Interviews
BETEGY CEO Interview: Will Programmatic Transform US Marketing?
Programmatic advertising is the big venture in the US at the moment and seen as many by the silver bullet for US sportsbooks to make money and cut their marketing spend.
Already known as a real tech disruptor, BETEGY’s Creative Studio is the new kid on the block, with the potential to allow programmatic advertising to grow to infinite proportions. With that in mind, we spoke to BETEGY CEO, Alex Kornilov, about how these two innovations married together will provide a boom for ad campaigns in the US.
How is BETEGY’s new Creative Studio going to benefit the US market with programmatic advertising? Will it potentially be bigger there than in Europe?
The main aim of launching Creative Studio was to transform the creation and delivery of banner advertising and visuals for betting companies and the media.
In short, marketing spend on acquisition and retention needs to become far more efficient if any US sportsbook wants to start being profitable five years after PASPA repeal, and this is where Creative Studio comes in.
Our solution is designed to deliver targeted, tailored ads with the utmost precision and efficiency. Given that marketing (and indeed the acquisition of betting customers) is so expensive in the US, we believe that we’ve got the perfect product that can maximise reach and awareness while reducing the bottom line for marketers’ budgets.
In effect, given our product is powered by automation, our technology handles the same volume that would be required by an entire design department. So, without a doubt, we expect to see significant demand given it is exactly a major problem faced by the US right now – the need to greatly reduce the cost of acquisition.
Of course, with that, is the constant expansion of the US online sports betting market and with more and more US states becoming regulated every few months, I expect us to perform incredibly strongly and scale fast. That’s even before we get onto the fact that Creative Studio is super easy to implement in the US, given that there’s no challenge of overcoming the existing legacy systems that are holding back innovation in Europe!
How are US brands going to be able to deploy programmatic advertising with Creative Studio? What’s the use-case for such a product?
It’s all about personalisation of ads and targeted delivery, and as a result – radically reducing CPA (cost per acquisition) for brands that deploy Creative Studio for their marketing campaigns.
Once you’re saving on CPA, the key is to massively scale your deployment of Creative Studio, meaning that you can then exponentially grow your audience, reach and awareness. Our product is designed to deliver with precision, so that everything is supported by a full-service real-time analytics suite that enables users to identify key sub-demographics as well as evolve their campaigns with live data.
In effect, Creative Studio will transform efficiency and results while reducing marketing spend, as well as putting in-house marketers in the driving seat when it comes to managing campaigns. Not only that, they’ll also be able to significantly reduce their reliance on outside agencies and take control of strategy in-house.
With a projected figure of $133 million set to be spent on programmatic advertising in the US in 2023, can you see any signs already that the figure mentioned might be too conservative?
When it comes to programmatic, it certainly looks like a small number- but this is because it’s still in its infancy, with the technology still being very early in the adoption stage. In many ways, this part of the market is only just developing, and just like any adoption curve for all major technological innovations over the last ten years, that curve turns into hockey stick-shaped growth on a graph when it really takes off.
If we take a step back and look at how much money is being spent on marketing in the US alone in our industry, we’re looking at tens of billions of dollars (at a conservative estimate). Once the benefits of programmatic become widely known and tech begins to enter the mainstream, the money will flood into this method of advertising.
In my view, just like all exponential adoption and growth, we’re seeing spend doubled almost every year, so we’re very much looking at a serious take-off in use, so no doubt within a few years’ time, we’ll be edging towards the first billion-dollar mark, and then even faster growth thereafter.
It’s easy to see why this type of tech offers so many benefits that make it a clear gamechanger – with it already in use by other industries, we’re now at a real watershed moment in the US, especially with the imperative for US sportsbooks to turning a profit for the first time. A product that can radically cut costs and CPA – as well as boost marketing efficiency makes clear sense.
In what states will programmatic advertising have the biggest impact for BETEGY? Can you talk us through your plans for Creative Studio’s North American rollout?
It’s already rolled out and in use! All the features and tech are already being deployed by a select number of our US partners. In short, everything’s already built-in, and it can simply be deployed with a flick of the switch. Of course, this isn’t just limited to sportsbooks and casinos but is readily available for sports media too.
In terms of impact by state, it’s all about demographics and the size of the audience. So, I have no doubt that larger states with significantly greater populations and betting demographics will see the biggest impact. So, the likes of New York and Maryland (for example) will be serious ones to watch, given their populations and the extent of major sports teams in the big four. Maryland, in particular, is a very interesting and intriguing state due to the small area size, but it has a wide range of top-class sports teams and a large population within a relatively tiny space.
Is there anything else that could rival programmatic advertising for marketing spend in the US this year?
The alternative to efficient, targeted spend delivered via programmatic will always be the big bucks focus on major budget ads such as MGM’s partnership with Jamie Foxx, or indeed, major placements during the likes of the Superbowl.
Of course, there will always be spend on tv ads and celebrity endorsements, but I think programmatic will provide a real edge over the competition by offering something that is truly efficient and targeted, which in effect, will complement each other perfectly.
