GMB - What products and services do you bring for the South American market?
Araksi Sargsyan - Whatever we do at Digitain, our goal is to ensure operators have the complete toolkit to make them market leaders. Front and centre will be our comprehensive gaming and sportsbook platform. Providing operators with a one-stop-shop for success, it offers our proprietary, action-packed bonusing systems that will keep any player coming back for more.
Within that, our sportsbook is serviced by more than 700 of Armenia’s brightest trading minds, covering more than 35,000 monthly live events, 7000 leagues and 3000 betting markets. Covering every touchpoint imaginable, we cater for website, mobile, apps, terminals and the betting shops. Our gaming offering is also one of the industry’s best, providing operators with a comprehensive package that totals more than 3000 slots, bingo and table games complete with live dealers.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve already done so far, but it’s definitely too early to talk about complete success. The last year has no doubt proven to be an invaluable learning process, and we’ve incorporated a wealth of experience into our tailored iGaming offering for Latin America. This includes everything from a faster site, to full coverage of regional sporting events, a fully bespoke mobile solution and tailored regional casino games, bingo and lotteries that are sure to broaden the horizons of any player.
How do you follow the news of the advancement of the Brazilian market?
Brazil is hot property and we’re keeping a close eye. Last December’s adoption of its first gambling bill was a landmark turning point, and we expect to see plenty of exciting developments in 2020.
A regulated market there can’t come fast enough. We’re strong advocates for player protection and rules that provide for fair competition, and we’re delighted to be involved in the process. Last June saw some of Brazil’s leading lights converge on Sao Paulo to discuss the market, which we were honoured to be part of. The country has some of the most passionate gamers around who crave the thrill of live action, and I’m fully confident some of the country’s key stakeholders are ready to bring the best of fair gaming to one of the region’s most lucrative markets.
Could you participate in any of the public consultations launched by the Ministry of Economy of Brazil? Do you have an opinion about the minute that was shown publicly?
We’re fully confident that the Brazilian Ministry of Economy have taken the right direction with a solution for a task that was always going to be challenging. Of course, we’d be happy to lend our expert voice to the process given our extensive experience in new markets across the globe, none more so than when it comes to legislation and player protection. The solutions displayed publicly by Brazil’s legislator certainly carry weight, and I’m sure with the involvement of experienced iGaming providers and operators, we’re going to be in for an exciting 2020.
If you could suggest something to the Brazilian government in this regulation process, what would it be?
Nobody knows the market better than its potential operators. I would suggest priority be given to local operations first, as their local heritage and understanding of the market is already second to none. Taxation should also be reasonable to ensure we keep the money out of black gaming markets. Looking across the world, there are a wealth of successful case studies from regulated markets, and it is vital to integrate their lessons learned, as well as avoiding their mistakes of course!
Can you imagine working in the Brazilian market? Have you sized it?
We’re more than ready. The last year on the continent has seen us plan our future operations meticulously, and we can’t wait to begin rolling our services to Brazilian players and operators. One of the things I love about Digitain is our flexibility, and we’re on hand to tailor our products and services in any way they need. We’ve already done extensive research into the market and have tailored our services accordingly to Brazilian gaming preferences.
Brazil has certain risks or challenges such as its large population or language, which is different from the rest of South America. Do you think that local knowledge is key to the success of the business in the country?
In my view, it’s vital. While we may be headquartered in Armenia, we’ve been assembling an elite team that are native to Brazilian Portuguese. Without local knowledge, anyone eyeing the market is going to fall at the first hurdle. Nothing beats understanding a country’s way of life and what makes its players tick, and we’re looking forward to continuing acclimatising ourselves to such a fascinating country.
Getting close to the end of the year, how was 2019 for your company and what projects do you have for 2020?
2019 has been a fantastic year for us, including multiple award wins, new international offices and a raft of products, trading tools and functionalities that have gone from strength-to-strength across the globe. We’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going through 2020 alongside further international expansion, ensuring our regional offices are never far from our partners, no matter where they are on the planet.
Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
