Latest News
OKTO ready to answer industry’s cashless question, once and for all
Introducing a software-based solution carefully tailored to Britain’s retail gaming sector, Simon Dorsen, director of gaming at OKTO – joined by Gambling Business Group (GBG) CEO Peter Hannibal – explains how the financially licensed company has leveraged GBG’s new EFT protocol to provide operators with a cashless system that allows players to use, move and collect their funds instantly – whether it’s on a gaming machine, at the bar, or in their local high street shops.
International fintech provider OKTO is ready to give Britain’s retail gaming sectors a much needed post-lockdown boost by offering the definitive solution to the longstanding challenge of cashless payments.
While there remains competition to provide the sector-wide cashless solution the industry requires, OKTO’s director of gaming Simon Dorsen, an 18-year veteran of the gaming industry, believes the company’s strict financial licenses, vast technological expertise, and unrivalled wallet universality all put OKTO’s secure and complete cashless solution ahead of the pack.
“Cashless and digital payments in the UK is the norm now and today’s consumers demand the digitisation of payments across the economy, and in gaming as well. We have tailored our wallet towards the unique requirements of gaming, but we’re not just a gaming wallet,” explained Dorsen. “Money in the OKTO ecosystem can be moved or spent anywhere that accepts digital payments, whether it’s pubs, bingo clubs or high street shops – and our licenses, upholding the strictest of security standards, mean that any funds with us are always fully protected. The fact that we are financially licensed is very important, as it means both merchants and users can be confident that OKTO is backed by central banks across Europe.”
In addition to its licenses and software-based solution, a recently developed Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) protocol, made publicly available by Gambling Business Group (GBG), has given OKTO an advantage over the industry’s false-starts at a cashless solution. Without the need for any additional hardware or upfront costs, the protocol makes it possible for OKTO to bring any digital gaming machine into its payments ecosystem – finally putting the retail gaming sector on a level playing field with the rest of Britain’s high street economy.
“We are thrilled to be working on established industry protocol which is fully supported by the principle manufacturers of digital machines in pubs and AGC’s. It enables our truly cashless solution to allow users to go up to a gaming machine in the pub, press a button to use OKTO, and deposit funds to start playing. When they cashout, they get the money back in their cashless wallet instantly. Additionally, we are able to onboard pubs as merchants, so if the users want to immediately spend on food and drink in the pub, they can; either through their OKTO.WALLET app or, in the near future, from their OKTO debit card that is linked to the wallet.”
Indeed, much like increasingly popular neo-banks such as Monzo and Revolut, OKTO allows users to move and use their funds instantly, as they wish, putting the power directly in the user’s hands. It’s not just a “one-use” wallet, as users can extend the wallet usage beyond gaming machines and into the wider economy. This is not only ideal for giving players the most frictionless experience possible, but also for allowing operators to easily move, manage and count their digital cashboxes, detailed Dorsen.
“Because the transactions are instant within our ecosystem, you can dramatically move to a settlement time that is instant,” he continued. “We can automate and move towards an instant settlement process. Compared to the traditional cash dependent system, this will allow operators to reimagine the way they operate.”
GBG CEO Peter Hannibal, whose open EFT protocol allows payment providers to ‘talk’ to any connected digital gaming machines, believes that OKTO’s entry into the retail gaming sectors has come at the perfect time. Not only has the protocol made it so much easier from a technical perspective, but with Covid-19 creating a sentiment of fear around the use of cash, the increasing trend of cashless payments is affecting all sectors of the industry more than ever.
“During lockdown we learned that bingo customers were concerned about using cash after the clubs reopened,” Hannibal explained. “The operation of traditional bingo has always been dependent upon coins and cash, but that clearly needs to change, and companies like OKTO will enable them to do that. Products like OKTO’s cashless solution have the potential to transform many gambling activities including bingo – and there’s an existential need for it now, even if there wasn’t before.”
Importantly, OKTO also provides a range of social responsibility tools to players through the fintech provider’s app, incorporating a strict age verification process, self-exclusion, betting limits, and profit and loss calculator tools that further enhance consumers’ protection. In addition, there is a section embedded in the app with national problem gambling helplines.
Hannibal summarised that OKTO’s solution presents a rare opportunity for the industry; a situation in which everyone’s a winner. The player gets more choice, the regulator gets responsible gaming tools in the players’ hands, and the operator gets a boost to business efficiency when it’s most needed. And with no upfront costs, it’s a boost that Dorsen believes operators will welcome.
“I have noticed a real change in operator’s mindsets over the past 18 months. There was a tipping point last year, even before COVID-19 came along, where operators realised that they need to learn about and adopt new cashless solutions. Now, naturally, we are seeing the consumer shift, and because of COVID-19 all demographics are becoming more comfortable using cashless payments,” said Dorsen. “The current economic circumstances are requiring operators to focus on efficiencies more than ever, and because our software based solution connects directly to the GBG/EFT protocol, we can provide fast deployment without any upfront capital expenditure. There’s not a big financial hurdle to implementing our cashless solution, so we think that operators will be eager to finally unlock the benefits they’ve been hearing about for so long, and we’re ready to show them exactly how our end-to-end cashless solution can help their business.”
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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