Roman Bogoduhov, EvenBet Gaming’s Head of Account Management, joined the company late last year. We caught up with him on how the business plans to secure further growth as the region’s various markets develop. 

CasinoBeats: Which LatAm countries do you see having the most immediate potential right now and why?

RB: There’re several countries where it’s lucrative to start a casino or sports betting website at the moment. Colombia is the most attractive one with minimal legislative barriers and an established and transparent licencing process. Argentina comes in second place as it’s a huge market with an igaming-hungry population, but it’s a lot more complicated, with 24 jurisdictions in the country, all with various regulatory statuses. On top of that, the legislation in most of these territories makes starting a brand new casino nearly impossible. 

However, the online market in Mexico is very attractive, but it’s only available to existing land-based operators.     

CasinoBeats: How has the status of online poker changed in LatAm in recent years?

RB: In Latam countries that allow the operation of local or offshore poker offerings, online poker has quickly transformed from being associated with the black market and illegal activities into an indispensable part of everyday entertainment. For example, in Colombia and Chile, we’re seeing interest in our product increasing constantly, especially from sports betting operators because of the audience crossover.   

To lean into this, we have optimised our Side-Bet product, which allows players to bet on sports without having to leave the poker room. For projects starting from scratch, we have pre-integrated sportsbooks from two partner providers with an enormous choice of sports and events, so an operator can give passionate players access to both offers simultaneously.

CasinoBeats: Conversely, which countries do you see as slow burners that further down the line could be the most promising markets?

RB: Brazil is the biggest potential market. We see slow movement toward online gaming regulation as the 2022 World Cup draws ever closer. That being said, the proposed changes mostly cater to sports betting and lotteries. However, as the government sees the benefits of a regular influx of taxes from the igaming sector – especially considering the costly events of the past two years – the regulation will naturally extend to online casinos and poker rooms as well. This is particularly likely given poker’s affinity with sports betting. 

As well as that, these games are already part of day-to-day life in the form of illegal operators and the country stands to benefit exponentially from common-sense regulation.  

CasinoBeats: With the complexities in relation to the regulatory status of LatAm – with some countries such as Brazil currently prohibiting gambling, others unregulated but not actively prohibiting it, and others such as Argentina regulated on a province-by-province basis, how do you target the best opportunities for the company?

RB: There are several questions we ask ourselves before making any country-specific offer. First, and most importantly, is online poker currently regulated in the country, such as in Colombia? If not, is playing in offshore poker rooms allowed, as is the case in Chile? 

Then we need to examine whether there’s an existing offline and online poker culture in the region that would allow an operator to create a sustainable user database. In Argentina’s case, there’s massive affection for the game, making it a no brainer to implement the game there.    

Having interrogated these factors, we can advise an operator on whether to proceed with an offering. We’re also beginning to examine how EvenBet Gaming can help our customers to better understand legislative barriers and which forms of partnerships are the most promising.

CasinoBeats: A region with such potential will inherently bring competition. What do you believe makes your company stand out from your competitors?

RB: EvenBet Gaming was one of the first poker providers that started to work in Latin and South America. In the last four years, we’ve optimised our offerings to the needs of local operators and players, completely localised the software and management tools we offer specific clients and created a Spanish-speaking business support team. As well as that, we have consistently participated in many gaming industry events in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and other countries. 

Finally, we offer the same world-class poker platform that we make available in more mature markets, such as Europe and the US, with all the necessary certifications. It is safe, secure, and packed with all necessary anti-fraud and compliance tools. We pay special attention to developing and providing KYC and anti-fraud solutions to LatAm-based operators because trust and safety are among the biggest issues in the region. There’s still a lot to be done, but we’re ready to launch any type of project our partners might need.

CasinoBeats: If you could change any elements of how the LatAm countries currently operate in terms of gambling and regulation, what would they be and why?

RB: I’d speed up the process of transition from black and grey online markets to regulated ones. That would be beneficial for both the players, who would be protected from various scams and fraudulent operations, and each of these countries’ economies would receive more taxes. Keeping online gambling in the shadows has grave consequences for the industry’s reputation in general. It only serves to complicate the operations of legally working companies.

CasinoBeats: What new products should operators in the region be looking forward to?

RB: More mobile-first and mobile-only multi-gaming platforms. These seem to be most interesting for many audiences in LatAm. The combinations can be quite different. For example, EvenBet offers a mobile poker platform with the possibility to add thousands of casino and table games as well as a live offering and classic sports betting.

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With Evoplay continuing to make its mark across the continent, it wasn’t long before the supplier decided to launch a Latin American-themed football game. 

