Itai Zak, Digicode’s Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, shares how the company seamlessly connects client needs with customized strategies. 

The iGaming industry is standing on the threshold of one of the most remarkable transformations as emerging markets have become accessible. Both LATAM (Latin America) and Africa are unique opportunities but also come with special challenges for iGaming operators. In this article, promising emerging markets will be explored alongside effective strategies for entry and expansion, according to expert insights.

Promising Emerging Markets

LATAM (Latin America)

Brazil is one of the important focal points in LATAM, considering that it has a huge population base accompanied by a developing middle class. It is rewriting the regulatory landscape concerning online gambling, and recent developments in the case show a much more structured approach. With the market opening up, Brazil is on course to emerge as the iGaming hotbed of investments. However, operators have to keep a close watch on regulatory changes and be ready to tweak strategies accordingly.

Mexico and Colombia are on their way to regulated iGaming markets. In this respect, the very lucrative gaming market of Mexico and the already established regime of regulatory control over Colombian gambling make these markets quite attractive for expansion. The key to succeeding in those markets would be to tailor products according to local taste and to navigate the regulatory requirements.

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South Africa: Growth of the iGaming market in this African country is leading the pace. The mature regulatory environment and quite good digital infrastructure established in the country provide a stable platform for iGaming ventures. Other than the mature regulatory environment, companies entering South Africa would benefit from its relatively easy-to-navigate regulatory framework and a growing player base.

Nigeria and Kenya: Nigeria and Kenya are the two countries that are developing as the main claimants to the African iGaming scene. With large populations and growing internet access, these markets offer huge opportunities for growth. However, the regulatory environment in these countries is at an emerging stage and can be quite challenging. While the companies at the forefront keep a close vigil on these changing times, operators have to update themselves about the new regulations and develop strategies in keeping with local conditions. Manuscript Details

Successful Strategies to Enter and Succeed in the Market

• In-Depth Research

It becomes imperative to understand local preferences and player behavior in emerging markets. Operators can then narrow down key trends from comprehensive market research and amend their product offerings accordingly to suit the local taste. This would include cultural nuances, gaming preferences, and legal requirements. Companies will want to modify their approach to make themselves more appealing and competitive within these markets; this should be aligned according to these local insights.

• Local Partnerships

Market entry is contingent upon local strategic partnerships. This could include local operators, technology providers, or regulatory experts that make it easier to navigate the regulatory environment to fast-track the entry process. The value brought about by local partners in terms of market dynamics insights is immense and could build credibility among local players. Regulatory Compliance

Now, from the legal perspective, operations in emerging markets come under the purview of local regulations. A company has to keep itself updated with changing regulations and comply with all legal requirements, such as obtaining necessary licenses, proper KYC and AML policies in place, and protection of data. If they fail to do so, they will be met not only with legal problems but also threats against their brand image.

• Localized Marketing and Customer Support

Developing marketing strategies that resonate with the local audience is the key to player acquisition and retention. It’s all about binding the player to the brand through tailored promotions, localizing payment methods, and culturally relevant content. Moreover, customer support in a local language improves the player’s rating of satisfaction and loyalty.

• Mobile Optimization

In many developing markets, mobile is the leading source of internet access. Optimizing platforms for use on mobile enables reach and engagement for players. This includes responsive design, fast load times, and ease of use. A good mobile experience is very important to retain interest and reduce player churn.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

• Innovate Constantly

In case one wants to be competitive, continuous innovation is a must. The new technologies, like AI-driven personalization and blockchain integration, advanced data analytics, shall be embraced to enhance the gaming experience. These innovations help in the offer of tailored game recommendations, provision of transparency, and gaining better insights into the player’s preferences.

• Personalization and Engagement at the Forefront

Personalized gaming experiences are core to player retention. AI and data analytics afford the potential of individual game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and personal customer support—players feel valued and engaged. The creation of an engaging experience, through personalization, can increase substantially loyalty and lifetime value.

• Agile and Scalable Solutions

Such flexible and scalable platforms let companies quickly adapt to market changes and regulatory requirements. This forms a critical enabler for entry into new markets and competitive positioning. Scalable solutions ensure that, with growing demand, the increasing traffic and the addition of new features to the platform do not come with degraded performance. 

• Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Partnerships with industry leaders, technology providers, and creators will genuinely develop offerings and increase their reach in the market. Such strategic partnerships will fuel innovation and give a competitive edge to the entities entering into the joint venture. Collaborations can also facilitate entry into newer markets and assimilate the latest technologies into the platform.

Future Outlook

The future of iGaming in emerging markets is, therefore, bright. Regulatory environments are slowly getting their frameworks in place, and a further improvement in digital infrastructure will unleash a wide range of opportunities for those who dare to invest in these areas. With proactive positioning, embracing technology, and more locally-geared strategies, iGaming operators can navigate the challenges and maximize growth potential in these dynamic markets.

iGaming Market Expansion in Emerging Markets: A Complex yet Potential Fertile Ground. To sum it up, one has to rely on market research, develop local partnerships, and be agile in compliance with regulations while continuously innovating to best capture the ever-budding opportunities such markets bring forth.

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At Digicode, we’re seizing the opportunities in emerging markets, bringing our innovative gaming solutions to new audiences around the globe. As the result – we ensure our clients can confidently expand into these exciting new markets, turning challenges into opportunities for success. So the time to turn untapped potential into real growth is now and we’re here to support you throughout this journey.

A first-of-its-kind comparative analysis state-by-state, the report evaluates states’ regulations against NCPG standards

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions and research services, is proud to support the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) by producing a groundbreaking research report that cross-references states’ online sports betting regulations against NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards (IRGS).

The new report involved a thorough analysis of the applicable laws, regulations and standards of every U.S. state with legal mobile sports betting in order to assess how closely their formal regulatory requirements align with the independent best practices recommended by the IRGS.

Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, explains, “Partnering with Vixio Regulatory Intelligence on this landmark evaluation allowed for NCPG to highlight both the progress made and the critical gaps that remain in the alignment of state sports betting regulations with NCPG’s player protection standards. The report offers a comprehensive framework for states seeking to improve consumer safeguards and promote responsible gambling.”

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Vixio Chief Analyst James Kilsby joined NCPG experts for a webinar to digest the report on September 24. Kislby will also be moderating a panel at G2E Vegas on U.S. sports betting’s ever-changing regulatory landscape.

“At Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, we are committed to providing independent, data-driven insights and research that help regulators and policymakers make informed decisions,” Kilsby said. “We’re proud to partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling to drive positive regulatory changes and ensure player protection remains a top priority in this evolving industry.”

The report analysed jurisdictions that offered legal mobile sports wagering as of June 2024, comprising 30 different states and the District of Columbia.

As required by Peruvian law, international iGaming holding company PIN-UP Global intends to license its software and find a partner company.

In the context of changes in the regulation of the iGaming market in Peru, PIN-UP Global initiated the process of licensing its products and searching for licensed partners, notifying the government authorities. For the period it will take to enter the Peruvian market under the new legislation with a future partner, the holding company officially prohibits the use of PIN-UP products and brand in the region.

For the holding company, this is a consistent continuation of its journey into the B2B market, which opens up new opportunities for partnerships and will allow to provide a better user experience with PIN-UP platforms. The main objective of the holding company is to conduct efficient and transparent operations in all markets, relying on the legislation of each jurisdiction.

Recall that earlier PIN-UP Global updated the list of countries in which the use of the brand and its products is prohibited. PIN-UP as the leader of the iGaming market makes such strategic decisions taking care of its reputation and complying with the principles of responsible gaming.

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