What developments do you foresee in the iGaming industry in Asia in the coming years?

With Asia being home to over half of the world's population, it is not surprising that the iGaming market in the region is substantial. Considering that affluent countries with robust internet access are expected to play a crucial role in the iGaming sector, China, Japan, South Korea, and India are poised to emerge as some of the most enthusiastic betting nations in the coming years.

What are the primary obstacles that iGaming operators in Asia encounter, and what measures can be taken to overcome them?

One of the significant challenges for iGaming operators in Asia is navigating the complex legal landscape and effectively promoting their brands. It is crucial for operators to stay vigilant and keep up with the evolving rules and regulations in the Asian market to ensure successful operations and compliance. Additionally, there is a need for regulators to recognize the demand from both businesses and players for transparent regulation and work towards establishing a regulatory framework that addresses the unique characteristics of the iGaming industry in Asia. By closely monitoring the legal landscape and fostering open communication between operators and regulators, these challenges can be overcome, allowing for a more robust and regulated iGaming environment in Asia.

What cultural nuances should online casino operators be mindful of when conducting business in Asia, and how can they navigate these differences?

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the popularity of specific games in the region, such as Ander Bahar, Teen Patti, Rummy, and Poker. Offering these games and catering to the preferences of Asian players can help attract and retain a loyal player base.

Secondly, the preference for live dealer games over purely online casinos is prominent in Asia. To cater to this preference, operators should focus on providing high-quality live dealer experiences with professional and engaging dealers. Investing in the infrastructure and technology required for seamless live streaming and interactive gameplay can enhance the overall player experience.

Lastly, affiliations and partnerships play a significant role in the Asian casino market. Building strong relationships with local affiliates and influencers can be beneficial for operators to increase brand visibility and attract a larger audience.

By acknowledging these cultural differences and adapting their strategies accordingly, online casino operators can effectively navigate the Asian market and create a more engaging and tailored experience for players in the region.

How has Uplatform's recent presence at the past G2E Asia 2023 Expo contributed to the company's growth and success in the Asian market?

Uplatform's participation in G2E Asia 2023 aims to showcase our commitment to the Asian market and our aspiration to bring success to our customers. By attending this event, Uplatform expanded our customer base in Asia and received a positive response for our products.

Uplatform's primary goal was to demonstrate the value and benefits of our platform to the Asian audience, highlighting how we can contribute to the success of iGaming operators in the region. By presenting our products at the recent G2E Asia and upcoming Sigma Asia, Uplatform hopes to establish strong connections, build partnerships, and better understand the specific needs and preferences of the Asian market.

We want to establish Uplatform as a trusted and reliable partner for iGaming operators in Asia, ultimately contributing to their growth and success in the industry.

What innovative products will Uplatform present at Sigma Asia 2023, and how do they cater to the unique needs and challenges of the Asian market?

At Sigma Asia 2023, Uplatform is excited to unveil its latest offerings designed to meet the specific demands of the Asian market. One of the highlights is our newly launched casino aggregator, which brings together a diverse range of casino games from various providers. This aggregator addresses the preferences of Asian players by offering popular games like Ander Bahar, Teen Patti, Rummy, and Poker, ensuring an engaging and tailored gambling experience.

Additionally, Uplatform will showcase its Sportsbook iframe. This comprehensive solution provides extensive coverage of sports and betting markets, meeting the growing demand for sports betting in the Asian market. From football to cricket and basketball, operators can offer a wide range of sports options to cater to the preferences of Asian bettors.

What sets Uplatform apart from other iGaming providers in the Asian market, and what unique value does it offer to its clients?

Despite being based in Europe, Uplatform has a comprehensive understanding of the demands of the Asian market. We recognize the variations in player preferences across different countries and even within regions within those countries. To cater to these distinctions, we prioritize localization features such as supporting local payment methods, providing local language support, offering coverage of local leagues, and ensuring compatibility across multiple devices.

Our unique value proposition lies in our unwavering focus on localization and a customer-centric approach. By tailoring our services to meet the needs of Asian players, we distinguish ourselves from other iGaming providers in the region. Uplatform's commitment to understanding and accommodating the unique preferences of the Asian market enables us to deliver an exceptional and tailored gaming experience to our clients.

What emerging trends do you observe in the Asian iGaming market, and how is Uplatform strategically positioning itself to leverage these trends?

The Asia-Pacific region is currently experiencing remarkable growth and is considered the fastest-growing market in the world. This growth is attributed to increasing gambling revenues and the expanding legalization of the industry across the region.

We closely monitor market dynamics and regulatory developments to ensure that our products and services align with the evolving landscape. By staying attuned to these changes, we can adapt our offerings to meet the unique needs of the Asian market and remain competitive.

Our strategic approach revolves around providing top-notch solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the Asian market. This dedication to understanding and meeting the demands of Asian players allows us to stay ahead of the competition in this dynamic and challenging market.

How is Uplatform addressing the issue of responsible gaming in the Asian market?

Uplatform places utmost importance on the well-being and safety of players, addressing concerns around responsible gaming. We have implemented several measures to promote responsible gaming practices and protect players.

Firstly, we offer a robust Know Your Customer (KYC) system that helps verify the identity of players, ensuring a secure gaming environment. This verification process aids in age verification and prevents unauthorized access to gambling platforms.

Furthermore, Uplatform provides risk management tools that allow operators to set limits and controls for players. These measures help prevent excessive gambling behaviors and encourage responsible gameplay.

In addition to these measures, we are committed to creating a secure gaming environment that protects players' information and financial transactions. By employing industry-standard security protocols and encryption technologies, we ensure the confidentiality and integrity of player data.

Uplatform recognizes the significance of responsible gaming practices and actively works towards providing a responsible and secure gaming experience for players in the Asian market. Our dedication to player protection and responsible gaming sets us apart as a trusted provider in the industry.

What are the key factors that make Uplatform a trusted and preferred choice for Asian sports betting and online casino operators?

