Interviews
Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet — Interview Series
Soft2Bet, one of the industry’s leading torchbearers in the field of B2C and B2B, is on the verge of launching a brand-new iGaming platform—a staple that will further enhance its portfolio and global reach. To learn a bit more about the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden its scope, we caught up with Soft2Bet Chief Product Officer, Yoel Zuckerberg.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Yoel. Before we dip our toes into the iGaming space, please could you introduce yourself to our readers? Who are you, and what inspired you to pursue a stake in the casino and sportsbook sectors?
Yoel: Thank you for having me. I’m Yoel Zuckerberg, the Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet. My journey in the gambling industry began in 2007, driven by a deep interest in how digital innovations can transform the iGaming sector.
I have always been passionate about both technology and gaming. Over the years, this passion grew as I became increasingly fascinated by the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the iGaming industry. The idea of combining my tech expertise with my enthusiasm for gaming was incredibly appealing to me.
At Soft2Bet, our mission is to create engaging, secure, and fair gaming experiences for users. The potential for innovation in this field is immense, and I am driven by the challenge of developing platforms that offer real-time interaction and a strong sense of gamification.
Since joining Soft2Bet, I have been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the iGaming space. It’s been a thrilling journey so far, and I’m excited about the future possibilities in this ever-evolving industry.
Let’s talk about Soft2Bet. When was the company founded, and what are some of the core aspirations that you share as a team?
Yoel: I joined Soft2Bet two years ago, so I wasn’t there at the very beginning. However, the company started as a small startup with just 10 people and has since grown into a major player with a vast portfolio of products and services. Despite this growth, we have retained the original spirit and ambitions, now bolstered by significant experience and industry expertise. Our passion for innovation and embracing challenges is key to our ongoing growth and success.
Of course, the portfolio pretty much speaks for itself, but in your own words, could you tell us a bit more about some of the brands that you’ve launched in recent months or years?
Yoel: We were recently granted an iGaming license in Ontario, Canada, and we are preparing for the official launch in the province. We are also in the process of applying for a license in the state of New Jersey, which as you know is a very important iGaming jurisdiction in the US.
These are major steps for us as they mark the start of our activities in North America and will provide a perfect testing ground for our B2C and B2B products in the region. This dual operating mode enables us to analyze how our products are performing and as we learn about player preferences and habits we are able to tailor our products to them. This means our B2B partners can then benefit from the experience, insights and data that we gather as a B2C operator.
In Europe we launched Don.ro in Romania at the end of 2023 and Campobet in Denmark and Sweden this April; with both brands enjoying strong growth momentum that is driven by our unique MEGA gamification engine. Betinia is our leading brand in Scandinavia, it launched in Sweden in 2022 and in Denmark just six months ago and continues to perform strongly in this highly competitive region. We believe this is a major achievement since we are the only non-local brand to rank in the top 10 of iGaming brands in those two countries.
Soft2Bet is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Soft2Bet Invest’, its iGaming Innovation Fund that will provide financial and business support to iGaming and casual gaming entrepreneurs.
Read the full press release here: https://t.co/N2gK3Gbksu pic.twitter.com/aHjCuy75zH
— Soft2Bet (@soft2bet_) June 27, 2024
And then there’s the upcoming Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) workshops, too. Tell us, what can participants expect to learn from this educational program?
Yoel: Indeed, we are really looking forward to holding these MEGA workshops during IGB Live Amsterdam on 16-19 July. These exclusive workshops will provide an overview of our innovative gamification solution and participants can look forward to an educational and immersive experience hosted by product and commercial experts from Soft2Bet.
Attendees will learn how MEGA helps online gambling operators enhance player engagement, boost loyalty, and maximize lifetime player value. They will cover strategies on how to achieve the best ROI by creating quality gamified content that drives player engagement and activity.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to network with senior leaders of our team, gain valuable insights into our comprehensive B2B portfolio and uncover the latest innovations in turnkey solutions and platform advancements. For those interested in attending, they can register for the workshop here: https://www.soft2bet.com/mega.
