SOFTSWISS, an iGaming global software provider with 15 years of experience, shares its key takeaways from several migration cases. These insights are intended to assist operators in navigating the intricacies of strategic migration decisions.

One of the primary drivers behind software migration, as revealed in SOFTSWISS’ experience, is the strategic constraints posed by the initial platform choice. Particularly in emerging markets such as Brazil, local operators may encounter prolonged downtime scenarios, leading to the erosion of player loyalty, increased churn rates, and revenue stream disruptions.

Vitali Matsukevich, COO at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Another common challenge reported by operators is the subpar quality of services offered by software suppliers. In such instances, migrating to alternative software emerges as one of the most effective solutions. However, this transition comes with its own set of challenges that operators must be prepared to address.”

Pre-Testing for High Traffic Volumes

One of the most pressing challenges is the requirement for thorough pre-testing of the new platform. Unlike new projects that undergo a gradual increase in user traffic, migrated casinos often encounter an immediate surge in traffic. This sudden influx can strain the infrastructure, underscoring the importance of rigorously testing the platform’s capacity and performance under simulated peak conditions. 

Vitali Matsukevich comments: “Pre-testing is essential to ensure that the platform remains stable and performs optimally when live, thereby preventing potential service disruptions that could affect player retention and trust. In a recent migration of over 1 million players, initiated preparations one month before launch, ensuring a smooth transition and mitigating any technical issues related to high traffic volumes.”

Adapting Game Mechanics and Features

Adapting game mechanics and bonus structures from the previous platform presents another challenge. Differences in technical capabilities between old and new systems may affect how certain features are implemented. Operators must assess which features are crucial for quality user experience and determine their impact on the project’s overall performance. Often, replicating similar functionalities in the new system becomes imperative for a seamless user transition, thereby sustaining engagement and satisfaction.

Legal and Compliance Issues in Data Migration

The migration process also involves handling user data delicately, which brings up significant legal considerations. Operators must secure consent from users for transferring their data to the new platform. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws is crucial to avoid legal repercussions and to maintain user trust. Transparent communication about how user data will be handled during the migration is necessary to minimise opt-outs and user churn, which can undermine the platform’s user base stability.

“Our goal is always to align more closely with our clients’ needs and expectations,” adds Vitali Matsukevich. “The migration is not just about changing platforms; it’s about providing a robust foundation that supports growth, enhances user satisfaction, and maintains continuity in player experience.”

SOFTSWISS has recently seamlessly transitioned a major operator, with a player base exceeding one million, to its platforms. This comprehensive migration included the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform and the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. Through meticulous preparation and a thoroughly tested methodology addressing technical, business, and user aspects, the entire platform transition was smoothly executed within a mere five hours.

About SOFTSWISS 

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

Events and media company SBC is expanding its presence in Malta by inauguring its office on the island. This move underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering its footprint in the iGaming hub, which has been home to one of its events, the CasinoBeats Summit, for the past six years.

While CasinoBeats Summit debuted in London in 2018 and held its second edition in the UK capital the following year, 2019 marked a significant shift as the Summit expanded with a Malta version. In addition, 2019 also saw the inception of the first “Malta Baby” party, highlighting the company’s deepening commitment to the iGaming community that is based in Malta.

Since the inception of the CasinoBeats Summit, the growth trajectory of the event has been remarkable, evidenced by the surge in delegate numbers, with an anticipated 4,500 attendees expected at this year’s event, scheduled to take place at the InterContinental Hotel from 21st to 23rd May.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “Malta holds a special place as the hub of iGaming, which is why it is also the destination for the CasinoBeats Summit. Many of our clients and friends call Malta home, and it’s important for us to further strengthen our ties with the community.”

SOHO The Strand, the premier co-working business hub where Malta-based employees will be stationed, welcomed its inaugural members in October 2019. With a stylish, Scandinavian-inspired design spanning four distinct levels, this centre offers a plethora of amenities. From a sauna and gym to an on-site bar and restaurant, members lounge, gaming area, terraces, and beyond, it provides the perfect fusion of work and leisure.