Uplatform is the preferred choice for Asian sports betting and online casino operators. We offer customized solutions tailored to the market, prioritize localization and regulatory compliance. Our robust technology, sportsbook API, and casino aggregator meet the unique needs of operators. With a proven track record, continuous innovation, and an expert team, we provide a trusted platform for success.

In an exclusive interview with Focus Gaming News, Randall Lacayo, the sales manager at Uplatform, shared his insights into the Latin American iGaming market and the company's expectations for the upcoming SiGMA Americas event. Here's a breakdown of the key points discussed.

Uplatform's Role in the iGaming and Sports Betting Industry

Uplatform is a comprehensive solutions provider in the iGaming sector, offering top-notch platform to operators in the Latin American market. Randall emphasized our commitment to enabling operators to achieve their goals and enhance their players' experience.

Challenges Faced by Operators in the Latin American Market

The primary challenge for Latin American operators is delivering a fresh, high-quality product that resonates with their players. Randall highlighted the issue of many companies offering substandard platforms that fail to meet the minimum requirements, leading to a loss of interest among their players.

The Impact of Brazilian Regulation on the iGaming Landscape

"Undoubtedly, Brazil is a special case due to its size and importance. With the largest economy in Latin America, its leadership could transform how other countries view their legislation and determine how to regulate the iGaming industry."

These were Randall's thoughts on the impact of Brazilian regulation on the iGaming industry.

Uplatform's Differentiation and Offerings at SiGMA Americas 2023

Uplatform sets itself apart from other companies at SiGMA Americas 2023 through its extensive range of sports and esports, markets, and casino offerings. Attendees witnessed Uplatform's professionalism and deep understanding of operator requirements, which guide their selection of the best iGaming platform.

Betting Behavior Peculiarities and Product Development

The Latin American region demonstrates diverse and mixed preferences regarding sports betting. Randall explained that Uplatform caters to this diversity by offering various sports disciplines and corresponding markets, including baseball, basketball, and soccer, influenced by European and American sports.

Uplatform's Contribution to the Growing Brazilian Market

For the Brazilian market, Uplatform provides a powerful tool that meets the needs of bettors across different sports disciplines. Notably, Uplatform offers a broad range of soccer markets, which are particularly popular among Brazilian bettors. Additionally, Uplatform addresses the rising popularity of Esports and offers casino solutions with various online casino games to cater to different segments of the population.

Key Trends in the Latin American iGaming and Sports Betting Industry

Here’s what Randall had to say,

"The trends among bettors in Latin America are very diverse but constant. Now bettors are not only looking for the odds of the main matches but also proposals that are attractive and original. Another main trend within sports bettors is live betting, with many options for customers to explore and choose the bet that most appeal to them. Esports is a necessity."

Advice for Companies Entering the Latin American Market

Randall advises companies seeking to enter the Latin American market to offer a comprehensive solution that addresses all the diverse needs of bettors. Simply providing lines for the main games of the day is no longer sufficient. Latin American bettors now expect a broad range of markets and casino options. Failing to provide these variants may lead to unsuccessful attempts to enter the market.

Uplatform's Participation in Industry Events

Randall affirmed that Uplatform has an exciting lineup of industry events planned for the year. Looking ahead, Uplatform will be attending iGB Live in July, followed by SIGMA Asia, SBC Summit Barcelona in September, and SIGMA Europe later in the year. These events are vital opportunities for Uplatform to showcase its offerings, stay updated on industry trends, and establish valuable connections with peers and potential clients.

Exclusive Interview with Uplatform's Rakhi Jaimini and Sam Lau

In a recent interview with Focus Gaming News, Rakhi Jaimini and Sam Lau from Uplatform discussed the evolution of the iGaming industry in Asia, addressing challenges faced by operators, cultural differences, and Uplatform's participation in G2E Asia 2023. They shed light on Uplatform's unique value proposition, localization focus, and commitment to responsible gambling.

The Evolving Landscape of the Asian iGaming Industry

Rakhi highlighted the rapid growth of the Asian iGaming sector since the pandemic outbreak, emphasizing its potential as a highly lucrative market. With countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India expected to become key players in the iGaming sector, the Asian market is projected to witness significant expansion in the coming years.

Challenges Faced by iGaming Operators in Asia and Strategies for Success

"I think the biggest challenge for operators is marketing. The Asian market is highly competitive, and more than general marketing skills may be needed. Operators need to employ targeted and localized marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with the diverse Asian audience."

These were Sam’s thoughts concerning the challenges in the Asian iGaming industry.

Rakhi emphasized the importance of closely monitoring evolving regulations, staying compliant, and meeting the demand for transparent regulation to succeed in the Asian market.

Anticipated Developments in the Asian iGaming Market

Sam expressed optimism about the growth and innovation in the Asian iGaming industry. He highlighted the increasing interest in the Indian market and the development of iGaming products tailored to the unique needs of Indian players. He said the Indian market presents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation in the iGaming sector.

Navigating Cultural Differences in the Asian Market

Rakhi emphasized the importance of operators understanding and catering to Asian players' unique needs. In Asia, games such as Ander Bahar, Teen Patti, Rummy, and Poker are extremely popular, and live dealers are preferred over online casinos. Affiliations also play an important role in Asian casino operations. To successfully operate in the region, operators need to consider these factors.

Sam added,

"Even if we are based in Europe, we, as a provider, fully understand the Asian market demand. We know the difference in players’ preferences in each country and even in the different regions of these countries."

When developing the Asian market, operators must not use non-Asian related experience, according to Sam.

Uplatform's Participation in G2E Asia 2023 and its Goals

As our slogan goes, “Our Platform Your success,” Uplatform aims to expand its Asian clients base by participating in G2E Asia 2023. Our sales managers stated that Uplatform seeks to bring its comprehensive solutions to the Asian market and establish itself as the preferred business partner for operators.

Uplatform's Unique Value Proposition and Differentiation

Rakhi emphasized Uplatform's understanding of the Asian market, including players' preferences in different countries and regions. By offering localization features, such as local payments, language support, and comprehensive coverage of local leagues, Uplatform differentiates itself from other iGaming providers. We prioritize a customer-centric approach and localization to stand out in the Asian market.

