Interview: What It Takes to Be a Casino Industry Leader?
The gambling industry is growing, and that’s not only thanks to the many online casinos that are constantly popping up all over the world. There is actually an overarching infrastructure around these platforms, which also consists of information sites that are built to give advice. A perfect example is Gamblizard, which has now become a real market leader. In this interview, we try to understand how this was possible and what responsibilities such a role entails with Jamie Wall, casino analyst at Gamblizard.
What are the most important qualities a leader in the casino industry should have?
It’s not that simple, or else everyone would manage to become an industry leader, right? I think it’s all about consistency and attention. If you start with an original idea and keep going with it despite all kinds of adversities, you’re on the right path, but you also need to fully understand what your customers need. I mean, if users want to find a free no deposit casino at Gamblizard, we should be able to get them just that. There are no excuses. With this in mind, we have learned to find a compromise between the way we see gambling and the way users see it. That’s the starting point for everything we do.
How do you stay ahead of trends and keep your strategies fresh?
That just comes natural. We are constantly updated on everything that is gambling-related. Not just because it’s our job, but because it’s also our passion. I would say that 30% of our job is to simply stay up to date: new casinos, new bonuses, new kinds of tips. You never stop learning in an environment like that, and this allows us to always stay in the loop and come up with original ideas and strategies.
At Gamblizard, how important are data and player behavior in making decisions?
So, I mentioned that 30% of our job is to stay up to date. Well, probably another 30% is represented by analyzing data and player behavior. We want to know everything we can about the way players gamble, how they pick bonuses, and what their favorite games and casinos are. Based on all of this, our goal is to improve their playing style and gambling habits, giving them better chances to win in the process.
What challenges do today’s casino leaders face that are different from the past?
Everything is always changing, and one of the main challenges now has to do with the uncontrolled growth of online casinos. There are always new casinos, but some of them are not as reliable as others. It is not just a matter of licences, and there are many factors to take into account. One of our main goals is to make a real selection between scam sites and those that are reliable and transparent. In other words, between those who just want money and those who want players to have fun.
How can you grow the business while promoting responsible gambling?
This might surprise you, but I actually think that promoting responsible gambling is the only way to grow this business. We must move beyond the idea that gamblers are easy targets and that their gambling addiction can somehow bring benefits. Not only is it completely unethical, it is also wrong. We need to change the paradigm and focus on how players can get the most out of gambling through bonuses without ever falling into the tunnel of addiction.
How do you deal with strict regulations? What strategies help you succeed?
There are no particular strategies to deal with strict regulation. To tell you the truth, I believe that most of the regulations that some consider strict are actually completely fair. What we have to do at Gamblizard is work within all the existing laws in the various markets, and educate players to learn and respect them as well.
How do you think new technology like AI and blockchain will change the casino industry?
I think casino management is already changing with AI, but not always for the best. Some games, graphics and texts are already made by AI, and the result seems to be a progressive homologation that makes the casinos too similar to each other. As for cryptocurrencies, they certainly correspond to increased privacy for players and greater simplicity for financial transactions. However, the security system behind them should also be improved.
Can you give an example of a casino brand with great leadership and explain what makes it stand out?
Betfred is a good example, I would say. Other than a recognizable interface and an extensive game catalogue, this platform is able to offer excellent and convenient bonuses. This way, it has become one of the leaders in the industry in the past few years. I like to think they are a bit like us in the way they put users first.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a leader in the casino industry?
This might sound cliché, but just be yourself. Carry out your idea without giving a damn about competition and rankings. Those who are consistent and can think more about the user than about their own gain will go far. The others can aspire, at best, to be a flash in the pan. Other than that, never stop learning and studying and always look for ways to make things better. Perfection doesn’t exist.
How has working at Gamblizard influenced your thoughts on leadership in the online casino?
I would say I know the casino management much better now, but my idea of leadership never changed. Well, to be more precise, I am now aware of all the responsibilities that come with being a leader, but that is just a challenge to be even better. The worst mistake one could make is to rest on their laurels and just enjoy their position. That’s not for me.
