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Interview with Peter Gal
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Peter Gal is a co-founder of Betherium, the fast-growing block-chain-based social betting platform. Here he talks about his career, how the idea of Betherium was born and how block-chain technology is going to change the betting industry.
You might be pleasantly surprised to hear that his passion for football has indirectly led to the creation of a path-breaking technological platform. In this interview, he clearly outlines Betherium’s objectives and vision. He also explains in detail what makes Betherium special by being “provably fair”.
I’d first like to ask you to begin with a few words about yourself. It’s always nice to hear top-class professionals say a few words about themselves for our audience.
Peter: I have 16 years’ experience leading strategic initiatives in Telco, IT, and banking. I was responsible for some of the most successful product launches in the CEE region, in the areas of big data, cloud computing, IoT, and e-commerce. My biggest passion is to combine technology with business strategy, to deliver something which is truly innovative and serves a real purpose.
You started your career as a teacher for a brief while. Then you moved to marketing, telecom, banking and life insurance. Now you are heading a block-chain-based social-media betting platform. Tell us more about the job shift. How easy was your navigation from the traditional industries to a relatively new industry?
Peter: I worked as a teacher during my alternative military service. It was a really great experience, which gave me some valuable insights for example in how to coach a team for success. Further in my career, I was always responsible for delivering new products and solutions to customers. I tackled every business challenge by focusing on delivering innovation and tangible business results to each company I worked for. I had the opportunity to cooperate with a number of startups and being deeply involved in their community. The latter truly inspired me, along with the potential a project like Bethereum offers, to start my own business.
How did the idea of Bethereum – a block-chain-based social betting platform – happened. Is there any interesting background story?Tell us more about the name “Betherium”.
Peter: The idea originated over one year ago. I am a passionate football fan and occasionally placed some bets online or with local betting agencies. From my own experience, I was not convinced that conventional betting offered the intuitiveness, security and user-friendliness that bettors deserved. So I involved a development team and started to design their our application. The head of the development team soon became one of Bethereum’s co-founders. Along the way, we realized that blockchain and especially Smart Contracts offered the perfect solution to execute our vision, and Bethereum was born. The name Bethereum is simply a combination of the words “Bet” and “Ethereum,” which is the infrastructure on which we’re building our social betting application, platform, and betting protocol.
How is the response from people towards Bethereum? Could you offer some recent stats on user engagement?
Peter: We are only as good as our community. A project like Bethereum, which aims at putting betting in the hands of MILLIONS, needs a team that can create strong social engagement. And our growing community is proof that we can do just that. We have over 55 thousand Telegram members, 20 thousand twitter and 18 thousand Facebook followers. We achieved all that organically, through innovative bounty systems, events, and competitive games. Most of this base is regularly active and we feel lucky to be part of such an amazing community. We now have a number of fan bases in different countries, who became true ambassadors of the Bethereum project.
There are several companies focusing on block-chain-based social-bettingplatform. There are there are likely to be many more, once the popularity grows. What makes Bethereum really stand out? And how do you rate the chances of the big traditional betting companies entering into the competition?
Peter: First of all, we already have a prototype: many other projects are just about an idea. As per other differentiators, we worked hard to carve a unique position within the space. Most other blockchain-based betting solutions are focusing on developing something which is already available in a conventional form, but leveraging blockchain technology to provide this “something” as a safer, more transparent, and cheaper solution (no middleman). Some focus on football or sports, some on eSports, others on fantasy sports, for example. This is all perfectly valid…but difficult to differentiate and in case of anything but sports, restrictive in terms of potential market size.
Other operators are focusing on developing a betting currency, which will then be used by “everybody else” in the betting industry. This is their main focus and while they are interested in developing some own platform, most of the effort is placed ongrowing the adoption of their digital token.
We think both directions are too restrictive. Just making something which is already available off the blockchain more secure and transparent is a great and necessary improvement, but not enough to give a betting operator an edge. Having a vision of establishing a widely adopted betting currency is certainly alluring but hard to execute if there are no powerful drivers driving such adoptions.
We aim at delivering the most intuitive and innovative betting application in the market, supporting content ranging from sport betting to eSports, fantasy, and even third-party games (e.g., casino). And to combine it with powerful gamification elements, so to deliver players with a truly rewarding experience. But we’re not limiting ourselves to a “fancy” sportsbook on the blockchain. Our vision is to develop a broad B2C and B2B ecosystem and to establish our Bether token as a global betting standard. For this reason, we are creating a platform catering to the needs of a broad consumer and business base: casual bettors, high rollers, white-label customers, conventional betting operators, third-party game providers, and marketing affiliates – all fueled by our ERC20 Bether token and running on our BetherNet betting protocol.
This strategy is not only providing us with more revenue streams and lowering risk via diversification: it is also boosting the potential for widespread token adoption. And giving us a competitive edge which is difficult to replicate.
