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SOFTSWISS Managed Services: 2021 Overview
In 2021, SOFTSWISS Managed Services finalised its structure and highlighted key results. As an important part of SOFTSWISS solutions offered to clients to support and maintain their brand, Managed Services has expanded the list of provided services. The statistics presented reflect the division’s performance from January to December 2021.
Managed Services is available to all the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform clients. The most important highlights in the development of Managed Services in 2021 were the changes in the organisational structure. In particular, the split of VIP Player Support and Player Retention services into two separate services. In addition, a new player reactivation team was created within the Managed Services to focus on getting users back into the game.
As a result, the Managed Services structure comprises five core teams at the end of 2021:
- First Line Support. Handles incoming players’ requests and helps resolve issues arising.
- Anti-Fraud Support. Responsible for dealing with suspicious activity and fraud detection.
- VIP Player Support. Focuses on targeted and personalised key player assistance.
- Player Retention. Helps to keep users in the game and increase their loyalty to the casino.
- Player Reactivation. Constantly in touch with players who show reduced or no gaming activity.
“One of the important achievements of 2021 was the finalisation of the Managed Services team structure. We have highlighted five separate teams that are responsible for key areas of work with players. Thanks to the experience gained, we have a clear understanding of how to build work in the B2C segment. This helps to promptly resolve issues and increase player loyalty, which directly affects the financial performance of a casino,” said Vitali Matsukevich, Head of Managed Services.
In the past year the First Line Support team has managed to handle more than 1,5 million chats, which is an impressive result. On average, excluding emails, there were 200+ chats with players per day per agent. At the end of the year, the average Customer Satisfaction Index stood at 83 per cent. These are the overall statistics for all 55 clients that First Line Support services worked with last year.
According to the Anti-Fraud team’s results, the amount of confiscations in 2021 exceeded 14 million EUR, a 40% increase compared to 2020. One of the team’s major achievements were the three ICA certifications, which increased the level of service and expanded the expertise of the Anti-Fraud support staff. In turn, the number of requests handled rose by 35% to over 40,500.
“2021 was a landmark year for all Managed Services teams. The increase in the number of clients using the SOFTSWISS Online Casino Platform has had a direct impact on the number of players and operators we interact with. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in suspicious activity statistics, which we monitor very closely. In order to maintain the highest level of service for which we are valued by our clients, the Managed Services team has grown several times over 2021. Therefore our clients can be sure that their players are in good hands,” commented Artyom Rudakov, Deputy Head of Managed Services.
When it comes to the interaction with VIP players, the team managed to increase their number by 6 times: from 400 in 2020 to 2,500+ in 2021. This is reflected in the amount of deposits VIP players have made in the casino. At the end of the year it amounted to over 189 million EUR. The team saw monthly growth in GGR among VIP players of around 15-20%, resulting in an annual GGR of 107+ million EUR.
The Player Retention division has managed to engage more than 230,000 players over the past year. This is directly attributable to the launch of regular unique promos, from which users learn about campaigns, new providers and the latest game releases. The conversion rate for such email blasts in December 2021 was 35% compared to 22% in January of the same year. As a result, the average deposit per player was recorded at 300 EUR.
Despite the recent launch, the Player Reactivation team ended 2021 at nearly 6,000 users who had resumed their gaming activity. 54% of them not only took advantage of the bonuses offered, but also made a deposit. As a result, the team ended the year with a total of more than €1,75 million in deposits. In turn, the average ROI per client was 220%.
“The main goal we set ourselves for 2021 was to provide the best B2C service in iGaming. I believe that we have succeeded! Not only the metrics, but also the feedback from our clients and players shows that we are moving forward in the right direction. A more targeted approach to players, segmentation of departments and team expansion allowed us to fare well among competitors,” summed up Vitali Matsukevich, Head of Managed Services.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS Managed Services works in combination with SOFTSWISS Products to deliver additional value to iGaming operators and players alike. Managed Services include First Line Player Support, Dedicated Anti-Fraud Support, VIP Player Support, Player Retention, and Player Reactivation.
SOFTSWISS is a widely-acclaimed iGaming expert, supplying certified software solutions for managing online gambling operations. The company has an international team, which counts 1,000+ employees and has an official presence in Malta, Belarus, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences, including Curacao, Malta, Estonia, Belarus, Belgium, Sweden, Nigeria, Ghana, Serbia and Greece. The company has a vast product portfolio, which includes an Online Casino Platform, Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013 SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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BetMGM
BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.
The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.
Immersive Luxury Table Games
The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.
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FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
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FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.
The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.
Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap
For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.
“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”
Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”
Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.
The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Brazil Betting Law
2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines
As the industry gathers for ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted into a high-execution phase. The following roadmap outlines the critical compliance dates for three of the most influential markets currently undergoing major transitions: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines.
| Date | Jurisdiction | Regulatory Milestone | Action Required for Operators/Suppliers |
| Jan 19, 2026 | United Kingdom | LCCP Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 Update | Ban on Mixed-Product Incentives: Offers like “Bet £10, get 20 free spins” are now prohibited. Wagering Caps: Bonus wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x. |
| Jan 19-21, 2026 | Global / EMEA | ICE Barcelona 2026 | Flagship event for showcasing 2026 compliance technology and real-time auditing solutions. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | United Kingdom | LCCP Condition 15.2.1 Reporting | Key Event Reporting: Threshold for reporting operator status/shareholder changes raised from 3% to 5%. All loans must be reported regardless of written agreements. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Philippines | PAGCOR B2B Accreditation Deadline | Final Compliance Date: All B2B providers (studios, aggregators, affiliates) must be accredited. Unaccredited foreign content will be blocked from licensed platforms. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | United Kingdom | DMCC Act 2024 Alignment | Fair & Transparent Terms: Consumer Protection regulations replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Terms must align with new definitions of “misleading actions.” |
| June 30, 2026 | United Kingdom | RTS 12 (Financial Limits) | Technical changes to Remote Technical Standards (RTS) regarding how customers set and view financial limits on their accounts. |
| H2 2026 | Brazil | Betting Deposit Tax Vote | Proposed 15% tax on gambling deposits is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote after being pushed back in late 2025. |
Regional Deep Dive: Strategic Compliance
1. United Kingdom: The “Safety & Simplicity” Era
The UKGC’s January 19th update is the most immediate challenge for marketing teams. By decoupling sports betting from casino bonuses, the regulator aims to reduce “cross-product friction” that could lead to unintended gambling harm.
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Strategy: Pivot toward product-specific loyalty programs (e.g., “Bet £10 on Football, Get a £5 Free Bet”) to maintain compliance while driving retention.
2. Brazil: Sustaining the .bet.br Ecosystem
Following the January 1, 2025 launch of the regulated market, 2026 is about operational maturity. The focus has shifted to the mandatory use of the .bet.br domain and rigorous AML/KYC reporting to the Secretariat of Awards and Betting (SPA).
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Strategy: Ensure all advertising features the mandatory license logo and that all protagonists in marketing materials are visibly over 21 years of age.
3. Philippines: The B2B Supply Chain Lockdown
PAGCOR’s new framework is a move to professionalize the region, mirroring the supplier-licensing models seen in Ontario and Malta.
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Strategy: Foreign studios that missed the December 2025 “early bird” three-year accreditation window must expedite their applications before March 31st to avoid a total blackout on Filipino-facing sites.
The post 2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI in Gambling
2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals”
The iGaming industry has officially entered a new era of discipline. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the “wild west” growth of previous years has been replaced by a focus on sustainability, hyper-localization, and AI-driven player protection. From the finalization of the PROGA framework in India to the massive turnover records set by World Pool, the market is no longer just growing—it is maturing.
The Rise of “Explainable AI” in Player Retention
In 2026, AI has moved beyond simple game recommendations. Leading operators are now utilizing “Explainable AI” (XAI) to bridge the gap between engagement and compliance. Unlike traditional “black box” algorithms, XAI allows operators to understand why a player is being flagged for risky behavior or why a specific loyalty nudge was triggered.
This transparency is critical for maintaining trust in highly regulated markets like the UK and Ontario, where the UKGC’s 2026 Social Responsibility updates now demand more rigorous evidence of proactive player interaction.
“Originals” and the Rebirth of Video Poker
While high-volatility slots like Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin
continue to dominate headlines, a significant shift is occurring in the “non-slots” vertical.
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The PowerPoker
Revolution: Strategic partnerships, such as the recent QTech Games and Speedy Tomatoes deal, are revitalizing video poker. By adding features like “Swap-A-Card,” these games are capturing high-value player segments who prioritize skill and strategy. -
Branded Originals: Platforms like MINT are proving that “Originals” (Mines, Crash, and Plinko) are no longer secondary products. Fully brandable house games are now a core foundation for crypto-first and Web3 operators, driving session frequency through provably fair mechanics.
Brazil and Ontario: The Battle for Market Supremacy
The geographic focus for 2026 remains firmly on Brazil and Ontario.
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Brazil’s Advertising Evolution: With the newly regulated market in full swing, groups like Esportes Gaming Brasil joining IAB Brasil signal a shift toward responsible communication. Advertising is now a tool for helping consumers identify licensed platforms, moving away from aggressive acquisition tactics.
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Ontario’s Content War: The region has become North America’s most dynamic hub. Agreements like the Peter & Sons and Casino Time deal highlight the demand for “indie-inspired” content that stands out in a saturated market.
Conclusion: The “Champion Mindset” for 2026
Success this year isn’t about volume; it’s about coherence. As highlighted by GR8 Tech’s “Champions Club” initiative for ICE Barcelona, the operators winning in 2026 are those who treat technology as a performance ecosystem. By aligning real-time data with compliant storytelling, brands are finding that “trust” is the most valuable currency in the modern iGaming world.
The post 2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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