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Exclusive interview with Andrei Beu, Commercial Director of Gamingtec

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes

This week, we’ve sat down with Andrei Beu, Commercial Director of Gamingtec, and managed to capture some vital information. You can find the piece below.

Brazil represents an exciting opportunity for operators, and Gamingtec claims it can get you up and running in LatAm within six weeks. How is that possible?

It is only possible via our GT Launchpad solution which consists of all of the components that the operator needs to go live with a competitive sportsbook or casino. These components have been fine-tuned and optimised over more than a decade, so work and perform at the very highest level. By combining this with our modern front-end templates and the unrivalled experience of our team, we can guarantee to have operators up and running within six weeks. Of course, if operators want to take a more bespoke approach to their front-end or add in certain providers for payments, games, etc then we simply adjust the deadline for launch based on the work that entails and then commit to the extended deadline. But ensuring a quick launch is just one part of the process; we also want to set the highest possible standards from day one as this is the foundation for working with the operator in what will become a long and successful relationship.

What do operators get with the Launchpad solution? Is it enough to be competitive in a new market?

Our GT Launchpad consists of all the elements that operators need to launch and run a successful online sportsbook or casino. There is a player account management component where all financial transactions are also handled. This backend system covers KYC, risk management, reporting, bonus allocation and more. The GT Casino component brings in the casino and the hundreds of game studios and 10,000+ titles that we have integrated into our platform, while GT Sports provides a comprehensive sportsbook with more than 70,000 in-play events each month. We have a dedicated payment gateway with 60+ payment options and counting. The final component is the customer-facing front-end which is modern and delivers a seamless player experience across all devices thanks to the mobile-first approach we have taken to the design and UX.

GT Launchpad is the perfect solution for operators looking to get a solid start in the LatAm market, allowing them to offer a highly localised product and player experience in each of the jurisdictions they chose to target.

What advice would you give to operators who can’t spend millions on marketing to establish themselves in a new market?

The established power players spend millions of dollars a year on endorsements, billboard advertising and TV commercials. This enables them to drive tremendous brand awareness among bettors. For smaller operators, this can be a tough challenge to overcome but if you spend smart you don’t always have to spend big. There are other ways to engage and acquire bettors, but as we all know, that is just the first step. Sportsbooks then need to offer a superior player experience across all areas. This includes the markets and odds available to players, and in particular ensuring that local sports, leagues and teams are available. Odds must reflect local rivalries, favourites and their current performance as well as previous stats if operators are to stand out and deliver real player value. This should then be combined with tailored bonuses that encourage players to sign up with that sportsbook and to keep wagering in the long term.

Is it important for operators to offer localized content?

Localisation is absolutely crucial. Global brands might get away with more generic messaging, but as a new brand entering the LatAm market, it is vital to show the player that you have a highly localised offering that has been designed specifically to not only meet but exceed their expectations. This is especially important when it comes to payments and ensuring the methods consumers already use are available from the get-go. Operators also need to show they offer odds and markets for the most popular sports, teams, players and leagues in that country, and that they have other game options such as slots, table games, bingo, scratch cards, etc. Customer support needs to be on point so that when players reach out with any questions they have, they can talk to someone that speaks the local lingo and understands the cultural quirks of that market. This is the only way of building a loyal player base in any market.

You’ve said you have a clear growth strategy in 2022. Which new markets are you looking at?

We are super focused on expanding our customer base in South America and in particular in markets such as Brazil, Argentine, Colombia, Peru and Chile. Each of these markets offers tremendous growth potential and we want to be able to help new and existing operator partners maximise the potential on the table in each.

You recently added BetSolutions’ Zeppelin to your portfolio. How important do you think blockchain-based and “provably fair” games are as an industry trend, and do you plan to add any more?

The rise of blockchain and provably fair games is as undeniable as it is significant so as a platform provider it is important for us to embrace these at an early stage. Some operators have already managed to leverage the unique experience of games like Zeppelin, and this type of crash game format now drives a large chunk of their revenues. Right now, it is a niche game that appeals to a certain type of player, but the addressable audience for crash games is going to increase exponentially. Of course, those that offer these games early on can capture the first mover advantage. We look forward to seeing how Zeppelin performs with our operator partners the chose to offer it to their players.

Are there any particular markets where these kinds of games work particularly well?

They tend to appeal to a more tech-savvy player base, and especially those that are interested in crypto and trading digital currencies. Traditional slot players have yet to really embrace crash games and discover the thrilling experience they provide, but over time I am sure they will. The younger players that enjoy crash games love the speed of play, with many second screening in forums, chats, streams and news outlets. They also really like the sense of being able to win, so long as they time their exit and do not get too greedy!

Latest News

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: