TheGamblest: Delasport has made significant strides in the iGaming market. Can you provide an overview of the current status of the company in the industry and share your vision for the last quarter of 2023?

Oren: We are proud that our hard work is paying off and we’re revolutionizing the player betting experience in iGaming. Our approach of going-beyond-content has proven incredibly successful this year and we not only won several awards but managed to enter several new markets and signed deals with partners like EEG, Videoslots, Campeón Gaming, Bejoynd, and more.

In Q4 we’re keeping up the pace. We just introduced something exciting in the casino vertical: Cross-providers Jackpot. We showcased it at SIGMA and the feedback so far has been astounding. We’re not slowing down as the year comes to an end and there are even new deals which we’ll sign before the end of the year and new exciting features enrolling in Q1 2024.

TheGamblest: Delasport has also recently developed exclusive features and functionality within its platform. Shed some light on the flagship products or services that are currently driving the highest sales and growth for Delasport in the industry.

Oren: In 2023 we enriched our signature personalization suite ‘My Era’. It consists of three sportsbook features that enhance the player experience and contribute to retention. Those features are My Sportsbook, My Event Builder, and If Bet. It is my firm belief that in times of content inflation, providing personalization and an individual approach is the only way to stay ahead of the competition. And the results speak volumes. Our partners and customers see a significant boost in player retention, while we won three sportsbook-related international awards just this year.

Due to the success of our flagship engagement suite, we’re now working on our next proprietary personalization features, and we’ll soon announce a rather big one.

TheGamblest: The company has undoubtedly faced various industry challenges. What is Delasport’s strategic approach to tackling these issues and providing effective solutions to operators?

Oren: Yes, we face industry challenges, they are a part of every successful business. When it comes to tackling them and providing effective solutions to operators, we have a two-dimensional approach. One aspect is coming up with the solution internally since all of us at Delasport are industry experts with many years of experience. The other direction we like taking is talking to our partners directly. We have tremendous respect for our partners and believe they are incredibly intelligent and iGaming-savvy, so usually they hold the answers we need.

TheGamblest: Talking about casino operators, what do you think Oren, are the primary obstacles and difficulties that operators are currently facing in the iGaming industry?

Oren: In the sea of the same, going beyond content is the oxygen of every operator out there. All casino operators have access to the same content, so standing out is the primary obstacle in this vertical, very similar to the sports one. This is why we’re preparing something for this iGaming field in particular.

Another difficulty they face has to do with regulatory compliance and responsible gambling. Our Chief Compliance Officer Filippo Ferri recently spoke about social responsibility and player protection during an official discussion panel since the topic is very high on our priorities. This is why we make sure to work only with the best providers of player safety tools and services.

Being an established business in iGaming is an extremely responsible position and we make sure to take it seriously.

TheGamblest: Personalization has become increasingly important in iGaming. How does Delasport emphasize the importance of personalization, and what advantages does it bring to operators and players?

Oren: We make sure to always highlight the importance of personalization in today’s environment. We talk about it in the media, at conferences, and in meetings with current and potential customers and partners.

Personalization has already skyrocketed in other entertainment industries with some like Netflix being a bright example. Netflix users get personalized content depending on their preferences and the time iGaming learns from such examples is here.

We make sure to provide players with ways to play the way they want to play and see only what they want to see. The features in ‘My Era’ are examples of exactly that:

‘My Sportsbook’ tailors the home screen for sports bettors after they go through a wizard-like menu, giving them the power to see only what they want to see, right from the get-go.

‘My Event Builder’ takes personalization even further by giving players the ability to create their own custom events. For instance, a major global team vs a local one, and how they fare in their respective matches.

‘If Bet’ is a novel and creative feature that allows bettors to link several selections with a single wager, essentially automating multiple consecutive bets.

Another feature of our sportsbook solution is the so-called Personal trader. Upon placing a bet, the player has the option to connect to a real person who can present a different, potentially better offer. The player can then decide whether to take this offer or stick with their initial one.

We’ll never get tired of repeating how important it is to make players feel special, valued, and prioritized in the era of AI, chatbots, and algorithms.

TheGamblest: Besides content and personalization, what are some other strategies or approaches that operators can employ to enhance the overall player experience and differentiate themselves in the market?

Oren: Engagement tools are a great differentiator as well. Tournaments, missions, level progression, mini-games… features like this help not only with retention but with conversion and overall experience, too. While the features themselves are great, we hold a crucial mileage in how to use them in the most effective way and that is one of the keys to our partner’s success.

