Interviews
Viva Las Vegas: Super Bowl touches down in Nevada
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar not just in the US but the rest of the world. And as all eyes turn towards the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, gambling companies will be looking for new opportunities to elevate the experience for bettors.
We spoke to Allan Petrilli (Managing Director at Acquire.bet), Troy Paul (Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of SGG Media) and Jamie Shea (Chief Marketing Officer at Strive Gaming) to get the low-down on all things Super Bowl.
This is the second year that the Super Bowl is taking place in a state where sports betting is legal. From a betting perspective, are there any lessons that could perhaps be taken from last year’s event in Arizona?
Allan Petrilli: While I do not have much to add comparing to last year in Arizona – Las Vegas is the MECCA of betting. When considering whether any lessons that can be learnt, my first thoughts went directly to the experiences that brands can offer their VIP customers, and particularly the acquisition-focused promotions that they can run in the lead up to the event – think giveaways, trips, hospitality experiences etc.
It may be a bit late to start rolling out these experiences now, but who doesn’t want to go to Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl?
Troy Paul: Everyone bets on the Super Bowl! Even those that watch one game per year. However, any serious gambler will already have a wagering account- so it’s not really a time to sign up massive numbers of new accounts. However, the Super Bowl is a great time to incentivise your players to make their biggest wagers of the year.
We have seen young fans like “Prop” bets and Parlays- so the Books with the best prop and parlay odds and the best web site from a usability standpoint is paramount. If you have a user site that is not player friendly the gamblers will just go back to the sites they understand and find easiest to navigate.
Jamie Shea: The Super Bowl will be very different from last year’s event. In Arizona, companies like DraftKings had a significant presence. However, DraftKings isn’t present in Nevada; FanDuel does have a retail location, though. In Nevada, you must register in person to wager online. This year, I think BetMGM might emerge as one of the big winners—they have retail locations and an online sports betting presence.
Since people won’t be able to bet with the other big national operators, BetMGM and Caesar’s have a tremendous opportunity to make their product known to the influx of people coming to the city for the Super Bowl. It will be intriguing to see how those coming into Las Vegas from out of town, who are accustomed to brands like FanDuel or DraftKings, will react. It will also be interesting to see if out-of-towners’ experiences with the BetMGM app might influence them to switch to that app after they return home. This could significantly impact player conversion.
This year will certainly be quite different from previous years. I’ve grown up in this industry, having run sportsbooks at retail locations for years. Nevada, formerly the only place in the country to bet, has maintained its requirement for in-person registration, a mandate not seen in other states. This makes it challenging in Nevada. However, unless regulations change, I fear Nevada might not thrive as much as other states.
In your opinion, what new opportunities / challenges does hosting the Super Bowl in Nevada present for sportsbooks? Could this be the year of ‘record bets’?
Allan Petrilli: In my honest opinion, I don’t necessarily believe that the location of the Super Bowl does, or should, have an impact on the volume of bets place. Of course, if we’re looking at the land-based industry in Nevada, then sure, we may see more bets placed at brick-and-mortar casinos. Although Las Vegas has always been a popular destination on Super Bowl weekend, regardless of where the game was being played.
That being said, I do believe that there may be some challenges around the lack of pure mobile betting in Nevada. Across the Silver State, players need to create their betting accounts in-person; so, I wonder if sportsbooks will be able to handle the increased volume of bets on gameday in a manner that doesn’t resolve in massive lines.
Troy Paul: Absolutely! Super Bowl LVIII certainly has the potential to be the year where we see a record number of bets placed.
Jamie Shea: Every year is a year for record bets. Since the repeal of PASPA six years ago, the understanding and popularity of sports betting have steadily grown. I believe this trend will continue, and Nevada, in particular, might see a record year for sportsbooks. Station Casinos, local to Nevada, will likely see a record number of sports bets placed. Nationally, with the sports betting industry’s substantial growth, massive numbers of bets are expected through major operators. Those not traveling to the game as well as those getting their bets in, in their home state before traveling, will be a big number indeed. The promotions have been fantastic, further fueling the growth of sports betting. The popularity of the Super Bowl is influenced by various factors like team matchups, halftime show performers, and fan bases. The industry’s continued innovation, including popularizing prop bets and live betting, will keep the Super Bowl engaging.
