Interviews
“We’re delivering exactly what LatAm wants” – Exclusive interview with Evoplay CEO on LatAm casino
While Latin America is steadily opening up and is full of potential, there’s still plenty to be learned when it comes to appealing, and indeed capturing the interest of LatAm’s millennials.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at highly innovative games supplier sits down with Gaming Americas to talk about what it takes to be a success in one of the world’s most exciting growth regions.
Six months into 2021 – what’s the latest for Evoplay across LatAm? How popular are your next-gen games proving to be there?
The last six months have been a productive period for our game development pipeline. Almost our entire games portfolio is now live in LatAm, including top titles from our classic games collection and 20 games that we developed this year. One example of this – Ellen’s Fortune – is now among the continent’s ten most popular real money titles, and we expect plenty more success to follow in its footsteps.
There’s a real surge of interest in LatAm for our games, such as Forest Dreams and Surf Zone, demonstrating the value of disruption and experimentation on a continent where retro themes traditionally perform best.
How much of a change have we seen in playing behaviour compared to this time last year? What patterns are there to analyse and how has that shifted your creative plans?
Having developed an effective strategy that has brought us tremendous success over the past year, we will not be looking to change too much. Our operator partners know what we’re all about, and we do our best to keep excelling at just that. Players are responding well to our offering, so we’ll be continuing with the current roadmap in the coming period.
What’s part of that? Gamification definitely remains high on our priority list, driving engagement by ramping up the entertainment factor to attract the new generation of players. Even our classically-themed slots, therefore, are elevated with high-tech mechanics to provide a cutting-edge experience.
The integration of sporting themes, particularly on a sport-obsessed continent such as Latin America, has also proved to be an effective strategy for retention and acquisition. We’ve got a top marketing team, and a key part of their work is data-driven insights that can identify exactly what we believe players are looking for.
What kind of games do you believe LatAm players are looking for right now? Are there any games in your portfolio you’ve developed with the region in mind?
Players across the globe are looking for entertainment that goes beyond the themes and effects that have become most ubiquitous in our industry – and Latin America is no different. Innovation needs to be more than just a buzzword, even when it comes to the retro slots that perform well time and again.
We’re delivering exactly what LatAm wants – experience on the continent has taught us that players want high-quality, visual designs that can truly stand out. As an Irish-themed game, Ellen’s Fortune may not be the first title that springs to mind when you think of Latin American gambling, but it has performed well on the continent because of its stunning animations.
Evoplay launched its in-house casino engine Spinential last year – how key are products such as these to mitigating regional connectivity issues?
Our branded Spinential game engine has been a key factor driving our success in Latin American markets, where low broadband speeds mean that technical accessibility and speed are essential.
Accelerating loading and download speeds by x10, it saves time and digital storage space, allowing us to make high-quality products which are accessible to the full spectrum of player devices and internet connections.
We are always looking to enhance our proprietary tools and technology, and Spinential is no different. We are currently making improvements to the game engine and will be soon providing our players and partners with a number of exciting updates on its latest technical upgrades.
We’re also planning on incorporating a significant multiplayer element to make our games even more popular with the new generation of players, who have grown up in constant communication with their peers and demand a more social gaming experience.
Looking at a five-year vision for the future – how do you see LatAm developing and what key milestones should we be keeping an eye on?
Latin America is undoubtedly a region that is full of potential. By opening up their gambling markets to legal operators, governments can generate significant taxation revenues and protect local players more effectively. Doing so is therefore the next logical step for those that haven’t already.
In terms of technological trends, multi-channel flexibility, speed and visual designs are the most important determinants of an iGaming supplier’s success in the region. Get that right, and you could be onto a winner.
Last but not least, any exciting launches coming up for Evoplay that we should look forward to?
We’ve got a big announcement pencilled in for the second half of 2021, with a flagship game set to be launched this Autumn along with new iterations of our ever-popular retro title, Fruit Super Nova, which will be enhanced with the addition of even more paylines.
