Interviews
Exclusive Interview: CEO Jeremy Taylor on new iGaming brand LynxBet
Ambitious start-up JNS Gaming recently launched LynxBet, its metaverse-inspired immersive online casino and sportsbook, which has been well received in its tier-one markets. Gaming Americas caught up with CEO Jeremy Taylor on how the project came about, its potential within the crypto space and where he expects it all to go next.
Congratulations on the launch of LynxBet ā can you provide us with an insight into how the site has performed since going live?
We are very pleased with how our brand has been received, especially in our target markets of Canada, and South America where a great deal of players have already immersed themselves in the Land of LynxBet. Japan and other parts of Asia will be next to launch. Itās gratifying to see that customers are resonating with our unique front-end design. A great number of igaming sites look incredibly two-dimensional and white label-esque, but users have been quick to appreciate that weāre offering them an alternative experience thanks to an intuitive design inspired by the metaverse.
From the outset, we wanted to avoid a copy and paste approach that so many new brands adopt. Instead, we opted to go a step further and offer players their favourite games in a more immersive environment. This sense of escapism weāve created is very appealing to casual players and has ultimately led to an influx of new customers signing up. But, of course, there is always room for improvement and we have phase two on the roadmap in a few months.
How exactly did you come up with the use of a lynx and the creation of a lucky mascot?
Creating a space where players could experience true escapism was one of our main priorities. That was the thinking behind the retro feel that informs the siteās design and it was also the inspiration behind the Lucky Lynx. There is something other-worldly about the animal, so we used that aesthetic to help players feel as though they are leaving the humdrum of their everyday lives behind for the excitement of the Land of LynxBet.
Weāve really leaned into this mythical take on the Lynx. The character will seem like a wizard or mage to the siteās visitors, vanishing and appearing randomly at different moments, offering tips and advice to help them across their journey. We believe a brand mascot helps with brand identity, personality and engagement and provides a great vehicle through which we can communicate with our customers. We also know that many customers are superstitious and the Lucky Cat is very popular in parts of Asia so we have played on that theme given a Lynx is a cat at the end of the day.
What was the thinking behind creating a brand inspired by the metaverse?
The metaverse is a major focus right now within the digital world and we felt its intuitive environment could have a positive impact within the igaming industry and offer players a unique experience. Itās such an innovative and forward-thinking concept that has grown exponentially in a very short space of time. Itās the kind of creative field that inspires me, so I pulled on that thread. We also have our sister brand Freebitco.in, which has 49 million customers across the world to whom we can cross sell to LynxBet. They are predominantly crypto players so the Metaverse allows us to relate to them and find that sweet spot between the growth of Crypto and igaming.
Effectively, we’ve started to create our own small metaverse, in which customers can come and play these different products in one place. Quite frankly, the majority of gambling websites these days have the same games with the same housing, just with different colours and a different name.
We didn’t want to do that, we wanted to build our own front end to tap into this opportunity and offer an exciting and differentiated customer experience. is the LynxBet journey is memorable and engaging, which we hope will lead to long-term customer retention.
Talk us through the main offering, how does it differ to other online casino and sportsbooks that are already live in the marketplace?
As a first-time visitor, you enter a fantastical world with a moon in the background at night, which changes to a sun in the daytime. This day to night mode setting is dynamically based on the specific usersā time zone but is also customisable via a toggle.
Players are met with four floating islands that represent the current products we offer – casino, sportsbook, bingo and lottery. Each island has its own creative theme that runs through the product verticals across the website, emails and advertising.
From a customer support and relevance perspective, weāve invested heavily in delivering a localised site, payment, casino and sports experience specific to each main target market as well as a customer service that is available in local languages via email and live chat. By putting together regional teams in place, we can offer a more personal experience for players and ensure our branding and marketing campaigns are very relevant.
LynxBet incorporates crypto payment methods, is this a sign that digital currencies are growing in popularity amongst players in the markets youāre targeting?
