What is the appeal of the Peruvian market, and are there any factors that make it stand out from others in LatAm?
Peru is an exciting market for Habanero, offering a stable and well-regulated space that is ideal for long-term growth. The country has a deep-rooted gambling culture, with players who are highly engaged in both land-based and online gaming. Peru has already established a solid regulatory framework that ensures fairness and security for both operators and suppliers. This creates a reliable and sought-after destination for expansion, offering a market full of potential.
Peruvian players love games that are immersive and packed with features, which is something that Habanero specialises in. With our track record in Latin America, especially in Colombia and Argentina, we know how important it is to tailor games to suit local tastes. By blending smart game mechanics with content that connects with players and supports eye-catching visuals, we are confident we can make a lasting impact in Peru and continue building our reputation in the region.
You also recently entered the Brazilian market. A lot of operators and suppliers are rushing to this market, which can make it seem quite crowded. What is Habanero’s strategy for staying above water in such a sea of competition?
Brazil has been one of the most talked-about markets in iGaming, but the rapid influx of operators and suppliers has made it increasingly competitive. Habanero is more than ready for the challenge and plans to stand out through a combination of localised content, strong operator partnerships and unique gamification features.
Having already made a name for ourselves in markets like Italy and Spain, we know that the key to success is creating games that connect local audiences. In Brazil, we have been fine-tuning our most popular titles like Hot Hot Fruit, Santa’s Village and Zeus Deluxe to match the preferences of Brazilian players better. At the same time, we are focusing on developing brand-new content inspired by the region, making sure our games feel fresh and familiar.
Expanding into a new market is no small feat; it requires a strategic approach that balances compliance with what players want
One of Habanero’s biggest strengths is our focus on player engagement. Features like Jackpot Race are expected to make an impact in Brazil, offering an interactive and community-driven experience. By working closely with operators, optimising titles for mobile play and delivering games that resonate with local players, we are confident we can carve out a strong presence in Brazil, even in such a crowded market.
As was seen in the US, businesses often enter a new market because of its potential but may struggle to survive long-term. How has Habanero prepared itself for long-term survival in Brazil?
Habanero’s approach to the Brazilian market is focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. We are leveraging our experience in Latin America to navigate the challenges of a newly regulated market while ensuring consistent player engagement.
A key focus for Habanero is building strong partnerships with local operators who understand Brazilian player preferences. By working closely with these partners, we can continue to refine our titles to stay relevant as the market matures. Beyond adapting our existing portfolio, we are also investing in locally inspired content designed to enhance player engagement and resonate with the unique gaming culture of Brazil.
By focusing on local needs, building strong relationships with operators, optimising for mobile and leveraging our regulatory know-how, we are setting ourselves up for lasting success in Brazil.
Peru has already established a solid regulatory framework that ensures fairness and security for both operators and suppliers. This creates a reliable and sought-after destination for expansion
When it comes to entering any new territory, what are the key steps you need to take to do so successfully and within local regulations?
Expanding into a new market is no small feat; it requires a strategic approach that balances compliance with what players want. Habanero has honed this approach through its experience in multiple regulated markets, developing a clear process for expansion.
Regulatory compliance is the first and most crucial step. Every jurisdiction has its own set of rules and requirements, so ensuring that all licensing and compliance measures are met is essential. We have a proven track record of successfully adapting to different regulatory frameworks and securing licences in markets worldwide.
On the other hand, understanding local player preferences is just as vital, and each region has its own gaming habits. To strengthen our connection with players, we invest in thorough market research to tailor content to local tastes. We also place a strong emphasis on localisation to make sure our games feel culturally relevant, all the while maintaining broad appeal. By fine-tuning our existing titles and developing market-specific content, we can deliver an experience that resonates with our players.
Are there any other markets Habanero has its eyes on at the moment?
Habanero is on a mission to grow its presence in new and exciting regulated markets that show strong potential for growth. After making great strides in Latin America and successfully entering countries like Peru and Brazil, we are setting our sights on other important regions, particularly Africa and Europe. We are particularly interested in expanding our presence in markets like South Africa, which is buzzing with opportunity. We have already teamed up with brands like Betway to extend our reach in these promising areas.
We are dedicated to expanding in well-regulated environments and believe there are even more opportunities as markets evolve and mature. We look forward to obtaining additional certifications to operate throughout Europe, while maintaining our focus on delivering engaging and high-quality gaming experiences that comply with local regulations.