That’s according to Dalibor Srubar, head of legal and compliance at Slotegrator, who spoke to CasinoBeats about how its consultancy service can help operators remain compliant in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

CasinoBeats: First of all, can you tell us a little bit about what your job role entails?

Dalibor Srubar: Well, my job role entails various legal topics. However, the vast majority of my job is represented by advising our top management on their strategic decisions. I make sure that we are compliant with the legislation of the markets where our company operates. 

I am also in charge of licensing and certification procedures for our company and for our clients that wish to benefit from our consultancy service. And last, but not least, another part of my job is to protect the IP rights of the company.

CB: Looking at Slotegrator’s consultancy service, how are you helping those looking to open new businesses and merchant accounts? 

DS: I believe at the beginning of each project, the client needs to choose a certain strategy to reach his goals. It can be quite overwhelming without any experience to know where to get the licence and what is forbidden and what is not and of course, it’s a lot of paperwork. 

We have the experience, and we know how to handle the issues from A to Z so that the client can focus on important business issues.

CB: We recently covered a story on Slotegrator’s Estonia licence acquisition assistance service. Can you tell us a bit more about what other legal services Slotegrator offers?

DS: We can help our clients to get a licence in most of the jurisdictions where online gaming is regulated. We either do it directly, or via our local contacts. 

Otherwise, we offer also – assistance with certification of the software, consultancy with regard to IP protection, offshore companies establishment, companies set-up consultancy. We also have possibilities to give tax consultancy with the help of external tax auditors.

CB: What are the most common legal issues that operators tend to seek your help on? 

DS: Nowadays, the most discussed issues with the operators are what type and in which jurisdiction they should get their licence. Another big topic is the fund moving (banking, payment processing etc.). Lot of clients have wrongly set-up companies, so we consult them on this topic too. I would say those are the most discussed topics right now, however it’s really individual.

CB: Given that new markets are opening all the time, and regulations are constantly changing, why do you think consultancy services are so important in the gambling industry? 

DS: That’s a good and important question and it’s true that the legislations in a lot of jurisdictions are constantly changing and developing. Therefore, it is really essential for the operators to follow the current changes and to stay compliant all the time. Nobody likes to pay fines, right? 

Having said that, even the B2B projects (like us – Slotegrator) have to stay compliant in the jurisdictions that we operate in and it is becoming more and more challenging every year.

CB: How can using consultancy services help operators save time and money in the long term? 

DS: We believe that having the right company structure can save a lot of headaches and at the end of the day a lot of money (considering the tax optimalization). 

We also believe that it’s really beneficial for operators (especially the starting ones) to focus on other parts of their project and their journey (like brand recognition, traffic to their website etc.) since it can be quite overwhelming to get oriented in this jungle of laws/tax laws. 

Having the right set-up from the beginning will therefore just benefit the successful projects in future. In general, we believe that it’s important for the operators to pay for good consultancy service in the beginning for their future benefits.

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Speaking to CasinoBeats, Patel touched upon the ways Slotegrator is navigating the country’s intricate regulatory framework before highlighting the company’s upcoming webinar which will focus on helping companies looking to build a sustainable business in the sub-continent.

CasinoBeats: What is it that initially attracted you to the Indian market?   

Jashwant Patel: That’s a really good question! We are always guided by our mission to blaze trails and discover new opportunities. 

There are a few reasons you can call India a golden well of opportunity: the size of its population, the diversity of its target audience, advances in technology, a growing middle class, and a fast-growing economy. So in simple words, there is something for everyone. You just have to go with the right strategy. 

More than 750 million people — which is over 70 per cent of the population — have access to gaming devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers. Internet or mobile data access is also not an issue, with almost 700 million — and growing — internet users. More than 50 per cent of the target audience fall within the age bracket of 20-45, making it a very young market to tap into. 

India is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, meaning an increasing number of people have disposable income for entertainment. These figures speak volumes, especially for the online gaming industry.

CasinoBeats: In Slotegrator’s experience, what is the key to success in the Indian market?

JP: The key to success in any market is to have the facts right. Good research, the right mindset, a robust business plan, sufficient investment and — most important of all — patience can build the foundation a casino needs. 

India is very complex in terms of player demographics. Player type, age, gender, and financial situation all vary, so to succeed in the Indian market you have to find a niche and cater to the right target audience. Clientele in the Indian subcontinent can be very demanding and thrifty. 

We as a team are always looking for ways to improve our service and offerings. From research to regular communications with clients of all levels, we are learning every day. One thing that sets us apart is that we really listen to our prospects and customers and pinpoint their specific needs. 