Penalty Shoot-out: Street, unveiled back in early July, aims to take players to the streets of Salvador as they attempt to score against the local goalkeeper on a street-side pitch. 

Speaking to CasinoBeats at the recent iGB Live, Evoplay Chief Commercial Officer Vladimir Malakchi began: “The main aim of the game was to expand our portfolio. We understand that in Latin America, and in fact globally, there are a huge number of football fans that enjoy these types of games. So with  Penalty Shoot-out: Street, we want to cater to these types of players. 

“When testing out the game, we received really positive feedback from players – our operators, customers, streamers were all enjoying this game. We identified what areas needed improvement and to be tweaked accordingly. We found that the speed of the game was something that Latin American players preferred, so we adjusted the original Penalty Shoot-out to meet that demand.”

A LatAm twist

The game, he explained, builds upon Evoplay’s Penalty Shoot-out portfolio but this time, with a Brazilian flair. 

Something that was highlighted during the discussion is that it’s simply not enough to just launch a new version of the game and hope for the best. Instead, the new iteration of Penalty Shoot-out required a solid marketing strategy that inter-linked product and player optimisation.

Malakchi said: “You have probably already noticed that we always try to keep our strategy line very straight. We launched this game the first time around in 2021 with a plan to be aggressive in the marketing of these football games. 

“Building out this product line and adding new versions of Penalty Shoot-out to our portfolio is part of this marketing strategy. We don’t just want to shout about how great our games are on social media, the marketing strategy needs to showcase our product is working and how it is optimised for different audiences. 

“It’s like having a great series of films – when you have a strong product and it’s marketed well, the end customer looks forward to the new version coming out.” 

Adding a new twist, plus additional gamification features to the Penalty Shoot-out series, is a key strategy for Evoplay as it means that players are constantly provided with fresh content, ultimately keeping them ‘on their toes’.

He added: “I don’t like the idea of having one game, hoping it will become a bestseller, and then leaving it to sit on the shelf. Eventually, it will become less popular with players – we don’t want that for our games. 

“We want to be constantly bettering ourselves and our games, so that players always have something new and enjoyable to bet on. And so far, that’s going really well for us.” 

Finding the right time

As we find ourselves in a bit of a lull when it comes to the men’s football calendar, it could be said that many fans are looking for new ways to enjoy the sport. 

So it should come as no surprise that Penalty Shoot-out: Street has been designed in a way to appeal to that demographic of traditional football fans. But did the downtime in live football play a role in why Evoplay chose to launch this title now? 

In Malakchi’s view, there is no ‘right or wrong time’ to launch a game, but rather a time to test out what works best and what can be improved. “I don’t believe there was one singular ‘right time’ to launch this. The right time is when you decide to launch, and until you try, you won’t know,” he continued:

“The key difference between this version of Penalty Shoot-out and previous iterations is that this is much more orientated towards Latin America. The side games feature a lot of street football which is very popular with players. We found this out by launching and then trialling what works.

“We feel that this version is much more oriented towards players that enjoy traditional football games – it brings a sense of nostalgia, similar to the football games people would play when they were younger. 

“The mechanics within the game are much quicker than previous versions of Penalty Shoot-out. Technology has improved a lot since we first launched Penalty Shoot-out, and at Evoplay, we’re growing our own technology stacks even further, so the game is much more optimised. 

“I think this game will prove to be really popular across Latin America, and even more so in Brazil.”

So far, the title has been “very well received” among the exclusive group of operators with which it was launched, with a number drawing attention to the retention capabilities of the game. 

This, the Evoplay CCO added, is particularly important given the rising player acquisition costs and increasingly competitive gaming market.

Malakchi said: “We initially launched this game with an exclusive set of operators just to test the waters and see how it would be received by players. We’ve had some fantastic results, especially when it comes to player retention. This is very important to us. 

“We know how to engage our player bases, but we also want to make sure they keep coming back; this is an area where there is always room for improvement.

“Penalty Shoot-Out Street has been shown to increase retention by more than 20 per cent, which is absolutely fantastic! Right now, we’re in the stage of monitoring results and gathering feedback from players. From there, we will see what is working well and where we need to improve.”

What does the future hold?

Despite only launching Penalty Shoot-out Street a few weeks back, Evoplay already has big plans to add more features to its portfolio with new gamification features and marketing campaigns. 

This will ultimately elevate the gameplay experience and, according to Malakchi, will keep players coming back for more.

“The first launched on 15 July and will be rolled out with a group of operators for testing. And then in Q4, we are planning to launch a new campaign based on this gamification feature,” he concluded.

