The Developer Ganapati

Ganapati has appointed Juliet Edelstein as the Chief Executive Officer – Gaming Intelligence.

Ganapati is an international company specialising in the creation of unique slot machines for online casinos. Established in 2013 in London, United Kingdom, it swiftly garnered recognition for its integration of Japanese culture and innovative approach within its products. The company is owned by Juliet Edelstein.

At the time of writing this article, the provider has ceased to exist.

The History of Establishment

Ganapati was established in 2013 by a group of seasoned entrepreneurs with the goal of introducing a fresh perspective to the online gambling industry. Initially, the company focused on software development and technical solutions, but in 2016, it shifted its emphasis towards creating slot machines with a distinctive Japanese theme. In 2018, a subsidiary named GanaEight Coin Ltd. was established, with the objective of developing a platform for online casinos utilising blockchain technology and launching the G8C token.

In July 2018, the executives of GanaEight Coin from Ganapati met with the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat. Joseph Muscat welcomed G8C to Malta and assured Ganapati of his full support for the project.

In November 2018, Relax Gaming, an innovative provider of casino games and platforms, announced that it would offer the entire game portfolio of the Ganapati Group through its platform. Specialising in innovative Japanese-themed content, Ganapati’s games, such as Sushi Battle and Cryp Crusade, will be made available to Relax Gaming’s operator partners in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

In 2020, the software developer Ganapati, renowned for the creation of Japanese-themed slots, found itself at the centre of a serious scandal. Law enforcement agencies in Taiwan conducted a large-scale operation at the premises of Gamatron Studios, a company allegedly affiliated with Ganapati. As a result of the raid, 30 employees were detained, including one of the company’s founders, Hayato Kinoshita. The investigation brought forth allegations of developing software for illegal gambling.

The situation was made worse when the company’s Estonian branch ceased operations due to financial insolvency, leaving behind unpaid obligations to tax authorities and landlords. Subsequently, employees reported systematic violations of labour laws and non-payment for completed work, as well as suspicious transactions involving the movement of funds between various legal entities.

An unexpected turn occurred with the release of a new slot machine titled “Usain Bolt” under the Ganapati brand in early 2021. This launch raised numerous questions among industry representatives, given the prior reports regarding the company’s cessation of activities and bankruptcy.

Currently, there is no information regarding the revival of Ganapati’s operations. Following the loss of licensing permits and reputational damage, the company’s position in the market has significantly weakened. Management continues to deny any involvement in illegal activities; however, the number of claims against the company remains substantial.

Ganapati Portfolio

Ganapati’s portfolio predominantly featured video slots inspired by Japanese culture, anime, and manga. The games were distinguished by their high-quality graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics. The average RTP (Return to Player) across the games stands at 96.5%.

Currently, access to the games is virtually impossible, as the provider’s official website is blocked, and the domain ganapati.com is listed for sale at €120.

Technical Aspect and Quality Control

Ganapati’s games were developed using HTML5, ensuring their compatibility across various platforms and devices. Prior to the discovery of licensing issues, the company’s products underwent testing in independent laboratories.

Best Slots

Usain Bolt

• Volatility: High
• RTP: 96.8%
• Max Win: x2500
• The slot is dedicated to the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. The action takes place on the running track of an Olympic stadium. The game features special symbols depicting the athlete’s famous victory pose.

CrypBattle

• Volatility: Average
• RTP: 96.5%
• Max Win: x2000
• A futuristic slot in a cyberpunk style, the storyline unfolds in a neon-lit city of the future. The game is characterized by unique animations and special effects, creating an immersive gaming experience.

Neo Tokyo

• Volatility: High
• RTP: 97.1%
• Max Win: x3000
• A slot in the style of Japanese anime, the action takes place in a futuristic Tokyo. The game is rich with references to popular manga and anime, providing an engaging experience for fans of the genre.

Samurai Girl

• Volatility: Low
• RTP: 96.3%
• Max Win: x1500
• The slot is based on Japanese culture and samurai traditions, featuring a female samurai as the main character. The game incorporates traditional Japanese symbols and music, creating an authentic atmosphere that pays homage to its cultural roots.

Dawn of the Druids

• Volatility: Average
• RTP: 96.7%
• Max Win: x2200
• A mystical slot inspired by Celtic mythology, the action takes place in an ancient druid forest. The game features atmospheric graphics and sound design, immersing players in a magical and enchanting environment that reflects the rich lore of Celtic traditions.

Licensing and Regulation

Until 2020, Ganapati held licenses issued by the Malta and UK Gambling Commissions. The brand also possessed certifications from Curaçao, Taiwan, Estonia, and other jurisdictions.

Innovation and Future Development

Ganapati actively embraced innovation in its operations, including the use of blockchain technology and the development of its own cryptocurrency, G8C. The company aimed to expand its presence in international markets and continued to create unique gaming products that combined traditional Japanese culture with modern technologies, even after declaring bankruptcy. However, given the current legal and financial issues, the future prospects for the provider are viewed quite pessimistically.

In June 2020, the B2B game provider Ganapati Limited quietly relinquished its gambling license in Malta amid ongoing rumours of alleged investment fraud and mounting debts.

Conclusion

Ganapati established itself as one of the most original and creative developers in the online gambling industry. The company’s unique approach, which focused on integrating Japanese culture into gameplay, allowed it to stand out among numerous competitors. However, challenges related to licensing and past financial issues have complicated its path to success.