SOFTSWISS: "2024 was filled with remarkable achievements – new markets, innovative products, and key appointments"

iGaming solutions provider SOFTSWISS celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024 with a year full of expansion, innovation, and global recognition. During the period, the company made strategic moves into new markets, launched key products, announced major appointments and received widespread industry acclaim.

In an interview with Yogonet, Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer of SOFTSWISS, reflects on the company’s growth in 2024, the regulatory challenges facing the industry, and the key trends set to shape 2025. He also discusses the company’s iGaming Trends 2025 Report and how SOFTSWISS plans to continue driving innovation and excellence in the coming year.

Looking back at 2024, how would you assess the year for the company?

This past year has been a milestone of celebration for SOFTSWISS. In 2024, we proudly marked our 15th anniversary. The year was filled with remarkable achievements: expanding into new markets, presenting innovative products, and welcoming bright names to our company.

We acquired parts in South African Turfsport and German Ously Games, opening new markets and niches. The company hired the Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello as Non-Executive Director in LatAm. SOFTSWISS gained 5 new country licences and presented 3 new products in Q3: Lotto Software, Retail Betting Solution and integrated Horse Racing Module into the Sportsbook. 

Our team gained 22 industry accolades in 2024. Software Supplier, Best Platform Provider, Aggregator of the Year, Crypto Company of the Year, Affiliate Software Supplier, Innovation in iGaming Technology, and Responsible Gaming Award – to name just a few in product categories. SOFTSWISS gained acknowledgement as Employer of the Year. And our ‘Help Brazil’ campaign was recognised as Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year.

Get ready to 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

SOFTSWISS' latest report covers everything from navigating regulatory changes and adopting cutting-edge technology to employing innovative… pic.twitter.com/YguLA7JXK9

— SOFTSWISS (@softswiss) November 11, 2024

Which issues and trends would you say dominated the conversation this year?

Regulation is certainly one of the most significant trends shaping the industry. It's a crucial aspect for any business in the sector. The growing number of country-specific licences requires operators to adapt to unique conditions in each market, creating challenges for ‘international’ licences as they strive to coexist with national regulators. While this fragmentation adds operational complexity, it also presents opportunities for growth in markets with emerging regulatory frameworks.

Successful adaptation often hinges on collaboration with experienced partners. These may include companies with established licences in target regions or significant expertise in similar jurisdictions. Partnering with such companies helps businesses quickly understand local requirements and avoid costly mistakes during market entry.

Equally important is a focus on long-term planning. Expanding into a new market or obtaining a licence involves more than meeting regulatory procedures – it often requires enhancing the product to align with market expectations. These processes can be time-intensive, taking over a year in some countries, underscoring the need for strategic foresight and preparation.

What are the main challenges and opportunities you see in the gaming industry in the upcoming 12-month period?  Are there any specific trends, markets, or technologies that you believe will drive change in 2025?

To provide a comprehensive answer to this question, our company developed the iGaming Trends 2025 Report. This guide is based on extensive internal surveys and collaborations with industry partners, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives for a well-rounded and objective analysis. The most valuable insights came from open-ended survey responses, offering authentic, unfiltered opinions from professionals who actively shape and drive the industry forward.

AI was also used in the creation of the report, analysing over 53,000 headlines from top industry publications. This enabled us to pinpoint the most popular topics and gain deeper insights into the trends and discussions that truly resonate within the industry.

In the Report, we highlighted several key trends set to shape the industry's development. The market anticipates increased local regulation, prompting businesses to seek consolidation through mergers and acquisitions to adapt quickly to changing requirements.

On the technology front, greater emphasis will be placed on creating integrated product ecosystems and addressing cybersecurity challenges. In marketing, the focus will shift toward building strong, recognisable brands, with influencer collaborations playing a central role in engaging audiences and enhancing visibility. These trends underscore the evolving landscape and opportunities the industry will face in 2025.

What can we expect from the company in 2025?

Innovative solutions, significant milestones, and exciting achievements, I believe! We're ready to keep pushing boundaries and delivering excellence.