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Exclusive Interview with Stefan Kovach, CCO at FunFair Technologies

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This week we are diving into blockchain technology and we are taking a look at how the “phenomenon” is change the online gambling landscape, even if some refuse to admit it. Stefan Kovach is currentlythe CCO of FunFair Technologies and he is a senior commercially minded marketer with over 20 years of experience in the travel, entertainment and gaming sectors, having worked for organisations ranging from Virgin Atlantic, Opodo, bwin and PokerStars. He has extensive experience in creating and nurturing brands, acquiring and retaining customers at scale as well as helping drive commercial and product strategies. Stefan’s previous roles enabled him to build and manage significant teams, manage marketing P&Ls running into the 10s of millions and responsibility for delivering high profile cross company projects. Here is our interview and we hope that you enjoy it!

There have been quite a few changes in the online gambling landscape in the last 12 months, partly thanks to the blockchain. What do you think are the key challenges operators are facing when opting to move from “traditional” operations to a blockchain platform?

Stefan: Although it is true that blockchain technology has been one of the most exciting advances within the online gambling landscape in the past year, there are, as yet, very few viable products actually available to the market. Whilst many other blockchain gambling businesses are very much still in the development phase, FunFair is at the forefront of this curve, already having a working and operational platform following a successful beta phase.

Traditional operators need to decide whether they see blockchain platforms as a threat, or alternatively, as a diverse revenue stream that taps into an existing and vast crypto-rich audience who are conducive to gambling by their very nature.

Luckily, traditional operators won’t need to choose one operating style above the other, blockchain gambling can act as a complimentary section of their existing business, allowing platforms to diversity their offering and audience without risk to their pre-existing business model. This is especially true when operators take advantage of the consultancy we offer when onboarding and educating customers.

We feel that, in the next 5 years or so, there will be a shift in online gambling, and with rumours that HTC is launching a blockchain phone later this year, this will surely change the mobile gambling industry as well. Do you feel that this is an area you will look at in the future?

Stefan: Mobile gaming is absolutely part of our plans and we will have a first class UX on mobile when we go fully live. Blockchain technology works in the same way across platforms, albeit sometimes different browsers are required.

Any established company, such as HTC, entering the blockchain space clearly demonstrates its relevance for all businesses in the future. We’ll always be looking to partner with those who are heading in the same direction as us as the learnings and combined investment can only speed up blockchain’s mainstream adoption.

We have reported on many blockchain gaming platform launches this year. Where does FunFair position itself in this innovative wave?

Stefan: We would firmly place ourselves as market leaders for a number of reasons. To start with, we are the only platform to offer a full ecosystem for operators, developers, affiliates and players who transact in our FUN token. We are also the only platform to offer production-level gaming quality which can challenge any tier one operator in traditional gamings. Current alternative blockchain titles are not only poor graphically and auditory, but run at unplayably slow speeds, not to mention the prohibitive transaction costs. We have bypassed these issues with our Fate Channels technology, which allows the gaming session to be taken off the blockchain, allowing it to run at the speeds and quality today’s gamers expect.

You have recently signed a deal with a market-leading poker rakeback affiliate, RaketheRake. Are affiliates making a good choice when opting to become operators?

Stefan: Affiliates have had to make do with diluted revenue share and often incorrect payments which are shared by operators at their will. Using the FunFair platform,they can become operators within days and take the entire revenue stream direct, while utilising their existing marketing expertise and captive player audience.

Affiliates can also continue to benefit from the FunFair platform as an affiliate, with real-time payments that are provably fair and paid in real-time on the blockchain, rather than having to trust casino operators as they do currently.

Do you think that regulators will eventually catch up and regulate the industry?

Stefan: Of course, any positive disruption will take time for regulators to size up and decide on a course of action, but the FunFair platform and blockchain technology itself ticks so many of the boxes they are looking for; from efficient KYC and provably fair RNG to the immediate release of funds, it really is a regulatory bullseye.

We are trying to lead the charge here and are in discussions with a number of relevant bodies. As you’d expect, some are more progressive than others, but we’re confident that as blockchain becomes adopted into the mainstream, they will regulate sensibly for all.

About FunFair

FunFair was born out of a powerful idea to harness the potential of the blockchain to initiate a revolution in online gaming.

