In the competitive landscape of sports betting and online gaming, rapid market entry has emerged as a critical advantage. The global online gaming sector is projected to grow by 11% in 2026, compelling operators to be agile in their operations.
Speed is essential, but as many operators rush to launch, they risk sacrificing reliability and user experience. Eugene Ocheredko, head of integrations at DATA.BET, emphasizes that a swift launch without a comprehensive plan and skilled team can lead to mistakes. "A fast launch is valuable, but if you’re trying to launch quickly, rushing every stage of the process… the risk of mistakes inevitably increases," he states. He cautions that prioritizing speed over quality can result in critical components, such as payment processing, being inadequately tested, leading to issues down the line.
Ocheredko underscores that it is indeed possible to achieve a balance between rapid integration and quality assurance. DATA.BET offers Single Page Application (iFrame) integration within one to two weeks, while API integrations, including essential features like odds feeds and risk management, typically require about a month. Their clients range from sportsbooks seeking iFrame solutions to casino operators wanting to incorporate sports betting, as well as large platforms wishing to expand their content offerings.
"For smaller operators, fast integration is definitely valuable, but they have many other considerations before going live," Ocheredko explains. He notes that for larger operators with established traffic, quick integration is vital, as delays can lead to lost revenue.
In 2023, DATA.BET has achieved over 15 integrations, many completed ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Their impressive clientele includes both small and large operators and notable names in the gaming industry such as Altenar, with whom they have built a lasting relationship. Ocheredko asserts that trust and collaboration are key to successful rapid launches.
He critiques the common "fire and forget" approach some suppliers take, where operators are merely handed the documentation and left to figure out the rest, noting that successful integration relies heavily on effective communication and collaboration. Before formal agreements, he emphasizes meeting potential clients at industry events to better understand their challenges and objectives.
When a partnership is established, DATA.BET provides clear communication channels, typically through platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for ongoing interaction during the integration process. A technical expert is assigned as a point of contact, responsible for understanding the technology, diagnosing issues, and recommending practical solutions rather than simply fulfilling client requests at face value.
Ocheredko highlights that one common pitfall is having integrations led by individuals lacking technical expertise. Recognizing clients’ real needs often prevents unnecessary new developments, as existing solutions may already meet their requirements. He points out that innovation should focus on anticipating market needs, citing the introduction of the Pitch Tracker by DATA.BET as an example of addressing a broader market gap.
During integration, comprehensive documentation and step-by-step instructions are provided. For iFrame clients, a design file allows customization, yet Ocheredko notes that many clients later choose to modify their initial designs as they expand their sports offerings.
Rigorous testing is essential before going live. DATA.BET conducts thorough quality assurance (QA) checks to ensure that integrations function smoothly. Ocheredko insists that no client is allowed to launch without a completed end-to-end testing process. Automation has drastically reduced testing times, enabling the QA team to perform what once took a full day in approximately 20 seconds.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence tools into workflows has empowered engineers and managers to enhance productivity and monitor team progress more efficiently. Ocheredko foresees further improvements that could reduce API integration timelines to about two weeks.
As DATA.BET manages multiple integrations simultaneously, the efficiency of their processes is crucial for maintaining high support levels. Ocheredko notes that growing the team isn’t a quick fix, as effective onboarding takes substantial time.
He also comments on how an excessively large team may complicate communication and quality control, arguing that a smaller, cohesive unit can handle every project effectively. The firm reviews all ongoing integrations in daily meetings to ensure everyone stays aligned on expectations, testing timelines, and client needs.
However, successful integration is just the starting point. DATA.BET prioritizes post-launch support, with an average client issue response time of only 105 seconds and resolution time of 2 hours and 16 minutes. Ocheredko emphasizes the importance of maintaining close contact with clients after going live, offering continuous support for inquiries, feature requests, or problem-solving.
"This ongoing communication is central to our strategy, along with providing unique, personalized offerings," he says. Trust is vital in the online gaming space, and Ocheredko warns that bold integration claims without proof should be met with skepticism. "This industry runs on trust and reputation. Meeting integration goals consistently makes attracting new clients much more feasible," he adds.
