Interviews
Roundtable: Spending Smart Not Big in the US
Participants
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
Summary
This roundtable will discuss the marketing tactics being deployed by operators in the US and in particular, how those with smaller budgets can still drive awareness and build market share. While above-the-line campaigns have their place, affiliates and paid media are just as effective and can drive acquisition at scale but for a more sensible return on investment. It will dig into the upsides that affiliates and paid media offer and what operators need to do to maximise the opportunities they provide. It will also touch on other channels such as social media and streaming and asks if operators are really doing enough when it comes to retention.
Operators have dropped serious money on marketing and acquisition campaigns to date, but many are now questioning the effectiveness of these and the ROI they are generating. Why do you think they took this approach in the first place?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
Operators have spent big to leverage the powerful first mover advantage on the table in states that have legalised online sports betting and casino for the first time. They have also been locked in a fierce battle with their rivals over market share, a battle they have been keen to win. Many will have researched the market beforehand and seen analyst reports that it will be worth billions and so have looked to buy their way to the largest slice of the pie. I think this has been the right approach to take for some as there is a huge advantage to be gained by being among the first brands to go live in a state. This allows the operator to capture the significant early interest in legal sports betting and casino when the market first opens. You just have to look at the numbers coming out of Ohio to see the level of activity that occurs in the first few days and weeks of a market opening.
Of course, this is an expensive game to play and requires very deep pockets indeed. The issue now is that operators have been spending big for quite some time and investors are starting to question when this open chequebook approach will pay off. Many understand that brand building takes time, but they do need to see a path to profitability. This path is looking increasingly bumpy in the context of recent changes to the macro environment (interest rates on the rise, cost of living crisis, etc) and it seems investors are running out of patience. This has seen many operators slash marketing spend as part of wider efforts to hit the point of break-even by the end of the year – a target that I’m sure some will fail to hit.
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
The trend for massive spend is undoubtedly a result of the historic marketing blitz undertaken by FanDuel and DraftKings and the hundreds of millions of dollars they invested in building their brands in the daily fantasy sports space. They’ve been able to tap into this brand equity as and when states have legalised online sports betting and casino, taking the lead in most markets. Other brands entering the fray have had to spend at similar levels to play catch-up and stake their claim to the lion’s share in each state. I do think there’s been an over-reliance on above-the-line (ATL) marketing and the use of brand ambassadors and sponsorship deals. These are incredibly expensive marketing channels that are often more effective at long-term brand building than they are at delivering acquisition at pace. It’s also worth noting the “Gold Rush” mentality that a lot of operators seem to have adopted – they believed there was a limited window to achieve a critical mass of market share so have spent big in order to achieve it.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
While many believe operators have embarked on reckless spending, to me there is some method to the madness. Top-tier brands consider this spend under brand-building and with new markets opening up so quickly, they felt they were entering into a fierce battle with their rivals to capture the largest share of wallet in each state. This coincided with public and private investment being relatively cheap, meaning operators didn’t have to be quite so mindful of the return they were achieving. There was also an assumption that iGaming/online casino regulation would be quickly rolled out across additional states, and this in turn would help to drive revenues. Of course, the cost of investment and borrowing money has skyrocketed and online casino regulation has not come about at the pace or the scale expected. This has caught operators off-guard, and many are now slashing marketing budgets in order to achieve profitability.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
The passing of PASPA (The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) really heralded the start of “the great sports betting race” – and back then, the general consensus was that the first two or three operators would easily “win” and dominate sports betting for all time. Initially, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM outspent the competition and took the first heat, but the race is far from over. Now we’re seeing challengers such as Fanatics and BETR competing in a new heat where the emphasis has shifted from how much a sportsbook spends to how effective their spend proves to be.
