Latest News
Ready to re-open with cashless? Consumers will expect the option from day one
As more and more retail operations increasingly implement cashless systems ahead of reopening to the public, OKTO’s Director of Gaming Simon Dorsen spoke to Coinslot about how the fintech firm’s digital payment solution, OKTO.WALLET has been specifically designed with the leisure and hospitality industry’s main concerns in mind; user friendly, affordability, security and social responsibility as well as the universality that consumers are craving for.
Do you always pay with plastic, or are you more comfortable with cash? Have you ever paid friends by your phone while you’re all out for drinks at the pub? Do you have a lonely banknote sitting in your wallet for almost a year now, to wager while you are enjoying your drink at the pub? These questions as well as the days of pubs’ players and visitors with cash-stuffed pockets will not be the norm anymore, as consumer preferences are rapidly changing and the age of mobile payments is taking over the world.
Going cashless is not only the newest tech trend but also a strategic goal, especially when this comes as a complete cashless ecosystem and through an open and interconnected mobile payment app. With the coronavirus, a generation of change has occurred in just a few months. This is forcing all sectors to reconsider their business models, how they interact with their customers and their routes to market.
The number of cashless payments in the UK has been great than cash and growing in proportion since 2017, and this trend has accelerated now more than ever, as businesses increasingly opt for offering choice and the convenience of paying in a way that suits the consumer. This is already evident in pubs where it has been reported that 30 percent of customers have already used a mobile to pay in a pub based and from my discussions with pub operators between the lockdowns cash accounted for only 20 percent of F&B sales. It is now a natural progression to extend the choice of compliant digital payment to the gaming machine player. This deliverers convenience for the player and better operations for the pub.
Retail operations are now competing in an increasingly digital world, where consumers are no longer constrained to traditional payment methods but have access to more choice than ever before. As pubs and other operations reopen, it is paramount for them to have a digital payment strategy that ensures people to keep revisiting the venue, improving efficiency and customer experience. For me, this will be enabled with a solution that offers cashless convenience across all touchpoints for the consumer.
The key, however, is to find the cashless system that suites the specific needs of your business, and this is particularly true for more complex retail environments such as pubs, adult gaming centres and casinos. The selection of a reliable, licensed payment partner to help activate this digital payment strategy is critical. Few providers are focusing on the nuanced needs of gaming operators, especially for land-based, while at the same time supports a universal, open-loop, cashless solution that consumers are looking for. Consumers want simply to use, move and collect their money anywhere, not just for gaming and this to be in a simple, fast and secure way.
At OKTO, our gaming division has built a solution to meet the exact specification of the UK’s pub and leisure industry. Our secure, open-loop, cashless end-to-end payment solution delivered through OKTO.WALLET payment app is designed to meet all the niche demands of retail gaming customers,
allowing players to move funds instantly across the entire payment ecosystem via the OKTO app; from the gaming machine, ordering app or at the bar/restaurant, even to any retail or online business that accepted debit card through the OKTO Prepaid Mastercard® linked to OKTO app.
We have a 360 approach, which the operators need, to get ahead through field-proven technologies and the extensive know-how of key integrations across all physical touchpoints in and out of the gaming venue as well as a strong understanding and proven ability to integrate the wallet with digital touchpoints.
Working with major gaming and betting operators across Europe and gaining extensive experience and feedback, we are set to provide a tailored solution also for the UK. Having a deep understanding of different markets requirements, we are aligned with the operators focus on efficiencies and due to the software nature of our solution, we provide fast deployment that requires no additional investment at the gaming machines. This is especially important after such a long period of disruption, during which retail businesses have been prevented from trading. Understandably, many operators currently can’t or don’t want to bear a big financial hurdle for setting up a cashless payment facility, and with OKTO they don’t have to.
Social responsibility is also a key priority. All the main tools of social responsibility are fully covered through the OKTO app. From a strict age verification process and time-out periods to betting limits, and profit and loss calculator as well as a specific section with national problem gaming helplines are within the app and are all designed to enhance further consumer protection.
