Eastern Europe
Q&A w/ Jean-Pierre Houareau, CEO at Live Solutions about the Romanian market
What is the state of play in the Romanian market?
In 2019, the Romanian gambling market generated a total revenue of €1.5 billion, representing an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by the online gambling sector, which accounted for nearly 25% of the total market share.
The Romanian gambling market is regulated by the National Gambling Office (ONJN), which oversees licensing and regulation of all forms of gambling in the country. In recent years, the ONJN has implemented stricter regulations for online gambling operators, including mandatory technical standards, responsible gambling measures, and increased taxation.
Despite these regulations, the Romanian gambling market continues to attract new players and operators. In 2020, several major international gambling companies received licenses to operate in Romania, including bet365, Betfair, and 888 Holdings. Additionally, the Romanian government has recently announced plans to further liberalize the gambling market, including plans to allow for the construction of large-scale casinos in certain areas.
It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Romanian gambling market, as it has in many other countries. During the pandemic, many land-based casinos and betting shops were forced to close, leading to a surge in online gambling activity. It remains to be seen how the pandemic will continue to impact the Romanian gambling market in the long term.
How are your games helping operators to unlock the market’s full potential?
Here at Live Solutions we have created of its kind casino tables games with video chat which currently no other provider offers. In our opinion, operators can create differentiation for themselves by offering unique, innovative and engaging games to attract and retain players.
Our features are nothing if not unique and innovative and are available in 55 languages which can help to drive players towards new content.
The incorporation of this technology within the gaming space can offer a more immersive and interactive gambling experience. These new technologies can help to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for players, which can lead to increased player loyalty and retention.
Overall, by offering a wide range of innovative and engaging games, operators can meet the needs and preferences of players, differentiate themselves from their competitors, and create a more sustainable and successful gambling market.
Why do you consider Romania to be such an important market?
Romania has a population of over 19 million people, making it one of the larger markets in Europe. This represents a significant potential customer base for gambling operators, both online and land-based.
The Romanian gambling market is relatively new and has been growing rapidly in recent years, which has attracted a lot of interest from international gambling companies. This growth is likely to continue as the Romanian economy continues to develop and the demand for gambling entertainment increases.
Romania has a relatively low tax rate on gambling activities, which makes it an attractive destination for operators looking to minimize their tax liabilities. This has helped to attract new operators to the market, which in turn has increased competition and driven further growth.
As a member of the European Union (EU) Romania benefits from EU regulations and protections. This provides a stable regulatory environment for operators and helps to ensure the safety and security of customers.
Do player preferences differ from other markets? What does localisation look like in Romania?
Player preferences in the Romanian gambling market may differ from other markets due to cultural and demographic differences. However, there are also many similarities between the Romanian market and other European markets in terms of player preferences.
In terms of localisation, many international gambling operators have adapted their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of Romanian players. This may involve translating their websites and games into Romanian, offering local payment methods, and providing customer support in Romanian. Some operators may also offer localized promotions and bonuses that are tailored specifically to the Romanian market.
Additionally, the ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators that require them to offer games that are appropriate for Romanian players. This may include games that are popular in Romania, such as traditional card games like Baccarat or Rummy, as well as popular slot games.
While there may be some differences in player preferences in the Romanian market, many international gambling operators have adapted their products and services to meet the needs of local players, and the ONJN has implemented regulations to ensure that operators are offering appropriate games for the market. This localisation helps to ensure that the Romanian gambling market remains attractive and accessible to both local and international operators.
What is the competitive landscape like? Is there room for operators to enter and claim solid market share?
While there are some established operators in the market, there is still a significant amount of competition and opportunities for new entrants.
In the online gambling sector, there are a number of international operators that have entered the market, including major players such as Bet365, 888 Holdings, and PokerStars. Additionally, there are also several local operators that have been successful in the market, including Superbet, Fortuna, and Netbet.
In the land-based sector, there are a number of casinos and slot parlours operating in Romania, including the famous Casino Bucharest and Palace Casino.
The ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators, including technical standards, responsible gambling measures, and increased taxation, which may present some challenges for new operators entering the market. However, these regulations also help to ensure the safety and security of customers and provide a level playing field for all operators.
Overall, the Romanian gambling market offers opportunities for new operators to enter and claim solid market share, particularly in the online gambling sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years. However, competition is strong and new entrants will need to offer attractive products and services to compete with established operators.
What are some of the challenges being faced? How can they be overcome?
There are several challenges facing the Romanian gambling market, including:
Increasing taxes: The Romanian government has increased taxes on gambling activities, which has put pressure on operators’ margins and profitability.
Stringent regulations: The ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators, which may make it more difficult for new operators to enter the market and compete with established operators.
Competition: The Romanian gambling market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many established operators and new entrants vying for market share.
Problem gambling: As with any gambling market, there is a risk of problem gambling, which can have negative social and economic consequences.
To overcome these challenges, operators and regulators can take several steps, including:
Collaboration and advocacy: Operators can work together and with industry associations to advocate for more favourable tax and regulatory policies.
Innovation: Operators can differentiate themselves by offering innovative products and services that meet the changing needs and preferences of players.
Customer protection: Operators can invest in responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion tools, to help protect vulnerable players.
Localisation: Operators can adapt their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of local players, which can help to build brand loyalty and increase market share.
Education: Operators and regulators can work together to educate players about the risks associated with gambling and promote responsible gambling behaviours.
Overall, by working together, operators and regulators can help to create a sustainable and successful gambling market in Romania that balances the needs of operators, players, and society as a whole.