CasinoBeats: India has previously been described as quite a lucrative market, but it comes with its own set of regulatory challenges. How has Slotegrator overcome these challenges? 

JP: The Indian market is indeed a lucrative one, but it has some hurdles to jump before it can grow to its full potential. These stem from the fact that gambling is often looked upon as a taboo or social ill even though it’s been part of Indian culture since ancient times. 

Slotegrator’s mission is to facilitate the business growth of our clients and partners. As a renowned brand in the igaming industry, every day we are working towards this mission by keeping up with current regulations, adapting our offerings, and liaising with our partners. 

Online gambling laws are still unclear — a fact that many offshore operators take advantage of. Having said that, setting up shop in India is not necessarily a walk in the park. However, our in-depth knowledge and network have helped us grow in this market, and we are committed to helping our partners operate legitimately and transparently while complying with regulations. 

While the regulatory landscape can be difficult to navigate, our jurisdictional services are more than up to the task.

CasinoBeats: What content would you say is most popular among players? And does this vary across different regions?

JP: That’s a very good question. Of course, from an operator’s point of view, having a variety of quality gaming content for players to choose from is always a good idea. 

Sports betting, fantasy sports, and live dealer/table games tend to be the most popular among players in India. The choice of content is a bit different compared to players across the globe. The most popular games among Indian players are Andar Bahar and Teen Patti. Indian Rummy is another local classic. 

These local favourites are a bit hard to find on offshore casinos, but having them for the Indian market is vital — and if online casinos can provide them through an authentic casino experience with real professional dealers in a luxurious studio setting, then all the better.

Casino classics like baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, while less popular, are still in demand — in particular roulette, given its simple rules and exciting nature. Players also turn to slot games when they’re looking for colourful features and the chance of a big jackpot. 

Far and away, the subcontinent’s most popular game is poker. However, the game’s regulatory status as a game of skill or chance remains unclear, and varies across the country. 

In addition to region of operation, age and other demographic considerations are key factors in choosing the right content. Last but not the least, marketing strategies play a crucial role in any business’s success, and igaming is no different — casinos that find the right way to reach their players dramatically increase their chances of success.

CasinoBeats: How can operators ensure that they are best meeting the needs of players across India?

JP: India is considered to have strict regulations when it comes to real money gaming and casinos. Due to blanket bans in some states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, players are not always able to access some brands or projects. However, India still has great potential in the online gambling industry, especially considering the rate at which technology is advancing.

There are a few things operators have to take care of to increase their odds of acquiring and retaining players. 

It’s important to offer a better online experience. By that I mean fast and easy onboarding, excellent UI and UX, and a lack of annoyances and distractions like unwanted sound effects.

Strong cyber security is one of the biggest priorities for the online casino industry. After all, players are trusting the platform with their personal and financial details and playing with their hard-earned money; they want to feel assured that both their money and their information is safe.

Having a licensed platform builds players’ trust and contributes to improving the industry’s overall reputation. 

As I mentioned earlier, a good variety of quality gaming content is always recommended. It gives users more options to choose from and stops them from getting bored and leaving. 

In keeping with the worldwide trend, operators should adapt to Indian players’ preference for mobile capability. It’s essential that players can easily use their mobile device to have a great experience no matter where they are. 

It’s critical to appeal to different audiences. Online gambling is available to players of a wide range of locations, genders, ages, social classes, etc. Anyone with money and a device can play. Matching players with the content they’re looking for is one of the keys to online casino success, but marketing is extra tricky when regulations are murky. However, new technologies and marketing strategies can help Indian players find the local and international brands they’re looking for. 

CasinoBeats: What does the future hold for the Indian betting market? Could we see the introduction of a central regulator or centralised gambling legislation?

JP: Wow, now that’s something we all want to know, isn’t it?  Land-based casinos are only allowed in some states, and only for certain types of games. Online gambling regulations are often confusing, but allow players to visit sites run by reputable offshore operators with a license from a well-established jurisdiction.

Indian authorities still consider these offshore companies unregulated, but one would think their profits would encourage the Indian government to consider updating its online gambling laws. India loses around $150m annually to untaxed offshore operators, and this lack of regulation also makes it hard to evaluate the true potential of the Indian market. 

In my personal opinion, centralised gambling legislation or some sort of centralised guidelines for the states would be the best way to move forward, not just to boost tax revenue but to help the economy and create jobs. In my opinion, the Indian government should fully embrace the gambling industry rather than fighting it.

CasinoBeats: And finally, can you tell us about your upcoming webinar on the Indian market — maybe give a brief overview of topics and why people should attend?