Crypto payment is growing in popularity everywhere. For that reason, it made a lot of sense to invest in a crypto-friendly offering. But yes, the markets we are targeting are those in which we are seeing particularly high uptake. Brazil, a huge market for us, has embraced crypto enormously and we can only see it becoming more popular with time. This also goes Japan, where we will be launching in the near future.
Itās certainly an intrinsic part of our JNS Gamingās DNA. Our investors created our sister company, FreeBitco.in ā a free-to-play casino that gives away tiny amounts of Bitcoin and has attracted 49 million players. That sets the stage for some extremely effective cross-selling campaigns. They are 80 per cent crypto and 20 per cent igaming, while we are roughly the reverse, so we will complement each other perfectly in this way.
What plans do you have to take the brand forward and acquire new customers?
We are targeting casual, mid-tier, responsible gamers that are interested in a high-end, friendly gaming experience. There is a huge demographic that wants a less aggressive, more easy-going but fun gambling experience. Effectively catering to this substantial demographic explains why onboarding initial customers has been so straightforward.
To boost this further, we have established regional teams to create a more personal player experience, enabled by significant marketing investment and local brand ambassadors, who we will be announcing in near future.
On taking the brand forward, it clearly lends itself to the Metaverse, which is where it could end up going, but letās take one step at a time!
Interviews
Patricio Molloy: WA.Technology is ready to raise the bar for LatAm in 2025
As we enter 2025, what unique opportunities do you see for WA.Technology in the LatAm iGaming market?
The iGaming market in Latin America is experiencing rapid transformation, and this dynamic shift presents considerable opportunities for companies with the right strategy and adaptability.
We are witnessing a shift from informal, semi-professional operations to a growing demand for a formal, structured, and professional gaming industry that can meet the higher expectations emerging from both regulators and consumers.
At WA.Technology, we are perfectly positioned to leverage our extensive local knowledge to achieve just that. Our team has been working across the region for years, from Mexico to Brazil, Colombia, and beyond, which gives us a unique edge in navigating the regulatory complexities and unique behavioural dynamics of this evolving landscape.
This authentic regional understanding not only allows us to stay ahead of market trends but also empowers us to innovate in a way that aligns with global best practices while being sensitive to local cultures, customs, and regulations. As the LatAm gaming market continues to mature, we are ready to support operators in a more structured, regulated, and growth-oriented environment.
How does WA.Technology plan to maintain its progress across the region in 2025?
Our approach to sustained growth in Latin America is driven by the expertise of our team, who bring years of experience from across the region. The team at WA.Technology has collectively worked across a variety of LatAm gaming markets, gaining firsthand knowledge of local regulations and consumer preferences. This wealth of experience enables us to navigate the ever-changing landscape with agility and precision.
As the region continues to evolve, we will continue to integrate global best practices while remaining flexible enough to address the unique needs of each local market. Our strategy at WA.Technology largely focuses on building close relationships with various local stakeholders, refining our offerings based on real-time feedback and ensuring our presence continues to make a long-lasting difference in the region.
We are committed to driving long-term growth, building strong partnerships and providing the best possible value to our clients across Latin America.
For operators looking to enter Latin America in 2025, what are some of the key trends/nuances they need to be aware of? And how is WA.Technology helping them to navigate these?
Entering the Latin American market in 2025 presents a variety of opportunities for growth. However, operators looking to make the most of what this region has to offer must carefully consider local regulations, consumer behaviour, and cultural differences in each country. After all, LatAm is not one homogenous region ā each country has its own unique dynamics at play.
Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve rapidly, with each individual regulator in the region setting its own rules, meaning that operators must be highly adaptable and well-prepared for any future legislative changes. But regulations arenāt the only challenge.
Understanding local consumer habits, preferences, and cultural nuances is equally critical to building a successful operation. For example, the products players enjoy in Brazil are likely to be completely different to those favoured by Mexican bettors.
At WA.Technology, we help operators navigate these complexities by offering solutions that are fully compliant with local laws and tailored to meet the diverse needs of Latin American consumers.