“There is so much in the pipeline for us when it comes to gamification features that will be added to our games. Our main strategy is to launch these new features and carry out lots of new and exciting marketing campaigns alongside our operator partners. Ultimately, we want to give our partners something that they will enjoy.”

The post Vladimir Malakchi, Evoplay: adding a LatAm twist to Penalty Shoot-out  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

How has trading been so far this year for BGaming and what have been the highlights for the company?

Looking back at this year, I’m really happy to see BGaming continue to grow. One of the biggest highlights was the release of our data-driven game, Aztec Clusters, in February. We worked on this game with the Casinolytics AI platform, and what makes it special is that it’s designed around the gaming habits of streamers. 

Casinolytics spent 18 months analyzing over 10,000 hours of data, looking at how streamers play, what emotions they show, and their gaming styles. In just a few months, Aztec Clusters became a huge hit with both streamers and players. Even now, more than six months later, it’s still one of the top games.

We’ve also made great progress with our marketing tools, especially with the Drop campaigns and the launch of B-Rush Challenges. On top of that, we’ve entered new markets this year, including Lithuania with UniClub, Bulgaria with InBet and Winbet, Armenia with Adjarabet, Slovakia with Tipos, and Africa with PremierBet, and many others. We’re also building new partnerships in Romania and Latin America.

And lastly, I’m excited to share some exclusive news — we recently certified our games in Peru. This is a big step for us, as it not only helps us grow in that region but also strengthens our plans to expand further into Latin America.

There’s a distinct Portuguese theme coming from BGaming right now. You have a new art collaboration with street artist Gonçalo MAR and a high-profile attendance this month at SBC Summit Lisbon. Let’s talk firstly about your art collaboration, the rationale behind it and the creative process involved.

At BGaming, we love to do things a little differently. For us, participating in exhibitions around the world isn’t just about showcasing our games — it’s a creative journey. That’s where our “When Art Meets Gaming” project comes in. In each country we visit, we collaborate with local street artists to give our iconic game characters a fresh and unique look. 

Ahead of SBC Summit 2024 in Lisbon, we’ve teamed up with Portuguese street artist Gonçalo MAR. He’s been blending comic book, floral, and street art styles for over 25 years to create vibrant, surreal pieces. For this collaboration, our 7th art project, Gonçalo MAR used floral and leaf designs to reimagine some of BGaming’s most popular characters, including those from Aztec Clusters, Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS, Aztec Magic MEGAWAYS, and Book of Cats. We’ll be showcasing his artwork at our stand, and we’ve also prepared branded merchandise and gifts for our partners and visitors. I warmly invite everyone to stop by stand B120 and see all these firsthand!

And secondly, SBC Summit Lisbon, where BGaming will showcase its latest game releases. Can you walk us through some of the new games and highlight their unique features?

Since the market is already filled with a wide range of slots, we make it a priority to release different types of games and themes each month. Let me highlight a few of our latest releases that really stand out.

First, we have Kraken’s Hunger, our first-ever horror-themed slot. It features adaptable reels, bonus symbols, special Ship symbols, Free Spins, and a Bonus Buy option. Only the bravest players will dive into the deep, dark ocean to face the tentacled beast lurking beneath! With multiple ways to influence the game’s outcome, Kraken’s Hunger offers an exciting and immersive experience.

Next is Street Power, a casual game with win-only mechanics, three fighter options, and upbeat audiovisual effects. In this retro-style game, players choose their hero, and each champion brings their own gameplay style, with different levels of volatility, multipliers, and max wins. It’s a fresh and dynamic take on classic fighting themes.

Finally, I’d like to mention Mine Gems, a modern twist on the classic Minesweeper game. This casual game is simple but captivating, with progressive multipliers and familiar diamond and dynamite symbols. The goal is to collect as many gems as possible while avoiding hidden explosives, all while trying to multiply your bet. Mine Gems is unlike anything else in our portfolio, combining easy-to-understand gameplay with thrilling odds and engaging visuals for a truly fun player experience.

What other key initiatives can delegates look forward to from BGaming in Lisbon?

Alongside our 7th art collaboration for the “When Art Meets Gaming” project, our main focus at SBC Summit Lisbon is to showcase what we do best — our games. In addition to the new titles I’ve mentioned, we’re really excited about an exclusive game release on September 25th with a celebrity on Roobet, which is something we’re sure will catch a lot of attention.

Visitors to our stand will also have the chance to try out our B-Rush Challenges marketing tool, where they can play and win some great prizes. We’ve been preparing for this event all summer, so we have some exciting plans ready to go from September 24-26.

