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.

The Malta-based developer has gained B2B certification from the nation’s gambling regulator Mincetur, securing approval to offer its catalogue of online casino titles to operators in Peru. 

Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, commented: “Securing the Peru licence marks a pivotal moment in BGaming’s global expansion. This certification not only strengthens our presence in Latin America but also underscores our commitment to bringing high-quality, immersive gaming experiences to new audiences.”

The move continues a busy period of expansion in the Latin American market for BGaming.

Last week, the studio entered an agreement with Cometa Gaming to add titles to the operator’s Brazilian online casino in a deal preceding the nation’s regulated market launch next year. 

On the Peruvian approval, Ostrovtsova added: “We are excited about the opportunities this will unlock, both in terms of growth and the reception of our slots in this new market.”

The BGaming CEO recently spoke with CasinoBeats at SBC Summit to explain the advantages of producing a slot featuring hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, stating that “Snoop Dogg is undoubtedly one of the most iconic characters and influencers on a global scale.

“His team has actively participated in shaping the pictures that we built. I think it’s very cool that they can say to the world that we’re working with Snoop Dogg and his team. His voiceover that we’ve added to the game is probably the coolest thing and it’s added some unique character.”

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SBC: What are Wazdan’s ambitions in Latin America and what strategy are you embarking on to achieve those goals?

Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel: We have successfully established partnerships with local operators to build and retain lasting relationships and boost our brand recognition. Since we entered Colombia in 2020, our partnerships with renowned operators Betsson Argentina and Betplay have already positioned us as a provider offering significant benefits for customers in the province of Buenos Aires.

With the regulatory landscape evolving rapidly, we aim to expand our presence across Latin America and have a strong focus on strategic expansion in newly regulated markets such as Peru and Brazil. We have been working hard to establish a robust, well-defined legal framework for operators in both regions and broaden our scope across Latin America, encouraging new partnerships.

We take pride in our customisable approach to igaming, which incorporates our extensive focus on adapting to player preferences while analysing their needs and expectations across different LatAm markets. Our Freedom of Choice suite is essential for yielding tangible results, granting players an enhanced gaming experience.

 SBC: The company is currently operational in Colombia and Argentina: Can you tell us about those markets and what specific dynamics you have noticed in each jurisdiction?

ISP: Wazdan successfully expanded in the Colombian igaming market by obtaining a licence from the state regulator Coljuegos. Known for its exemplary regulatory model, Colombia is considered a leader in Latin American gaming regulation due to its clear and comprehensive framework for online gaming.

We have strengthened our position in Colombia through many strategic partnerships. One notable deal was with BetPlay. Games like 9 Lions and Magic Stars 3 have expanded our reach to a larger audience, further showcasing Wazdan’s diverse gaming options. These titles are enriched with unique features such as Chance Level, Volatility Levels, and Ultra Lite Mode, which offer players customisable gaming experiences.

Elsewhere, Argentina has a complex landscape of regional diversity and challenges regarding igaming. This is due to its decentralised regulatory framework, which leads to variations in rules, licensing requirements, and structures in each jurisdiction. Unfortunately, inconsistencies throughout regulation can arise.

That said, our operations with Betsson – driven by mutual growth combining BetPlay’s strong market presence and Wazdan’s innovative games development – have expanded our player reach and retained gamers, positioning us at the forefront of a dynamic market. The demand for online entertainment among tech-savvy individuals in Latin America has risen alongside an expected increase in internet penetration, particularly in Argentina, where 10.4% of the population uses smartphones to access online gambling platforms.

SBC:  What type of content works well in LatAm markets, and do you notice any specific nuances about how players consume your titles?

ISP: Wazdan games have gained popularity across LatAm markets due to our innovative gameplay tools that align well with players’ preferences. Our engaging features, such as Hold the Jackpot, encourage players to invest more time in gaming by triggering jackpot bonuses. The Wild Rampage appeals to those who enjoy fast-paced environments, offering the thrill of big wins, and our high-volatility mechanics attract players willing to take risks for higher rewards.

We also incorporate local themes inspired by LatAm culture, which resonate well with players. We’ve found that games featuring specific myths or landmarks attract players through visually compelling storylines. For instance, our Mighty Wild: Panther title is one of our most favoured games and has received recognition across multiple industry awards.

