New Account Manager further diversifies growing Thunderkick team

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has unveiled Ariadna Ölund as new Account Manager to support its LatAm expansion goals.

The addition of Ölund continues Thunderkick’s employee diversification – following the arrival of native Italian Andrea Brioschi last year – as the provider continues to develop and tailor its product offering towards targeted markets.

Ölund will join the wider team at the Stockholm headquarters before travelling to SBC Lisbon just four weeks after starting the role, with the Account Manager keen to build relationships and meet prospective clients face to face.

Ölund has a wealth of experience in the marketing sector, previously occupying the positions of PR Communications Manager and Marketing Communications Manager. Born in Barcelona and now based in Stockholm, Ölund will bring valuable Spanish language skills to Thunderkick as the supplier targets further development across the globe.

Thunderkick debuted on the LatAm stage in Q2 of 2023, launching in Mexico with Rush Street Interactive-owned Rushbet. It has since amplified that presence, with Ölund appointed to forge relationships with leading brands in regulated markets such as Mexico, Colombia, and Paraguay.

Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, said: “We are excited to welcome Ariadna to the Thunderkick team. This region remains a focal point for commercial growth, and we have no doubt Ariadna will be pivotal in supporting our Latin American expansion.”

Ariadna Ölund, LatAm Account Manager at Thunderkick, added: “I am delighted to have joined such an innovative company in the industry and am looking forward to building relationships that allow Thunderkick to enhance its footprint on the global stage.”

SOFTSWISS, a global leader in the iGaming technology with over 15 years of experience, is on track to secure certification for its Casino Platform and Sportsbook in Brazil. The certification process, conducted by an authorised testing laboratory, is currently underway. As the process unfolds, SOFTSWISS shares insights into the critical requirements for success in the burgeoning Brazilian market.

Last year, SOFTSWISS obtained GLI-19 and GLI-33 certifications, providing a solid foundation for meeting Brazil’s regulatory standards. However, the Brazilian market has its distinct regulatory demands. Through close consultations with certifying laboratories, SOFTSWISS has identified key priorities set by the Brazilian Government, including player registration, Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and responsible gambling practices.

Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “We view Brazil as a highly promising region and are encouraged by the progress in local regulation as well as by the proactive efforts of local authorities to refine and enhance the existing legal framework. The stringent requirements for gambling software emphasise responsible gambling and public protection, which regulators aim to balance effectively with business interests. It’s clear that the Brazilian Government is working diligently to maintain the appeal of white labelling within this market, ensuring a healthy environment for both operators and players.”

Enhanced Registration Processes

One of the standout features of Brazil’s regulatory approach is its emphasis on a robust registration process designed to mitigate potential risks for both players and operators. Notably, the regulation requires new players to provide a CPF number (Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Registry Number) during registration. The system verifies the number to prevent users from creating multiple accounts as well as guarantees that registrations are made with accurate personal details, reducing fraud risks.

This measure will be crucial in preventing underage gambling, protecting self-excluded individuals, shielding operators from bonus abuse through account multiplicity, and enabling the government to monitor tax compliance on winnings.

Stringent KYC Protocols

Brazil’s regulatory framework is also expected to introduce enhanced KYC procedures. Specific user actions, such as password resets or profile updates, may require additional verification steps. A possible implementation is a liveness check, necessitating technical upgrades to most existing platforms. This approach ensures higher security and compliance, safeguarding both operators and end-users.

Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is a top priority for the Brazilian regulator. Currently, the regulator is formulating a comprehensive set of requirements that will empower players to control their gaming activities. These features must be seamlessly integrated into gaming platforms, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting players and promoting a safe gambling environment.

Given its extensive expertise in this area, SOFTSWISS is well-positioned to meet these requirements. With a strong track record in maintaining high security standards, the company has demonstrated its capability by helping operators secure around 6 million euro through its Anti-Fraud team in H1 2024. These efforts have not gone unnoticed; SOFTSWISS has been recognised with multiple industry accolades, such as SiGMA Africa Awards, for its commitment to responsible gambling, solidifying its reputation as a leader in this field.

Earlier this year, as part of its strategic expansion in Brazil, SOFTSWISS appointed legendary F1 driver Rubens Barrichello as its Non-Executive Director in Latin America. Barrichello, renowned for his success in the highly competitive world of motorsport, brings invaluable expertise in navigating cutting-edge technology and innovation. His involvement also ensures that SOFTSWISS benefits from his deep understanding of the Brazilian market and integrates a local perspective into its product development.

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 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.

SOFTSWISS, a tech provider of innovative iGaming solutions, is extending its ongoing charity campaign to support flood-affected regions in Brazil. 

In May, the company provided emergency aid and launched an information campaign listing approved charities endorsed by Rubens Barrichello, SOFTSWISS Non-Executive Director in Latin America. Now, the company is focusing on a long-term project to supply clean water equipment to the region.

Although water levels have decreased in the affected region, humanitarian aid remains critical due to significant challenges in accessing cleaning and hygiene materials and ensuring water quality. Recent WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) assessments reveal poor water quality in many areas.

SOFTSWISS has committed to a long-term project aimed at sustained support by installing water purification equipment in schools in partnership with PW Tech. Initial efforts have focused on two schools:

• Rui Barbosa Municipal Elementary School in Nova Santa Rita, 25 km from Porto Alegre
• Machado de Assis Municipal Elementary School in Rolante, 135 km from Porto Alegre

The combined population of pupils and employees at these schools is over 100. Additionally, around 300 surrounding families will benefit from access to clean water provided by the schools. Situated in a rural area, one of the schools became isolated during floods, leaving it with no access to food and water. This school serves as a resource and shelter point for 160 surrounding families. Currently, they rely on well water and old iron reservoirs, which are in poor condition and suffer from animal contamination.

SOFTSWISS and PW Tech, with the support of R. Barrichello, have already undertaken crucial actions, including obtaining approval from the local government, conducting water analysis, preparing for equipment installation, and replacing old deteriorated elements at the schools. Now, they wait for the return of the classes for the educational part of the project, which will provide master classes about the importance of having clean water and its influence on health for pupils, teachers, and the community.

“When we started this charity project, I was convinced that it should not be just a one-time financial help. The immediate crisis passes and first aid is provided but people are left to deal with all the eco-social consequences. I am glad that the company shares my beliefs and is committed to a serious, long-term approach. SOFTSWISS has a lasting business presence in Brazil, with dedicated staff, and we are ready to do everything we can to support the local communities and contribute to their development,” said Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS.

Fernando Silva, PW Tech CEO  shared: “We are thrilled to implement this project in partnership with SOFTSWISS. The flood’s impact is severe, but focusing on long-term solutions to provide clean water is crucial. This project is also educational. We are training residents on filter maintenance and educating them about the importance of clean water for health. Unfortunately, health issues due to poor water quality are common in this region, and this situation needs to change.”

SOFTSWISS also initiated an information campaign to engage the iGaming community, resulting in 11 iGaming media outlets displaying over 35 banners calling for aid on their platforms. The support from media partners has been invaluable in spreading awareness within the iGaming community about how they can help.

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 Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook, and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.