FunFair founders Jez San, Oliver Hopton and Jeremy Longley saw the potential of the blockchain in early 2013. They wanted answers to difficult questions. Could anyone use the blockchain to run a casino? Why do players worry about trusting online casinos when the blockchain could create fair, transparent gaming? Why not use the blockchain to open up online gaming globally? These ambitious questions led to the development of a new technology that has the potential to profoundly change the gaming world.

We showed our first game in Paris in 2017. The response was so positive, we knew we were on to a winner. Jez San officially launched FunFair publicly in April 2017. The impact of this new technology immediately attracted the attention of major contributors and developers, eager to get involved. On 22 June 2017, our Phase 1 Token Presale raised $26 million, selling out in 4 hours.

Since then FunFair has delivered exciting games on our prototype demo platform, and we’re in the final stages of completing the new Ethereum technology platform which will showcase at DEVCON3 in November 2017. The next radical change in online gaming is being powered by FunFair; the first global gaming brand to unlock the true potential of the blockchain.

For more details, visit funfair.io

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.

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Stakelogic Live Casino Launches in Switzerland with 7melons.ch Deal

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Industry-leading content provider makes Swiss live casino debut with 7melons.ch

Swiss live casino enthusiasts will get their first taste of Stakelogic Live’s casino content thanks to an exciting new partnership with 7melons.ch.

Players at 7melons.ch will have full access to Stakelogic Live’s innovative live casino portfolio, which includes groundbreaking titles like Blackjack and Super Stake Blackjack and different Roulette types.

Stakelogic’s live casino output sets a gold standard within the industry. Games are broadcast live from purpose-built studios in Malta and the Netherlands using cutting-edge, high-definition streaming technology, ensuring a unique and immersive experience for players.

The developer already has a strong presence in Switzerland, with its slot selection enjoyed by players at several top casinos. This new strategic partnership with 7melons.ch, a hugely respected casino in the country, will allow it to introduce its live casino offering and cement its position as a must-have developer.

Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic, said: Swiss players have always loved our slot content, and we decided now was the perfect time to introduce our live casino games to the country. 7melons.ch is renowned for its player-centric approach and brilliant platform, which makes it the ideal partner to work alongside for our live casino debut.

Players in Switzerland demand the best from their online casino experience, and our industry-leading software and creative approach to live casinos will fulfill this need.

Gerald Fineder, Head of Online Gaming at 7melons.ch, said: We have long been admirers of Stakelogic’s live casino output, and we can not wait to introduce it to our players. Live casino is a huge vertical for us, and we strive to offer our players the best of the best. Working alongside partners like Stakelogic Live, ensures we achieve this.

The post Stakelogic Live Casino Launches in Switzerland with 7melons.ch Deal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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TapNation Fuses Mobile and Web3 with Industry Titans Arbitrum and Sequence

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In a ground-breaking move, TapNation, a leading mobile gaming publisher, announces its integration with giants Arbitrum and Sequence, bringing gold-standard blockchain technology to Monster Squad Rush and Cornhole League.

A Pioneering Step Into the Future of Mobile Gaming

Leading mobile publisher, TapNation is excited to announce a new integration with trailblazers Arbitrum and Sequence. This marks a significant milestone in TapNation’s journey, integrating Web3 features into two of its popular games, Monster Squad Rush and Cornhole League. This initiative underlines TapNation’s commitment to being at the forefront of the Web3 revolution in mobile gaming.

Following successful collaborations with The Sandbox and Immutable, TapNation continues to expand its Web3 commitment, showcasing its dedication to pioneering the integration of blockchain technologies in mobile gaming. The inclusion of Web3 features in Monster Squad Rush and Cornhole League not only enhances the gaming experience but also sets a new standard for innovation in the industry.

Integrating Web3 for Enhanced Gaming Experiences

TapNation, Arbitrum and Sequence are leveraging the unique capabilities of blockchain technology to offer gamers an unprecedented level of engagement and rewards. By integrating Web3 features into these games, players will have the opportunity to earn real-world assets through their gaming achievements, a move that is expected to revolutionize player engagement, growth and retention.

