Latest News

Ready to re-open with cashless? Consumers will expect the option from day one

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

As more and more retail operations increasingly implement cashless systems ahead of reopening to the public, OKTO’s Director of Gaming Simon Dorsen spoke to Coinslot about how the fintech firm’s digital payment solution, OKTO.WALLET has been specifically designed with the leisure and hospitality industry’s main concerns in mind; user friendly, affordability, security and social responsibility as well as the universality that consumers are craving for.

Do you always pay with plastic, or are you more comfortable with cash? Have you ever paid friends by your phone while you’re all out for drinks at the pub? Do you have a lonely banknote sitting in your wallet for almost a year now, to wager while you are enjoying your drink at the pub? These questions as well as the days of pubs’ players and visitors with cash-stuffed pockets will not be the norm anymore, as consumer preferences are rapidly changing and the age of mobile payments is taking over the world.

Going cashless is not only the newest tech trend but also a strategic goal, especially when this comes as a complete cashless ecosystem and through an open and interconnected mobile payment app. With the coronavirus, a generation of change has occurred in just a few months. This is forcing all sectors to reconsider their business models, how they interact with their customers and their routes to market.

The number of cashless payments in the UK has been great than cash and growing in proportion since 2017, and this trend has accelerated now more than ever, as businesses increasingly opt for offering choice and the convenience of paying in a way that suits the consumer. This is already evident in pubs where it has been reported that 30 percent of customers have already used a mobile to pay in a pub based and from my discussions with pub operators between the lockdowns cash accounted for only 20 percent of F&B sales. It is now a natural progression to extend the choice of compliant digital payment to the gaming machine player. This deliverers convenience for the player and better operations for the pub.

Retail operations are now competing in an increasingly digital world, where consumers are no longer constrained to traditional payment methods but have access to more choice than ever before. As pubs and other operations reopen, it is paramount for them to have a digital payment strategy that ensures people to keep revisiting the venue, improving efficiency and customer experience. For me, this will be enabled with a solution that offers cashless convenience across all touchpoints for the consumer.

The key, however, is to find the cashless system that suites the specific needs of your business, and this is particularly true for more complex retail environments such as pubs, adult gaming centres and casinos. The selection of a reliable, licensed payment partner to help activate this digital payment strategy is critical. Few providers are focusing on the nuanced needs of gaming operators, especially for land-based, while at the same time supports a universal, open-loop, cashless solution that consumers are looking for. Consumers want simply to use, move and collect their money anywhere, not just for gaming and this to be in a simple, fast and secure way.

At OKTO, our gaming division has built a solution to meet the exact specification of the UK’s pub and leisure industry. Our secure, open-loop, cashless end-to-end payment solution delivered through OKTO.WALLET payment app is designed to meet all the niche demands of retail gaming customers,

allowing players to move funds instantly across the entire payment ecosystem via the OKTO app; from the gaming machine, ordering app or at the bar/restaurant, even to any retail or online business that accepted debit card through the OKTO Prepaid Mastercard® linked to OKTO app.

We have a 360 approach, which the operators need, to get ahead through field-proven technologies and the extensive know-how of key integrations across all physical touchpoints in and out of the gaming venue as well as a strong understanding and proven ability to integrate the wallet with digital touchpoints.

Working with major gaming and betting operators across Europe and gaining extensive experience and feedback, we are set to provide a tailored solution also for the UK. Having a deep understanding of different markets requirements, we are aligned with the operators focus on efficiencies and due to the software nature of our solution, we provide fast deployment that requires no additional investment at the gaming machines. This is especially important after such a long period of disruption, during which retail businesses have been prevented from trading. Understandably, many operators currently can’t or don’t want to bear a big financial hurdle for setting up a cashless payment facility, and with OKTO they don’t have to.

Social responsibility is also a key priority. All the main tools of social responsibility are fully covered through the OKTO app. From a strict age verification process and time-out periods to betting limits, and profit and loss calculator as well as a specific section with national problem gaming helplines are within the app and are all designed to enhance further consumer protection.

