Artificial intelligence Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/ The pulse of the global gaming industry Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:03:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://casinobeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Artificial intelligence Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/ 32 32 SOFTSWISS highlights importance of AI in iGaming Trends 2025 Report https://casinobeats.com/2024/11/11/softswiss-igaming-trends-2025-report/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=98453 SOFTSWISS has revealed the perceived importance of Artificial Intelligence in the online gambling sector by publishing its iGaming Trends 2025 Report.  Within the survey, the igaming solutions provider found that the importance of AI and Machine Learning was rated as 8.2 out of 10 by the survey’s respondents, made up of igaming stakeholders.  The latest […]

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SOFTSWISS has revealed the perceived importance of Artificial Intelligence in the online gambling sector by publishing its iGaming Trends 2025 Report

Within the survey, the igaming solutions provider found that the importance of AI and Machine Learning was rated as 8.2 out of 10 by the survey’s respondents, made up of igaming stakeholders. 

The latest of SOFTSWISS’ annual report on future trends within the igaming industry pinpointed 15 major trends for 2025, covering pillars of technology, regulation, marketing and business development.

The data curated findings from a survey conducted with brands within the igaming industry, while also drawing on extensive media research and statistics from SOFTSWISS’ Game Aggregator solution. 

“Understanding the trends shaping the future of igaming is essential when planning next year’s strategy,” commented Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS. 

“As a leading industry expert and trendsetter, SOFTSWISS recognises these emerging directions and takes responsibility in offering a visionary iGaming Trends 2025 Report for the needs of the whole community.”

Looking further into the technology section, research company Splunk found that 36% of cybersecurity professionals involved with the survey ranked AI-powered attacks as a top threat for the industry, stressing the need for solutions providers to invest in AI-powered threat detection systems. 

Under the regulation section, fragmentation was identified as a key issue due to individual regions introducing ‘increasingly specific compliance requirements’ that span across various sectors, such as compliance and player protection. 

This notion caused the report to address the need for companies within the igaming industry to ensure they can adapt swiftly to regional differences. 

According to the report, brand awareness will be ‘essential for long-term growth’ in 2025, with igaming companies needing to ‘create a clear association with a trusted name in online entertainment’ for success in driving visibility and player loyalty.

The iGaming Trends 2025 Report’s participants identified influencer partnerships, affiliate marketing, SEO and paid advertising as the key marketing channels for 2025. 

SOFTSWISS also pointed out that SEO offers the highest ROI amongst other digital marketing techniques with 29%, according to research from Contentoo

Moreover, SOFTSWISS’ report identified mergers and acquisitions as a ‘significant trend’ for business development within the igaming industry that is sure to continue into 2025.

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Cristina Turbatu, Casumo: ‘AI to play pivotal role in shaping the future of igaming’ https://casinobeats.com/2024/04/25/casumo-ai-pivotal-future-igaming/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=93285 A myriad of online casino operators are set to land in Malta next month as several igaming-focused discussions have been prepared for the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit.  One operator gearing up for a week of panel discussions and product expositions is Casumo, as the operator’s Chief Technology Officer, Cristina Turbatu speaks to CasinoBeats about the “excellent […]

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A myriad of online casino operators are set to land in Malta next month as several igaming-focused discussions have been prepared for the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit

One operator gearing up for a week of panel discussions and product expositions is Casumo, as the operator’s Chief Technology Officer, Cristina Turbatu speaks to CasinoBeats about the “excellent opportunity” offered by the annual event. 

Touching on the “immense promise” of Artificial Intelligence, Turbatu underlines the importance of player safety while suggesting that event streaming has “revolutionised gamification” in the online casino sphere. 

CasinoBeats: What opportunities do events like CBS present for companies looking to access or showcase the industry’s latest technological innovations?

Cristina Turbatu: Participating in events like the CasinoBeats Summit presents an excellent opportunity for companies within the igaming and casino industry to access and showcase the latest technological innovations.

At CBS, companies can engage with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge solutions and explore emerging trends. For example, there are software providers that showcase a new AI-powered game recommendation engine and reporting 24 per cent decrease in churn and 10 per cent increase in NGR within their clients. By presenting such concrete examples, companies can demonstrate the tangible benefits of their innovations to potential clients and investors, driving interest and fostering collaboration.

Research in the field of gaming and personalisation suggests a significant impact on player engagement. For instance, a study by Accenture found that 91 per cent of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations. Applied to the gaming industry, personalised gaming experiences tailored to individual player preferences can lead to higher levels of engagement, retention, and satisfaction. 

Additionally, companies like Amazon and Netflix have demonstrated the power of personalisation in driving customer engagement and loyalty, serving as compelling examples for gaming companies to leverage personalised experiences effectively.

CB: Are there any current topics that you’re expecting to dominate debates and conversation at CBS? 

CT: I am anticipating that this year’s conversations at the CasinoBeats Summit will orbit around a few key topics. One major focus will likely be on how AI can improve entertainment experiences for players. For example, there may be discussions on using AI to suggest games tailored to individual preferences or to add more fun elements to gaming platforms.

Another important topic will be about increasing gamification in gaming platforms. This means adding more interactive features like challenges and rewards to make the gaming experience more engaging.

Lastly, there will likely be discussions on how to ensure player safety. This includes things like implementing measures to prevent problem gambling and creating a secure environment for players to enjoy games responsibly. I expect these topics to be at the forefront of discussions at CBS this year.

CB: What recent technological developments has Casumo undertaken to improve player protection within its offerings?

CT: At Casumo, ensuring the safety of our players is a foundational principle that guides every aspect of our business. We are steadfast in our commitment to prioritising player safety above all else. Our ongoing focus revolves around improving our technology to proactively protect our customers from potential harm. 

We are rigorously testing and evaluating various solutions that we hope will fortify our defences and create a secure gaming environment where players can engage with peace of mind.