Emerging Trends and Uplatform's Strategic Positioning

Rakhi noted the Asia-Pacific region's rapid growth, increasing gambling revenues, and the spread of legalization. Uplatform capitalizes on these trends by constantly monitoring market dynamics and regulatory changes. We commit to delivering top solutions that cater to the unique needs of the Asian market, positioning themselves ahead of the competition.

Addressing Responsible Gaming Concerns

Rakhi and Sam stated that Uplatform prioritizes player safety and responsible gambling. Our KYC and risk management systems allow operators to set player limits and ensure a secure gambling environment. By promoting responsible gaming practices, Uplatform strives to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our clients' players.

Inside Asian Gaming interviewed Sam Lau, Sales Manager at Uplatform, to gain insights into the company's vision for the Asian iGaming market and its participation in the prestigious G2E Asia 2023 event. Sam highlighted the potential for growth and innovation in the Indian market, the importance of localized strategies, Uplatform's unique offerings, and their commitment to responsible gambling practices.

Innovating for Growth: Seizing the Potential of the Indian Market

He believes the Asian iGaming industry is on track for significant growth, characterized by rapid change, innovation, and adaptation. The growing Indian market is one area of particular interest. Sam highlighted the enormous opportunities for operators to expand and innovate in response to the ever-increasing interest in the Indian audience. Anticipating this trend, operators are actively on the lookout for iGaming products tailored to the unique needs of the Indian market. This surge in customized offerings is expected to propel the Asian iGaming industry forward.

Cultural Nuances and Tailored Approaches

Sam stated,

"Operators must not use non-Asian related experience when developing the Asian market."

Sam emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences when operating in the Asian market. Sam explained that online casino operators must avoid relying on non-Asian experiences when developing strategies. Sam also acknowledged the importance of rolling commissions and the impact of affiliate marketing in Asia, which some non-Asian operators may overlook. Operators can effectively engage with the diverse Asian audience by recognizing the unique needs and preferences of the local players.

Uplatform's Cutting-Edge Solutions: A Gateway to the Asian Market

Sam was excited about our latest product. Here’s what he had to say,

"A new casino aggregator will be ready for the market. We have the privilege of combining Western and Eastern specific needs into our backend system and bringing some customized features to Asian operators."

Sam told IAG how our comprehensive research and development efforts gave rise to a powerful solution designed to enhance the iGaming experience in Asia. Sam explained that Uplatform's goal at the event was to strengthen its position as a preferred business partner by showcasing its ability to understand and meet local players' and operators' unique needs and preferences.

Forging New Partnerships and Expanding Footprint

Sam told IAG that Uplatform recognizes the significance of G2E Asia 2023 as a platform for networking and building meaningful partnerships. He further expressed the company's desire to engage in fruitful conversations with industry professionals, fostering understanding and making a lasting impression. Adding that by gaining an in-depth knowledge of clients' needs, Uplatform aims to establish new alliances and strengthen its presence in the Asian market.

Distinctiveness and Benefits of Uplatform

Our sales manager stated that Uplatform's comprehensive understanding of the region sets us apart from other iGaming providers in Asia as one of the few European-based providers with in-depth knowledge of the Asian market. Uplatform leverages its operational experience and offers customized solutions to cater to local players' and operators' specific requirements and preferences. This localized approach, he claims, enables Uplatform to provide exceptional value and benefits to its clients.

Observing Emerging Trends and Adaptation Strategies

Sam observed a shift in focus among operators toward the Indian and Southeast Asian markets. In response to this trend, he informed IAG that Uplatform is ready to work with partners to develop tailored gaming products for the Asian market. He said Uplatform aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities and remain at the forefront of innovation in the Asian iGaming industry by aligning its strategy with changing market demands.

Main driving forces in the Asian iGaming market

Sam stated that the key factors to growth are to provide the best product and understand the market's needs, and we have both. He added that we are aware that language can be a barrier for some operators, which is why our sales team covers almost ten major languages spoken worldwide.

Commitment to Responsible Gaming

Sam stated that Uplatform recognizes the significance of responsible gambling practices and adheres to them as a core principle. He informed IAG that Uplatform has a standard Know Your Customer (KYC) system and risk management team and that we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and providing our clients' players with a safe and secure environment.

To learn more about our adventure, kindly connect with us on Linkedin. Our utmost interest at Uplatform is to help your business succeed. So contact our team today for more information.

What are our thoughts on the year 2022? What do we anticipate happening in 2023? What are our short- and medium-term goals? The most recent conversation between Soloazar and Maria, our Head of Marketing, covered these topics.

Uplatform rang in the new year with a bang, full of celebration and joy. And now that we are well into 2023, we can look back at 2022 and assess our accomplishments and performance. Maria stated that although 2022 was challenging, the year yielded fruitful results in progressing towards important goals.

2022 Progress and Achievements.

In terms of accomplishments and progress in 2022, Maria said,

“In 2022, there were a lot of high-profile sports events; these events presented a fantastic growth opportunity, which we, along with our valued clients, optimally leveraged. Our efforts paid off as we witnessed remarkable increases, reaching up to triple the GGR for some clients. This success encouraged us to aim even higher and continue our expansion in the market.”

After this, Maria stated that winning the SBC and 5STAR Awards and nominations for other prestigious awards like EGR and iGA were significant accomplishments for us. Having Uplatform’s efforts recognized in this way was a huge honor. She advised iGaming business owners and those looking to explore the iGaming business to schedule a consultation with us to learn more about our solution.

Completed Projects, Latest Wares, and Events

From a business perspective, Maria was happy to share that the team participated in five major events last year, including iGB Live! Amsterdam, SBC Barcelona, G2E Asia, Casino Beats Malta, and SIGMA Malta. She added that we hosted a roundtable discussion on ‘mobile gambling's potential in the future.’ Maria acknowledged that our efforts have been highly effective, expanding our brand's reach and attracting new business partners.

