Dive into the dynamic world of tribal gaming as Gaming Eminence engages in a compelling dialogue with Thomas Gilanyi, Co-Founder of Native Sportsbook Solutions. We delve into the technology stacks, and the interview unveils the innovative utilisation of micro-services architecture, enabling unparalleled plug-and-play customisation. Gilanyi elaborates on how this revolutionary approach empowers tribal operators, providing them with the tools to differentiate themselves in the market and craft unique, tailored offerings. Exploring the journey towards GLI 33 Event Wagering Systems Certification, Gilanyi highlights the meticulous alignment of software components with compliance requirements. The conversation further explores the challenges of the industry, emphasising the need for a fresh, localised perspective for tribal gaming solutions.
GE) Could you provide a technical overview of the NSS Sportsbook and Player Account Management System, delving into the innovative technology stacks utilised and the challenges that Native Sportsbook Solutions encountered and overcame during the development process?
TG) Both the front end and back end of our new sportsbook platform were built using the latest coding languages, including Python and its subsets. The actual architecture was constructed using a micro-services architecture so that we can plug and play Gaming modules, APIs, as well as enhancements as deemed necessary by our clients or regulators.
Developing the code in this manner was important from a technical point of view because we needed to ensure that the tech stack could accommodate the latest integrations, as well as future integrations of iGaming enhancements. Currently, most B2B relies on third-party technology providers who utilize outdated multi-tenant tech stacks that cannot adequately allow Tribal operators to differentiate themselves in the market. Developing the code the way we did ensures the ability to differentiate and customize down to the property level, addressing the unique needs of Tribal operators.
This code was then applied to Native iOS as well as Native Android to provide a seamless customer experience. Some of the challenges that we encountered and overcame were ensuring the ability of the tech stack to accommodate full compatibility with existing integrations as well as future-proofing the code for future Gaming enhancements. The fluidity of the code and architecture allowed us to overcome these challenges and create a successful product.
GE) What were the key factors that contributed to Native Sportsbook Solutions achieving the GLI 33 Event Wagering Systems Certification? Additionally, what specific criteria did they meet to obtain this certification?
TG) The key factors that contributed to our success in achieving GLI 33 certification on our first pass were a careful analysis of GLI's compliance requirements and development aligned with those requirements. In order to meet GLI 33 criteria, all major modules and components of the software had to meet compliance requirements. These include, but are not limited to, the wagering/betting system, play account management system, responsible gaming module, reporting system, and KYC/authentication system - to name a few.
GE) How does the plug-and-play architecture of Native Sportsbook Solutions' technology enable competitive market differentiation for Tribal operators, and what benefits does it offer? Can you provide examples of the full customization options available for odds data from single or multiple sources within Native Sportsbook Solutions' platform, and how it can be tailored to the local level?
TG) The plug-and-play architecture of Native Sportsbook Solutions' technology differs from many of our B2B competitors and provides greater customisation and market differentiation.
Current B2B offerings are multi-tenant, meaning one platform is not significantly different from another. This does not allow Tribes to adequately compete for market share because their products are more or less the same as other platforms. Our architecture allows Tribal operators to completely customise their offerings and enable them to deploy sportsbooks that are competitive.
Unlike the widely used multi-tenant technology found in the B2B space, our micro-services architecture allows us to seamlessly build and/or integrate enhancements with zero compatibility issues. This is an important development in the sports betting/Tribal Gaming space because most Tribal operators are located in states with more than one Tribal operator. With multi-tenant technology, current B2Bs use the same tech stack, offerings, and code to power sportsbooks in the same state.
This lack of customisation and differentiation prevents Tribes from standing out in the market and capturing market share. With micro-services technology, Tribes can differentiate and create unique sportsbooks, increasing their competitiveness. This allows us to partner with casino clients to determine the best market approach for capturing market share. It also allows us to customise our product and odds offerings down to the property level. Examples include micro-betting, pari-mutuel offerings, and localised odds.
Tribal operators are situated in diverse locations, some near urban areas and others in rural areas spread across 29 states. Each operator has a distinct market, demographic, and revenue model. The technology's ability to enhance operators' sports betting offerings allows them to fully capitalise on the new growth in the Gaming market. Pari-mutuel offerings enable operators to create customised wagering experiences based on localised and regional interests. Micro-betting lets operators focus on specific games and increase customer engagement by offering play-by-play lines to wager on.
GE) From your perspective, how do you perceive the current state of Sportsbook Solutions targeting Tribal gaming? Could you provide an analysis of the technological solutions and strategies commonly employed in this domain? Additionally, in your opinion, what are the key industry pitfalls that need to be addressed, and what do you foresee as the potential direction and future outlook for this market in the coming years?
TG) From my perspective, the current state of sportsbook solutions targeting Tribal operators is improving from years past. Tribal operators are beginning to receive options that can cater to their customised, unique needs. The unique technical needs revolve around their ability to address differing customer needs due to their market differences. These include the ability for Tribal operators to offer localised odds, property-level wagering options, and marketing integrations that optimise customer acquisition and retention, such as free play sports wagering and free play online casino.
As far as technology is concerned, many of the options currently available to the small-mid-sized operators (our target market), are subpar. What you'll find is multi-tenant technology from larger B2B providers that do not allow the necessary levels of customisation - I have heard it described as "drop in the sportsbook and change the colors" - meaning, drop in the same solutions, product offerings, and odds as other casinos and change the branding.
Another observation is very outdated technology stacks, which result in poor latency, downtime, a subpar customer experience, and interface, as well as integration issues with new product offerings.
From my perspective, the primary pitfall of the industry in addressing this sector of the market is the commercial approach to Tribal gaming. The "commercial model" relies on larger deployments and the operating/technology models rely on third-party integrations. This works well for many operators; however, when you begin to address the sector of the market that consists of small-mid-sized operators, this either prices the operators out of profitable solutions or forces them into solutions in which they lose money to avoid being left out of market growth.
A new localised, property-level approach, such as the one Native Sportsbook has created, needs to be applied to the space. As the larger Tribal gaming states of California and Oklahoma legalise sports betting in the next few years, I see existing as well as new B2B providers making a concerted effort to tailor their solutions to Tribal operators, rather than forcing Tribal operators into existing solutions.
About our contributor:
Thomas Gilanyi is the Co-Founder of Native Sportsbook Solutions, the only Native-founded sports betting and iGaming provider in the United States. As Director of Gaming, Tom focuses on the creation of customised operating models for small-mid sized Tribal operators. He has successfully overseen the full build-out and development of a state-of-the-art
GLI 33 certified sportsbook technology platform which is tailored for the varying needs of Tribal operators across the US. Together with the technology platform, Tom has developed unique operating ecosystems that can be customised for any operator in any market.
Tom is passionate about assisting operators of all sizes achieve success in the world of sports betting and iGaming by helping them introduce innovative and forward-thinking operations that can maximize profits. Visit: https://nativesportsbooksolutions.com/