As part of our visit to Lisbon, we’re also continuing our tradition of giving back. This time, we’re making a donation to the European Intercultural Club, a local non-profit founded in 1998. The organization focuses on youth education, training, and employability, while promoting values like democracy, equality, and respect for cultural differences.

Finally, you’ve been busy in LatAm this year. How are you finding the business there and can you tell us more about your charity work with the A7MA Galeria Institute in Sao Paulo?  

Latin America is a unique market with its own preferences and rules, just like many others. We’ve been actively studying player trends, working with streamers, and organizing B-Rush Challenges with them in the region. These activities help us tailor our roadmap and create games that resonate well in Latin America. This year, we also made our debut at an exhibition in São Paulo, Brazil, which was an incredible and new experience for us.

As part of our creative “When Art Meets Gaming” project, we collaborated with a Brazilian street artist duo. We wanted our visit to have a lasting positive impact, so we also supported the A7MA Galeria Institute, which helps with children’s creative development.

Our donation helped organize a visit for children to the A7MA Gallery, where they toured ‘Batman’s Alley’ and explored art. Together with local street artists they transformed home facades into colorful murals. Additionally, A7MA representatives had an opportunity to renovate the warehouse, enhancing the space so it can host school groups and distribute food to underprivileged areas.

We’re excited about continuing these charitable efforts and proud that BGaming can make a positive impact both within and beyond the igaming world.

The post Where art meets gaming: BGaming’s Olga Levshina on doing things differently appeared first on CasinoBeats.

It comes off the back of regulatory approval that established it as the sole live casino studio to be licensed in the region earlier this year.  

Maximiliano Majo, Head of LatAm at Live88 Group, commented: “Debuting our content in Buenos Aires is a fantastic achievement for the Group and as the only licensed live casino studio in the market we are extremely proud of our committed team for accomplishing this milestone.

“BetWarrior is a prominent brand with a wide customer base and this partnership is a great opportunity for us to reach new audiences within Latin America and enhance our commercial growth trajectory. We will continue to further grow our presence in Buenos Aires and Latin America and will look to localise our portfolio to tailor to the specific preferences of players in the region.”

Furthermore, Live88 was the debut supplier to be issued a licence to offer live casino by the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC) earlier this year, subsequently becoming the only legal provider to currently supply the product in Buenos Aires.

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The stage has been reached with existing bondholders and progress will continue following the investment of investment bank Houlihan Lokey and law firm Allen & Overy as advisers.

The board emphasised the recapitalisation of Codere is needed to “clean up the company’s balance sheet and allow Codere to focus on the successful implementation of its business plan, while improving its financial capacity to drive its long-term growth strategy.”

Furthermore, Codere has also resolved operational issues in the key markets of Argentina and Mexico, which saw the company book statutory losses of $160 million in the first half of 2023.

The filing sees Codere return once more to bondholders to recapitalise the business, which in 2023 sought $100m in capital to bolster the group’s operations in South America.

The Spanish markets conglomerate continues its corporate reorganisation, which began back in 2022 by breaking away its Codere Online business via a Nasdaq merger with SPAC firm DD3 Acquisition Corp.

Codere provided no information on funding sought by the “global recapitalisation,” needed to fund the firm’s “2023-to-2027 recovery strategy”.

Corporate governance maintains Codere’s long-term outlook that the business will become effective in generating gross profits by 2025, maintaining its business units in Spain, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Panama and Argentina.

The embattled Spanish gambling group has previously cited that it will not sell its international units operating in Italy and Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and Panama.

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First off, talk us through the background of Oddsgate’s Work in Brazil 

Tiago Almeida: Many of our team members worked as senior executives in some of the most successful software suppliers that initiated the transformational approach to the region, shifting retail operations to the top-notch online first approach that exists today. Consequently, Oddsgate is a young company with cutting-edge fresh technology but has been introduced to Brazil’s needs and opportunities for almost 15 years, providing a comprehensive platform for operators to launch sports betting and casino operations.  

Mário Silva: Our focus has been on delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the unique needs of the Brazilian market based on our deep knowledge of its specificities. 

Using that experience, we have developed a unique approach with a secure, robust, and scalable platform that ensures a seamless gaming experience for operators and players. 

What are your expectations from a regulated market in Brazil 

Tiago Almeida: We anticipate several positive outcomes from a fully-regulated market in Brazil.  

The regulatory framework provides a level playing field, fostering fair competition, and enhancing consumer protection.  

The approval of the regulatory framework demonstrates a commitment to a transparent and accountable gaming industry. Our experience with the European regulated markets, where our headquarters are located, allowed our team to fully understand what players and operators will need to successfully dive into the regulated market, leading to sustainable growth. 

