We are thrilled to share our exclusive interview with Martin Stålros, CEO of Relax Gaming.
In this conversation, Martin opens up about Relax Gaming’s core mission, the strategies that fuel the company’s innovation, and what to expect next from the company.
The Gamblest: Martin, thank you for joining us! Can you elaborate on the core mission of Relax Gaming, and its role in the iGaming industry?
Martin: Thank you for having me! The core mission at Relax Gaming remains the same as it always has: to continue sustained success and growth in key markets around the world. We are proud to be a key player within the iGaming industry and lead the way on several fronts.
It’s imperative that we maintain the company’s core values that we’ve fostered over the years, as that’s what has helped us get to where we are today. Relax Gaming is home to some great people with great ideas, and it’s those people that will drive us towards success.
The Gamblest: Relax Gaming has experienced significant growth under your leadership. What are some of the strategies that you, as CEO, plan to implement to foster innovation even more?
Martin: It’s important that we always remain open minded and not be afraid to try new things. We’re very much aware that not every idea will succeed, and we will allow ourselves to make mistakes. We’ll also continue to challenge the status quo – both within the industry and our processes.
In terms of the day-to-day running of Relax, we’ll always celebrate success internally. We released Relax Vantage ® towards the end of 2024, a self-service portal to significantly simplify the integration process for both operators and suppliers, provide next-level functionality and simplify navigation of the Relax ‘ecosystem’.
It’s so nice to see the incredible reviews it has been getting so far. We’re looking forward to the rest of the year as we continue to roll out even more groundbreaking products, improve those already in place and continue to drive differentiation across the industry – which we can be proud of this time next year.
The Gamblest: What are the solutions and services that the company delivers?
Martin: Whilst we are famed for our original slots, we are a multi-faceted company that is so much more than just our top-quality portfolio of games. We have invested heavily in aggregation over the years, ensuring speed to market and that our customers get the very best in terms of content through our Silver Bullet and Powered by Relax offerings.
Our bingo and poker offerings continue to be a cornerstone of their respective verticals, and our Dream Drop Jackpot is getting bigger, better, and more lucrative. We recently awarded our 20th Mega Jackpot, a huge milestone that paves the way for some exciting new developments for the product in the not-so-distant future.
The Gamblest: The company has also expanded into the U.S. Are there any other new markets that the company is actively looking to enter? If yes, what criteria do you use when deciding where to expand?
Martin: At the turn of the year, we entered both the Brazilian and Peruvian markets, two regions we know hold huge potential. I’m confident there’ll be more growth for Relax in Latin America. In terms of criteria, a robust regulatory framework, strong operator partners, and, of course, a healthy appetite for content is what drives our desire to enter new markets.
The Gamblest: The company has expanded his staff, and a small team has become a huge company with nearly 350 employees. Were there any challenges that came along the way, while managing such rapid growth? How exactly do you make sure that Relax Gaming maintains its strong company culture and core values, while the rapid expansion?
Martin: I’ve been lucky enough to be with Relax for more than a decade, and I’ve watched the company grow every step of the way. I’ve always said that the truly special thing about Relax Gaming is that we have managed to stay true to the ethos and vision we set out at the very beginning, despite our growing so rapidly with key members of staff all over the world. Of course, there have always been hiccups and learnings along the way, but for the most part, the journey has been nothing short of a pleasure!
The Gamblest: Are there any upcoming projects or products that Relax Gaming plans that you believe will have an impact on the industry?
Martin: I previously alluded to it in an earlier question, but an exciting update is coming to our Dream Drop Jackpot product. You’ll see a brand-new Daily Jackpot added in the coming months, meaning wins come more regularly. There’ll also be lower win thresholds and boosted win potential via ‘Super Hot’ periods boosted by our top-up functionality. Watch this space.
The Gamblest: Leading a fast-growing company like Relax Gaming can be demanding. Are there any hobbies or activities that you enjoy in your free time?
Martin: Leading Relax Gaming is well and truly a pleasure, it can be hard work at times, but hard work can lead to great results. In terms of downtime, I find solace in spending time with family and friends and catching a football game here and there!
