Interviews
The Betegy story: “With a click of a button, we enable marketing teams to create entire campaigns in just a few seconds”
When it comes to the future of B2C marketing for sports betting and casino – personalisation and automation is going to be the name of the game. We caught up with Alex Kornilov, Founder and Managing Director of content and data specialists Betegy, to talk about his pioneering work in transforming the marketing operations for the likes of Parimatch, Sportsbet.io, ESPN and Yahoo Sports.
Congratulations on Betegy’s deal with Parimatch – can you take us through the agreement and what you’ll be doing for their teams?
It’s a relationship that has been in progress for some time, starting with us initially having a conversation about what we wanted to achieve. Parimatch was looking to optimise its offering to deliver a truly revolutionary style of marketing and this was something we were determined to deliver. Rather than being off-the-shelf, our discussions began with the premise of discovering the challenges Parimatch was facing and offering a bespoke solution.
Our Betegy product overcomes those pain points to engage their customers. Following the exploratory phase, we built a roadmap and a vision. It is vital that nothing is omitted at any stage, because all building blocks are essential in allowing us to create a unique product, vision and brand of the future –one that can truly resonate with players’ values.
With a click of a button, Parimatch’s marketing teams can now create compelling, personalised campaigns using Betegy’s proprietary automated content generation platform in a matter of seconds, rather than the old timeframe of two to three days.
Tell us about Betegy’s in-house technology – what was the development process behind it and how did you start out in 2012?
Back then, Betegy was working within data analytics and we had number-crunching algorithms that produced accurate predictions of football matches. We were coming up with predictions for media companies who wanted access to our feed, and this is how we ended up working with the likes of ESPN and Yahoo.
We subsequently realised that data and APIs were one thing, but that there was also a strong need for visualisation. From that starting point, we understood that we needed to create a variety of marketing tools out of that – including social, banners, landing pages and videos, for example – all driven by the APIs connected to our system. When we added odds to this mix, we realised that what we had produced could be very useful for betting operators.
Before we went live with sports betting in 2018, we had been working under the radar to help develop and hone our delivery with operator partners. This learning experience was invaluable as it allowed us to build the product in real time and only after two years of careful preparation, were we really ready to deploy with operators as a true product.
As well as the ‘revolutionary’ aspects mentioned for Parimatch, what other operators does Betegy work alongside? Does your delivery go beyond sports betting operators?
Every new client in our family benefits from our product and our growth strategy is based around continuous improvement. We work with various operators and each has their own unique pathway, allowing us to create a fully bespoke experience. Our online client Sportsbet.io has a very different strategy to German retail leader Tipico, for example.
We also work with casino products. It’s something we have been developing for a while behind the scenes but are only really starting to shout about just now. Out work with 22Bet is a great example of this – in many ways what we have created in this instance is a very similar style of visual generation, only in a new vertical, which shows that we are not simply all about sports betting.
On-air graphics, such as a Bloomberg-style trading experience from the world of finance, is also an area which we envisage as a major growth sector for us. Our platform is all about enhancing the visual experience and we believe that this is something we can certainly bring to the table for media companies in the future.
Looking globally and beyond Europe – what other key markets will you be targeting in the year ahead?
Our attention has already turned towards the Americas. This is definitely a big growth area for us with significant investment. It’s very different in scope to our home markets in Europe, which have proven to be highly valuable as learning grounds.
Asia is also a very interesting place for us, having worked closely with the China Sports Lottery previously. India as a market holds big potential too, which is understandable due to its sheer population size. When it comes to that all-famous national sport, cricket, there are some cracking creatives that can be produced to really make things look exciting. While LatAm is also on the horizon, we’re not there yet, Africa is interesting too – but we’re focusing on energies on other geographies first.
There’s a lot of talk about personalisation nowadays,but few companies aside from Betegy are bringing AI-based content personalisation to market. How do you see this changing through 2021 and beyond?
