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“We see LatAm as a hugely promising region” – Exclusive interview with Betbazar CEO on LatAm Esports

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Alexandr Iaroshenko, CEO of Betbazar, gives Gaming Americas his two cents on how a quickly regulating Latin America is proving to be a huge opportunity for Esports – with a hugely diverse player base and a fast-growing interest proving to a key revenue driver.

Looking at the Americas, which markets are of most interest to Betbazar and where do you see the most growth?

We see LatAm as a hugely promising region in the Americas. We are looking very closely at it and are already active there through a number of our tier one partners. It’s no big surprise that Efootball has proven massively popular in many markets there, with Brazil being the most vibrant example of a future market with a huge amount of possible growth.

Indeed, when it comes to major markets, we estimate that 60% of Esports betting in Brazil will be on Efootball – and Argentina, which is already in the most part regulated, has proven very similar. However, in countries like Mexico there is more of a cultural split when it comes to player tastes. Football is still high on the menu, but that number is closer to 30%, with 25% betting on basketball and just as many preferring American football, rather than ‘soccer’.

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Colombia is also an excellent market with a great growth trajectory, all though the tech can be limiting – and we still see this as early days as native platforms are proving an issue there, which we ideally need in order to deliver our best services. Only the major brands can do so platforms directly, such as Caliente and Salsa – which does limit scope.

Given the region’s unique segmentation, there is a lot to bear in mind as a result, but we’ve learned quickly. As well as regulation, economic trends and demographics, infrastructure is also key to powering the next decade. But all these things are moving in the right direction across large swathes of the region, spelling out a huge amount of opportunity there.

LatAm has certainly had to weather its fair share of challenges over the last 12 months – how has the market evolved and how do you see Betbazar as being able to make a difference for operators?

A lot of operators in LatAm were really prompt in reacting to the challenges of last year, they took the correct forward-thinking approach and invested in diversifying their portfolios quickly, with Esports being a big part of that.

If there is anything we should have learned about the last 18 months, it is that you never know what is around the corner and with the highly volatile nature of the ongoing situation – covering every base you can to entertain new players is essential. We know what players out there want, especially the new generation – and we’ve proven ourselves as key part of some of the major industry operators’ Esports set-up for some time now.

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Looking to what is happening at this moment, audience demand has grown exponentially. LatAm has a huge young population that are far more likely to be tuned into Esports and the numbers have supported that. We’ve got a connected global generation like never before – and they’re very switched onto the Esports community already. Accordingly, we can offer popular games like Counter Strike, for example – which, according to our studies, accounts for almost 70% of bets in LatAm Esports.

It’s not hard to see why this number is so high, the game is very simple to understand. It’s a timeless tale of good guys vs bad guys that even the casual viewer can get their heads around very quickly. Helping operators to capitalise on this is one of our biggest priorities going forward. Betting that is easy to understand and simple to join in is key to retention and engagement in 2021.

How much does the nature of supply, and indeed, product requirements differ in LatAm from the likes of Europe?

The infrastructure of internet service is probably the biggest difference between the two regions, with regards to our offering. Due to the nature of our products – which rely on streaming and data, high quality mobile internet is vital, so that is the most important factor we will be keeping our eye on.

Connectivity can be a challenge. However, cheap, data-strong delivery is in existence already in many parts of the continent, where they are able to stream and bet simultaneously without any issues – we expect this to be the case across the continent soon. That is enough to make us confident about rollout there. We’re seeing tech and devices in LatAm evolve at a rapid pace and catching up with Europe, which means the best content can be integrated to really engage audiences.

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However, as already mentioned in terms of B2B, platforms can be an issue as it is a closed ecosystem and still requires development. This can present challenges for integration, but native platforms from tier one operators are, of course, changing that – and the market will follow a natural course of evolution where far more availability comes with time.

Is it a case of offering a set of solutions that are specifically tailored to the market as opposed to a ‘one-size-fits-all’ for global delivery?

Generally speaking, there are two ways to supply Esports products. The first is direct integration with the platform. The odds and video streaming elements are integrated, the product is tested and has proved it’s functionality, the game’s fixtures are matched and from there you’re ready to go.

However, we like to keep things simple for our partners, and a much easier way is what we call ‘iFrame integration’. This is where you have everything on your site, and it appears as a pop-up window. So, all the work happens on our side. Design is included to the service we offer, the only thing that needs to be done by the operator is to connect their wallets and payment integrations. This kind of process solves a lot of pain points as it simply means providing a point of entry than can open the product on the site.

As well as that, it enables us to open another element of commercial communication, which promotes efficiency and scale as we help our partners to scale and manage their sportsbook directly through their sites. This means we, are able to have full clarity on betting activity, and fully support their growth

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As well as this, the option for revenue share is available, which also makes the iFrame integration we offer an excellent way of dipping a toe in the water and seeing if the Esports landscape is what your business needs – and whether your audience is already familiar and ready for action.

Betbazar offers a real specialisation across Esports, how popular has this vertical proven in LatAm and what kind of games are proving to be the most popular?

The two main demographics we have seen in Europe and the US are those who joined during the pandemic and those who were interested in Esports beforehand. This has proved to be the same in LatAm. The first group is those who subsequently joined and tend to be drawn to sports simulators.

Such a demographic tends not to be big fans of RNG games including slots and likely shuns virtuals also, despite last year’s hype. The question, once acquired, is how to keep this group engaged going forward. A really important factor is to make it clear to players that the game is happening in realtime and they aren’t watching a recorded one – as live action is what it’s all about. As a result, a stream of the players in-play is important to communicate that sense of here-and-now, as well as the thrill of getting involved in what’s happening at that very moment, creating a real FOMO effect.

The second group are those already interested in the vertical and tend to enjoy the Battle Royale and deathmatch-style games, including Counter-Strike and Fortnite. They are typically under 30 and are used to playing these games and will continue to be interested post-COVID as this is a key part of their entertainment, whether or not there’s a lockdown.

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We also have a schedule of the games and the players for each event on our website, so bettors can check ahead of time. Just like you’ll see in the likes of horse racing and US prop-bets, it’s all about the statistics – which is why we’ve emulated that by providing the same historical statistics for Esports players, and it’s proven incredibly popular.

Looking to the next 12 months, how would you forecast LatAm’s continued growth and what do you plan to bring to the table to support that?

The market is clearly opening up. There are plenty of new regions that are going to be regulated in the next year and we’re getting ready to support our partners there.

LatAm has always been treated as an emerging market, but the more it develops, the more regulation we see will ensure the market becomes more mature. This means we can expand our presence with the existing major players there and really start to capitalise on places like Brazil and Argentina.

We’re in close communication with the major local platform providers, so do stay tuned for plenty more from us!

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Canada

CasinoCanada Started a New Partnership With Ocean Spin by LaLa Stars

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CasinoCanada, the number one gambling guide for players in Canada, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Ocean Spin a brand under the umbrella of LaLa Stars.

This collaboration marks an exciting step in CasinoCanada’s mission to provide its audience with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on top gaming experiences.

The partnership agreement will grant LaLa Stars premium visibility across high-traffic sections of CasinoCanada’s website, which has been a trusted source for Canadian players for over 20 years.

LaLa Stars presents itself as an affiliate program that generates double-digit profits by making it easy and enjoyable to promote the brands. The program features a memorable design, a player-centric retention system, top-tier payment options, and game providers. Fast payments, flexible commission models, high-converting brands, powerful reporting, no middlemen, and outstanding conversion make LaLa Stars a popular choice. Additional company benefits are: a revenue share of up to 60%, a CPA of up to €500, hybrid CPA.

Ocean Spin Casino, a brand of LaLa Stars company, despite being quite new on the iGaming market, is a huge online gambling platform where all casino newcomers are greeted with a welcome bonus of 100% for up to €500, and 200 free spins plus one Bonus Crab. It comes as a first deposit bonus for a minimum deposit amount of €20. Sports-betting enthusiasts can also claim a welcome bonus of 100% for up to €100.

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Ocean Spin Casino’s games include: gaming machines, roulette blackjack, betting, video poker, bingo, baccarat, jackpot games, and live games.

“We are excited to meet our new partner Ocean Spin Casino, and hope to bring maximum use and value to our community,” said Aleksandra Drigo, Sales Director at CasinoCanada. “This partnership perfectly reflects our dedication to highlighting the best in the gaming industry while offering our audience valuable insights and chances to experience top-notch gaming. We hope for a productive and long-term partnership!”

The partnership is now live, featuring LaLa Stars reviews and exclusive offers on the CasinoCanada website. This collaboration is set to deliver even more thrilling updates, exclusive content, and personalized promotions for the Canadian gambling community.

The post CasinoCanada Started a New Partnership With Ocean Spin by LaLa Stars appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming partners with Rush Street Interactive to further expand Ontario reach via BetRivers platform

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Blueprint Gaming, the leading UK slots developer and member of the Merkur Group, has doubled down on its Canadian footprint following a partnership with industry leading online casino and sports betting company, Rush Street Interactive, in Ontario.

The agreement will see a host of Blueprint’s top performing games made available to a new wave of slot enthusiasts, including its Megaways™ offering featuring Napoleon Megaways™ and Majestic Fury Megaways™, as well as the company’s renowned branded library offering the likes of Rick and Morty™: Strike Back and The Lost Boys™.

Founded in 2012, RSI has become a market leader in online casinos and sportsbooks across the Americas and is set to have its expansive portfolio of slots elevated by Blueprint’s engaging titles featuring sought after mechanics.

The agreement underlines Blueprint’s ever-expanding global footprint and aligns with its strategic roadmap for Canada where its games continue to resonate with players across the country.

Samuel Haggblom, Director of Key Accounts at Blueprint Gaming, said: “The popularity of Blueprint slots continues to grow across Canada and the Americas, and so we are delighted to go live with an industry renowned operator in the region.

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“This exciting deal pays further testament to how our games can resonate with players in multiple markets worldwide and we look forward to seeing the response from BetRivers players.”

Richard Schwartz, CEO for Rush Street Interactive, said: “Blueprint Gaming boasts a growing collection of exciting titles, and we are thrilled to be working with them to bring these games to our BetRivers players in Ontario.

“We are happy to partner with Blueprint Gaming and look forward to watching this collaboration flourish.”

The post Blueprint Gaming partners with Rush Street Interactive to further expand Ontario reach via BetRivers platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Nearly half of Ontarian viewers wagering on Super Bowl LIX

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The latest sports betting survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows the majority of Ontarians plan to watch Super Bowl LIX (63 per cent) and almost half of viewers will place a wager on the big game (48 per cent).

Over a third of Ontario adults have initiated a bet after seeing a gambling advertisement online or on TV (35 per cent); more so among populations at-risk for problem gambling, including those under age 44 (42 per cent) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals (44 per cent).

Two thirds believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes (67 per cent), particularly men and those aged 18-44 (70 per cent). While knowledge and skill does inform a bet, it doesn’t guarantee a win. The misconception that one can accurately predict an outcome can lead to over confidence that their knowledge will give them an advantage and ultimately, a win. This is known as the illusion of control. This false belief paired with persuasive gambling advertising can increase risk, influencing some to bet more than they can afford to lose. More than a third report doing so in the past 12 months (36 per cent).

Key survey highlights

How Ontarians plan to bet:

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  • 50 per cent will bet online with a sportsbook website
  • 30 per cent will bet with family and friends
  • 27 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
  • 20 per cent will bet in a pool

How much they plan to wager:

  • 55 per cent say they will bet $100 or less
  • 19 per cent will bet between $101 and $500
  • 8 per cent plan to wager more than $500

Number of bets they’ll make:

  • 55 per cent will bet a single time on the outcome of the game
  • 25 per cent will bet multiple times throughout the game using one sportsbook website
  • 15 per cent will bet using several sportsbook websites

“Gambling is random but your plan shouldn’t be,” says Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “Perceived knowledge of the game, persuasive advertising, and substance use can all influence how we gamble. A smart plan includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even with sports expertise, understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome.”

RGC tips for safer sports betting

  • Be mindful of the illusion of control. Remember that even with sports expertise a win is not guaranteed and understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome
  • Be aware that time spent, and knowledge gained won’t help you “beat the odds”
  • Plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food
  • Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost
  • Limit your alcohol, cannabis, and/or other substance intake
  • Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed
  • View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money

Detailed survey insights

Half of those who will wager on the Super Bowl say their main reason to bet is to win money (48 per cent), followed by adding to the excitement of the game (47 per cent). About a fifth bet because they believe they are knowledgeable about the teams and players (22 per cent), they feel confident about their chances of winning (20 per cent), or because their favourite team or player is playing (18 per cent). One in ten bets in a mistaken attempt to make up for last year’s losses (10 per cent).

Over half of those who will bet on the big game will place their bets while consuming substances, which are associated with the additional risks of impaired judgement and decision-making (52 per cent). The majority plan to consume alcohol while betting (86 per cent).

While men and women are similarly likely to watch the Super Bowl, men are slightly more likely to place a wager (49 vs 45 per cent). Age and ethnicity also play significant roles. Ontario sports bettors aged 45+ are more likely to bet on the big game (52 per cent) than those aged 18-44 (45 per cent). White individuals are significantly more likely to bet on Super Bowl LIX (54 per cent) compared to BIPOC Ontarians (42 per cent).

Staying onside

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Of those planning to bet on the Super Bowl, the most common strategies to manage their gambling risk remain the same as last year: deciding on a pre-set betting limit (37 per cent), betting to have fun and not to make money (31 per cent), and not betting more to recoup losses (25 per cent).

A quarter of all respondents say they always or often feel anger or frustration at losing a bet (25 per cent), while a third sometimes do (36 per cent). This increases when placing bets while using substances. A third report their gambling has caused them to experience health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety (36 per cent) over the last 12 months, and that they might have a problem with gambling (36 per cent). These rates are highest among BIPOC Ontarians and those aged 18-34.

As a result, more Super Bowl betters are now paying attention to mood and state of mind when they gamble. Encouragingly, a quarter will avoid betting when feeling emotionally distressed (25 per cent) and a fifth will refrain from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (21 per cent).

To help keep online gambling safer, all regulated sportsbook websites have responsible gambling features. Of those who plan to use online sportsbooks to bet during the Super Bowl, a quarter read online information about the odds of winning and how certain games work (25 per cent) or use money limit-setting tools (23 per cent). A fifth use personalized spending reports or take a cooling off period (20 per cent). Notably, a third don’t plan on using any features to help them manage their betting (33 per cent).

Methodology
An online survey of 1,147 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between November 22 – December 6, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.9%, 19 times out of 20.

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The post Nearly half of Ontarian viewers wagering on Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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