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Interviews

Counting Down: A Roundtable Preview of Brazil’s iGaming Era

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Counting Down: A Roundtable Preview of Brazil's iGaming Era

 

As Brazil finally gives the green light for sports betting and iGaming, industry leaders are gearing up for a transformative chapter in 2024. In this insightful roundtable discussion, we had the privilege of engaging with key figures, namely Henrique De Simoni (Account Manager LatAm at 3 Oaks Gaming), Massimiliano Vandelli (Head of Sales at ESA Gaming), Denis Kosinsky (VP Operations at NuxGame), Ihor Zarechnyi (CBDO at Evoplay), Jack Smith (Senior Sales Director at Sportingtech), and Roman Bogoduhov (Head of Accounts LatAm at EvenBet Gaming) to delve into the exciting prospects of casino entry into the newly regulated market. Our focus centred on the meticulous preparations undertaken by suppliers, understanding local player preferences, and exploring the collective vision for the future of this burgeoning market.

 

As the journey to secure the final approval for iGaming regulation in Brazil concludes, what strategies and preparations has your company put in place for the upcoming market launch?

 

Henrique De Simoni
Despite Brazil’s iGaming market being in its incipient stages, it has transitioned from a rising star to a tangible reality. This regulatory milestone in the largest Latin American country signifies a plethora of opportunities for the entire iGaming ecosystem, spanning from operators to providers.

As a company known for its agility and meticulous attention to detail, we’ve been actively engaging with key events in the region such as SBC Brazil, and SiGMA Americas. By fortifying our network and relationships with major operators, platforms, and aggregators, we’re positioning ourselves strategically for the impending market launch.

Massimiliano Vandelli

The impending regulation of iGaming alongside sports betting in Brazil presents a pivotal opportunity for our company. We’ve meticulously prepared for this milestone by adopting several strategic initiatives. Firstly, we recognise the significance of a diverse portfolio, particularly given the potential exclusion of certain online casino games. Therefore, we’ve focused on ensuring a balanced offering to cater to varying preferences and regulatory requirements.

Localization lies at the core of our approach. Brazil’s vast and distinct market demands tailored solutions, encompassing language support, minimum bets, and game types that resonate with local preferences. Additionally, understanding the nuances of player behaviour, such as volatility preferences, is crucial for delivering a compelling gaming experience.

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Furthermore, leveraging our existing partnerships with established operators positions us strategically in capturing a substantial market share. We have a track record of success with these operators, and collaborating closely with them not only strengthens our market presence but also facilitates smoother market entry.

 

Ihor Zarechnyi
Evoplayā€™s business strategy after the final approval of iGaming regulation in Brazil will involve forging key partnerships to strengthen our position in the Latin American market.

With Brazilā€™s population surpassing 215 million and the local audienceā€™s passion for entertainment, our diverse game portfolio is calibrated to cater to their preferences. Our overarching goal is to replicate and surpass the success weā€™ve already achieved in Latin America. We focus on enhancing the gaming experience of Brazilian players by addressing their entertainment requirements.

 

Denis Kosinsky
As for all new market entries, our strategy for Brazil consists of compliance, localization, partnerships and innovation. Much like Europe, Brazil is a highly fragmented market and each state should be approached on a case-by-case basis. We are customizing our platform for Brazilian players by adapting to the culture in terms of language, local payment methods and games that resonate locally while our multi-brand feature can be used by casino operators to manage different geos. Weā€™ve also turned our attention to forming partnerships with Brazil-based companies, enabling us to both broaden our reach and enhance our offering.

With smartphones dominating as the preferred device for iGaming, weā€™re optimising our techā€™s mobile compatibility for a superior experience. In addition, our marketing efforts are tailored to engage Brazilian audiences through localized content and community events. As Brazil finalizes its iGaming regulations, NuxGame is ready to deliver a comprehensive and culturally attuned gaming experience.

 

Jack Smith

We have recently seen that the Brazilian government has now officially recognised GLI as a certified testing lab. As part of this we have made continued efforts to conform to GLI 19 and GLI 33 which are synonymous with other markets on a global level. In addition to that we have also been working closely with Serpro on data transfer requirements.

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In terms of strategy, our stance remains the same as always. We are focused on collaborating with our operators to ensure that we give them all of the technical tools and capabilities to harness their own local expertise and continue to be successful. This is crucial in what will likely be a very competitive market.

