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Slovakia: How iGaming sites can build traffic

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Are the Slovaks about to liberalize their iGaming market? Is it worth it to wait for any new laws? This deep-dive into the Slovak market takes a closer look at the reality on the ground and how you can profit from it.

This year in May, the Slovak government announced a planned liberalization of its restrictive iGaming laws.
This change would abolish the current state-owned monopoly on online casinos and it is hoped it will attract foreign operators. The plan is still in its early stages, but the detail released so far suggests the change will come into force in 2019, with a planned 23% tax on revenue.

What this deep dive will cover

We will go behind the headlines and cover the current market situation in Slovakia as it really is.

From the domestic players, to international operators, to the best-performing affiliates, you will see who is making money in the Slovak market right now.

We are also going to look at potential marketing strategies for those who want to build traffic from Slovakia.

Who this deep dive is for

If you are an operator who is considering applying for a licence, then you should read this.

If you are an operator or affiliate who has been scared away from the Slovak market by news reports of IP-blocks, payment processor bans, and €500,000 fines, then you should definitely read this.

But first a legal disclaimer

I am just a Slovak-speaking iGaming/marketing geek and not a lawyer, so none of the information below should be seen as legal advice—it isn’t. These are just my observations on Slovakia and iGaming.

Make sure to get proper legal advice before entering any grey market like Slovakia, Czech Republic or Hungary.

The legal situation today (June 2018)

Only the state-owned monopoly Tipos is permitted to run an online casino, which it does alongside a sportsbook and a lottery product.

Operators with a land-based betting business may also run online sportsbooks, and there are a number of Slovak and Czech betting firms which offer this. These firms currently pay a 27% tax on revenue.

Foreign firms who market to Slovak residents without a licence are named on a blacklist published by the Slovak Ministry of Finance. The list is updated every Monday and can be found here.

The current blacklist is a mixed bag of household names (William Hill, Bet365, Bwin), smaller operators based in the likes of Curacao, and a few affiliates.

As of June 2018, some of the names still on the list have removed any Slovak language options on their site, and yet they still appear there. The blacklist seems to be like the Hotel California—you may check in, but you may never leave.

If the firms do not shut down their websites to Slovak visitors within 10 days of going on the blacklist, Slovak Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must IP-block the website from Slovakia. However, all my technical tests show it is possible to access all the sites on the list while based in Slovakia.

The blacklist also contains IBAN details for each operator. Although there have been some public threats to stop Slovak payment processors from sending payments to these companies, I haven’t heard of this ever happening.

Indeed, there is no mention of any payments ban on the current version of the list.

The Slovak Ministry of Finance also threatens to issue fines to persistent offenders. There is a potential fine of €500,000 for operators and €250,000 for advertisers/affiliates.

Again, we haven’t heard of such fines being either issued or paid. Considering that the Dutch have failed to collect any fines since 2015, it’s probably safe to assume that no international operators have ever paid any Slovak fines.

Proposed changes to the law (by 2019)

The Ministry of Finance has recently proposed ending the state monopoly on online casinos, allowing domestic and foreign firms to seek a licence in the country.

The new proposed tax rate is 23% on revenue. This tax rate might tempt more applications for a licence than the Czech Republic did in 2017 with a 35% tax rate on revenue.

An important note on political risks to new gambling legislation

In general, Slovak political parties see anti-gambling laws as a big vote-winner.

In a further complication, Slovakia has a slightly unstable political climate, with coalition governments ruling almost exclusively since independence. These coalitions of two, three, four or more parties, all with different outlooks on gambling, mean that it’s very difficult to predict what the next government will actually do.

A perfect example of this instability is the recent disagreement between the Bratislava city council and the Bratislava regional government on the subject of banning land-based gambling in the Slovak capital. The next Slovak parliamentary election is due in 2020.

Frankly, basing an iGaming strategy on this proposed law being passed and then staying in place for more than a few months, is highly risky.

The iGaming market in Slovakia today

If you choose to enter this market, you should know what the current landscape looks like, particularly with regards to who the established competition is.

Apart from the state monopoly (Tipos), there are several betting operators with a physical presence in the country, who have a licence to also market a website to Slovak customers.

On top of this, there are plenty of international operators who continue to offer their sites in the Slovak language, including some big names.

Below are the main domestic, government-approved players with sites in the Slovak language.

– Tipos.sk – this is the state-owned monopoly, offering sportsbook, casino and lottery games. The betting odds are reasonably in line with the international market, but as the only licenced company offering online casino in the country, the selection of slot games looks dated and limited.
– iFortuna.sk – offering sportsbook only, this is the online version of a Czech gaming group which has land-based betting shops in Slovakia.
– Nike.sk – offering sportsbook only, the online version of a Slovak gaming group which has land-based betting shops in Slovakia.
– Tipsport.sk – Slovak sportsbook
– Doxxbet.sk – Slovak sportsbook, who also have sites in other countries e.g. Nigeria

On top of these domestic players, there are plenty of international operators which currently offer services in the Slovak language:

– bet365.com (licensed in Gibraltar and soon Malta, offering sportsbook & casino – they are currently on the blacklist)
– kajot-casino.com (licensed in Malta, casino only, currently on the blacklist)
– vulkanbet.com (licensed in Malta, sportsbook & casino, NOT mentioned on the blacklist)
– 1xslot.com (licensed in Cyprus, casino only)
– bohemiacasino.com (licensed in Malta, casino only, NOT mentioned on the blacklist)
– slotv.com (licensed in Cyprus, casino only)

Due to the similarities between Czech and Slovak, it’s easy for Slovak customers to read and speak the Czech language, making websites offering support in Czech a possible option for these customers.

