Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Latest News

Exclusive Interview with Dennis Tsalikis (CEO at Fantasy Sport Interactive)

Published

on

It is always nice to catch up with successful people and get a glimpse into their extensive knowledge. This week I had the pleasure to interview a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in setting up and managing businesses in diverse sectors. Dennis Tsalikis is co-founder and CEO of Fantasy Sports Interactive, an entrepreneur who decided to combine his passion for Fantasy Sports with his skill in establishing successful businesses.

Dennis has an engineering background and prior to starting his own business ventures, he was employed at Vertu.

After establishing his Higher Technical Education with a University degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and gaining hands-on working experience as a CNC operator at N. Bazigos S.A, Dennis proceeded to acquire a Master’s Degree (MS) in Composite Materials, from London’s Imperial College. Below is our exclusive interview with Dennis, hope you enjoy it!

Let’s begin with a few words about yourself. Our readers love to know how top-class entrepreneurs describing themselves.

Dennis: Fervent. Down to earth,with a positive outlook. Demanding, but fair. Always striving for the best, first and foremost for my people and then in terms of personal accomplishment.

You have studied engineering and science in some of the foremost institutions in Europe, and have had a stellar industrial career. What made you switch to something seemingly different like betting and fantasy sports?

Dennis: For me, engineering and science are the foundations of constructive thinking and a solid professional background. Our Co-Founder, Bill Mexias, and I, got to know fantasy football while working in the UK at Barclays and Vertu respectively, as a team-bonding activity in the workplace. We immediately realized that fantasy football would become the next big thing in gaming and we could see that fantasy sports were the perfect option, combining innovation with great business potential.

You have made your debut in the gaming sector when you co-founded Bet4theBest.com? Did the launch and subsequent performance of the company go according to the plans? Would like to hear your experiences?

Dennis: Bet4theBest was my debut in the gaming industry, an amazing and most positive experience. We managed to establish a tight-knit and effective core team, sharing a common passion in fantasy sports and skill gaming. Internally speaking, we learned a lot in this difficult and demanding journey, while on a collective, industry level, we were part of a generation of operators that managed to bring Fantasy Sports in Europe and to the spotlight. We are most proud about being the first licensed fantasy sports operators in Europe to launch under a wide and impactful marketing strategy, including mass media such as the newspapers and the radio alongside digital marketing. Furthermore, Bet4theBest was a successful Proof of Concept and a product that caught the attention of the UK fantasy football audience, one of the most mature and demanding audiences in the industry.

It has been close to a year since you launched Fantasy Sports Interactive Ltd.  How is it going now? Would like to hear some stats and details about major deals.

Dennis: Fantasy Sports Interactive (FSI) is the next level of our Fantasy Sports business venture and the main, B2B act after our B2C opening. During our original business planning, we had foreseen the future need of the market for reliable white label fantasy sports solutions. Our platform has been designed to increase customer attraction, enrich Marketing strategy, provide competitive content and an exciting gaming experience. Our tailored offering led us to a very satisfying first year, featuring a partnership with Gauselmann’s subsidiaries, Cashpoint and Xtip, in progress, a successful World Cup launch and ongoing collaboration in Africa with Africabet.com and a couple of more projects, including our future launch in India with Indus Games.A very important piece of information I can share with you now, is the development of an exclusive, breakthrough Fantasy product, which we plan to announce at ICE 2019.

It is already a crowded market of gaming software developers. What makes Fantasy Sports Interactive stand apart in the crowd?

Dennis: The winning combination of Fantasy Sports Interactive is that variety, versatility and innovation. Our goal is to offer original products going beyond standard market formats and this is what makes us stand apart. Our We make customized fantasy products for fantasy sports betting, social gaming, skill gaming, in mobile-first, online and retail formats. We offer back-end support services, flexible marketing solutions and consulting, making results and meaningful customer relationships a top priority. However, the most important part of FSI is our team, which is high-skilled and most experienced in the fantasy betting industry.

In the USA sports betting is likely to grow significantly in the coming years, following a recent US Supreme Court order that allows states to decide on legalizing sports betting. What are your thoughts on the development? How it is going to affect the gaming industry, and gaming software developing companies in particular?

Dennis: I think that everyone in the iGaming industry was expecting the US market  to open at some point. The PASPA court ruling made this possible and it is groundbreaking, since it opened the doors to a wide market of consumers who have been seeking to enjoy legal and regulated gaming services for some time now. The US audience is one of key importance; It has a strong affinity for Fantasy Sports, but at the same time it needs further education in betting and igaming. The skill gaming element is very important and this will require software companies to become more versatile and flexible. This is why we feel that FSI is ready for the US market, with a mature, tested product, combining fantasy sports with betting options.