As for the blockchain market entrance by traditional betting operators, in general it may be a difficult cultural leap for an operator whose core mentality has always revolved around a centralised, confidential solution to move onto a completely different decentralised paradigm offering full transparency. We expect that at first conventional operators may start by accepting cryptocurrencies. If they eventually decide to enter the blockchain space it may be more likely to happen in the form of partnerships with new blockchain-based players. Our B2B proposition for conventional betting operators is designed around this very belief and business opportunity.
Now let’s talk about legislation. Previously, the betting industry had to – and still has to – deal with legislation regarding betting and gambling. Now you have added block chain, which has its own problems with legislation across countries. Don’t you think you are further adding to the legal burden, when you embed betting on block chain?
Peter: Bethereum combines betting and cryptomarkets, in a peer-to-peer platform where the relationship is established directly among bettors. Broadly speaking, this gives us an advantage in licensing requirements vis-a-vis conventional centralised operators. As the regulatory environment changes rapidly (an example is the recent US Supreme Court ruling which could lead to sports betting legalisation in many US states), we’ll deep dive into individual markets when we’re closer to the platform release. However, as a general standpoint we can say that there exist a number of markets that can be served with one common license or even without a license, some that may require an individual license for the territory, and others where betting is illegal and we will not be able to operate (for example China, and that is one of the reasons why we exclude China from the token sale).
We have already looked into the cost and obtainability of betting licenses for our particular type of operation. In most cases we will obtain them directly. In the most difficult cases we will look for partnerships with operators which are licensed for the relevant territory. We have an experienced legal team advising us on this matter and we’ll always look for the best solution in terms of cost, compliance, and time.
Finally, one last question – more out of curiosity. Your website claims Bethereum is “provably fair”. Could you elaborate a bit more on practical terms what exactly you mean by “provably fair”?
Peter: The online betting industry is plagued by a number of key challenges. In a nutshell, over time the House always wins. Among other considerations, odds are vastly in favour of the bookmaker, payouts are not always honoured, and regular winners are restricted or banned. There is a lack of transparency and security, high fees and low returns, and low social involvement. These factors alienate asignificant number of potential bettors from taking part in such systems.
In Bethereum players bet with other players, not against a bookmaker, and all bets have a winner. With us, the House doesn’t win because there is no House. Players set the odds and all transactions are visible on the blockchain.
Each bet is handled by a Smart Contract. The Smart Contract records the conditions for the bet, keeps the fund in escrow, verifies the bet outcome via the use of Oracles, and automatically pays out the winnings. All this without any human intervention or possibility for manipulation. Furthermore, we will always welcome winners and run the platform with the utmost integrity. So in this way, Bethereum is a provably fair solution.
Source: European Gaming Media and Events
The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.
A Closer Look at Emerging Trends
- Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.
- Richer Personalization and Engagement
Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.
- Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion
The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.
- Enhanced Payment Solutions
With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.
Future Implications
The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain
AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.
Shifting Player Preferences
Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.
Regulatory Developments
The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.
Integrating Emerging Technologies
Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.
Final Thoughts
The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.
At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.
The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.
Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”
Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.
According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.
There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.
Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”
Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”
What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.
Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.
ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
More information: https://slotegrator.pro/
ABOUT TURBO GAMES
Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.
Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.
The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.
More information: https://turbogames.io/
Looking to take your career to the next level in the games industry? Then, Nordic Game Talents is the place to be! Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.
From Oct 27-29, the online and interactive event is dedicated to recruitment and career building in the creative & games industry within the Nordic region. The event empowers participants to be part of a bigger community and motivates them to explore new paths in achieving their career goals.
Hiring creative & games studios – Supercell, Funcom, Panzerdog, Tactile Games, Gamecan, Fingersoft, Dazzle Rocks, Redhill Games to name a few from the Nordic region will be participating in the event. These studios will share information on their latest projects, work culture and what it takes to be part of their team. The individual games associations from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia will share insights through live sessions on the booming games industry in their respective countries. Career development topics pertinent to job seekers like – How to have a successful first interview, Creative Portfolio reviews will also be discussed.
Experienced game industry professionals and individuals beginning their careers from around the world are welcome to join the event. One-to-one interviews with the hiring studios can be scheduled through the event platform. A great opportunity to get to know the studios and network with game professionals from around the world.
Participating in the event
As a job seeker attending Nordic Game Talents, take a few minutes to fill out a simple registration form. After filling the registration form you will receive a link to the online event platform – PINE, to join the event on 27th October. Participants joining Nordic Game Talents will also receive a free-of-charge pass to the Nordic Game Conference.
To view the complete agenda, please click here and to learn more about the event please visit Games Job Fair
About Games Factory Talents
A Helsinki-based talent attraction agency dedicated to the games & creative industry. Our services include direct recruitment, organizing game job fairs and managing a community of game industry professionals through our GameDev Talent Board.
To learn more about Games Factory Talents visit – Games Factory Talents
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