Eastern Europe
EveryMatrix opens new eco-friendly HQ in Bucharest as it announces 1,000th employee
EveryMatrix has officially inaugurated its new development hub, located at the heart of Bucharest, Romania, while also reaching a milestone of 1,000 employees.
In collaboration with STRABAG Real Estate, construction on the cutting-edge business hub commenced in 2022 with the building now open, providing the tier-1 iGaming supplier’s Bucharest-based team of 400+ staff and growing with a modern, eco-conscious workspace.
EveryMatrix has also surpassed the 1,000-employee mark, just 16 years after it was founded in 2008. The company’s purely organic growth has sky-rocketed in the last four years, with the number of staff increasing by 90%, up from 525 employees in 2020 to 1,000 today. The business announced record profitability in 2023.
The new office is situated near University Square, the city’s focal point with the central location streamlining commute times, making it easily accessible to employees, clients, and partners.
Equipped with a large in-house gym, spa, pool, garden and state-of-the-art amenities across six dedicated floors, as well as free electric car charging points for all staff to encourage switching from fossil fuelled transport, Arghezi 4 was designed to offer the best working experience and environment, catering to the diverse needs of EveryMatrix’s employees.
Click here for an exclusive glimpse into the office and the benefits and features of the building’s beautifully crafted interiors.
The building meets rigorous LEED V4 Gold green certification using sustainable construction practices to minimise environmental and human health risks. Employing building materials and construction methods that are not harmful to the climate and environment, the new office sets a new standard for corporate and environmental responsibility.
Ebbe Groes, Group CEO, EveryMatrix, said: “Building our own HQ has been very exciting but has equally involved a great deal of work. This is our first purpose-built office here, so its opening, combined with our 1,000th employee represents a special moment in the company’s 16-year history.
“We are continually investing in the development of the business and its culture for both the well-being of our employees and to futureproof EveryMatrix, and I know from speaking to many of the teams here that it ticks all the boxes for our colleagues’ happiness.”
Marius Iancu, Global Head of HR, EveryMatrix, added: “This building is not just a new office; it also serves as an important part of our talent acquisition strategy from 2024 onwards. Every one of its elements has been designed to position EveryMatrix as an employer of choice and provide our teams with a work-life experience that goes beyond expectations.”
Eastern Europe
Wazdan boosts Romania footprint with Totogaming deal
Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, has further bolstered its presence in the regulated Romanian market after partnering with Totogaming.
The agreement has initially seen Wazdan provide 12 of its most popular titles to the online casino, including Magic Spins™, Hot Slot™:777 Rubies, Sizzling Eggs™ and the player-favourite Coins™ series.
Following the first tranche of games, more will be rolled out over the coming months as the supplier continues to deliver proven titles that resonate well with local customers.
It is the latest commercial expansion by Wazdan, which has enjoyed a strong start to the year, launching a number of key titles as well as undergoing a rebrand, which was revealed at ICE London.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “Our commercial expansion into key European regulated markets is a focal point for us, and we’re very happy to further grow our Romanian footprint in partnership with Totogaming.
“Our products have been well received in Romania already and we’re confident that we can add more value to Totogaming’s casino offering.”
Totogaming’s Product Directions Development Unit Manager, Kamօ Mayilyan said: “Wazdan has a reputation for creating exceptional, tech-friendly products and we’re delighted to add 12 of its best-performing games to our online portfolio.
With a long-term approach to our rollout collaboration, we look forward to enjoying an exciting relationship together.”
Eastern Europe
Betano and the Romanian Football Federation extend partnership until 2030
Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s premium brand, announced the extension of their strategic partnership with the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) until 2030. The announcement represents a major milestone in this partnership and demonstrates Betano’s and FRF’s shared commitment to promoting excellence in sport in Romania.
Over the past two years, Betano and FRF have combined their vision and expertise for the growth of the Cupa Romaniei Betano, one of the most loved football competitions in Romania. The current competition season introduced a new format of the Cup, bringing the game closer to the fans in the stands and at home.
As part of the collaboration, Betano has been actively involved in marketing efforts, working alongside an extensive ecosystem of partners, including FRF, media partners and representatives of the teams that qualified for Cupa Romaniei Betano’s group stage. Their common goal is to develop campaigns that will increase the visibility of the competition and facilitate engaging football fans even more. The latest initiative is the development of the TV and digital show Bate Cupa. This is the first show putting a spotlight on all 24 qualified teams and showcasing the players’ skills in an unconventional and entertaining way.
Both Betano and FRF are dedicated to delivering even more initiatives to support Romanian football within this year.
“During the past two years, we have shared a common vision with the Romanian Football Federation to take Cupa Romaniei Betano to new heights. The new format of the competition has been a great step down that route. We believe that the enthusiasm and the prestige surrounding Cupa Romaniei Betano will rise even higher. The new multi-year agreement shows the belief we have in this competition and our burning passion for football. At Kaizen Gaming we remain committed to supporting the growth of sports in Romania with integrity and responsibility”, said Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer of Kaizen Gaming, owner of Betano.
On his part, the President of the FRF, Răzvan Burleanu, commented: “This is a special moment, as it marks the longest extension of a partnership ever recorded by the FRF – a 6-year extension of our collaboration with Betano for the Romanian Cup. This new contract reflects the mutual trust between the Romanian Football Federation and Betano, as well as the recognition of our partnership’s essential contribution to the development and promotion of Romanian football. Together, we aim to take the Betano Romanian Cup to another level and consolidate the position of this competition as one of the most important sports events in our country. Our work with Betano reflects our common commitment to promoting sports values. One of the remarkable achievements of this collaboration is Betano’s sustained effort in marketing projects dedicated to increasing the visibility and popularity of the Betano Romanian Cup”.
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