Partnerships, honesty and transparency – according to Stefano Sordini, CEO of NetShop ISP – are the three key elements which are fundamental for betting and gaming companies looking to limit the effects of COVID-19.
Stefano Sordini sat down with SBC ahead of the Betting on Sports Europe – Digital 2020 to discuss the challenges that the industry faces. He explained that at the event, which happens to be the first time they are exhibiting at a virtual conference, NetShop ISP will be promoting the launch of 3 new Data Centers in addition to showcasing their Work@Home Bundle.
What are you looking forward to at Betting on Sports Europe – Digital 2020?
The Betting on Sports Europe – Digital 2020 will be NetShop ISP’s first ever fully virtual conference that we’re exhibiting at. The SBC team has brought into the iGaming industry a fantastic platform for virtual events where in these “special” times the World is going through, our industry is stepping above and finds a way to connect businesses with young entrepreneurs, operators and suppliers.
We, at NetShop ISP, are interested to attend and listen to some great Discussion Panels and catch up with industry peers. Through our virtual booth, we will be happy to greet existing clients and demonstrate our portfolio of infrastructure solutions to visitors.
Nothing can compare to physical events, one might say, however it is thrilling what technology can do to help people connect with each other. Kudos to the SBC team for what they have achieved so far!
What would be your biggest bit of advice for betting and gaming businesses trying to mitigate the impact of COVID-19?
The key to survive whatever impact COVID-19 has had in your business, are the Partnerships and especially the deals you make with your business’ most crucial Suppliers. It is of vital importance to have honest and transparent Partners & Suppliers with whom you can negotiate flexible terms until your business can be fully restored.
If it’s payment providers with whom you have target goals in Volume you have to meet each month, make sure that there will be no penalties or consequences for not meeting the agreement’s goals due to your business impact from COVID-19.
Technology suppliers can also play a very important role in helping clients and affected businesses like yours. Having acquired a large capacity of bandwidth during the pre-COVID months, means that your monthly bill may not be sustainable after the COVID-19 impact. A good partnership should be both ends.
Not only when you pay your bills upfront, but in case of Crisis you should make sure that your Hosting Provider will stand next to you and provide whatever flexibility is possible until your business overcomes this situation.
What are you promoting at Betting on Sports Europe – Digital 2020?
During the event we will be announcing the launch of 3 new Data Centers which, alongside our existing locations of Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom and Los Angeles, will help NetShop ISP to reach regions across the globe.
Moreover, we will be showcasing our Work@Home Bundle to the attendees of the event. It’s our most recent product launch to relieve businesses that had been impacted by COVID-19 and are in the process of shifting to Home working.
What industry innovation will capture the most attention in 2020?
I believe that 2020 and, going forward in 2020, there will be more focus and research on player-oriented products and features. Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are already being studied, developed and tested by Software Vendors and Development companies.
The competition is so much bigger nowadays, with startups and new businesses entering the igaming market, that the traditional products will not be able to generate those profits to sustain every business in the pie. Therefore, innovation is what will keep this industry moving and allow existing businesses to profit and new ones to enter.
Which operator has impressed you the most in 2020?
As a Technology/Hosting Supplier of many iGaming Operators i wouldn’t like to name any specific ones. I admire all Operators who managed to diversify their portfolio of products and enhance their Customer Service given the impact of COVID-19 in our industry.
What partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
I was amazed when I heard about the acquisition deal between BtoBet and Aspire Global. The guys at BtoBet are in business for quite some time and, in my humble opinion, they grew to be among the top suppliers of the industry in Europe. This acquisition, as said, will help them to reach new markets which I am sure they will succeed.
Which parts of the conference agenda have caught your eye?
I am looking forward to the last day’s Panel “ESPORTS AROUND EUROPE”. During the past 12 months the Euoprean countries were on a sprint to draft new frameworks for the Online gambling sector. Regulating eSports in Europe is going to be a quite challenging task for any regulatory body, so I believe that the Panel is going to attract a lot of eyes out of the whole 2 days agenda.