Our product came about based on client feedback. It was built upon what is needed now and also, what will be required in the future. Naturally, we have a first-mover advantage and the more we publicise and grow, the more we know where the value creation lies going forward.
We expect competitors to arrive on the scene, but we are confident in our leadership within this sphere, in relation to the typical innovation and adoption curve. We are still three to five years of creation ahead of mass market adoption, so there is plenty of time to capture more market share. Given the expertise we’ve been able to deploy already, as well as the relationships we have built and the understanding we have forged in what engages customers, we are happy to welcome additional players on the field.
What’s the case for automated content personalisation being a true gamechanger aside form cost savings? What can it enable your partners to do beyond efficiency?
Automated content personalisation allows for specialisation – bonuses and big events, for example – which can then be segmented by country. Additionally, and more pertinently, it allows for the quick testing of what is effective and what is not, with improvements deployed immediately wherever needed. This allows us to constantly test with creative teams and analyse, together, in real-time to see the effects of certain campaigns, making the tweaks needed.
Tailor-made offers and conversion tools for every single customer also allows us to generate content based on individuals. Machine generated content is another very significant growth area, which I look forward to speaking plenty more about soon enough.
Last but not least, looking ahead at 2021, and especially with the Euros on the horizon, how do you see sports betting playing out this year?
Retail is likely to be open again as we get closer to summer, and this will be welcomed by players – especially those who value the social element of betting. I also expect plenty of co-operation between media and betting companies, working together for mutual benefit and engaging players.
Taking a wider look at the market, I expect popularity of football to drop slightly, just as we saw at the start of the pandemic. When we talk about the younger generation, football has less of a passionate following. This is partially due to a changing mentality, where content is all about swipe-and-scroll and bitesize chunks– quicker gratification for driving higher engagement, rather than sitting to watch a match for 90 minutes.
Other sports offer a far faster format that appeals to younger players. Esports for example, offers lightning-fast gameplay and results and younger generations love this speed and fast action. While football can seem sterile right now, being played out as it is in front of empty stadiums, esports offers interactivity and engagement. This is where betting comes into play, enhancing the overall experience.
Powered by WPeMatico
Turnkey and white-label sportsbook provider Altenar has doubled down on its efforts to improve player engagement and retention for customers this year. With the launch of an intriguing line-up of new tools, including their Bet Boost, Rewards System and Proprietary Bet Acceptance product, Alejandro Cazorla, Sales Manager at Altenar, provides insights into why operators should focus on increasing customers’ lifetime value as the price of acquisition continues to rise.
Why did Altenar decide to focus so heavily on their engagement tool offering this year?
In today’s highly competitive iGaming markets, sportsbook operators must constantly differentiate themselves to attract players. With a number of sportsbooks demonstrating how high costs associated with building their player base can eat into profits, one crucial strategy to combat this is integrating innovative engagement tools that have the power to cross-sell, retain and onboard new players. With the average acquisition costs increasing year over year, these tools are essential to not only enhance the overall player experience but also drive customer loyalty, increase revenue, and foster an engaged audience.
Engagement tools play a pivotal role in creating a more personalised experience for sportsbook users, with widgets such as Altenar’s Bet Boost enticing them to try new markets. By offering a variety of these features, operators can captivate players and even encourage online casino customers to give sports betting a try. Engagement tools have the power to transform a sportsbook into a dynamic platform.
Keeping players engaged during quieter periods and securing their custom during highly competitive sporting events is essential for profitability. How does the Bet Boost widget achieve this?
Tools that enable operators to highlight certain odds and boost winning potential can help drive higher revenues. Our Bet Boost widget enables operators to enhance odds to a selected level for promotional purposes during major events, or to combat losses during quieter periods, to increase bettor engagement. Boosts can be applied automatically or manually within events and provide flexibility and customisation options.
We developed Bet Boost to enhance competitiveness in the industry, particularly for popular events. By offering boosted odds that significantly increase prizes on specific selections, this tool creates excitement and provides players with the opportunity to win larger payouts. This, in turn, can lead to increased betting activity and higher revenues for our sportsbook partners. Additionally, the tool’s flexibility allows operators to target specific events or markets, tailoring promotions to suit the local audience.
Friction in the user experience can cause even the most loyal customer to become frustrated. How is Altenar combating this?
Most people are familiar with the feeling of having something in their online shopping basket, only for it to refresh and become unavailable. This is a bugbear many bettors have faced with their bet slips, only to get to their final bet and see the odds refresh, forcing them to start over again. With the new Proprietary Bet Acceptance tool, Altenar has created their own algorithm to allow operators to determine the odds and tackle this frustrating hurdle for customers. This limits friction in the wagering process and gives operators an automated technology with which to determine whether to honour the previous odds available or continue to refresh the bet slip if the risk is too high.
Anticipation is a feeling commonly associated with online casino players. How can operators recreate this emotion for the sports-betting vertical?
The feeling of anticipation and reaching rewards is a familiar and welcome experience for online casino players, with progress bars and promotional tools encouraging longer or more frequent gaming sessions. With the introduction of our new Rewards System, Altenar takes bonuses to the next level by offering players a chance to win a progressive prize from a pool.
Operators can decide when the jackpot is hit, for example if a certain footballer scores during a game, or if the prize pool reaches a predetermined amount. The winnings can go to a single bettor, or smaller prizes may be shared between multiple players. The promotional tool is configured by the operator and is a powerful cross-selling tool, offering familiarity to casino-only players.
The post Altenar: Boosting revenues with engagement tools appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Interviews
Bigly – not just another game studio. Find out how this start-up is going to help operators achieve sustainable success
European Gaming talks to Liam Mulvaney, Founder of Bigly.
Bigly is the latest studio to have launched into what is a hugely competitive space. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
You’re absolutely right when you say this is a crowded market. Today, there are more than 750 studios providing in excess of 38,000 games to operators and players. But Bigly is not just another game studio. We will be producing thrilling and entertaining content for our partners and their players, but we are positioned to be much more than just a content provider. We consider ourselves a marketing studio that happens to provide assets in the form of slots. Our unique commercial model means operators can access our games for a reliable and predictable cost, which in turn means they can ramp up marketing activity behind the titles that best meet the preferences of their players AND keep the lion’s share of the revenue each game generates. As costs rise and margins fall, Bigly is exactly what operators need to ensure sustainable success.
Tell us more about your unique commercial model.
So Bigly allows operators to access content for a capped monthly fee instead of the standard commercial model used by other studios where they work to a revenue share format. For the operator, this means if a game performs well, they hand a significant chunk of the revenues generated back to the studio. This ultimately has a knock-on effect as to the games that operators push to players and how they allocate marketing resources – this is why you often see the same slots from the same providers at the top of casino lobbies or used for promotional activity. But with our commercial model, which is sort of hybrid between a revenue share and a fixed cost system, operators have much greater flexibility over the games they give top lobby positions to, and how they market those games to players. Of course, they also know that if the game performs well, they get to keep the majority of the revenues made.
How does Bigly’s commercial model help operators beyond cost savings on content?
Our vision is to provide more opportunities for operators to push their own brand rather than Bigly. A quick example is that Bigly will not brand our games’ loader screens, but operators are free to feature their own logo if they wish. This means more brand presence from the operators. With Bigly, operators and their marketing teams can get super creative with their campaigns knowing the cost of accessing the game (or games) is fixed so the better the game performs, the more money the casino makes. In fact, the bolder the casino is in its marketing activity, the bigger the returns they will likely enjoy.
How do operators access your content?