Is there an opportunity for operators to spend smart and still drive brand awareness and claim a significant share of the market in each state they target?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
Operators are starting to be more conservative. In New York, the likes of WynnBet have put the brakes on entering the market over concerns about the high tax rate impacting its ability to be profitable in the state. Not all opportunities are good opportunities and operators must avoid jumping on the bandwagon just because a state is hailed as a game-changer by analysts and insiders. Aggressive ambition is good, but operators must not walk into markets blind.
In the states that operators do identify as being viable, spending big is not the only way to claim market share and push for customer acquisition at scale. A product such as Livespins can be a major driver of both acquisition and retention. While the core Livespins experience sits within the casino lobby and provides players with an entirely new wagering experience that sees them bet behind their favourite streamers, taking retention to the next level, our soon-to-launch ambassador product has been designed to super-charge customer acquisition.
It allows operators to maximise the value of the brand ambassador/celebrity/influencer partnerships they have by deploying them within the Livespins experience. This means that players can join their favourite celebrities during their streams and play with them via our innovative bet behind system. Not only that, but they can chat with them and other players throughout the broadcast, while also dropping reactions and emojis. This changes brand ambassador marketing from passive to active and allows operators to monetise directly and instantly through the bet behinds being placed.
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
Absolutely. There’s a huge opportunity for operators to generate significant new player sign-ups through performance marketing and affiliates. Operators have seemed hesitant to go all-in with affiliates to date, but as they are forced to cut marketing spend in their pursuit of profitability, I think we’ll see more turn to performance marketers to support their customer acquisition efforts. That said, given the traction that the power players such as DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM already have in most states, affiliate marketing alone will not be enough to push another brand into this top tier – significant ATL marketing will still be required for those looking to take the crown from the early market leaders.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
With this downward pressure on spend and the increasing importance being placed on efficiency and ROI, now is the time for operators to be more data-driven in their marketing activity. With many brands slamming the brakes on their above-the-line campaigns, there is a window of tremendous opportunity for savvy operators to explore and take advantage of. Affiliates and paid media have been under-utilised in the US market to date but absolutely can deliver the results operators desire and generate the ROI they are seeking. Of course, with most operators pulling back on top-line marketing spend and looking for alternative acquisition tactics and channels, competition across affiliates and paid media will heat up and perhaps reach the same scorching intensity that we have seen with above-the-line marketing.
To get ahead of the competition, operators should focus on localised marketing for the purpose of brand building. The top five operators will always have big budgets and will take a national approach to most of their acquisition activity, but this opens up an entire area of local marketing for smaller brands to explore and carve out their own significant niche. This is why it’s important for brands to be self-aware and for this to be reflected in their marketing strategies and activity.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
Yes, but in order to do so there are certain key propositions they must deliver. First and foremost, their product has to be top-notch and they must be able to offer a state-of-the-art gambling portal. Secondly, as the market has become more saturated, differentiation and offering a unique betting proposition has become increasingly important. BETR’s micro in-game betting feature is a good example of this and one that definitely sets them apart from the competition. Lastly, if you’re going to take on the big boys, you’re going to need to have your own unique advertising channel. As they can’t be beat on TV or Ad Word spending, you have to be smart and find other ways to reach bettors.
What does smart marketing look like?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
A clear strategy should be the foundation of any marketing activity. It’s vital for operators to know their audiences and where their attention can be found. They must also identify their own strengths and weaknesses, playing up to the former and working with specialists to close any gaps with the latter. Knowing how deep the company’s pockets really are, and the degree of appetite for significant, long-term investment in marketing, is key as it sets the budgets that marketing teams have to play with. Operators and their marketing teams must then use their expertise and experience to come up with a plan that resonates with their target audience, conveys their brand values and USPs, and ultimately drives players to their books and casinos within the budgets they have been allocated. And platforms such as Livespins can deliver incredible results without operators blowing billions of dollars on TV ad campaigns.