Regarding our newest products, here is what Maria had to say: “We’ve added new sports and markets to our platform and successfully prepared our sportsbook for the World Cup with 1,5K markets for every single game; added two new languages, added new features to our services, expanded the team, improved inner processes, and so on.” In addition, she concluded that the year 2022 was highly fruitful, and the team does not plan on slowing down.

Future Goals and Objectives

According to Maria, the team has implemented extensive marketing and sales strategies with lofty goals for the current year.

"Six local and international fairs will feature our solutions and products, and our representatives will attend another eight. We will most likely attend events like G2E Asia, SiGMA Americas, SiGMA Asia, iGB Amsterdam, SBC Barcelona, etc. In addition, we plan to contribute even further to the field by moderating a roundtable and speaking on a few panels."

She also mentioned,

"We'll launch our Casino Games Aggregator this year, and it will help our partners create a well-balanced and profitable casino portfolio. We'll keep enhancing our sportsbook and platform by expanding our betting offers and adding new esports, tournaments, and more.”

Maria assured Soloazar that there would be a lot of new developments and that the team must expand significantly to make it happen.

Kindly follow us on Linkedin to learn more about our adventure. Uplatform wants nothing more than to help your business succeed. So contact our team today for more information.

Is the iGaming industry recovering from the pandemic? What are the current industry trends? These and other topics were discussed in the most recent chat with our Head of Marketing, Maria Bashkevich, and Yogonet. Here’s a summary of the conversation.

In her assessment of the gaming sector’s development in 2022, Maria stated that the industry has faced many challenges, including the pandemic, and has been in very uncertain times in recent years. Hence, she was not sure how long the effects of these challenges would be felt.

She stated,

“To reduce the impact of the pandemic on our clients’ losses, we began working on our sportsbook, particularly the Esports section, and casino offerings as soon as the pandemic hit. We were able to stop the negative dynamic and reduce losses within two months as a result of this. We are very flexible and can react to all changes quickly because we have our own bookmakers and a deep understanding of the players.”

She told Yogonet that our USP is how we build relationships with our operators and our initial interest in their growth. She said working with them has helped increase their performance, attract new players, and exhibit outstanding results across various regions.

When asked to comment on in-person industry events worldwide, Maria expressed her delight that these events are coming back. And next year, we’ll participate as exhibitors for the first time in the biggest industry event - ICE London 2023, which will be held on February 7-9; find us at stand S2-150. Don't forget to book your meeting HERE to know more about our award-winning solution and how we can help your business grow.

“We will launch a new product, our own casino aggregator. We’ll also have important updates to our solutions, tools, and platform in general.”

This was what Maria had to say regarding Uplatform’s plan for 2023. She said we had a lot planned for 2023, including important platform updates, team growth, obtaining new licenses and certifications, entering new markets, attending all significant industry events, and giving back to the neighborhood.

She went on to explain that we’re always working to improve our sportsbook; next year, we’ll expand the list of markets and tournaments, particularly in Esports, as well as add new features; as they say, there’s no limit to perfection, but we’re chasing it.

Maria stated that we expect 2023 to be a very productive year for Uplatform, with notable achievements, profitable partnerships, and massive growth.

The full interview read here

Maria Bashkevich, our Head of Marketing, participated in one of the iGF (iGaming Future) roundtable series titled, "The Future of Mobile Gaming: New Markets and New Customers." The iGF Virtual Roundtable series is unique in its ability to educate both speakers and viewers through its live-event series. Alongside Maria, there were industry professionals such as Andrew Micallef of High Roller, Rokas Benetis of LeoVegas Group, and Jamie Hart of Tote Group. They discussed the best approaches to improve offers and explore the evolving world of mobile iGaming. Other topics covered during the talk were:

• Future of mobile casino
• Game provider integrations
• Localization of gaming content & impact
• Maximising mobile device capabilities
• The benefits of data light games

Maria, our Head of Marketing, commented on the session, saying,

“It was a very insightful session. As always, the iGF gathered the finest speakers to tackle the most pressing issues. We can all agree that mobile gaming is the future of our industry, which is why increasing efficiency, improving mobile experiences and introducing new enhanced features are crucial to future success. As a B2B provider, it's important to take part in this conversation to learn more about the problems that operators face, their real challenges, and how we can help them by customizing our solutions to their needs. Thanks to the amazing panelists, I have a lot of useful information to pass on to our team :) “

Since mobile phones have become a vital part of our daily lives, there is no doubt that mobile gaming is the future of iGaming. This is why we want to capitalize on the growing popularity of mobile gaming, mostly due to the increasing number of mobile betting apps. As a full-service provider, we are constantly working to help operators in gaining more mobile players by offering full and light versions of betting websites, alongside flexible, safe, and simple-to-use apps with all of the necessary functionalities and meeting the requirements of the modern iGaming market.

Click the link for in-depth analysis and forecasts from leading iGaming providers and operators.

Regarding the upcoming SiGMA event in Malta, our Sales Team Lead, Nelli, had an exclusive interview with Focus iGaming News to discuss our expectations for the event, our current market situation, and our vision for Latin America. Here's a brief rundown of the interview.

Nelli told Focus that the sales and marketing teams are fully prepped for Malta. She stated that the team is excited because Malta is one of the world's largest iGaming hubs and will provide an excellent opportunity to expand our network and secure new partnerships.

Uplatform's adaptability and comprehensiveness are its strengths, says Nelli. She said that despite our cheerful branding, we never compromise delivery speed or product quality. Nelli revealed that at SiGMA, we would offer an enlarged provider list, new payment methods, and enhanced sportsbook features.

"While all eyes are on Brazil and the possible legislative changes in 2022, we are getting ready for a new chapter for our product expansion."

This was Nelli's response to our LATAM role. She said Latin America has a thriving iGaming ecosystem that requires constant study to succeed, and we wouldn't consider entering Latin America without adapting to local preferences and developing a business plan.