From the first day of its release, the game has been a firm favourite with our fans, including those based in Latin America. So much so, we’ve started to unveil a collection of fruit titles that follow on from the original smash-hit, including the recently launched Fruit Super Nova 40. We’re also preparing to enhance it with a progressive jackpot to ramp up players’ anticipation – so stay tuned for further updates!
For those that might not know, can you give us a brief overview of Pick’Em Player Props?
In simple terms, the new Pick’Em Player Props product from WA.Technology is almost like a hybrid between fantasy sports and sports betting. In the same vein as traditional player props products that you see in traditional sports, players can select markets on individual players – we have just taken that model and elevated it.
During the game, players can make between two and six bet selections. For example, will Erling Haaland score more or less than 2.5 shots? The number of bet selections the player makes then determines their multiplier. By allowing bettors to unleash their sporting knowledge and provide engaging games for them to play, we are helping our operator partners to not only engage with a wider player base but also to fuel long-term retention. It really is a one-of-a-kind product and one we’re incredibly excited about. It’s already proving to be a top performer in LatAm.
Why has now been the right time to unveil Pick’Em Player Props?
Over the last few years, we’ve seen significant growth in the number of player proposition products. There are several reasons for that. Sports fans have shown a growing affinity for individual players rather than a team. They follow players on social media and engage with content featuring that player.
This reflects the wider trend we’re seeing: the new generation of fans is more in love with the players than the team itself. A great example of this is both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Bettors worldwide would wager on either of those players and engage with their content regardless of which team they played for or what club they supported.
The appetite for player-driven betting is increasing dramatically, resulting in a greater demand for products specifically tailored to individual athletes.
With more traditional sportsbooks, however, we’ve found that there isn’t as much depth of product regarding player propositions – aside from goal scorer markets. We wanted to change that – we wanted to deliver a fun, engaging product that helps build a sense of community among players.
Since Pick’Em Player Props is also a hybrid of fantasy and sports, it can act as an attractive tool to facilitate new market entries, as fantasy sports are not regulated like sportsbooks or iGaming. Take the US for example. In most states, operators do not need a licence to offer a fantasy sports product. This is the case for many markets around the world, too. I believe this will be an attractive proposition for operators looking to expand their international footprint, and as a truly global provider, we’re here to make that happen.
In your view, what differentiates WA.Technology’s Pick’Em Player Props from other player props products on the market?
Currently, we are the only B2B provider to offer a player propositions product that combines sports and fantasy. A handful of companies in the US offer something similar, but they are all B2C companies – we are bringing something totally unique to the B2B space.
Fantasy Sports have always been popular in the US. But over the last 18 months, we’ve seen a meteoric rise in the demand for player proposition markets; we wanted to develop a product that caters to that growth in demand and delivers something unique for our partners.
For other player props products on the market, something that is worth noting is that the design and UX are doing little to engage Millennial/Gen Z bettors. This audience demands a streamlined UX that is easy to use. Our Pick’Em version has been specifically designed with this demographic in mind, although we have been careful not to disenfranchise other age groups. We have kept the design sleek, streamlined and easy to use to deliver that. It’s extremely well-designed compared to what you might see in a more traditional sportsbook.
The game is straightforward to understand because we have fixed multipliers. This decision differentiates us from more traditional products, where the multipliers vary depending on how many bets you place. It also makes the product much more accessible for players who might otherwise not be familiar with fantasy or player props.
Another major defining factor is that we have ensured players can add multiple bets from different markets together. On most sports betting sites out there, you cannot combine player props markets. You couldn’t, for example, have a bet slip combining Erling Haaland’s Over/Under Shots and Kevin De Bruyne’s Shots on Target. We know this is frustrating for many bettors. We wanted to eliminate that barrier and elevate sports fans’ experience.
How does the level of data granularity influence the design and effectiveness of player proposition betting products, particularly in terms of player engagement and personalised betting options?
We are very fortunate that the data feed we use for our player props markets is the best. We have a wide range of insights and data analytics available, giving us an edge over other companies within the space – this is a serious differentiator.
