Q: How long have you worked for CT Gaming and how has your role changed? 

BB: I have had the pleasure of working for CT Gaming since the very beginning. I started as a representative for the Bulgarian market and ever since I have taken responsibility for the distribution of our products locally, and later internationally. For 25 years CT Gaming and I have achieved a lot together and there is much more on our agenda.

Q: How would you describe the evolution of the Bulgarian market for these 25 years and what is CT Gaming’s position in it? 

BB: The evolution of the Bulgarian gambling market over the past 25 years has been marked by significant transformations and advancements. In the late 1990s, the gambling industry in the Balkans was gaining. Bulgaria was among the first countries to implement strict regulations and laws governing gambling activities during this era—those changes aimed to ensure fairness, security, and responsible gaming practices. Although CT Gaming was starting, it was steps ahead, being the first company licensed to produce casino equipment after the new regulations.

During the early 2000s, there was a proliferation of various gambling establishments, including casinos, gaming halls, and smaller betting facilities across the country. This expansion was facilitated by technological advancements, which allowed the introduction of more sophisticated gaming machines and platforms.

Throughout the mid-2000s, the Bulgarian gambling market continued to mature and diversify. Those years were the golden period for CT Gaming, with the company having the majority of the shares in the local market. At this time, we were pioneers - developing products such as Mega Jack, which were technologically advanced for the time and created excitement and demand for more innovative concepts. During this period, leading international gaming companies began to enter the market, bringing with them a wide range of innovative products and services.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Bulgarian gambling market faced challenges due to the global economic crisis. Despite the shrinkage, the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with companies implementing strategies to navigate through these turbulent times. For CT Gaming this period was quite crucial, as we were taking our first steps in developing online gambling platforms, offering players new opportunities to engage in gaming activities remotely. At this point, the market had already been exposed to various multigames and jackpot concepts, so once again it was time for us to launch something innovative – a multigame featuring 40 games.

The Bulgarian gambling market has experienced steady growth and stabilization in recent years. Regulatory frameworks have been refined to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices. The market has also embraced technological advancements, with the widespread adoption of mobile gaming and digital payment solutions. As a well-known local provider, we have a great network that keeps our position on the market steady, so we can focus on expanding our services abroad.

Looking ahead, the Bulgarian gambling market is poised for further evolution and innovation. Continued advancements in technology, coupled with evolving consumer preferences, are expected to shape the industry's future landscape. As the market continues to mature, we will need to remain agile and responsive while acting according to emerging trends and regulatory developments.

Q: In your opinion, which are the top 3 most successful products that CT Gaming has developed?

BB: If we were to gauge success based on both widespread installations and longevity, three standout products emerge as top contenders in my assessment: the Gamopolis series featuring the Alchemic Fusion Jackpot, the Mega Jack sequels, and the Diamond King series.

The first product of top performers is the Gamopolis series coupled with the innovative Alchemic Fusion Jackpot. Launched in 2007, this series quickly established itself as one of the most revolutionary products of its era. Initially introduced as a multi-game pack boasting 4 to 5 captivating titles, it quickly captured the imagination of players and immersed them into its world. As its popularity surged, so did its game library, expanding to include 20 titles by 2010 and a staggering 40 titles by 2013. 2016 marked another milestone for the series with the launch of Speedway. This addition further solidified the Gamopolis series' reputation for delivering thrilling and engaging gameplay experiences. With each new installment, the series continued to push the boundaries, captivating audiences with its ever-expanding roster of high-quality games and enticing jackpot features.

The next product in the top three is the Mega Jack series. During the period spanning from 2003 to 2007, it experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. Almost every gaming hall across Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and numerous other countries boasted installations of this multigame sensation. Within this timeframe alone, we witnessed an astounding tally of over 100,000 installations worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the most cherished products within our portfolio. Remarkably, the appeal of Mega Jack endures to this day, with customers continuing to gravitate towards its offerings. This sustained relevance prompted us to incorporate some of its most beloved games into our latest iteration of the Diamond King series.

Segueing to the third most triumphant product, we find the Diamond King series. From the moment of release of Diamond King in 2021, this series gained an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences. The seamless blend of engaging gameplay and captivating themes captured the hearts of players worldwide, establishing it as a cornerstone of our product lineup. Both sequels – Diamond King 2 and Diamond King 3 are as equally successful as their predecessors.

I suggest our readers keep an eye on the development of the Diamond King series!