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Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment 

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Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment 
Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

With the CEE region no doubt set to be one of Europe’s biggest growth stories this year, we caught up with Evoplay Entertainment’s CBDO, Vladimir Malakchi, to talk through the region’s demographics, opportunities and hottest markets through 2021 and beyond.

The CEE region has become an increasingly important factor for growth on the continent, which markets do you see being the main drivers?

It’s all about the big-hitters that have an established framework in place, whether that be Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia or any of the other regulated markets. What we’ve seen in the last few years has been exponential in terms of growth, and that’s undoubtedly a good thing. Solid, concise frameworks that allow a safe and level playing field for both player and operator has created a wide berth of entry for multiple international brands across the region. Given the windfall on revenue for governments, rather than seeing GGR go offshore, will undoubtedly prove to be a good thing for local economies, and has already proven to be a significant contributor to national budgets.

In hand with that development comes a surge in the quality of gaming available – as well as a more advanced menu of entertainment experiences – whether that be table games, instant games or slots. I’m fully confident that the advantages of a safe, regulated market will continue to be felt by countries that have established a steady GGR growth rate and a favourable environment for doing business.

In general, how would you define the typical CEE player’s profile towards slots, instant and table games? What kind of entertainment are players looking for?

The typical CEE player mainly shares characteristics with those you’d find elsewhere in Europe. Having said that, the transition to online has indeed come later than in the West, so it is inevitable that we see games that have a lot in common with the land-base sector to appeal to players. We’re also seeing plenty of interest in instant games (especially when it comes to our stable of titles), which I believe to be a massive growth area. Why? The clue’s in the name – they give players a chance to enjoy instant entertainment, lighting-fast game rounds and a quickfire result.

Are there any particular territories that stand out for you as having a unique player demographic?

While we’re certainly not a brand that believes in a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to global delivery, from personal experience I can say that the extent that one sees unique player demographics vary from country to country is relatively minimal. A greater factor that shapes delivery of product, and in effect defining the demographics of the players you deliver to in each market – is the infrastructure and accessibility. For example, with rural or highland areas, slower internet speeds are inevitable and therefore require more adaptable content that can either be leveraged via game engines to enhance the download speed, or alternatively through the application of light technical requirements for the game itself.

Having said that, CEE is digitising at an impressively fast pace. Heavy investment in high-speed broadband coverage can be observed throughout Europe, with 86% of the Czech Republic’s rural locations now connected to the internet, for instance, while Romania (as I’m sure any citizen there will be fast to tell you), has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world!

How should operators in the region be looking to tailor / customise their content to further drive retention and engagement?

There’s really no substitute for analysing the market in depth. That means closely studying the preferences of local players and the state-of-play for any potential competitors. Operators who get that process right can adapt their offering accordingly, thus driving revenue in the long-term.

We know that while session durations are relatively consistent across Europe, the average stake value is not. This is especially the case in the CEE region, where arguably the economic fallout from COVID-19 can be felt harder than most, which requires a gaming experience that can provide extended entertainment without draining player’s bank balances in minutes. This is especially the case for what is a hugely tech-savvy demographic – who are far more discerning than many outsiders would assume – and therefore require a solid product with the maths to back it up. Success here is all about authenticity, and players will recognise a lack of it from a mile off.

Gamification’s going to be a hot topic in the months ahead given the need for entertainment – as a market expert, what types of features do you believe will be key in 2021?

Tournaments are very strong right now – and formats that allow players to compete against each other in real time are going to be a mainstay in gaming development this year. I see this as being indicative that providing players with an additional sense of competition, such as pitting players against players through formats like multiplayer gameplay, is a whole new level of gamification in itself that can do wonders for making your products more interesting for your audience locked down at home.

I’m particularly excited about what multiplayer can offer, and we’re taking this area very seriously. They’re going to be a serious asset when it comes to providing an additional dimension of gameplay. Combine that with faster rounds with instant games (which are very hot right now), as well as the opportunity for more varied stakes – and you have a lightning-fast experience that can create a hugely exciting betting environment and really drive engagement and retention.

