Eastern Europe
Esports & Competitive Gaming in Eastern Europe – a market not to be ignored
There has been a surge in the popularity of esports and competitive gaming worldwide in recent years, with Eastern Europe being a particular hotbed. We speak to Bartlomiej Michalek, Commercial Manager, UK & Europe at SIS, as he looks at how betting suppliers and operators can tap into this growing market.
In this ultra-competitive market for betting and gaming operators, there has never been a greater emphasis on providing a well-rounded and comprehensive, cross-vertical offering. The increased interest in gaming content and the engaged audience that it brings has presented an invaluable opportunity for suppliers to offer a new stream of compelling content.
In Eastern Europe, in particular, the potential around esports and competitive gaming betting is substantial. The statistics in the region are very impressive, with audience figures and revenues highlighting the popularity of gaming content. Estimations on the number of online gamers in Eastern Europe are roughly 3.5 million, with digital games revenue in the region growing by 7% year-on-year, generating over $2 billion each year. In addition, esports tournaments draw in impressive figures. Earlier this year, the Polish city of Katowice hosted the Intel Extreme Masters for the third time, recording just under 24million hours of watch time from start to finish.
With esports and competitive gaming disciplines having penetrated the mainstream in the region, we believe that sportsbooks should look to take advantage by drawing in casual bettors to events-based solutions. Our Competitive Gaming portfolio features two well-recognised sports simulations – esoccer and ebasketball – that are generating significant results for operators, with sportsbooks reporting that these products are contributing as much as 10% to total revenues.
Focus
While the primary focus of esports tournaments is to entertain viewers, with betting opportunities taking a back seat, our product is built from scratch purposely for betting. Tournaments can be lengthy affairs, thus not being an attractive betting proposition for an audience that wants short and sharp betting activity. Tournament streams can also be delayed for as long as five minutes, and for a proposition where in-play betting opportunities are a key aspect in its appeal, this lag in content doesn’t dovetail well. From a trading perspective, it becomes very difficult to offer a similar level of in-play betting opportunities within esports that you find in other sports.
Events-based content can deliver an unparalleled range of content and wagering opportunities. Since launching, we have progressed from delivering seven hours per day of live streamed content to eight daily 24-hour streams and 150,000 annual events, all because of strong customer demand.
The edge SIS Competitive Gaming has gone beyond the sheer volume of events. Our contests are stringently refereed and is the only esports product available on the market to have been awarded the Esports Integrity Commission’s (ESIC) Gold Standards, the highest possible accreditation created to set unmatched levels of integrity and safety in the esports betting industry. Every contest features live commentary from a highly knowledgeable caster and on-screen graphics, including unique betting prompts to provide a comprehensive experience.
The vast amount of in-play betting opportunities can be offered thanks to ultra-low latency live streaming, which is of high importance for in-play betting, given the demand from bettors to place bets within a matter of seconds as a match unfolds. As we all know, low latency is imperative because customers expect to interact with technology in real-time with no delays. Issues with high latency and time delays can cause users to quit engaging on a platform and move to another application permanently.
Popularity
It has proven very popular with bettors and has been rolled out to a wide range of operators internationally, including Polish operator Betfan and Maxbet in the Balkans. Putting SIS Competitive Gaming in context, it is an increasingly important part of our overall product mix. Given its explosion in popularity worldwide, competitive gaming betting is not something any operator can afford to ignore.
Comparisons can be made between our Competitive Gaming product and the offering we provide through our Live Racing content. The principles and elements that engage the different audiences are very much the same, with the key being the provision of constant, round-the-clock short-form betting opportunities.
Competitive Gaming and horse racing also have similarities where it can be daunting for beginners to get involved, thanks to the terminology that can seem like a different language to many. Our job as a supplier is to make content as easy to understand as possible. There is no benefit for us in providing what is deemed to be overly complex content because bettors won’t engage, and understandably so.
That’s why it is vital for operators to go to great lengths to simplify their offerings as much as possible, with no unnecessary jargon that will scare a potentially new and engaged audience.
Competitive Gaming betting doesn’t have to be complex or difficult to understand. To be successful, products need to appeal to the masses as well as dedicated devotees. There is an onus on providers to ensure they can deliver highly engaging experiences with the best possible standards of integrity and true in-play markets in order to maximise that widespread appeal.
