In game development, AI is not there yet. We’ve tested it extensively, and while it can produce simple concepts
quickly, it cannot deliver the depth, balance, and regulatory robustness required for long-term success in regulated
markets. Human expertise remains essential. IVAN KODAJ CEO, SYNOT Games
Is there such a thing as a “SYNOT player” or a recognisable SYNOT game style?
Ivan Kodaj: Yes, but it’s a balance. Players have expectations around volatility, pacing, and mechanics. If you innovate too far, too fast, players can become confused or disengaged. Evolution needs to be gradual.
Miroslav Valenta Jr: On land-based floors, we must offer variety, classic titles, feature-rich games, and different volatility profiles— because we have one cabinet and one screen competing for attention. At the same time, cabinet design and interface create brand recognition. When we introduce something genuinely new, we often do it with a new cabinet to set expectations correctly.
How important is cabinet design today compared to the past?
Miroslav Valenta Jr: It’s critical. Years ago, the cabinet was just a box. Today, players and operators expect quality materials, strong ergonomics, and a comfortable experience. Lighting, screen angles, button placement; these details matter because players may spend hours at a machine. Te cabinet is part of the product identity now, not just the housing.
SYNOT recently launched its own casino management system. What was the motivation behind that?
Ivan Kodaj: Our casino management system is a modern, full-scale CMS built without legacy constraints. It’s not just about data collection, it’s designed to help operators generate more value from their floors. Te key driver was our own operational reality. We are both a supplier and an operator, running land-based and online businesses under the same brands in multiple markets. We needed a system that could eventually help increase the overlap between channels and support unified player journeys.
Miroslav Valenta Jr: A unique factor in markets like the Czech Republic and Slovakia is the coexistence of slot machines and server- based VLTs on the same floor. Existing third-party systems could not handle unified loyalty, player tracking, and reporting across both. Building our own system solved that.
58
Is the CMS purely land-based, or do you see it evolving into a true omnichannel platform?
Ivan Kodaj: Right now, it is primarily land-based, but the future is connectivity. Our CMS team works closely with our online platform developers, and step by step we are integrating tools and data structures. Te goal is not just data aggregation, but meaningful integration that benefits operators and players across channels.
Are there any emerging technologies you’re excited about?
Miroslav Valenta Jr: AI is everywhere, but its usefulness depends on context. For B2B suppliers with limited access to player data, many AI tools offer little immediate value. In marketing, however, AI has been extremely effective for us - visual assets, campaign materials, even TV spots created with AI have reduced costs and timelines significantly while delivering high-quality results.
Ivan Kodaj: In game development, AI is not there yet. We’ve tested it extensively, and while it can produce simple concepts quickly, it cannot deliver the depth, balance, and regulatory robustness required for long-term success in regulated markets. Human expertise remains essential.
Finally, what should the industry expect from SYNOT in 2026?
Miroslav Valenta Jr: From land-based, we expect steady growth. We’re presenting a record number of new products here at ICE, many of which are already certified or close to certification. With tens of thousands of machines in the field, we can roll out new content quickly and strengthen our position in existing markets while expanding into new ones.
Ivan Kodaj: On the iGaming side, completing our North American licensing journey is a major milestone. Beyond that, we are looking to broaden our portfolio through additional brands, some developed in- house, others potentially via third-party studios using our ecosystem. Tat allows us to attract new player segments without losing the identity existing SYNOT players expect. Overall, 2026 is about controlled expansion, product depth, and making sure our land- based and online strategies continue to reinforce each other.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182