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
It really depends on the ultimate ambition of the brand. If the aim is to scale fast and gain significant market share without any consideration being given to the bottom line, then DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM have done a great job. Whether this approach is sustainable remains to be seen, and you also have to factor in the levels of retention these brands are achieving to really determine the success of their tactics. Smaller operators that have looked to emulate these titans have suffered massively and this has ultimately been to the benefit of the big three. That said, it’s encouraging to see some new market entrants such as PlayStar taking a different approach – they are doing things their own way with performance marketing as a key channel for customer acquisition.
The US is a very different market to the UK, but operators in the former should look to the latter to see what does and doesn’t work. New York shows that operators are not learning fast enough – when margins are squeezed (in this case because of the high tax rate) agility with both product and marketing is crucial to ensuring market viability. When it comes down to it, smart marketing is a strategy that is both sustainable for the long term and balances achieving a critical mass of customers with a clear pathway to profitability.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
An ambitious but achievable plan is the foundation of all smart marketing activity. Plans need to cover each channel, and operators need to ensure their marketing teams have access to the technology they need to track, monitor and optimise campaigns. They must also be open to and ready to pounce on any opportunities that open up. Data should be used to drive all decisions, from pulling underperforming campaigns to ramping up the spend being put behind those that are delivering solid results. Data also allows for campaigns to be tweaked in real-time, helping operators to further improve the ROI they generate. It’s also important for operators not to copy the tactics being deployed by their rivals – this is a market where being brave, bold and swimming against the tide yields the greatest results.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
There are many brands marketing effectively in the US, and pretty much all of them have their own unique set-up. Barstool, for example, is a great example of a brand that has successfully harnessed the power of social media. They have a community of loyal followers on multiple channels who relate to their brand, so they’re able to market to an audience of 50 million followers every day. This is a cost-effective solution for attracting younger sports bettors, as this audience is often found dual-screening on their cell phone while watching sports – meaning it’s the easiest way to reach them.
FanDuel and DraftKings, meanwhile, have both created a dedicated podcast following and keep themselves in front of this audience on a weekly basis. This is, of course, something that takes a while to establish, so it’s hard for new competitors to replicate and gives them a distinct edge in the market.
Have operators yet to explore the full potential of affiliates and paid media? If not, why do you think this is the case?
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
No, they haven’t. I think this is for a couple of reasons. Some operators hold the belief that brands in more established markets are over-reliant on and over-exposed through affiliates. Others seem to think the channel creates a more even playing field for smaller brands to gain market share and that affiliates do not offer the scale and speed of scale they require. There also seems to be a high level of mistrust and misunderstanding when it comes to affiliates.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
This is a bit of a loaded question. There are definitely some that are focusing more on affiliates and paid media, but broadly speaking they have not been fully explored to date. This is likely because these channels require experience, expertise and proper set-up in order to be successful. But given the scrutiny that current marketing activity is coming under, brands are increasingly leaning into both as they look to find efficiencies while scaling traffic. As these tend to be more supportive channels, I expect to see the percentage of overall marketing spend shift in a meaningful way towards affiliates and paid media over the next 12 months.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
Social media remains a largely untapped channel and is – in our opinion – the future of attracting the next generation of sports and casino players. That said, in the past some of the more old-school operators haven’t been particularly quick to embrace it. The reason for this might be that they didn’t possess the skills or know-how to communicate with this customer demographic effectively. Affiliates can help in this respect as they often have niche audiences that operators aren’t able to reach by themselves, such as social media groups or college sports fans. This can help them connect with customers outside of their traditional target audience and greatly increase their acquisition potential.
What upsides do affiliates offer? How can operators maximise the opportunity here?