Balkans
BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo
The most significant event for the gaming industry in Eastern Europe – the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGE) – will bring together leading companies, innovators, and industry representatives on November 27 and 28 for its 15th-anniversary edition. In celebration of this milestone, the organizers have prepared numerous surprises and special awards.
Once again, BEGE will offer a rich program, uniting industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, technologies, and inspiration. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the latest gaming technologies, try out innovative solutions, and enjoy impressive demonstrations.
Traditionally, the first and second days of the event feature the EEGS conference, where internationally recognized speakers will present analyses and discussions critical to the development of the gaming industry. Special panels will provide a platform for leading gaming experts to discuss the future of the industry, emerging trends, and initiatives promoting responsible gaming practices.
For the first time, BEGE will welcome startups, offering them the opportunity to participate in Gaming StartUp Challenge 6.0. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to meet with key industry figures. The most promising startups will be recognized and granted invaluable access to the experience and insights of industry leaders.
As always, the exhibition begins with the BEGE Awards ceremony, a symbol of recognition for innovation, outstanding achievements, and success across various sectors of the gaming industry, with awards such as “Online Provider of the Year” and “Online Game of the Year.” The awards will be presented on November 27 at an elegant dinner at Black&White club in Sofia’s Grand Hotel Millennium.
A key highlight of the program is the Proximity Zone, providing companies with additional visibility through live-streamed interviews and product presentations with leading global brands and experts.
BEGE is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the gaming industry. This year, more than 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected, making it a place where the passion for gaming and innovation meets business opportunities.
Eastern Europe
ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino
Live content provider continues to expand into new markets with top online casino operator in Romania now offering its hugely popular games to its players
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of premium live content, has made its debut in the Romania market through a deal with Princess Casino, one of the top online casino brands in the fast-growing market.
The deal will see Princess Casino gain access to some of the top-performing titles from ICONIC21’s portfolio of live games which have proven to not only meet but exceed player expectations in markets across the world.
This includes classic live table games such as Blackjack and Roulette (including French and Auto Roulette) and popular Asian formats like Baccarat, Bet On Teen Patti and Sic Bo.
Princess Casino players can also experience the provider’s Gravity Series which covers Gravity Blackjack, Gravity Roulette and Gravity Sic Bo. Gravity games take excitement to a new level with additional multipliers of up to 3,000x.
The studio stands out through the quality of its titles, with games broadcast from state-of-the-art studio facilities that make use of the latest audio, visual and streaming technologies. It also has a team of highly experienced game presenters that bring a wow factor to each of its titles.
This has seen ICONIC21 quickly become a must-have provider for operators in regulated markets across Europe and beyond and the provider is confident that players in Romania will be drawn to the high levels of entertainment its games provide.
Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, said: “We are always working hard to bring our games to more players in more markets and this partnership with Princess Casino is the perfect way to make our debut in Romania.
“Princess Casino is aligned with our commitment to provide games that entertain and excite, keeping players on the edge of their seats from the first round to the last.
“Our portfolio is varied, offering a wide range of live games and formats, many with our own unique twist such as our Gravity. We are confident players at Princess Casino will like what each of our games has to offer.”
Eastern Europe
Stakelogic Announces Romanian Partnership with Game World Casino
Stakelogic continues its expansion into Romania with strategic integration
Stakelogic, has once again strengthened its position in one of Europe’s most exciting jurisdictions, as it today announces that it has completed a strategic integration with one of Romania’s most prominent casino operators – Game World Casino.
Game World Casino is the player’s favorite choice since 1999 when its doors first opened to the land-based market. Since then, and with the emergence of online casino, Game World Casino has received multiple accolades and awards and is one of the most trusted and recognised online casino brands in Romania.
Stakelogic’s slot content will now be featured in front of a loyal new audience. Players can look forward to playing any one of Stakelogic’s slot games including Stone Gaze of Medusa and the developer’s latest release The Watcher™.
Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic said: “Working alongside such a prominent casino in one of the fastest growing regions in Europe, is a great opportunity for us, which is why we are incredibly proud to be partnered with Game World Casino.
“Romania plays such an important part of our expansion strategy and it’s great to see that our online slot content is in such high demand with players.”
Catalin Moise, COO at Game World Casino: “Our players are accustomed to our mission, which is to provide them with exceptional customer experience and to exceed expectations.”
“Bolstering our portfolio with quality slots from providers such as Stakelogic is a normal step that we do to meet player’s expectations, and we are very excited for this new partnership.”
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