International News
A Look at Sports Betting in South America & India
Sports betting is something that continues to gain popularity all over the globe, and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. When it comes to sports betting, South America and India have a lot of things in common, while there are also plenty of differences. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at sports betting in South America and India and see which one has more room for growth.
Sports Betting in India
Sports betting has become a method of entertainment for a large percentage of the Indian population, and sports betting sites all over the world are aware of this. Many bookmakers are more than happy to accept players from India now as they know just how big the market is. Those who do not allow Indians to open an account with them are missing out on a large slice of the pie.
The Legal Status of Sports Betting in India
The laws and regulations surrounding online gambling are a bit of a grey matter in India, and this can come as no surprise when the laws that are in action came about when the British were colonizing India. In other words, the Indian government are still making use of gambling laws that came into being before the Internet was even invented.
For the most part, gambling is prohibited throughout India, although it is legal in a couple of states such as Sikkim and Goa. In these two states, you will come across a few land-based casinos. However, when it comes to sports betting, Indians can open an account with a sports betting site so long as they are not based within India. The Indian government are fully aware as to how much money they are losing in taxes, so it is highly likely that at some point soon they will amend the laws and regulations to include online sports betting.
Sports Betting Options in India
According to statistics and estimates, around half a billion Indians have regular access to Internet, while over 400 million watch sporting events and bet on sports. Below we shall look at the popular sports that Indians enjoy betting on.
Cricket
Cricket, without a doubt, is the most popular sport in the country. When people say that cricket is like a religion in India, they are not lying. When the Indian cricket team is playing or if there is an Indian Premier League game being played, the whole country basically stops to follow the events.
As well as watching cricket, Indians love to place bets on it. It has been estimated that Indians wagers $50-60 million on every IPL match. Bookmakers know just how much Indians love cricket betting, which is why the majority will do their utmost to ensure that they have plenty of markets and great odds for all the best cricket competitions such as the IPL, The Ashes, The Big Bash League, the World Cup and ODI and Test matches.
Football
Football is the most popular sport in the world, and it is also very popular in India, although not as popular as cricket. The football competitions that Indian football fans like to focus on are the Indian Super League, the China Super League, and the MLS. They also follow the biggest leagues in Europe such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga. They also like to watch and bet on the Europa League and the Champions League. Indians love for football betting means that bookmakers offer markets and odds for many lesser leagues around the world.
Horse Racing
Indians love their horse racing and when it comes to popularity it is only behind cricket. While land-based sports betting is prohibited across the country, there is an exception when it comes to betting on horse racing. We do not know why this is the case, but it likely has something to do with the fact that horse racing would probably become obsolete if nobody could bet on it.
Horse racing is a popular sport all over the world, so most bookmakers that Indians can open an account with will have odds and markets for a wide variety of horse racing events.
Sports Betting in South America
Sports betting within South America is very diverse. This is not too much of a surprise since the different countries obviously have different laws and regulations when it comes to sports betting. Below we are going to have a look at sports betting in some of the biggest countries in South America.
Brazil
Brazil is a huge country with a very big population. The people of Brazil have plenty of interests but betting on sports is one that stands out from the crowd. When it comes to the legalities of sports betting, land-based sportsbooks are illegal, which is why black sports betting markets are thriving in Brazil.
Just like with India, online sports betting is a grey area. The current laws and legislation in place do not prohibit online betting, so there are a number of legitimate bookies out there that are happy to accept players from Brazil.
Brazilians enjoy betting on a variety of sport, but the one that stands out in terms of popularity is obviously football. The whole world knows how much Brazilians enjoy this sport. The people of Brazil rarely miss out on an opportunity to place bets on the Copa Libertadores or the Brazilian Championships. Obviously, whenever the Brazilian national team are playing there will be plenty of bets placed too. Other sports that Brazilians enjoy betting on include horse racing, basketball, UFC, and MMA.
Argentina
Sports betting goes back to the 1800s in Argentina. Just like with Brazil, football is the sport that leads the way when it comes to Argentinian sports betting. Why would you not have a passion for football when some of the greatest players to play the game have hailed from your country. We are obviously talking about the likes of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi here. Other sports that Argentinians enjoy betting on include boxing, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
The different provinces in Argentina have the authority to regulate sports betting, which means that in some provinces sports betting is legal, while in others it is illegal. Therefore, if you are in Argentina and you want to do some online sports betting, you should check whether it is legal to do so in the province that you are in. Buenos Aires, the country’s capital, was the latest province to allow online sports betting.
Chile
Before 1990, the only sport that Chileans could place bets on was horse racing. However, the government soon realized just how much the people of Chile love to bet on sports and how much money can be made from it, so they eventually came up with regulations and laws for online casinos and sports betting. These regulations state that betting sites must pay 20% taxes on their income from Chilean gamblers. This was put in place to ensure the betting platforms play by the correct rules or run the risk of losing their license.
When it comes to sports betting, it is safe to say that the people of Chile are not too picky about what sport they are putting their money on. However, like with Brazil and Argentina, football is the most popular sport in the country. With regards to sports betting sites, there are no shortage of them out there that are happy to accept players from Chile.
