slots such as Mega Greatest Catch Bonus Buy and Hot Triple Sevens have traditionally been more popular in Europe, our football-themed instant title Long Ball has also resonated strongly with local audiences.

That’s why I wouldn’t measure engagement purely by mechanics – each format brings its own type of excitement and has its own player base. Many factors influence this, from seasonality and marketing to local culture. But what’s clear is that instant and crash games are growing fast. We expect demand to keep rising, especially among newcomers and younger players who are drawn to fast-paced mechanics, fresh themes, and more modern gameplay.

What are your predictions for the iGaming industry in 2025, particularly regarding game variety and player adoption? What will be the driving trends this year?

I believe we’ll see even more creative ideas emerging as the industry continues striving to deliver a richer and more diverse player experience. That could mean new game mechanics, promotional tools, or direct interaction with players, like we’ve already done at Evoplay by involving them in game testing and early feedback. Community-led formats and giveaways will likely continue to grow as well.

On the other hand, I expect the trend towards closer cooperation between operators, providers, and affiliates to strengthen, forming a solid triangle that powers the market forward. Building stronger connections between them feels like a natural next step – one that can drive more meaningful growth across the entire industry.

Image credit: Casino Guru News