So yes, in many ways – both go hand in hand and deliver in different ways. To my mind, the best strategy would be an awareness raising campaign with a big bucks focus and then programmatic to bring those leads through. However, if you’re a smaller, more emerging brand, I’d certainly advise going with programmatic rather than blowing every cent on a hit-and-miss celebrity endorsement!
How has the live dealer landscape progressed over recent years?
Live dealer has become a core vertical in online gaming, now making up about a third of casino revenue. What’s interesting is that it’s driven by a relatively small number of studios. It’s a capital-intensive business with no guarantees, but if you get it right, the player loyalty is worth the investment.
The industry has evolved in key areas:
- Streaming and quality: HD is standard, but now latency, mobile optimization, and stability are the focus
- Game Variety: the core games – Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat – still dominate, but regional favorites like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar are gaining ground
- Gamification and engagement: jackpots, tournaments, and cash drops are making live dealer more interactive
- Customization: greenscreen technology has been a game-changer, allowing operators to brand and tailor their tables like never before
- Hybrid formats: live dealer is no longer just about table games; game shows, wheels, and interactive experiences are expanding the category
At its core, live dealer is about creating an immersive and social experience. That’s why innovation in engagement and customization continues to be a major growth driver.
With live casino being relatively new to some markets, such as the US, how do players interact with the vertical? How do player preferences differ across geos?
For players new to live dealer, the reaction is almost always ‘feels like a real casino!’ The human interaction and transparency make a big impact.
In the US, live dealer is being embraced quickly, especially in social and sweepstakes casinos. Players there are used to land-based casinos, so high-quality live games feel familiar. Blackjack is the dominant game by a wide margin.
Other parts of the world have different preferences. In Asia, there’s a strong preference for Teen Patti, Dragon Tiger, and Baccarat. Baccarat is also the top choice in Italy and much of Southeast Asia. In Turkey, Roulette is by far the most popular game, though we also see strong affinity toward Blackjack. In Europe, Blackjack leads, but Roulette is consistently strong, particularly in markets like India.
Across all markets, the common thread is that live dealer isn’t just about the game – it’s about the experience. Players want interaction, immersion, and trust in the gameplay.
What technologies resonate well with players, and conversely, what is lacking engagement?
Reliable streaming is the baseline expectation. It needs to work flawlessly, especially on mobile. From an operator’s perspective, greenscreen technology has been a game-changer. It allows for branded and localized environments without physical set builds, giving operators full control over their branding and user experience.
Gamification and promotional tools, such as cash drops, leaderboards, and jackpots, also drive engagement, particularly in social and sweepstakes gaming.
And what doesn’t work? Laggy or low-quality streams are killers. If the experience isn’t seamless, players leave instantly. And fake ‘live’ games, such as pre-recorded tables and AI dealers, miss the point of live casino. Players want real human interaction.
What is the most unexpected or disruptive trend you’ve seen in live casino development that you didn’t anticipate, and how has it shaped your approach?
One of the biggest surprises has been the rise of live dealer in social casinos and sweepstakes gaming. For a long time, social casinos were all about slots, but now we’re seeing massive demand for live dealer in that space. Players want the real casino atmosphere, even when they’re playing with virtual currency.
We’ve adapted to this by optimizing our live dealer games for sweepstakes casinos – adjusting the UI, adding engagement tools, and better game pacing to better fit the model. This shift has forced a change in the way we think about live gaming – not just as a real-money product, but as an entertainment experience that works across different models.
In which markets is live casino experiencing the most growth, and why?
Our core markets of Europe, CIS, and the Middle East continue to show strong, stable growth, with high retention rates among existing players. We’re also expanding into high-growth regions like Italy and Asia where Baccarat is driving adoption. In Africa and LatAm, growth is fueled by higher gambling activity and better internet access. And in Africa specifically, our adaptive streaming technology optimizes for lower bandwidth, making live dealer more accessible in this huge and emerging market.
And it’s not just about where live dealer is growing, it’s also about how it’s expanding into new verticals like social and hybrid models. For us it’s about being ready, agile, adaptive.
How do you expect the live dealer landscape to develop? Are there any emerging technologies that you believe will become game changers in this space?
AI gets a lot of attention, and while I don’t see it replacing human dealers, I do see it as a powerful tool for personalization.
We can expect to see AI-driven table recommendations which may suggest games based on player behavior data, as well as personalised and dynamic challenges and offers that adapt in real-time.
Beyond AI, greenscreen technology will continue to redefine the industry. It makes localization and branding far more cost-effective by allowing digitally generated studio environments. It unlocks innovation and imagination, and empowers operators to create unique and exclusive gaming experiences.
Live dealer is also starting to merge with other formats, so expect to see more game-show-style mechanics, interactive social elements, and even potential crossover with streaming platforms.
Final Thoughts?
Live dealer is no longer a niche product; it’s a dominant vertical in online gaming. The challenge now is differentiation.
At LuckyStreak, we’re focused on making live dealer more customizable, engaging, and adaptable. Whether it’s through branded tables, gamification, or expanding into new markets, the goal is to give operators more flexibility and players a better experience.
