Across the sports betting and casino sectors, urgency in reaching the market has emerged as a significant competitive edge. As the online gaming industry anticipates a global growth rate of 11% by 2026, enterprises must adapt quickly to capitalize on these opportunities.
However, in their quest for rapid launches, many operators have encountered challenges, often experiencing a decline in reliability and user experience due to the corners they cut. Eugene Ocheredko, head of integrations at sportsbook supplier DATA.BET, emphasizes the importance of a sound plan and skilled team in avoiding mistakes during urgent launches. "A fast launch is valuable, but if you’re trying to launch quickly without thorough planning, the risk of errors increases," he explains.
Achieving a balance between speed and quality is possible, according to Ocheredko. DATA.BET promotes a rapid integration process, offering Single Page Application (iFrame) integration in one to two weeks, and API integrations, which include odds feeds and risk management, in around one month. The integration speed varies based on client needs, encompassing small sportsbooks looking for individual products to large providers seeking to expand their offerings.
For smaller operators, fast integration is beneficial, but it is not the only factor influencing their launch. Ocheredko notes that larger operators with significant traffic benefit more from an expedited process, as any delays can translate to lost revenue.
This year, DATA.BET has achieved over 15 integrations, many completed in time for the FIFA World Cup. Their collaborations range from small startups to major industry players, including established sportsbook providers like Altenar. Trust and collaboration are key to successful quick launches, according to Ocheredko, who highlights how some suppliers adopt a "fire and forget" methodology, leaving operators to navigate documentation alone. DATA.BET’s distinctive approach prioritizes collaboration and understanding client needs.
Before contracts are formalized, DATA.BET builds rapport with potential clients at industry events like iGB L!VE, which fosters smoother interactions. Once an agreement is in place, a dedicated channel—typically on Slack or Microsoft Teams—is established for ongoing communication. Ocheredko stresses the importance of having a single contact person who can offer technical expertise, ensuring that integration leadership has both the understanding of technology and the client’s business context.
In response to client requests, DATA.BET focuses on identifying underlying needs rather than simply executing specified features. Ocheredko shares that by anticipating the market’s needs, their offerings—included widgets originally designed for a specific client—have become popular products. They also recently pioneered their Pitch Tracker, a tool that visualizes esports player activity on a 2D map.
Support also extends to thorough documentation and instructions for integration processes. For iFrames, DATA.BET provides Figma files allowing clients to customize their designs. Adjustments post-launch are common, as many clients start with a subset of sports and expand later.
Testing is a vital part of the integration process, with continuous meetings held with client teams. DATA.BET’s quality assurance group enforces strict testing protocols to ensure reliability before going live. Ocheredko notes that what used to take an entire day of testing can now be completed in about 20 seconds through automation, making it possible to meet tight deadlines.
The utilization of AI is enhancing their workflow efficiency, significantly boosting productivity. As Ocheredko explains, a skilled engineer using AI tools can amplify their output five to tenfold. Continuous process improvements aim to shorten the API integration timeline even further, potentially to just two weeks.
Ocheredko reflects on the balance in team size and effectiveness; too many members under a single manager can dilute communication and service quality. Maintaining an agile, effective team structure allows for close monitoring of ongoing integrations, ensuring that every client’s needs are effectively addressed.
Post-integration, DATA.BET offers robust support. Their average response time for customer issues is only 105 seconds, with resolutions occurring in two hours and 16 minutes. This dedication to communication highlights the importance of the operational phase after a client goes live. Open channels help address any queries or requests promptly.
Ocheredko concludes that while integrations mark a significant milestone, the ongoing relationship and mutual trust that follow are crucial in the online gaming sector. Providers making bold claims should provide evidence of their capabilities, as trust and reputation drive client acquisition. "This industry is built on trust and reputation. The more successful integrations you deliver, the easier it becomes to win new clients," he states.