SBC:  Elsewhere in LatAm – Brazil is the hot topic. Tell us about Wazdan’s plans in Brazil once the regulatory regime is established. How do you aim to replicate your other successes in Brazil?

ISP: Once the regulatory framework has been established and we have analysed the legal requirements, we aim to expand our reach rapidly across regulated markets in the region. We will collaborate with key partners with local market knowledge to leverage regional expertise while promoting our innovative features and high-quality titles for players and operators across Brazil and Argentina.

We focus on honing our Brazilian identity to drive further success in its regulated market. As previously mentioned, we understand that adapting our games to local tastes and preferences has proven to be a highly successful approach. Games inspired by Brazilian culture resonate well with our audience, enhancing the allure of our brand.

Stay tuned for our exciting new addition to the player-favourite series, Mighty Wild: Jaguar. This game will incorporate incredible prizes utilising our most favoured unique tools, all designed with a player-centric approach tailored to each individual’s preferences.

SBC:  You’re also undergoing the licensing process in Peru – what makes Peru a market of note and how big do you anticipate that to be?

ISP: Peru is one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, ranking as the third largest country after Brazil and Argentina. Wazdan is extremely excited to enter the regulated igaming market. Like the rest of Latin America, Peru is experiencing increasing internet penetration and mobile usage, leading to a growing demand for online gaming across the industry.

As we explore new markets, we focus on obtaining licences from highly regulated environments with stable and respected regulatory frameworks. Similar to the clear regulations in Colombia, the Peruvian government is working on establishing a well-defined regulatory framework for online gaming. This is essential for attracting operators and investors to collaborate with Wazdan and utilise our renowned features.

SBC: From a content perspective, how much must you tailor your games to the LatAm audience and how important is localisation in your approach?

ISP: Tailoring games specifically for a Latin American audience is crucial when considering content localisation. Wazdan adapts its games to reflect local themes and traditions, ensuring we incorporate elements that resonate with our audience. This approach is part of our overarching goal to create world-class games that enhance player engagement and retention, which are vital for Wazdan’s success.

Additionally, adapting our game mechanics to suit local preferences is essential for improving user engagement. By doing this, our features, such as Hold the Jackpot, Wild Rampage, Volatility Levels, and Chance Level, align with the region’s cultural preferences and playing behaviours.

SBC:  Aside from market entries in Peru and Brazil, what can our readers expect from Wazdan in Latin America in the months ahead?

ISP: In addition to our market entries in Peru and Brazil, we are excited about expanding our reach into the upcoming regulated markets in the region..

Wazdan has ambitious plans for Latin America. Our mission is to provide our products to as many players as possible, allowing players and operators to benefit from our innovative solutions. To achieve this, we will launch a wide range of our high-quality titles in the market, offering the player base various thrilling products.

As markets grow, we aim to stay ahead of the competition by being the first to deliver our cutting-edge services and games. We will expand our game portfolio with localised content tailored to regional preferences.

You can find us this year at the Latinoamérica SBC Summit at stand B32, where we will showcase our advanced software. We’re committed to staying ahead of the competition and being the first to deliver our innovative services and games to support this exponential growth.

The post Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel: Wazdan exploring new horizons in Latin America appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Under the terms of the deal, Vibra Gaming’s roster of in-house slots, table games, video bingo, digital scratch cards and instant games will become available to Digitain’s network of operator partners across the igaming industry. 

The partnership will allow the Latin America-focussed supplier to expand its global distribution by leveraging Digitain’s GLI-certified sports betting and gaming platform technology. 

“Digitain is dedicated to finding and delivering the highest quality content for our partner operators,” said Ashot Sahakyan, Director of International Relations at Digitain. 

“We have been expanding our business in the LatAm market in recent years, and the partnership with Vibra Gaming’s content, which is well-known in that market, guarantees that our partners have access to the latest games that improve player experience and revenue opportunities.”

Players across Digitain’s network of affiliated operators will gain access to Vibra Gaming titles such as Vibra Double, Vibra Dice and Vibra Crash, three of the studio’s recent instant game releases. 

The online casino provider has recently branched out into the instant games vertical to appeal to “a new generation of real-money players”. 

