SlotMatrix: an ambitious project attracting top talent

Carl Gatt Baldacchino, Global Head of Account Management and Mark Hothersall, Head of Business Development at SlotMatrix, catch up with iGaming Expert to chat about their roles in leadership positions at the games provider. 

Gatt Baldacchino and Horthersall both joined SlotMatrix from Evolution during the summer and discuss their experiences, their skills as they join the EveryMatrix company and their insights into some of the trends and themes driving the slots industry as we close out 2025. 

Tell us about your experiences within the industry and how they have equipped you for leadership at SlotMatrix.

Carl: My time at Evolution Gaming was intense but incredibly valuable. I had the opportunity to work closely with both live and slots products, and I was fortunate to collaborate with Tier 1 clients. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of client expectations and product performance — all of which have been instrumental in preparing me for my role at SlotMatrix.

Mark: My years at Evolution were equally busy and rewarding. One highlight was being part of the integration process following the Red Tiger and NetEnt merger, which was a transformative period for the business. That experience taught me how to build new structures, guide teams, and educate others about the RNG market. It laid the groundwork for how I now approach commercial strategy, sales, and compliance at SlotMatrix.

What would you say are your core professional strengths, and how do they apply to your current roles?

Carl: I’d say my biggest strength is being able to pass on my experience and product knowledge to others. Having worked with slot games for years, I know them inside out and I’m looking forward to sharing that insight with our newly formed Account Management team as we grow.

Mark: I have deep experience across commercial strategy, sales, and compliance — three areas that are vital here at SlotMatrix. These skills help me ensure that our business development efforts are structured, compliant, and commercially effective.

You both joined SlotMatrix this summer after working at Evolution. What motivated the move?

Carl: The SlotMatrix project really caught my attention. Aggregation was something I hadn’t been exposed to, and I was eager to take on the challenge and learn a completely new side of the industry.

Mark: For me, EveryMatrix has been a consistent presence throughout my career — I’ve collaborated with the company in almost every role I’ve had. Joining the team felt like a natural next step and an opportunity to contribute to something I’ve long admired from the outside.

How have you settled in since joining?

Carl: My focus has been on building a new team from the ground up — bringing together people with different skill sets and creating a dynamic that works. It’s been both challenging and rewarding to see that team start to take shape.

Mark: It’s been about getting the team settled, establishing focus, and defining our target markets while adapting our product range to fit each region’s needs. That foundation has set us up well for what’s ahead.

What are your favourite types of slots to play, and why?

Mark: I’ve always enjoyed land-based inspired games — the social element, the shared excitement with friends, and the sense of community that comes with them.

Carl: I love progressive slots, where the more you play, the more features you unlock. That sense of progression keeps players engaged and makes every spin feel rewarding.

Which SlotMatrix title is your current favourite, and why?

Carl: Definitely Fortune Llama Hyper Heist — I love how the game’s multipliers build as you play, creating real excitement and momentum.

Mark: It has to be the ‘Pigger’ franchise. I’m genuinely impressed by the gameplay and how it combines fun, and strong mechanics.

What key player trends are you seeing in the slots sector right now?

Carl and Mark: One of the biggest trends continues to be Feature Buys and multiple Buy-In options with varying volatility levels. Jackpots also remain a major driver of engagement across all demographics.

How are slot developers adapting to the rise of crash games?

Carl and Mark: Crash-style mechanics have already started to integrate into slots — often appearing as bonus rounds or special levels. Developers are finding creative ways to incorporate that fast-paced, high-stakes feel into traditional slot formats.

What are your main goals for the next 12 months?

Mark: A key focus for us is to strengthen our presence in the UK and Latin American markets, while also exploring opportunities to enter new regulated regions.

Carl: For me, the goal is to continue expanding and developing the team while improving the distribution of our SME content across as many markets and operator partners as possible.

The original version of this article was published by iGaming Expert.