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
A solid affiliate program provides the foundation for operators to grow their player base sustainably and cost-effectively. Affiliates essentially act as brand and product advocates, promoting those brands that deliver the best player experience and holding those that don’t to account. This ultimately helps to raise standards while driving significant, quality traffic to those at the top of their game. Most affiliates are also willing to work with operators to help them achieve their goals – those that are properly incentivised will be willing to work to lower CPAs which are incredibly high in the US compared to more mature markets such as the UK.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
Most affiliates are specialists when it comes to digital marketing and user acquisition. They have sizable audiences or know how to acquire them, that are primed and ready to sign up to and play at online sportsbooks and casinos, so long as those brands offer what they are looking for. Affiliates require little to no set-up costs with operators paying for what they get in terms of depositing customers. They can also provide operators with highly valuable feedback on their conversion flows, products and more – this feedback is incredibly hard to come by and can help operators improve the player experience offered, which in turn boosts acquisition but also retention.
And the same for paid media – what is the potential here and how can operators unlock it?
Tom Galanis, Founder at First Look Games
Affiliates are currently dominating the paid media space in the US market because, compared to other markets, there is a much higher margin to be made. But this means there is room for operators to get in on the action and use paid media to directly acquire customers and achieve a strong ROI. For example, paid media is the ideal vehicle to flex up acquisition during the limited window of the NFL season.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
Paid media simply refers to placing ads across a wide range of media platforms such as Meta, Google, publisher networks and mobile networks. Campaigns can be highly targeted across location, age, interests and more to ensure they hit the right players. The key to unlocking the full potential of both paid media and affiliates is using a mar-tech platform that provides access to data in real-time. This allows operators to tweak campaigns to improve performance and to ramp up and scale back spending as and when required.
What other, cost-effective channels can operators use for brand building and marketing? What role can streaming play here? What about social media?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
Streaming has proved to be a highly effective marketing and acquisition platform for online casino and sportsbook brands, but operators remain cautious, especially following Twitch’s decision last year to ban certain operators from its platform. Livespins allows operators to overcome these concerns – because it sits within the casino lobby, players are afforded the same responsible gambling and safe gaming tools when playing traditional casino and sports, as required under an operator’s respective local licences. This means they can tap into the huge – and growing – potential that streaming offers both in terms of acquisition and retention while being confident that they are fully compliant at all times.
Tom Galinis, Founder at First Look Games
I’m coming around to the idea that offline activation is an underutilised channel. We’re seeing affiliates like Betting Hero and Affiliated Sports Fans gaining traction here, and operators should look to follow their lead. In terms of social media, paid social is the play for sure and in terms of building up an audience, I’d be looking to focus efforts on TikTok. The price of content generation is extortionate in the US, so I fully expect AI-generated content to come to the fore as the technology becomes more sophisticated – we’re already seeing leading affiliates and some operators using it.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
In terms of live acquisition, we will see more out-of-home campaigns and activity. It is being done by some brands at the moment, but there is so much more potential to unlock here and especially at the local level.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
According to the most recent statistics, an estimated 75% of marketers will use Influencer Marketing in 2023, with this representing a $17.4 billion industry. Most operators are way behind in terms of tapping into this lucrative space, which is arguably the most cost-effective way of advertising to the younger generation of sports fan. In particular, micro-influencers are more engaged with their sports followers and can be utilized at a fraction of the cost of a “Tom Brady” or similar superstar influencer.
Retention is just as important as acquisition, but are operators paying enough attention to this? If not, why is that the case?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
I disagree – retention is even more important than acquisition. Onboarding new players is just the first hurdle that operators must clear – then the real hard work begins. That’s why before spending a single dollar on acquisition, they must spend $10 on ways to retain those players. If operators are not confident about retaining players, they should not spend anything on marketing to them. If they are confident, then they can launch acquisition campaigns and scale up those that are working well. I really can’t stress the importance of CRM and ensuring that players continue to wager with the brand once they have signed up for the first time. This is especially important in the US where the cost of acquisition is sky-high right now.
Tom Galinis, Founder at First Look Games
No, they’re not. I’d say this is partly down to a lack of product capability to really be able to deliver organic retention, but I also think there’s a firmly held belief that the activation of another local league or team sponsorship will do more than sophisticated CRM systems ever could. But operators are wrong to believe this.