The most sophisticated technology often seems the simplest. Our easy-to-use solution allows players to go simply to a gaming machine, press a button to use OKTO, and deposit funds to start playing. And it’s the same in the cashout; they get the winnings back to OKTO wallet in real-time. As we can also onboard pubs as merchants, if OKTO users can spend some money on food and drink in the pub, they simply can; and they can also split the bill with their friends or send and receive money from their friends using the OKTO app.
Retail gaming and betting operators in the UK but also Spain, Romania, Greece and Cyprus are already ready to adopting the OKTO cashless solution. Many pubs and operators are capitalising now, during this time before lockdown ends, to install the OKTO cashless system and progress their business on all fronts. Will you follow suit for your retail gaming business? Will you cash in on the trend for cashless? Open with OKTO!
7777 gaming, a leading provider of digital gaming solutions, has announced a significant strategic partnership with Scientific Games a global leader in retail and digital lottery games, technology, analytics and services, to deliver digital lottery games through the SG Content Hub Partner Program.
The SG Content Hub Partner Program is a unique platform and game content partnership program featuring an expanding, highly curated selection of iLottery games from best-in-class, game studios worldwide in a variety of play styles appealing to all player types in multiple languages, as well as access to select licensed properties from the largest licensed brands portfolio in the lottery industry. Scientific Games currently serves 150 lotteries in 50 countries.
Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Partnering with Scientific Games represents a significant milestone for 7777 gaming, solidifying our position as a global leader in digital lottery solutions. Through this collaboration, we are poised to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to players worldwide, driving innovation and growth in the lottery industry.”
Steve Hickson, VP of Digital Games at Scientific Games commented: “We are delighted to welcome yet another top-class lottery game studio to the SG Content Hub Partner Program. The addition of 7777 gaming and their fantastic games aligns perfectly with our goal to make a variety of digital lottery content available to existing and new Scientific Games customers. Our SG Content Hub Partner Program is developing at pace as we continue to provide our customers with frictionless access to the very best content in the industry.”
The SG Content Hub Partner Program offers a one-stop solution for accessing multiple iLottery game studios, seamlessly integrating with a lottery’s existing gaming systems and iLottery technology. It streamlines operations, simplifies tech integrations, and enhances data analytics to drive game development and iLottery portfolio management.
7777 gaming is renowned for its ability to deliver high-quality iLottery games tailored to the unique requirements of different lotteries. The company ensures that its game content meets stringent government regulations and operators’ expectations for customization. With custom-made lottery concepts, 7777 gaming guarantees enhanced player satisfaction and fosters a deeper sense of connection and loyalty to the brand.
The post 7777 gaming signs a strategic iLottery content deal with Scientific Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector
Atlas-IAC, a Next-Generation iGaming platform, has been recognized as the Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year and Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology at the Prague Gaming & Tech Awards 2024. The GamingTECH Awards annually determine industry excellence in Central and Eastern Europe. Maxim Slobodyanyuk, CEO of Atlas-IAC, tells about insights into Atlas-IAC’s innovative solutions that are reshaping the iGaming landscape and the core principles of partnership driving mutual evolution for both Atlas-IAC and its esteemed operators.
Congratulations on winning “Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year” and “Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology” at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024! How does Atlas-IAC feel about receiving such prestigious recognition?
We take pride in being acknowledged as the best sports betting provider and the rising star in sports betting technology across Central and Eastern Europe. At the heart of our success lies a team of exceptional visionaries, developers, and business analytics striving to elevate the industry to new heights of technological innovation and responsible gaming practices.
I’d like to thank our great partners for choosing Atlas-IAC as their technology provider, and for subscribing to our core business principle — to evolve and grow together. Our win is our partners’ win as well.