CB: Has Casumo utilised advancements in AI technology to streamline its business processes in any way? 

CT: At Casumo, we’ve placed a significant focus on leveraging advancements in AI technology to enhance various aspects of our business operations. Specifically, we’ve dedicated an entire strategic pillar to AI technology, recognising its potential to revolutionise player experiences and streamline internal processes.

In terms of player experiences, we’ve utilised AI to deliver personalised game recommendations and implement advanced player protection measures. By leveraging AI-powered providers, we are looking into tailoring gaming experiences to individual preferences and proactively identifying and addressing potential issues related to responsible gaming.

Moreover, we’ve harnessed AI technology across multiple facets of our operations, including customer support chats, content creation, marketing campaigns, player protection initiatives and software development processes. For instance, we’ve integrated Copilot, an AI tool developed by GitHub and OpenAI, into our workflows.

Copilot plays a crucial role in enhancing developer productivity by suggesting code snippets, promoting best practices, and facilitating rapid prototyping and iteration. This not only improves code quality and reduces maintenance overhead but also fosters collaboration and augments creativity among our development teams.

Overall, our strategic focus on AI technology at Casumo has enabled us to unlock new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and improved player experiences, while also enhancing our internal processes and developer productivity.

CB: How do you think gamification has evolved over the past few years as technology within the online casino space improves?

CT: In recent years, the evolution of gamification within the online casino space has been closely tied to advancements in event streaming infrastructure. This technology has transitioned from being a novelty to a standard feature, enabling gamification platforms to deliver near-real-time responses to player actions.

With event streaming capabilities, gamification platforms can now offer dynamic and personalised experiences tailored to individual player behaviours. For example, players receive instant feedback and rewards based on their actions during gameplay, fostering greater engagement and immersion.

While some companies have only begun to explore the full potential of event streaming, there’s a growing trend among new suppliers who are fully embracing this technology. These suppliers are leveraging event streaming to develop innovative gamification solutions that capitalise on the immediacy of player interactions, ultimately enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Overall, the integration of event streaming technology has revolutionised gamification in the online casino space, paving the way for more interactive and engaging gaming experiences that adapt to the needs and preferences of players in real time.

CB: Have there been any recent technological developments that you think will shape the future of igaming? 

CT: While AI itself isn’t new, recent breakthroughs in generative AI hold immense promise for the future of igaming. These cutting-edge innovations are fundamentally changing how people engage with online environments, whether in professional contexts or everyday life.

In igaming, these advancements are poised to revolutionise player experiences by facilitating intelligent gaming flows and delivering personalised content recommendations. Companies such as Casumo are actively exploring the potential of AI to optimise various aspects of their operations, ranging from enhancing player interactions to streamlining internal processes.

Looking ahead, AI is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of igaming by enabling more accurate data predictions, fostering safer gaming environments and streamlining decision-making processes while enhancing productivity.

As the industry continues to innovate and harness the power of AI, we can anticipate a transition towards more immersive and tailored gaming experiences, ultimately driving increased engagement and satisfaction among players.

Turbatu will be providing further insights into the world of marketing at the CasinoBeats Malta Summit next month. You can currently purchase your tickets with a nice Group Discount for the price of just €400 (a discount of  €200 off a standard ticket).

Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary all-access passes to the event.

Operators – apply for a free pass!

Affiliates – apply for a free pass!

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‘AI isn’t the future, it’s the present’ – automating igaming at SBC Summit Barcelona https://casinobeats.com/2023/10/12/sbc-summit-barcelona-ai/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:45:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=88135 While artificial intelligence has been impacting the igaming industry for decades, the influence it is proving to have on casino, sports betting and lottery companies is growing exponentially.  Recent developments in AI art, although controversial to some, have introduced a plethora of time-saving opportunities for design artists to encompass, and with online slot machines being […]

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While artificial intelligence has been impacting the igaming industry for decades, the influence it is proving to have on casino, sports betting and lottery companies is growing exponentially. 

Recent developments in AI art, although controversial to some, have introduced a plethora of time-saving opportunities for design artists to encompass, and with online slot machines being continuously pumped out week by week, suppliers can’t help but consider that AI models with fast-tracked designs could be the key to streamlined content provision. 

Looking at the role that AI could play in developing slot releases, operators, suppliers and affiliates appeared at SBC Summit Barcelona to discuss a range of topics surrounding AI and its impact on game design. 

Hosting a panel titled ‘AI disrupting slot design – Is this the future of game creation’ was Daniel Lindberg, CEO at Breakpoint Invest, who explained that the online casino industry, for both B2C and B2B companies, is “faced with a massive technology shift with the entrance of AI.” 

“I think we’re at the tipping point,” he continued. “The question is not if AI will affect the way we operate, I think it’s more around how much it will affect us.” 

“We don’t really know what is beyond the horizon of our understanding”

Vladyslav Garanko, CBDO at Platipus

Amidst explaining the difference between true AI and machine learning after being probed  by Lindberg, panellist Vladyslav Garanko, CBDO at Platipus, stated that most AI components being used today are actually “limited simulations” of true AI, naming ChatGPT, which he considers to be “quite dangerous, and quite impressive”. 

In response to the notion of current AI technology being referred to as limited, Lindberg stated that “it can’t be that limited” as he mentioned another panel that suggested ChatGPT-4 has an IQ equivalent to Einstein, and that its future successor, ChatGPT-5, will be 10 times as smart. 

To this, Garanko noted: “That’s the thing, we don’t really know what is beyond the horizon of our understanding. So from our limited understanding we see it as a very silly person talking to a very smart person. 

“But, if AI were to develop at such a stage it would start teaching us how to properly communicate with it. Suddenly you have a different level of communication and the master/servant relationship may turn any other way.” 