A strategy to always keep in mind if you’re an operator is talking to your players directly on a regular basis. Gather as much feedback as possible from your customer support specialists and ask proactively. Players know best what and how they enjoy playing.

Even though we’re B2B-oriented, we have proactive calls with our partners to ensure they’re happy with our product, features, and services and to stay on top of our game. Sometimes this is how new feature ideas are born. All in line, of course, with the different market regulation requirements.

TheGamblest: Could you elaborate on the specific responsibilities and roles that B2B platform providers like Delasport have in addressing and simplifying these challenges for operators?

Oren: When an operator chooses us, sometimes they entrust us with their whole operation. We take this responsibility very seriously and make sure they feel safe and their players – secure. Our platform is built in such a way that allows for constant additions and implementations. Delasport’s product and compliance teams make sure to always be on the lookout for more useful and proven tools and services to develop or integrate so that the partners who trust us can have ease of mind while growing their business. This includes but is not limited to responsible gambling, KYC, AML, player engagement, payout, and customer support.

TheGamblest: To add more spice to the interview, we’d like to learn more about your professional journey in the iGaming industry. Oren, how did you begin in the industry and can you describe the pivotal moments of your career, and maybe give some important insights to newbies in the industry?

Oren: Yes, I have invested a great deal of my adult life in iGaming. In a way, I feel today as a sum of all my experiences that includes not just success stories but also scars and burns. I feel confident with Delasport’s strategy as it is a result of many years of experience with the entire management team. For me personally in the last 15 years, I’ve taken key roles in tech, product, operation, and business in B2C, B2B Platform, and B2B Content provider companies. Before joining Delasport, I gathered first-hand experience in B2C businesses, such as William Hill and Superbet, as well as B2B businesses like EveryMatrix and Skywind Group. My recommendation to newbies is to look at the challenges in “its eyes”, to stay inquisitive, prepared to work hard, and develop a strong will to gain a deep understanding of players, operators, and regulators and seek constantly ways to serve them all better. Last but not least, find a great company to work for and more importantly a great manager that will inspire you and help you to develop your career.

Some people and organizations in iGaming have “fallen asleep”. Some hold the wrong assumption that this is a stale industry that works just fine the way it is. But the truth is this is an extremely exciting field, and people with ambition should stay up to date with the latest trends both in the tech and iGaming industries. Later on, they will be the ones setting the trends.

Start gaining experience, it doesn’t matter what role you begin with, just make sure you don’t stop improving – the right management – like the one at Delasport – will see and reward your potential.

The post Oren Cohen Shwartz, CEO: Going Beyond Content Is the Oxygen for Every Operator first appeared on Delasport.

With acquisition costs growing higher, the need for successful retention becomes ever more critical. Maintaining existing customers is equally crucial as acquiring new ones, especially given the expenses tied to fierce competitive markets. 

Okay, retention is essential. However, it sounds easier said than done, especially in today’s oversaturated iGaming market, teeming with all operators having the same content you have to go beyond traditional approaches. The main reason is that relying on content, alone, brings content-based-players and such are volatile.  

Here are 5 unique ways to keep your players coming back, based on our observations and experience as a leading iGaming supplier and on the feedback from our successful long-term partners. 

1. Personalized Gaming Experiences

By now, when thinking of Delasport most iGaming professionals also think of our signature personalization suite ‘My Era’. This is no coincidence. Forward-thinking iGaming operators leverage data analytics and AI to create personalized gaming experiences. By analyzing player data, you can understand their gaming habits, favorite genres, and preferred betting amounts. In iGaming, this information is used to recommend games, offer bonuses, and provide customized promotions. Personalization fosters a sense of belonging and encourages players to stick around for the unique experiences the specific website has to offer. 

This is what our features ‘My Sportsbook’, ‘My Event Builder’, and ‘If Bet’ provide. And the feedback has been so positive, we’re now about to release a similar feature for the other vertical: ‘My Casino’. 

2. Mini-Games and Rewards

Mini-games, achievements, missions, and rewards are just a part of the plethora of engagement tools available on today’s iGaming market (and we’re proud we have some of the richest toolkits at Delasport). 

Incorporating game elements can make the bettors’ experience more enjoyable and interactive. Additionally, offering rewards and loyalty programs can incentivize players to remain loyal to your platform. The sense of progress and accomplishment, along with our instinct as humans to complete things, drives player engagement and long-term retention. 

3. Social Interaction

Aside from the need to play, progress, and complete things, we, as humans, have the need for social interaction. Operators with a success-driven mindset create opportunities for players to connect and compete with each other. Features like live chat, multiplayer games, and social media integrations can enhance the social aspect of your platform. Organizing tournaments and events that encourage friendly competition can also foster a sense of community among your players, making them more likely to stay. 

4. Localized Content

Similar to personalization, localization is an essential way to show your players you value them on an individual level. What’s important about localization is that it goes way beyond translating the interface. 

Having a good understanding of the culture and traditions of each of your players’ countries makes your platform more attractive and welcoming to them. Furthermore, they feel at home, which means they will be comfortable playing and spending more. 

To achieve this, you may have to visit new countries, hire professionals on-site, or turn to an experienced global supplier like Delasport. 

5. Cross Product Approach

Within the realm of sports and casino operations, approximately 5-10% of the player base participates in wagering on both offerings. Implementing retention initiatives, as mentioned earlier, for both these products simultaneously ensures a heightened degree of player involvement. Historically, casino enthusiasts tend to relish advanced gamification and engagement elements to a greater extent compared to sports bettors. Adopting a cross-product strategy not only sustains the engagement of casino enthusiasts and sports bettors individually but also strengthens their engagement in a synergistic manner. 

In short, the competitive landscape of iGaming player retention is a make it or break it factor. It is a top priority for forward-thinking operators. By personalizing gaming experiences and embracing innovation in general, they create a platform that not only attracts players but also keeps them loyal in the long run. And yes, it’s not an easy task, since retaining players is an ongoing effort, but if you choose to trust your product or operation to a proven team of experts like Delasport’s, you can easily stay on top of their evolving preferences and benefit from maximizing your current audience. 

The post Mastering the Retention Challenge: 5 Unique Ways to Keep Your Players Coming Back first appeared on Delasport.

Adopting a comprehensive localization approach to individual markets is crucial when creating a compelling platform for sports and casino bettors worldwide, according to Delasport CEO, Oren Cohen Shwartz .

Sharing his views on the topic in an interview with SBC, he believes it’s not just a matter of translating text and calling it a day.

Players need to feel that their operator is making the effort to not just personalize the content that they interact with, but goes above and beyond to tune the product and services to their specific needs. And, while localization in online gambling itself is not new, it’s the way that operators handle it that makes all the difference.

Why is localizing products and services important?

The core of each successful operation is its players, therefore providing the most relevant content and services to them is crucial. In recent years, B2C organizations are expanding their businesses globally to increase their revenues and avoid being overdependent on a single or few markets. Moving globally is important but it must come in parallel in terms of localization, content, and services.

For instance, think about the processes for payment methods, customer support, KYC and player verification, sports, and gaming content. Some markets may have stricter verification rules where players must provide identification documents before playing, while in other areas, ID verification is only required after first deposit. These variations should be taken into account during localization efforts to ensure the best possible player experience.

What about technological challenges?

Operators need to think about the technological landscape and internet availability of the markets they are entering.

In regions with less robust communication infrastructures such as Africa and LatAm, operators will need to provide more lightweight versions of a website and support specific web browsers. They will also need to cater to those using slow internet connections – especially when you consider that many households in these regions do not have computers and use mobile devices for most of their digital life.

In African markets, players tend to place micro bets on combo tickets and may bet several times a day. These betting characteristics require special considerations when it comes to hosting and computing power to handle the bets and numerous combo bets settlements.

What approach does Delasport use for iGaming localization, and how do you stay up to date with the latest developments in this field?

As a B2B company we need to serve our licensees with the most relevant product, content, and services in order to assure they are on top of their game in each market. We analyze each market’s requirements, compliance obligations, casino and sports content, betting behavior, payment methods, customer support, AML procedures, KYC, player engagement tools, and more.

After the analysis we adjust the missing functions, if any. After launching in the best possible way our products and services in a market we are not resting on our laurels. It is an ongoing effort as market needs change over time.

How do you adapt your localization strategies for different types of iGaming products, such as casino games or sports betting?

Customized strategies are necessary for various iGaming products, depending on their type. For instance, sports betting may demand greater emphasis on local sports jargon and betting regulations, whereas casino games may need more cultural adjustment.