Where is There More Potential for Growth?
We have taken a closer look at sports betting in India and some of South America’s biggest countries, so we are now going to take a quick look at which one has more room for growth.
Legality: In this regard, South America and India have similar unresolved issues. They have outdated regulations and different laws for different states and countries that obviously have a negative impact on the sports betting industry in these regions. Only a couple of state in India and a few countries in South America have legalized gambling.
Large bookies: The markets available are obviously limited by the issues that we just mentioned above, but there are plenty of international bookies that are happy to accept players from India and South American countries. However, when it comes to quantity and quality of bookmakers available, Indians have an advantage over those from South America.
Payment methods: The amount of payment options available is a good level for both India and South America. However, this being said, e-Wallets, credit cards, and cryptocurrency options are more diverse for Indian sports betting fans.
It is clear that India has more room for growth in the sports betting industry, but it is also clear that both South America and India have plenty of issues that need to be resolved so that their people can enjoy the same sports betting experience that many other nationalities experience around the world.
Conferences
SOFTSWISS Invites Partners to ‘Grab Success’ Together at SiGMA Europe
SOFTSWISS, an international tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, announces its participation in the SiGMA Europe Summit 2024.
SiGMA Europe Summit will be held in Malta at the Malta Maritime Hub from 12 to 14 November. With 1,000 exhibitors, the event will host 27,000 delegates from the iGaming industry and beyond.
Creative Concept
After a resounding celebration of its Grand Anniversary in Portugal, SOFTSWISS is returning to Malta with the award-winning concept, ‘Grab Success in iGaming’. The campaign’s slogan fully reflects the industry’s rapidly evolving character. SOFTSWISS incorporated the Maltese crab, inspired by the region’s natural beauty, as a striking visual element in its marketing campaign. This creative approach was recognised and rewarded at the prestigious EGR Marketing and Innovation Awards 2024.
Innovations
During the SiGMA Europe Summit, SOFTSWISS will showcase three new innovative solutions alongside its other well-established products. Recently launched products include the Lotto Software, the Retail Betting Solution, and the Horse Racing Module. Additionally, Affilka by SOFTSWISS’ team will reveal a new feature for its affiliate software – Geo-Distributed Redirect Application.
Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Working at the heart of the industry, in Malta, for many years, SOFTSWISS see the SiGMA Europe Summit growing and constantly bringing together industry leaders, experts, and prominent players in the market. SOFTSWISS looks forward to meeting its partners and friends at the last big event of the year to finalise current projects and prepare a basis for next year’s collaborations”.
Public Speaking
During the SiGMA Europe Summit, SOFTSWISS experts will also share their profound professional experience. Vitali Matsukevich will shed light on the important theme ‘How to choose a secure and safe crypto casino’ for those who want to learn more about selecting a trustworthy crypto casino by focusing on licensing, security, and spotting red flags.
Partners and potential clients can book a meeting with the SOFTSWISS team at the company’s stand 2145 via the link to discuss mutual projects and the newest iGaming trends.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
Africa
Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Strategies for iGaming Expansion
Itai Zak, Digicode’s Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, shares how the company seamlessly connects client needs with customized strategies.
The iGaming industry is standing on the threshold of one of the most remarkable transformations as emerging markets have become accessible. Both LATAM (Latin America) and Africa are unique opportunities but also come with special challenges for iGaming operators. In this article, promising emerging markets will be explored alongside effective strategies for entry and expansion, according to expert insights.
Promising Emerging Markets
LATAM (Latin America)
Brazil is one of the important focal points in LATAM, considering that it has a huge population base accompanied by a developing middle class. It is rewriting the regulatory landscape concerning online gambling, and recent developments in the case show a much more structured approach. With the market opening up, Brazil is on course to emerge as the iGaming hotbed of investments. However, operators have to keep a close watch on regulatory changes and be ready to tweak strategies accordingly.
Mexico and Colombia are on their way to regulated iGaming markets. In this respect, the very lucrative gaming market of Mexico and the already established regime of regulatory control over Colombian gambling make these markets quite attractive for expansion. The key to succeeding in those markets would be to tailor products according to local taste and to navigate the regulatory requirements.
South Africa: Growth of the iGaming market in this African country is leading the pace. The mature regulatory environment and quite good digital infrastructure established in the country provide a stable platform for iGaming ventures. Other than the mature regulatory environment, companies entering South Africa would benefit from its relatively easy-to-navigate regulatory framework and a growing player base.
Nigeria and Kenya: Nigeria and Kenya are the two countries that are developing as the main claimants to the African iGaming scene. With large populations and growing internet access, these markets offer huge opportunities for growth. However, the regulatory environment in these countries is at an emerging stage and can be quite challenging. While the companies at the forefront keep a close vigil on these changing times, operators have to update themselves about the new regulations and develop strategies in keeping with local conditions. Manuscript Details
Successful Strategies to Enter and Succeed in the Market
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In-Depth Research
It becomes imperative to understand local preferences and player behavior in emerging markets. Operators can then narrow down key trends from comprehensive market research and amend their product offerings accordingly to suit the local taste. This would include cultural nuances, gaming preferences, and legal requirements. Companies will want to modify their approach to make themselves more appealing and competitive within these markets; this should be aligned according to these local insights.