Commenting on the recent partnership, Ramiro Atucha, CEO at Vibra Gaming, added: “Digitain is one of our industry’s most recognized and well-respected names so I’m thrilled our content will become available to their global platform partners and their many players, both expanding our global reach and opening up new doors to new and emerging markets and opportunities.”

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With deep dives into marketing strategies set to take place at SBC Summit, we spoke with Aline Oliveira, Head of PPC at ComeOn Group, to find out how marketers can “drive effective reach and revenue growth for gaming brands” with an approach tailored to multiple territories. 

What are some key factors that marketers must consider when aiming to appeal to as many jurisdictions as possible?

Each jurisdiction has specific laws and regulations governing igaming. First step for marketers is to stay informed about these legal requirements and advertising restrictions to ensure compliance. Additionally, promoting responsible gambling practices tailored to different jurisdictions builds trust and credibility. Crafting a successful igaming marketing strategy across multiple jurisdictions demands a multifaceted, data-driven approach. A full-funnel strategy and a comprehensive digital media plan are crucial for success.

Traditional media, especially TV, still holds significant influence in most markets, but it has been losing viewership in recent years, while digital media consumption has been growing steadily. Digital channels can drive effective reach and revenue growth for gaming brands, especially if optimised with a mobile-first approach. Given the dominance of mobile devices  among online casino and sports betting players, a robust mobile strategy, encompassing a mobile-web and app strategy, is imperative for success. 

A balanced digital marketing mix starts with a top-funnel advertising strategy including social, YouTube, and programmatic ads to build brand awareness. This requires a strong brand strategy, high-quality content, relevant targeting, attractive offers and a dynamic odds feed to complement. This awareness must be supported by a comprehensive bottom-funnel strategy, focusing on Search Engine Marketing and Optimisation.

As brand queries represent over 70% of gambling-related searches in most markets, make sure to leverage on this significant traffic opportunity. The competitive gambling affiliate landscape also offers great potential. Success depends on selecting affiliates who can deliver high-quality customer acquisition, key to driving high marketing efficiency. Once this qualified traffic reaches your platform, continuous testing is essential to improve onboarding flows and conversion rates.

My years of experience in igaming has shown that bonuses are a powerful catalyst for driving large-scale user acquisition, they must be competitive yet designed to prevent fraud. Moreover, it’s equally important to analyse user cohorts and properly control bonus promotion budgets, as it is one of the most effective ways to increase return on ad spend. Beyond acquisition, the CRM strategy is key for retention and revenue growth. Personalization can significantly enhance the user experience by tailoring content based on demographic, behavioural, timing and interest-based data. 

While these elements form a solid foundation, remember that each market has unique characteristics. Cultural nuances, seasonalities, local regulations and competitive landscapes must be carefully considered to create an effective and compliant marketing strategy.

What impact has Google Play’s recent regulations had on the marketing industry within gaming? 

The igaming industry is closely monitoring the evolution of app store regulations, particularly regarding the Digital Markets Act. Adopted by the European Union in November 2022 and set for full enforcement by the end of 2024, the DMA encourages the emergence of alternative app stores, and regulating consent managements. Google is adapting by enhancing user consent and increasing transparency around data usage.

For advertisers, this means requesting and sharing specific consent signals with Google Ads related to advertising and personalisation. The DMA mandates greater transparency in advertising practices, including clear labelling of ads and restrictions on certain types of advertising. Limitations on data usage for ad targeting may affect the precision and effectiveness of ad campaigns.

Google now requires new consent fields: the ‘ad user data’ field indicates if a user consents to their data being sent to Google for ad purposes, and the ‘ad personalization’ field shows if a user allows personalised advertising. Advertisers must obtain and share these user consent signals with Google for any EEA traffic. This operational shift may require using a Consent Management Platform (CMP) to collect and manage user permissions. Businesses should also prepare for potentially smaller audience sizes, similar to the challenges after iOS 14’s privacy changes.

Beyond the DMA, app stores have experienced significant changes, such as stricter app quality standards and updates in app store optimisation. Additionally, Google Play has made notable progress in its gambling policies. Currently, gambling apps are allowed in 37 countries on the Google Play Store, with this list expanding in recent years to include countries like Brazil, Mexico and India.

How important is understanding local culture for presenting a strong brand identity?