Just look at odds formatting: Bookmakers in Britain and Ireland provide fractional odds, which are also referred to as traditional, UK, or British odds. On the other hand, decimal odds, also known as continental, digital, or European odds, are prevalent in Canada, New Zealand, and Continental Europe.

How do you ensure that your localization efforts are aligned with your overall business goals and strategies?

While localization is essential, aligning it to business goals, budgets and resources is just as crucial. We are making sure that the company-side infrastructure is able to support it, not just in the short term but in the long haul. At Delasport, we field this by involving stakeholders from various departments, including marketing, product development, and customer support to ensure that such efforts are integrated into the broader business strategy.

How can iGaming suppliers keep things consistent across so many specific experiences?

Clear brand standards and message frameworks that serve as a basis for localization efforts should be established by iGaming firms to strike a balance between the requirement for consistency and the demand for customization and personalization.

Using data analytics and machine learning may also assist in identifying player preferences and habits in various countries, enabling more specialized and focused localization efforts while upholding brand messaging coherence.

Where do you see localization heading?

Localization will continue to play a crucial role in reaching and engaging with players in new and existing markets. The focus will shift towards providing more personalized and targeted experiences for players, leveraging data analytics and machine learning to understand player preferences and behaviors.

Recent development in open AI has the potential to transform the way we localize content in iGaming. One possible way may be that the slot game symbols will be dynamically changed according to player culture or preferences.

The post Oren Cohen Shwartz: Going Global? Be Local first appeared on Delasport.

Personalisation in iGaming is an important factor that can have a major effect on a player’s experience, sometimes being the main difference between an engaging interaction and a frustrating one. In a world where many operators have the same content, standing out is becoming increasingly challenging, as is retaining customer loyalty. Personalization is not just a buzzword or marketing hook for operators: it needs to be a culture.

Expectations are high

From web to mobile and in-person interactions, consumers now view personalization as the least a competitive company can do to earn their business. A large proportion of consumers expect companies to deliver personalised interactions and are often surprised and disappointed when their homepage or feed is broad and irrelevant to their interests. And, with the sheer amount of choice out there today, if consumers don’t like what they see, changing their service provider is no big deal.

In sports betting terms, let’s consider a sports bettor who often bets on Arsenal’s games. After logging in, they should be taken straight to an Arsenal fixture event, with a pre-filled betting slip waiting for them, generated based on their previous behavior. Through something simple like this, their journey is immediately simpler, faster and more intuitive. And, as a result, the operator creates a system that gets the bet made faster, as well as a customer that is more likely to come back.

The iGaming industry must keep pace. Other industries have had personalisation for some time. For example, Netflix and Spotify curate content based on customer preferences and display it front and center after logging in, while Amazon has suggested products and discounts, and so on.

So, if personalisation has already become the norm for some of the world’s biggest companies, why hasn’t the iGaming space followed suit?

A sea of same

With so many suppliers and solutions available, starting up an iGaming enterprise has been vastly simplified, resulting in a huge number of businesses popping up around the globe. This has been a boon for the industry, but has also been a double-edged sword, resulting in cookie-cutter templates, layouts, clones of games and betting features.

The quality of these products is not under doubt, but their ability to differentiate is vastly affected as a result. Aside from altering logos and colors, not many platform providers offer the kind of customization needed to distinguish from the crowd.

By adopting a personalised approach to an online casino or sportsbook, operators can increase the perceived quality of their product, together with customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Perceived quality of a product

With so many casinos and sportsbooks appearing similar in structure, layout and content, there’s a real opportunity to have an aesthetic and function that stands out. By having an operation that truly looks and feels different, you can create a sense of excitement and anticipation among players. First impressions like this can go a long way in creating perceived quality, and therefore a better chance of increasing player satisfaction and lifetime value.

Creating experiences

All operators want customers to come back, and player satisfaction plays a large part in whether or not they decide to. Player satisfaction is influenced by many factors, but one that is not talked about enough is creating a sense of delight and surprise. Such experiences can show a player that an operator is going the extra mile to make the interaction a good one.

Loyalty

Customer loyalty is hard to win, and even harder to keep – but if achieved, it can be a real asset. While existing loyalty programs, customer retention, and VIP programs can all be great ways for operators to show their appreciation for their players, personalisation takes it one step further. If players genuinely feel like their particular needs and interests are being considered, they will remain loyal customers for longer, and may even become ambassadors.