The enhanced data range means we can deliver many more bespoke, personalised betting options to players while also getting more granular with the markets we can offer.
Our Managed Services Team, which oversees all things trading, also closely monitors the markets that are most popular with players. For example, if we see an influx in bets on ‘shots on target’, we know how to create more promotions around this particular market. We can tailor the CMS to engage better with players and create a more personalised experience.
Players can also ‘favourite’ particular players and clubs. Any market featuring that player will automatically appear when the Pick’Em Player Props application loads up.
Are there any markets where you believe Pick’Em Player Props will prove to be particularly popular? If so, why?
In all honesty, I can’t think of a market where this won’t be popular! Regions such as LatAm present an enormous opportunity for the growth of player proposition markets. I believe we can really plug a gap in the products currently offered to bettors.
Across the continent, we’ve seen players show a real passion for player-focused markets, and we’re here to capitalise on that. In Brazil, for example, if we were to create markets on Neymar, I’d anticipate this would gain much traction!
The real selling point for Pick’Em Player Props here is that we offer an extensive range of sports and markets that cater to a broad audience – but within that, we can personalise sports and bet selections not to overwhelm the player. I’d expect that markets on football will perform exceptionally well across Africa and LatAm, while countries such as South Africa may have a stronger preference for Rugby or Cricket.
Ultimately, it’s about understanding the unique preferences of players within each jurisdiction our partners operate in and tailoring the product accordingly. With teams based in various markets worldwide, we can get to grips with the local knowledge and fully understand what resonates with bettors.
In your view, what are some of the factors behind the growth of player props products in the last 12 months?
Most definitely shows how sports media companies are incorporating more player-specific content into their roster. This already has a huge impact, and I can’t see it changing anytime soon.
Whether it’s interviews with specific players, post-match analytics on performance or even the inherent growth of social media, the balance is undoubtedly tipping more towards the player rather than the team.
Personalisation will also have a considerable knock-on effect on the growth of player propositions. Bettors want more bespoke offers, specific bet suggestions and more instant content tailored to their unique playing habits. With a product like Pick’Em Player Props, you can personalise that betting experience to your heart’s content.
It also becomes much easier for sportsbooks to align with a specific user’s interests when we deliver unmatched data analytics and levels of personalisation that are available via WA.Technology’s product suite.
In short, Pick’Em Player Props gives operators the tools they need to create wide-ranging engagement opportunities without sticking to the rigid sporting calendar, where sometimes you might have to wait several days between a game. By incorporating fantasy sports, we can deliver round-the-clock content much faster, therefore meeting the demands of players. If you want to find out more – make sure to stop by Stand 1095 at SiGMA!
Behind every stellar online slot is an equally stellar maths model. These are becoming more experimental as the industry flirts with an increasing array of innovative new mechanics. We spoke to Pablo Martinez, Math/Design Lead and Founder at maverick game studio Peter & Sons to find out more.
Do you have to be a maths genius to build a slot machine?
Nah, you don’t need to be a maths genius. It’s more about having the right mix of skills and loving what you do. You need to play a lot of games, see what’s working out there, and understand what makes them fun. Knowing maths helps, sure, but it’s more about creating something players want to keep coming back to.
Peter & Sons is known for making games that dare to be different, visually and thematically. Is the underlying math equally experimental?
Definitely! We love pushing boundaries, both in how our games look and how they play. Sure, it’s a bit of a gamble to have a bunch of games with unique mechanics, but we’re all about trying new things. Games like Peter Hunter and our upcoming Muddy Waters are great examples — they bring fresh gameplay and new experiences to the table. Each year, we try to put out at least one or two experimental titles, keeping things interesting while mixing them with more familiar styles.
Do you come up with the maths model first and then build the game around that? Take us through the process of building the game from start to finish.
We usually start with an idea for the mechanics first. We make a quick prototype to see if the concept can work with the maths. Then we bring in the art team to brainstorm themes that will fit well. Once we have a basic prototype, we go through a bunch of tweaks and changes until the art, mechanics, and maths all feel right together. It’s a back-and-forth process where we’re constantly finetuning everything to get the best balance.
