In the competitive landscape of sports betting and casino operations, speed to market has emerged as a crucial advantage for companies looking to thrive in the rapidly evolving online gaming industry. With an anticipated global growth rate of 11% in 2026, the demand for agility from gaming enterprises is greater than ever.
However, the rush to launch can often lead operators to compromise on quality, affecting reliability and overall user experience. Eugene Ocheredko, the head of integrations at DATA.BET, emphasizes that rapid deployment comes with risks. "A fast launch is valuable, but if you’re trying to launch quickly and rushing every stage of the process without a strong plan and a highly skilled team, the risk of mistakes inevitably increases," he explains.
Ocheredko warns against prioritizing speed above all else. "If every decision is driven by speed, other parts of the launch can suffer. For instance, the sportsbook integration might be complete, but if the payment provider hasn’t been thoroughly tested, problems arise."
Striking a balance is key, according to Ocheredko, who asserts that it’s possible to achieve quick integration without sacrificing quality. DATA.BET’s integration process allows for iFrame integration in one to two weeks, while API integrations, which cover odds feeds and risk management, typically take around a month. Their clientele includes sportsbooks seeking full integrations or standalone products, as well as casino operators looking to introduce sports betting.
"For smaller operators, fast integration is certainly valuable, yet they often face numerous challenges before their launch," Ocheredko states. In contrast, larger operators with established audiences find the speed of integration to be vital, as delays can significantly impact revenue generation.
So far this year, DATA.BET has successfully completed over 15 integrations, many of which occurred just before the FIFA World Cup. This success showcases the company’s ability to work with both small and large operators, including prominent iGaming providers like Altenar.
According to Ocheredko, successful quick launches hinge on trust and collaboration. He points out, "Some suppliers adopt a ‘fire and forget’ model, leaving operators to decipher documentation on their own, which can prolong the timeline. Our approach is different, as we foster collaboration from the outset."
Building these relationships often starts at industry events. Ocheredko believes that existing personal connections ease integration efforts. “I’m involved in the pre-sales process to ensure that the individual overseeing the integration is aware of the client’s challenges, their upcoming goals, and what they aim to achieve."
Once an agreement is made, a dedicated communication channel is established, often through Slack or Microsoft Teams, ensuring effective communication throughout the integration phase.
Ocheredko insists on having a dedicated technical expert as a single point of contact for integration. This individual must possess a strong understanding of both technology and the client's business. “A significant mistake is assigning the integration to someone lacking technical expertise or comprehension of the business,” he cautions. “Sometimes clients request features without understanding the core reason behind their needs.”
When guidance is sought, DATA.BET evaluates the request, often recognizing existing solutions that do not require new constructions. Innovation arises not just in response to market needs but in forecasting them. Ocheredko cites their widget development, which evolved from a specific client request into a popular offering after a broader market gap was identified.
The company has also pioneered solutions such as the Pitch Tracker, a 2D map visualizing player movement for esports betting.
For integrations, DATA.BET provides extensive documentation and clear instructions. For iFrame integrations, a customizable Figma file is available, although many clients choose to make post-launch adjustments. Ocheredko notes that clients might initially launch with a limited sports selection and gradually expand.
“Flexibility is integral throughout the integration process. If clients are pressed for time, we can handle design choices for them,” he adds.
Crucially, rigorous testing is a must before a client goes live. Ocheredko explains that while clients can validate their integrations, DATA.BET’s quality assurance team conducts thorough tests, ensuring no launch occurs until all checks are completed. This testing process has increasingly become automated, reducing what was once an all-day task to mere seconds.
“Today, integration testing is fully automated, with critical components being validated rapidly, which allows us to complete all necessary checks in hours rather than days or weeks,” he details.
The integration process benefits significantly from AI, as Ocheredko points out that skilled engineers using AI tools can dramatically enhance productivity. AI also assists in monitoring progress and tracking key performance indicators.
Ocheredko anticipates ongoing improvements that could further reduce API integration timelines to about two weeks. Efficient processes are essential for DATA.BET, which often handles multiple integrations simultaneously. He acknowledges the challenges inherent in expanding the team, as significant recruitment can take months to yield effective contributors.
In the online gaming industry, successful integration is just the start. DATA.BET places a strong emphasis on post-integration support, boasting an average customer issue response time of 105 seconds, with resolution taking around two hours and 16 minutes. Ocheredko states, “Once a client is live, the operational phase begins, which is equally important. We maintain close contact to address any queries or feature requests, ensuring open lines of communication.”
This ongoing support helps build trust between DATA.BET and its clients. Given the reliance on reputation in the gaming industry, Ocheredko advises taking claims of seamless integrations with caution. "This industry is based on trust. The more successful integrations you carry out, the easier it is to attract new clients," he concludes.