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Local Partnerships
Market entry is contingent upon local strategic partnerships. This could include local operators, technology providers, or regulatory experts that make it easier to navigate the regulatory environment to fast-track the entry process. The value brought about by local partners in terms of market dynamics insights is immense and could build credibility among local players. Regulatory Compliance
Now, from the legal perspective, operations in emerging markets come under the purview of local regulations. A company has to keep itself updated with changing regulations and comply with all legal requirements, such as obtaining necessary licenses, proper KYC and AML policies in place, and protection of data. If they fail to do so, they will be met not only with legal problems but also threats against their brand image.
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Localized Marketing and Customer Support
Developing marketing strategies that resonate with the local audience is the key to player acquisition and retention. It’s all about binding the player to the brand through tailored promotions, localizing payment methods, and culturally relevant content. Moreover, customer support in a local language improves the player’s rating of satisfaction and loyalty.
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Mobile Optimization
In many developing markets, mobile is the leading source of internet access. Optimizing platforms for use on mobile enables reach and engagement for players. This includes responsive design, fast load times, and ease of use. A good mobile experience is very important to retain interest and reduce player churn.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
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Innovate Constantly
In case one wants to be competitive, continuous innovation is a must. The new technologies, like AI-driven personalization and blockchain integration, advanced data analytics, shall be embraced to enhance the gaming experience. These innovations help in the offer of tailored game recommendations, provision of transparency, and gaining better insights into the player’s preferences.
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Personalization and Engagement at the Forefront
Personalized gaming experiences are core to player retention. AI and data analytics afford the potential of individual game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and personal customer support—players feel valued and engaged. The creation of an engaging experience, through personalization, can increase substantially loyalty and lifetime value.
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Agile and Scalable Solutions
Such flexible and scalable platforms let companies quickly adapt to market changes and regulatory requirements. This forms a critical enabler for entry into new markets and competitive positioning. Scalable solutions ensure that, with growing demand, the increasing traffic and the addition of new features to the platform do not come with degraded performance.
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Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Partnerships with industry leaders, technology providers, and creators will genuinely develop offerings and increase their reach in the market. Such strategic partnerships will fuel innovation and give a competitive edge to the entities entering into the joint venture. Collaborations can also facilitate entry into newer markets and assimilate the latest technologies into the platform.
Future Outlook
The future of iGaming in emerging markets is, therefore, bright. Regulatory environments are slowly getting their frameworks in place, and a further improvement in digital infrastructure will unleash a wide range of opportunities for those who dare to invest in these areas. With proactive positioning, embracing technology, and more locally-geared strategies, iGaming operators can navigate the challenges and maximize growth potential in these dynamic markets.
iGaming Market Expansion in Emerging Markets: A Complex yet Potential Fertile Ground. To sum it up, one has to rely on market research, develop local partnerships, and be agile in compliance with regulations while continuously innovating to best capture the ever-budding opportunities such markets bring forth.
At Digicode, we’re seizing the opportunities in emerging markets, bringing our innovative gaming solutions to new audiences around the globe. As the result – we ensure our clients can confidently expand into these exciting new markets, turning challenges into opportunities for success. So the time to turn untapped potential into real growth is now and we’re here to support you throughout this journey.
International News
Infingame strikes tie-up with Fazi to further strengthen games portfolio
Studio’s renowned content boosts aggregator’s vast offering
Infingame, a fast-growing iGaming aggregator, has secured a content aggregation partnership with prominent online casino games provider Fazi.
Following a successful integration, Infingame will help to expand the global reach of Fazi’s content, including across LatAm where the aggregator continues to cement its market presence with new operator launches. The studio’s array of titles will also benefit from Infingame’s complete suite of engagement and support tools to further enhance the user experience.
Boasting a portfolio of over 160 games live across 50 countries, Fazi has been providing premium iGaming software solutions for the past 30 years, with Infingame the latest to benefit from the studio’s immersive titles including Wild Hot 40, Golden Crown and Wild Lucky Clover.
Infingame’s platform currently boats more than 15,000 games from over 200 established providers which are designed to improve player acquisition and retention and generate profitable growth for partners.
The aggregator’s latest collaboration underlines its mission to continually develop its games offering and deliver a range of experiences which align with global player preferences.
Ernest Lewicki, Head of Sales at Infingame, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our partnership with Fazi and host the supplier’s innovative, fresh and engaging content on our aggregation platform. As we work towards strengthening our market presence across the LatAm region, delivering Fazi’s portfolio to our pool of operator partners puts us in great stead and we look forward to watching this collaboration flourish.”
Srdjan Stanojevic, Director of Commercial iGaming Division at Fazi, said: “Launching our content with Infingame shows our dedication to ensure we are constantly evolving and looking for exciting opportunities to further strengthen our reach. Infingame has achieved remarkable success in recent times, and we are confident through this partnership we will be able to further tap into the rapidly growing LatAm market.”
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