Connect with us

Altenar

One year on: Showcasing Altenar’s Ontario success

Published

on

one-year-on:-showcasing-altenar’s-ontario-success

 

Twelve months ago, Altenar made a name for itself as one of the first major European sportsbook providers to go live in Canada’s nascent regulated province of Ontario. 

With the market now in its second year of being regulated, we spoke to Altenar’s Head of Sales, Antonino Barra, to hear more about the success Altenar’s market-leading technology has brought to Ontario, as well as the award-winning provider’s expectations for the year ahead.

 

It is almost a year since Altenar entered Ontario. How have you settled into the region and how has the product been received?

We’ve been live in the region with a big-name operator since the early days of the market being regulated back in early 2022. Overall, business has been fantastic – we can see how much demand there is for sports betting in Ontario thanks to the influx of very successful teams across a wide range of sports, including the Canadian Football League.

When we went live in the market back in April 2022, we envisaged a bright start for us, and it has presented a significant opportunity to develop and implement our bespoke trading and pricing models for Canada’s most popular sports. Without a doubt, we have one of the best trading teams in the industry and we’ve got some fantastic case studies to back it up. All in all, it’s been an excellent first year and our products have been incredibly well received.

 

What is attractive about the region from a sportsbook point of view?

Ontario loves sport, so it has been a great experience for us so far. Teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and the Ottawa Senators are all well supported, and this is evidenced in the extensive popularity we’re seeing when it comes to sports betting on some of Canada’s best-loved sports.

According to iGaming Ontario’s first year’s performance report, Basketball was the most popular sport to bet on, accounting for 29% of all wagers, followed by soccer (15%), football (13%), hockey (9%), and baseball (8%). Sports categories include bets on a variety of athletic activities, including but not limited to professional leagues. Having such a diverse range of sports has proven to be a fantastic challenge for our trading teams and we’ve really enjoyed becoming localised experts on North American sports!

 

Did you set any targets for your first year in Ontario and did you achieve them?

Being able to provide a full solution to players in Ontario, with one of the most comprehensive sports betting propositions available, was also another OKR we put a lot of effort into achieving. A crucial differentiator was to provide a bespoke provision of ad hoc services that could be tailored   to exactly what Canadian players have been looking for. So far, it has been great to see all of these vital targets reached and we look forward to surpassing them.

 

What advantages does Canada offer as opposed to LatAm or the US?

When we compare Ontario to the LatAm region, we must understand that the market is less granular. The legal framework allows space to offer different business plans and enables us to have been one of Ontario’s true pioneers.

In LatAm, it is easy to be overpowered by certain operators who hold too much sway, given some jurisdictions have big name operators holding up to 75% of market share. The retail vs. online split is also hugely different, in that Canada is hugely online-first, while in LatAm – retail will always be the flagship brand.

Looking at comparisons with the US, the cost can be hugely prohibitive in comparison as you have to go through the licensing process for each new US state. As a result, the bureaucratic hurdles involved in making that happen require a vast provision of resources, as well as the risks involved in the land-based lobby slowing down any launch process.

On the other hand, when examining the situation in Ontario, it becomes apparent that the regulatory framework is remarkably flexible, offering a highly convenient platform for sportsbooks venturing into the North American market for the first time. This aspect serves as a significant incentive for numerous European brands to establish their presence in North America prior to expanding further south. The market’s favourable reputation stems from its commendable ability to provide tailored conditions that are exceptionally conducive to growth.

 

How does the next 12 months look? Do you expect to branch into other provinces as they come online?

Absolutely. As it stands, Ontario is the only province that currently offers a licence and is open for entrants, but we will look to target all provinces as they slowly come online. The next couple I expect to follow suit are Alberta and British Columbia, and we’ll be first in the queue for those. The current status regarding lotteries is that they have a monopolistic hold over these provinces, just like we’ve seen with land-based and tribal influence in the US. Of course, Canadian lotteries have a vested interest in seeing themselves hold onto the market so this will be an interesting development to keep an eye on.

For 2023 to 2024, we’ll be focused on solid growth and helping new operators develop and grow their operations to become verifiable contenders.

Finally, given the economic outlook over in Europe – and indeed, the likely contractions faced, there’s plenty of fortune awaiting on the western side of the Atlantic, so we’d certainly encourage brands looking for a better outlook to set foot in here – it’s a place to be watched with interest.

Altenar

Altenar strengthens global footprint with Betico sportsbook agreement

Published

on

altenar-strengthens-global-footprint-with-betico-sportsbook-agreement

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Leading provider delivers premium, fully-managed sportsbook to modernise Betico’s offering

Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider, has expanded its presence in key global markets through a new partnership with the Betico brand.

Founded in 2025, Betico has built a strong reputation for reliability and entertainment. Through the partnership, Betico will transform its sports betting offering by leveraging Altenar’s fully-managed sportsbook solution, combining advanced technology with its in-house PAM for maximum efficiency and scalability.

The collaboration will enable Betico to benefit from Altenar’s renowned sportsbook features, including customised betting options, advanced risk management, platform management, and robust compliance controls.