JP: Oh yes! At Slotegrator, we are always looking for ways to educate new and growing businesses. After the success of the previous webinar, we are now working on a second one covering the Indian market. The topics will focus more on understanding various different aspects of the business. 

Anyone who wants to expand or open a new business — especially if they want to learn how to make that business sustainable in the long run — will definitely get a lot out of it. There are a lot of different elements which need to be covered to make it a viable business, and we’re going to dive into as much detail as possible.

The post A ‘golden well of opportunity’: Why Slotegrator is pursuing growth in India appeared first on CasinoBeats.

It follows on from a government proposal for a licensing reform within the Baltic country which – if approved – would see the decoupling of land-based and online licences. 

Providing an overview of the new proposed legislations, Slotegrator’s Ayvar Gabidullin noted that the government in Lithuania is aiming to “open up the market to established foreign operators and new investors interested in providing online-only services”. This decision, he explained, will simultaneously increase both competition and tax revenues. 

Between March and July 2021, the Lithuanian government also presented a series of amendments to the current gambling legislation. 

These included revised requirements for online live table games, a blanket ban on gambling advertising, revised KYC processes aimed at tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, and revised regulations for the operation and taxation of lotteries, as well as changes to the provisions enabling operators to terminate players’ accounts.

In an article for Slotegrator, Gabidullin said that applying for new licences under the new framework would result in “noticeably higher” costs, however online operators will be able to “save on the initial investment necessary to set up a physical presence”.

Online-only licences could cost €500,000, while combined online-retail licences would be available for €1 million; meanwhile, operators will also be able to acquire licences to operate tables and slot machines or betting operations for €300,000 and €100,000 respectively.

Gabidullin wrote: “While online licences would retain an indefinite validity, land-based ones would have to be renewed after a maximum of five years and are subject to approval by local municipal councils. If the proposal was to go through, all existing licenses would be made to expire on 1 January 2027.

“If you’re considering investing in Lithuania in light of the newly proposed regulations, or perhaps in the gambling industry in general? If so, Slotegrator can help you.

“If you want to expand your existing business into a new country, you can consult our jurisdictional advisory services. Our legal team will be able to assess which market best fits your needs. If, on the other hand, you’re starting from scratch, we can offer you a full-fledged turnkey solution that lets you enter the iGaming space with a competitive product in no time.”

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Providing this overview of the new gambling legislations, Slotegrator’s Ayvar Gabidullin noted that the company’s legal department and sales team will be offering advice on German regulations while also assisting with the acquisition of the necessary licences. 

In an article for Slotegrator, he said: “The upcoming online casino regulations in Germany will be a sea change for the country’s gambling industry, bringing a massive new opportunity for both start-ups and established companies who want to expand into Europe’s biggest economy. 

“The latest version of the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which will come into force on July 1, 2021, will allow licenses to offer online casino games across the entire country for the first time. 

“If you’re looking to start an online casino or create an online betting site facing the German market but don’t know where to start, Slotegrator has everything you need to get going.

“Among the opportunities for your business is a turnkey platform that has all features operators need for a successful start or a white label casino that not only provides a technical framework but also comes with every tool needed for compliance.”

Gabidullin also explained that iGaming operators can benefit from consultations provided by Slotegrator’s legal team which “can advise potential operators on updates in German regulation and help them deal with a German licence to be able to offer their services in a country”.

He added: “Make sure your business is developing in the right direction and expanding to the regions where the iGaming sector is promising and profitable. Germany has just become one of them, so strike while the iron is hot.”

To read Slotegrator’s guide on Germany’s new online gambling laws, click HERE.

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So to understand igaming a little better, Slotegrator has created the Academy which seeks to provide information about the latest developments from across the industry – a resource which Nikita Bayduyk, content creator at Slotegrator, believes is key to promoting transparency.

In a discussion with CasinoBeats, Bayduyk discusses the importance of Slotegrator’s YouTube channel, both as a form of interaction with igaming specialists as well as an educational resource.

CasinoBeats: Can you tell us a little bit about the Slotegrator Academy? What does it involve?

NB: Simply put, Slotegrator Academy is an information resource about the gambling industry, not just for Slotegrator clients, but for everyone. 

We write articles and make videos to cover latest developments in the industry, explain regulations in different countries and talk about different business models that exist within igaming.   

CasinoBeats: What more can betting and gaming companies do to educate people about the igaming industry?

NB: Informing people about safety measures, responsible gaming and existing regulations is a good start. Transparency is a big trend in igaming right now, and we think making sure that people understand what a legal igaming enterprise looks like, is a crucial step that will help this industry outgrow the stereotypes. 