And how about casinos, are they going to miss out on the action? or is there opportunity for cross-selling casino to sports bettors, and vice versa?
Allan Petrilli: The land-based venues are obviously going to benefit from the increased footfall that weekend. But I don’t believe that there is a significant opportunity around pure casino acquisition during the Super Bowl.
That being said, acquiring new players during Super Bowl weekend is relatively “cheap” for online betting and gaming companies, especially given the organic interest around the game and the widening of relevant audiences. But generally speaking, this type of traffic tends to be lower quality and, quite often, churns quite quickly.
That isn’t to say that there is absolutely no opportunity for casino acquisition, however. For brands with multiple verticals, there is a great opportunity to potentially acquire casinos for a low price and, at a later date, cross-sell other products. This strategy is much easier said than done; if brands want to do this effectively, they need to be creative and timely in their offering.
Troy Paul: There are opportunities for casinos, but only those situated in Las Vegas. Over Super Bowl weekend, players flock to the Mecca of sports betting that is Las Vegas for a bit of entertainment. And many big gamblers would much rather spend their money on wagering in the casinos than on an expensive ticket for just one day! So there is no doubt that sports fans in the city will also have a flutter on casino games too.
Jamie Shea: Regarding casinos, I don’t think they will miss out on the action. Everyone coming to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl will likely stay at a casino property, exposing sports bettors to casino games. The excitement will be palpable. Who doesn’t want to play craps alongside excited fans of their team or of the NFL, in general? The sports bars, slots, table games and restaurants will be filled to the hilt with enthusiastic fans.
What more can, or should, the gambling industry be doing to capitalise on the hype surrounding major sporting events such as the Super Bowl?
Allan Petrilli: For me, it always comes down to personalisation. Acquiring new users and getting bets placed for the Super Bowl is sometimes seen as being “easy”, but converting those users into long-term, loyal customers is quite the opposite. It is very difficult. This is then made that bit harder because those newly acquired customers are then looped into the same CRM and loyalty schemes as the more traditional bettors, but you need to approach these players very differently.
One way to keep these players engaged is by offering interesting, unique markets for future bets – whether that’s politics or even entertainment. This is really important. What you also need to ensure is that you educate these users and communicate with them in a way that makes them feel safe and not alienated. This is why personalisation is so important.
Troy Paul: Firstly, the gambling industry should make sure that they are promoting the products that their audiences want to see – namely prop bets and parlays. If you give players what they want, then they will certainly be happy.
Secondly, sportsbooks should offer Bonus Boost bets for the markets that they have on offer; if you do that, players will certainly show up.
And thirdly, this is more specific to the casinos, but have lots of TVs and places to sit. This might sound like a simple idea, but it will be very effective – players want to be comfortable when having a bet. They might even pay a fee for the luxury of having a comfortable seat. But just make sure you don’t make that fee egregiously high!
Jamie Shea: The industry is already maximizing the Super Bowl hype through promotions and marketing. Operators like BetMGM and Caesars should ensure easy account registration on their properties. While promotions and advertising are crucial, the long-term success hinges on offering a superior product.
The Super Bowl presents an opportunity to attract new customers, making it essential for sportsbooks to provide user-friendly and appealing platforms. Additionally, the industry must prioritize responsible gambling, ensuring sports betting remains a safe and sustainable form of entertainment.
And finally, if you had to make a prediction on who will win the game, who would you guess?
Allan Petrilli: I think that this might be the year for the Chiefs.
Troy Paul: Taylor Swift versus Patrick Mahomes … now that’s too tough to call!
Jamie Shea: Regarding predictions for the game winner, I’m caught up in the Taylor Swift hype. Her involvement brings fresh eyes to the NFL, introducing the sport to a new demographic, which is fantastic for sports engagement. In this sense, Taylor Swift has already won the Super Bowl in my eyes!
An exclusive Q&A w/ Gary Denham, Founder and CEO of Wamba Technologies and Gamer’s Oasis
What inspired you to found Wamba Technologies and develop the patented esports platform, Gamers Oasis?
My motivation was the void of wholly accessible online gaming competitions. Wamba Technologies, in conjunction with Gamers Oasis, aims to create a platform where gamers can engage in fair and constant competition, free from any suspicions of impropriety, while winning money as a result of their performance. Basically, players will be able to pay an entry fee into an online competition, compete, and win money back if they place well enough in the competition.