Fantasy sports have been evolving all the time. How do you see it developing further in the near future, amidst the rise of new disruptive technologies?

Dennis: Indeed, Fantasy Sports have evolved greatly, from the classic season-long model, to the various daily fantasy options available today. I think that contemporary technologies and the lasting internet boom will lead to further progress and gamification, with more clear and mature fantasy products developed around instant and social gaming. Gaming technology will evolve under a customer-centric model, with bet types where the user has full control and a wide range of options to choose from.


Here are a few more details about Dennis and FSI:

Dennis chose to exploit his industrial background and expand the valuable experience he gained in business, by shaping Genesis World Trans, an international cargo services company, which already counts 12 years of successful activity.

While being the Managing Director of Genesis World Trans since 2008, Dennis continued to explore all aspects of business activity and decided to pursue his entrepreneurial vision, by founding one of the first Fantasy Sports Companies in Europe.

In 2014, together with Bill Mexias, he Co-founded “Bet4theBest” – a B2C fantasy football company based in Malta and Athens and the first step of an innovative and ambitious business plan targeting the contemporary iGaming industry.

Bet4theBest operated under a soft launch since 2014 and its official launch within the UK in 2015, was marked by organized and intense marketing activity. Traditional wide-range marketing channels such as the newspapers and the radio (The Racing Post, Daily Star, Daily Mirror, talkSport), were combined with digital marketing activity and a well-known brand ambassador in retired footballer and BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas.

Bet4theBest is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, servicing all locations covered by both Authorities. The company kept operating, offering a variety of fresh and competitive fantasy football games to consumers, until 2017 and served as a Proof of Concept for the white label products of the upcoming Fantasy Sports Software Company, Fantasy Sports Interactive (FSI).

Dennis Co-founded FSI in 2016, keeping the business core and philosophy of Bet4theBest, while further growing its dedicated team and the company’s caliber.

FSI is based in London and has an active branch in Athens, as well.

Under Dennis’s leadership and with an experienced team, the Business and IT divisions have been constantly developing the company and its Fantasy Sports products, aiming at continuous evolution and successful partnerships.

FSI already boasts two important iGaming partnerships, one already launched for the World Cup with Africabet.com and one being a work in progress with Gauselmann’s sportsbook subsidiary companies, Cashpoint and Xtip. In the meanwhile, the team has been working on projects yet to be announced, as well.

About FSI:

Fantasy Sports Interactive offers the most complete range of fantasy sports gaming options. It has been the first company to launch fantasy betting services in Europe through its own fantasy sport product, Bet4theBest, and gain hands-on B2C and marketing management experience.

Powered by our innovative platform and deep insight in fantasy sports betting and skill gaming, we provide tailored white-label solutions to iGaming operators, lotteries and business companies seeking a modern and effective customer acquisition tool.

We offer companies the opportunity to create an engaging, competitive and fully licensed iGaming product that fits each operational model like a glove.

FSI has developed the optimal Fantasy Sports Solution for every operator:

A complete software offering for the iGaming industry, designed to increase customer attraction, enrich Marketing strategy, provide competitive content and an exciting gaming experience.

Our offering includes:

  • Fantasy Sports gaming products
  • social gaming concepts
  • fantasy sportsbook and betting formats
  • online, mobile-first and retail options
  • backend support services
  • full adaptability in terms of Regulatory frameworks

For more details contact: [email protected]

Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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.

Latest News

BETMAKERS AND GIG PARTNER TO DELIVER RACING TO GIG’S SPORTSBOOK PLATFORM SPORTX

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

BetMakers Technology Group  and Gaming Innovation Group are pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement to deliver racebook services on GiG’s Sportsbook Platform SportX via integration with BetMakers’ Embedded Racebook Solution.

BetMakers’ Embedded Racebook Solution offers a fast and seamless pathway for licensed operators to offer a full racebook with a comprehensive platform that includes wagering, form, data and embedded video. Despite a rapid deployment timeline, BetMakers’ solution is powerful, offering expert trading and risk management, a wealth of racing content from across the globe, and robust reporting, brand and promotion engines.

Andrew Cochrane, CBO at Gaming Innovation Group, said, “This agreement reinforces our dedication to providing our partners with extensive event coverage and a best-in-class sports betting solution. The continual enhancement and innovation of our Sportsbook highlight SportX’s exponential growth potential, guaranteeing a feature packed, industry-leading offer that is focused on driving increased functionality, productivity and growth. We are delighted to offer the BetMakers Embedded Racebook Solution as part of SportX to our partners.”

