International News
i3 Provides Corporate Update
i3 Interactive Inc. – is pleased to provide a corporate update to its patient shareholders.
i3’s strategy remains as it was when the company was formed: assemble an experienced management team to build an online gaming presence globally. Since inception the Company has had several key developments towards this goal. Starting with key markets of focus in the United States, Canada, and India, the Company has made progress that will continue to drive growth in these markets and serve as a springboard into additional markets as the foundation continues to set. These initial markets were chosen based on current opportunity, future potential, regulatory posture and relevant management experience. i3 has put together an executive team with over 100 years of online gaming experience, launching and operating companies and brands in these specific markets, among others, and have subsequently assembled operations teams with commensurate experience.
With this strategy in mind, i3 in the first instance built out a plan to move into one of the fastest growing online gaming markets in the world in India with a vision to create a destination for the growing number of online gamers looking for entertainment in the skill based online gaming category. The market is still in its early stages yet has already seen several unicorns with the likes of Dream111 and Mobile Premier League2 (MPL) as recent examples, along with other material transactions such as the 50.06% investment by Flutter Entertainment in Junglee Rummy for US$66MM.3 i3 has executed against its strategy by investing in fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and other skill-based games showing unprecedented growth in India. The objective being to create an ecosystem of players engaged in online skill-based gaming entertainment and providing them with a second to none experience across a multitude of gaming products. These investments include:
- BLITZPOKER – which has seen a 51% year-on-year growth in gross gaming revenue4 and 205,000 new players within the last 12 months.
- BLITZPOOLS – which has exceeded 4,000,000 players, which helps reduce the cost of acquisition per player based on cross selling to BLITZPOKER and other more profitable products offered by i3.
As an extension of this strategy, on April 20, 2021, the Company announced the signing of a binding LOI to acquire a leading gaming company in India (the “Target”). On May 14, 2021, the Company completed the initial funding commitment of US$5,000,000. Since then, the Company had been working diligently with the Target executive on an acquisition structure with a satisfactory valuation factoring in the Target’s rapid growth and ultimately agreed i3 would for the time being remain a shareholder in the Target while further discussions continue. Upon conversion of the initial funding into equity of the Target, i3 will own approximately 4.9% of the Target. This initial funding was used by the Target for marketing and branding, specifically in their fantasy, poker, rummy and skill-based games. The Company has informed the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) that the acquisition of the Target as previously presented has been terminated and is the midst of finalizing its annual information form, which will allow the trading halt to be lifted in the coming days.
In parallel to the investment in the Target, i3 had already been aggressively growing its own ecosystem of online gamers by way of its majority acquisition of what is now BLITZPOKER, one of the fastest growing online poker companies in India. i3 also acquired a stake in the rapidly growing fantasy sports market by way of its investment in what is now BLITZPOOLS. i3 will provide further updates on both of these businesses in the coming weeks.
Further and in keeping with its strategy to build a loyal player base and provide value across a multitude of products, i3 has entered into an LOI to acquire 100% of one of the top gaming brands in India. Further details of this LOI will be provided in subsequent releases once the Company has completed its due diligence of the target. The Company is excited to move forward with this opportunity as it fits squarely within i3’s strategy of building its online ecosystem, which gamers will enjoy and benefit from, as the rewards and service will reflect the loyalty i3 will continue to provide to its customers.
North America
On March 16, 2021, the Company announced its strategy to enter the US market. i3 and its JV partner, being a large US-facing commercial partner, are able to offer online gambling expertise, including management of online operations, official data feeds, marketing services, trading solutions and a sportsbetting platform. i3 and its JV partner offer land-based casinos a turnkey solution, using the casinos’ existing licenses to offer market access and a local brand, to offer online gaming to their existing customer base. i3 and its JV partner continue to identify potential clients for their services in the North American gambling market in line with its North America strategy. i3 and its JV partner have identified several potential clients that are at various stages of discussions and negotiations with these potential partners. As more new US States legalize and regulate sports betting and iGaming, i3 will seek further opportunities in these jurisdictions.
The Canadian market is one i3 has long been and remains excited about, having already launched a product in market. With recent developments in regulation, starting with the province of Ontario but likely leading to other provinces following suit, i3 has decided to remove its Canadian offering and is actively going through a licensing evaluation process.
