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SBC Summit North America to Discuss the Uncharted Path of iGaming in the United States
The 2024 edition of SBC Summit North America will spotlight iGaming, a vertical with immense revenue potential which is, however, often overshadowed in the United States by the successes in the sports betting field.
The ‘iGaming’ conference track, scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th, will bring together senior iGaming professionals to share their invaluable insights on key topics within the sector. Attendees, numbering 5,000, can anticipate in-depth discussions on the reinvention of land-based experiences through digital integration, debates on whether iGaming is cannibalizing land-based operations, and strategies for developing profitable iGaming applications, among other compelling subjects.
The panel titled ‘Why Online Casino Legislation Hasn’t Kept Pace With Sports Betting’ will explore the lack of regulatory attention iGaming has received in North America. Industry experts Adam Glass (Director of B2B Services, Rush Street Interactive), Elizabeth Suever (Vice President, Government Relations, Bally’s), Brandt Iden (VP Government Affairs, Fanatics Betting & Gaming), Cesar Fernandez, (Senior Director Head of State Government Relations, FanDuel), and moderator Shawn Fluharty (President-Elect, National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS)) will aim to explain the disparity between sports betting and iGaming, explore the regulatory and revenue models for the two sectors, and discuss new approaches from lobbyists and legislators.
The panel ‘Omnichannel Effectiveness: From Land-Based to Digital and Back’, will discuss the necessity for land-based operations to prioritize the creation of omnichannel experiences. Industry experts Bobby Soper (CEO, Sun Gaming), Matt Reback (President & CEO, Galaxy Gaming), Oliver Bartlett (Vice President of Gaming – Product & Content, BetMGM), Nick Patrick (Co-Founder and CEO, Radar), Stacey Rowland (Vice President and General Counsel, Genting Americas) and panel moderator Zoe Ebling (VP Interactive, AGS), will underscore the importance of seamless navigation between land-based and digital platforms for players, the requisite infrastructure for optimal player retention, and how land-based establishments can reinvent themselves to be accessible to all.
The panel titled ‘Blurred Lines: When is a Game of Skill Really a Game of Chance?’ will delve into the subtle differences between games that rely on skill and those that rely on luck. Industry experts CJ Fisher (Partner, Co-Chair, Gaming Department, Fox Rothschild), Jeff Hakala (Special Investigator, Connecticut Consumer Protection), Rafael DiCarlo (General Manager, Gaming NA Bancard) and panel moderator Matt Para (Principal, 10MB, LLC), will analyze instances of ambiguous iCasino and sports betting practices and explore the distinction between skill and luck in the eyes of regulators.
The conference session titled ‘Game Design 101: Launching a Profitable Product’ will bring together a host of professionals to discuss key strategies for launching a successful iGaming application. Industry luminaries Ricardo Cornejo (VP of Online Gaming, Caesars Entertainment), Alex Ursa (Head of Gaming, Betr), Doug Fallon (Group Director of Content, Bragg Gaming), Rich Criado (VP, Product & Fanatics Game Studios, Fanatics Betting and Gaming) alongside panel moderator Tony Plaskow (Commercial Director, Pixiu Gaming), will explore the essential tools companies require to effectively promote their products, foster loyalty, and achieve high player retention rates. Additionally, it will provide valuable insights and advice for game studios aiming to successfully launch their latest games.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to bolster their knowledge of the North American landscape through dedicated conference tracks covering leadership, sports betting, affiliates & marketing, industry & growth, compliance & regulation, and payments & tech. Additionally, the conference will include a dedicated tribal symposium, as well as two pre-day conferences; the Capital Market Forum and the Player Protection Symposium (entry to the pre-day conferences will require a separate ticket).
North American Expansion Kicks Off Through Strategic Partnership with Moozi
Golden Matrix Group’s game development division, Expanse Studios, has officially entered the U.S. sweepstakes market, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This move is powered by a strategic content partnership with Moozi, one of the most dynamic sweepstakes social casino platforms in the region.
With Moozi now featuring over 50 of Expanse Studios’ top-performing games—including immersive slots, crash games, and table games—this partnership positions GMGI to capture a share of the $5.6 billion U.S. sweepstakes market, projected to more than double to $11 billion by 2025 (Eilers).