“By working with Arbitrum and Sequence, we’re not just integrating Web3 into our games, we are redefining what mobile gaming can be,” the Web3 Head for TapNation, Philippe Lenormand, said. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our belief in the potential of Web3 to transform the gaming landscape.”

Sequence is renowned for its seamless, secure and cutting-edge solutions in Web3 gaming technology. As the leading developer platform to integrate Web3 into games, Sequence equips TapNation with the essential infrastructure required to effortlessly blend blockchain technology into its gaming experiences. This integration makes the unique benefits of TapNation’s strategy effortlessly accessible to players. Arbitrum, on the other hand, provides a high throughput and low cost blockchain that is leading the way with games studios like TapNation, who is looking to bring seamless Web3 experiences to the broader gaming audience.

A Future Focused on Seamless Integrations and Innovation

TapNation’s venture into Web3 gaming represents just the beginning of its plans to integrate blockchain technology across its portfolio. The company is dedicated to exploring new ways to enhance gaming experiences through Web3 elements, aiming to set new benchmarks for innovation and player satisfaction in the mobile gaming industry.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with TapNation and bring the benefits of Web3 to a wider audience through Monster Squad Rush and Cornhole League,” the Head of Strategy and Partnerships for Sequence, Sam Barberie, said. “This partnership is a significant step forward in our mission to make blockchain technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone and TapNation’s proven success as a developer and publisher matches perfectly with our goals.”

“It is fantastic to see a leading games studio like TapNation adopt Web3 features with the view to enhance player experience in two of their leading products,” the Senior Gaming Partnerships Manager for Offchain Labs, David Bolger, said. “The combination of Sequence and Arbitrum will ensure this integration is seamless for the large audience that TapNation captivates.”

The post TapNation Fuses Mobile and Web3 with Industry Titans Arbitrum and Sequence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Sportradar and Oddin.gg ink AV betting agreement to elevate and expand esports reach

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Sportradar and Oddin.gg, an award-winning B2B betting-solutions provider for esports, today announced they have entered into a multi-year strategic partnership to offer audiovisual streaming of Oddin’s exclusive esports content to Sportradar’s betting operator clients around the world.

The deal will support Oddin.gg’s growth ambitions in the expanding global esports market, whose betting turnover was estimated to be €83 billion in 2023. It will extend the reach of Oddin.gg’s official competition content by leveraging Sportradar’s market leading position as an AV betting provider.

Sportradar’s global network of 900+ betting operator clients will benefit from the opportunity to offer greater volume and a wider variety of live streamed esports events to their customers, increasing opportunities for engagement with existing and new betting markets. The partnership also paves the way for future collaboration in other areas.

Oddin.gg holds the official rights to high-profile competitions including the newly released Counter Strike 2 (CS2) which Sportradar will distribute to sportsbooks through the company’s integrated streaming product, providing access to prominent competitions globally and enabling operators to offer exciting new content to their customers.

A number of prestigious competitions are featured in the partnership, including:

• PGL Copenhagen Major 2024, the first Major for the newly released Counter Strike 2;
• Dacha DOTA2 Qualifiers and Main Events;
• Dacha Counter Strike 2 Qualifiers and Main Events;
• Tipsport MCR 2024.

Patrick Mostboeck, SVP Fan Engagement, Sportradar said: “This agreement further strengthens Sportradar’s esports offering while supporting Oddin.gg in realising their growth plans through AV streaming for betting. Sportradar’s ultra-low latency audiovisual outputs, as well as our comprehensive Live Odds and real-time trading solutions, provide betting operators with the critical materials they need to commercialise the global, highly engaged esports fan base.”

Vlastimil Venclik, CEO and co-founder of Oddin.gg shared: “As the forefront innovator in the esports betting sector, Oddin.gg is embarking on a journey by aligning with Sportradar, a leader in the realm of sports data and content distribution. This partnership is not just a collaboration but a combination of distinct strengths, where Sportradar’s extensive and sophisticated video distribution capabilities are set to be the vehicle for our unparalleled esports odds and analytical insights. This strategic alliance aims to harness the best of both worlds, merging our profound expertise and nuanced understanding of the esports betting market with Sportradar’s wide-reaching video distribution.”

The post Sportradar and Oddin.gg ink AV betting agreement to elevate and expand esports reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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