There are a couple of ways. The first is directly through our remote game server, which is provided by our technical partner, Reelsoft. This is our preferred method of integration as it allows us to foster incredibly strong relationships with our operators while ensuring the smooth and seamless delivery of our content into markets across the world. Operators will also be able to get our games through aggregation platforms although the commercial relationship will be with Bigly – the aggregator will simply be a technical partner in the same way that Reelsoft is. This approach allows us to offer our content – and unique commercial model – to operators in the vast majority of jurisdictions from the get-go.
How does this approach to commercials and your wider business model benefit Bigly?
It gives us a major point of difference from the 100’s of other studios in the market, that’s for sure. And there’s something nice about bringing a product to the market that disrupts the status quo and genuinely revolutionises a major part of the industry. Ultimately, our approach and commercial model mean that we can provide the games and financials that operators are seeking, and, over time, this will see us become a major player in the content provision space. Of course, our approach works both ways – while our games are a predictable cost for our partners, they are a predictable income for Bigly and this really helps when it comes to establishing, growing and future-proofing the business. This can be really tough for new studios given the competitive nature of the market and the need for their games to be played at scale which of course requires top lobby positions and operator marketing activity, both of which are hard to secure for a new developer. It is important to note that the vision of this studio is for this approach to be the lifetime model for Bigly, a new way of selling and consuming content.
Your USP is your commercial model, but what about your games?
Our games are a crucial piece of the puzzle. Our commercials can be super attractive, but if our games are tosh then players just won’t play them. This is why I’ve been tapping into my extensive network to assemble an incredible team of designers, mathematicians, developers, testers and so on, as we will live or die by the quality of our content. The first games of a studio are always tough but we are confident that our slots will hit the mark in terms of quality and playability. Our first slot is Deep Sea Treasure and takes the cascading reels format, with symbols tumbling as players dive into the underwater abyss in search of big wins. I’ll be giving people a sneak peek at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, so flag me down if you want to see it in action.
The post Bigly – not just another game studio. Find out how this start-up is going to help operators achieve sustainable success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Booming Games
Interview with Booming Games: A Sweepstakes Casino Powerhouse Poised for Big Wins in 2025!
In the ever-evolving world of sweepstake casinos, Booming Games is making waves. With visually stunning slots, a wide range of games, and a strategic focus on sweepstakes, they’re quickly becoming the go-to supplier in the industry. We sat down with two of the masterminds behind Booming Games’ success: newly appointed Director of Games, Nemanja Zivic, and VP of Product, Moritz Blume. Here’s what they had to say.
Booming Games has been making quite a splash in the sweepstakes space recently. What’s the secret sauce behind your success?
Moritz Blume: laughs Well, it’s no secret that we’ve been laser-focused on making Booming Games the ultimate partner for sweepstake casinos. For us, it all starts with the players. We’ve built a reputation for creating visually stunning and feature-packed games that keep people coming back for more. And, you know, our sweepstake-friendly features like interactive bonuses, free spins, and multipliers? Players love it! Who wouldn’t want to hit a big win without staking any real money? That’s kind of our jam.
We’ve also made sure to optimize all our games for mobile because let’s face it, people love spinning the reels on their phones, whether they’re on the couch or waiting for their coffee. The seamless mobile experience keeps them hooked, and we’re proud of that.
You’ve just introduced Nemanja Zivic as the new Director of Games. How does he fit into Booming Games’ already strong team?
Moritz Blume: Oh, Nemanja is a rockstar! He brings a ton of experience, not just from the online iGaming world, but as a passionate player of land-based games too. His expertise spans both worlds, and he’s helping us take those proven land-based features that players love and bringing them online. We’re offering players mechanics tailored to all kinds of play styles. Nemanja’s input ensures our games are not just popular but keep players coming back for more.
Nemanja Zivic: Absolutely! We know there’s a traceable trajectory for the features that start in land-based casinos and go on to make waves online. There’s nuance, of course, but we get it. That’s why we offer content featuring both the core and the evolution of Hold and Win, Cash Collect, Triple-pot bonuses, quick-hit Multi jackpots, Multi-reel set Bonuses, and short-term persistence games that make players feel right at home. We bring these land-based features online, and then elevate them with multiple bonus buys, side bets, and picks—ensuring every kind of player, from the casual spinner to the high roller, finds something that resonates with their style.
