Ahead of the SBC Summit in Malta, we spoke to the Director – Legal & Compliance at Rhino Entertainment, Alistair Facciol, who revealed the key steps to new market entry and the key innovations he believes will stand out in the iGaming market.
What steps do you believe can be taken to ensure the regulated market isn’t strangled and the black market can’t thrive?
The key is balance. Overregulation can actually push players toward unlicensed operators, which defeats the purpose of consumer protection. Regulators and operators need to work together to build frameworks that are robust but also commercially viable. That includes fair taxation, clear and consistent rules, and processes that allow innovation. Education is important too—players need to know the value of playing with licensed operators.
Can you tell us about the latest innovations and player trends that you believe will stand out in the iGaming market in the year ahead?
Personalisation is going to be huge; players expect tailored experiences now, not just in content but also in promos and communication. We’re also seeing a shift towards more gamified experiences, even in sportsbook.
On the tech side, AI and blockchain will keep gaining ground, especially for risk management and provable fairness. And then there’s the growing appetite for social features. People want to feel like they’re part of a community, even when playing online.
As we enter into a new tech era, how important do you believe it will be for operators to ensure they have a strong grip on the capabilities of AI?
It’s essential. AI is no longer a buzzword; it’s practical, and it’s here to stay. For compliance, it can help with real-time transaction monitoring, identifying unusual patterns, and even enhancing responsible gambling tools. But operators need to understand that it’s not just about plugging in a tool. It’s about embedding AI thoughtfully into workflows, ensuring it’s well-governed, and, most importantly, staying compliant with data privacy laws.
Having accrued numerous licenses since formation, are you able to give us more details on the process for picking out which market you focus on?
It usually starts with a mix of strategic goals and practicality. We look at where player demand is, how mature the market is, and what the licensing process involves. The commercial potential is obviously key, but so is the operational burden; some markets may look good on paper but come with high ongoing costs or rigid requirements that don’t fit our model. So it’s a case of balancing ambition with realism.
Can you give us some of the key steps taken before entering a new market?
First, we do a deep dive on the legal framework, what’s the regulatory model, who are the key stakeholders, and what’s the license structure. Then we assess compliance requirements from a technical and operational standpoint. We’ll also look into things like local payment methods, player preferences, and cultural nuances. Internal alignment is crucial too. Compliance, tech, product, and marketing all need to be on the same page before we make the move.
How crucial do you believe it is to understand the political and regulatory landscape of a market before entering the space?
Absolutely vital. You can’t just look at the current laws. You need to understand the direction of travel. Are regulators known to pivot quickly? Is the political climate stable? Are there strong lobbying groups or player protection bodies? All of that plays into how sustainable your operations will be in the long term. Ignoring it is like building on sand.
How important do you believe events like the Summit in Malta are to the industry?
They’re a key part of staying connected. It’s not just about networking; though let’s be honest, that’s always a nice bonus. These events are where industry, regulators, and tech innovators cross-pollinate ideas. You get to hear directly from the people shaping the landscape, and you walk away with a much broader view than you’d get from behind a desk.
What do you hope to learn from the discussion you are set to be part of at the SBC Summit?
I’m looking forward to hearing how others are tackling similar challenges in different jurisdictions, especially around regulation and tech adaptation. It’s also a great opportunity to share perspectives and hopefully spark conversations that go beyond the panel. For me, these events are as much about listening as they are about contributing.
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You can purchase your Early Bird ticket, gaining you access to three days of networking, exhibition, and conference content for the discounted price of €400 ( a discount of €200 off a standard ticket).
Additionally, you can purchase our ‘Expo Plus Pass’ for €125. This pass grants you access to the conference and exhibition only.
Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes.
Source: https://igamingexpert.com/news/regulation/rhino-entertainment-on-ai-and-tech/