Local cultural intelligence is the keystone of a successful gambling brand. Prior to entering a new market, my team and I conduct in-depth market research to gain a comprehensive understanding of local culture, competitive dynamics and regulatory frameworks.

This understanding can provide a competitive edge allowing us to offer tailored campaigns and experiences. The ComeOn brand is a great example of successful brand adaptation strategy. Currently operating in seven markets across Europe and North America, its communication is well adapted to local preferences and cultural sensitivities, meanwhile maintaining a solid global brand identity.

To thrive, operators must transcend mere market entry and cultivate a deep-rooted connection with their audience. Effective communication in the local language, including slang and idiomatic expressions, tailored to cultural nuances ensures clarity and resonance. 

Can you explain the importance of analysing brand identity and marketing techniques at an event like SBC Summit? What are you most looking forward to at the event?

SBC Summit is a pivotal event for the gambling industry to converge, network and explore emerging trends. I’m thrilled to join the panel on brand identity among other marketing topics with top industry leaders.

Why analyse branding? A strong brand identity is crucial for effective gambling marketing and provides a framework for creating impactful campaigns. 

At ComeOn, the brand strategy is at the core of our marketing strategy. We employ a clear messaging framework as the foundation for all our marketing efforts, ensuring consistent messaging across channels and markets. We aim to maintain a coherent brand proposition, tone of voice, slogan, style guide and headlines, reinforcing brand recognition and building trust with our users. This is possible because we have thoroughly defined our brand essence, vision and target audience. Beyond just message coherence, our brand strategy serves us as a competitive differentiator.

At SBC Summit we will be carefully analysing these topics so industry professionals can gain insights to enhance their own strategies and drive business growth. Discussing marketing strategies also helps me generate new ideas for my daily work, and I look forward to sharing insights and opportunities in this relevant panel. I’m also excited to meet friends and industry peers, hoping to build valuable collaborations and partnerships.

The post Aline Oliveira, ComeOn: cultural intelligence is the keystone of gambling success appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The SBC Summit Latinoamérica, set to welcome 4,000 delegates, will support their efforts to achieve this balance with a preview of cutting-edge payment technologies and trends and offer expert advice on managing compliance issues through a specialised ‘Payments & Compliance’’ track.

The dedicated educational program will take place on Thursday, 31 October, the last day of Latin America’s premier igaming and sports betting event, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Miami. 

Delegates can expect discussions on the challenges of creating a seamless payment experience, the role of digital identity verification in combating fraud, the dynamics between operators and payment providers, the impact of innovative fintech, and much more.

Opening the track is the panel ‘Evolution of Payments in LatAm,’ which will delve into the latest trends in financial technology, the integration of digital currencies and the challenges and opportunities in creating a seamless payment experience for users. The panel will feature payment industry professionals Elisa Jordan (Chief Commercial Officer, Pronto Paga), Galina Bineva (Commercial Director, OKTO) and moderator Ileana Volpe (Business Development Researcher, Neosurf).

The panel titled ‘Leveraging Digital Identity to Combat Fraud in Sports Betting’ will delve into how operators can utilise online digital identity verification tools to protect players from fraud. Featuring compliance experts Iliana Pineda (Chief Compliance Officer, Wplay), Evans Concha (CTO & Founder, Pronto Paga), and Adrian Sanchez (Director, Financial Crime & Compliance, LexisNexis), the discussion will focus on how AI-driven digital identity verification solutions can provide fast and accurate real-world identity matches to enhance user conversion, combat fraud and meet KYC and anti-money laundering standards.

The session ‘PSPs & Operators – A Collaborative Approach in Brazil’ will discuss how payment providers must adapt to support international operators entering the Brazilian market. Featuring industry experts Thomas Carvalhaes (Managing Director, Gr8 Tech), Fernanda Zago (CEO, WE Payments), Martin Lycka (SVP American Regulatory Affairs & Responsible Gambling, Entain), and Leonardo Baptista (CEO, Pay4Fun), the discussion will cover how operators and payment providers can better prepare for market entry, addressing factors such as regulation, consumer safety and emerging technologies. 