Jake Henson, CEO of BetMakers Technology Group, said, “BetMakers is excited to partner with GiG to deliver racing on their state-of-the-art platform. GiG’s SportX Sportsbook Platform delivers an exceptional user experience and BetMakers’ Embedded Racebook Solution will fit seamlessly within that environment, providing a comprehensive and highly professional suite of services that will enhance the experience of their end users and provide valuable services to their operator partners. We are delighted to work closely with GiG to help grow demand for horseracing on their platform and further contribute to the health and welfare of the global racing industry.”

The post BETMAKERS AND GIG PARTNER TO DELIVER RACING TO GIG’S SPORTSBOOK PLATFORM SPORTX appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

SPOTLIGHT SPORTS GROUP ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN RACING POST AND AK BETS FOR THE SWEET SPOT

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Spotlight Sports Group, a world-leading technology, content and media company specialising in sports betting, has today announced a partnership with AK Bets that will see the bookmaker become the title sponsor of the Racing Post’s acclaimed golf betting show The Sweet Spot, featuring revered golf tipster Steve Palmer and host Jack Reeve.

The Sweet Spot will be distributed every Tuesday with the dynamic duo of the Racing Post’s esteemed host Jack Reeve and renowned golf tipster Steve Palmer bringing their unrivalled expertise and engaging discussions to the fore with these unmissable weekly shows.

Additionally, viewers can look forward to four special edition episodes coinciding with each of the prestigious golf Majors, featuring exclusive live watchalong sessions of the thrilling final days of The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and The Open.

Of the new deal, Spotlight Sports Group’s Head of Media Sales Damian Mears said: “The Sweet Spot has established itself as one of our most popular weekly shows and Steve’s insight and expertise is widely regarded as the leading content and opinion for golf sports bettors. We’re excited to partner with AK Bets and continue to grow our reach and engage with a valued audience in both the UK and Ireland.”

Discussing the partnership, Anthony Kaminskas, founder of AK Bets, said: “I have been an avid listener of The Sweet Spot for a number of years and I’m delighted AK Bets is now sponsoring the podcast. I’m particularly excited AK Bets are going to be involved with watchalongs for the four Majors and feel like that’s a format we, along with Jack and Steve, can have fun with while creating engaging content for the show’s followers. Golf is a sport we’re keen to attack at AK Bets and this partnership with The Sweet Spot fits perfectly with our aspirations to be the go-to bookmaker for golf bettors.”

The Sweet Spot can be viewed across the Racing Post YouTube channel and AK Bet’s social and sportsbook channels for detailed analysis of the week’s upcoming golfing action starting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 for The Masters at Augusta.

The post SPOTLIGHT SPORTS GROUP ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN RACING POST AND AK BETS FOR THE SWEET SPOT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

BTG’s Fireworks Megaways™ to Light up Evolution Network This March

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Rockets soar and pop like glitter bombs, Catherine wheels fizz to the music triggering explosive chain reactions, roman candles spit fire. It can only be the pyrotechnic dream that is Fireworks Megaways™ , the new slot from Big Time Gaming (BTG) that will ignite the Evolution Network on March 27.

With 117,649 ways to win and combustible cascading symbols with every spin, this is a game that will have you “Oooh-ing,” not to mention “aaah-ing,” with delight.

Thanks to the Firework Wild Bonus, every spin and every reaction brings a burst of excitement when one of the four Extra Reel positions ignites at random to unleash a dazzling light display. When a purple, red, blue, or green Firework lands in the lit position, it magically transforms into a Wild symbol for the chance of a big win.

During Free Spins, the unlimited win multiplier increases with every Firework Wild Bonus triggered, creating more awe-inspiring explosions of colour. Every Free Spin and reaction will ignite two of the four Extra Reel positions, doubling your chances of triggering the Firework Wild Bonus.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Use Win Exchange™ to convert your big wins into 12 Free Spins. Alternatively, dive straight into the heart-pounding Free Spins action with Bonus Buy for 100x stake and let the fireworks commence. Experience the exhilaration of a staggering 150,335x maximum exposure coupled with an impressive RTP of 96.44% – a gaming delight that promises to captivate and delight players at every turn.

Nik Robinson, BTG CEO, said: “Fireworks Megaways™ is a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound designed to elevate engagement levels to the max. Beyond its visually stunning display, this slot introduces the exciting Firework Wild Bonus, setting a new standard for thrilling features. With Fireworks Megaways™, it’s not just about playing a game; it’s about immersing yourself in an extraordinary spectacle of excitement, innovation and gaming adventure like no other.

Nicholas Peters, Chief Business Development Officer for Europe at Evolution said: “This game is an audio-visual delight that will captivate players. BTG has a knack for pushing the boundaries and reimagining what a slot can be, and this time around they’ve turned a humble slot game into a glorious fireworks display.”

The post BTG’s Fireworks Megaways™ to Light up Evolution Network This March appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.