Allan Petrilli, VP of Sales & Growth at Intelitics
I think they are starting to, but the future here is around personalisation. With advances in technology, the brands that use this to offer a truly bespoke player experience will be the ones that ultimately win. What does this look like? If I bet on the New York Jets each weekend, I should be able to log in to my sportsbook app and have a prefilled bet sheet each week ready and waiting to go. This is just one example, and the sky really is the limit here.
Troy Paul, Co-Founder and CEO at SGG
Having a great gambling platform is obviously a major prerequisite for successful retention, as is finding a way to engage with your players on a daily or weekly basis, such as a podcast or social media channel. In order to keep your product front and center in customers’ minds, you have to go where their eyes go as they’re watching games – and these days, that’s increasingly their cell phone screens.
How can operators turbo-charge their retention efforts and activity?
Michael Pedersen, CCO of Livespins
It comes down to delivering a seamless player experience beyond that being offered by rival brands. This covers all areas of the book or casino, from the welcome offer to onboarding, KYC, payments and customer support. Of course, the gaming experience offered is crucial and that’s why products such as Livespins are a must for operators. The Livespins experience offers an entirely new way for players to experience online casino, while being interactive and social. Session times are off the charts, and this in turn is helping operators mitigate churn and keep their players playing for longer. It also acts as a huge point of difference, adding more kudos to its ability to help keep their players coming back for more.
Tom Galinis, Founder at First Look Games
Simple. Build the best product which means not relying on the relatively poor player management systems that currently underpin the US market. This is where I feel bet365 can gain market share. Yes, they’ll have to invest in ATL, but I fully expect them to get their product successfully localised and become the best product on the market. This will ultimately act as the foundation of retention at scale.
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!
Evoplay recently announced the launch of its lottery products in partnership with EQL Games. What has the initial market response been like, and how do you see the products evolving?
We view the partnership with EQL Games as an exciting development, as it represents our first steps in the US lottery market. While it’s still too early to assess the market response, EQL is one of the largest independent providers of games in the US lottery market. Integrating our products into their US portfolio provides lotteries with access to super competitive content and lays the foundation for future growth, opening the door to broader opportunities.
Evoplay is famous as an award-winning iGaming studio that produces innovative games that many operators across the globe take up. However, as newcomers to the very different lottery market, we are taking a strategic, step-by-step approach to building visibility and establishing a strong presence. Not all of our games are appropriate for the far more conservative iLottery market – we are, therefore, modifying our most popular instant win games as well as developing specific ‘lottery friendly’ content to establish a lottery focussed portfolio of games that support safer gaming initiatives while still being attractive to players.
In October, Evoplay will be attending the World Lottery Summit in Paris, where we will showcase our lottery games and ideas. This engagement is vital to our strategy to expand our network and explore new partnerships.
How would you evaluate the current landscape of the US lottery market? Are there any new partnerships on the horizon for the US market?
There are two factors currently impacting the US lottery market. First, retail sales are down, with most lotteries reporting significant declines in draw-based game sales for this fiscal year (FY25), mainly due to the lack of massive jackpots seen in FY24. Second, there’s increased competition for gambling dollars as states legalise online sports betting, bringing faster casino-style games to mobile devices. The attractive sign-up bonuses from online operators are drawing younger players away from traditional lottery games.
While North America’s iLottery sales are expected to reach $17.7 billion by 2032, this won’t fully offset the decline in draw-based games. To compete, lotteries must offer similar opportunities while leveraging their trusted branding. Evoplay can help by providing games that are not only safe but also appealing. This approach is already attracting interest from potential partners, and we expect that number to grow.
When introducing a long-established product like lottery, how do you ensure it resonates with new players while maintaining engagement from your core audience?
To engage new players as well as our existing audience, we’ve begun by transforming our popular instant games, such as Penalty Shoot-out, along with flagship titles like Adrenaline Rush and Star Guardians, into captivating lottery experiences. Unlike traditional lotteries, our games will offer a unique blend of excitement and entertainment, appealing to players who enjoy both casino dynamics and large jackpotswhile retaining familiar elements that resonate with our loyal audience.