 

Roman Bogoduhov

The country is still at the early stages of regulation, so setting rules and transforming them into business practices will take several long and hectic months. Traditionally, online poker is not the first vertical to be regulated, and this is the case for Brazil as well: our turn will come after sports betting and online casino games. What we are doing now is a lot of homework and preparation: connecting with the market stakeholders, getting to know the player preferences, specific market challenges, and software demands.

Product localisation and customisation are at the core of the EvenBet Gaming platform, and our offering has to be ready for the market launch. So, our business development team explores the market and identifies the features and solutions needed by the Brazilian operators and players, so that we can adapt our product to their needs.

Also, itā€™s crucial to mention that the Brazilian iGaming community is quite closed and somewhat wary towards foreign vendors and providers, preferring to establish partnerships with companies that demonstrate a proven success record in the local market. While regulation moves forward, we can take it slowly, creating fruitful relationships, showcasing examples of our partnership with operators in South America and educating the market on the business strategies allowing us to earn on poker.

 

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In anticipation of the iGaming launch, which specific verticals do you believe will capture the hearts of local players, and have you identified any unique preferences or trends that are shaping your approach?

 

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Denis Kosinsky
As part of our continuous improvement strategy, NuxGame conducts regular market research and player feedback analysis to tailor our offering and stay ahead of the tech curve. With our aims of delivering a diverse, engaging, and secure gaming environment that aligns with local player preferences, we have identified key verticals that are poised to captivate local players.

Mobile gaming is one of the largest growing trends worldwide and Brazil is no different. NuxGameā€™s platform has optimized games to present a seamless mobile experience, catering to this increasing demand. Looking at specific genres, live dealer games perform particularly well in Brazil. For these titles to flourish moving forward, it is important to ensure that there is a Portuguese-language option in addition to high-quality live streaming and a diverse array of experiences to engage as many players as possible. Brazil is also a large adopter of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. NuxGameā€™s Web3 technology and cryptocurrency purchasing feature position us to leverage these technologies for secure and efficient gaming experiences.

 

Ihor Zarechnyi
Initial findings from Brazil reveal a strong preference among the local audience for online casinos and sports betting. Based on third-party market research, it appears that Crash games capture the attention of 79.61% of Brazilian players. Following closely behind are slots, with a significant 39.83% engagement. Leveraging these data and our experience in the LatAm market, weā€™re confident that Evoplayā€™s diverse game portfolio, particularly our sport-themed titles, will deeply resonate with this audience.

However, despite our solid foundation, we remain committed to further understanding the local business culture and refining player communication approaches for strategic success. Weā€™re actively developing exclusive projects like Slotopia and Bingo to enrich our offerings and cater to diverse player demographics.

 

Roman Bogoduhov

Undoubtedly, sports betting will stay the top online vertical in Brazil. As the market expands, new technologies and advanced solutions are coming to the country, online sports betting has a chance to become more prominent than offline, thanks to live bets, mobile access, and fast and secure payments which become available as the regulation settles.

Traditionally, the lottery is the second most popular gaming activity. Still, the state has a monopoly here, so the operators and vendors will demand lottery-like games: bingo, scratch games, keno, etc. Live casino games, card games (including poker and blackjack), and new trends like crash games will follow the leaders.

Jack Smith
As we know in most established markets there is a traditional split between sports betting and casino with Brazil unlikely to differ. Brazilians have a huge affinity with Soccer and that is not going to change anytime soon with more operators vying for sponsorship opportunities with its biggest clubs.

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The inclusion of iGaming into the bill was hugely important as well as this represents a sizeable piece of the market. The likelihood is that we will likely see this continue to grow through traditional live dealers and crash games which have proven to be popular in the region as well.

At Sportingtech we recognize iGamingā€™s importance, hence why we are continuing to partner with local games providers to supply fresh new casino content that we feel will identify with the consumer. It remains to be seen how the landscape will change in the future but as always, our teams will continue to research the market and look for new innovative products to satisfy Brazilian players.