What’s your view on adaptation to the Brazil market and forging local partnerships there? 

Mário Silva: Oddsgate has established strong partnerships with local entities to adapt to the Brazilian market. These partnerships help us navigate the regulatory landscape, understand local preferences, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. By collaborating with local experts, we enhance our ability to tailor our offerings to the specific needs of the Brazilian audience. 

And why should Latin American operators look to be engaging with European software experts? 

Tiago Almeida: Engaging with European software experts is crucial for Latin American operators seeking to develop their presence in these emerging markets. European expertise brings experience navigating complex regulatory environments and implementing best practices in the gaming industry. Drawing lessons from successful regulatory experiences can provide valuable insights for Latin American operators to build a sustainable and compliant business. But the real challenge is then to adapt all these best practices to the context of each market, specifically to  the Brazilian one and the LatAm markets in general. 

What have been your most popular offerings in Brazil and what has proved most successful?

Mário Silva: Oddsgate’s most popular offerings in Brazil include a diverse range of sports betting and casino games with exclusive content. Our platform’s stability and user-friendly interface have resonated well with the Brazilian audience. Live betting options and localized promotions have also contributed to the success of Oddsgate in the Brazilian market. 

A crucial aspect of our success is that at Oddsgate, we pride ourselves on being unwavering and uncompromising regarding database protection and security.  

Tiago Almeida: Our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information is paramount, and we employ ruthless diligence in implementing state-of-the-art security measures. With this intransigent approach, we leave no room for compromise, ensuring that our database protection  practices adhere to the highest industry standards. 

Our clients’ and their customers’ trust and confidence are of utmost importance, and we spare no effort in fortifying our systems against potential threats. Through relentless dedication to security protocols, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the data entrusted to us. 

Our adherence to industry standards substantiates our dedication to database protection and security. With certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 10002:2018, ISO 27001:2022, and ISO 22301:2019, along with GLI 19 and 33 validations, we provide living and definitive proof of our commitment to excellence. 

At Oddsgate, we go beyond industry expectations, ensuring that our security practices meet and exceed the stringent requirements set forth by these esteemed standards and validations. Technical compliance is paramount to our organization, and our plan for 2024 anticipates a continued approach to many European-regulated markets. 

Tell us more about your expansion plans in Latin America 

Tiago Almeida: Oddsgate is actively considering expansion into other markets. We continuously evaluate opportunities in different countries, considering regulatory developments, market size, and growth potential. While Brazil remains a key focus, we also explore partnerships and market entry strategies for other promising markets. Some Latin American markets may be one of those. 

What are the main benefits for international start-ups in Latin America?

Mário Silva: Latin America presents a unique set of opportunities for international start-ups. A growing tech-savvy population and an increasing interest in online gaming characterize the region. Oddsgate brings innovative, secure, compliant, and stable solutions to the area, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences. 

International start-ups can benefit from the region’s untapped potential by collaborating with  established players, adapting to local preferences, and offering tailored solutions that address specific market needs. This approach fosters business growth and contributes to the overall development of the gaming industry in Latin America.

The post Oddsgate: committed to sustainable growth in LatAm and Brazil appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Ahead of SBC Summit Latinoamerica, Słodkowska-Popiel sat down with CasinoBeats to discuss the growing opportunities in Latin America, explaining how Wazdan plans to bring its portfolio of products to more players across the region. She highlighted some of the key markets that Wazdan has identified for expansion, before sharing some plans for this week’s event in Miami.

CasinoBeats: Latin America has been a big focus for many gaming providers over the last few years. What opportunities has Wazdan identified in the region?

Since we went live in Colombia in 2020, Wazdan has enjoyed strong results in Latin America, signing prospective deals and implementing state-of-the-art solutions. Latin America is developing rapidly, which is why we’re focused on providing our innovative solutions to operators and aggregators. This development also affects regulated markets, so there is a lot of potential for market growth. We believe our products fit perfectly with the demands of players in the region.

Players in Latin America often seek games that offer not only entertainment but social interaction too. We’ve explored opportunities to enhance player engagement through gamification features and network promotions. The latter was very popular with players and operators, with a total prize pool of $4,300,000 across six network promotions.

Mobile gaming is also becoming more popular in LatAm, and Wazdan has identified the opportunity to create mobile-friendly games that cater to the growing number of smartphone users. A prime example of that is our Extremely Light series, which offers swifter loading times on all devices and consumes significantly less energy. Developing games optimised for mobile devices is a key strategy to capture this emerging market.

