Industry News
Solving the payments challenges facing the gaming industry
Richard Cooper, Equals Money CFO (former CFO Entain PLC)
When it comes to payments, a game of risk is the last thing you want to put your business through. For an industry that has been typically seen as high-risk by traditional finance institutions, the gaming and gambling industries remain a huge and underserviced market. Revenue in the Online Games market is projected to reach US$26.14bn in 2023, so why is this booming industry still being ignored and provided poor service?
Alongside overcoming the low appetite from banks, these industries face unique challenges. With the customer base continuing to grow, users have certain expectations including a seamless and instant payments experience. Here weāll look at some of these challenges and how gaming companies can overcome them.
Cross-border conversion
Gaming is global. Any one company will operate in a number of territories, meaning a whole host of currencies. A gaming wallet will usually be a specific currency, but especially in the world of poker where USD is standard. Customers will deposit, lose, and win in their local currency, which will be converted into USD for play, then converted back for any winnings taken out.
Each of these conversions at a traditional institution means one of two things for gaming companies: either being hit with poor exchange rates in both directions or setting up accounts in every locality that has a different currency. Even within Europe, the big gambling nations of UK, Sweden, and Denmark each have their own currencies outside of the Euro, adding complexity for companies who want to be making seamless payments in all three. Each of these accounts requires its own logistics and fees, so itās a lose-lose scenario for these businesses.
A simple solution for these businesses is multi-currency accounts. By implementing these accounts to work with a customerās digital wallet, customers can send and receive funds in a range of currencies (38 for Equals Money customers) into a single account, eliminating the need for conversions or multiple accounts. By making the payments process pain-free for both the customer and the business, it allows both to move money seamlessly. The added benefit from an operational side of things is that it also helps companies pay their staff and suppliers across borders easily and quickly.
Slow spend stops spend
Nothing slows the streamlined gaming process more than waiting for a payment to clear. Companies see speed and security as a balancing act, but thereās no reason for this to be the case. Working with a payments partner that has integrations with SWIFT, UK Faster Payments, SEPA, and SEPA Instant means payments can be consolidated rapidly – without sacrificing security. These transactions help to keep users engaged and worry free, boosting reviews and business bottom lines.
The personal touch
In a digital world, itās easy to forget about the importance of human understanding and interaction. Dealing with a bank or other institution as a gaming company, youāll see how little these institutions have had to invest in customer service. When you do get through to someone, they will likely have little to no experience of the challenges you face.
Gaming businesses should look for providers that offer personal account managers and market specialism. These industry experts act as a single point of contact, compared to often faceless experience with banks. They will take you through a dedicated compliance resource to ensure the onboarding process goes as smoothly as possible and any of your concerns are addressed as early as possible.
The gaming industry is an exciting space to operate in. By connecting customers and businesses with faster, secure payments, gaming companies should feel empowered to tackle growth opportunities, rather than be stuck behind payment barriers.
Industry News
Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 ā 22 January 2025
Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 ā 22 January 2025
Join the most influential gaming industry professionals from throughout the world when ICE opens at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, 20 ā22 January 2025. The first edition of the world-leading business event to be held outside the UK will feature a record 1,000 exhibitors following unprecedented demand for space from world gamingās leading innovators covering every sector and every jurisdiction.
ICE and the co-located iGB Affiliate – which will occupy 120,000 square metres compared to the 100,000 sqm used in London ā connect the entire global industry and provide access to the very latest cutting-edge innovations, technological solutions, regulatory updates, and insights which assist entrepreneurial businesses to enter new jurisdictions and build market share.
ICE is the event where the industry launches tens of thousands of game-changing, landmark products and where visitors can explore the future of gaming. For more information on the event where the world of gaming goes to do business and to register: icegaming.com
Casino Games
BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market
The golden Vegas offerings and entertainment of BetMGM is coming to the Netherlands, following a successful launch in the UK. BetMGM will offer a best-in-class Las Vegas experience to deliver a new golden era of online casino and sports betting in the Netherlands. Leveraging LeoVegas Groupās proprietary technology and platform, the launch marks a significant step in the brandās international expansion.
BetMGM, the entertainment and sports brand known for its golden offerings and authentic Vegas experience, is launching in the Netherlands. The new brand is set to provide customers with exciting new product features, including large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive slots, as well as unique and compelling sports promotions. Utilising LeoVegas Groupās proprietary technology and platform, this expansion into the Dutch market represents the second European launch, succeeding a well-received rollout in the United Kingdom.
Gary Fritz, President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, said āWe are thrilled to launch BetMGM in the Netherlands and build on BetMGMās successful expansion into global markets. The Dutch market offers an exciting opportunity and will be an important part of our international expansion efforts and strategy to become a global gaming leader.ā
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas Group, said āOur launch in the UK was tremendously successful, and we eagerly anticipate bringing the golden Vegas experience to the Netherlands. This launch in the Dutch market is an important step in our international expansion, but we have much more in store.ā
Industry News
“Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming!
PopOK Gaming, a trailblazer in the world of iGaming, is happy to announce the launch of their latest slot game, “Royal Flash.” This classic-style slot game takes players on a fruity escapade, promising an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and grand wins fit for royalty.
Drawing inspiration from traditional fruit machines, “Royal Flash” exudes classic charm with its timeless design and iconic symbols. Set across 5Ć3 reels and featuring 10 paylines, this game is adorned with familiar fruit symbols such as strawberries, cherries, grapes, and the illustrious Seven symbol.
But the real excitement lies in the gameplay – each Wild symbol that graces the reels expands to form a Wild reel, ramping up the intensity and offering thrilling win potential with every spin. Additionally, keep a keen eye out for the coveted gold bar symbol; landing three or more unlocks a prize from any position on the reels, adding an extra layer of thrill to your gaming experience.
Players can expect to bask in the glory of majestic wins, with the opportunity to claim up to 1,500 times their bet in this modernized twist on a retro-inspired classic. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of gaming, “Royal Flash” promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, thrills, and the chance to win big!
Experience the Majesty of “Royal Flash” Today!
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