Between Moritz and me, we’ve got the experience to know what players crave. Add that to our killer roadmap for 2025 and 2026, and we’re all set to release some seriously exciting new titles.
Speaking of sweepstakes, what specifically sets Booming Games apart for operators in this space?
Nemanja Zivic: Booming Games offers full flexibility and an unmatched diversity in our game portfolio—whether you’re looking for classic casino fruits and diamonds, popular casual player favorites, or high-roller picks, we’ve got it all either in the portfolio already or coming next year.
For sweepstake casinos, we provide modified language support tailored to sweepstake players, social currencies, you name it—we’re all about making it work for the operator. And we don’t just stop there. We offer customized game titles to help strengthen the casino’s brand. Want a game with your logo on it? We can do that! Want exclusive features for your VIP players? Done.
Oh, and let’s not forget our various app integrations. We’re getting embedded into platforms that sweepstake players use the most. If you want your Booming Games titles in your app store, we make it happen. Anything’s possible when you’re working with us.
Wow, that’s impressive. Can you tell us more about how you’re integrating with influencers and sweepstake streamers?
Moritz Blume: We’re playing the long game here. In 2025, we’re going to be teaming up with some big names in sweepstake-focused streaming and influencer marketing. Expect to see Booming Games plastered all over Twitch, YouTube, and every platform where people love to watch gameplay. We’ve got some secret partnerships up our sleeve with streamers who are going to take our games to the next level in terms of exposure.
We’re already among the top 3 revenue drivers on various sweepstake platforms, and we’re only going to climb higher. By working closely with influencers, we’re taking our visibility and engagement to new heights. The future is looking bright!
It sounds like Booming Games is on the verge of a major sweepstake takeover. What can we expect next?
Nemanja Zivic: We’re just getting started! We’re in the final stages of some truly exciting partnerships and game launches tailored specifically for sweepstake operators that will redefine the player experience. At the same time, we’re always keeping our eyes on regulatory changes—if there’s an update, we’re ready to react the next day, ensuring our games are fully compliant wherever they’re played.
But that’s not all—responsible gaming is one of the pillars of Booming Games’ strategy. While we’re busy creating all these exciting new features, we’re equally focused on making sure our games are safe, secure, and fair for everyone. By staying on top of regulation and promoting responsible play, we aim to deliver not just thrilling games but ones that players can trust.
Any last words for the sweepstake casino operators and players reading this?
Moritz Blume: If you’re an operator, Booming Games is the partner you’ve been waiting for. We’ve got the tools, the games, and the know-how to make your players love what they’re playing. And for the players? Strap in, because Booming Games has some wild new titles coming your way. 2025 is going to be a ride!
Sounds like Booming Games is the perfect storm for sweepstake casinos. Thanks for chatting with us!
Moritz Blume and Nemanja Zivic: in unison Thank you!
Booming Games continues to dominate the sweepstake casino world, with cutting-edge game design, tailored solutions for operators, and exciting partnerships in the pipeline. Stay tuned for their roadmap in 2025—it’s going to be big!
-
Australia6 days agoAUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas Announced as Speaker for Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney
-
Central Europe5 days ago
SOFTSWISS Steps In to Assist Southern Poland After Severe Flooding
-
Latest News5 days ago
Week 40/2024 slot games releases
-
Asia6 days ago
Online Casino Platform 96M Partners with Formula 1
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
UKGC Appoints Two New Members to the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Playnetic reinforces European foothold following regulatory approval from the Malta Gaming Authority
-
Latest News6 days ago
Sportingtech selects Continent 8 Technologies to safeguard betting and gaming platform
-
Latest News5 days ago
Amusnet Releases 10 Vampire Bites