The concluding panel, ‘New Latam Fintech Regulation: Can This Impact the Gambling Industry?’, will explore the potential effects of emerging fintech regulations on market dynamics, investor confidence, and consumer protection, emphasising both challenges and opportunities. Featuring industry leader Guillermo Romero Aguilar (Marketing Director, Wandr Studio), the discussion will analyse how online gambling operations might need to adapt to new financial protocols and reporting standards in response to these regulatory changes.

Alongside the ‘Payments & Compliance’ conference track, delegates will have the opportunity to expand their educational scope through dedicated programs covering leadership, sports betting & media, affiliates & advertising, emerging markets & technology and lotteries, casinos & igaming. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Secure your spot at the upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica with our ‘Early Bird Special’ granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just $400.

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.  

You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers & exhibitor additions and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly SBC Summit LinkedIn Newsletter.

The post SBC Summit Latinoamérica: fortifying payment solutions and navigating compliance appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The cryptocurrency casino operator will enter its latest territory with a new hire after appointing Jennyfer Escobar to the role of Country Manager in Peru. 

Stake will launch its online casino and sports betting platform in Peru with Escobar’s leadership, leveraging her expertise in the nation’s gaming sector – having worked in the industry for nine years. 

“I am thrilled to join team Stake and help to guide efforts in Peru,” said Escobar. “The Peruvian market has significant growth potential and we look forward to engaging even further with the region. I’m excited to continue contributing to the dynamic world of gaming in Peru and to drive innovation in this evolving industry.”

Peru has attracted a whole host of igaming companies since opening a regulated market in February 2024. Stake has become the latest online casino firm to tap into the Latin American nation’s growing audience for gambling, following the likes of SkillOnNet, Playson and SYNOT Games. 

“We are delighted to bring Stake to Peru, a country that has a lot of potential for digital growth, which has been evident in recent years,” said Diana Otalora, General Manager, Latin America at Stake. “This shows our ambition to provide world-class entertainment to Peruvian customers and to expand our reach in LatAm.”

The post Stake secures entry into Peru alongside Country Manager hire appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In addition to going into deep detail regarding how the company’s USPs deliver much needed distinction within an increasingly saturated space, sights are also cast towards a core ambition of all similar such group’s on the market. That being international expansion.

For Champion, which boasts a presence in 24 countries worldwide, with a focus on Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, the outlook is a simple one. The globe is awash with opportunity.

“Our existing footprint is strong, but our ambition doesn’t stop here,” he says. “We are committed to not only maintaining but also strengthening our position in these key markets, which will naturally propel further expansion.

“The feedback from our players has been overwhelmingly positive, and this is what fuels our expansion strategy. If our games aren’t available in a particular region, we see it as an opportunity to bring our unique gaming experiences to those players. 

“By strengthening our position in the markets where we already operate, we are creating a robust platform that will support our continued global growth.”

“This inclusivity allows players from diverse linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with our games”

However, to achieve such lofty ambitions is certainly no mean feat. When faced with such intense competition, and therefore a multitude of options when looking at things from a player perspective, the complexities of being truly unique are vast.

Continuing the conversation, Chumel was pressed on just why Champions bills itself as a “provider that delivers best user experience for each player”, and just how the company plans to ensure that it lives up to this mantra.

To not just live up to but surpass this motto, a four fold multifaceted approach was elaborated on in enabling the group to continue a commitment to deliver the best user experience.

“Multilingual support ensures our platform is accessible to a global audience,” Chumel comments. “This inclusivity allows players from diverse linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with our games.

“Multi-currency payments facilitate seamless transactions by supporting payments in multiple currencies, including cryptocurrencies. This flexibility ensures that players can easily deposit and withdraw funds in their preferred currency, enhancing their overall experience.

“Every game starts with a unique concept that is tailored to meet both market trends and player preferences”

“Multi-platform access guarantees that our games are optimised for a variety of devices, including laptops, mobiles, and tablets. This ensures that players can enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience regardless of their device.

“We also prioritise the visual and immersive aspects of our games. Our in-house development team creates rich, engaging graphics and animations, and builds game characters from scratch, making each game a visually stunning experience.”

Subsequently, all roads led to the discussion point of game development; notably the overarching approach taken by Champion in aiming to achieve all of the above.