With the power of AI conveyed to the audience, Lindberg directed the conversation towards its impact on companies across the igaming industry, starting with an operator’s perspective from Philip Sultana, Head of Design & UX/UI at PressEnter Group

“Across the company, whether its finance, legal, design or purely casino, AI is being used,” said Sultana. “I would say AI is not the future, but it is actually the present.” 

“Speaking for my team, we tend to use generative AI, like Midjourney mainly, almost like a concept artist that’s in the room with us. We prompt it with ideas and it spits back an image, we then see the image and use it to gather an idea, so it’s almost like we’re playing table tennis.

“Unfortunately, we did not get satisfying results with ChatGPT. It did not cut our costs, it did not cut time”

Aleksandra Andrishak, Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

“Currently it hasn’t replaced anyone, but it’s a huge benefit to the team and we feel that it’s actually improving quality. Other people then can be a bit lazy and think ‘ok we don’t need all of these design errors’ and only use Midjourney instead.” 

“But, that then limits the creativity because Midjourney or AI is based on a data set, so it copies what there already is. Inherently, it will give you more of what there is. The industry does not need that, there are plenty of games that look and feel the same.”

Bringing an affiliate’s perspective to the stage was Aleksandra Andrishak, Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge, explaining how the company has experimented with AI when writing reviews on the industry’s slot releases. 

“We don’t produce slots, but we do review them, so when ChatGPT became very popular, we experimented with it a lot,” she said. 

“Unfortunately, we did not get satisfying results with ChatGPT. It did not cut our costs, it did not cut time. ChatGPT finds it very hard to make opinions and this is generally what players look for when they read a slot review.”

“Another thing that we discovered is that ChatGPT does not deal with absences very well. Statistically, most of the slot games have wilds, and the particular one we were reviewing did not have them. But, it will still add descriptions of wilds just because all the other slots have them.” 

Moving onto the slot development process, Garanko was first to give insights from a supplier’s experience with AI when using it for content provision. 

“Our team has been using AI in the past, for a couple of years if I recall correctly. The result is a bit of a mixed bag to be honest,” he explained. 

“It is very effective in terms of visualisation. When you have an understanding of the concept, and you want to relay this concept to a designer who will have to draw it properly, with ChatGPT it is possible to nail down a perfect description, making it possible to visualise it for the designer to understand and proceed.

“this is something that for sure will change the future, as it has already started”

Gretta Kochkonyan, Head of Account Management at Endorphina

“But, at the same time, the results may vary, some of them are hilarious, some of them are absolutely horrible. Can AI truly create a slot game from scratch? Yes. It will not work, it will be absolutely horrible. But yes, it can.

“AI is just another tool. I would even say AI is a giant hammer, while we humans are the chisel used to make a perfect sculpture. It’s a giant hammer that you need to carve out the marble and make it into a perfect shape, so that a human can visualise it and liberate the beauty within.”

Prague-based slot developer Endorphina was also represented on the stage, as Gretta Kochkonyan, Head of Account Management, told how the supplier used AI to create recent slot release, Joker Ra, explaining that slight mistakes made by generative AI art models can actually add character to a game. 

“We played with it a lot,” she stated. “We created the game Joker Ra with the help of AI, basically for the graphics. Yes, it’s funny. Yes, it’s not like someone has drawn it. For example, we have a cat – a symbol within the game – that has five legs, crazy right?

“We can accept that it is crazy, but what then are the emotions that the players are having from this? They are taking a look, they know that it is AI, but the result itself showed that people are interested, they really wanted to see something fresh, something new, something crazy.”

To define AI technology’s current impact on slot suppliers, Kochkonyan added: “This is something that will for sure change the future, because it has already started. With Endorphina, the result was good, we liked it and we wanted to do more, and more, and more.”

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Philip Sultana: ground rules for AI are crucial https://casinobeats.com/2023/09/07/philip-sultana-pressenter-ai-rules/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=86793 From streamlining product design to automating monotonous business processes, AI “has proven to be a valuable tool in multiple ways” for the casino space.  Those were the words of Philip Sultana, Head of Design, Brand & UX/UI at PressEnter, speaking on the operator’s attitude towards artificial intelligence ahead of his appearance at SBC Summit Barcelona.  […]

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Philip Sultana, Head of Design, Brand & UX/UI at PressEnter

From streamlining product design to automating monotonous business processes, AI “has proven to be a valuable tool in multiple ways” for the casino space. 

Those were the words of Philip Sultana, Head of Design, Brand & UX/UI at PressEnter, speaking on the operator’s attitude towards artificial intelligence ahead of his appearance at SBC Summit Barcelona

Before speaking on the ‘AI disrupting slot design’ panel in Catalonia, Sultana spoke to CasinoBeats about ways in which the group has leveraged existing AI models to achieve its goals, while also expressing that creativity will always come out on top as the market faces a risk of becoming oversaturated by rapidly evolving and increasingly available technology. 

CasinoBeats: At SBC Summit Barcelona, you’ll be appearing on an AI-focused panel looking into its impact on game creation. Can you explain PressEnter’s attitude towards AI and how it has impacted the company’s operations?  

Philip Sultana: As a relatively small company aiming to challenge the status quo, we are always on the lookout for creative solutions that drive novel ideas efficiently. AI aligns with these objectives, so it’s no surprise that at PressEnter we’re deeply interested in it. 

AI’s versatility has led us to explore its applications across various departments. Speaking from a product design perspective, it has proven to be a valuable tool in multiple ways. 

CB: Due to AI technology’s exponential growth throughout 2023, many experts have suggested that companies should slow down developments to keep AI under control. Do you expect companies within the gambling world to consider keeping AI under control or has the train already left the station in that respect?  