“When we were scouting for office space, our priority was to pick an environment that would be ideal for networking and a great base for our Malta-based team members who have been working remotely till now. While we’ve already worked with SOHO on hosting gatherings previously, becoming members ensures our meet-ups will be even more frequent, so stay tuned!” Sojmark added.

Currently, with 130 employees and expanding globally, the new Malta office will operate alongside SBC’s established bases in London and Manchester. With members from the sales, relationships, and content marketing teams stationed on the island, the company boasts a robust presence of client-facing roles in the Malta office:

• Brandon Spiteri, Affiliate Relationship Manager
• Dafne Salvatori, Head of Event Design & Branding
• Maria (Masha) Tsnompilantze, Head of Content Marketing
• Sharon O’Neill Libreri, Sales Manager
• Sabrina Sammut, Operator Relationship Manager

Ivan Filetti, CEO of GamingMalta welcomed SBC to his home country: “Malta’s status as the ‘Home of Gaming Excellence’ owes much to the calibre of thought leadership events held on our shores. SBC’s CasinoBeats Summit epitomises our fruitful partnership, driving forward the expansion of the industry locally and globally.

“We are thrilled to learn of their decision to establish operations here, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a robust connection with Malta year-round. This move underscores Malta’s pivotal role in the gaming ecosystem and strengthens our position as a premier destination for gaming thought leadership and collaboration.”

As of the 2nd of May, the office commenced its operations, three weeks ahead of the 2024 edition of the CasinoBeats Summit. SBC extends an invitation to companies already part of the SOHO community to visit and greet the Malta team at Office 19, located on Level 3 of the Strand.

SBC will celebrate the office opening during the Official Networking Party at the Infinity by Hugo’s on Wednesday, the 22nd of May.

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

This month The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise honoured 186 of its total 1200 team members for reaching significant employment milestones including 15, 10 and 5 years of service for the enterprise. The event at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Flagstaff, Ariz. showcased the impact and journey of each hard-working team member, with a special highlight for 29 employees who have served for 15 years.

Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies have been selected by the City of Petersburg, Virginia to codevelop a $1.4 billion Live! Gaming & Entertainment District, anchored by Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. The Petersburg City Council unanimously approved Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies as the City’s preferred development partner on the transformative mixed-use project. The proposed project will generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and spinoff development, create thousands of new jobs and benefits to the local community and become a major new tourist destination for the City and the Central Virginia region.

CT Interactive’s LATAM team, led by Diego Verano Ponce and Ana Ruth Farías, attended SIGMA Brazil from April 23 to 25, 2024. The company’s decision to participate in the event underscores its commitment to expanding its presence and strengthening relationships within the region. The presence of Diego Verano and Ana Ruth Farías at SIGMA Brazil provided an excellent opportunity for CT Interactive to engage with industry stakeholders, discuss emerging trends and explore potential partnerships in the LATAM market.

The Colorado Division of Gambling has launched a new illegal gambling awareness campaign. The “Play Legit. Gamble Only Where Legal.” campaign aims to educate the public about the risks associated with illegal gambling and the importance of supporting regulated gaming venues. The campaign emphasises legal gambling options, including casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek, as well as online sports betting and off-track betting.

Lottery.com Inc. announced the restart of its sweepstakes operations in conjunction with the WinTogether Trust, a registered 501(c)3 charitable organisation. The proceeds from the sweepstakes will benefit Street Child United. The sweepstakes had a soft launch on April 3, 2024, and is available at http://donateto.win, the successor to Lottery.com’s WinTogether.org platform.

Partnerships

Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming and Royal Caribbean Group brands, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, unveiled a global partnership that will benefit both vacationers and team members of the brands. Travellers around the world can take advantage of accommodations, meals, discounts and more at Hard Rock and Seminole casinos, hotels and cafes, and on Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises vacations based on the milestone announcement made by two of South Florida’s largest private employers.

SCCG Management has signed a contract with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the B.C. Crown corporation which conducts and manages commercial gambling in the province, including lotteries, casinos and online gaming. This partnership aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment and strategic enhancement of BCLC’s diverse operations. The work between SCCG and BCLC will involve a thorough review of technological infrastructures, strategic market positioning and the integration of various gaming modalities.