Graeme Savill, Account Management Team Lead at Gaming Corps, argues how despite the UK being a highly-competitive market, there are still plenty of reasons why it can provide meaningful opportunities for new entrants

Generating a gross gambling yield of just over £4bn during the 2022-23 financial year, the UK is undoubtedly one of the most established and successful online casino markets in the world. With 2,343 active operators holding a UK licences, it is evident that the market is vast. For online casino suppliers, even a small slice of that market could prove to be extremely lucrative. That was the thinking behind our decision to launch in the UK this year.

It is, of course, undeniable that cutting through the noise in the UK market is a very challenging task. The sports betting markets that we have seen open up in the US ihave provided the perfect example of how difficult it can be to upset the status quo. But the key thing to remember is that with challenges comes opportunities; we believe that finding a place in the UK is far from impossible.

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We’re not entering the UK entirely as a newbie. The partnerships we have with the likes of Flutter Entertainment, Entain, Kindred and LeoVegas – which we are aiming to bring over from other markets where we are active – will likely bring us speedy access. If we were coming into the UK without those existing relationships, it could be a very different challenge, but having that grounding on which to stand is very important.

Localised content is key

It is critical to remain dynamic and agile in any market that you enter, making sure you adapt to fast-evolving industry trends, regulation and player expectations. There are many legacy brands that continue to dominate the UK market with decades of experience. They have shown how vital it is to build products and player experiences which are localised for the UK market – what works for Swedish players may not work too well for UK players, for example. In fact, UK player interests and habits tend to be quite specific.

As a Brit myself, I may not fit into the typical UK player profile. But it’s fair to say that we’re a fairly unique segment in the global casino player base. We know what we like, and more importantly, what we don’t. The balance of offering proven themes as well as popular mechanics, achievable win caps, frequent features and medium-level volatilities has brought us strong early results and we’re very happy to see players coming back to these games.

The ability to innovate is integral to growth in the UK. As we go live with more and more operators, we will continue to push new verticals like our Smash4Cash™ line of games. We believe this can be a game changer in the long-term, as Gaming Corps looks to reach new and existing players.

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In the UK market, there are also opportunities for casino games suppliers to cross-sell their products to sportsbooks, particularly around some of the standout events this year such as the men’s European Championship in football and the Summer Olympic Games.

Regulation leads to adaptation

Admittedly, this is a unique time to be going into the UK, particularly in light of the impending measures of the White Paper, which we all unequivocally have to be aware of. Adapting to, and complying with, increased regulation is part and parcel of competing successfully in all regulated markets. With regards to the UK, a continued increase of regulation does put pressure on operators and suppliers alike, but we believe that the iGaming industry is resilient enough to manage these pressures effectively.

We operate with the understanding that it’s imperative to always adapt and be prepared for new regulations; this is how we can ensure that we have not only a competitive advantage, but also a sustainable business. That ability to adapt will be key to sustaining growth in the UK, regardless of whatever challenge is thrown to operators and suppliers.

iGaming distributor to extend global presence with latest regulated market push

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, is set to go live in the South African iGaming market through a partnership with leading operator, Supabets.

With this collaboration, 3 Oaks Gaming’s diverse portfolio of games will be accessible to players on Supabets’ online platform. Users will soon be able to enjoy a plethora of top-performing titles from the iGaming distributor, including Sun of Egypt 3: Hold and Win, Green Chili: Hold and Win, and Aztec Fire: Hold and Win.

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Founded in 2008, Supabets has established itself as one of the premium brands in the region, providing its customers with a comprehensive range of sports betting markets and wide selection of casino games.

This latest news is set to reinforce 3 Oaks Gaming’s strategic vision for global expansion. Venturing into the African continent for the first time significantly broadens the supplier’s audience reach, signalling a new era of commercial growth.

Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “This marks a pivotal moment for our company as we prepare for our content to seamlessly integrate with Supabets, enriching the gaming experience for South African players.

“We are confident that our games will leave a lasting impression, and we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead with our esteemed partner.”

Bavu Mpama, Head of Product at Supabets, said: “3 Oaks Gaming offers an extensive collection of slots that we believe will captivate and entertain our users. This collaboration is part of our commitment to continuously enhance our casino offering for our players.

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“We’re poised to redefine the iGaming landscape in South Africa, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.”

LEON, the globally recognized online sports and casino entertainment brand, has partnered to sponsor four promising mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters: Justin Tafa, Junior Tafa, Hakaraia Wilson, and Joshua Culibao.

This partnership marks an exciting expansion of LEON’s sports collaboration portfolio, with the four Australasian athletes set to engage in various promotional activities and fan interactions, all while representing the LEON brand. These efforts aim to bring fans closer to the thrilling world of MMA.

The six-month promotional campaign will culminate in an unforgettable fight night in Australia this August, where the four fighters will demonstrate their prowess in the octagon.

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The Tafa brothers and Culibao are well-known figures in the UFC, and Wilson is a rising star in professional MMA. Through LEON’s platform, they will provide regular updates on their training and progress and engage with fans via personal calls and exclusive online events.

LEON is committed to offering a secure, enjoyable, and innovative environment for casino gaming, sports, and esports fans. It prioritizes both entertainment and safety and advocates for responsible gaming practices.

Callen Mowatt, fighters Communications Director: “We are thrilled to join forces with such exceptional brand. Each of these athletes embodies the values of perseverance, determination, and courage, which we believe resonates deeply with with the brand. We look forward to being able to showcase their inspiring journeys as they reach new heights in their careers”

The Brand Communications Director of LEON commented, “Our partnership with the dynamic world of combat sports not only supports the aspirations of these talented athletes but also reinforces our pledge to deliver exhilarating and engaging experiences to our audience.

This collaboration reflects LEON’s commitment to innovation and community involvement, mirroring the triumphant cheers that echo across the sports landscape. 

Our goal is to assist young talent and support emerging athletes. We understand the challenges they face and the dedication required to excel as top fighters.

Through this sponsorship, we aim to motivate our audience to pursue their dreams and strive for success. We extend our best wishes to the four fighters as they train for their upcoming matches over the next six months.”

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