Could you elaborate on why the misconception of esports as a form of gambling exists despite the legal framework distinguishing skill-based competitions from games of chance?
This misperception arises from the similarities between online esports competitions and traditional gambling activities, particularly where participants are paying an entry fee and vying for monetary rewards. However, at the most basic level, it comes from industry ignorance.
Anyone who has actually looked at this or participated in esports knows this is no different than tennis, golf, NASCAR, motocross, etc. This just happens to take place online. Aside from that, there is really no difference.
In your recent Forbes article, you draw parallels between online video game competitions and the financial structure of online poker. How do you see this comparison influencing the perception of esports within the regulatory landscape?
This comparison sought to underscore the potential revenue from esports while addressing any misunderstandings regarding its classification as gambling. By framing esports within a recognizable regulatory context and emphasizing its skill-based nature, the intent was to facilitate clearer guidelines and regulations conducive to industry growth. Beyond that, I also wanted to illustrate just how much untapped financial potential exists in the industry, which I aim to capitalize on with Gamers Oasis.
How do you think the historical context of online poker and its impact on the perception of online gambling influences the current discourse surrounding esports and its legal classification?
The confusion and misconceptions stemming from the past have contributed to the ongoing debate over whether esports should be deemed a form of gambling, despite its inherent emphasis on skill. Here is where it becomes very clear: remove the internet from the equation and consider the question again.
Has anybody looked at “real life” video game competitions as “gambling” in the last 40 years (aside from Las Vegas trying to get their hands on it, and failing)? Of course not. So why would featuring the same exact competitions on the internet suddenly somehow magically make this gambling?
It doesn’t. Ergo, this is CLEARLY not gambling.
What measures do you believe are necessary to establish clear guidelines and regulations for esports, ensuring both consumer protection and industry growth?
Nothing governmental. I think where esports are concerned, regulators need to stay out of it.
Will they? Only time will tell — but we don’t regulate golf, NASCAR, tennis, or any other sports. Sure, they each have their own rulemaking bodies, but those are not governmental entities, nor should they be.
I think that to make an exception for esports would set an extremely dangerous precedent and open up all sports to such regulatory oversight. Quite frankly, the day I see the government actually make something in corporate America better, I may be willing to revisit this sentiment. Until then….
How much of the gaming population do you expect to be interested in a platform like Gamers Oasis?
With approximately 660 million actual and potential esports players globally, I expect a significant portion of the gaming population to be interested in a platform like Gamers Oasis. Hundreds of millions of players are traveling to various locations to participate in competitions already.
To give them the ability to simply access this from the convenience and comfort of their own home is something that has gone over exceedingly well in all other comparable situations which we’ve seen. Banking. Shopping. Poker. Collectibles. Multiplayer, casual gaming. Now we’ll see it with video game competition.
What can you share about monetization issues in esports and how Gamers Oasis plans to tackle the problem?
Monetization challenges in esports often stem from an attempt to mirror the traditional sports’ viewer-based model, where money is made by bringing fans out to stadiums or by encouraging them to buy merchandise. In this model, revenue comes from ad sales and sponsorships in addition to gate sales and merchandising.
While that works with traditional sports, it doesn’t translate well to esports. However, with the ease of access to gaming reaching an exponentially larger number of players than traditional sports reaches viewers (basically, not everyone can throw a baseball, but 40% of earth’s population plays video games), focusing on a player-based model that encourages everyone to participate, rather than merely making them a viewer, can produce far greater emotional attachment to the sport resulting in more participation time, more monetization opportunities in general, and ultimately, as a result, more revenue. Simply put, viewers generate some revenue for the sport, but players can be worth much much more than viewers. In video games, every viewer is a potential player, so, let’s make them players!
This is where Gamers Oasis will shine. We are developing technology that will allow players of all skill levels to compete and to know that they are engaging in fair competition. Basically, you could be a bad player, but know that you will only be competing against other bad players, giving you a real chance to win money. This is something that nobody else has seemed to be able to produce in a meaningful manner. We have a way to do this and to ensure this fair play. When anyone can win, all will play. When everyone is playing, the industry experiences exponential growth.
Looking toward the future, what do you see as the future of esports, more specifically in terms of regulatory frameworks and industry development?