Why do you think a mechanic like Megaways was so successful?
Megaways took off because it’s a fun, exciting mechanic that gave players something fresh, but smart brand marketing really helped it catch on.
Is there pressure as a slots developer to come up with the ‘next’ Megaways?
Not really. Coming up with new mechanics is always fun, but it’s not the only way to make a hit. Plenty of top games are just clever twists on classic mechanics. It’s more about creating a great experience that keeps players coming back, whether it’s something brand new or just a fresh spin on something more familiar.
Which slots are more popular, high or low volatility, and why do you think that is?
It depends on the market, but in some unregulated markets — and especially with some operators — high-volatility slots are really popular. A big reason for this is streamers. High-volatility games make for exciting content, so they get a lot of attention and hype online. That thrill factor really draws players in.
Which is your favorite Peter & Sons mechanic and why?
Right now, I’d say the fishing mechanic in our upcoming game Muddy Waters. It’s a new twist on the fishing genre that really brings something fresh to the gameplay. It’s exciting to take a familiar theme and make it feel totally different.
Tell us about the mechanics in your latest release, Barbarossa Revenge.
Barbarossa Revenge is a pirate-themed, high-volatility game with 243 ways to win. It’s a DoubleMax game, meaning the multiplier doubles with each cascade. You’ve also got Multiplier Jumps and a Cashout feature that guarantees wins. During Free Spins, the multipliers don’t reset and can keep growing unlimited. With a max win potential of 30,000x the bet, this game is a real thrill!
We’re only a few months away until the highly-anticipated Brazilian market launches, and it’s safe to say that the industry is on the edge of its seat waiting to see what lies ahead for the South American sleeping giant. But one company that is poised and ready to capitalise on the golden opportunities this market has to offer is Infingame.
Gabriel Pinto, Sales Manager at Infingame, outlines some of the recent developments taking place across Brazil as he discusses how Infingame is catering to the unique demands of players across the market.
Brazil’s regulated market is expected to officially launch on 1 January 2025. Now that we’re only a few months away, what are your overall expectations for the Brazilian gambling market once it is fully regulated? Where will the biggest opportunities be?
I think it’s an excellent move. For a start, the launch of Brazil’s regulated markets means that operators, suppliers and affiliates will be dedicated to protecting players under licensed market conditions. That includes fair play, responsible gaming and security – both in terms of transactions and technology. This, I believe, will help build consumer trust and participation in the market.
The regulation of the gaming sector in Brazil is also going to have hugely positive effects on job creation across Brazil. As we all know, this is an industry which has operated for quite some time – but the new legislation will help formalise various different sectors, including technology, customer service, marketing, commercial sales and much more.
Sportsbook, of course, is going to be massive, but I think many have overlooked just how exciting iGaming can be. So much of the retail-based heritage when it comes slots especially, is part of our culture already and has been for so many years. IGaming is really going to be the one to watch and given we’re one of the fastest-growing aggregation hubs in LatAm, we can’t wait to begin entertaining players in the regulated market.
Data has suggested that players in Brazil tend to prefer higher volatility verticals, such as slots. What motivates players to choose these games over others?
I think it all comes down to culture and history. We have a history of land-based gaming here in Brazil – for more than 100 years, we’ve had games in the street, card rooms, bingo, land-based machines. This is a sector which has become deeply ingrained in our culture.
As a result, I think slots have an air of familiarity among players. Players are aware of what slots involve, the various different games available to them, who the big-name developers are. I think that it is this affinity with the vertical that makes slots much more popular than other types of gambling products.
Players also understand that slots are a great form of entertainment – playing habits suggest that bettors across Brazil prefer low-stake, high volatility products, which reflect the fun nature of gaming when it comes to betting small and win big. They also create a sense of excitement that more traditional games might not manage.
