Microgame SpA is sponsoring Betting on Football 2018, the fifth edition of the largest international football and betting trade conference at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the 20-23 March event, we spoke to the company’s General Manager Marco Castaldo about what he is looking forward to at #bofcon2018, which innovation he expects to capture the most attention in 2018, and who he is backing to lift the World Cup trophy in Russia.
SBC: What are you looking forward to at Betting on Football?
MC: I am really looking forward to meeting colleagues, suppliers and customers, as well as to hearing some of the panels and speeches. Betting on Football is a unique format and a great opportunity to soak in what is happening in the industry. After the experience, I always find that I come back with new energy and ideas. The only downside is that it is impossible to cover everything that goes on over the two days and choosing between all the different content streams and opportunities is really tough!
SBC: What are you promoting at Betting on Football?
MC: Microgame is the gateway to the Italian online gaming market, as the only provider offering a complete, turnkey service including all verticals and an industry leading platform, all certified and compliant with the complex Italian regulations. Entering the Italian market with us is simple and very fast, compared with “greenfield” projects which can take years, as we have seen in the past. The Microgame is also very flexible in that we can selectively integrate part of our customers’ offer and work with our partners to help make them independent over time, if that is what they wish.
SBC: What industry innovation will capture the most attention in 2018?
MC: We are looking forward to launching a new Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) network in the Italian market. The “new” aspect is that we have worked to connect a very broad base of operators, the objective being to generate liquidity, which is what has been lacking in the initial attempts in this vertical. We expect this game to capture the attention of the Italian gambling public which has a long history with fantasy football and its variants. We will position it at launch as a different way to enjoy the World Cup.
SBC: How can your company help to improve the customer experience ahead of the World Cup?
MC: We find that increasing entertainment opportunities for the player is a good way to create a great customer experience, while monetizing the relationship in a sustainable way over time. The key is product range and we have worked to build the broadest in the Italian gaming market. We are focusing on different “side” experiences for the player to fill voids in waiting periods and to lead the player to experience different types of games. World-cup themed cross-promotions will support this process.
SBC: Who are you backing to win the tournament, and why?
MC: I am backing Italy, of course! The reason is “sour grapes.” Seriously, as a professional in this business I find it difficult to have a specific attachment. If pushed to choose, Brazil is always a favourite for the entertainment and joy they stand for, both on and off the pitch. I hope that the absence of the Italian team will lead our players to explore, and bet on, less familiar teams. Whoever wins, it will be a highlight of the 2018 gaming year for us and for our customers.