One of the fundamental problems esports has had up until now is there is no universal set of guidelines. As I said before, I firmly believe that the government is not the answer.
With our patent, one of the things we intend to do is to have all parties who are licensing the patent join us in setting up core guidelines for all games which feature our technology. We see this as a sort of a start in creating that centralized entity which can help establish and enforce certain guidelines, keeping it as a consensus based entity composed of the major parties who are involved with us in these endeavors, a democratic approach of sorts, with us primarily facilitating the laying of the foundation.
What kind of a relationship do you envision between the casino industry and the esports industry?
Casinos are all about entertainment, and esports bring a whole new level of that to their customers. The possibilities are exciting in that whole new esport-themed experiences can be hosted within casinos. And as casinos seek to diversify their offerings to attract younger demographics, esports present a lucrative opportunity for engagement and revenue generation through esports betting and tournaments themselves.
I think that third-party betting should be separated from any true esports platform. A true esports platform should only have the player paying their entry fees and should not involve third parties wagering on the outcome when they are not actually involved in the competition.
This is where the casino industry comes in. The casinos can be a distinct and separate entity to facilitate those kinds of transactions, keeping them wholly separated from the platforms featuring esports.
One of the major reasons for this separation is age requirements. A true esports platform should allow kids (with parental permission) to be allowed to compete just as they do in real life. However, I feel very strongly that wagering on anything as a non-participant should have some restrictions, as it has the means to cause harm to younger, developing minds. By separating the two, we can keep the competition platforms “kid friendly” while still serving the needs of the audience that seeks the other service.
3 Oaks Gaming is beginning to establish itself across regulated European markets, but now it has a focus on gaining a footprint in the rapidly evolving Latin American region.
We spoke to 3 Oaks Gaming’s Account Manager LatAm, Henrique De Simoni, about the distributor’s plans for LatAm and the overall appeal of the region.
3 Oaks has recently signed multiple deals in LatAm. How did those deals come about and are there plans for any more partnerships in those territories?
It is fantastic to sign a range of deals across LatAm, initially in Colombia and Mexico before sealing a number of agreements in Brazil. Colombia, in particular, is now a mature jurisdiction and entering the market there first ahead of other regulated territories was something that we felt was a sensible move for us.
Luckia and BetPlay are two of Colombia’s foremost operators, with a huge network of suppliers under their remit. To sign deals with those two giants undoubtedly bolsters our reputation within the region.
We also have Bet7K and F12.bet with our portfolio in Brazil and many more operators that are almost ready to go live in the next semester.
Overall, we have connected with multiple casino platform providers, such as Vibra Solutions, Alea, Hub88 and Salsa Technology, extending the reach of our content across the continent and we are excited at what the future holds for us with these partnerships.
Why were Colombia and Mexico first on 3 Oaks’ list when entering LatAm?
Colombia and Mexico emerged as the top choices for several compelling reasons. Firstly, both countries exhibit substantial market potential, with burgeoning populations eager for new and exciting gaming experiences. Additionally, the regulatory landscapes in Colombia and Mexico have been evolving positively, offering conducive environments for the expansion of the gaming industry. This regulatory stability provides a solid foundation upon which we can build our operations and establish long-term success.
Despite Colombia’s rapid maturity within the gaming sector, our thorough analysis identified continued high potential for growth. By securing certification for our games in Colombia, we’ve positioned ourselves to capitalise on the evolving landscape and seize lucrative business opportunities.
Mexico is now the second market in terms of volume, internet betting traffic and great demographic numbers related to gambling in LatAm. This opportunity of offering casino games for Spanish speaking countries that adores sports is something that challenges us and makes the industry more competitive in terms of generating the best premium slots.
What other LatAm regions are 3 Oaks targeting over the next 12 months?
With some provinces in Argentina already regulated, such as the capital Buenos Aires, this is a key market for us as we look to expand across the continent. Argentina has shown substantial numbers in the iGaming market and can easily become the third largest country in terms of GGR.
However, we are also looking at other regions in LatAm as we try and finalise further partnerships here so watch this space as our journey continues!
With Brazil on the cusp of regulation, how do you think the space will pan out over the next 12 months and what plans does 3 Oaks have for the region?