Moving on to the in-house platform — Gamification Engine. What sorts of features does it boast, and how exactly is it revolutionizing the iGaming ecosystem?
Yoel: Our gamification engine boasts a variety of innovative features including tailored challenges for users, personalized rewards, and interactive elements that are designed based on each individual’s preferences. Top brands such as Campobet and Betinia leverage these tools and customizations to ensure players are consistently engaged through gamification, which reduces their dependence on bonuses and promotions. This reduces marketing and acquisition costs and resonates with users, thus creating a more engaging and rewarding environment and significantly contributing to the growth and success of our partners.
MEGA is setting new standards for the industry today and we are happy to reveal that Betinia’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) have increased 60%, while its average revenues per user (ARPU) were up 70% in the past year. These features not only enhance player engagement but also increase the time players spend on the platform, driving higher conversion rates and revenues.
iGaming is an ever-evolving field of development, that’s for sure. What advice would you give to those who’ve yet to discover the iGaming industry?
Yoel: For those new to the iGaming industry, it’s important to understand this dynamic and rapidly-changing landscape. One of the keys to success is staying informed about regulatory developments, as these can significantly impact operations and opportunities. The industry offers immense potential for growth, as seen with Soft2Bet’s strategic expansion into regulated markets such as Sweden, Greece, Romania, and Italy.
Embracing innovation, like our Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has boosted player engagement and revenue, can also set newcomers apart and drive success. At Soft2Bet, our growth has been fueled by a combination of innovative solutions, such as MEGA, and our expansion into new markets. As the industry continues to evolve, being adaptable and open to new ideas and technologies will be vital for anyone looking to make their mark in iGaming.
🏆 Soft2Bet is delighted to have won the Bronze Award in the Full Service Platform of the Year category at the EGR B2B Awards!#Soft2Bet #EGRAwards #iGaming pic.twitter.com/P7I9wDxcd7
— Soft2Bet (@soft2bet_) June 24, 2024
As a company, you’ve clearly had a fantastic year, what with all of the awards and nominations under your belt. Tell us, is this just the beginning for the team? Do you have your sights set on any new projects, events, or collaborations?
Yoel: Absolutely, this is just the beginning for Soft2Bet. We are incredibly proud of the recognition we have received this year, but we are always looking ahead, eager to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
We have several exciting projects in the pipeline that we believe will further enhance our position in the iGaming industry. One of our main focuses is expanding our portfolio with innovative gaming experiences within our MEGA platform, which will offer a diverse range of meta-games for our partners and players. This ensures that our platform and products remain at the forefront of the industry.
Additionally, we are actively exploring new markets and opportunities for collaboration. We are working diligently on our entry into the US market, with New Jersey as our first state. We believe that partnerships are key to driving growth and innovation, and we are in discussions with several potential partners to bring fresh and exciting offerings to our users.
We are also planning to participate in several major industry events in the coming months, including iGB Live! Amsterdam, SBC Lisbon, and SiGMA East Europe. These events provide a great platform to showcase our latest developments, connect with industry leaders, and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the iGaming space.
While we are thrilled with our achievements this year, we are even more excited about what the future holds. Our team is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, and we have ambitious plans that will ensure Soft2Bet remains a leader in the iGaming industry for years to come.
There’s certainly a great deal to keep tabs on when it comes to Soft2Bet’s current and upcoming affairs. Are there any newsletters, live presentations or social channels that’ll help potential consumers to stay in the loop?
Yoel: Yes! We have a newsletter that we disseminate monthly on Linkedin. Your readers can also follow us on social channels to keep up with the latest from Soft2Bet. See links below:
- Newsletter
- Twitter (X)
Any final words for our readers?
Yoel: Stay tuned for updates from our team as we head to Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas this October. Leaders from Soft2Bet will be speaking on site about MEGA. We will also unveil exciting news – more to come!
Thanks for your time, Yoel.
To stay up to date on all of the latest developments happening over at Soft2Bet, be sure to check in with the team over on their official website here.
