Xpander

How to play Xpander

Kesitilwe told iGB an important theme of the event was fostering year-round collaboration and turning conversations on safer gambling into practical measures.

“The initiative demonstrates that cooperation does not have to remain at the level of conference and policy discussion,” he said.

“It has to translate into practical action, educating players, engaging communities, protecting young people and highlighting the dangers of illegal and unlicensed gambling.”

What is Xpander?

The central hook is how PopOK layers a multiplier system onto such a small grid. A fourth reel applies multipliers ranging from 1x to 15x, increasing the value of connected wins.

The more distinctive element is the Ultra Bet feature. It gives players a stake-based lever over that engine. Ultra Bet removes the lowest value from the reel to improve the chances of landing higher multipliers.

Why does that matter? It shifts a slice of control to the player, trading a wider spread of outcomes for improved odds on the multiplier reel. This is a familiar risk-adjustment idea rather than a new engine. Still, it’s the detail that separates Piggy Dynasty from a plain compact slot.

About Xpander

Merkur represents the gaming and leisure division of the Gauselmann Group, a historic German family-owned enterprise specialising in gaming machines, software and casino operations across Europe. 

Earlier this year Merkur Group agreed to acquire the slots provider White Hat Studios. Merkur said the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would “further accelerate” its US expansion, complementing its 2025 purchase of the Nevada-licensed supplier Gaming Arts.  

Framing the acquisition as the latest step in the company’s online expansion, Merkur supervisory board Chairman Michael Gauselmann stated: “Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.”