By turning our popular titles into innovative lottery games and introducing entirely new ones, we aim toimpact in both the iGaming and lottery markets. We’re confident that our audience and newcomers alike will be curious about these new games, and we’ll further boost interest through various promotions. Evoplay’s products will deliver a unique gaming experience, combining nostalgic charm with modern appeal, ensuring they resonate with different player types worldwide. When players discover they’re not only having a great time but also having a chance to hit the jackpot and make their dreams come true, they won’t be indifferent.
In which global markets is the lottery experiencing the most growth, and where do you see the biggest opportunities?
Right now, the American (both North and South) market is at the forefront of online lottery growth, and there are huge opportunities here. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many players from retail to online platforms, leading to a clear increase in lottery participation globally. In the US, new online and sports betting laws have further accelerated this growth.
Asia is also a significant growth market, as is Latin America, which is becoming more accessible for operators. But if you ask me to pinpoint the biggest area for opportunity, I’d definitely say it’s the US. I believe our partnership with EQL Games is the first step for Evoplay to enter this market and sets the stage for future growth and success.
We are also focused on expanding our presence in other key markets, including Europe and beyond, where there are many lottery fans. The open data for 2024 highlights the growing potential in these regions, particularly in the top five countries by revenue, whichthe United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada lead. . This landscape presents us with numerous opportunities to leverage.
What does the future of the lottery look like to you?
As the lottery evolves, it will increasingly have to take on some of the characteristics of an online casino. To stay relevant, lotteries must enhance their game offerings and refresh their image to attract younger players, as most current participants are still 50 and older. This transformation is already underway and is set to accelerate, creating significant opportunities for innovative companies like Evoplay.
While engaging a younger audience is essential, prioritizing player safety remains crucial. This can be achieved by crafting games that encourage responsible play, offering captivating formats and dynamic gameplay that keep players engaged without compromising their well-being.
I believe the future of lotteries is bright as we innovate and adapt to the evolving preferences of players. Instant win games are poised to gain traction, potentially shifting the current balance from traditional lottery ticket sales to a greater emphasis on instant win formats by 2030.
What opportunities has WA.Technology identified in the Peru market? Why was this an attractive expansion opportunity?
The Peruvian market is an incredibly attractive opportunity for WA.Technology, for many reasons. The market is home to a large, fast-growing, tech-savvy audience that has an ever-growing disposable income available to enjoy gaming.
The Peruvian market is also no stranger to gambling regulation. Land-based casinos have been legalised in Peru since 1979; this legislation formed a solid foundation for many other LatAm markets to introduce similar regulations for brick-and-mortar venues.
Online regulations have been introduced much more recently, in October 2023, following approval from the regulator, MINCETUR. As you can imagine, this means that much of the population has a level of awareness of the different gambling products available to them.
Another key factor is the growing usage of social media platforms among players. In Peru, social media usage has surpassed eight hours a day – this provides an important opportunity for operators to be able to establish communications with players and, ultimately, build brand exposure. Growing internet and smartphone penetration across the country also presents a huge opportunity for the growth and development of the gambling industry. It is estimated that smartphone penetration is approximately 1.2 phones per person, making the type of online gambling we’d expect in Europe and North America quickly available further south.
Why has now been the right time to enter Peru?
As they say, there’s no better time than the present! We already have a strong presence in LatAm. The introduction of regulations that govern the online gambling space in Peru has opened up new doors for us to expand our footprint across the region.
Peru’s regulatory framework makes this market the perfect opportunity for WA.Technology to bring our expertise to operators across this nascent market. With more and more operators entering Peru (the last time I checked, there were 145 licence applications), we knew that there would be a demand for platform providers that can offer the full package of iGaming solutions. WA.Technology is perfectly placed to deliver exactly that.