Ukraine of course is going to be very closely watched – how would you rate the regulation process so far and do you believe we’re on track to go live by mid-next year?

We’ve seen good progress in Ukraine since July last year when online gambling was officially made legal – and the government has been working hard to get a regulatory framework in place, with a commission already formed to monitor the issuing of licenses to casino operators.

It is also expected that the number of licences that the authorities choose to grant will be limited – this, just like we’ve recently seen in Argentina, means that we have a queue of foreign operators waiting for certification, and I predict will start seeing the results show in around six months. I look forward to contributing towards the creation of a safe and regulated gaming environment for all, as well as seeing the benefits that gaming revenue will bring to our national economy – just as it has for other regulated CEE territories. The future is certainly looking bright!

And last but not least, are there any leading figures or businesses you can recommend to our readers for 2021 inspiration?   

The biggest source of inspiration to me personally continues to be the fantastic team of staff we’ve got right here at Evoplay Entertainment. The tremendous success we’ve enjoyed as a company drives me to strive for more, and I genuinely believe that when we work together as a company, there is almost nothing we can’t achieve.

Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from your own accomplishments, no matter how large or small. It’s a reminder that your greatest days lie ahead – something that’s particularly important to remember in the current circumstances!

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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Key Market Entry at a floor price of $4.5 Million, Casino.jp is on the Market Amid Japan’s iGaming Expansion.

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In an unprecedented move within the iGaming and domain sectors, the sought-after domain name Casino.jp is now open for acquisition for the first time. With a starting price of $4.5 million USD, this domain represents a rare entry point into Japan’s burgeoning gambling market, facilitated by an enterprise-oriented domain brokerage, Domainer.com.

Japan, with its complex gambling laws, is on the brink of a gaming revolution, highlighted by the 2023 approval of the $8.1 Billion casino-centred integrated resort in Osaka. Set to open in 2029, it is a collaboration between MGM Resorts and Orix, as reported by Reuters. This venture is rekindling interest among major operators and investors, eager to explore the untapped Japanese market.

The Catalyst Behind the Buzz

Why should the iGaming and domain communities take notice? For starters, the anticipated opening of the Osaka Resort in 2029 is set to shake up the Asian gambling landscape, currently dominated by Macau. With Macau generating over $22.7 billion USD in 2023 alone, the new resort poses a formidable challenge, promising to divert significant revenue streams with its projected annual earnings of $3.5 billion USD, almost half of that reported by Las Vegas entirely in 2023.

Domain Names: The Gateway to Industry Dominance

The value of premium gambling domain names cannot be overstated, having commanded staggering sums in the past. Icons like Slots.com and Casino.com were sold, in 2010 and 2003 respectively, for as much as $5.5 million USD each, underscoring the critical role of a powerful domain in establishing market presence. “Choosing the right domain is the first step in making a bold market entry,” states Ian Garner Chief Domain Officer of Domainer.com, emphasizing the importance of domains in branding and market visibility. Domainer.com’s recent $15 million USD brokerage of a deal for NFTS.com further illustrates the high stakes involved in domain trading.

Navigating Japan’s Gambling Regulations

While Japan’s gambling laws are currently restrictive, the government is progressively legalizing new forms of betting, including sports-related activities like horse races, boat races, and indoor cycling. However, the online gambling scene remains tightly controlled, with the anticipated legalization in some sectors sparking a significant potential for growth. As regulations evolve, early investment in a domain like Casino.jp could position an entity advantageously, ready to capitalize as the market opens further.

In Conclusion:

Casino.jp is more than a domain—it’s a key to unlocking Japan’s lucrative, yet tightly regulated gambling industry. This is a strategic call to entities poised to establish a foothold in a market on the cusp of substantial regulatory changes. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Ian Garner through Casino.jp’s contact page or directly via Domainer.com to explore this unparalleled investment opportunity.

 

The post Key Market Entry at a floor price of $4.5 Million, Casino.jp is on the Market Amid Japan’s iGaming Expansion. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BGaming donates to Brazilian art institute in support of creative children’s projects

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Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has bolstered its ongoing commitment to grassroots arts by making donations to the A7MA Galeria Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which supports children’s creative development.