To be the best sports betting provider entails a weighty responsibility, one we approach with unwavering dedication. These awards serve as a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and as a catalyst for renewed determination to shape the future of sports betting technology. We are grateful for recognition and remain resolutely committed to charting new horizons of success alongside our valued partners.
Could you provide insights into the strategies that drove Atlas-IAC’s success in the iGaming industry?
At Atlas-IAC, our success strategy revolves around building strong partnerships and establishing a notable presence in the competitive global entertainment technology market. We prioritize automation, which gives us an edge in emerging markets and allows us to onboard partners quickly and streamline operations.
Continuously improving our platform to offer a seamless Sportsbook API experience is a priority. Our aim is to deliver fast performance, smooth betting experiences, real-time risk management, advanced anti-fraud measures, and scalable solutions for partners worldwide.
Staying up-to-date, enhancing our product, analyzing market and partner needs, and proactively responding to them are essential. Being the top technological partner is a strategy that consistently works for us.
How does Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook differentiate itself from competitors?
Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook sets us apart because we have full control over its features and can make rapid improvements. Features like Personal Odds Boost and Clever Margin allow for customized experiences tailored to our partners’ needs. We focus on personalization, ensuring the product aligns perfectly with each operator’s requirements. With a skilled team dedicated to our partners’ needs, we can promptly address requests and deliver effective solutions.
Atlas-IAC offers one of the most automated Sportsbook available in the market. How does automation enhance the experience for both operators and users?
Our fully automated Sportsbook API is efficient and user-friendly, enhancing engagement and retention. It’s equipped to handle high demand periods effectively and offers tools for precise betting management and reliable results. We can swiftly develop and integrate custom modules for partners, giving us a competitive edge. We prioritize meeting partners’ needs while delivering enjoyable experiences for players, fostering mutual benefit for all involved.
What specific features or tools have been well-received by operators in the iGaming industry?
In the realm of iGaming, Atlas-IAC has garnered recognition for its remarkable adaptability and keen responsiveness to the requirements of our partners. Understanding the distinctive needs of each operator, we have crafted a tailored approach to ensure effective solutions.
One specific example of our successful tools is our Cashback feature, which serves as a versatile tool for promoting sporting events and enhancing player entertainment. This feature offers customizable settings based on specific sports, events, odds criteria, and frequency. With such flexibility, operators can effectively incentivize participation and elevate excitement levels among players.
In essence, the suite of features and tools offered by Atlas-IAC not only addresses the diverse needs of operators but also fuels engagement and growth within the iGaming industry.
What are Atlas-IAC’s goals for continued innovation and growth in the iGaming sector?
Looking ahead, our primary aim is to continually push the boundaries of innovation while delivering outstanding value to our partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the charge in the iGaming sector, fostering sustainable growth, and championing responsible gaming practices. Our strategy revolves around staying agile, adapting to emerging trends, and catering to the unique needs of operators worldwide.
The evolving sports betting landscape of 2024 underscores the critical importance of adaptability and innovation. Operators must navigate this dynamic environment marked by technological advancements and regulatory shifts, and Atlas-IAC stands ready to assist them in this endeavor.
In terms of market focus, we are meticulously evaluating opportunities in LATAM, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, and Africa. These regions offer significant growth potential, and our tailored strategy is geared towards effectively meeting the unique demands of these diverse markets.
The post Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The evolving landscape of affiliate marketing within the iGaming ecosystem presents both opportunities and challenges due to regulatory shifts. Adapting to these changes is crucial to navigate the dynamic environment effectively. Slotegrator experts exploring strategies to avoid pitfalls globally and adopting adaptable approaches can optimize affiliate marketing amidst evolving regulations.
The iGaming industry has had to focus on a number of changes in the area of affiliate marketing – as a result of regulatory and advertising changes.
Beyond that, it’s important to keep in mind another important key initiatives that include key components of a successful affiliate program:
- The quality of the content the affiliate creates.
- Regulations the affiliate or affiliate program might be subject to.
