Wazdan - Interview with Izabela Slodkowska-Popiel
In this interview, Izabela Slodkowska-Popiel, Wazdan’s Head of Account Management for North America and Latin America, discussed the company’s strategy and work across the two regions.
Izabela spoke about Wazdan’s plans, priorities and key games. At the time, the company was expanding its iGaming business across many countries while working on several fronts. Her comments offer a snapshot of Wazdan’s direction then.
Q1: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Wazdan.
Thanks for having me. I’m Izabela, and I joined Wazdan around eight years ago as an Account Manager. I’ve since moved through progressively senior roles and became Head of Account Management for North America and Latin America.
Working with people who are passionate about iGaming, and bringing a strong work ethic to the job, helped me advance within the organisation beyond what I imagined when I started. My role at Wazdan keeps offering opportunities to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. I’m proud to be part of the team creating some of the best online slots in the industry.
Q2: You have been active for +10 years and always focused on the future. On your portal, you write that your goal is to “push the iGaming technology forward!”. How do you do that?
We start with the player. By creating games with players in mind, featuring inventive mechanics, striking visuals and imaginative stories, we aim to stay competitive.
It’s hard to predict whether a new release will resonate with players or what the next industry trend will be. We aim to give players and operators more choice and control through the Freedom of Choice™ suite. Features such as Collect to Infinity™, Cash Infinity™, Sticky to Infinity™ and Hold the Jackpot are other ways we seek to offer distinctive experiences and strengthen our prospects.
Q3: You are expanding into more and more countries. You are now present in over 20 countries and hold the UKGC and MGA. How difficult is it to work in so many countries at once? What challenges come with different countries?
Before entering new regulated markets, we work to ensure that our games meet regulators’ demanding standards. This means understanding the rules and restrictions in every country where we operate and making sure our products comply.
We’ve seen governments put more emphasis on clear iGaming rules, following the lead of other major markets. We expected this positive regulatory trend to continue.
Q4: Are you planning to enter any new countries in the near future?
Earlier this year, we were approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). In Europe, we had recently entered Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
Our goal was to continue forming partnerships with reputable casino operators in regulated markets worldwide. We were also seeking additional certifications, including in newly regulated US markets such as Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The US market was reaching impressive heights, and we were eager to expand into more states.
Q5: What makes Wazdan stand out from other software providers in iGaming?
Innovation is at the heart of Wazdan’s work. The company aims to create engaging themes and original features, lead iGaming trends and keep up with emerging technology. Standing out with new experiences in a crowded market can be a challenge.
Still, Wazdan strives to make every new release distinctive. Volatility Levels™ allows players to adjust aspects of a game to suit their preferences; the company described it as a customisation feature not offered by other providers. Wazdan also listens to customers and partners and seeks to meet their needs as part of its client-focused approach.
Q6: Which product has been your most successful so far?
Launched in July, 9 Coins™ slot quickly became one of Wazdan’s strongest performers. Its Cash Infinity™ mechanic was presented as a way to boost player engagement and retention.
Following the original’s success, Wazdan released further games in the series. 9 Coins™: 1000 Edition and 9 Coins™: Grand Gold Edition feature larger Grand Jackpots of 1000x and 1500x the player’s bet, respectively. Both include the Hold the Jackpot bonus round and Cash Infinity™ mechanic. Wazdan said these features could help partners increase revenue and improve key metrics.
Q7: Which game is your favourite?
My all-time favourite Wazdan title is the successful 9 Lions slot. I enjoy its oriental setting, lively gameplay and exciting bonus rounds, which also add to player engagement.
Sizzling Kingdom™: Bison has recently become another favourite. It brings together hallmarks of Wazdan slots: detailed graphics, striking animation and sound, and inventive bonus features.
Q8: You’ve recently introduced game features such as Collect to Infinity™ and Cash Infinity™. We know they’re available in 9 Coins™, but do they appear in other slots? Could you explain in detail how they work?
Collect to Infinity™ can be triggered during Free Spins and Hold the Jackpot rounds. The feature gives players what Wazdan described as seemingly endless combinations and outcomes, adding entertainment to these rounds.
At the time, Collect to Infinity™ was also featured in Magic Spins™. In its first week after launch, betting totals rose by 129% compared with another strong performer, Fortune Reels. The feature also appeared in Sizzling Eggs™, Sizzling Kingdom™: Bison and Hot Slot™: Magic Bombs.
Cash Infinity™ was featured in 9 Coins™. Wazdan said the mechanic could encourage repeat play and improve operator metrics. At the time, the company expected it to feature in more games in the 9 Coins™ series and the upcoming Power of Sun™: Svarog slot.
Q9: Are any new games or features in the pipeline?
Wazdan’s latest release at the time, Hot Slot™: Magic Bombs, introduced Sticky to Infinity™, a mechanic designed to support engagement and operator revenue. During Free Spins, Jackpot Mystery symbols could remain fixed on the reels until the bonus round ended, offering jackpots and large wins.
Another upcoming release, Hot Slot™: Magic Pearls , was set beneath the sea and included features such as the Hold the Jackpot bonus round. Its planned launch date was 10 November. Burning Sun™ was due to follow two weeks later, on 24 November, with Sticky to Infinity™ and Hold the Jackpot. Planned December releases were 9 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition and Hot Slot™: Mystery Jackpot Joker, while Power of Sun™: Svarog. was intended to kick off the new year’s releases.
Q10: Is there anything you’d like to add?
Wazdan called it a successful year: the company had entered new markets, won several prestigious awards, launched games and features, and attended industry events. The team invited partners to visit booth B46 at the upcoming SiGMA Europe event for a preview of forthcoming games, and sent its best wishes to attendees.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, with a focus on reviewing online casinos, assessing slot games and examining player safety. Their work covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms and withdrawal policies. Drawing on practical testing and independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based reviews to help players understand gambling platforms, their features and possible risks.
