SOFTSWISS: "LatAm remains a key focus for us, particularly with Brazil’s regulation now in place"

As ICE Barcelona prepares to open its doors for the first time in its new home, anticipation is building among industry professionals eager to explore the latest developments in iGaming. 

Ahead of the event, Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, shared her insights on the significance of ICE's relocation, the company’s plans for showcasing groundbreaking technologies, and the trends shaping the industry.

In an exclusive interview with Yogonet Gaming News, she highlighted how ICE Barcelona represents a dynamic opportunity for innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for transformative growth in the years to come.  

What are your expectations for the upcoming edition of ICE? Do you anticipate it to feel different from past shows being the first one to be held in Barcelona?

The relocation of ICE from London to Barcelona marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic event, expected to be the largest in its history with record-breaking participation. For SOFTSWISS, it’s a prime opportunity to showcase our latest innovations and share our vision for the future of iGaming with industry leaders.

As part of our new campaign, “Hungry for Success? Dive in with SOFTSWISS,” we’ve teamed up with renowned local artist Slim Safont to create a stunning shark-themed art installation near the ICE venue entrance. This collaboration reflects Barcelona’s vibrant cultural spirit and offers something truly unique for the event. We invite our partners to witness the creative process during the expo days.

This artistic project symbolises the dynamic evolution of the iGaming industry – an ever-changing space driven by bold players and visionary partnerships. Together with Slim Safont, we’re crafting a powerful visual representation of leadership and teamwork, embodying SOFTSWISS’ commitment to shaping the future of iGaming.

Visitors can also look forward to our immersive stand, featuring 360° panoramic content, captivating light shows, and cutting-edge XR technologies. We can’t wait to welcome you to an unforgettable experience at ICE Barcelona!

What will be the main products and services the company will highlight this time around? What should attendees approaching the booth expect from the company?

At ICE Barcelona, SOFTSWISS will showcase our latest product innovations and updates, which demonstrate our commitment to driving the future of iGaming. Among the highlights are the new Lotto Software, Retail Betting Solution, and Horse Racing Module integrated into our Sportsbook. These advancements are designed to expand opportunities for operators and enhance player engagement.

We’re also introducing cutting-edge engagement tools, such as a Network Jackpot Solution for the Sportsbook, which brings an extra layer of excitement and retention for players while boosting operator success. These tools reflect our dedication to creating more immersive and rewarding experiences in iGaming.

Additionally, we anticipate strong interest in our recently secured Brazilian Certification, making SOFTSWISS one of the first iGaming providers to achieve this milestone. This certification positions us to tap into the vibrant Brazilian market, and ICE Barcelona will provide the perfect platform to explore potential partnerships and opportunities.

As always, our presence at ICE is more than a product showcase – it’s an invitation to connect, collaborate, and share our vision for the industry’s future. We invite our partners to join us in reshaping the iGaming landscape with innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology.

How would you describe the industry's current demands? What markets, verticals and trends do you anticipate will draw the most attention during the expo?   

The industry is currently defined by a strong demand for adaptability and innovation, driven by rapidly evolving regulations and technological advancements. LatAm remains a key focus for us, particularly with Brazil’s regulation now in place, and promising developments in other countries like Peru and Mexico. These markets offer immense growth potential as regulatory frameworks continue to emerge.

Africa, especially South Africa, also presents enormous possibilities, as an increasing number of countries implement regulations, paving the way for significant growth across the continent. Meanwhile, Asia is becoming a promising region, with initial regulatory rollouts creating opportunities for expansion likewise. These new markets complement our established presence in Tier 1 regions with existing regulations, ensuring a balanced global strategy.

From a trends perspective, the industry is moving toward increased local regulation, prompting consolidation through mergers and acquisitions as businesses adapt to new market conditions. Technological advancements are shaping the focus on integrated product ecosystems and addressing cybersecurity challenges. On the marketing front, strong, recognisable branding and influencer collaborations are becoming essential for audience engagement and visibility.

Our recently released iGaming Trends Report provides a detailed overview of these developments. It combines insights from internal surveys, collaboration with industry partners, and AI-driven analysis of over 53,000 industry headlines, offering a comprehensive guide to the trends that will shape the industry's future. This dynamic landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for significant growth and innovation in 2025.

The event comes as we enter a new year for the gambling industry. What is your assessment of the company’s performance in 2024, and what should we expect from it in 2025?

2024 was a milestone year for SOFTSWISS, as we celebrated our 15th anniversary – a year filled with significant achievements. We expanded into new markets, introduced innovative products, and strengthened our team with notable figures, solidifying our position as a leader in the global iGaming industry.

Looking ahead to 2025, our focus remains on strategic growth and innovation. We plan to expand further into regulated markets, leveraging local licences to ensure compliance and seamless operations. The key regions for us are Latin America and Africa. The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator was among the first to receive certification in Brazil, and this is just the beginning. Our mission here is to enhance the Brazilian iGaming market with expertise, new technologies, and innovations.

Operational excellence is also a top priority for the coming year. Our overarching goal is to solidify our reputation as a technology-driven company with the best product portfolio in the iGaming space.

Promoting responsible gambling remains at the heart of our mission. A key innovation is the development of our proprietary Responsible Gaming Risk Scoring Tool, which employs machine learning to identify early signs of problematic behaviour. By proactively intervening, we aim to support players before issues escalate. We’ve also set a new industry benchmark by lowering the thresholds for identifying problem gambling by 10%, ensuring a safer gaming environment for all.

2025 is set to be a year of transformative growth and innovation for SOFTSWISS as we continue to lead the industry with cutting-edge solutions, a commitment to player safety, and a vision for a more responsible and sustainable iGaming future.