Live-casino has become one of the most dynamic and popular segments in the gambling industry. But what was behind such rapid growth in this segment? Why did one company and one person have such a profound impact on the market? The story of Ezugi under the leadership of Kfir Kugler is a clear example of how a technological breakthrough transforms an entire industry. Before Ezugi appeared, live-casinos faced numerous limitations: low video quality, inconvenient interfaces, and players’ distrust in the reality of what was happening. How were these problems solved to make live-casino a mainstream product for millions?

How Kfir Kugler changed the live-casino market

Before Ezugi made its mark, the live-casino market was rather modest. Most online casinos offered only classic slot machines or standard digital versions of table games. Studio broadcasts lacked detail, and the games themselves resembled video calls with significant delays. However, with the arrival of Ezugi, the situation began to change rapidly.

Kfir Kugler and his team introduced several key innovations that changed the perception of live-casino:

• HD-quality broadcasts, allowing players to feel the atmosphere of a real casino.
• Selection of professional dealers capable not only of running the game but also of creating genuine emotional engagement.
• Interactive features, including instant chat and real-time betting.
• The ability to quickly adapt products to the requirements of different markets.

According to industry experts, it was precisely these steps that led to a new wave of popularity for live-casino. As Gambling Insider analyst notes, “Ezugi managed to make the user feel not like a website visitor, but a real participant in the game.” Most operators started to aspire to the same level of implementation.

First steps and the journey from IT to iGaming

Kfir Kugler’s professional path began far from the world of gambling—in the field of information technology. His specialized education included courses in technology management and digital systems engineering. Already in the early stages of his career, Kugler was engaged in the development and maintenance of high-load systems, as well as digital platforms for interactive services.

Experience with real-time streaming technologies (that is, systems where data is transmitted and processed instantly) had a significant impact on his approach. These were solutions for online video, telecommunications, and user interfaces, where every delay is critical. Such a technical foundation allowed Kugler to immediately identify weak points in online casinos: insufficient speed, lack of user trust, and low quality of interaction.

The motivation to move into iGaming arose at the intersection of interests: the combination of interactive services with the excitement of real gaming paved the way for a completely new product. Even then, he realized that the live format could combine the best features of classic casinos and digital technologies.

Innovation and growth of Ezugi

In 2012, Ezugi officially entered the market with the ambitious goal of creating a new-level live-casino platform. The following became central to the strategy:

• Creating proprietary studios with modern equipment.
• Implementing high-quality HD broadcasts and a professional approach to dealer selection.
• Flexible adaptation of games to the requirements of local markets, including language and cultural specifics.

The company was one of the first to see the potential in mobile live platforms. Already in its first years, Ezugi launched mobile versions of its games, which allowed operators to attract a new audience. The industry noted that Ezugi’s interface stands out for its simplicity and adapts to each client's needs.

In addition, Ezugi was the first on the market to launch a live version of the traditional Indian game Andar Bahar, which is now offered by most modern online casinos, which anyone can see for themselves here.

Against the background of other market players, Ezugi stood out for its speed of innovation and willingness to experiment. Many competitors relied on outdated solutions for a long time, while Kugler’s team quickly implemented interactive features—from instant betting to built-in chat.

The deal with Evolution and a new stage

In 2018, Ezugi became part of the largest corporation, Evolution, the world leader in the live-casino segment. Evolution is known for its scale and developed infrastructure: its products are present in almost all major online casinos worldwide.

The deal was a testament to the high regard for the work of Kugler and his team. Ezugi retained its independence within the group and continued to develop its own products. New opportunities opened up thanks to access to Evolution’s global network and technological resources.

During the integration period, both companies faced serious challenges—ensuring platform compatibility, maintaining brand uniqueness, and adapting management processes. According to market representatives, the merger made it possible to accelerate the implementation of innovations, but at the same time required team restructuring and development of new strategies. As Evolution’s Director of Innovation notes (quoted from EGR Global), “the success of the deal was largely determined by the willingness of Ezugi to share expertise and learn from market leaders.”

Views and influence on the industry

Kfir Kugler has always emphasized the importance of technological innovation and solution localization. At professional conferences, he has repeatedly presented ideas about the future of digital gaming, focusing on the quality of user experience (UX) and the need to consider the cultural characteristics of different regions.

In his interviews, Kugler noted: “The market changes faster than we can adapt to new standards. Whoever is first to implement fresh solutions sets the rules of the game.” Many of his predictions regarding the growth of mobile platforms and the demand for personalized interfaces were confirmed in practice. Today, most operators aim not only for flawless service operation, but also for creating a unique experience for every player.

Experts recognize Kugler as a visionary who has influenced the entire industry. His approaches to implementing new features, developing UX, and adapting products are now considered industry standards.