Latest News
Alexander Martin (CEO SKS365) at ICE 365: “The Post-Covid Future in the Retail Betting Sector Is Omnichannel”
“Retail will remain a key part of the gambling ecosystem in Europe. In such a hard time for the betting shops, SKS365 has concentrated its energy to set up the best way to relaunch the shops, which will reopen with new and improved services “
The outlook for the retail betting shops in Europe, which have been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown and by local limitations in terms of the number of shops and distances from sensitives area, was the main topic of discussion during the virtual panel “The Future of Retail”. This online conference is part of the ICE 365 content series, a free-to-access deep-dive into sector-specific insight, analysis and exclusive content delivered by Clarion Gaming in partnership with recognised industry experts and thought leaders.
Alexander Martin, CEO at SKS365, sees the future still bright for the betting shops, despite the current challenges. He is confident in that retail will remain a key part of the gambling ecosystem, if the operators will adapt and evolve to their new circumstances. “The key to staying ahead of the game is linking the offering between the offline and the online channel and vice versa. Offering an omni-channel experience allows customers to have both options and therefore to choose which channel best suits them at that particular time. In addition, it raises security and trust by creating a cohesive, seamless, personalized gaming experience that makes interactions consistent, easy, and fun. For this reason, during the first lockdown we invested in new retail functionalities and products such as the self-service betting terminals to make our shops more interactive and digital. During the current lockdown we have taken a similar approach, so when our shops will be allowed to reopen, our customers will find again more innovative services, offerings in newly designed shops”.
Speaking about changes of the gaming scenario, that has registered an increasing popularity of online gambling, given the impossibility to play in the brick and mortal venues, Martin said: “Certainly, the lockdown has been an accelerator for the online transition. However, our recent survey, clearly showed that traditional shop customers will return to the shops. Many answered that they will use in the future our omni-channel offering, nevertheless some are very happy with the pure shop offering. Our land-based customers are very loyal and they like our shops, the atmosphere and enjoy the exchange with like-minded people. It is a hub for them to connect with each other as well as our entertaining services. Sports betting is very much sharing thoughts and ideas about teams and plays”.
Having said that, high-street bookies will certainly have to find new ways to attract customers back and according to Martin it is crucial to invest in the venues both from a design and from a technological point of view: “Our goal at Planetwin365 is to offer the most entertaining retail experience. We are ready to compete with all other places people can go to such as bars, restaurants, bowling alleys or cinemas. Our betting shops are places where people do not go only to place a bet, but also for the joy of being there. Nowadays, customers expect to find the same offer and features on each channel, and it is vital to keep investing in the retail channel, as we are doing, to bridge the gap with the online and enhance the customers experience in the shops”.
Asia
Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.
Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”
This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.
Latest News
Catena Media Announces Board Changes
Catena Media’s board of directors announced the appointment of Stephen Taylor-Matthews as non-executive director and the departure of Øystein Engebretsen from the board of directors.
Based in London, Stephen Taylor-Matthews is a tech entrepreneur, executive advisor and investor with over two decades of experience in online gaming, sports betting and data analytics.
He is the founder of Polynate, an AI-first company delivering next-generation sports engagement solutions, and has worked at Underdog Fantasy, GoatGaming and Betgenius in previous roles.
Stephen Taylor-Matthews commented: “Catena Media is in a transformation phase and I’m excited to be joining the board at this juncture and to contributing my industry expertise and insight.”
The appointment coincides with the departure from the board of Øystein Engebretsen, who has served as non-executive director since September 2018.
Erik Flinck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Øystein has made a valuable and important contribution to Catena Media for more than six years. I warmly thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his current and future ventures. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor-Matthews to the board. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset for Catena Media as we move forward.”
Stephen Taylor-Matthews’ appointment will become effective once all necessary filings are made with the Malta Business Registry, and his term will run up until the end of the next annual general meeting, in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act and Catena Media’s articles of association.
Latest News
Endorphina Partners with R. Franco Digital to Expand Reach
The leading online slot games provider, Endorphina, has announced a brand-new partnership with R. Franco Digital, a renowned manufacturer of AWP machines. This collaboration allows Endorphina to expand its reach in the Spanish and Latin American markets.
Endorphina is one of the top iGaming software providers for the B2B market, developing online slots that cater to a wide range of slot enthusiasts. Over the years, the provider has established itself as one of the most innovative slot suppliers in the industry, dedicated to expanding its products to players worldwide.
Zdenek Llosa, Senior Partnership Manager at Endorphina, said: “We are genuinely excited to join forces with R. Franco Digital, a trusted name with a rich legacy in the Spanish and Latin American gaming world. Partnering with a platform that shares our passion for quality and player satisfaction is truly inspiring. Together with the R. Franco team, we look forward to creating memorable, fun experiences that bring joy and excitement to our shared communities across Spain and LATAM. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something truly special.”
Franco Digital, a subsidiary of the Recreativos Franco Group, has been known for providing its customers with the best turnkey solutions for over 50 years. As a pioneering manufacturer of AWP machines, R. Franco Digital is founded on an innovative company culture that uses the best methodologies and technologies available, working with talented and disruptive people to deliver the best solutions.
“At R. Franco Digital, we are always striving to enhance our platform with innovative, top-quality content that resonates with our audiences, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Partnering with Endorphina allows us to bring a fresh, engaging catalog of games to our players, combining our platform’s power with Endorphina’s creativity and expertise. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences tailored for Spanish-speaking markets,” said Javier Sacristán, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital.
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