PS: There are companies that develop AI tools, and others leverage existing ones for their goals. PressEnter falls into the latter category, using off-the-shelf, ready-made apps accessible to all. Ground rules for AI are crucial; otherwise, like any industry, our field might prioritise financial gains over ethical considerations. 

Having said that, it’s never too late to mitigate or even reverse some damage, so no, I wouldn’t say that ship has sailed. The igaming industry has a long history of legislation catching up and companies conforming retroactively. 

CB: Do you think there is a chance that the industry’s mass adoption of AI technologies and machine learning could hinder originality and contribute to a highly saturated market?  

PS: AI will certainly facilitate the creation of larger volumes, possibly leading to a more saturated market in a shorter span of time. Generative AI, by nature, references existing content to generate new material, so this will inherently keep on perpetuating existing trends. 

However, these factors do not negate the potential for creative individuals with unique ideas to produce standout, original content. I believe it won’t be too dissimilar to the transition from handwritten manuscripts to the printing press, where masterpieces of literature coexisted with increased volumes. 

CB: While appearing on the game design panel, you are also set to speak on a branding roundtable. How important is it for operators like PressEnter to ensure that online casino platforms are designed with players in mind?

PS: Considering the player’s perspective when designing online casinos is essential for creating a satisfying and responsible gambling experience. It not only benefits the players, but also contributes to the long-term success and reputation of the casino itself. 

The casino’s brand identity greatly impacts how it is perceived by players. The ultimate goal is to create a positive and memorable brand image, one that makes the players more likely to associate the casino with trustworthiness and reliability, and perceive it to be aligned with their priorities in general. 

When designing products from both a UX and UI perspective, we take a player-centric approach so that the product is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and offers a seamless and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, this should lead to enhanced user satisfaction, encouraging longer engagement and increasing the likelihood of repeat visits. 

CB: How useful have AI and other technological advancements been for PressEnter in achieving a strong brand identity across its different platforms?  

PS: All the brands in our current portfolio were developed before the widespread adoption of generative AI tools. However, in the design team, we have integrated the use of AI within our repeatable creative processes. It is currently being utilised during brainstorming sessions, mood board creation and for quick thumbnail sketches, which are then fully developed into complete artworks. 

We’ve also employed generative AI to create visual elements, enhancing human-made designs, while we’re also currently testing AI-driven Quality Assurance tools to automate some of this laborious process.  

CB: Finally, what does PressEnter have in store for SBC Summit Barcelona, and what are you looking forward to most about the event?  

PS: Apart from everything that we’ve come to expect from SBC, I’m personally excited about connecting with brand owners and fellow creative peers. I’m eager to exchange ideas on brand-building and development and discuss what the future might hold.

SBC Summit Barcelona banner

Sazonova and Longmuir will participate in a panel entitled ‘Debate: are aggregator reaching market saturation’ on Wednesday 20 September at 15:00-15:40. They will be joined by fellow panellists Alexandre Tomic, Founder and CEO of Alea, and Niall Thomas, CEO of Spinbet, with Consultant Liam Mulvaney on moderating duties.

SBC Summit Barcelona, taking place from September 19-21 at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, will bring together 15,000 delegates, offering them a platform to delve into the cutting-edge via a dedicated ‘Casino & iGaming Zone.’

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Better Collective monitoring AI potential amid record second quarter https://casinobeats.com/2023/08/23/better-collective-ai-potential-q2/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:40:43 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=86155 Better Collective has stood by heightened full-year financial guidance, as the firm takes additional glances towards artificial intelligence and potential M&A manoeuvres to drive its performance forward further still. The former has seen the company stand by financial targets that were revealed earlier in the year, with revenue expectations standing at €315m-€325m, which would mark […]

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Better Collective has stood by heightened full-year financial guidance, as the firm takes additional glances towards artificial intelligence and potential M&A manoeuvres to drive its performance forward further still.

The former has seen the company stand by financial targets that were revealed earlier in the year, with revenue expectations standing at €315m-€325m, which would mark growth of three per cent year-on-year. EBITDA is expected to close the year at €105m-€115m.

However, despite acknowledging the numerous AI plus points, such as automating repetitive tasks to free up crucial time and resources, staying on top of potential difficulties, particularly within the realm of search engines, has been highlighted as key for the company.

Jesper Søgaard, Co-Founder & CEO, commented: “As AI becomes more sophisticated, search engines adapt to deliver more accurate and personalised search results. Such developments may lead to changes in algorithms and ranking criteria, which could impact the future search landscape. 

“Staying on top of these changes while ensuring that our content remains optimised and aligned with search engine guidelines are crucial elements in upholding Better Collective’s online presence and competitive edge. 

“At Better Collective we have long recognised AI’s impact and that is why our teams are busy exploring AI driven solutions, potential M&As, as well as ways to leverage its potential and mitigate risks. By utilising AI technology alongside the integration of human finesse, I trust that we can deliver the best service to our audiences.”

With the impact of previous entries into the M&A arena praised, such as that of Skycon, record revenue through an “exceptional” second quarter second quarter swelled 39 per cent to close at €78.11m (2022: €56m), while EBITDA increased of 135 per cent to €29m (2022: €12m), with a margin of 37 per cent.

Further headline results were bolstered by a 32 per cent increase in new depositing customers to 500,000, driving the uptick in revenue and generating a 54 per cent rise in operating profit from €9.6m to €20.7m.

Analysing the company’s performance through Q2, Søgaard continued: “This was driven by strong performance across the group, while highlighting the Americas, our media partnerships, and a sports win margin above our expectations. 

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup only generated subtle activity likely due to the inconvenient kick-off times for our key markets. An impressive +10 million Brazilian fans watched the matches played by their national team, which underlines the great opportunities we see in this enthusiastic market.”

On the revenue front, Better Collective’s publishing segment witnessed 41 per cent growth to €53.54m, while paid media swelled 37 per cent to €24.56m (2022: €17.91m).

