In 2020, Skywind Group experienced constant growth, with more offices, new employees, 40 games launched, 150 new partnerships, awards and many more accomplishments. What is your assessment on the goals achieved over the last season, in the context of a global health crisis?
We are a global company and we have got an ‘aggressive’ strategy and targets to grow around the world. This 2021 will be even more demanding for all. Skywind Group looks for strong partners in regulated markets; we provide them with great and localized content, fantastic Bonus Tools like Must Win Jackpots, Bonus Coins and Tournaments, and we go hand in hand with our partners to have the best tools and slots on premium positions.
One of the verticals that have grown the most in recent times is Live Casino. What offer does your company have in this regard? What other products stand out from your portfolio?
It is interesting that you mention this as I think it has to do with the fact that land-based have been closed around the world, at least, for some months over the last 12 months. This has propelled the GGR on Live as players still want to play their favorites games from the safety of their homes. And it’s even more interesting, as we will launch our own Live Casino shortly. It’s imminent, and you are reading this announcement first here at G&M News.
What are the differences between the European and Latin American markets in terms of iGaming business? How to apply the European experience in sports betting with an approach adapted to the needs of LatAm operators?
I believe that the main difference is that the European markets have been regulated for years now and there are mature. Lately, European regulators have been imposing restrictions that, in some cases, push all time operators to exit a certain market, favoring the ‘black’ market operators. In the end, this affects players looking at those options. In LatAm, the regulated markets are only a handful number. In addition, they have followed a more ‘friendly’ approach (at least, for now). Also, the offer is much more a ‘passionate’ one, ‘tropicalized’ (as some call it), more exciting than the regular offer/promotions you would find in Europe. In terms of sports betting, the experience from the European operators can be transferred to LatAm in relation to markets and sports options, but realistically speaking, all sports, leagues, and odds types (American odds) must be applied. You cannot simple do a ‘copy/paste’ from your European site and pretend it will work in Latin America. Besides, the CRM/Promotions have to target the different countries.
What is your opinion on the current situation of iGaming in Colombia and Argentina? How do you see the possible regulation of online gambling and sports betting in Peru, Chile and Brazil?
In Colombia, I believe that the regulator and gaming association have done a great job at pre pandemic and during the pandemic. They have taken the Spanish model and adapted where needed. They have also been flexible in terms of ways to continue doing business during the lock-down and are highly active with operators’ feedback. Moreover, the Colombian tax is not prohibitive, which enables operators to do proper online business. In Argentina, the situation is still work in progress. It’s too soon to draw conclusions. I wouldn’t adventure myself to say anything, as I’m mostly waiting of seeing operators live in the City of Buenos Aires under LOTBA permissions, as they will represent the greater percentage of the country’s GGR. The case of Peru is quite interesting, as you can ‘opt-in’ for a license, but you can also still go via another license (not to promote any). Hopefully, they will enforce it at some point in the benefit of those going ‘white’ in Peru. Chile and Brazil are exciting territories. In my opinion, Chile is ‘different’ in LatAm considering that when they decide to do something, it doesn’t take long to happen, and the Player Lifetime Value is higher than in many of the surrounding countries. Brazil is Brazil, the largest country in LatAm by far and a ‘dormant beast’ in terms of potential GGR. It will be the biggest market in the region and one of the largest globally too, certainly.
What does it represent to you and to your company to be able to participate as a moderator in the next G&M News’ webinar, which will take place tomorrow?
The founders of G&M News are awesome, active, and eager to get feedback from their ‘experts’. They really have taken their business seriously and professionally. Their webinars are not the usual: ‘Oh, one more on the same topic!’ A few months ago, I have had the pleasure to moderate a G&M News’ webinar focused on sports betting at Central America and the Caribbean. I know that, personally, it is a great opportunity, but for the company too it’s a chance to raise our profile/awareness in the LatAm region.