- This is especially important if the affiliate expects a commission for every sign-up. If the affiliate is getting paid for every player they send your way, the players need to stay for a while for it to be worth it.
- An ongoing analysis of the size and quality of traffic the affiliate is delivering you.
To know more about these points you can read an instruction from the Slotegrator Academy by link.
The changes have not only affected the regulatory environment of the iGaming industry, but also affiliate marketing as a result of the general changes. What is important to look out for?
Slotegrator shares some regional specifics of affiliate marketing:
- Asia is a diverse and dynamic region for affiliate marketing in the iGaming industry. Affiliates operating in Asia have to navigate complex regulatory conditions and varying cultural attitudes. Marketing managers have to employ strategies that prioritize mobile channelization, collaboration with opinion leaders, and compliance with local laws — all of which are essential to success.
- Affiliate marketing in Africa is still in its early stages but is already showing significant potential. With the increasing availability of the internet and the spread of smartphones, the continent is opening up opportunities for affiliates to reach a fast-growing market. However, factors such as regulatory uncertainty, payment processing difficulties, and the cultural diversity of the region need to be taken into account.
- In Latin America working with local affiliates who have a deep understanding of the regional market helps to better customize marketing campaigns and achieve higher conversion rates. Given the strict regulation of gambling in some Latin American countries, it is important to comply with local laws and advertising restrictions to avoid negative consequences.
- Affiliate marketing in Europe is a dynamic and competitive landscape where effective strategies and a professional approach can ensure significant business success and growth in the iGaming sector. One of the important parts of affiliate marketing in Europe is the use of a variety of channels to build audiences. It helps to diversify and increase the flow of traffic to the partner’s site, which helps to increase conversion rates. Careful research of each country’s rules and restrictions is needed regarding the advertising and promotion of gambling.
Alyce Fabel from CasinoRIX, Slotegrator’s media partner, summarizes key aspects for affiliate companies to concentrate on.“As each year passes, affiliates must strive to improve and keep pace with the market. Competition is growing, regulations are evolving, and that brings changes to many regions. We can highlight five key points for affiliate companies to focus on:
- Continuously search for and acquire new traffic channels. It’s crucial not to focus only on one channel; diversification is necessary. This has been particularly evident in the past year, with significant changes and updates in SEO and mobile traffic (iOS/Android applications).
- Ensure content quality. As AI tools continue to advance, it’s essential not only to learn to apply them in work but also to differentiate content written by humans from AI-generated content (especially crucial for SEO projects).
- Configure deep analytics. Constantly work on improving traffic quality and understand where to make enhancements. The standards for traffic quality are rising.
- Provide added value. It’s time to start developing the product aspect as well, thinking not only as an affiliate but also about providing customers with additional value. This will also help in achieving higher-quality marketing.”
Cultivate relationships with partners. Build strong and lasting relationships, stay informed about all industry changes and news, and keep up with technologies and innovations. This is crucial for achieving high results.
And some words about the affiliate marketing trends as a compass to guide development efforts in this area in the right direction. Khoren Ispiryan, sales manager at Slotegrator, and the speaker of the latest Prague Gaming & TECH Summit ‘24, shares some insights:
- “The best thing is to include real people in the affiliate marketing. To create an environment where bloggers, streamers and influencers will make a bigger impact on the end user behavior.
- In 2024, gambling companies will continue to partner with influencers and other internet celebrities. These partnerships will be increasingly effective methods of attracting new audiences, promoting products, and increasing brand awareness.
- Loyalty programs and other ways of enhancing the user experience will also be essential for the promotion of gambling websites.
- The development of partner relationship management software will be a major priority. It will help improve usability for affiliate partners and enable better communication between companies and affiliates. For instance, Partnergrator from Slotegrator offers a solution for online gambling platform operators who face difficulties in tracking their affiliate program data. This innovative solution provides the ability to manage and analyze affiliate programs in real-time, using analytics to simplify the decision-making process.”
The post How to avoid failing at affiliate marketing in 2024? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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