Exclusive Interview: ClawBuster CEO Tim Lipsky on AI-Driven Slots, Casual Player Retention and the Future of iGaming in 2026

In an exclusive interview with iGaming News Today, Tim Lipsky, CEO at ClawBuster, shares his perspective on the key forces shaping the global iGaming industry, including artificial intelligence, evolving player behavior, and increasing operator selectivity. The company outlines its product-first strategy, innovation roadmap, and approach to sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Q1. Looking ahead to 2026, what are your key strategic priorities, and how do you see the market evolving?

Tim :

In my view, 2026 will mark the beginning of significant changes in the industry. On one hand, we’re seeing the barrier to entry for new providers decrease. On the other hand, operators are becoming more selective about the content they integrate, even as the overall market continues to grow. If you combine that with the widespread integration of artificial intelligence, it creates something of a perfect storm for companies in the sector.
For us, the main priority is the product, product, product, and product again. I strongly believe that a strong product must come first, and only then should marketing follow.
In practical terms, this means increasing the number of slots we release. Our goal is to launch up to four completely new slots per month, along with several dozen branded games built on our ML engine, featuring adaptive mathematics and a distinctive, high-quality visual style.

Q2. What differentiates your approach in today’s highly competitive iGaming landscape?

Tim :

First, we were among the first to actively adapt claw machine mechanics within slot games, which makes our gameplay experience noticeably different from many standard solutions currently on the market.
Second, we have strong expertise in machine learning. This allows us to build slot mathematical models at a higher level than many competitors. This approach became possible thanks to a team composed of specialists from different industries, mobile applications, gaming, and fintech.
Third, we have a very clear understanding of the player segment we are targeting. Our main focus is casual players. We understand their needs well and design our products specifically for this audience. As a result, operators receive stronger player retention, which is a key metric for us.
And of course, the visual aspect plays an important role. We create high-quality art designed to properly communicate the strength of the game’s mathematics, highlight its adaptive nature, and resonate with the tastes of a casual audience.

Q3. Which upcoming product developments or innovations are you most excited about this year?

Tim :

I’ve already mentioned machine learning, and it truly is one of our key strengths.
Today many companies talk about using artificial intelligence, but in our case we are primarily referring to applied machine learning algorithms. These allow us to analyze massive volumes of gameplay data, adapt mathematical models for different markets, and optimize game parameters in real time.
In fact, we are gradually evolving from simply being a game provider into a data-driven technology company, where game development is closely connected with analytics and ML models.
At the same time, AI agents and modern automation tools have significantly accelerated the integration of these technologies into our products. This allows us to test hypotheses faster and introduce new game mechanics more efficiently.
We are also seeing a growing trend toward consolidation among major players, who are aiming to control the entire ecosystem: casino platforms, marketing, payment solutions, and content production. Within this model, we are ready to offer operators not only games, but also technological expertise.

Q4. From a commercial perspective, which markets or regions are currently driving your strategic focus?

Tim :

Our primary focus is not so much on geography as on player type.
In almost every market, regardless of region or operator strategy, there is a segment of casual players. This is an audience that prefers simple, intuitive, visually engaging games, games they can open for a few minutes, relax, and enjoy a quick burst of entertainment.
That’s exactly the type of player we design our content for. For operators who prioritize retention, we can offer high-quality games built specifically to support long-term audience engagement.

Q5. How do you balance rapid growth with long-term sustainability and brand positioning?

Tim :

In reality, the formula is quite simple: technology, a strong team, and a deep ambition to build an outstanding provider.
We believe that a true brand in our industry is built primarily through product quality and player satisfaction, rather than overly loud marketing. If players keep coming back to a game again and again, that is the best possible foundation for sustainable growth.

Q6. What message would you like to share with partners and operators about your roadmap for the coming year?

Tim :

Our main focus is to create games that players genuinely want to return to again and again.
We see that our products retain casual players significantly longer than many alternative solutions on the market. And it is exactly this, retention and the quality of the player experience, that will shape our development in the years ahead.

About ClawBuster

ClawBuster is an innovative online casino game provider specializing in unique claw-machine mechanics that blend classic gameplay with modern digital experiences, bringing arcade-style suspense into contemporary slot design. Leveraging artificial intelligence and data-driven design, the company develops exclusive branded games tailored to operator needs, with a strong focus on engagement, retention, and sustainable growth.