As part of its ‘When Art Meets Gaming’ project, BGaming has collaborated with several local artists to create murals for industry events over the last year. For SiGMA Americas in April, the studio also chose to give back to the host city by funding art projects for children.

BGaming made a donation to support three charity initiatives. A portion was donated to coordinate a visit to the A7MA Gallery, where children from the Felicidarte Project took a tour of popular tourist attraction ‘Batman’s Alley’ and learnt about the art. Later, A7MA funded an activity where children were invited to transform the facades of their homes into colourful murals.

Another part of the donation was allocated to renovations for Felicidarte Project’s warehouse space, to revamp the area so it can invite school groups each week and distribute food to the underprivileged areas.

The significant charitable push follows a successful SiGMA Americas in Sao Paulo from 23rd to 26th April, where BGaming collaborated with artistic duo, Clandestinos Art, to reinterpret BGaming’s iconic game heroes, and create a limited edition merchandise collection, branded gifts and their stand design.

Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “At BGaming, it brings us so much joy to see our donations promoting art among the young people of Sao Paulo.

“As we have proven over the past year with our ‘Art Meets Gaming’ project, creativity unites us all and we were delighted to hear how much the children enjoyed the activities provided. We can’t wait to hear about these budding artist’s creations in the future.”

Marcos Ramos Enivo, Artist and Counsellor at A7MA Galeria Institute, said: “We are grateful to BGaming for their support of our work at A7MA. The activities exceeded our expectations, with 47 artists present and 46 facades revitalised by the children.

“It was an absolute success. People in the favelas who are sometimes invisible to the government can now feel seen, recognised and valued.”

 

BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,100+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.

The post BGaming donates to Brazilian art institute in support of creative children’s projects appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Global Esports onboards sports psychologist Dr. Michelle Pain to its BGMI Team

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Global Esports, a leader in South Asia’s gaming scene, proudly welcomes Dr. Michelle Pain as the official Sports Psychologist for their newly formed BGMI team (Battlegrounds Mobile India). Dr. Michelle is geared up to facilitate the mental training sessions for the GE players as they embark on the highly-anticipated new BGMI season, the ‘BGIS 2024’ (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2024). Her role is centred on cultivating a positive mindset among Esports players, helping them navigate the challenges of competitive gaming while leveraging sports psychology principles. The BGMI lineup includes experienced IGL – Harmandeep “Mavi” along with young talents like Tanjot “Ninjaboi” Singh, Raghuraj “Slug” Singh, Harshit “Beast” Yadav and Akshit “Arclyn” Kumar.

A seasoned private practitioner in sports psychology working in traditional sports, her tenure as a tertiary lecturer at Monash University, Victoria University, and Deakin University adds invaluable experience to her illustrious career. Dr. Pain is also known for her pioneering work in developing innovative and accessible resources tailored for athletes and coaches, such as the acclaimed Pocket Psychology series. She has also authored an eBook ‘Sport Psychology Tools for Every Coach and Athlete’ that encapsulates her wealth of practical insights and knowledge. She also conducts educational workshops in sports psychology, catering to coaches at all levels and empowering them with effective strategies to optimize athlete performance.

Dr. Rushindra Sinha, CEO and Founder, Global Esports, said, “Dr. Michelle Pain’s innovative approach to addressing players’ psychological needs aligns perfectly with our vision to continuously innovate and empower our athletes and grow as professional players. Her invaluable guidance and rich experience will equip our players with the focus, resilience, and emotional balance needed to become the best version of themselves as they embark on this BGIS journey.”

With an extensive career spanning over three decades, Dr. Michelle brings unmatched expertise in empowering elite athletes and coaches across diverse sports organisations to optimize mental resilience and achieve peak performance levels. She aims to assist players in coping with stress, mind fitness training, making sound decisions under pressure, improving communication, and regulating emotions to elevate their overall performance on the global stage. Her appointment underscores Global Esports’ commitment to nurturing excellence and maximizing potential within the Esports community.

The post Global Esports onboards sports psychologist Dr. Michelle Pain to its BGMI Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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