Geographically, the company’s Europe and the rest of the world division saw revenue close at €55.18m, up 32 per cent YoY from €41.71m.

With “high growth” reported across South America, the group also shared a belief that the Uk government’s Gambling Act review white paper will have “zero to limited financial impact”.

Revenue across North America increased 60 per cent to €22.92m (2022: 14.32m), with Søgaard highlighting the “strategic vision and execution” demonstrated by its team.

He added: “We constantly seek to become even more relevant to our partners through brand awareness, customer acquisition, re-activation, and retention, which is an exercise we are fine tuning in North America. 

“In Q2 last year, we continued our investments despite tougher market conditions in North America and posted a negative EBITDA during that quarter. I am proud to see that we are now reaping the benefits.”

For the year-to-date, revenue is up 35 per cent to €166.1m (2022: €123.4m), with paid media leading an increase in costs to €104m (2022: €88m) and operating profit reaching €48.79m (2022: €28.28m).

Post quarterly trading saw revenue continue to climb 39 per cent year-on-year in July to reach €23m (2022: €14m), buoyed by the signing of new agreements and completion of acquisitions.

“Our commitment to delivering long -term success over here -and -now gratification has resulted in solid Q2 performance,” Søgaard closed.

“Being able to fuel an already strong momentum while delivering good performances reflects all of my colleagues’ dedication, laser focus and hard work.”

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Amplifying creativity: SOFTSWISS’ Olga Ivanchik on AI in online casino design https://casinobeats.com/2023/07/06/amplifying-creativity-softswiss/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=84140 We’ve seen artificial intelligence used in various different ways across the igaming industry. But for SOFTSWISS, this technology is helping unlock new pathways for its WebStudio team when it comes to online casino design. Olga Ivanchik, Head of WebStudio at SOFTSWISS, sits down with CasinoBeats to discuss her role within the WebStudio team and how […]

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We’ve seen artificial intelligence used in various different ways across the igaming industry. But for SOFTSWISS, this technology is helping unlock new pathways for its WebStudio team when it comes to online casino design.

Olga Ivanchik, Head of WebStudio at SOFTSWISS, sits down with CasinoBeats to discuss her role within the WebStudio team and how AI can be used to amplify creativity for designers. 

CasinoBeats: When did the WebStudio team start leveraging artificial intelligence, and what motivated them to venture into the field?

OI: In September 2022, I brought an intriguing idea to our Design Team Lead, Tatsiana Sokolovskaya. I was inspired by a LinkedIn post that highlighted a rising design trend in the USA – integration of AI apps and services by professional designers.

Given the substantial volume of graphic design work handled by our studio, including creating captivating page layouts for clients and selecting visually appealing graphics, I grasped the potential value of this innovation for our team. To illustrate the possibilities, I shared relevant examples with Tatsiana and other designers, listing the applications that could be harnessed for this purpose.

Fascinated, we embarked on a compelling journey to explore this trend. The response from our design team was resoundingly positive, prompting us to undertake a trial run of integrating artificial intelligence in our design process. Armed with a trial subscription, we assigned a dedicated group of designers to put the AI tool through its paces, training it to generate creative layouts during a month.

Personally, I found this idea tremendously captivating and inspiring as I realised the potential benefits it could offer both our clients and designers. I wanted to encourage my team to try something new, and motivate them to start using AI. Together with the team, we forged a plan to master the application, delineating initial tasks and diligently monitoring the progress. 

I am now immensely proud of the results we achieved: comparing the initial layouts created with the AI assistance to our current projects demonstrates the significant growth and development of our specialists. But beyond all tangible accomplishments, it is the team’s genuine enthusiasm that is truly inspiring.

CasinoBeats: Can you provide insights into the process of developing online casino projects by SOFTSWISS WebStudio, and how do designers use AI in this context?

OI: Our creative journey usually begins with obtaining comprehensive terms of reference from the client, encompassing their precise requirements and desires. For example, the client may envision an image in light colours with captivating aesthetics of a tropical island, featuring bright parrots and other elements befitting the theme. 

Based on these inputs, our illustrator and designer embark on a quest for references and inspiration, seeking ideas for the new project. Guided by the overarching concept, the designer creates several layouts that are subsequently presented to the client for review and potential revisions.

This process, demanding a significant investment of time and effort, typically spans a few weeks or even longer, depending on the project’s complexity, client feedback, and requirements. At WebStudio, our paramount objective is to deliver a project that impeccably aligns with the client’s expectations while providing exceptional service at every turn.

Within this multifaceted process, artificial intelligence emerges as a valuable ally. AI comes into play during the initial layout creation, triggered by deft queries. By specifying keywords like ‘old jungle town’, ‘grass-covered bridge’, ‘realistic image’, ‘clear background’, and more, the designer outlines the scope for AI. In a matter of minutes, the app generates a range of images based on these queries, aligning with the designer’s specified parameters while offering diverse compositions, details, and content.

Consequently, while the essence of these images remains consistent, their form and presentation vary. Then our illustrators and animators meticulously process such generated images, which serve as a bedrock for multiple templates to be shared with the client.

CasinoBeats: What are the main advantages of integrating AI into the design process based on the expertise of SOFTSWISS and your team?

OI: I would like to mention the notable advancements we have made in reducing the turnaround time for creating initial layouts. Now we have the ability to generate a multitude of high-quality images with intricate details, each possessing its unique essence. 

Previously this process could stretch across several weeks, but now our clients get several layout options, sometimes even dozens, in considerably less time. The same holds true for logos, where our expertise and AI capabilities empower us to offer clients a wider array of variations. In short, we have optimised the speed, quality and quantity, accomplishing what once seemed nearly impossible. 