Latin America is a diverse region with various cultural nuances, languages and preferences. We have identified the opportunity to tailor our games to cater to the different tastes of players across countries in the region through our Freedom of Choice suite. This approach enhances player engagement and retention by providing the end users with control over the way they play our slots.

CasinoBeats: Looking at the Latin American market, can you give us an overview of how Wazdan has performed in the region so far?

Over the last three years, we’ve established strong relations with local casinos and platforms. The main regions we focused on were Colombia – the oldest regulated market on the continent – and Mexico, and among our prominent partners you can find top regional operators such as BetPlay or RSI. We’re continuously providing more games to the region, with more and more of our products gaining regulated licenses.

Colombia is also one of our fastest-growing markets, which is why we’re looking forward to expanding our reach in the region to the soon-to-be-regulated territories, such as Argentina. With a wide network of partners across Latin America, business in the region is booming and we expect the future to only bring more positives.

CasinoBeats: Have you found that players across Latin America have shown a preference for particular Wazdan games? Why do you think this is?

We have! Players across Latin America find many of our slots engaging, but a select few titles stand out in terms of numbers. Magic Spins is one of those games, a truly immersive title with the Hold the Jackpot bonus round that awards Jackpots up to x2,500 the player’s bet. Like a magic trick, the game enchants players with new and advanced mechanics, multiple Bonus symbols as well as the exceptional Collect to Infinity feature.

Alongside this, 9 Lions is a unique slot that continues to captivate players in the region. Despite its release back in 2018, this title continues to generate fantastic results and is a must-have in any portfolio. The game’s exquisite graphics and animations have propelled its success, whilst the refined soundtrack makes for a highly immersive experience. Engagement-boosting features such as Lions Bonus or Dragons Bonus are also some of the many reasons why this slot remains such a hot product!

Finally, Hot Slot: 777 Crown continues to perform extremely well in the LatAm market, offering everything players would expect of a fantastic retro slot. This 5-reel, 20-payline title combines the design of old-fashioned slots with big wins and customisable features, including adjustable Volatility Levels and cash prizes of up to 305x the player’s bet.

We believe these titles are so popular because they are the epitome of a Wazdan slot. Not only are they built with attention to detail in terms of game math, sound, and graphic design, but they also provide players with tools to customise their gameplay. They are also all created with a mobile-first approach, which is a key factor in their success in the Latin American market. What is more, all our games are translated into more than 30 languages, including Spanish, and support all currencies and cryptocurrencies, so this localised content allows us to reach players in such markets.

Finally, with this market and SBC Latinoamerica in mind, we released the Los Muertos II slot. We hope that players in this market, especially in Mexico, will fall in love with this game.

CasinoBeats: Does this fall in line with what you would expect?

You can never be 100% certain whether a slot will find recognition amongst players in certain regions, but we’re not surprised that these titles struck a chord. As I have mentioned before, they all include the customisable Freedom of Choice suite, including features such as Volatility Levels, Ultra Fast Mode or Energy Saving Mode. These mechanics provide players with the ability to customise the gameplay to their needs – a big plus in the eyes of players in the region. Features such as Collect to Infinity and Hold the Jackpot also help to boost engagement and the classic design of slots such as Hot Slot: 777 Crown surely found its fans in the region.

CasinoBeats: In your view, is Latin America the next hub for iGaming? Is there still a long way to go in terms of regulations before the region becomes the next global powerhouse?

Latin America holds tremendous promise as a future hub for iGaming, driven by its expansive population, rising internet penetration, and the emergence of a thriving middle class. With over 650 million people in the region, the potential player base is substantial, offering lucrative market opportunities for the iGaming industry.

The regulatory landscape is evolving positively, with several Latin American countries actively working towards legalising and regulating online gambling and betting. This proactive approach signifies a growing acceptance of the industry, setting the stage for a robust and well-defined legal framework for operators. Noteworthy examples include Argentina and Brazil, both making strides towards becoming regulated markets. These developments not only showcase a changing attitude towards iGaming but also suggest that the region as a whole is on a trajectory toward regulatory maturity. While challenges may persist, the groundwork laid by key countries underscores the belief that Latin America is well on its way to becoming the next global powerhouse in iGaming.

CasinoBeats: What can delegates expect to see from Wazdan when they visit your stand at SBC Summit Latinoamerica?

First of all, I would like to invite all the readers to visit booth B32 at SBC Summit Latinoamerica for an immersive experience with Wazdan! You can expect to explore our top-performing games, check out our Latinoamerica-themed recent game – Los Muertos II – and get exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming hits.