When asked to comment on the SBC Rising Star Award we received at the SBC Barcelona event, Nelli stated,

“The outstanding feedback from the industry tempted us to lay on our laurels for a while. But to survive in intense competition means to move forward, and we are doing it with even more confidence now, headed toward new achievements!”.

She also applauded our sportsbook, which was well received at the 2022 SBC Barcelona event. She commended our sportsbook's versatility and comprehensiveness, stating that our current player conversion rate is at 50-60 percent.

Nelli told Focus that we anticipate more surprises by the end of the year and plan to focus on developing better products and establishing stronger partnerships, taking a break, and looking back on the fantastic year that just passed because, at the end of the day, we’re just human.

Click to view full interview.

Following Uplaform's excellent performance at the just-completed Barcelona 2022 SBC Summit. The Head of Marketing at Uplatform, Maria, had a great conversation with GBC Time. Here is a succinct summary of what they discussed:

“This year's SBC Summit in Barcelona was a huge success for us,” Maria said.

She explained that even though we had only served as delegates the year before, we still wanted to showcase our solutions and establish a new partnership in 2022. She believes Uplatform did incredibly well and that visitors to our stand had the most engaging and productive experience possible. The Head of Marketing said winning the Rising Star in Sports Betting Software Award was the most exciting part of the event. She thanked the judges for recognizing our client-centered approach and the effectiveness of our solutions, saying the award was a huge accomplishment and honor for us.

According to her, the primary subject of conversation was localization and how we could assist the partners in various markets. So our team presented our localization options, such as regionalized content, local languages, customized sportsbooks, local payment methods, multi-device compatibility, and so on.

When asked to categorize the iGaming aggregation trends for 2023, Maria responded,

"I believe that the trend is still the same, as it comes from the needs of players and clients' challenges. And those challenges haven’t changed since 2022 - localization, player acquisition, and transition to online and mobile. And if we’re talking from B2B perspective - flexibility and customization”.

Maria responding to the difficulties that iGaming providers face, said iGaming is a highly competitive industry, with more studios and platform providers popping up yearly. However, there is fierce competition for attention as a result of the market's consolidation.

Commenting, Maria said,

"In my honest opinion, there are numerous obstacles. Beginning with regulations and pricing, as numerous brands are dumping the market, and ending with personalization and improvement of the player experience. All of this, along with typical challenges such as the global economy and political climate, turns it into a bumpy ride for enterprises. However, has there ever been a time when expanding the business was easy and smooth?”

Maria concluded by saying that every year brings with it new challenges for the business and that any company can grow and face difficulties as long as it does so professionally. Speaking of Uplatform, she stated that based on her observations, our platform's numbers are trending in the right direction and will continue to increase under any conditions. And it’s no wonder since our award-winning Sportsbook API has the broadest sports and Esports coverage, low-tier leagues, local competitions, and even amateur championships. This API was created to be effective, adaptable, and reliable. And our Turnkey solution is a platform comprising the largest Sportsbook, the most comprehensive Casino collection, and all necessary tools and services such as CRM, risk management, agent scheme, and so on.

Read the full interview here

At the 2022 SBC Summit in Barcelona, which just ended, Uplatform had a number of interesting conversations with visitors and news agencies. Uplatform’s sales team lead, Nelli, had one of these jaw-dropping conversations with Soloazar. Here’s a recap of their conversation.

On the novelties showcased at the event, Nelli talked about how we offer high-quality content and are always looking for ways to make sure our clients are happy. We want our clients to have access to all the tools and features they will ever need without any issues. Nelli hinted at our plans to release our Casino Games Aggregator.

“Right now, we are getting ready for a big release of our Casino Games Aggregator, which will channel a great variety of Ucasino games in a single integration,"

said Nelli.

She expressed gratitude that Uplatform could participate in the event, saying that it was a great chance to build more traction and credibility among operators who are already overwhelmed with running their businesses, especially in the Spanish market. In her opinion, the Spanish market has shown very high growth potential and is a promising market. She explained that this untapped potential had given rise to increased demand for reliable and stable products and services in the region. She said Uplatform is the best bet for operators to meet up with the hassles of the Spanish market or any market in particular because our content can be tailored to practically any region.

Speaking of our target market, in Nelli’s words, “We call ourselves a global provider for a reason- while our content is localized and adapted for almost any geo, the emerging markets show promising GGR growth." Africa, Latin America, and Asia are now in the limelight, which is unlikely to change soon.

Nelli stated that the journey toward maximizing client satisfaction and maintaining the quality of service and products is not as simple as it may seem and that the team puts in a tremendous amount of work to stay abreast of regulatory and market trends. We are also familiar with the difficulties operators face regularly, and we cover the gaps to tailor our solutions in line with their market needs by providing must-haves and more. Some of our features include customized live casino tables, popular betting markets, virtual content, and lightweight and intuitive native apps. We also recruit new partners to assist us in maintaining high-quality service and staying a step ahead of the market. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Responding to the question on adapting our products to customer needs, Nelli mentioned that Uplatform pays very close attention to client needs. She listed some of our localization strategies such as multilevel agent schemes software for Latin America translated and localized material for Asia, SMS betting flow for African markets, etc.

Nelli stated at the conclusion of the interview that 2022 has been a very busy year for Uplatform, as we have been touring the globe since the beginning of the year. From London to Amsterdam to Singapore to Barcelona, where we received the Rising Star award and, we hope, the first of many. Malta is our final destination for 2022; so follow Uplatform on social media for more creative updates; we hope to see you soon!

In a recent interview, Head of Marketing Maria Bashkevich met with iGaming Future magazine to talk about the African market. Maria discussed the approaches businesses need to take if they wish to effectively benefit the African iGaming market's needs and be successful in this huge and unique betting landscape, as well as insights on the continent's future.

It can be challenging to break into emerging markets like Africa, notes Maria, especially when considering the wide range of consumer and market trends on the continent. “The African market is more complex and diverse than it’s generally assumed. Many operators mistakenly believe that a single strategy will work throughout the continent, so they plan to enter several countries at once, without preparing their project for the specifics of each country”.