Litigation Updates
Dan Bilzerian and Blitz NV, LLC have commenced actions against the Company, in Canada for breach of contract, and in the United States for trademark infringement. The actions arise from a dispute between the Company and Mr. Bilzerian relating to the lack of services provided by Mr. Bilzerian after he received compensation. Mr. Bilzerian asserted that a rogue employee, who did not have authority, entered into various Bilzerian Agreements (as defined in the Company’s Listing Statement dated June 29, 2020, a copy of which and copies of the Bilzerian Agreements are available on SEDAR). Despite initially denying the validity of the Bilzerian Agreements, and refusing to fulfil his obligations thereunder, in an about-face, Mr. Bilzerian brought a claim asserting i3 breached the Bilzerian Agreements. As such, the Company believes the subject matter of these claims to be without merit and intends to defend and counterclaim in Canada and intends to the proceed in a similar fashion in the United States.
In addition, Christopher Neville, commenced an action against the Company claiming wrongful dismissal and punitive damages. The Company believes the subject matter of the claim to be without merit and has brought a separate Claim against Mr. Neville for misappropriation of Company funds, breach of fiduciary duty and defamation.
Conferences
SOFTSWISS Invites Partners to ‘Grab Success’ Together at SiGMA Europe
SOFTSWISS, an international tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, announces its participation in the SiGMA Europe Summit 2024.
SiGMA Europe Summit will be held in Malta at the Malta Maritime Hub from 12 to 14 November. With 1,000 exhibitors, the event will host 27,000 delegates from the iGaming industry and beyond.
Creative Concept
After a resounding celebration of its Grand Anniversary in Portugal, SOFTSWISS is returning to Malta with the award-winning concept, ‘Grab Success in iGaming’. The campaign’s slogan fully reflects the industry’s rapidly evolving character. SOFTSWISS incorporated the Maltese crab, inspired by the region’s natural beauty, as a striking visual element in its marketing campaign. This creative approach was recognised and rewarded at the prestigious EGR Marketing and Innovation Awards 2024.
Innovations
During the SiGMA Europe Summit, SOFTSWISS will showcase three new innovative solutions alongside its other well-established products. Recently launched products include the Lotto Software, the Retail Betting Solution, and the Horse Racing Module. Additionally, Affilka by SOFTSWISS’ team will reveal a new feature for its affiliate software – Geo-Distributed Redirect Application.
Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Working at the heart of the industry, in Malta, for many years, SOFTSWISS see the SiGMA Europe Summit growing and constantly bringing together industry leaders, experts, and prominent players in the market. SOFTSWISS looks forward to meeting its partners and friends at the last big event of the year to finalise current projects and prepare a basis for next year’s collaborations”.
Public Speaking
During the SiGMA Europe Summit, SOFTSWISS experts will also share their profound professional experience. Vitali Matsukevich will shed light on the important theme ‘How to choose a secure and safe crypto casino’ for those who want to learn more about selecting a trustworthy crypto casino by focusing on licensing, security, and spotting red flags.
Partners and potential clients can book a meeting with the SOFTSWISS team at the company’s stand 2145 via the link to discuss mutual projects and the newest iGaming trends.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
Africa
Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Strategies for iGaming Expansion
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
International News
Infingame strikes tie-up with Fazi to further strengthen games portfolio
Studio’s renowned content boosts aggregator’s vast offering
Infingame, a fast-growing iGaming aggregator, has secured a content aggregation partnership with prominent online casino games provider Fazi.
Following a successful integration, Infingame will help to expand the global reach of Fazi’s content, including across LatAm where the aggregator continues to cement its market presence with new operator launches. The studio’s array of titles will also benefit from Infingame’s complete suite of engagement and support tools to further enhance the user experience.
Boasting a portfolio of over 160 games live across 50 countries, Fazi has been providing premium iGaming software solutions for the past 30 years, with Infingame the latest to benefit from the studio’s immersive titles including Wild Hot 40, Golden Crown and Wild Lucky Clover.
Infingame’s platform currently boats more than 15,000 games from over 200 established providers which are designed to improve player acquisition and retention and generate profitable growth for partners.
The aggregator’s latest collaboration underlines its mission to continually develop its games offering and deliver a range of experiences which align with global player preferences.
Ernest Lewicki, Head of Sales at Infingame, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our partnership with Fazi and host the supplier’s innovative, fresh and engaging content on our aggregation platform. As we work towards strengthening our market presence across the LatAm region, delivering Fazi’s portfolio to our pool of operator partners puts us in great stead and we look forward to watching this collaboration flourish.”
Srdjan Stanojevic, Director of Commercial iGaming Division at Fazi, said: “Launching our content with Infingame shows our dedication to ensure we are constantly evolving and looking for exciting opportunities to further strengthen our reach. Infingame has achieved remarkable success in recent times, and we are confident through this partnership we will be able to further tap into the rapidly growing LatAm market.”
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