For our designers, the integration of artificial intelligence provides an additional level of freedom and creativity. They now have a richer pool of images for further processing, which affords them the opportunity to dive into techniques that were underutilised before. Moreover, our designers are actively developing their skills of posing accurate queries to extract optimal results from artificial intelligence, based on the specifications at hand. In doing so, they contribute to the ongoing training of AI, ensuring the attainment of the most relevant outcomes in the future.

CasinoBeats: You’ve mentioned that one of your goals was to motivate the team to work with artificial intelligence. Was this endeavour successful? How has working with AI influenced the team engagement?

OI: My goal was to ignite motivation within the team, to invigorate their creative spirits as day-to-day work often leaves little room for embracing novelty and creative endeavours. Introducing AI offered a gateway to infuse the refreshing diversity into regular designer workflow, tapping into new captivating tasks.

To achieve this, we invited designers to reimagine the pre-existing online casino frontend template, fully embracing the capabilities of AI. Their task was to develop ideas and create their own banners, graphics and other elements as they saw fit. It was an opportunity for them to practise, experiment and give shape to ideas that may not have aligned with previous client requirements. The result was a wealth of unique templates that we could readily offer to our clients. 

This experience proved to be a profound source of inspiration for our designers. The competition stimulated their creativity and allowed them to refine their skills and dive deeper into the realm of AI, unlocking their inherent potential. Now they approach new challenges with enthusiasm and readiness.

The AI integration has spurred the establishment and launch of an innovation department within WebStudio.  In the short term, our primary focus is on developing and scaling up AI implementation. We strive for excellence in this domain, ensuring that our designers possess the proficiency to effectively translate their visual concepts into precise queries for AI. This will enable us to deliver layouts that surpass operator and player expectations, leveraging the capabilities of this remarkable assistant. Looking ahead, we are committed to harnessing innovations across all aspects of the iGaming business.

The team made a big step forward – we also started using AI to create animations for existing images and layouts. This innovative approach enhances the final result, making it more emotionally appealing to both clients and players.

Moreover, the AI integration has not only created a stimulating and engaging environment for our design team but has also unveiled a world of untapped possibilities and boundless opportunities. Our designers wholeheartedly embrace the potential that AI brings and are eager to continue venturing into this promising realm with enthusiasm and deep-seated interest.

CasinoBeats: Do you have any concerns about AI displacing designers in online casino projects? 

OI: Allow me to dispel the misconception that AI is going to displace designers and illustrators in the context of online casino projects. Artificial intelligence serves as a tool that amplifies their creativity and accelerates their work process – consider it a valuable assistant. 

Just as the emergence of cinema did not lead to the disappearance of theatre, AI cannot replace the creative design profession. Instead, it provides designers with additional options and possibilities, enhancing their creative journey. 

AI can generate initial images or suggest ideas, but the refinement, post-processing and transformation of those ideas into their final design still rest on designers’ shoulders. They imbue layouts with uniqueness, make necessary edits and collaborate with clients to achieve the desired outcomes.

Artificial intelligence lacks creativity, intuition or capacity to grasp emotional aspects of design. It is limited in the ability to create genuinely meaningful designs that evoke emotions. The work of a designer requires creativity, inspiration, imagination and an aesthetic sense in order to craft unique designs that convey certain emotions and reflect subjects and themes of the project.

The use of AI in designing online casino projects streamlines and accelerates the development process but does not diminish the designer’s role. The combination of creative thinking and human experience, augmented by artificial intelligence, yields the best results in crafting high-quality and appealing designs. So there is no need to fear that AI will replace designers.

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SOFTSWISS’ Vitali Matsukevich: harnessing the power of AI https://casinobeats.com/2023/07/28/softswiss-vitali-matsukevich-ai/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=85076 Artificial intelligence versus human intelligence – a contest that seemingly only has one winner. But according to SOFTSWISS, while AI is an effective tool for analysing large data sets in real-time, the final decision should still be left to an expert. Igaming software provider SOFTSWISS, having integrated AI practices into its everyday operations, has shared […]

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Artificial intelligence versus human intelligence – a contest that seemingly only has one winner. But according to SOFTSWISS, while AI is an effective tool for analysing large data sets in real-time, the final decision should still be left to an expert.

Igaming software provider SOFTSWISS, having integrated AI practices into its everyday operations, has shared its experience of how they’ve been implemented and some of the challenges involved. The company also talked about how the technology has proven to be a valuable asset thanks to the way it has revolutionised real-time data analysis, player management, content personalisation, and design.

Real-Time Data Analysis

The anti-fraud team within SOFTSWISS’ managed services played a pivotal role last year in saving operators €16m+ by processing 61,810 requests. It is hardly possible, said the firm, to analyse such data volumes by hand. Which is where AI stepped into the frame.

The SOFTSWISS R&D department first developed the anti-fraud service – a real-time data analysis tool leveraging machine learning models – to detect suspicious cases and bring them to the attention of the anti-fraud team experts. And thanks to recent updates to the service, it now has an enhanced ability to assess the quality of affiliate traffic to “ensure a secure and trustworthy igaming environment”. 

According to SOFTSWISS, another valuable tool that hails from its R&D department is Business Metrics Monitoring and Management (BM3), a machine learning-driven system that analyses key business indicators and identifies deviations on a near-real-time basis. 

BM3, it said, helps identify potential issues more efficiently than traditional rule-based solutions, enabling prompt detection and troubleshooting to prevent negative impacts on client business and avoid financial losses.

COO Vitali Matsukevich commented: “AI is an effective tool for analysing large data sets in real-time, but the final decision should still be left to an expert. With all speed and efficiency, you can’t put all the responsibility for business decisions on artificial intelligence.”

Player management and content personalisation

Another area where AI has demonstrated its efficiency, said SOFTSWISS, is player management. On that front, its R&D department has developed a service called DOSSIER, which analyses player behaviour to enhance gaming experience. This service, said the company, also predicts future actions, “enabling operators to make timely and tailored offers”.

