The iGaming industry thrives on innovation, and few understand this better than Oliver Vlaytchev. After climbing the ranks at Live 5 from developer to COO and shareholder, he faced a new challenge when he left the company in 2024. Rather than stepping away, Oliver, alongside Lloyd Butler (former Live 5 CEO/ founder) and Mathew Parker (former Live 5 CPO), seized the opportunity to create something fresh—R3spin.
“We knew we wanted to continue doing what we love,” Oliver explains. “We hired some of the best people in the industry, which has given us a massive advantage. We’re experienced, we work well together, and we’ve hit the ground running.”
So, what is R3spin bringing to the iGaming market?
According to Oliver, it’s all about quality, innovation, and bespoke gaming experiences.
“Our focus is on creating high-quality slot and non-slot games that provide an engaging player experience. We’re not just following trends—we want to shape the future of gaming.”
ICE Barcelona 2025 provided the perfect stage to introduce R3spin to the industry. With major players, emerging studios, and key decision-makers all in one place, it was a critical opportunity to showcase their vision and start building new partnerships.
ICE Barcelona 20th - 22nd January
Why ICE Barcelona 2025 Was a Game-Changer
This year’s ICE event was particularly special—it marked the first time the conference had been held outside of London. While some were unsure about the change, Oliver and his team found it a welcome upgrade.
“Barcelona is an amazing city, and the weather made a huge difference compared to grey, gloomy London,” he shares. “From a cost perspective, it was also great. Booking flights and an Airbnb early meant our trip was comparable in price to attending ICE in London—but we got much better value. We always look to be cost-effective.”
The event itself was also an improvement.
“The layout was much more organised, with spacious halls and plenty of breakout areas,” he notes. “It made networking and meetings far more enjoyable.”
For R3Spin, ICE was a crucial platform
“This was our first big opportunity to announce to our partners, contacts, and the wider industry that we are open for business,” Oliver says. With so many industry leaders in one place, it was the perfect setting to introduce R3spin’s brand and start building momentum.”
Trends & Innovations: What’s Next for iGaming?
ICE is always a barometer for the industry’s future, and 2025 was no exception. Several key trends stood out to Oliver:
The rise of crash games – Simple, fast-paced, and highly engaging, these lightweight games are becoming increasingly popular.
Minimalist game design – More operators are looking for games that run smoothly on lower-end devices without sacrificing quality.
Regulatory changes – The expansion of new regulated markets means compliance is more critical than ever, driving demand for compliance experts.
While Oliver remains tight-lipped about R3spin’s specific plans, he teases that their upcoming games will push boundaries.
“You’ll have to wait and see what we’re bringing to the table” he says with a smile.
With these trends come new challenges and opportunities—especially for technology professionals and companies navigating the evolving landscape.
Challenges & Opportunities in iGaming Careers
As the industry expands, professionals in iGaming development, compliance, and game innovation will need to adapt to new demands. We asked Oliver about the biggest challenges technology professionals in the sector are currently facing:
“Within iGaming, one of the challenges is ensuring games are lightweight and easily playable from lower-end devices. Another major challenge is all the new regulated markets that are emerging.”
This growing complexity means that certain skill sets will be in high demand. From a recruitment perspective, Oliver predicts that 2025 will see increased demand for:
Skilled compliance experts – Companies will need knowledgeable professionals to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes across multiple markets.
Developers and testers – As more innovative games hit the market, technical talent will be crucial to ensuring smooth gameplay, security, and compliance.
Final Thoughts: ICE, iGaming Careers & Business Success
Beyond trends, ICE 2025 reinforced why events like this are so important.
“It’s the first major show of the year, bringing together global contacts and decision-makers,” Oliver explains.“It’s a chance to see what’s happening in the industry, discover new players, and strengthen relationships.”
Oliver’s advice for first-time ICE attendees: Have structured meetings but also be open to spontaneous connections. “Some of the best opportunities come from unexpected conversations.”
For professionals looking to grow in iGaming, his advice is simple:
For developers:
“I would always advise working somewhere with good standards and practices that help you grow and improve. Somewhere you are challenged but also empowered and respected. I'd advise people who are unhappy with their circumstances to look around—there are always businesses where you will be treated respectfully, given a voice, and offered a good work-life balance. Sometimes, it’s not just about the big salary.”
For businesses:
“Take care of your staff and take risks. Your team is your biggest asset. If you support them, success will follow.”
With R3spin preparing to launch its first games, its ICE debut was just the beginning. If their track record is anything to go by, this is a studio to watch. Stay tuned!
At Eligo Recruitment, we understand that the success of iGaming studios like R3Spin relies on having the right technical talent—from game developers and testers to compliance experts and product specialists. As the industry evolves, we help studios navigate the competitive hiring landscape, ensuring they have the skilled professionals needed to drive innovation and growth. Whether you're an iGaming business looking for top-tier talent or a professional seeking your next career move, we’re here to connect the best with the best.
Get in touch to discover how we can help you build a winning team.