Relax Gaming CEO Martin Stålros Outlines Global Strategy Through 2027

Martin Stålros has been at the helm of Relax Gaming for over two years, reflecting on a period of intense transformation. During this time, the software provider has evolved from a pure slot developer into a true multi-product company, operating a powerful aggregation platform alongside its own proprietary games. Stålros emphasizes that despite changes in ownership and a C-level restructure, the company has remained stable. The focus is now on establishing the Relax Gaming brand as a synonym for technical trust and reliability within the industry.

The leadership is particularly proud of the performance of its jackpot products. The Dream Drop series has already paid out seven jackpots in the current year, specifically between January and July. This represents a record pace for the company. This momentum is intended to help operators reactivate players, especially when jackpots reach significant levels. The strategy involves convincing partners not just through quantity, but through technical innovations like the new JPX product, which enables game-agnostic side-bet jackpots.

Numbers and facts

At the heart of the current product roadmap is the release of Money Train 5 in late September. This game is considered one of the most important drivers for the provider. Stålros highlights that Relax Gaming has already paid out seven Dream Drop jackpots this year through July. This underscores the high level of activity on the platform. In terms of expansion, the company is primarily looking at the US state of Michigan to complete its presence in the three largest regulated iGaming states in the US. Brazil also plays a central role in plans for 2027 as a large regulated market emerges there.

"We have paid out seven Dream Drop jackpots already this year (January to July), which means we are running at a record pace. With traditional high seasons of Q3 and Q4 still to come, the picture looks set to become even more exciting." - Martin Stålros, CEO of Relax Gaming

Background

Relax Gaming was originally founded by Patrik Österåker and Jani Tekoniemi with the ambition of providing high-quality technical solutions for the gaming industry. Over the years, the company grew from a small team to over 100 employees, opening offices in Tallinn, Malta, Malmö, and Belgrade. Today, the portfolio includes not only slots but also poker and bingo. Stålros had to compensate for the departure of long-time colleagues during his tenure and integrate new talent. He describes this as a challenge that has led to a new dynamic, combining "Relax veterans" with fresh perspectives from other industries.

Why it matters for German players

The development of Relax Gaming is of great importance to players in Germany, as the provider focuses strictly on regulated markets. In Germany, online casinos are only allowed to offer games that comply with the strict requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. This includes the stake limit of 1 Euro per game round for virtual slot machines and the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros, monitored via the central LUGAS system. Since Relax Gaming places great value on technical compliance and player protection, their titles are frequently found in the portfolios of casinos licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

The announced technical excellence primarily means security for German customers. As the games are certified by independent laboratories, the fairness of the random number generators (RNG) is guaranteed. While jackpots like Dream Drop are partially restricted or handled differently in German regulation compared to the MGA space due to special rules for progressive jackpots, the core games like Money Train 5 will enter the legal market in compliance with the German 5-second rule and without autoplay functions.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For German operators with a GGL license, Relax Gaming remains a reliable partner because the provider's aggregation platform is designed to quickly implement regulatory requirements technically. This is essential in the German market to avoid conflict with strict supervisory authorities. Stålros promises that cooperation should remain "pain-free" and uncomplicated. This is a significant promise in a market that is already technically very complex for operators due to LUGAS and OASIS.