Arcangelo Lonoce, who leads Business Development at Habanero, offers insights on navigating new markets, capitalizing on trends, and preparing for future success. In an interview with CasinoBeats, he shares strategies and forecasts for the igaming industry’s progression.
**CasinoBeats:** In 2024, the igaming realm witnessed pivotal developments. How did Habanero identify and exploit these opportunities?
**Arcangelo Lonoce:** This has been a monumental year for igaming. At Habanero, we’ve capitalized on opportunities by innovating and strategically expanding into various regions. Our focus has been on creating games known for their outstanding mathematical models and immersive experiences that appeal to global players. Through strengthening partnerships and tailoring strategies for markets like Italy, South Africa, and Latin America, we’ve solidified our presence. Our recent expansions into Greece and Switzerland demonstrate our commitment to international growth.
The success of games such as Scopa, initially aimed at the Italian market, underscores the value of universal content that can transcend cultural boundaries. Meanwhile, our Haunted Harbor slot, celebrated for its captivating audiovisual experience, has set new standards for engaging gameplay.
**CB:** Looking ahead to the next year, what advancements anticipate in elevating online casino gaming?
**AL:** We’re observing exciting trends in igaming, particularly around personalization and gamification. Habanero is committed to developing immersive games that combine classic and novel features, ensuring a unique experience with every play. We foresee enhanced player engagement through tournaments and community-centered tools like our innovative Jackpot Race. These innovations foster shared experiences and loyalty while adhering to regional regulations.
**CB:** What opportunities do you see with the emergence of new igaming markets?
**AL:** Brazil is preparing for its significant market launch on January 1, creating excitement in the global igaming community. This event offers Brazil the chance to emerge as a substantial player for operators worldwide. Habanero is eager to expand our established presence in Latin America and explore new prospects this market presents.
Moreover, Africa shows promising growth, particularly in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. We’ve partnered with industry leaders like Betway to strengthen our foothold in these regions. We aim to create games that resonate with local preferences while navigating each market’s unique challenges.
**CB:** Regarding new or existing jurisdictions, where does Habanero see the most growth potential and how will you achieve this?
**AL:** Anticipating the challenges of new regulations and evolving player tastes, we view compliance as crucial for a safer, more transparent industry. Our focus is on adapting our offerings to meet current standards. Across the industry, issues like new technology integration and market saturation require innovative approaches. By maintaining our core strengths in engaging gameplay and storytelling, we are prepared to tackle these challenges.
**CB:** What are the major challenges the industry will face in the upcoming year, and how can they be overcome?
**AL:** Looking to 2025 and beyond, Habanero is set on a path to innovate, adapt, and grow. Strengthening our game design and regional connections, we’re keen to explore new markets while addressing industry challenges. Our commitment to delivering exceptional player experiences remains unwavering as we continue to lead in the igaming sector.