In elaborating on the perceived crucial steps that must be taken to ultimately deliver success, Chumel outlines a strategic three point plan:

• “Conceptualisation: Every game starts with a unique concept that is tailored to meet both market trends and player preferences.
• “Design and development: Our in-house team meticulously designs and develops each aspect of the game, from characters to mechanics, ensuring a seamless and immersive player experience.
• “Testing and feedback: Rigorous testing phases allow us to fine-tune the game based on player feedback, ensuring it meets our high standards before launch.”

“This diversity ensures that we captivate both nostalgic players and those seeking new, innovative experiences”

As the conversation drew towards a close, talk once again reverted back to the fundamentals of Champion that not only establish the company as a worthy contender, but one that can rise above competitors, surpass client expectations and appeal to players.

This sees Chumel touch on what USPs of the company and its range of titles ensure that they are sufficiently different from the overwhelming wave of games currently on the market and consistently continuing to flood it.

“Champion stands out in a crowded market due to several USPs,” he says. “Original storylines and characters see each game we develop feature its own unique storyline, characters, and avatars, all meticulously crafted by our in-house team. This originality sets our titles apart from the plethora of generic games flooding the market.

“Our diverse gaming catalogue includes a mix of classic and modern games, appealing to a broad spectrum of players. This diversity ensures that we captivate both nostalgic players and those seeking new, innovative experiences.”

To bring things full circle, the issue of geographies once again reared its head as the conclusion loomed over the horizon.

“The ambiance created by our games … is tailored to appeal to different cultural nuances”

In closing out the discussion, Chumel chose to look at just how Champion makes sure that titles appeal to players across geographies, and the difficulties that differences in regulations have on the company.

“Champion’s titles resonate with players globally through various strategies,” he concludes. “A localised content strategy sees some games gain popularity because they incorporate elements familiar to specific countries, whether through game mechanics, cultural references, or thematic elements.

“The ambiance created by our games, including music and overall vibe, is tailored to appeal to different cultural nuances, enhancing their global appeal and fit for every type of player preferences.

“In addition, certain games are designed to resonate with specific seasons or events, further increasing their appeal across different regions.”

The post Champion CEO outlines strategic USPs to drive ambitious global expansion appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Describing the move as a “pivotal step” in its expansion strategy across the Americas, RushBet will reach players in Peru for the first time to offer an array of sports betting and igaming products. 

The brand will benefit from its established presence in Peru’s neighbouring country Colombia, as the two nations share key media markets meaning that RushBet may already be known to Peruvian players through advertising on ESPN and DirectTV. 

Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, commented: “Expanding into Peru is a pivotal step in our mission to become a leading Online Gaming operator across the Americas. This move allows us to leverage our proven operational expertise in Latin America, particularly the brand equity and operational efficiencies we’ve built in the region over the past six years. 

“Importantly, Peru shares key media markets with Colombia. Consequently, Peruvian sports fans are familiar with the RushBet brand through its presence on shared television networks including ESPN and DirectTV.

“In addition, Peru’s vibrant sports culture and growing digital economy present an exciting long-term opportunity for RushBet to offer our best-in-class product to a new and enthusiastic audience.”

According to the operator, RSI has become the first operator to be fully licensed under Peru’s new regulatory regime, introduced in November 2023. The company will hope to build on its established Latin American standing, having been live in Colombia since 2018 and in Mexico since 2022. 

“We expect Peru to become a key component of our Latin American portfolio, complementing our operations in Colombia and Mexico, and providing a platform for potential further expansion in the region,” added Schwartz.

“Our success in Colombia, where RushBet has become a top-tier brand, has provided us with invaluable insights into Latin American player preferences,” added Schwartz. “We’re excited to bring this expertise to Peru, where we see significant potential for growth in both online casino and sports betting segments.

“This launch is not just about entering a new market; it’s about building on our vision to create an engaging, unique Online Gaming experience across the Americas.” 

The post RSI brings RushBet to Peru in ‘pivotal step’ for LatAm growth appeared first on CasinoBeats.

CasinoBeats: Can you outline the Tropicana product and why it is such a big development for iGP’s Latin American ambitions?

Dirk Camilleri: Tropicana will act as a customised, tailored front-end specifically for partners in LatAm markets. The platform has been built on the back of extensive market research, where the data informed us about what the region is looking for. This is a big development, because the platform will help us enhance our product offering, following the recent launch of our sportsbook product, by increasing cross-sell opportunities with casino and payment methods.

