In the competitive landscape of sports betting and casino operations, the speed of market entry is crucial for success. With global online gaming expected to grow 11% by 2026, the pressure on operators to move quickly has intensified. However, as businesses rush to launch, the risk of compromising reliability and user experience has increased. Eugene Ocheredko, head of integrations at DATA.BET, emphasizes that while a fast launch is advantageous, it should not come at the expense of careful planning and skilled execution. He warns of the pitfalls of prioritizing speed above all else: "If every decision is driven by speed, other parts of the launch can suffer. For example, the sportsbook integration might be ready, but another component, like the payment provider, might not be fully tested, leading to complications."
Achieving a balance between quick integration and maintaining quality is possible, according to Ocheredko. DATA.BET offers Single Page Application (iFrame) integration within one to two weeks, while API integrations, which include odds feeds and risk management features, typically take around one month. The integration speed varies based on client needs, whether they are small operators looking to integrate sports betting or larger platforms aiming to enhance their content offerings.
For smaller operators, fast integration is beneficial but does not guarantee a rapid launch, as they face other challenges before going live. In contrast, larger operators, who may already have a significant user base, find quick integration to be critical to prevent revenue loss during delays.
So far this year, DATA.BET has carried out over 15 integrations, many completed before the FIFA World Cup. They have worked with both small and large firms, including Altenar, a key player in the industry. Ocheredko highlights that successful rapid launches hinge on trust and collaboration. He notes that unlike other suppliers who might simply provide documentation and leave clients to figure things out, DATA.BET maintains a hands-on approach throughout the integration process.
"One of the biggest mistakes is having the integration led by someone who isn't technical or doesn’t fully grasp the business," Ocheredko cautions, stressing the importance of having a technical point of contact who can address issues and suggest effective solutions. Ocheredko meets potential clients at industry events like iGB L!VE to better understand their challenges and objectives before formalizing agreements. This groundwork leads to smoother integrations, facilitated by dedicated communication channels such as Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Continuous testing is a non-negotiable aspect of quick integrations. DATA.BET conducts rigorous quality assurance checks, allowing clients to validate their integrations while also running automated tests. Ocheredko explains, “We don’t allow a client to go live until our QA engineer has completed the full end-to-end testing process.” This process has become increasingly automated, significantly reducing the time required from days to mere seconds.
The integration timelines are expected to be further shortened, potentially down to two weeks for API integrations. Ocheredko states that improving integration processes is essential for maintaining high levels of support while managing multiple simultaneous integrations. As the team’s capacity is limited, efficiency is key.
Post-launch, DATA.BET focuses on providing continuous support, with average customer issue response times of just 105 seconds and resolution times of approximately two hours and 16 minutes. Ocheredko emphasizes the importance of maintaining close contact with clients after their launches, whether to clarify details, request features, or address new problems. This ongoing communication fosters trust, an essential element in the online gaming industry.
Finally, Ocheredko warns that providers making grand claims about integration should be viewed skeptically unless they can provide undeniable evidence of their capabilities. Trust and reputation remain foundational in this market: "The more successful integrations you deliver, the easier it becomes to win new clients."
