Global igaming software provider SOFTSWISS is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in an ‘impactful journey within the igaming industry’. We spoke with Ivan Montik, the founder of SOFTSWISS, along with the company’s C-level managers, to share their insights, concerns, and predictions for the future development of the industry.
Regulatory Trends
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, began the discussion, saying: “A concerning trend is the increasing number of countries implementing restrictive regulations that hinder business rather than provide effective oversight. However, these challenges also create new opportunities.”
Andrey Starovoitov, Co-CEO at SOFTSWISS, developing the idea of regulatory impact, added: “The key trend is the expansion of regulation and the increasing number of markets it covers. Countries like Brazil are developing clear legislation, making it easier for international players to enter. We also see an evolution in regulations for established markets. Some regions have liberal regulations with standard requirements, while others have strict rules and severe penalties. Over time, strict markets like Germany may relax their rules.
Currently, there isn’t a unified approach to regulation, except for the high cost of licences, which is prohibitive for smaller players in the COM segment. The future of the gambling market will depend on the balance between regulated (white) and unregulated (grey) markets. Many jurisdictions with early regulations, such as the UK, Sweden, and Spain, have created challenging conditions, forcing players to move to the COM segment. This balance will influence the market’s maturity and the industry’s future, affecting ROI, marketing, innovation, M&A deals, and more.”
At the same time Max Trafimovich, Chief Commercial Officer at SOFTSWISS, is convinced that tech companies with profound expertise can make a positive contribution to the development of legislation. He stated: “We have extensive experience that we are ready to share. It would be beneficial if lawmakers drafting legislation included both player associations representing responsible gambling and major industry stakeholders, such as operators, and technology companies. Ignoring the insights of industry experts could result in impractical laws, pushing players to choose unregulated websites.”
Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, added: “We expect to see more consolidation, responsible gambling practices, and a greater focus on players’ welfare. Additionally, we anticipate improvements in the legal field, the development of country-specific licensing, and a stagnation in the issuance of international licences in the near future.”
Marketing and technology anticipations
Valentina Bagniya continued her insights: “The most important aspect is that the industry is maturing, with slower growth rates and more competition. Strategic and long-term planning, marketing promotion, and building strong brands are becoming essential.
SOFTSWISS, as a technology expert in igaming, helps its partners and clients enhance their competitiveness through effective products, unique engagement tools, and technologies that promote player safety.
Leveraging its long-standing expertise in igaming, SOFTSWISS provides unparalleled insights into the industry. We serve as a knowledge hub, where clients can acquire essential competencies and count on our steadfast reliability.”
Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS confirmed that the company consistently sets high industry standards. He shared: “Technological endurance, development, and the quality of service provided to operators are crucial for the industry’s success. Our flagship product, the Game Aggregator, exemplifies this. Its success is built on these pillars: continuous technological innovation and high-quality service. By constantly enhancing features and introducing innovations, we set a high standard for the industry, and our excellent service sets the tone for the entire market.”
The significant impact of technology was also echoed by Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS. She said: “Technological advancements significantly influence the development of the igaming industry and are dynamically integrated into it. A prime example is the introduction of AI in synergy with Big Data Analysis and its application to one of the key aspects: personalising the player’s experience through detailed preference analysis.
“New directions in gamification are emerging, opening innovative ways to communicate with players, which is a top priority. We are also witnessing an increasing penetration of gaming elements into gambling, which certainly affects the audience, as does the growth of crypto gambling.”
SOFTSWISS input
In summary, Ivan Montik shared his vision of the SOFTSWISS role in advancing the industry: “SOFTSWISS has been a catalyst for innovation, injecting fresh perspectives and a strong emphasis on stable technical solutions into the igaming industry. Despite not being the first to enter the market, our exceptional service and technical expertise have enabled us to become a leading influence, driving positive change. We’ve introduced healthy competition and earned significant respect across the industry.
We are dedicated to making the industry more transparent, honest, and responsible. Our mission is to transform gambling into a trustworthy and enjoyable form of entertainment.”