Within Tropicana, the experience across both sportsbook and casino is quite similar, in terms of switching and navigating and the benefits are twofold. When you’re navigating in the casino, we will deploy a sportsbook widget which will present you with a list of ongoing matches, which can generate a payslip in one tap without necessarily moving away from the online casino. Similarly, the widget can show online casino offers and games while the player is using the sportsbook.

We’re very excited about how Tropicana will enhance our LatAm offering and we can’t wait to take it to market. 

CB: What are the biggest customer demands in Latin American markets and how do you build this into your product development?

DC: I think we have to be very mindful of not taking a centralised view of Latin America, and making sure we take a localised approach with our content in each market. We need to focus on providing mobile-friendly platforms and diverse payment options that cater to local preferences.

The different payment methods, such as cash-based solutions and local e-wallets, should be region-specific, and we’re currently looking into the best methods to implement payment solutions in this way. This will allow us to enhance accessibility and the overall user experience.  

CB: What are the key technical considerations for building a localised product in igaming?

DC: Traffic levels differ in each individual market, so it is important to ensure our infrastructure is robust and scalable enough to handle higher volumes. 

Another differentiation between markets can be languages, so you have to be able to provide multilingual support. I’d also come back to my point about integrating local payment gateways, because the technicalities of this can be complex and must be deeply considered. 

CB: Building the Tropicana product offers your clients a template to customise their offerings. Is customisation essential to building a truly localised product?

DC: With the Tropicana template, we have heavily invested in building a frontend which will resonate with the LatAm market. This will allow our clients to focus on tailoring their offering, incorporating local languages, themes, promotions and payment methods, thereby increasing the client’s relevance and appeal to local players. 

We are also working on building targeted promotional and loyalty programs which will encourage players to engage with multiple product lines between the verticals. I think this is absolutely the direction we need to keep moving towards, because customisation is hugely significant when it comes to localising your offering.

CB: What are some of the differences between Latin American markets that you are active in and does this inform some of your technical and development decisions?

DC: The LatAm markets individually exhibit significant differences, in terms of player preferences and technological infrastructure.

For example, while Brazil is expected to be incredibly lucrative when it comes to sports betting, Mexico shows a higher level of engagement in online casinos.

These differences inform our technical and development decisions, and it is important for us to incorporate flexibility within that development so that the playing experience matches up with the expectations of the players.

CB: How do you ensure that your products will resonate with players in those local markets? Is it a case of rigorous testing throughout the development process, or do you gain expertise as you launch products over time?

DC: It has to be a mixture of the two. Games must be tested rigorously before going to market, but you also have to work out which particular games to launch via market research and seeing how player habits are changing over time. 

iGP conducts extensive market research and user testing to gather feedback and refine products before launch. Then, following the launch of those games, we continuously monitor and update the games based on player feedback and market trends.

A proactive and strategic approach to improving games makes sure your products remain competitive in the long-term, so it’s something we always have to keep an eye on.

CB: What is your top tip on how to build an effective, localised product in igaming?

DC: The first step is you have to understand the market you’re going into. Having an experienced team who understands the nuances of your target market is always a good start and then, from that point, you have to prioritise market research and player feedback from the outset. 

There are plenty of other issues you also have to take into consideration. Understanding the cultural differences, preferences and regulatory landscape of the target market is essential.

The third key point when building a localised product is that it has to be adaptable as you go along. You need to incorporate flexibility in the product design to allow for ongoing customisation and updates based on player feedback. This will undoubtedly enhance the product’s relevance and success.

CB: What further plans does iGP have for localised content over the next few months and years?

DC: For iGP, the future is in a number of areas. At SBC Summit in Lisbon this September, we’ll have a number of crypto solutions from platform to front to showcase, where we hope to be joined by an exciting crypto operator to launch in the coming months.

On top of that, we are adding more and more providers to our aggregator solution,with some big names announcements coming in the coming months, we have been experimenting with AI and have a powerful recommendation engine in the works providing our partner operators true player personalisation.

Beyond that, 2024 is about scalability and refinement, we are fast but could be faster, we are flexible but our ambitions are constantly growing. It has been a busy start to 2024, and I’m proud to say the team I lead are hungry to bring even more to the table in H2.

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