Slots, in particular Fortune Tiger by PG Soft, have been incredibly popular with players. It really is a truly loved game here, and the title has become the go-to for many bettors – which isn’t necessarily the case in other markets around the world.
How do levels of engagement with high volatility games such as slots differ to that of live casino or table games?
Live casino is hugely popular with bettors across Brazil too! Over the last few years in particular, this vertical has absolutely boomed – and the reason for that is familiarity.
Slots have typically out-performed more traditional table games, but live casino is most certainly experiencing signifcant growth. The live casino suppliers that can effectively tailor their games to the local market – from featuring local, Brazilian croupiers to incorporating culturally-significant icons and designs – will reap the rewards of Brazil’s regulation.
At Infingame, we have a broad portfolio of games that have all been handpicked – our in-depth knowledge of each market means that we know each of the games on our platform will resonate with local players. We have spent a lot of time getting to know players, understanding what they like and what they don’t, what verticals perform well, the game designs that players enjoy – and everything else that comes with it.
With this in mind, are there specific game mechanics or themes that resonate more with Brazilian players? If so, why?
Anything with a local twist! We’ve seen a particular up-tick in football-themed casino games – this was a trend that was certainly prominent throughout the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America this year.
As a result, we’ve noticed that many operators are looking to include Brazilian themes within their slot offering, with many incorporating games that feature samba, football and local icons into their games. Of course, that makes perfect sense.
Another trend that we’ve noticed is that many operators are requesting exclusive, branded content to roll out to their players. They want slot titles and casino games that are developed specifically for their brand – be it joint ventures with game developers, or partnerships with local icons such as sports clubs.
I think that this is a trend that will continue long into 2025, as casinos look to make their mark on the local audience. Not only is it a great way to get your name out there, but it is also a much more cost-effective way to create a unique experience for your player base. Gambling is very much a commoditised industry; there is very little differentiation in the actual products and bonuses out there. Of course, exclusive games help to disrupt that status quo and bring something new to the table. This will definitely be an area to watch.
How do Brazilian players’ session lengths and frequency compare to those in other markets?
Players tend to gamble for longer periods of time, but with lower stakes. They see casino products as a form of entertainment, with many players usually enjoying the occasional bet during an evening or when they have a spare 30 minutes.
However, we should note that this trend differs depending on which device players are using. Those using mobile tend to enjoy shorter playing sessions, showing a preference for more high volatility games such as crash games and slots, while those on desktop tend to enjoy sessions ranging from 1-2 hours.
Those on desktop show similarities to land-based bettors – they tend to gamble in the evening, products tend to include more table games and traditional casino products, although similar to mobile, the stake tends to be lower.
How important is mobile gameplay in Brazil, and how does it impact player engagement and retention? How can brands best optimise their games to better suit mobile-first gaming?
It’s not just important, it’s critical! Everyone has a mobile device, and for many, this is the go-to platform in which to enjoy casino games. To not optimise your games to mobile devices would risk alienating a large portion of your player base.
In Brazil, there has been significant improvement in mobile connectivity and smartphone penetration, meaning that more players are able to access games via their handheld devices. But in order to create the most optimised experience, casinos and game developers must adapt their UI to suit mobile devices. Another consideration is developing games that are tailored to single-handed play – with many players enjoying casino products on the go, ensuring that your games cater to playing habits is essential.
Based on current player habits and preferences, what future trends do you expect to emerge in the Brazilian casino market, particularly in online slots?
As we’ve covered already, and I can’t re-enforce this enough, localised content that is tailor-made to the Brazilian market is going to be key. This will by far be one of the biggest trends. As operators flood into Brazil, there will be fierce competition among brands looking to amass market share and engage with new players – so the key to achieving that will be through providing content that they cannot get anywhere else.
I also think we will see slots and live casino continue to grow in popularity. Their high volatility and social nature will no doubt drive loyalty among players and keep them engaged in the long-term. And I think the final trend will be that we will see verticals such as crash games emerge as a front-runner among bettors – these products are simple to understand and highly engaging, a perfect recipe for players looking for entertainment!
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