 

Massimiliano Vandelli

We foresee a diverse landscape of gaming verticals that will resonate with Brazilian players, driven by both traditional and innovative content. One area of particular promise lies in non-traditional games, such as crash games, which have demonstrated considerable appeal across Latin American markets. Our EasySwipeā„¢ portfolio, in particular, stands out as a compelling offering for sportsbooks seeking to diversify into casino games. For instance, games like Goal Mine World, which allows players to personalize their gaming experience by selecting colours associated with the SeleĆ§Ć£o Canarinha (Brazilian national team), are tailored to resonate with local tastes.

Our widget integration within sportsbooks has already yielded remarkable results, fostering player loyalty and facilitating seamless cross-selling between sports and casino content. This underscores the importance of delivering fast and engaging casino experiences that complement sports betting activities.

While sports are expected to drive significant engagement, the initial interest from online operators targeting the Brazilian market indicates a growing demand for high-quality casino content as well. In response, our latest line of video slots, featuring titles like 12 Deadly Spins and Candy Drops, is poised to captivate avid casino enthusiasts seeking immersive gaming experiences.

 

Henrique De Simoni
Absolutely! With our company’s wealth of experience in the iGaming industry, I’ve been entrusted with spearheading our efforts in LatAm, particularly in Brazil. Understanding the local culture, speaking the language, and possessing a background in the B2C sector allows us to infuse our offering with user-centric experiences for enhanced player engagement.

I firmly believe that cross-selling will be the primary vertical to target. Seamlessly transitioning players from the sportsbook to casino presents a golden opportunity, especially in a country where sports hold significant cultural sway. While crash games have made initial waves, we anticipate slots to take centre stage in the long run. Our successful slot title, Coin Volcano, with its captivating theme, user-friendly gameplay, and vibrant graphics, exemplifies the high-quality gaming experiences weā€™re aiming to deliver in the market.

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What are your overarching expectations for its trajectory? Are there specific milestones, challenges, or growth indicators that you foresee shaping the landscape in the coming years?

 

Massimiliano Vandelli
Looking ahead, we anticipate various challenges and growth indicators that will shape the trajectory of our operations in Brazil. Regulatory developments, including the implementation of iGaming legislation and associated licensing frameworks, will significantly influence market dynamics and operator engagement. Furthermore, evolving player preferences and market trends, such as the integration of sports and casino content, will present both opportunities and challenges for our growth strategy.

Primarily our aim is to secure significant exposure for our games with leading operators in the market. To achieve this, we are committed to fostering and strengthening our relationships with major partners in Latin America, who are poised to play a pivotal role in the market. Weā€™re exploring opportunities for exclusive partnerships, developing sports-driven content, and creating bespoke games tailored to the requirements of major operators. By prioritizing localization, we aim to enhance player engagement and drive adoption of our offerings across the Brazilian iGaming landscape.

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Jack Smith
Given the strong interest by what feels like the majority of the iGaming industry, itā€™s fair to say that everyone sees the growth potential in Brazil over the coming years. Research suggests that revenues will reach $2bn in 2024 and a projected market volume of $4bn by 2029. If those projections were to be correct, Brazil would solidify itself as one of the largest markets globally.

There arenā€™t specific milestones we are working towards but the continued increase of internet penetration in Brazil will play a crucial role in the development of the online gambling market. Smartphones are becoming more cost effective and available to everyone, and with the incoming legislation we will see the introduction of native apps to the iOS and Google Play stores. This will add an additional layer of convenience to the consumer.

There is also the retail opportunity, which has been hidden in plain sight for a number of years, so it will be interesting to see whether operators transition into retail to penetrate players who are limited to cash only transactions.

 

Ihor Zarechnyi
With the marketā€™s upcoming launch, we anticipate a notable surge in activity. However, like any new endeavour, this journey may be accompanied by challenges and will require thoughtful, well-balanced actions from regulatory authorities and market participants.

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We maintain a positive outlook based on predictions that Brazilā€™s online sports betting, casino, and bingo market could soar to nearly $3 billion in revenue by 2027, positioning it among the worldā€™s leading markets.

As we navigate rapid growth, itā€™s important to acknowledge the potential risks, including market overheating. However, armed with a robust strategy and a line-up of games that culturally connect with Brazilian players, weā€™re well positioned for success in further solidifying our standing in the LatAm market.

 

Henrique De Simoni
The average Brazilian spends over nine hours on the internet per day, signalling a profound digital presence ready for exploration. As such, we’re poised to leverage this extensive online engagement by ensuring our high-quality games, coupled with robust gamification elements, provide unparalleled slot experiences.

