Hub88 Head of Sales Natasha Giorgio, sat down with SBC Leaders to analyse the current state of the igaming market and why the role of payment options is crucial to the industry’s next evolution.
She also emphasised the importance of streamlining the onboarding process for igaming customers at a time when the market is becoming increasingly competitive.
What are the key issues facing operators in the iGaming sector?
The iGaming sector faces several significant challenges. One major issue is inconsistent rules and regulations across different regions.
In some territories, the legality of gambling is heavily restricted, which naturally makes it difficult for operators to plan long-term strategies or even to comply with the law consistently. Another challenge is responsible gaming requirements, especially concerning younger audiences who may be turning to other forms of entertainment. The onboarding process for iGaming platforms is often cumbersome, which can deter new customers.
This is where Hub88 comes in. One simple and fast API ensures quick onboarding and rapid deployment of new features, enabling our partners to swiftly adapt to market changes and customer preferences. There are also increasing concerns about fraud, particularly with the use of cryptocurrencies and other digital payment methods.
While these options make transactions easier, they also open the door to potential issues, forcing platforms to implement stricter financial controls that may not be appealing to users.
The HubMarket soothes any anxiety for Hubb88 partners with easy access to the likes of premium payment tools such as Pay.io which combines multiple onramps and a huge array of secure crypto payment methods seamlessly. And their wide range of onramps are constantly updated, designed to simplify our customers’ needs.
How are operators in the iGaming sector managing these challenges?
Operators have primarily relied on technology to navigate many of these issues. Advanced data analytics, AI-driven solutions, and secure payment systems are all being leveraged to improve compliance, enhance user experiences and prevent fraud. Hub88 goes beyond this to provide a range of services designed to enhance operator performance and player engagement in all markets.
HubMarket provides access to sports feeds covering top events through TradeArt, high-quality content placement on strategic sites to boost traffic and brand awareness via Motherlink, and generative AI for rapid content production, including regulatory materials, through Narrativa. These services ensure that operators can find precisely what they need to succeed.
However, not all challenges can be solved by technology alone. Careful market strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term viability of both Hub88 as an aggregator and the health of our partners. By targeting new markets and jurisdictions, Hub88 has been able to attract new operators who trade specifically in these regions.
From holding the only licence to trade Live Casino content in Argentina, to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism permitting Hub88 to provide its aggregation platform to the country’s locally-licensed operators, it’s demonstrative of the firm’s commitment to growing in Latin America and providing world class entertainment to players all over the continent. Is it possible for the iGaming industry to grow without these challenges? Growth without challenges is rare in any industry.
In fact, challenges often serve as catalysts for growth by pushing operators to innovate and adapt. The iGaming industry has a history of turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. To reach and exceed its potential, the sector needs to continue addressing each challenge directly, using them as opportunities to develop new solutions and achieve greater success.
Could you elaborate on some specific challenges that are currently limiting growth in the iGaming sector?
Market competition is another significant challenge. As the iGaming sector grows, more players enter the market, leading to a crowded and competitive landscape that makes it harder for individual operators to differentiate themselves. Hub88’s content is limitlessly customisable to meet the specific needs of each operator, allowing for unique setups and personalised experiences.
The slots selection available includes games from top-tier providers, such as Relax, Caleta, Kalamba and more, who are well known for their imaginative themes and lucrative bonus features. This combination ensures that operators can offer their players a rich and varied gaming experience. Beyond this, inconsistent regulations are a major hurdle.
The legality of gambling varies widely from one country to another, and even within countries, the rules can be ambiguous or frequently changing. This uncertainty makes it hard for operators to plan for the long term and often requires them to constantly adjust their operations. Hub88’s possession of licences in a range of key markets allow us to remain first in line and relevant in newly emerging markets and provide full support and assurance of compliance in markets they’re new to.
What steps can the iGaming industry take to overcome these challenges and continue growing?
Operators need to invest in innovative technologies that help them stay ahead of these challenges. This includes improving security measures, enhancing customer experience through personalisation, and finding new ways to comply with regulations while maintaining flexibility.
Building strong partnerships and engaging with regulators, stakeholders, and the community can also help navigate complex legal landscapes. By committing to innovation and adaptability, the iGaming sector can continue to grow and leverage its many potentials.
In conclusion, what would you say about the future of the iGaming industry?
The iGaming industry holds tremendous potential. Despite the challenges, the results achieved over the past decade should inspire operators to commit even more strongly to overcoming these obstacles. With continuous investment in innovation and a strategic approach to problem solving, the sector can look forward to sustained growth and success.