COVID's effect on the African iGaming market

The impact was the same everywhere, with some differences Maria remarked. Like most of the world, major sporting events were canceled. Most African countries enforced curfews, which is noteworthy in Africa and one of the substantial differences; with retail still being hugely popular in many African countries, this especially impacted the gambling sector. Also, there were significant economic losses due to the loss of jobs.

Things looked pretty dire from the pandemic onset and lockdowns, and the view was quite negative. With an evident decline due to market restrictions. The industry attempted to adapt quickly by moving offline to online, diversifying portfolios with Esports, virtual sports, bingo, slots, and a few changes in regulations, etc. But as time passed, the region witnessed the reawakening of the industry.

When it comes to the future of the market in Africa, what happened over this challenging time could be a catalyst for change. An acceptance of more diversification and the need for moving online. This difficult period has propelled operators to the importance of transformations of their business, which can only contribute to speeding up the evolution and development of the iGaming sector. It is unclear how long the effects of the pandemic will last.

Verticals and factors of growth

In Africa, sports betting and lotteries have a solid presence, Maria highlights.

“The African market is well-known for its strong sports betting and lottery verticals. Acknowledging this, we, as a sportsbook provider, are constantly striving to improve our betting offering to ensure our clients benefit to the fullest. Right now, for example, we have more than 1,500 football matches for pre-live betting — both top and lower-tier leagues."

In terms of growth, there has been a slow shift to online. However, this change to online is likely to pick up momentum. It's no real secret that more and more people have access to mobile phones these days. Consequently, seeing the widespread adoption of mobile devices, the move to online will naturally happen.

Betshops are a cultural part of the social fabric in many African regions and will always remain and will continue to enjoy widespread appeal. Along with other existing industry trends, having both an offline and an online presence is where things are headed; an increasing number of operators are moving towards Omni-channel solutions.

Localized Operations

According to Maria, undertaking all the necessary research to ensure that the product is localized to its full potential and within all legal operating regulations is an important process for operators seeking to enter the African market. Having a dependable partner with demonstrated experience operating clients in those markets and a solution with flexible localization capabilities to target those markets is critical. Localization in this region includes integrating popular local payment methods, particularly mobile payments, which is essential. Other requirements include supporting popular leagues, providing effective agent solutions, the local language, and offering adequate Omni-channel solutions. Operational strategy and performance play a critical role in the success of generating and remaining in these markets. Alternatively, a customized solution will facilitate the process and save money and time.

African retail market and the move online

Maria explains the online market and its development.

“If we’re talking about trends, I’d say we can see the slow transition to online or the growth of hybrid betting enterprises. We see how countries are slowly but surely opening up to online and mobile payments. Taking into account the existing trend of population growth, the growth of the young generation and increasing mobile penetration, I’d say that in the next decade we’ll see significant growth in online betting in the region”.

There will be differences across Africa depending on the community you reside in, and your reasons for choices. In addition, there will be disparities throughout Africa, from tradition to insufficient digital infrastructure. The process is anything from a simple move to online. In reality, Uplatform feels that an Omni-channel solution, a strategic marketing approach, and education have the potential to convert certain players. However, it is not a procedure that can be completed in a single day.

Technological advancements, economic and regulatory development, and the growth of the younger demographic in the region will make it necessary for betshops to have an online presence in the near future. However, the entry might prove to be very costly and there will be high competition. Therefore, there is no reason to sit idle and let the competition get a headstart.

Maria's thoughts on strategies for betshops.

“I think going all-in online would be a big mistake for the local brands that have betshops across the whole country, both big towns and small villages. But to have both an online and offline presence would be a great move to attract new audiences online, and show the existing player base the beauty and simplicity of betting online, while still keeping their beloved social hub – the betshop. Also, having the right agent scheme would greatly benefit these countries too.”

The omni-channel gaming experience

The omni-channel gaming experience for players and operators should be simple, fluid, and effective, Maria emphasizes. As such, it should provide seamless and consistent experiences across all betting channels. It should offer one account across retail stores and online, a shared wallet, and a loyalty program. For instance, this helps the bettor conveniently deposit funds offline and place bets online or register and place bets from their phone. From the operator's side, they benefit from unified administrative tools, a user-friendly interface for cashiers, and seamless, effective operations. Moreover, a well-designed sportsbook should be coupled with high-quality tech offerings, adequate support, and a comprehensive sportsbook selection. Our approach to creating our solutions at Uplatform reflects this view.

For more African market insights, read Maria’s full interview here.

Uplatfrom entered the iGaming market with the strategic intention to provide a completely flexible client-focused approach with the ability to offer tailored solutions to enter and perform in all markets using a unique multi-featured platform.
Kate Romanenko, Uplatform's Head of Games, spoke with CasinoBeats about partnering with Uplatform and various other topics, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Live casinos, and what Uplatform envisions for the platform in 2022.

“We are looking into settling in the industry as a trusted long-term brand and providing maximum flexibility for our clients as we expect the industry to keep changing more and more in the future”.

Mentioned Kate and we couldn’t agree with her more.

The entire team at Uplatform takes great pride in establishing long-term relationships with our clients by applying our core values to every project. We believe that Uplatform is a long-standing platform partner providing our clients with the personalized and significant advantages they need to prosper, maximizing their investment, remaining innovative, and delivering targeted, relevant, engaging, and entertaining products in any market they choose to enter. As the industry rapidly changes and the world moves closer to regulated gaming and the implementation of specific region-specific rules and taxation laws. Uplatform's unique offering has been developed with an emphasis on supporting regulated markets through a comprehensively versatile strategy that provides our clients with all the vital products, tools, and solutions and a dedicated client-focused approach for optimized business performance that promotes sustainable growth and success - such as our massive sportsbook Usports, and extensive and diverse online casino games portfolio Ucasino and for fully optimizing the performance of business Utools to enable smooth and effective operations all in the one place. This comprehensive approach helps maintain a long-term relationship and develops into a valuable asset for our clients, bringing with it the benefits of practical knowledge from industry professionals, flexibility, reliability, and an all-around competitive edge.