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented:
“This partnership signifies our formal entry into the U.S. market, showcasing the innovation and player-first experiences that define Expanse Studios. Collaborating with Moozi enables us to deliver advanced gaming content to a growing audience in North America, a key region for our global growth.”
James Anderson, Moozi’s CCO, added:
“Expanse Studios has set a high bar for engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Their addition to our platform elevates Moozi’s offerings and strengthens our mission to lead the U.S. sweepstakes social casino space.”
This launch underscores Expanse Studios’ commitment to innovation and its long-term growth trajectory in regulated markets. By entering the North American sweepstakes market, Expanse Studios takes a bold step in expanding its footprint while delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
Zitro, a leading global gaming company, has announced the successful launch of its first Wide Area Progressive (WAP) in Argentina, with over 45 slot cabinets initially installed in five gaming halls located at the Hipódromo de Palermo. The product selected for this project is the successful game “Mighty Hammer Ultimate” on Zitro’s premium cabinet, “Altius Glare.”
This system represents the first WAP in South America. A shared jackpot called “Mega Pozo Mighty Hammer” starts at 50 million Pesos and grows progressively, making it the largest accumulated prize in the region. The official inauguration was held on December 19th during the exclusive “Noche de Palermo” event, including a live performance by the renowned Argentinian band Los Totora.
Company Directors commented: “We are very pleased to introduce Argentina’s first WAP at the Hipódromo de Palermo. This project – for which we partnered with Zitro – reiterates Casino Club’s commitment to innovation, always under the premise of offering our customers an entertainment experience that exceeds all their expectations.”
For her part, Alejandra Burato, Regional Director of Zitro for LatAm, commented: “The launch of our first WAP in Argentina is a very important milestone for Zitro, as it confirms our company as a supplier of machines for WAPs. Attending the inauguration event and seeing firsthand how our products connect with players has been a pleasure, providing a unique and different entertainment experience in the region. Additionally, I want to highlight the excellent marketing surrounding the launch, contributing to its success. Finally, I would like to thank Casino Club for their trust and collaboration, which has allowed us to present this innovative proposal in such a renowned and emblematic place as the Hipódromo de Palermo.”
The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, the largest content hub in the iGaming industry, has secured Brazilian certification, becoming one of the first in the market to achieve this milestone.
Regulatory rules for iGaming come into effect in Brazil on 1 January 2025. According to them, platforms, aggregators, sportsbooks, and providers must undergo certification. Companies aiming to provide their services in Brazil in 2025 and beyond have been preparing for this transition throughout the year.
The SOFTSWISS team announces that its Game Aggregator is the first to fully comply with regulations, completing all necessary preparations and receiving the certificate to ensure smooth and efficient operations for its clients.
SOFTSWISS has also obtained certification for integration with the world’s largest game providers – Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Playtech. These providers offer a diverse range of games tailored to suit the preferences of Brazilian players, from immersive live dealer experiences to engaging slots and table games, ensuring entertainment for every type of player.
According to recent Kantar research conducted in November 2024, the overall satisfaction index for the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is 8.1 out of 10. Remarkably, half of the respondents rated the product a 10 or 9. Customer support service satisfaction scored even higher, at 8.4 out of 10.
The Game Aggregator also boasts a key advantage: consistent 99.999% uptime, which is crucial for the iGaming business.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, notes: “According to our information, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is the first aggregator fully prepared, both technically and legally, to work in Brazil when the new regulations take effect. This is a significant achievement that the team has worked on diligently and systematically. Our work doesn’t stop here – we are actively adding new providers to help our clients expand their presence in this promising Brazilian market, which is no longer ‘the sleeping giant’. It has awakened, and SOFTSWISS is at the forefront of this exciting transformation.”
To support this high level of performance, earlier this year SOFTSWISS appointed Rubens Barrichello, the Brazilian Formula 1 legend, as a Non-Executive Director, demonstrating its strong commitment to the local market. To ensure efficient operations and promptly address ongoing matters, SOFTSWISS also has a dedicated team of local business development managers in Brazil.
SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnership in Brazil and other markets at the first major iGaming event of 2025 – ICE Barcelona, taking place on 20–22 January, at stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience 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.
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