What sets us apart is the unveiling of our exciting Network Promotions, featuring HalloWIN and Xmas Drop, offering an incredible $2,650,000 in prizes. Dive into our diverse promotional tools, including the award-winning Mystery Drop and the brand-new Jackpot Rain.

With a specific focus on the booming Latin American region, Wazdan is poised to showcase innovative solutions to operators and players alike. Our leadership team, led by CEO Michal Imiolek and CCO Andrzej Hyla, as well as myself – a Head of Account Management for North America and Latin America, and Account Management team member Joanna Zdanowska, will be present to discuss our strong commitment to global regulated markets.

We’re also excited to have been shortlisted in two categories for the prestigious SBC Latinoamerica Awards, which reaffirms our strong position in the Latin American market.

CasinoBeats: Finally, what can you tell us about your plans for Latin America in 2024? Are you looking to target any particular markets?

We plan to expand our reach to the upcoming regulated markets in the region, such as Brazil or Argentina. We aim to provide our products to as many players in the region as possible so that both players and operators in the region can take advantage of our innovative solutions.

We are going to achieve this by rolling out as many of our high-quality titles to the market as possible, giving the Latin American player base a plethora of fantastic products to choose from. As this prominent market continues to surge, we want to stay ahead of the competition and be the first to deliver our cutting-edge services and games to support this exponential growth.

The post Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel, Wazdan: could Latin America be the next hub for igaming? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Paulina Hovar, Latin America Business Development Manager at BGaming, speaks with SBC Noticias about her company’s expansion across the Latin American market before touching on the challenges with regulations and localisation.

CB: Thanks for chatting with us, Paulina! So can you begin by telling us a bit about yourself and how you came to work at BGaming? 

PH: Foreign languages and immersing myself in other cultures have always been my passion. I’m attracted to open and vibrant Spanish-speaking regions and as an easy-going person, meeting new people is one of my greatest joys. 

I started learning Spanish as a hobby before moving to Spain, where I was delighted to find BGaming. My work here really gives me the opportunity to be creative and curious every day. I’m responsible for Latin American development and combine my love of languages and culture with working in the entertainment industry, which I find really interesting.

CB: Latin America has been a region that everyone seems to have their eye on at the moment. What are the opportunities for BGaming in LatAm? Are there any particular markets that have captured your attention? 

PH: We see the Latin American market as vast and dynamic with tremendous potential, as evidenced by the interest shown in our games. By participating in the series of events in LatAm, we are demonstrating our commitment to this market and our desire to capitalise on its growth opportunities.

With an ever-expanding population and a growing interest in online gambling, Brazil presents exciting opportunities for us. We are keenly aware of the potential of this market and are confident in our ability to deliver immersive and captivating gaming experiences to local players. We recognise the increasing involvement in online gaming among Brazil’s populace, and our commitment to excellence serves us well to cater to the dynamic needs of this market.

Extending our efforts to other regulated markets, such as Colombia and Mexico, is also a focal point for us. Although they can be challenging to navigate, we will strive to meet all regulatory requirements and stay confident in keeping gambling secure and legal, eliminating possible vulnerabilities and exploitation loopholes, and safeguarding players’ rights. 

Now we are at the final stage of obtaining Spanish certification from BMM Test Labs for our games, remote gaming server (RGS), information security management system (ISMS) and RNG. Gaining Spanish certificates will help us to obtain further certification in such LatAm countries as Colombia and Mexico.

CB: How will your presence in European markets shape your strategy when it comes to Latin America? 

PH: We are already a well-known gaming provider in Europe with a strong reputation, which will help us expand our reach across other regions, including LatAm. 

With a diverse game portfolio suitable for any online casino operator, we have much to offer. Of course, we understand the importance of analysing player preferences in the region, which differ significantly from those of European players. As a result, we are actively expanding our collection to cater to the unique local players’ preferences, aiming to make a lasting impact in the Latin American market. 

For example, we will be adding scratch games to our portfolio soon and we are releasing brand exclusives with well-known operators in the region, including massive crypto projects, such as Blaze. Our Blaze Million game is already a hit and has gained a lot of fans in the Latin America region.

BGaming is known for partnering with gambling streamers, many of whom have audiences from these regions, giving us the opportunity to receive feedback from local players and use it in developing our game roadmap. 

CB: Obviously localisation of content is a key thing to consider when entering a new region. How will you adapt your current portfolio of slot titles – or upcoming slots – to suit the needs of Latin American bettors? 

PH: We understand the importance of localising game content. Approximately 90% of our portfolio is translated into 15 languages, including Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. It’s also important to consider the differences in player interests and preferences regarding themes, mechanics, and game characters. 