Sharing her thoughts on development of online casino industry, Kate adds:

“Online gambling is growing as an entertainment vertical in general. Live games are a great leisure activity with social elements, so it definitely remains to be popular among players”.

The online casino gaming industry has undergone some transformations in recent years, but Live casino games may be the most prevalent. Even though this is not a new concept, it has been around for a while; it may have suffered a stigma of entertainment reserved for Bricks and mortar casinos only. However, with true-to-life visuals, HD broadcast quality, and high-speed internet coupled with people spending more time at home. Live casino games have proved to be quite a revolution, an enjoyable playing experience complete with social interaction.
People have realized how close they can get to a real-life casino experience, that there is a massive demand for more live casino gaming content. What began as a niche gambling option has grown in popularity as a must-have entertainment option for providers.

What to expect from Uplatform in 2022? Kate has a definite answer:

“Online gambling is growing as an entertainment vertical in general. Live games are a great leisure activity with social elements, so it definitely remains to be popular among players”.

Our teams were extremely diligent and working hard, fine-tuning every aspect of our business from A-Z in 2021. From HR, Administration, and compliance to the design and technical elements tweaking everything to precision. 2021 also allowed us to attend several live events and the chance to successfully showcase our first stand at iGB Amsterdam. We were all very ecstatic with our iGB exhibit, which proved to be very beneficial and productive connecting in person with new and existing partners and providing the opportunity to show what Uplatform has to offer. Heading into 2022, we plan to keep on moving forward on our 2021 progress. We have many brilliant, enthusiastic, and visionary people working for us at Upltatform, so we never run out of motivation or quality strategies. We plan to expand our clients and brand presence into more regulated markets, improve our portfolio and offering, and keep a close eye on new product innovations and industry trends. Also, we intend to continue with promoting Uplatform at more live events, so we hope the global situation sees some more positives in the way of travel in the new year.

Read the full interview here.

Kate, Head of Games at Uplatform, sat down with G3 in a wide-ranging interview to discuss what it was like entering as a new player in a competitive industry, just right when COVID shook the world. She also discussed the all-star line-up of products Usports, Ucasino, and Utools, as well as Uplatform's long-term aspirations.

Here's a snapshot of what Kate had to say during her interview:

Standing out in an already competitive market

“We are serious with our goals – delivering our client's success and prosperity”.

It's no secret that our industry is very competitive. As a consequence, Uplatform is continuously on the lookout for what's new and innovative in the market and what would be advantageous to our clients. As well as interacting with them to identify what they truly require. Among Uplatform's stand-out qualities are, importantly, the fact that the majority of our team have extensive iGaming experience, and, subsequently, the platform is still in its early stages, resulting in fewer adverse experiences for our clients.

Covid and Uplatform's strategy

“Many of the issues that other platforms were dealing with were magnified double for us”.

Kate added, Uplatform was released just before the Covid pandemic. So in so way, it pulled the breaks on what we had just developed. At the start, it was quite a challenge working together on a project with everyone located remotely. However, because of the experience and backgrounds of the entire team, we were able to accomplish and develop something new and unique, and we believe that Uplatform is progressing rapidly because of this. Our strategy is that treat each operator individually and distinctly and as if they are the first client, which definitely adds to the uniqueness of partnering with Uplatform.

Uplatform solutions

“The hero is Uplatform itself, where you can get all the services together”.

In response to a question concerning the flagship products, Kate stated: the line-up of products includes Utools, our all-in one suite of services, as well as, Usports, Ucasino, Ugames, with the latter three products to be offered as standalone solutions.
We're confident that Usports will succeed, Kate mentions, since it is a bespoke product that combines human and machine intelligence technologies. It offers unique betting odds that are thoroughly reviewed and managed by a large team. Ucasino is a games aggregator; ''I'm personally responsible for this division. My mission is to collect the most outstanding content available and acquire the most exciting games and rates so that our clients are completely satisfied''. Ugames is an in-house games provider and is offered as part of Ucasino, primarily developing quick (instant) games and other RNG games. Utools is a collection of comprehensive back-office solutions, analytics, reports, including many other quality tools that ensure operators have all the necessary data to operate their business successfully.

Trending possibilities

“The main trend throughout the industry must be growth, I believe”.

There is a trend emerging in playing casino games, Kate says, perhaps because it is an evolving vertical, or maybe because players want to experience that live casino feeling. We can also see that the slot players are especially active.

Long-term goals

“We understand trust and “word of mouth” comes not immediately but requires some time and we took on the challenge”.

It is a long-term undertaking; therefore, we are doing everything we can to keep our operators satisfied and maintain the excellent standards we rely on. The target is, of course, to be outstanding, create a unique identity, and continue to improve our product and client partnerships so that we can become a reliable, trusted brand on the market and, eventually, cease investing in traditional B2B marketing strategies.

Be sure to head over to G3 to read the whole of Kate's interview. Discover more about Kate's roles as Head of Games in the full Q&A, where she reveals what it is like to be back in attendance at Live events, Uplatform's immediate plans, and her perspective on how the Covid pandemic has helped the world evolve.

You can read the whole of Kate's interview here.

Just after the iGB Live! Amsterdam exhibition, the well-known international iGaming media Focus, spoke with Maria Bashkevich, Head of Marketing, about the Covid pandemic, what gambling operators have learned from it, as well as insights into the LATAM market.

Lessons from covid

“The possibility to adapt quickly to the fast-changing reality was the key in the first quarter of the pandemic”.

Covid presented quite an unfavorable time for everyone, Maria remarked. Nevertheless, the most important lesson that everyone involved in the industry got out of this period, not just for the gambling operators, was versatility; internal processes, HR policies, marketing campaigns, and general operations must be responsive and flexible. Covid also created significant changes in the market in certain regions, which aided in accelerating the shift to online. A crucial lesson for certain operators was deciding on their transition to online to ensure that business was moving forward and generating income.

Resumption of live events

“iGB Amsterdam showed us that there is a demand for “new” players in the market”.