CasinoBeats: In what ways is the Academy raising awareness of the iGaming industry as a viable, legitimate and regulated option for investment?

NB: For us it’s simple — we tell the truth. Our videos explain how legal igaming works, what licenses you need to receive to operate a legal business and what varieties of legal software are available on the market. 

CasinoBeats: You mentioned videos. How are the video resources from the Academy helping to establish a convenient, personal, and transparent line of communication with those interested in igaming?

NB: Our YouTube Channel is free and accessible – we feel that if anyone needs to learn the basics, it’s easier to watch a short video, than to sit down and talk to a specialist. 

We also receive questions and requests from viewers that serve as a guideline for our next videos — this way our channel stays relevant and interactive. 

We use the video resources from the Slotegrator Academy to provide both introductory and in-depth analyses on online gambling-related topics while raising awareness of the igaming industry as a viable, legitimate, and regulated option for investment.

At Slotegrator, we’ve always dedicated resources to producing high-quality educational and analytical materials. We want to empower both industry newcomers and experienced operators with the knowledge and insights needed to run successful, lasting projects. 

This YouTube channel widens the reach of our Academy and allows us to establish a convenient, personal, and transparent line of communication with those interested in the igaming industry. 

Watchers can drop us any questions or feedback directly in the comments, and we welcome the opportunity to address these in our future videos. I invite everybody to keep an eye on our channel — we have a lot of content in store for you.

CasinoBeats: And finally, what lies ahead for the Academy?

NB: We will make more great content! We started really small, but after we received a lot of positive feedback, we understood that Slotegrator Academy needs to become bigger and better. 

Our hope is for the Academy to continue to be useful and we will surely expand our range of topics and improve frequency of releases. Stay tuned.

The post Slotegrator: Education is key to understanding igaming intricacies appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Founded in 2022, Octopus Global has quickly gained a reputation as a trustworthy and forward-thinking iGaming provider. The UK-based company hosts games from renowned studios in the iGaming industry, each bringing unique themes, brands, mechanics, and features to the table. With all content developed in HTML5, Octopus Global ensures seamless compatibility across devices, giving players the freedom to enjoy games on desktops, tablets, and smartphones alike.  

Beyond its impressive game portfolio, Octopus Global equips operators with a powerful suite of tools designed to enhance efficiency, maintain compliance, and elevate player experiences. Geo-targeting and blocking features make it easy for operators to manage regional accessibility, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Bonus and extra wager tools, including free games and bonus buys, help operators attract and retain players through engaging promotions tailored to their audience.  

Operators also benefit from Octopus Global’s automated reconciliation and trace tools, which simplify troubleshooting and transaction tracking. The built-in integration suite optimizes game performance before launch, ensuring smooth operations. Additionally, Octopus Global prioritizes responsible gaming with features like reality checks, session profit and loss tracking, max win controls, and auto-complete, promoting transparency and player trust.  

With this partnership, Slotegrator reinforces its position as a leader in the iGaming industry, providing operators with cutting-edge solutions and an extensive range of high-quality games. Octopus Global’s scalable and flexible RGS platform is an invaluable addition for operators looking to deliver exceptional gaming experiences and streamline their operations.  

Octopus Global has commented on the partnership with Slotegrator: “It has been a pleasure collaborating with Slotegrator from the outset. They have consistently demonstrated professionalism and efficiency in both commercial and technical matters. We are eager to continue our partnership and further enhance the mutually beneficial relationship between our organizations.”

Learn more about this exciting partnership and what Octopus Global has to offer by visiting Slotegrator’s website.

The post Slotegrator expands in Europe and Africa with Octopus Global appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Building on an existing collaboration, the new deal will see Belatra offer another selection of proprietary slot releases to Slotegrator’s flagship aggregation hub. The slot developer’s recent batch of games will be made available to Slotegrator’s network of operator partners. 

Misha Voinich, Business Development Manager at Belatra, commented: “Through our ongoing partnership, Belatra will be able to introduce its innovative gaming solutions to even more operators and players, further enhancing its growth and market position. 

“Slotegrator, in turn, gains access to high-end products that strengthen the company’s offering and attract more customers.”

Belatra Games’ slots to gain increased visibility through the aggregation alliance include Crystals Digger, Wild Fruit Jam, 4 Secrets of Aladdin, Full Moon Magic and 500 Juicy Fruits.

Khoren Ispiryan, Senior Sales Manager at Slotegrator, added: “Belatra Games’ continued success in creating highly engaging casino content means they are the ideal fit within our offering. These new titles mean our partnership gains access to high-end products that strengthen the company’s offering and attract more customers.”