In anticipation of numerous new entrants and potential mergers and acquisitions in the market, we’re gearing up for increased competition. With over 134 companies vying for licences in Brazil, each capable of operating three platforms, the landscape is primed for expansion, with an estimated 402 regulated betting sites anticipated. Despite the challenges ahead, we’re optimistic that our expertise and ability to resonate with the Brazilian audience will set us apart. The best is indeed yet to come!

 

Roman Bogoduhov

Now the Brazilian iGaming market is shaping, and once the project is launched and adapted to the local preferences, itā€™s relatively simple to compete and acquire players. The operators will win with attractive bonuses and promotions, well-thought campaigns, and in particular social media marketing and influencer-based advertising. Brazil is one of the biggest influencer markets in the world, according to the statistics, up to 45% of consumers here trust social media platforms and recommendations. At this stage, I will not be surprised if Instagram and TikTok are literally invaded by sports betting and casino placements.

During this initial bountiful period, operators must keep in mind long-term goals. Given the difficult history of long and painful payouts and the lack of local or at least Portuguese-speaking customer support, these two operational aspects are irreplaceable for building trust and long-term engagement and are currently in the top three reasons for player churn.

 

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Denis Kosinsky
With regulation finally being implemented, we can expect Brazil to become a favorable market for growth and sustainability. Early insights signal toward rapid expansion fuelled by the recent legislation, while its young, tech-savvy populationā€™s strong interest in digital entertainment means it is poised to become one of the biggest markets worldwide. Pivotal to success in the market will be player acquisition and retention strategies that provide a superior user experience. Initiatives such as loyalty systems, player battles and brand customization will be critical in retaining players and staying competitive.

We’re closely monitoring growth indicators such as user engagement metrics, market share expansion, and the adoption of new gaming technologies to adapt our strategies for sustained growth. Furthermore, responsible gaming, at its core, is the most important contributor to making the gambling industry sustainable in the long-term. To play our part in this, NuxGame will be focusing on ethical practices to foster a safe and sustainable gaming environment.

Stemming from complex regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements and heightened competition, encountering challenges in a new market is unavoidable. Through our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships we can address these obstacles before they arise and ensure a smooth launch into the regulated Brazilian market.

Interviews

Patricio Molloy: WA.Technology is ready to raise the bar for LatAm in 2025

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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.

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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 arenā€™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 donā€™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 theyā€™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?

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Brazil is undoubtedly the flagship market in Latin America, and weā€™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.

Weā€™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 Brazilā€™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 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 marketā€™s specific demands while maintaining a cohesive regional strategy.

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What are your goals for expanding WA.Technologyā€™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.Technologyā€™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 weā€™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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Interviews

Building a company culture from the ground up

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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. Whatā€™s 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. Weā€™ve 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.

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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 donā€™t 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.

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What does SPRIBEā€™s company culture look like?

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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.

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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 wonā€™t 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.

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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 weā€™d come up with something big. But no, I couldnā€™t 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. Itā€™s this that ultimately makes SPRIBE such a great place to work ā€“ we are doing things that other companies could only ever dream of.

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Fantasy Sports

Will Booth: blending the best of fantasy and sports with Pickā€™Em Player Props

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Will Booth: blending the best of fantasy and sports with Pickā€™Em Player Props

 

For those that might not know, can you give us a brief overview of Pickā€™Em Player Props?

In simple terms, the new Pickā€™Em Player Props product from WA.Technology is almost like a hybrid between fantasy sports and sports betting. In the same vein as traditional player props products that you see in traditional sports, players can select markets on individual players 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 weā€™re incredibly excited about. Itā€™s already proving to be a top performer in LatAm.

 

Why has now been the right time to unveil Pickā€™Em Player Props?

Over the last few years, weā€™ve seen significant growth in the number of player proposition products. There are several reasons for that. Sports fans have shown a growing affinity for individual players rather than a team. They follow players on social media and engage with content featuring that player.

This reflects the wider trend weā€™re seeing: the new generation of fans is more in love with the players than the team itself. A great example of this is both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Bettors worldwide would wager on either of those players and engage with their content regardless of which team they played for or what club they supported.