About LuckyStreak
LuckyStreak has been producing and streaming world-class live dealer online games since 2014. Launched and led by veterans of the land-based and online casino industry, they have a deep passion for entertainment, innovation and quality service, providing players with an unforgettable, unique and thrilling gaming experience, and impeccably delivered with an unwavering commitment to the highest levels of production, video streaming and reliability.
LuckyConnect was launched in 2017 and is the proprietary integration API for operators, connecting them to a library of over 4000 live dealer and third-party games from leading providers like Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Ruby Play, PG Soft and Red Rake Gaming via seamless wallet API, and one-stop shop of critical services including invoicing, player management, reporting and billing, support centre and content management, with one fast and easy integration.
LuckyStreak products and services are built on a highly secure robust technical infrastructure: utilizing a microservices architecture developed using a cloud-native approach enabling high availability (99.9% uptime), security and flexibility; whilst our critical API technology is protected by symmetric encryption and secure server-to-server connections. Ensuring an optimal playing experience without compromising our service to our customers.
Katya Machuganova, Gaming Product and Partnership Manager at Silverback Gaming, lifts the lid on the studio’s first crash title and explains why it will hit the market as a social game before being rolled out in the real money format
Silverback’s first crash game is set to hit the market shortly. What more can you tell us about the game ahead of its launch?
We are super excited to launch our first crash game, but the details are a closely guarded secret for now. What I can say is that the design concept is in place, the gameplay has been set, and we are now working on the creative assets. Then it’s just a case of bringing all the elements together. But this being Silverback, it’s not going to be a standard crash game – we are adding plenty of unique twists to take the anticipation and thrills to the next level. We are on track to send the game to Gaming Laboratories International for testing toward the end of March with go-live scheduled for April. The initial roll-out will be in the simulated gaming format with real money to follow.
How will you ensure your crash game stands out in what is an increasingly competitive market?
Players love crash games because of the control they have over the outcome of the game round. They get to choose when to cash out, with experienced players often having their own strategies for deciding the optimal moment to hit the button. It’s this active participation that really gets pulses racing so with our crash game, we are going to be giving players even more control. Crash games generally appeal to players looking to take big risks in return for big rewards, so players will also be able to toggle the risk level to match their preferences. This degree of personalisation and control is simply not offered by the current crash games in the market.
Why did you decide to launch your crash game in the social/simulated gaming format before real-money?
Demand for our simulated gaming content is at an all-time high with many of our partners looking to tap into the huge opportunity the market presents – last year, social gaming was estimated to be worth $12.77bn and is set to hit £23.05bn by 2032. As a provider of both simulated gaming and real money content, it’s our responsibility to provide our partners with the content they need, when they need it. Crash is also perfectly suited to the simulated gaming format – because players can’t win real money, they like to place big bets (with virtual currency) so they can experience the thrill of big wins. This is exactly what crash provides. Of course, we’ll be releasing our crash game in real-money shortly after its debut as a social title.
Has the game been developed for players in a specific market or are you going global with it?
Silverback Gaming is mostly focused on the North American market, although our games are certified in jurisdictions like Malta and Italy. Given our exposure to the US and Canada, we ensure that our games meet player preferences in these markets although they still hit the mark with players in the other jurisdictions where they are offered. The crash format is super initiative and easy to understand, which means crash games can be deployed in most markets, from North America to Europe, Asia and Africa, and very quickly rise to the top of the charts.
Do studios need to have a crash game in their portfolio?
We think so. Studios need to provide the content operators – and their players – are seeking and we are increasingly seeing this demand shift towards non-traditional content. At Silverback, we want to provide our partners with a broad range of content across different formats, and that’s why our portfolio covers slots, table games and now crash, and in both social and real-money formats. Pushing into new formats is also great fun for our designers, sound engineers and developers, and we give them the freedom and flexibility to push the boundaries as that’s how we can ultimately bring new and exciting experiences to players.
What makes crash such an interesting space for studios to move into?
Because the format is relatively new there is huge scope for studios to really play around with it. From themes to mechanics and even elements like control and risk, we are only just scratching the surface of the crash format. If you were to compare crash to slots, we are in the classic phase right now with the video slots phase still to come. This is why we will see an innovation race play out in the crash vertical, with studios looking to be the first to bring something new to the table that then sets the standard for others to follow.
How can operators get the most out of crash games?
It’s still very early days for the crash format so operators do need to educate players as to how these games work and why they are such fun to play. Thought needs to be given to lobby positioning, too. To encourage players to try to crash for the first time, offering a free bets offer works well or letting them play a social version if the game is available in this format. This is part of the reason why we have developed and launched our first crash title in the simulated gaming format.
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 – 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 aren’t 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 don’t 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 they’re 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 we’ve 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.
We’ve 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 Brazil’s 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 as 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 market’s specific demands while maintaining a cohesive regional strategy.
What are your goals for expanding WA.Technology’s 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.Technology’s 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 we’re always in tune with the evolving landscape, positioning WA.Technology to lead the way in driving innovation and delivering value in Latin America.
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