The ’My’ Era 

Suppliers and operators that benefit most from personalization are those who take a unique approach to it. They consider personalisation as an opportunity for a cultural shift, rather than just a marketing or analytics push. They place an emphasis on client lifetime value and search for long-term drivers of growth rather than just short-term successes.

That’s why Delasport has referred to its new products as being part of a new era, indicating that they are not a gimmick or branding exercise, but an entire shift towards genuine player centricity. These products are My Sportsbook and My Event builder, and are the first of a new line of products under the ‘My’ umbrella.

As the names suggest, the ‘My’ range of products are designed to instill a sense of ownership and belonging, where the player is only served the experience they want, and nothing else. In essence, they own what they see, and it is tailored for them.

My Sportsbook – getting to the game, fast

As mentioned earlier, players want to place bets quickly and easily. They don’t want to spend the time to find what they want in a large list of sports, teams, leagues and so on. Instead, My Sportsbook takes them straight to the action. After completing an initial questionnaire on their interests in terms of sports, teams, leagues etc, they will only see events around those preferences when they enter their landing page.

Through the questionnaire, operators will be able to understand their preferences right from the beginning, instead of having to invest the time to analyse their behaviors over a longer term. Of course, this approach can be fine-tuned further through machine learning technology, but through this approach, players get to the action quickly. This is especially useful for devices with smaller screens, such as smartphones. No more scrolling and tapping to find the correct content.

My Event Builder – unique events, made by players

My Event Builder takes this feeling of control and ownership to a new level and effectively gives players the power to create their own unique custom events. The player chooses two real-life teams that don’t have to be from the same league, or even playing at the same time, and pits them against each other in a custom bet. This means that the combinations of bets, teams and leagues is endless.

To put it another way, through My Event Builder, a bettor can pit their local soccer team against an international league giant such as Real Madrid. If that bettor says that their local team (let’s say Barnet from North London) gets three goals in their local match, and Real Madrid score two in their own game, they are creating an event where they bet on a score of 3-2, in favor of Barnet vs. Real Madrid. This match would never happen in the real world, but through My Event builder, it can.

Differentiation done differently

This is just the beginning of the ‘My’ era for Delasport, its partners, and the bettors who will experience it. The award-winning iGaming supplier plans to create a similar experience for casino bettors, under My Casino, where they will be able to enjoy highly tailored and unique features made for them. Until then, the push for personalisation will continue.

The industry has come a long way in recent years, with products that go from technical strength to strength. But, the products aren’t the star of the show anymore. The move from product-centricity to player-centricity is quickly gaining pace, and operators who don’t look to supply personalisation as part of their offer may soon find themselves left behind.

The post Personalisation is a Culture Not a Buzzword first appeared on Delasport.

Oren Cohen Shwartz, most recently served as managing director at Skywind Group, bringing decades of industry expertise and helming the development and innovation of the company’s iGaming solutions, regulatory diversification, and E-commerce intelligence.

The new appointment as Chief Executive Officer to Delasport sets Oren Cohen Shwartz in a strategic position to elevate the company’s reach into target global gambling industry markets. Ensuring the strong suit of products Delasport offers encompasses an even larger range of accessibility to an already global partner and client audience.

Commenting on the appointment, Oren Cohen Shwartz expressed his vision as the new CEO:

“Delasport is well-positioned to succeed and I’m excited to be part of the team that makes it happen, as Dela’s Sports Betting and iGaming platform have the ability to adjust fast and to fit the market needs.”

The decision to appoint Oren Cohen Shwartz as their new CEO is parallel to the categorical initiative from Delasport and its directors to expand its scope within the newly budding and also the consistently thriving regulated markets.

Delasport’s managing directors commented:

“Delasport’s team is growing at a very rapid pace, and the company is hiring the most knowledgeable and highly qualified staff. Oren is the right person to lead the company as our CEO. He will drive the business results and execute Delasport’s strategic vision for providing our full Sports Betting and iGaming solution globally.”

The iGaming solutions provider will set its new directives well in motion as the shifting needs of the industry display volatility latterly. Diversifying and leading the way in sports betting and casino solution innovation has been a staple for Delasport and the white label giant is poised to set new standards of excellence within the industry.

The post Oren Cohen Shwartz appointed new CEO of Delasport first appeared on Delasport.