The appetite for player-driven betting is increasing dramatically, resulting in a greater demand for products specifically tailored to individual athletes.

With more traditional sportsbooks, however, weā€™ve found that there isnā€™t 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.

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Since Pickā€™Em Player Props is also a hybrid of fantasy and sports, it can act as an attractive tool to facilitate new market entries, as fantasy sports are not regulated like sportsbooks or iGaming. Take the US for example. In most states, operators do not need a licence to offer a fantasy sports product. This is the case for many markets around the world, too. I believe this will be an attractive proposition for operators looking to expand their international footprint, and as a truly global provider, weā€™re here to make that happen.

 

In your view, what differentiates WA.Technologyā€™s Pickā€™Em Player Props from other player props products on the market?

Currently, we are the only B2B provider to offer a player propositions product that combines sports and fantasy. A handful of companies in the US offer something similar, but they are all B2C companies 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, weā€™ve seen a meteoric rise in the demand for player proposition markets; we wanted to develop a product that caters to that growth in demand and delivers something unique for our partners.

For other player props products on the market, something that is worth noting is that the design and UX are doing little to engage Millennial/Gen Z bettors. This audience demands a streamlined UX that is easy to use. Our Pickā€™Em version has been specifically designed with this demographic in mind, although we have been careful not to disenfranchise other age groups. We have kept the design sleek, streamlined and easy to use to deliver that. Itā€™s extremely well-designed compared to what you might see in a more traditional sportsbook.

The game is straightforward to understand because we have fixed multipliers. This decision differentiates us from more traditional products, where the multipliers vary depending on how many bets you place. It also makes the product much more accessible for players who might otherwise not be familiar with fantasy or player props.

Another major defining factor is that we have ensured players can add multiple bets from different markets together. On most sports betting sites out there, you cannot combine player props markets. You couldnā€™t, for example, have a bet slip combining Erling Haaland’s Over/Under Shots and Kevin De Bruyneā€™s Shots on Target. We know this is frustrating for many bettors. We wanted to eliminate that barrier and elevate sports fans’ experience.

 

How does the level of data granularity influence the design and effectiveness of player proposition betting products, particularly in terms of player engagement and personalised betting options?

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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 ā€˜shots 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 ā€˜favouriteā€™ particular players and clubs. Any market featuring that player will automatically appear when the Pickā€™Em Player Props application loads up.

 

Are there any markets where you believe Pickā€™Em Player Props will prove to be particularly popular? If so, why?

In all honesty, I canā€™t think of a market where this wonā€™t be popular! Regions such as LatAm present an enormous opportunity for the growth of player proposition markets. I believe we can really plug a gap in the products currently offered to bettors.

Across the continent, weā€™ve seen players show a real passion for player-focused markets, and weā€™re here to capitalise on that. In Brazil, for example, if we were to create markets on Neymar, Iā€™d anticipate this would gain much traction!

The real selling point for Pickā€™Em 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. Iā€™d expect that markets on football will perform exceptionally well across Africa and LatAm, while countries such as South Africa may have a stronger preference for Rugby or Cricket.

Ultimately, itā€™s about understanding the unique preferences of players within each jurisdiction our partners operate in and tailoring the product accordingly. With teams based in various markets worldwide, we can get to grips with the local knowledge and fully understand what resonates with bettors.

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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 canā€™t see it changing anytime soon.

Whether itā€™s interviews with specific players, post-match analytics on performance or even the inherent growth of social media, the balance is undoubtedly tipping more towards the player rather than the team.

Personalisation will also have a considerable knock-on effect on the growth of player propositions. Bettors want more bespoke offers, specific bet suggestions and more instant content tailored to their unique playing habits. With a product like Pickā€™Em Player Props, you can personalise that betting experience to your heartā€™s content.

It also becomes much easier for sportsbooks to align with a specific userā€™s interests when we deliver unmatched data analytics and levels of personalisation that are available via WA.Technologyā€™s product suite.

In short, Pickā€™Em Player Props gives operators the tools they need to create wide-ranging engagement opportunities without sticking to the rigid sporting calendar, where sometimes you might have to wait several days between a game. By incorporating fantasy sports, we can deliver round-the-clock content much faster, therefore meeting the demands of players. If you want to find out more ā€“ make sure to stop by Stand 1095 at SiGMA!

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