Q&A: Fortuna and Playtech on the mutual benefits of a B2B omni-channel partnership
Per Widerstrom and Shimon Akad describe how putting in the hard yards in the build-up to a platform migration can make a world of difference
Czech gambling giant Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) last week completed the migration of its sportsbook onto Playtech’s omni-channel platform in Slovakia.
Fortuna customers can now access sportsbook funds across both retail and online, with similar migrations to be completed in the Czech Republic, Poland and Croatia.
The deal marked the latest development of the partnership between Fortuna and Playtech, which was extended by seven years back in November 2018.
Below, FEG CEO Per Widerstrom and Playtech COO Shimon Akad talk to EGR Intel about the benefits of the deal for both parties.
FEG CEO Per Widerstrom
EGR Intel: Tell us about the migration and the main benefits for consumers.
Per Widerstrom (PW): FEG’s sportsbook customers can seamlessly access funds across retail and online channels. This provides our customers with a sophisticated and seamless user experience, while Playtech’s data-driven toolset allows for real-time player messaging and engagement. The new platform is also more robust and enjoys faster response times.
EGR Intel: How long did the migration take?
Shimon Akad (SA): The planning took us three months of working together with our colleagues at FEG. Because of this work, the migration itself took a matter of hours. This migration will form the blueprint for the new platform launches in the Czech Republic, Poland and Croatia.
PW: This was a complex project executed with speed and efficiency and we experienced a smooth cutover to the new platform – a fantastic achievement for all involved.
EGR Intel: When will the migration in all five countries be complete?
SA: We have a detailed plan in place, but FEG is growing and developing at such pace that we remain as flexible as possible in order to be able to decide as partners where the best opportunities are. Once the casino licensing is complete, FEG will launch Playtech’s casino suite and selection of third-party gaming content across the platform.
PW: The migration should be complete for all five countries and three brands during 2020.
EGR Intel: How are changes in regulation and a new focus on consumer protection impacting the development of gambling markets across Europe?
PW: FEG has made responsible gambling a key pillar of our business strategy. Central to being able to do this is having an omni-channel platform that allows you to engage with players intelligently and in real time, across any channel or product vertical. This is why leadership in omni-channel capabilities is so important to us.
SA: We continued to see markets introduce new regulations across Europe this year and we expect to see it continue into 2020. The FEG sportsbook launch follows our recent launches of Solverde in Portugal and Swiss Casino in Switzerland and our entry into Sweden on day one of new regulations on 1 January 2019. In order to enter these newly-regulated markets, you need to make sure your platform is fully compliant from day one. Playtech’s data-driven platform ensures regular highly-accurate reports to regulators.