We donāt see ourselves as just a technology provider; we want to be a trusted partner, supporting operators in their journey to understand the regulatory environment and local market dynamics, ensuring theyāre well-positioned for long-term success.
With Brazil now live, how does WA.Technology plan to gain an edge in what is likely to be a highly competitive market?
Brazil is undoubtedly the flagship market in Latin America, and weāve been preparing for this moment for some time. With a market of such size and potential, competition is bound to be hard. However, we are confident that our extensive local presence and tailored approach will give us a distinct edge unmatched by any other provider on the market.
Weāve made significant investments in Brazil, building a team that is highly knowledgeable about the local market and deeply embedded in the regulatory landscape. I am proud to say our team has worked extremely hard to ensure we were ready in time for the new regulations in Brazil and that we are in a position now to grow even further in this market as a result. With dedicated local offices, a strong team of regulatory experts and seasoned professionals with operational expertise, we are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Brazilās rapidly growing iGaming market.
Our extensive knowledge of the local market and commitment to delivering innovative, market-specific solutions allows us to provide licensed operators with the tools they need to succeed in this competitive space.
How will your approach to Brazil differ from that of the wider LatAm market?
While Brazil is undeniably one of the largest and most significant markets in Latin America, our approach to the region as a whole is both comprehensive and tailored to the unique characteristics of each country.
We recognise that Latin America is a highly diverse and dynamic market where each country presents distinct opportunities, challenges, and regulatory landscapes.
At WA.Technology, we adopt a market-specific strategy across our entire business, ensuring that we provide localised solutions that meet the unique needs of each country while maintaining a strong, responsive presence in all key markets.
Our team brings extensive experience from working in countries such asĀ Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. In fact, we recently expanded our footprint by opening offices in Mexico City, which allows us to stay closely connected to local developments and offer even more tailored support to our partners in this market.
Mexico is particularly important to us in terms of future growth, and we view it as a key focus for WA.Technology alongside Brazil. Our integrated, flexible approach ensures we can remain agile across the entire region, responding effectively to each marketās specific demands while maintaining a cohesive regional strategy.
What are your goals for expanding WA.Technologyās footprint in LatAm over the next 12 months? And how do you plan to achieve these?
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, our key goals for expanding WA.Technologyās footprint in Latin America is rooted in two fundamental pillars: extensive market knowledge and strong local presence.
As the region evolves at a rapid pace, staying ahead of market shifts requires constant attention. Our strategy is to maintain a physical presence in every major market, fostering relationships with local stakeholders, regulators, and operators. By doing this, we are able to anticipate changes in the wider market and position ourselves as a proactive, solutions-driven partner, ensuring that our partners can retain their competitive edge.
We aim to further solidify our relationships with key players across the region and remain highly engaged in local markets, adapting our solutions in real-time to meet emerging needs.
Our focus on continuous engagement ensures that weāre always in tune with the evolving landscape, positioning WA.Technology to lead the way in driving innovation and delivering value in Latin America.
Interviews
Building a company culture from the ground up
David Natroshvili, Founder of SPRIBE, talks about company culture and why office working is the key to communication for any organisation
Home working, office working or hybrid working. Whatās best when it comes to fostering a successful company culture?
SPRIBE started off as a hybrid working company with our employees having a lot of flexibility over where they worked from and the schedules they worked to. This served us well during the pandemic when companies were forced to send staff home during the height of lockdowns. But since then, and given the rapid growth we have experienced, we have opted to gradually switch to a full-time office set-up for our employees. Why? Because there are so many benefits to having employees working from the office, for both the organisation and those working for it. Weāve tried to make the transition as seamless as possible by creating comfortable and inspiring workspaces, offering regular team-building activities and ensuring we run plenty of social events each month, including poker tournaments and Happy Friday which brings together all team members to round off the week.
Ā
Can you talk through some of the benefits of office-based working?