Shortly before the pandemic struck, we joined the market, so there were no live events to attend, spread the word, and promote Uplatform in the traditional in person format that everyone is accustomed to. With the advent of the world opening up again and the announcement of live expos, it was critical for us as a new player to attend live events. And our hard-working team was eager to get out there to present what Uplatform represents, which proved very valid at iGB Live! Amsterdam. Maria adds that there was so much activity and interest at our stand in Amsterdam, it was an incredibly productive and eventful few days. The whole Uplatform team was run off their feet, meeting with partners, making new connections, reinforcing brand loyalty, and showcasing everything Uplatform offers. You can read how we’d celebrated the return of the offline events here.

LATAM market prospects

“Each country in LATAM has its unique requests as the gambling culture, playing preferences, and infrastructure is completely different, so the interest from LATAM is with the flexibility and adaptability Uplatform presents”.

Maria highlighted that the innovative solutions and the extensive and diverse range of content, an expert team willing and capable of taking on any project are particularly appealing to LATAM clients. Also, every region in LATAM has its own gaming culture, playing tastes, and infrastructure, which sees Uplatform as a very attractive solution due to the variety and customization Uplatform offers. Uplatform benefits greatly in such regions like LATAM because it provides an all-in-one solution that can address all characters and requirements of the market.

These were just a few of the highlights from Maria's Focus interview. Learn more about Maria's thoughts on each of the topics discussed in-depth, as well as the future of Uplatform here.

Akarshit Mandhotra, Uplatform's Business Development Manager, in a recent magazine for igamingfuture.com was actively involved, along with several other industry professionals to share their viewpoints and expertise on the African gaming market and address some of it the regional challenges affecting the industry.

Present potential

“Poor internet connections and low internet speed is a big aspect that is limiting the African market's full potential. However, Uplatform is prepared for this”.

Although there are still issues with the quality of the digital infrastructure and slow internet, Africa’s emerging economies present exciting opportunities for iGaming and betting businesses online and the traditional retail betshops. Changing demographics and appetite for sports betting across the continent are just a few factors contributing to rising growth and potential.

To compensate for the lack of digitization, Uplatform has long-standing partnerships with local telecoms companies and developed a platform that enables bettors to place bets via SMS and Telegram. In addition, we also have available to the African market hundreds of payment alternatives, including popular local African payment methods for extra convenience.

Uplatform is prepared for such challenges as slow internet connections and limited access, acknowledging these difficulties and providing solutions to capitalize on the African market's full potential. Uplatform maintains support for these types of underdeveloped areas through our unique solutions, such as the option of utilizing an agent scheme enabling players more opportunities via placing bets with agents. Apps that provide our partners with convenient, fast-loading solutions that deliver an easy to access, user-optimized experience to their players.

Akarshit went on to say; with many operators forced to close their doors owing to restrictions and lockdowns, proactive operators who have made the switch to online have already shown to be sustainable. Throughout the pandemic, online platforms steadily gained popularity and continued to thrive.

“If you want to successfully launch a product in Africa, then bonuses are an absolute must have”.

Bonuses boost player engagement and loyalty, and Uplatform offers every type of incentive available to provide a high-quality betting experience. Offering bonus incentives such as match of the day, welcoming new players, birthdays, cashbacks, first-time deposit, and major live event streaming ensures new brands have the kickstart they need to capture the African market.

Moving forward Retail vs. Online

“Africa has a bright future, the market is actively developing, and Africa is the only region where the young population is increasing”.

Online is growing, but the retail sector with betshops still commands its market share. Attributable to the status of limited internet access and the overall digital landscape, retail continues to find strong demand in many African regions. African players enjoy all sorts of betting as long as the choices are easy and readily accessible. With a large young population, this includes a growing interest in Esports betting. However, there is a steady and considerable increase in online betting thanks to the ease of use and convenience of immediate payments and the extensive customizable betting possibilities available with mobile Apps. Due to the versatility of our Omnichannel solutions, Uplatform clients in African markets can enjoy the best of both worlds, providing players with a convenient and market-specific experience.

Read more about Uplatorm's insights via Akarshit's experienced eyes, as well as perspectives from other knowledgeable contributors, in The Future of African Gaming Magazine.

During GAT EXPO 2021, our esteemed Business Development Manager, Akarshit Mandhotra, provided insights on Uplatform and its plans in the conversation with the prominent LATAM media specialized in the gambling industry - SoloAzar.

Uplatform's position

“We are already in the process of introducing our product to licensed markets”.

In a recent interview, Akarshit discussed the benefits of returning to live events and where Uplatform is heading. Our position is to strive to be globally well-known and continue Uplatfrom’s recognition as a reputable sportsbetting and casino platform supplier. Due to travel limitations during the last 18-24 months, this was preventing our team to connect with people in-person and hindering networking opportunities. Uplatform's goal is to form new partnerships and discuss news and updates of the sports betting and gambling market. This has proved very successful and beneficial so far; during EXPO meetings, most LATAM countries shared their strong desire to start new businesses and have shown interest in Uplatform.

Industry sustainability

“With Uplatform, we were able to encourage some operators to expand their products and establish an online offering”.

Akarshit continued: following the lockdowns and restrictions, numerous operations have already reopened throughout the world. Sustainability has already been demonstrated by operators willing to take a strong lead online. Throughout the pandemic, online platforms gained a more widespread acceptance and steady growth.

Path for the future

“The Uplatform team has very ambitious goals. We want to make our presence known by participating in multiple events around the world”.

Talking to SoloAzar, Akarshit discussed future company plans to further strengthen our unique offering and expand our global reach. Our team is constantly working to improve the platform, increase our sportsbook, including esports, toto, virtual sports, and casino products: live casino, slots, skill-based games, and expand partnerships and licenses. We plan to increase Uplatfrom's exposure by presenting our sportsbetting and casino solution at as many events as possible to develop new relationships and acquire vital market information that will result in valuable insights, collaborations, and a better knowledge of what clients want.

To learn more about Uplatorm's long-term plans.