It’s no secret that Brazil has been our number one target and we are thrilled to be live in the jurisdiction through a number of agreements already. Certain analysts predict that the market is expected to be worth over US$3 billion by 2028, which is an astonishing prediction, but also an incredibly exciting one.
We will see an increase of mature companies trying to expand in Brazil and can expect to reach the biggest operators with our approach and outstanding customer experience. We have premium slots, a team that believes in the market and everything to make our brand visible for our Brazilian customers.
These numbers ensure Brazil will be the jewel in Latin America’s crown once it fully regulates, and thanks to the deals we have in place, we feel we are well positioned for future growth when regulation finally kicks in.
In the vibrant gaming industry in Chile, Francisco Leiva’s figure emerges as a key reference. A trained industrial civil engineer, his professional journey spans 35 years, from his beginnings in the public sector to his prominent role as Superintendent of Casinos, and more recently as Corporate Manager of Strategic Development at Marina del Sol. His entry into this industry, marked by challenges and significant achievements, reflects his commitment to progress and innovation. In this interview, Francisco shares his vision, experience, and accumulated wisdom over the years.
Could you tell us a bit about your career, professional trajectory, and path to where you are today; What motivated you to enter the Gaming industry?
I am an industrial civil engineer, and my career started in the public sector 35 years ago. Initially, I worked at the Ministry of Health and then at the Ministry of Finance, where I was involved in the drafting and legislative processing of various bills, such as the anti-money laundering law and the gaming casinos law.
Given my work in the legislative process of the gaming casinos bill, after its enactment in February 2005, President Ricardo Lagos appointed me as the first Superintendent of Casinos to implement the law. It was a significant professional and personal challenge as it involved bringing an industry that was far behind similar developed countries as Chile up to date.
During your time as Superintendent of Casinos in Chile, what were the most challenging tasks you undertook, and what would you say was your legacy in the gaming industry?
The main challenge was implementing the new gaming casinos law, which involved setting up the Superintendency, hiring staff, and preparing all conditions for private investors to apply for new casino operation permits. This led to 52 projects being submitted for the 18 available casino permits, with investments exceeding US$ 755 million at the time. Foreign investment accounted for 55%, and national investment for 45%.
The result was the construction of 18 new casinos along with complementary facilities such as hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and other leisure facilities that turned these areas into tourist attractions in the cities where they were built.
Undoubtedly, the main challenge was meeting the tender requirements within a tight timeframe. We managed to have a competitive process with operators from around the world, radically changing Chile’s gaming casinos industry.
The legacy was transforming the gaming casinos industry from seven municipal casinos to a modern industry with 24 top-level casinos and facilities.
What significant lessons have you learned throughout your career? And what message would you like to leave for future generations?
One lesson is that ambitious goals can only be achieved through dedication and by building motivated teams with clear objectives. It’s impossible to do it alone in tasks like these.
I believe the message is to work with honesty, dedication, and without losing sight of the task entrusted to you.
Knowing you personally, not just professionally, what activity inspires you or helps you achieve balance in your life?
Since I was a child, I have been passionate about playing tennis, and I have tried to maintain this passion even as a senior player. In this sense, I think engaging in sports helps maintain a healthy mind and body, which is essential to counter the stress that comes with demanding and complex work.
Similarly, one cannot neglect family life, as they are the ones who will ultimately support you in difficult times.
In summary, the only way, although not easy, is to harmonize work demands with a balanced life.
Finally, what is your opinion on hosting such an important international event in your country? And in a way, being one of the hosts to such important international personalities.
It is very important for the country to host such events that allow interaction among different actors in the gaming industry. It facilitates the exchange of experiences and networking, allowing the industry to continue developing. It is also important for public authorities, especially regulatory ones, to participate so they can understand the industry’s reality and see where the industry is heading given technological and cultural changes.
Francisco Leiva’s story in the gaming industry in Chile is an inspiring testimony of determination and success. From his crucial role in implementing the gaming casinos law to his contribution to the industry’s growth and modernization, his legacy endures as a beacon of positive change. Beyond his professional achievements, Francisco reminds us of the importance of balancing work and personal life, as well as the need to stay focused on values such as honesty and dedication. His optimism and commitment to the future of the gaming industry in Chile are a reminder that success is achieved through effort, teamwork, and a clear vision.
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