Lots of international sites were scared off the Czech market, but a few still offer this language option, and presumably are of interest to Slovak customers.

Here are a couple you should be aware of: williamhill.com (licensed in Gibraltar, sportsbook & casino); ceskecasino.com (licensed in Curacao, casino only)

Affiliates offering content in the Slovak language

Of course, affiliates also play a key role in Slovakia. Here are the top 5 performing affiliate sites for the Slovak market: mistrcasino.cz; casino-online-sk.com (included on the blacklist); kasino-online-sk.com (included on the blacklist); najlepsiecasino.com; casino-hry.sk.
It’s interesting to note that none of these top-performing affiliates are working with any of the government-approved Slovak-based operators.

 

Written by: Ivana Flynn for Calvinayre.com. Ivana is a Malta-based SEO Consultant dedicated to helping iGaming operators and affiliates improve their organic search rankings. Her biggest professional passion is using SEO to break into new and tricky markets. In her spare time, she bakes, works out and plays with her cats.

 

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Summoners War X AppGallery Meetup 2024: Exclusive Insights with SWC Europe Cup Champions NEF, ISMOO and STARTIIK

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Summoners War, a popular mobile role-playing game, has captivated millions with its turn-based monster battles. Boasting over 220 million total downloads across platforms, Summoners War has cultivated a loyal and passionate fanbase.

To celebrate this dedicated community, the Summoners War X AppGallery Meetup 2024 in Hamburg on 30th November invites fans to engage in exciting activities and connect with the community, with top players NEF and ISMOO headlining this sold-out event. We caught up with NEF, ISMOO and STARTIIK, the top three winners of the SWC 2024 Europe Cup, to dive into their strategies, the influence of AppGallery, and the upcoming meetup.

 

What key strategies helped you win the Europe Cup and advance to the World Finals’ Semi-Finals match?

NEF: A lot of preparation involved strategizing with my friends and anticipating my opponents’ moves. Additionally, having favourable RNG in critical moments played a crucial role in my success.

 

What was your turning point in Summoners War that influenced you to start competing professionally?

NEF: Throughout my Summoners War journey, I have met so many incredible people who have really helped shape my experience and push me to grow. Watching ISMOO’s energetic performance on the big stage, gave me the motivation to chase my own dreams and got me to where I am today!

 

How does it feel to be part of the Summoners War X AppGallery Meetup 2024 and what are your thoughts on AppGallery’s Summoners War campaigns and offline events?

NEF: I am thrilled to be a part of meetup! Being involved in this vibrant community has been such a rewarding experience. I appreciate the variety of Summoners War campaigns that AppGallery offers, catering to all kinds of gamers, regardless of budget. Attending Gamescom last year was a phenomenal experience. The energy was electrifying, and it was amazing connecting with fellow gamers who share the same passion!

 

What key lessons from your past World Finals experiences have contributed to your success in reaching the World Finals’ Semi-Finals again?

ISMOO: Competing in past World Finals has been a crucial step towards my success in the Semi-Finals. It has taught me to stay composed and avoid costly misplays, even when the stakes are high. I have also learned to better analyse and adapt to opponents’ strategies, enabling me to make smarter decisions and perform more consistently under stress.

 

Reflecting on your 8-year journey, what key moments shaped your path in Summoners War?

ISMOO: One of the highlights was meeting all my in-game friends from Summoners War, including NEF, that I had only interacted with online. It was incredible to finally meet them in person and getting to know each other better!

Another unforgettable moment was competing in SWC World Finals 2022 in Korea. It was my first time traveling to Asia, and playing live on stage was such an exhilarating and surreal experience.

 

How does it feel to be part of the Summoners War X AppGallery Meetup 2024 and what are your thoughts on AppGallery’s Summoners War campaigns and offline events?

ISMOO: It feels amazing to be part of this meetup. Reconnecting with the community and meeting so many new people has been a blast! Incredibly grateful for the multiple events that AppGallery has hosted and invited me – It is truly an honour and excited for future events!

 

What key lessons helped you win second-place at the Europe Cup and advance to the World Finals’ Quarter-Finals match?

STARTIIK: I spent a year focusing on mastering drafts and learning which monsters counter certain meta picks. My Europe Cup preparation involved studying my opponents and analysing their playstyles. However, the World Finals demanded a completely different approach. Preparing for LADRILLO-OS was manageable while LEST’s unpredictability made it more challenging.

