EvenBet Gaming, a provider of online poker software, has seen significant growth in Latin America over the past year, thanks to a range of new products tailored for the region. Roman Bogoduhov, who took on the role of Head of Account Management late last year, discussed the company's strategies for future growth amid evolving market conditions.
Bogoduhov identified Colombia as the most enticing market in Latin America, citing its minimal legislative barriers and a clear licensing process. He mentioned Argentina as a second contender, noting its vast market and demand for igaming, but emphasized the challenges due to the country’s 24 jurisdictions, each with different regulations. Mexico, although attractive, restricts online gaming to existing land-based operators.
The perception of online poker in Latin America has shifted dramatically in recent years. Countries that permit local or offshore poker operations are seeing the game move away from its illegitimate associations into a recognized form of entertainment. This transformation is evident in Colombia and Chile, where interest is rising, especially among sports betting operators, who see value in the crossover of audiences. To capitalize on this trend, EvenBet has enhanced its Side-Bet feature, allowing users to place sports bets directly within the poker room. The company has also pre-integrated sportsbooks from two partners, enabling operators to offer an expansive range of sports alongside poker.
Looking ahead, Bogoduhov views Brazil as a market with enormous potential. He noted the slow steps toward online gaming regulation as the 2022 World Cup approaches, though proposed changes mainly focus on sports betting and lotteries. However, he expressed optimism that as the government recognizes the fiscal benefits of regulating igaming, the laws will likely broaden to embrace online casinos and poker, especially given poker's synergy with sports betting.
When assessing opportunities in Latin America, EvenBet considers several key questions. These include the regulatory status of online poker in specific countries, like Colombia, or whether offshore poker is permitted as in Chile. The existing poker culture is also crucial, particularly in Argentina where there's a strong passion for the game. These considerations help the company guide operators on whether to proceed with launching services in various markets. EvenBet is also exploring ways to assist clients in understanding regulatory hurdles and identifying promising partnerships.
In a competitive landscape, Bogoduhov highlighted what sets EvenBet apart. As one of the pioneering poker providers in Latin America, the company has tailored its offerings to meet the distinct needs of local operators and players. This includes localized software, dedicated Spanish-speaking support, and active participation in gaming events across the region. EvenBet delivers a high-quality poker platform, akin to those in more developed markets like Europe and the US, ensuring it’s safe and equipped with necessary anti-fraud and compliance measures. Emphasizing the importance of trust, particularly in Latin America, the company is committed to enhancing KYC and fraud prevention solutions for local operators.
If given the opportunity, Bogoduhov expressed a desire to accelerate the shift from unregulated to regulated online gambling markets. He believes this would protect players from scams and enhance tax revenues for the economies of these countries. He argues that allowing online gaming to flourish legally would improve the industry's reputation and facilitate smoother operations for companies working within the law.
For the future, Bogoduhov sees a growing demand for mobile-first and mobile-only multi-gaming platforms in Latin America. He pointed out that EvenBet's mobile poker solution allows for the integration of numerous casino and table games, live gaming, and traditional sports betting, catering to the diverse interests of regional audiences.