Our full spectrum of products and solutions – which includes WA.Platform, WA.Sports, WA.Casino, WA.Fantasy, WA.Affiliates and WA.Lottery – will allow sportsbooks and casinos across Peru to revolutionise the way they engage with bettors by facilitating new levels of personalisation and localisation.
How do you plan to stand out from the crowd? What are your key USPs for this market?
WA.Technology has three key aspects that will give us a true edge in the Peru gaming market, making us the best proposition available for operators. The first is that we are the only iGaming provider that fully understands the importance of localisation. We are a global business, but we act locally – as well as boasting nearly two decades on the continent.
In short, we are incredibly well versed in the intricacies of the LatAm market, and how best to navigate the unique gaming culture in Peru. We also have a team based in Trujillo, which gives us a solid base of operation and allows us to stay up to date on developments on the ground.
The second aspect is the quality of the platform that we have. The WA.Technology is second to none; our products and solutions are highly customisable and scalable, each tailored to the unique needs of each of our partners.
We also offer best-in-class technology, backed by our team of top-level professionals, which utilises artificial intelligence to create the most efficient, streamlined products for our partners. This combination of expertise and cutting-edge technology gives WA.Technology an edge in the Peruvian market and allows us to stay ahead of any changing trends.
The final aspect is the support that we can offer to our partners. Operators are not just purchasing a product from WA.Technology; they are getting a full package of iGaming solutions. By partnering with us, operators will gain access to a wealth of knowledge and round-the-clock support that no other provider on the market can offer.
In addition to our platform, our partners also benefit from our team’s extensive gaming experience. Not only do they receive the full spectrum of support when launching and executing their growth strategies – but we’re also able to seamlessly integrate our best-in-class technology, no matter what the local tech challenges, as we understand LatAm better than anyone else.
How will your previous experience in LatAm shape your Peru strategy?
Our experience in LatAm, and other markets around the world, has provided us with a deep pool of knowledge that will most certainly influence our value proposition and our ability to offer operators the best possible solutions based on their own unique requirements.
WA.Technology knows just how important localisation and personalisation are to creating stand-out experiences. This isn’t just applicable to LatAm, but rather to every market that is regulated. We are very fortunate that we can tap into our local team to ensure that we have a deep understanding of the cultural, social and economic dynamics of the market.
We know that in order to engage and retain players, we cannot offer a standardised set of products – each product and solution must be tailored, in collaboration with our partners, to allow them to achieve their company goals.
What have been some of the biggest trends within the Peruvian gaming market? And how does WA.Technology plan to capitalise on these?
Something to keep in mind is that the Peruvian market is incredibly diverse, so it is hard to pinpoint a small number of trends that are shaping the market. But there are two which I believe should be mentioned: the first is the growth in provinces outside of Lima.
Lima, the capital city, has long been the centre of operations in Peru. But the city has become increasingly saturated, with many operators focusing their attention here.
In recent years, we’ve seen particular growth in cities such as Arequipa, Ica and Moquegua, and with that, significant technological advances and growing acceptance of gambling activities. This growth looks as though it will continue long into the future, which I believe will bring plenty more opportunities for expansion in Peru.
The second trend I’ve noticed comes down to players’ behaviour. The grouping in digital tribes is becoming much more noticeable, especially as we can analyse behaviours across different demographics.
At WA.Technology, we have identified more than 40 different demographics of players and more than 60 different psychological biases that impact how players engage with gambling activity. With those insights, we can understand what stimuli can impact player behaviours and adjust our products accordingly.
WA.Technology’s commitment to compliance and social responsibility
WA.Technology is a dedicated B2B service provider that upholds a strong compliance culture and encourages social responsibility and responsible gaming. Our marketing efforts support partners in upholding ethical standards, reflecting a commitment to integrity, transparency and the well-being of the gaming community. WA.Technology encourages safe and responsible gaming environments by offering products and services that adhere to regulatory compliance and responsible marketing.
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