The most sophisticated technology often seems the simplest. Our easy-to-use solution allows players to go simply to a gaming machine, press a button to use OKTO, and deposit funds to start playing. And it’s the same in the cashout; they get the winnings back to OKTO wallet in real-time. As we can also onboard pubs as merchants, if OKTO users can spend some money on food and drink in the pub, they simply can; and they can also split the bill with their friends or send and receive money from their friends using the OKTO app.

Retail gaming and betting operators in the UK but also Spain, Romania, Greece and Cyprus are already ready to adopting the OKTO cashless solution. Many pubs and operators are capitalising now, during this time before lockdown ends, to install the OKTO cashless system and progress their business on all fronts. Will you follow suit for your retail gaming business? Will you cash in on the trend for cashless? Open with OKTO!

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 22-28

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2024

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-april-22-28

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) will hold its 41st International Gaming Summit Monday, May 27 through Thursday, May 30, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. As a premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the Summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other advisor delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming.

Marker Trax, a leader in cashless payment solutions for the gambling industry, has announced the appointment of John Henderson as its SVP of operations. Henderson is a seasoned, energetic industry veteran who brings to Marker Trax more than four decades of success in delivering technology-based business solutions, leading innovation-forward companies seeking to increase their industry footprints and to solidify their market shares.

Jackpot Digital, a leading manufacturer of electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables, announced that it has successfully completed the installation of its Jackpot Blitz casino machines at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, located in Coarsegold, California.

Affinity Interactive has announced the appointment of Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Butera, who most recently led AI’s Sports Information Group (SIG) business, brings over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality, media, entertainment and sports to the pivotal role. In his new capacity, Mr. Butera will set strategy and oversee operations of the Company’s diversified portfolio of casinos resorts across Nevada, Missouri and Iowa.

North Star Network has acquired Um Dois Esportes, a sports coverage and analysis site created from the merger of Gazeta Do Povo and Tribuna do Paraná in 2020. NSN’s signing of Um Dois Esportes is the media house’s fourth acquisition of 2024, following the recent deals to purchase UK-based SportsMole and MrFixitsTips, as well as Chilean site AlAireLibre, which was announced in March.

Hollywood Casino at Greektown unveiled its new ESPN BET branded sportsbook and restaurant on the upper floor of the 100,000-square-foot Downtown Detroit casino. This sportsbook is the first ESPN BET branded retail location to open across PENN Entertainment’s (PENN) portfolio of properties.

Partnerships

Above the Felt, the leading poker and gaming marketing and talent agency, has announced a partnership with Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the grand opening of their state-of-the-art poker room this May. This collaboration marks a significant experiential poker event in the Mid-West US, bringing together top players, personalities and content creators with regional players for an unforgettable poker room grand opening.

SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Comm100, a pioneer in AI-powered omnichannel communication. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the gaming industry as it looks to revolutionise player engagement and customer support through personalised, 24/7 communication.

Betano and CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol), the Brazilian Football Confederation, announced a new partnership that will see Betano become the new main sponsor and exclusive betting partner of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Starting from the 2024 season, which began on Sunday, April 14, the competition will be known as Brasileirão Betano.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 22-28 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Celebrate SOFTSWISS’ 15th Anniversary with Special Offers!

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2024

George Miller

celebrate-softswiss’-15th-anniversary-with-special-offers!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Marking its 15th anniversary, SOFTSWISS, a leading global iGaming software provider, is ready to surprise its clients with special gifts as a sign of appreciation.

During 2024, SOFTSWISS rolls out a wide range of gifts, bonuses, discounts, and special offers for its new and existing clients, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the company’s anniversary together.

All new clients signing up for the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator can enjoy a complimentary Tournament Tool connection until the end of 2024. This offer empowers new clients to create and manage engaging tournaments, fully customisable to suit their needs.