The biggest benefit is the connection that forms between team members and the different teams that make up the organisation. Communication is key to a business ā and individuals ā achieving objectives and reaching its/their full potential, and communication is so much easier when everyone is under the same roof and can speak face to face. It allows for deeper collaboration, faster problem-solving and more cohesive processes. I think there are serious mental health benefits, too ā by working from an office, people feel part of a community and donāt become isolated from their team and the wider organisation. Without its people, company culture is little more than a document of ideas and processes but when you bring the people that make up the organisation under the same roof, it comes to life.
Ā
What does SPRIBEās company culture look like?
We have always focused on helping our employees strike a good work/life balance, and we go to great lengths to support their well-being and mental health. This includes fun activities like our weekly Happy Friday and regular social events but also ensuring that each team member feels valued and that they are supported and encouraged by senior management and team leaders. Personal development is a big part of employee well-being, so we offer plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development. This, combined with providing the right environment for our employees to work in, ensures each member of the team can thrive, develop and grow, which in turn makes them feel like they have a long future with SPRIBE and that their position within the company is valued and secure.
Ā
How will you ensure your company culture evolves alongside changing employee expectations and wider working trends?
The way I see it, talented people want to contribute to a successful business so long as their involvement is valued and rewarded. This has always been the case and wonāt change anytime soon. At SPRIBE, we want to attract the best talent in the business and so long as we ensure this talent feels valued and is given the environment and opportunities to reach its full potential, while striking the right work/life balance, we will remain a highly attractive organisation to join regardless of the latest company culture trends and employee expectations.
Ā
When you founded SPRIBE, did you expect it to become the success that it is today?
Yes and no. I knew that we had an incredibly strong founding team and that when we came up with the concept for Aviator, the original iGaming crash game, that weād come up with something big. But no, I couldnāt have seen it becoming the phenomenon that it has ā Aviator is now live with more than 4,500 online casinos and has 42 million active players a month. This has allowed us to continue to innovate and be pioneers, especially when it comes to our marketing deals with the UFC and A.C. Milan. Itās this that ultimately makes SPRIBE such a great place to work ā we are doing things that other companies could only ever dream of.
Fantasy Sports
Will Booth: blending the best of fantasy and sports with PickāEm Player Props
For those that might not know, can you give us a brief overview of PickāEm Player Props?
In simple terms, the new PickāEm 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 ā 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 weāre incredibly excited about. Itās already proving to be a top performer in LatAm.
Why has now been the right time to unveil PickāEm Player Props?
Over the last few years, weāve 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 weāre 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, weāve found that there isnāt as much depth of product regarding player propositions ā aside from goal scorer markets. We wanted to change that ā we wanted to deliver a fun, engaging product that helps build a sense of community among players.
Since PickāEm 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, weāre here to make that happen.
In your view, what differentiates WA.Technologyās PickāEm 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 ā 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, weāve 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 PickāEm 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. Itās 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 couldnāt, for example, have a bet slip combining Erling Haaland’s Over/Under Shots and Kevin De Bruyneās 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 ā 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 āshots on targetā, 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 āfavouriteā particular players and clubs. Any market featuring that player will automatically appear when the PickāEm Player Props application loads up.
Are there any markets where you believe PickāEm Player Props will prove to be particularly popular? If so, why?
In all honesty, I canāt think of a market where this wonāt 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, weāve seen players show a real passion for player-focused markets, and weāre here to capitalise on that. In Brazil, for example, if we were to create markets on Neymar, Iād anticipate this would gain much traction!
The real selling point for PickāEm Player Props here is that we offer an extensive range of sports and markets that cater to a broad audience ā but within that, we can personalise sports and bet selections not to overwhelm the player. Iād 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, itās 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?Ā Ā
Most definitely shows how sports media companies are incorporating more player-specific content into their roster. This already has a huge impact, and I canāt see it changing anytime soon.
Whether itās 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 PickāEm Player Props, you can personalise that betting experience to your heartās content.
It also becomes much easier for sportsbooks to align with a specific userās interests when we deliver unmatched data analytics and levels of personalisation that are available via WA.Technologyās product suite.
In short, PickāEm 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 ā make sure to stop by Stand 1095 at SiGMA!
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