By way of example, the system identifies players with high potential lifetime value and allows operators to offer them special bonuses or assign individual managers. Such segmentation can be used across various scenarios, SOFTSWISS explained. 

AI has also been put to effective use by the firm in the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook to personalise content for players, with AI-based tools enabling the display of events according to player preferences. The system collects real-time data on player activity and then delivers the most relevant content, including suggested events that appeal to specific players or similar player groups. 

Matsukevich added: “When it comes to players, this approach helps reduce the time between bets and increase their amounts and player LTV. When players easily find exciting events tailored to their preferences, their gaming experience becomes more enjoyable, positively impacting overall business performance.”

Igaming brand design

According to SOFTSWISS, design is one of the “trendiest areas where AI is making significant strides”, and the igaming industry is no exception. At SOFTSWISS’ WebStudio, the implementation of generative artificial intelligence has, it claimed, become “a game-changer”. 

The WebStudio’s primary goal, the company advised, is to deliver projects that “not only meet but exceed client expectations, offering exceptional service at every step of the way”.

SOFTSWISS believes that AI acts as a valuable ally in this endeavour, particularly during the initial layout creation phase. Through carefully crafted queries, AI generates a diverse range of images aligned with specified parameters, it said, offering various compositions, details, and content, while preserving the essence of the original concept, in just minutes. 

Such images then serve as a basis for further refinement by illustrators and animators, resulting in multiple templates shared with clients for additional development and finalisation.

Summarising the increasing influence of AI on the industry, Matsukevich said: “Being innovators in the field, we continuously explore and test emerging tools, adapting worldwide trends to enhance the igaming experience. The enormous potential of AI lies in its ability to optimise repetitive tasks and handle big data, improving overall efficiency. 

“Nevertheless, we exercise prudence when integrating AI into decision-making processes, recognising that unforeseen outcomes could result in financial losses. Striking the right balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining human oversight is crucial to ensuring sustained growth and success.”

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Playtech develops ‘world-class’ experience through Ada AI agreement https://casinobeats.com/2022/10/27/playtech-experience-ada-ai-agreement/ Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=74433 Playtech has made a move to improve the entire customer experience through the use of automation, partnering with customer-focused AI firm, Ada.  Providing a ‘highly personalised’ solution, Ada’s platform will take data from Playtech’s Information Management System to provide its users with a contextual customer experience.  Moreover, Ada’s AI capabilities will integrate into Playtech’s monitoring […]

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Playtech has made a move to improve the entire customer experience through the use of automation, partnering with customer-focused AI firm, Ada. 

Providing a ‘highly personalised’ solution, Ada’s platform will take data from Playtech’s Information Management System to provide its users with a contextual customer experience. 

Moreover, Ada’s AI capabilities will integrate into Playtech’s monitoring tools and check-ins to promote responsible gambling tools for those who display risks. 

It is claimed that Ada will help Playtech operators to ‘drive operational efficiency’ through the entire customer journey, from onboarding to proactive support and the promotion of responsible gambling tools. 

“We are excited to be launching this partnership with Playtech,” said Mike Murchison, Chief Executive Officer at Ada. “Integrating Ada’s industry-leading conversational AI and Playtech’s award-winning IMS allows Playtech Operators to deliver the VIP customer experiences that players expect, resulting in higher containment rates, an increase in bet rates and better monitoring for player safety.”

The deal aims to maintain a high level of customer experience for each individual, while simultaneously reducing the number of agents required to support players. 

“Playtech is committed to delivering the tools and technology operators need to present their players with the ultimate gaming experience, and our partnership with Ada ensures a world-class player experience from the initial account setup through to inquiries,” said Mark Jones, SaaS Commercial Partnerships at Playtech. 

“Providing all customers with a VIP experience is becoming significantly more important, and allows our players to have the very best personalization technology at their fingertips at all times.”

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Zeal boosts safer gambling capabilities with Mindway AI cooperation https://casinobeats.com/2022/06/22/zeal-boosts-safer-gambling-capabilities-with-mindway-ai-cooperation/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=68025 Zeal has strengthened its safer gambling capabilities through a collaboration with Mindway AI. The cooperation with the Danish company, originating from Aarhus University, involves the use of artificial intelligence to identify gamblers potentially at risk of gambling addiction by utilising Mindway’s GameScanner.  Helmut Becker, CEO of Zeal, stated: “As a provider of online lotteries, the […]

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Zeal has strengthened its safer gambling capabilities through a collaboration with Mindway AI.

The cooperation with the Danish company, originating from Aarhus University, involves the use of artificial intelligence to identify gamblers potentially at risk of gambling addiction by utilising Mindway’s GameScanner

Helmut Becker, CEO of Zeal, stated: “As a provider of online lotteries, the protection of our players and the prevention of gambling addiction are a top priority. For this reason, it is of utmost importance for us to apply proven technologies and methods to protect players, regardless of legal requirements. 

“We are proud to have found a partner in Mindway AI that has specialised in gambling risk detection and incorporates scientific aspects such as neuroscience and psychology into its product development, in addition to innovative technologies such as AI. 

“We are pleased to be able to offer our players an improved, even safer gaming experience with the use of GameScanner.”

Via this cooperation, Zeal is said to further improve its level of player protection and compliance in the firm’s services. Said to be based on “scientific findings and algorithms”, the GameScanner system automatically detects gamblers at risk of gambling addiction at an early stage. 

Moreover, the fully automated GameScanner is said to work like a virtual psychologist that can be applied to all types of gambling. 

“Although lottery products have a low potential for addiction, it is essential to reduce possible risks and to monitor and protect at-risk gamblers,” explained Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO of Mindway AI.