New clients of Managed Services will gain an additional discount on several support services for three months in a row. This discount can be applied to First Line and VIP player support, Player Retention and Reactivation, as well as Content Management.

Affilka by SOFTSWISS’ new clients can avoid monthly fees for renting merchant accounts until the end of 2024. The monthly merchant fees are on the platform, excluding payment systems’ commissions for cashouts.

New clients of the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, and Sportsbook have the exclusive opportunity to explore the Jackpot Aggregator options as bonuses, available for free or at discounted rates.

For those diving into the Game Aggregator, expect 15 free days of the Jackpot Aggregator and a 15% discount on all local jackpot campaigns for the initial 150 days post-launch.

Clients opting for the Casino Platform can choose a free trial month or receive a 15% discount on local jackpots until year-end.

New Sportsbook clients could access the Jackpot Aggregator for all local jackpot campaigns free of charge for the initial 150 days since launch.

Max Trafimovich, Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Our 15th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past achievements but also a commitment to our future and the success of our clients. By offering bonuses and discounts to new and current clients, we aim to express our gratitude for their trust and support. It’s our way of saying thank you and investing in their continued success in the dynamic world of iGaming.”

SOFTSWISS current clients will receive various special offers via email.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 20,000 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post Celebrate SOFTSWISS’ 15th Anniversary with Special Offers! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Paysafe strengthens US iGaming solution with Pay by Bank launch

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

paysafe-strengthens-us-igaming-solution-with-pay-by-bank-launch

New product allows American bettors to log-in directly to their bank accounts at online sportsbooks’ cashiers to fund real-time wagers

Paysafe, a leading payments platform, today launched Pay by Bank for iGaming, a new solution allowing U.S. online bettors to instantly and securely fund deposits at operators’ cashiers directly from their online bank account as well as cash-out winnings seamlessly. This product expands the capabilities of Paysafe’s Gateway, the iGaming payments solution that connects U.S. operators to the market’s most comprehensive range of traditional and alternative payment methods via a single integration.

Building on Paysafe’s 25+ years’ history streamlining iGaming payments, the company added Pay by Bank to respond to the growing demand from U.S. players for payment choice. The Gateway already connects operators’ cashiers to Paysafe-processed card payments, the Skrill digital wallet, the Paysafecash online cash solution, and third-party payment products. Strengthening operators’ player acquisition, Pay by Bank provides their customers with yet another payment option that is particularly appealing to the 27% of bettors who prefer transacting via direct bank transfer, according to Paysafe research.

Leveraging Paysafe’s single-integration Gateway, U.S. online gaming operators can now offer Pay by Bank to their customers, giving first-time users the ability to sync their checking or savings account in just seconds, then fund their player account securely in real-time. For returning bettors, the process is even easier, with Pay by Bank supporting one-click payments from linked accounts.

Winnings can be withdrawn from players’ sportsbook accounts just as seamlessly, with Pay by Bank enabling rapid payouts directly to linked bank accounts, again initiated through a single click.

For operators, all Pay by Bank transactions are indemnified, reducing liability if a player’s deposit from their bank account defaults. Along with helping to drive player acquisition by providing more payment choice, Pay by Bank’s other benefits for operators include strengthening customer retention by improving the overall payment experience. According to Paysafe research, transactional speed and financial security are players’ top-two priorities when it comes to the payment experience.

Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “We’re delighted to unveil our new Pay by Bank product for our iGaming solution, which will almost certainly prove very effective in both converting and retaining players for U.S. operators, with the product’s impressive transactional speed and robust security. Through Pay by Bank, we continue to grow the Paysafe Gateway by providing American operators and their customers with unparalleled payment choices, all through a single integration.”

Paysafe will be showcasing Pay by Bank and the Paysafe Gateway while exhibiting (Booth A270) at the SBC Summit North America in New Jersey from May 7^th to 9^th, 2024.