 

As a first-time Europe Cup player, what elements of your gameplay surprise opponents, and does their underestimation give you an edge?

STARTIIK: As a first-timer competitor on stage, many opponents underestimated me despite having experienced my strengths in previous matches. The real challenge lies in proving yourself as a worthy competitor who can handle pressure and deliver consistent results. My fast-paced cleaving strategy has always been my focus but the addition of Lora to my roster this year has strengthened my second-turn gameplay, allowing me to explore new strategies.

 

How has your AppGallery experience been, and how do its Summoners War campaigns and cashback benefits enhance your gameplay?

STARTIIK: My experience with AppGallery has been great! Installing it on my Android device was a breeze, and navigating the app is intuitive and straightforward. The enticing campaigns and cashback deals have been a great bonus, enabling me to grab some excellent discounts on in-game packs.

 

The post Summoners War X AppGallery Meetup 2024: Exclusive Insights with SWC Europe Cup Champions NEF, ISMOO and STARTIIK appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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DSWV further expands its network: performanceLiebe and Kerberos Compliance become new partners

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The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) is pleased to announce the addition of two new partners as of December 2024: performanceLiebe and Kerberos Compliance. With this step, the association is underlining its commitment to an innovative and future-oriented sports betting industry.

“We are very pleased that performanceLiebe and Kerberos Compliance have joined.”says DSWV President Mathias Dahms.

“Both companies ideally complement our partner network and offer our members valuable services. With their expertise, we can further strengthen the competitiveness of the German sports betting industry.”

Rainer Naranjo, Managing Director of performanceLiebe emphasizes: “We see the collaboration with the DSWV as a great opportunity to use our expertise in link building for the sports betting industry. Through targeted search engine optimization measures and the creation of relevant backlinks, we can help to increase the visibility of DSWV members.”

Christian Tsambikakis, Managing Director of Kerberos Compliance, adds: “Compliance with the complex money laundering regulations is of central importance for companies in the sports betting industry. We look forward to contributing our expertise to the cooperation with the DSWV and helping its members to meet their compliance requirements even more efficiently and reliably.”

performanceLiebe is the leading link building agency since 2009 with more than 200,000 link sources in over 50 countries, specializing in the sports betting industry. With innovative link building strategies, performanceLiebe ensures more traffic and higher rankings in the search engines.

Kerberos Compliance is a leading provider of compliance solutions that helps companies meet the complex requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the GDPR. With customized solutions and in-depth industry knowledge, Kerberos Compliance ensures maximum security and transparency.

The post DSWV further expands its network: performanceLiebe and Kerberos Compliance become new partners appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Nazara & Lysto sign LOI to launch “The Growth Protocol”

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Nazara and Lysto have signed a Letter of Intent to launch The Growth Protocol, an L1 infrastructure layer, purpose-built for digital marketing and growth applications on the blockchain. 

The Growth Protocol is a purpose-built L1 blockchain and a collaboration between Nazara Technologies FZ LLE, a 100% owned subsidiary of Nazara Techologies Limited that is India’s only publicly listed gaming company, and Lysto, the gaming world’s one-stop shop funded by leading VCs like Hashed, SquarePeg, Tiger Global, Distributed Global, Beenext, and prominent angels like Balaji Srinivasan, Sandeep Nailwal, Jaynti Kanani, Bobby Ong, and T.M. Lee.

Designed to revolutionize the digital marketing landscape, The Growth Protocol aims to bring greater transparency, equity, and monetary benefits to all participants in the Web3 marketing ecosystem. By leveraging blockchain technology, the protocol empowers users through decentralization to take control of their digital identities and participate in decentralized, trustless interactions. 

The Growth Protocol makes its public debut at India Blockchain Week, a significant event for the Web3 community globally. Alongside a private testnet launch, the team released a proof-of-concept loyalty dApp for game marketing, showcasing the practical application of Web3 technology in the gaming industry.

Speaking at IBW, Nitish Mittersain, CEO and Jt. MD of Nazara, shared his vision for innovations in the gaming sector and expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Nazara’s game marketing to the Web3 space. Speaking at India Blockchain Week, Nitish said, “We are very happy to innovate on new and upcoming technologies such as web3, VR & AI and look forward to integrating our games with releveant web3 technologies that can add value to our players.”

Sadiq Ahamed Shaik, CEO of Lysto, and Founder, The Growth Protocol, said, “The Growth Protocol is a platform for developers and all marketing roles. Our team is working with developers to launch a series of growth applications on the L1 blockchain, empowering users through decentralization for marketing and growth initiatives.”

The Growth Protocol team, composed of experienced professionals previously at Microsoft and Google, is actively engaging with Web3 developers, key opinion leaders, and marketing professionals at India Blockchain Week, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The Web3 community at IBW is invited to meet the team in person, join the test net launch, and participate in rewarding quests. For those who won’t be at IBW are welcome to connect with The Growth Protocol through their website and social channels on X or LinkedIn and more.”

The post Nazara & Lysto sign LOI to launch “The Growth Protocol” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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