““We are pleased that Zeal trusts our GameScanner and hereby the first AI-based virtual psychologist specifically designed to detect at-risk gamers. Together, we are thus forming an alliance to improve gambling safety.” 

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Loureiro: The growing importance of AI to operators https://casinobeats.com/2020/09/10/loureiro-the-growing-importance-of-ai-to-operators/ Thu, 10 Sep 2020 08:30:18 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=36591 Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become ever more prevalent in business strategies in recent years, with igaming businesses aiming to utilise the technology to enhance its range of products and services. Speaking on day two of SBC Summit Barcelona – Digital, Américo Loureiro, the director of casino firm Solverde, expressed his optimism for AI implementation into […]

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Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become ever more prevalent in business strategies in recent years, with igaming businesses aiming to utilise the technology to enhance its range of products and services.

Speaking on day two of SBC Summit Barcelona – Digital, Américo Loureiro, the director of casino firm Solverde, expressed his optimism for AI implementation into the industry, and foresees that it will be difficult for operators to increase the customer experience without the use of the technology in the future.

For sure what we are focusing on is to increase our customer experience, the winning experience, and that leads to revenue and revenue on the lower end. I’m not seeing operators managing their operations without the help of AI in the near future. Talking about revenues, I think it’s too much over the next three years with everything on the internet,” Loureiro commented.

“Our plan is for the next three years to increase the AI on our operations and get benefits from this, we know that this is the very beginning and we want to be on top of this because the ones that agree more with AI and manage AI will be the most successful operators.”

Edvinas Subacius, the chief data officer of Rootz, a firm that has placed AI at the centre of its business, also highlighted that the technology is not just a tool for the near future, but it can also be utilised in the igaming industry right away, particularly when it comes to maximising staff efficiency.

“It was most definitely a strategic decision to place AI in the centre of thought when we started designing the platform,” Subacius explained. “This vision is continuing up to the level of hiring of every single employee. We make them aware of this vision and this goal of automating our boring tasks and encouraging people on their Thursday to contribute to that.

“We know that we can increase player turnover or spending up to five per cent by doing recommendation engines. At the same time, we know that we increase their lifetime value between ten per cent to 20 per cent so four times more than actual spending by applying AI to manage our bonus cost and promotional values.

“But these are all confusing numbers and I think the best measure that companies need to come up with to analyse or answer this question is how many operations you can get done per headcount or how much more revenue does the headcount generate.

“So for example, our company has about 70 employees, and we are running operations equal to the other companies, which have 300 to 500 employees. So the sooner you start with AI, and the closer it is to the heart of your mentality and your platform, it can create the efficiency of 100 per cent or 1000 per cent scale. It’s not five per cent anymore.”

Steven Paton, the business solutions advisor for BMIT Technologies, also highlighted that AI is ready for its integration into platforms, with the technology providing companies with an enhanced customer experience which Loureiro alluded to prior.

“From the gaming industry, we are all aware that data collection from customers and markets has been going on for decades and this has allowed these algorithms to be now present in the form of AI and Machine Learning going further forward,” he said.

“It is absolutely imperative to understand those touch points where these clients come and where the customers come to enjoy a gaming experience. Whether they are here for the fun aspect, whether they’re just doing it for the sake of it. It’s being able to utilise those touch points, cross channels.

“I think the next step is definitely the transitional phase of utilising big data and machine learning to push that further over the next five years.”

Neel Davda, head of gaming EMEA at Bold360 also discussed the methods in which clients are being introduced to AI.

He added:Having worked with a number of gaming clients, two of the largest globally over the last couple of years, what we have tried to work with them on is really a 30/40/60 model. So the main drivers really have been contact deflection and with an initial deployment, where we talk about that initial use of simple types of FAQ, we can immediately start to see that.

“If you think about any type of interaction you’ve had in the past with the kind of rudimentary chatbots or virtual assistants, usually you ask a very simple question and it says it doesn’t understand. 

“So our ability is really to cluster those and understand those straight off the bat and then with that, apply kind of a one shot learning methodology where we are able to show from there the insight as to did the person click on that, was there a successful outcome, was that positive or negative feedback, and if there was negative feedback how to solve that very quickly. Without the need to code, without need to wait for a person within a professional services department to turn that around for you.”

The panel, which was moderated by iGaming Performance’s CEO Paul McNea, also discussed a range of topics including the effect AI can have on analytics, data, and user retention whilst also discussing when to opt for internal AI solutions or to purchase externally.

Anna Gaivoronska, head of business intelligence and analytics at Parimatch summed up the inter/external dilemma by explaining that it depends on what the platform’s goals are with AI integration and also which sector it plans to implement the technology.

She stated: “It often depends on the time factor. If you need results quickly, you can buy externally and ,at the same time, you can develop solutions in house for more long term projects. So basically, if you need to have results in the near future, you can buy some solution. You can invest money in that project. But if you’re looking in the long term for a more customised solution, you should build in house.”

As the panel was coming to a close, Paton provided the final words in the discussion as he highlighted that the future of AI/ML in the igaming industry is certainly in the payments sector. However, he stresses that it is crucial that a customer centric vision is created alongside that development.

Paton concluded:I do think that the payment ecosystem is going to be very much a pressing movement forward. I think we also have to pay attention to the customer centric aspect alongside that with the customer experience as an overall agenda that should be moving forward. At the end of the day, we are here because our businesses are customer centric and need to be able to facilitate the needs of those customers, as an individual and as a unique individual who will then take it forward.

“Whether it’s a payment ecosystem, whether it’s a customer service query, whether it’s CRM or bonus’ I think they’re all compiled together to be almost just as important.”

SBC Summit Barcelona – Digital is a FREE to attend virtual conference and exhibition running from 8-11 September. To register for your free ticket or find out more please visit – https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona-digital/

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