Evolving technologies and the relevant regulatory frameworks could play a critical role in driving Europe’s online gaming ecosystem to the next level, identified Ihor Zarechnyi, Head of Sales at Evoplay, in conversation with CasinoBeats.
Following a strategic period of expansion being enjoyed through 2023, accelerated via a slew of commercial tie-ups spanning numerous jurisdictions, Zarechnyi began by focusing on the future.
More specifically, he identified a range of challenges in navigating the continent’s burgeoning digital gaming space, and, perhaps most crucially, how these could potentially be overcome.
“Navigating Europe’s online gaming landscape involves challenges influenced by evolving technologies and regulatory frameworks,” he explained.
“Clarity and business-oriented legislative norms are crucial in this dynamic environment. It applies equally to the crypto-asset market and the integration of technologies like AI.
“Yet, with the positive shift in EU crypto regulation, the hope is it will bring beneficial changes to operators’ activities.
“Addressing AI regulation is crucial in recognising its potential to streamline igaming realm development. Despite the benefits, implementing AI comes with inherent risks, requiring special attention.
“A nuanced regulatory approach is essential for overcoming challenges and fostering a dynamic, compliant igaming environment in the European market.”
Amid an increasingly global outlook being embraced by many across the industry, Europe firmly remains a hotbed of activity. One that is brimming with untapped potential for the content supplier.
Upon being quizzed on Evoplay’s stance regarding its worldwide growth potential, and its key areas of focus, those issues alluded to above once again came to the fore.
In addition to highlighting the “paramount importance of technological advancements”, Zarechnyi specifically cited blockchain, AI, and Web3 as “cutting edge innovations” that could be “central to elevating the content quality and providing users with unparalleled gaming experiences”.
“At Evoplay, we actively embrace the ongoing global transformation with a forward-thinking stance, strategically expanding into new markets and cultivating impactful partnerships to revolutionise the igaming industry continually,” he continued.
“Simultaneously, diversifying our game portfolio is pivotal. Introducing our 2024 flagship game, which is themed around racing, showcases our commitment to addressing untapped themes and catering to diverse audience preferences.”
Despite acknowledging that Europe “remains a pivotal top-tier region in our strategy”, Portugal and Italy are pinpointed as standing out as significant gaming hubs within the region.
“Our focus amplifies in Portugal, leveraging success with Solverde.pt and forging impactful partnerships. With one-third of the market’s operators covered, Italy witnesses our unwavering expansion commitment. The untapped potential of the Balkan Peninsula also captures our strategic attention,” Zarechnyi noted.
“Recent advancements in Portugal’s gaming regulations, especially in crash games, pave the way for Evoplay’s growth. Undoubtedly, our innovative crash games, such as Goblin Run and Long Ball, promise to captivate the local audience.
“In Italy, 2024 promises a triumph with the launch of our technological flagship – a masterpiece seamlessly integrating advanced technology with a cherished theme for Italian enthusiasts: street racing.
“Adding to the thrill, this game is skill-based, offering igamers a unique influence on the gaming process – a novel experience in the online gambling realm.”
He continued: “The European audience, known for classical preferences, resonates with our portfolio featuring traditional and innovative mechanics, especially those adding to gamification, like Bonus Buy.
“In navigating this strategic landscape, our steadfast commitment to meeting audience expectations, exemplified through our high-quality games, defines our triumph in the European market, ensuring a dynamic and enduring presence.”
Looking ahead, Evoplay, unsurprisingly, asserts that its ongoing ambition most certainly involves “consolidating and expanding our foothold across Europe”.
This, it was said, will be achieved through a mixture of “robust relationship-building and fortified market positioning”, which will be complemented by the studio’s upcoming flagship title release.
CEO Ivan Kravchuk previously told CasinoBeats that this street racing themed release, which will incorporate elements of skill, integrates classic gaming techniques and innovative elements, and is poised to represent “a pioneering stride in the industry”.
Building on this, Zarechnyi stated: “Our upcoming flagship title, slated for release this year, epitomises industry excellence, boasting refined technologies, top-notch design, and skill-based gameplay for heightened engagement. Unveiling unprecedented innovation, we anticipate its resounding player uptake.”
To conclude proceedings, a more global view was adopted in assessing where Evoplay could potentially spread its wings outside of European borders.
“Beyond Europe, we strategically target promising markets, notably Latin America, focusing on Brazil, and we are also exploring North America with a keen emphasis on Canada,” he said.
“Initial successes fuel our optimism, and we envision our games making a substantial impact in these regions shortly, aligning with our broader global business objectives.”
