Xmas Spark

About Xmas Spark

The more telling point for slots readers isn’t the game itself. It’s what the game represents: the fourth Halloween-branded entry in a single series, which shows just how aggressively Pragmatic Play iterates on its most recognizable slot IP.

Rather than building a new title from the ground up, the release uses Big Bass Splash 1000 as its base. The franchise’s signature Money symbol collection mechanic stays intact while a seasonal skin gets swapped in.

The headline mechanical difference is a shift in risk profile. This variant runs on a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines at an RTP of 96.50%, and the volatility has been eased to medium against the high-variance base game. That softens the swings while keeping the same top-end potential.

About Xmas Spark

Illegal betting remained a central enforcement concern. In December 2025, the Gambling Authority and Financial Intelligence Agency were reported to be investigating eight foreign-based betting websites allegedly using local proxies to operate in Botswana.

Authorities were also reported to be working with communications and financial-sector bodies to restrict access to illegal platforms and disrupt associated payment channels.

With parliamentary approval secured, attention will now turn to presidential assent, commencement and implementation. The Gambling Authority will face the task of translating the proposed reforms into stronger digital oversight, more effective action against unlicensed operators and practical customer safeguards as Botswana’s regulated market continues to expand.

About Xmas Spark

Following closing, Merkur intends to file the mandatory tender offer with the AMF in the first half of 2027, with the offer launch contingent on the regulator’s clearance.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

SFC has projected its financial results for the 2025/26 fiscal year, with expected gross gaming revenue of approximately €22.5 million and net gaming revenue of €13.3 million