The deal sees the provider continue to extend the reach of its slot content via various aggregation agreements, having recently partnered with Esofthall to access its network of affiliated operators and their player bases.

The post Slotegrator sees Belatra content as ‘ideal fit’ for aggregation growth appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Signalling “another statement collaboration” for the slot supplier, AvatarUX’s range of slot products will become available on Slotegrator to reach its operator partners via the APIgrator solution. 

Adding to over 150 game providers available on Slotegrator’s aggregation service, AvatarUX will integrate a host of content that utilises proprietary slot mechanics such as Popwins, Multipop and StickyPop. 

Nicola Longmuir, CEO at AvatarUX, commented: “We’re delighted to partner with Slotegrator in a deal that will see us roll out our strong portfolio of content through its aggregation offering.

“We’re always keen to partner with progressive, interesting brands to further our position in the market, and this is another statement collaboration for us.”

Slotegrator’s affiliated operators will gain access to established slot titles that include CherryPop and MonkeyPop, in addition to the studio’s more recent releases like  KittyPOPpins and PixiePop.

Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, added: “AvatarUX has swiftly established itself as a creator of must-have, engaging content through its award-winning mechanics, and we’re delighted to add its games to our platform.

“We’re confident that our operator partners will love the Pop mechanics, and look forward to growing as a duo.”

AvatarUX’s latest collaboration adds to a busy season of aggregatory expansion for the slot studio, having recently partnered with BetConstruct to increase the visibility of its in-house developed games and mechanics.

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The new progress bar tracks players’ history, while displaying all their online casino wins, opportunities and key indicators. In a statement confirming the launch, Slotegrator described the tool as a multifunctional information widget for players that shows the entire history of their achievements, acting as a self-motivation tool.

Its main advantage, said the firm, is that it is always visible, meaning that the player doesn’t have to look through different locations to see their information. The widget can be placed at the header, sidebar, or any page of the online casino. “This is what allows players to constantly track their progress, improve their strategy, and let small wins build up into big ones,” it noted. 

The progress bar has been implemented on the ‘my progress’ widget on the lobby, and tracks multiple dimensions of player behaviour. 

These include: bonuses (amount and wager); tournaments (number of points and what place the player holds in each active tournament they’re participating in); cashbacks (the amount that will be paid to the players for deposits); quests (the progress of the quests in which the player is participating; and levels of loyalty and experience.

According to COO Dmytro Taran, the progress bar can make it easier for players to track their performance and accomplishments, giving the casino increasing value over time and improving its retention rate. 

He stated: “This innovative new feature in the Casino Builder module of Slotegrator’s turnkey online casino solution lets players track their activity without being distracted from it. It demonstrates to players all their wins and tracks everything he has accomplished. 

“Also, it helps to correct their strategy on the way to victory. All data is grouped, so the player can track all the activities quickly and well timed. The Slotegrator team is convinced that it is a new level of player care.” 

A demonstration of the turnkey online casino solution is available here.

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Through the deal, Livespins’ offering will be distributed to Slotegrator-partnered operators around the world, allowing them to provide their customers with a unique slot live streaming experience.

“As a software provider and content aggregator we must be at the cutting edge in order to provide our operators with the solutions they need to engage and entertain their players,” commented Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator.

“It’s impossible to ignore the popularity of casino streaming and this partnership with Livespins enables us to deliver this to our partners and their players responsibly and compliantly. Partnerships such as this with Livespins ensure we stay ahead of the game.”

With slots on offer from the likes of Yggdrasil Gaming, Relax Gaming and iSoftBet, Livespins provides customers with a chance to play alongside their favourite streamers, betting behind them as they spin the reels for a group bet experience where each player can choose their bet size and number of spins.

Players watching their favourite streamer can also react as the game takes place, chat with the streamer and other players, as well as drop emojis and gifs.

Lightning Drops – must-drop jackpots that can trigger at any time – and Lightning Races –  tournaments where players compete to get the highest score on a leaderboard – can also take place during the spins.

Responsible gambling and safe gaming tools are also on hand for customers to use to control their play.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, added: “Slotegrator is a top-flight software provider and aggregator and through this partnership with Livespins, it can offer its operators the opportunity to leverage the power of online casino and slot streaming.

“The demand for this is at an all-time high, and Livespins allows operators to tap into this in a unique way that ultimately offers players an entirely new way of experiencing online casino while being responsible and compliant.

“We are thrilled that Slotegrator wants to join us on our revolution, and we look forward to seeing its operator partners add Livespins to their lobbies.”

Last month, Slotegrator agreed to a partnership with Apparat Gaming, making titles from the game distributor available for integration into online casinos via its APIgrator solution.

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