Spinning Different: How Bullshark Games Rewrote the Slot Playbook

_{“I wanted to create something from scratch that fully reflected what I believe makes slots great,” says Bullshark Games founder Andre Villandberg. (Image: Courtesy of Bullshark Games)}

Bullshark Games may be a new name in online casino world, but its ambitions are clear. Launched in late 2023 with the release of its debut title, "Mafia Cash," the Estonia-based studio has already built a portfolio of 18 online slot games. 

Its catalog includes offbeat titles like "Culinary Clash," "Pickle Bandits," and "Age of Seth," a recent release set in ancient Egypt.

At the center of Bullshark Games is CEO Andre Villandberg, a former poker pro and iGaming veteran with experience at companies like Relax Gaming and Yolo Group. After years working behind the scenes on testing, compliance, and product development, Villandberg saw an opportunity to do things differently.

“There was a moment when I realized I was no longer satisfied with just optimizing or delivering other people’s ideas,” Villandberg exclusively said to Casinos.com. 

“Too many games on the market felt like copy-and-paste releases.”

A Vision for Player-First Slot Games

Frustrated by what he saw as a lack of originality in online slots, Villandberg launched Bullshark Games to develop titles with personality and purpose. Rather than chase flashy visuals or recycled formulas, the studio focuses on immersive gameplay with strong replay value.

Bullshark Games designs its slots to be engaging from the first spin. Core mechanics include second-chance events, mini features, and surprise win moments, elements aimed at building tension and rewarding persistence. The emphasis is on gameplay that holds a player’s attention beyond just bonus rounds.

“I wanted to create something from scratch that fully reflected what I believe makes slots great,” Villandberg said.

Features That Set Bullshark Apart

Bullshark’s games often start at stakes as low as 10 cents, making them accessible to a wide range of players. The studio also emphasizes high volatility and strong win potential, with some titles offering payouts of up to 20,000 times the stake. These mechanics, Villandberg said, help games gain traction and stick with players.

Instead of chasing big marketing budgets or branded content, Bullshark prioritizes in-game moments that resonate. Its breakout hit, "Junkyard Kings," stood out for its chaotic seven-reel layout and grid multipliers, helping to establish the studio’s reputation for inventive design.

Strategic Growth in Regulated Markets

Based in Tallinn, Bullshark Games distributes its titles through the OpenRGS platform from Hacksaw Gaming. The company is licensed in Curacao, Estonia, Malta, Latvia, Romania, Greece, Georgia, the Netherlands, and Ontario, Canada.

Its expansion has been measured and strategic. By targeting regulated markets with an appetite for high-volatility games, Bullshark has carved out a niche among players seeking fresh experiences. Villandberg attributed the company’s rapid growth to its full creative control and willingness to take design risks.

“We’re here to make slots that feel fresh, rewarding, and just a bit unexpected,” he said.

Bullshark is also certified in Italy and Spain, with eyes on entering Portugal—citing the country’s strong demand for innovative, high-volatility titles. While the U.S. market is part of the studio’s long-term vision, Villandberg noted that its fragmented regulatory system remains a hurdle for smaller developers. For now, the company is focused on steady growth across Europe and Canada.

Looking Ahead

Bullshark Games plans to expand its portfolio significantly, with a target of 80 titles by 2030. But the company insists this growth won’t come at the cost of creativity or player-first design. Future development will continue to emphasize originality, guided by player feedback and a commitment to standing out in a crowded market.

“The goal is to stay player-first, keep innovating, and make sure that years from now people will be able to tell when they’re playing a Bullshark Games title because it feels different in the best possible way,” Villandberg said.