Following the disruption of 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 has proven a much stronger year for retail betting. While restrictions have still had somewhat of an impact in different markets, betting outlets were in large part allowed to thrive across Europe. Below, we preview the nominees for the suppliers that maximised performance and enabled shop success.
First up for nomination is Inspired Entertainment, operating in approximately 35 jurisdictions worldwide, supplying gaming systems with associated terminals and content for around 50,000 gaming machines located in betting shops, pubs and gaming halls; as well as virtual sports products through more than 32,000 retail venues. Most recently, Inspired reported a strong Q3 in 2021, demonstrating continued momentum for its virtual sports business.
Nsoft has also secured a spot on the shortlist, with its betting platform serving 60,000 devices daily with a 20% increase in the number of players. Clients across five continents are using the platform. The stake increased 17% year-on-year and the number of tickets is 7% higher. Remote device management aims to provide a sense of presence in any given betting shop by having full control over devices and daily operations.
Next on the list is a company providing ultimate retail solutions with HTML5 technology. Golden Race, offers the most innovative, flexible, and cost-effective virtual betting solutions for land-based operators. From start-ups to large scale rapid rollouts, the company engages players immediately with innovative gaming experiences around the clock. Currently, more than 50,000 shops are running its software due to its light, flexible, reliable and cost-effective character.
Lest we forget Pronet Gaming. Its fully managed omnichannel arm is built to connect land-based estates seamlessly to any online operation or POS hardware to ensure full customisation and certainly puts it on the nominee list for this year’s Award. In addition, the company’s unrivalled speed-to-market has made it competitive in the multi-channel supplier landscape. Pronet’s advanced turnkey omnichannel solution is now available for Tenlot Group’s lotteries worldwide, including WLA members.
Cementing itself in Latin American and African businesses; Altenar also has several licences in nearly every country in Europe, proving a solid nominee for Retail Supplier of the Year. Creating easier solutions for customers is paramount as a supplier, and its new version of its terminal software is stress-free to install and update. This new release notification means when an update is ready to be distributed, customers will receive an email that allows them to do so with just one click.
SUZOHAPP has been serving the gaming, amusement, and sports betting industries as a trusted hardware provider for over 30 years. As manufacturer and distributor, it aims to be a single source for all its customers’ hardware needs. With a vast portfolio of products, SUZOHAPP helps OEMs and platform developers design solutions for its businesses. The company recently added new retail betting solutions comprising an over-the-counter SBT-OCT, a bar-top SBT-500 & a full-size floor model SBT-1000.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 across the UK retail department, DS Virtual Gaming proves as a successful nominee this year, providing retail solutions for new and established operators; for big and small sized betting shops by taking into consideration the needs of the operator. For larger companies, DS Virtual offers cash register systems where bets can be taken simultaneously on the same device from several players. For operators with a lot of space, the company offers single-player terminals, whereas for operators who already have existing devices, it offers solutions where they can use current devices with the DS Virtual’s software.
So, Who can the winner be? It can be...Kambi. The operator has cemented its position as the leading sportsbook supplier to the land-based betting industry and is a trusted partner to operators including ATG, Racing & Wagering Western Australia, and more. No other retail provider matches the growth Kambi delivered for its partners, achieving a revenue uplift of 48% in Q3 2021. In 2021, Kambi went live with retail for the Belgian National Lottery, which operates 300 locations.
As markets continue to evolve, companies do too. Sportradar’s engagement and brand loyalty-boosting sports betting and gaming services, with its multi-award-winning platform, create a full turnkey solution across any channel. The platform’s suite of products includes Live Channel Retail, Serverless EPOS, a retail POS app, and more. Recent client platform launches in Europe, Africa, and the US reflect its success – alongside a 70% reduction in shop setup & TCO for retail operators. All features reflect Sportradar’s customer-centric approach.
Are we saving the best till last? Who knows, we’ll decide. FDJ Gaming Solutions slides into the nominations, providing responsible, high-performing solutions to lotteries and tier 1 operators worldwide. In 2021 the company won the tender to redevelop the retail distribution network of LOTTO Bayern - the state-owned lottery operator of Bavaria Germany. Additionally, the company recently won the exclusive rights to upgrade the digital games portfolio of Eesti Loto – Estonia’s national lottery operator. Time will tell who takes win.
The Retail Supplier of the year award is sponsored by Felix Gaming.
Felix Gaming has since 2017 launched over 30 games - including the top performer "It's a Joker" which has consistently ranked among the top 10 games at multiple online casinos. Felix Gaming's mission is to bring the missing elements of land-based casinos to online gaming by focusing on delivering an immersive gaming experience and incorporating player feedback to the fullest extent.