Our portfolio currently includes over 100 products, not only high-quality video slots but card games, table games, crash games like Space XY and casual games that have gained particular popularity among crypto projects.

The more expertise we gain and the more analytics we can use in this region, the wider and more suitable our portfolio will become. From a technical standpoint, our games are also optimised to load quickly and work on unstable internet connections or when using a VPN.

CB: And do these changes differ depending on each individual country?  

PH: Some patterns are definitely similar, but the region is large enough and each country has its own characteristics and preferences. The more expertise and statistics a provider has, the finer the tuning will be. 

CB: What can we expect from BGaming in Latin America throughout 2023?

PH: In 2023, our primary focus will be expanding our footprint in the Latin American market, while also aiming for global growth.

We are dedicated to not only developing high-quality gambling games, but also helping partners grow their gross gaming revenue (GGR) and get extra business benefits. Offering flexible commission conditions to our clients, we are constantly evolving our product lineup and adding new games to our collection to keep up with industry innovations. Today, our portfolio includes 100+ sought-after games of various types suitable to any online casino operator.

Alongside general game releases, we will also produce customised games special for particular online casino brands and their players’ tastes. This exclusive content makes our partners’ businesses even more unique, giving them a competitive edge in the market. With the added value of tailored gaming experiences, seasonal reskins, and marketing tools, clients increase player retention and engagement while providing the audience with one-of-a-kind entertainment.

As mentioned, we will soon be adding new online scratch games to our portfolio. We also plan to offer customisation of these scratch-offs for gaming operators, meaning we are prepared to create tailor made experiences in partnership with local casinos. 

And of course, you’ll see BGaming at Latin America’s industry events. We understand the importance of building relationships and gaining trust among local businesses, and we look forward to showing who we are. See you at forthcoming LatAm shows!

The post Paulina Hovar, BGaming: taking our Latin American expansion to the next level appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The NeoGames subsidiary is now a registered supplier with the Central American country’s Gaming Control Board, which allows the firm to offer a catalogue of games hosted on its Fusion aggregation platform to Panama’s player base.

The country will also gain access to Pariplay’s localised content and player engagement  and retention tools, as well as benefiting from its’ Ignite studio development programme.

Adrian Bailey, Managing Director at Pariplay, commented: “The Latin American region is quickly growing, offering lucrative opportunities for Pariplay to introduce our products and content to new markets. 

“We see LatAm, including Panama, as a key focus for us going forward and are certain that our top-performing slots library and ample verticals offering will resonate well with local players.”

Pariplay’s library of third-party titles, hosted on the aforementioned platform, are now available to another corner of the LatAm market, consisting of over 14,000 titles from over 80 igaming providers. 

These Fusion offerings include slots, live casino, instant win, sportsbook, virtual sports, bingo and poker releases.

“This approval to operate in Panama is the latest in a string of regulatory green lights that have seen us significantly expand our presence in LatAm,” added Jorge Morales, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Pariplay.

“It is an exciting time for us as we have ambitious plans for Panama, and I look forward to working together with local operators to offer our games to their customers.”

The recent agreement has seen Pariplay receive its second certification for a LatAm region just this month, coming shortly after the company gained approval from Buenos Aires’ Lotería to supply its offerings to Argentina’s capital city. 

The post Pariplay secures ‘lucrative’ Panama nod to pursue LatAm expansion appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The provider’s latest casino titles have become available to the company’s Colombia and Uruguay studios, which will include live baccarat, roulette and blackjack games.

“We’re constantly evolving at Vivo Gaming and receiving our GLI certification for these key games in our Colombian studios is a huge step in the right direction,” stated Ivan Livov, Chief Operations Officer at Vivo Gaming.  

“We’re widely regarded as a major player in this part of the world and this news only cements this further.”

GLI, which provides testing and certification to over 480 jurisdictions around the globe, recently awarded certification to a number of studios for its GLI-19, IOM and select LatAm standards. 

Antonino Santangelo, Account Manager for GLI EMEA, added: “It’s great to see Vivo Gaming continue to expand their business with the support of GLI. 

“Our global team of experts have been on hand throughout to advise the Vivo team and work with them to deliver the project on time and within budget.”

Vivo recently upgraded its LatAm content, making English-speaking dealers available to its operators within the continent through its Uruguayan tables, which were previously only available in Spanish and Portuguese.

Furthermore, the studio enhanced its igaming offerings throughout LatAm after securing a partnership with Argentina-based End 2 End, to gain the group’s bingo titles and Chroma Key specifications.

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