Latest News

Is aggregation the only way forward?

Published

5 years ago

February 24, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Maria Luisa Malfasi, Business Development Manager, ESA Gaming

Aggregation platforms provide games studios with access to new markets and a pain-free way to place their content with various operators. As the number of suppliers on the market has grown over the years, so too has use of aggregators.

A good aggregator benefits the operator by giving them the ability to manage their own content. Not only does it free up the operator’s internal IT resources, but it allows bonusing across multiple providers and feeds business intelligence. Depending on the aggregator and the operator’s publishing policies, an aggregator can massively cut down integration times.

While ESA Gaming has its very own RGS, there remains a reliance on aggregation services, and this is because both services have their benefits with regards to distribution of content. Aggregation platforms enable the company to reach a wider audience of operators, while using their own RGS can give a more bespoke integration. Partnering up with key content aggregators in certain markets where larger operators can be too slow to sign agreements has been a successful strategy for the company, giving us quick access to market without many issues.

Aggregators offer a range of options for expansion in new territories as they allow brands to see the appetite for their content before committing to a market. A direct integration allows brands to cut out the middleman, which from a revenue perspective is a huge bonus, but there are advantages to using aggregators too. Assessing to what extent the market can be penetrated is usually what shapes ESA Gaming’s strategy, as well as finding a balance between the quantity of direct integrations and the maximisation of earning potential.

Direct integration is also a great tool when the circumstances are suitable, such as for ESA Gaming’s EasySwipe family that integrates into sportsbooks to allow bettors to enjoy the best quality casino games without interrupting the betting experience. Integrating in sportsbooks rather than in various operators’ casino tabs, a direct integration provides a much simpler route to market for this games collection.

For smaller providers, aggregation can be the only way to get content in front of industry-leading operators, and getting content out there is key to building a successful brand image. Aggregators have the expertise and network that smaller suppliers need in order to successfully launch their games, which in this scenario saves the brand precious money and resources.

A direct integration is now harder than it has ever been, with accessibility being the issue. Increasing numbers of large operators are only accessible through their aggregation partners thanks to the sheer volume of suppliers in existence. Nowadays, it is crucial for operators to provide content from a variety of different suppliers to ensure their games offer appeal to all player demographics, and to do this, aggregation is the easiest option. Saying that, many operators still prefer direct integrations as it cuts out the middleman, so it is ideal for a supplier to have both options.

Striking the right balance is therefore key for suppliers looking to extend its reach across several markets and operators.

Alona Shevtsova

Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh

Published

56 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

sends-ceo-alona-shevtsova-moderates-global-gaming-expansion-panel-in-riyadh

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate a panel at The Blockchain show on 29^th June, bringing together experts from entertainment, location-based gaming, and content localisation to examine what it takes to build sustainable gaming ecosystems across emerging markets.

The panel, titled “Global Gaming Expansion: Lessons from Untapped Markets,” will structure its discussion across four themes: the growth dynamics reshaping emerging gaming markets; the role of localisation in creating experiences that genuinely connect with new audiences; the infrastructure and communities needed to build gaming ecosystems beyond the game itself; and the lessons and opportunities that will define successful expansion in the years ahead.

Alona Shevtsova plans to frame the discussion around the central challenge for companies looking to expand globally: entering a new market requires far more than bringing an existing product to a new audience. Understanding local cultures, building communities, adapting experiences, and creating ecosystems that allow gaming to grow sustainably are all as important as the product itself.

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, said:

“The future growth of gaming will come not only from new technologies, but from understanding people — their cultures, communities, and the experiences they want to be part of. Successful expansion will belong to those who can combine global ambition with local understanding.”

The first segment will examine why regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are becoming increasingly significant for developers, operators, and investors — driven by young audiences, accelerating digital adoption, and new entertainment models creating substantial growth potential. Panellists will explore how consumer preferences differ across markets and what trends among younger audiences are shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

The third segment will broaden the lens beyond the game itself, exploring the role of location-based entertainment, gaming centres, esports, and experiential destinations in attracting new audiences and building long-term communities. Panellists plan to address how entertainment ecosystems — spanning physical venues, events, and community infrastructure — accelerate gaming adoption in markets where the category is still establishing itself.

Earlier this month, Alona Shevtsova was shortlisted for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category. Her team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year. Sends will be a leading sponsor of this event.

*Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). For more information, visit sends.co .

The post Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.