This partnership reinforces Altenar’s position as a trusted sportsbook technology provider in regulated markets, delivering high-performance, scalable, and adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of operators.

By combining innovation with operational excellence, Altenar continues to set the standard for reliability and growth in the global betting industry.

Vagelis Bairlis, Senior Sales Manager at Altenar, said: “We’re proud to support Betico’s growth as it enhances its offering with our premium sportsbook services, designed to deliver cutting-edge features and a seamless experience for players.

“This collaboration underscores Altenar’s ability to deliver reliable, scalable, and fully compliant solutions tailored to operators’ unique needs, ensuring sustainable growth in competitive global markets.”

Dmytro Dobronravov, COO at Betico, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Altenar as our new sportsbook provider. We were looking for a premium option to collaborate with, and Altenar’s reputation for innovation and dependability made them the perfect choice.

“Their fully-managed sportsbook solution, combined with advanced features and strong compliance standards, gives us the confidence to deliver an exceptional betting experience to our players.”

The post Altenar strengthens global footprint with Betico sportsbook agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

3 Oaks Gaming

Assessing the Greek iGaming market’s potential

Published

on

assessing-the-greek-igaming-market’s-potential

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Greece has quickly become one of Europe’s most closely watched regulated iGaming markets, blending high player engagement with an increasingly mature licensing framework. In this roundtable, Christos Zoulianitis, Chief Commercial Officer at ENJOY, Tassos Theocharidis Senior Sales Executive at Altenar, and Iulian Nedelcu, Account Manager at 3 Oaks Gaming examine the market’s evolution, the trends shaping Greek player behaviour, and the opportunities now open to operators and suppliers, while assessing the regulatory and commercial challenges that will define the next phase of growth.

How has the Greek iGaming market developed over the past few years, and what changes have made the biggest difference?

C: The Greek iGaming market has transformed significantly in a relatively short time. The introduction of a clear and consistent licensing framework has provided the stability needed for long-term growth, giving both operators and suppliers the confidence to invest. From a supplier’s perspective, this regulatory clarity has been instrumental in attracting greater innovation and competition. The influx of new licensees underlines the market’s growing appeal, confirming Greece’s status as one of Europe’s most dynamic regulated markets.

T: Following the launch of Greece’s regulated market in 2021, it has stabilised significantly, with more than two dozen licensed operators now active and licensed by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). Four years on, Greece’s GGR has grown by more than 25%, with online platforms powering that growth. Since obtaining our Greek licence in May last year, we have witnessed its high potential, with the market’s regulated GGR reaching €751.6 million. This demonstrates the huge potential for licensed operators and suppliers looking to achieve growth in the jurisdiction.

I: The Greek iGaming market has gone from something that seems like the “wild west” to a fully regulated playground. The biggest game-changer was licensing – suddenly, both players and operators knew the rules of engagement. Combine that with stricter compliance, stronger player protections, and improved tech infrastructure, and you have got a market that feels solid and sustainable, one that has matured into a competitive environment where quality and localisation matter more than ever. In short, regulation has turned something that seemed chaotic into a place of ample opportunity.

From a player perspective, what trends or behaviours stand out in Greece compared to other European markets?

C: Greek players are among the most passionate and engaged in Europe, particularly in sports betting and casino entertainment. There is a strong demand for immersive, entertainment-led experiences, especially within live casino and slots. Localisation plays a major role in the live environment – Greek-speaking presenters, for instance, drive deeper connection and retention. Interestingly, while tailored live content performs strongly, slots with wider European themes also enjoy success without the need for heavy localisation. Overall, Greek players are highly discerning and place strong emphasis on quality, fairness and trust – often judging an operator by the strength of the suppliers it partners with.

T: Greek players exhibit distinctive behaviours compared to other European markets, with a rich history of playing games of chance. Sports betting, particularly football and basketball, remains the most popular vertical, and contributes nearly half of all online wagering turnover. There has also been a strong uptake of mobile and live products. Over 60% of iGaming activity now occurs via smartphones, and in-play betting has become one of the key engagement drivers.

This is an area we have heavily invested in at Altenar, and our intelligent bet acceptance logic has improved the user experience by minimising the number of bets which are rejected due to a live bet delay. The unique algorithm means bets can still be placed during a live event if there is no significant change to the odds. The use of official data from the industry’s leading providers also helps to ensure live betting windows are extended and cashout availability is improved.

Compared to other European markets like Italy or France, Greek players tend to bet smaller amounts but more frequently, emphasising the social and entertainment value of betting over purely transactional motives.

I: Greek players are passionate and extremely loyal, they gravitate toward engaging features and jackpots, but what really sets them apart is their appetite for localised content and games that feel culturally familiar, relevant and immersive. They want entertainment with personality, not just another spin on the reels. When features speak the language of Greek players, both culturally and experientially, they drive ongoing engagement rather than a single interaction.

What opportunities do you think the Greek market will offer in the coming years?

T: In line with expected annual growth of around 3.5% up to 2029, the market presents significant opportunities in several areas, and is expanding with a highly engaged player base, long-standing cultural acceptance of gambling and well-developed technical infrastructure.

More so than ever, localisation is key, with Greek language support and tailored payment systems in high demand. Additionally, retail-to-online integration and software expertise are essential to help operators compete.

I:
The opportunities are plentiful if you play it smart. Mobile-first experiences will dominate, as Greek players increasingly engage on the go. Localised campaigns alongside tailored jackpots and features will set successful brands apart. There is also room for growth in gamification and responsible play tools, which are increasingly valued. In short, the companies that succeed will be those that combine smart innovation with a genuine understanding of Greek player preferences. A generic slot experience simply is not enough anymore.

C: As more casinos go live under licence, competition is intensifying, opening fresh opportunities for content providers to help operators stand out. Exclusive titles, premium live content, and branded formats are all becoming key differentiators. For suppliers, there is also scope to add value through localised experiences and innovative promotional features that enhance engagement. With a robust regulatory base and consistent year-on-year growth, Greece is shaping up to be one of Europe’s most promising markets for operators and suppliers alike.

Looking ahead, what hurdles do you think the market will face in the coming years?

T: Despite growth, the market faces some structural challenges. High taxation, with GGR tax rates of up to 35%, among Europe’s highest, compresses operator margins. Meanwhile, illegal gambling continues to siphon away 10% of total wagers, prompting the HGC to establish a dedicated task force to curb unregulated activity.

The need for a refreshed regulatory framework has also become urgent. The HGC itself has noted the limitations of the current structure and advocates for a system ‘built from the ground up’ to align with international best practices.

I: The hurdles are quite clear: stricter regulations, heavier compliance burdens, market saturation, and the not-so-small matter of Greek taxation. Operators will also need to constantly balance innovation with responsibility. Yes, players want excitement, but regulators want safety. Add in fierce competition, and the market can feel like a marathon. The key challenge will be differentiation and standing out without cutting any corners. Those who prioritise sustainable strategy, localised insight and long-term trust will be the ones who move ahead.

C: Despite the strong trajectory, the market is not without its challenges. High taxation, rising operational costs, and strict compliance requirements all put pressure on margins – particularly for smaller operators and studios. Suppliers also face lengthy approval processes from the HGC, which, since 2023, have become more time-consuming. Even so, these measures ultimately uphold market integrity and professionalism, helping to ensure Greece’s long-term sustainability as a regulated market.

With factors such as high taxes and increasing competition, how do you see these shaping the future of the Greek iGaming market?

I: High taxes and competition may seem like a headache, but they are in fact forcing the industry to evolve. Margins are tighter, so operators must focus on efficiency, smarter marketing, and player retention rather than quick wins. Competition, meanwhile, drives creativity and innovation – only the best survive. The result? A leaner, more sophisticated market where localisation, responsible play, and strong brand identity separate the leaders from the pack.

C: These pressures are likely to accelerate the market’s evolution towards greater maturity. Operators will prioritise sustainable growth, efficient operations, and long-term partnerships with trusted suppliers. High-quality, localised content will remain a central advantage, while innovation in promotions and player engagement will continue to separate market leaders from the rest. Despite the challenges, the steady influx of new licensees and consistently high player demand underscore Greece’s strong potential – a compact yet high-performing market that continues to deliver impressive annual results.

T: In the years ahead, Greece’s iGaming ecosystem will reflect the tension between innovation and regulation. High competition and tax pressure will likely push smaller firms out of the market, favouring operators that invest in responsible gaming, advanced technology, and product differentiation.

However, the fundamentals remain promising. With high internet penetration, a digitally engaged population, a clear licensing regime, and a growing reputation as a Mediterranean hub for gaming innovation, Greece’s iGaming market is well-positioned to sustain steady, high-quality growth.

The post Assessing the Greek iGaming market’s potential appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Altenar

Altenar releases new Bet Suggestions feature to boost engagement

Published

on

altenar-releases-new-bet-suggestions-feature-to-boost-engagement

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Widget leverages behavioural data to suggest intelligent, personalised prompts

Altenar has launched a brand new Bet Suggestions widget to enhance user engagement through intelligent, trend-led selection prompts.

Through the innovative feature, additional suggestions sourced from commonly paired selections based on real betting behaviour are displayed after the player adds a bet to their betslip.

The Bet Suggestions widget draws on aggregated data from previous activity and helps users discover relevant and popular combinations, creating a more dynamic betting experience for the player and increased revenue for operators.

Bet Suggestions is the latest feature released by Altenar this year to improve engagement, following on from other well-received enhancements such as Bet Cards and Slice Markets, which contributed to the company winning an award for the Most Innovative Sportsbook Feature.

Antonis Karakousis, Director of Operations at Altenar, said: “At Altenar, our focus is always on creating smarter, more engaging experiences for both players and operators. The Bet Suggestions widget harnesses real betting behaviour to deliver intelligent, relevant prompts that keep users engaged while helping operators maximise the value of every interaction.”

The post Altenar releases new Bet Suggestions feature to boost engagement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest news

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania