Exploring LATAM’s Betting Boom: Atlaslive’s COO, Lidiia Vakulenko Talks Post-SBC Summit Latinoamerica Experience

In an interview with Soloazar, Lidiia discussed the strong interest their innovative Sportsbook Platform generated, emphasizing the importance of their customizable solutions for helping operators stay competitive. Lidiia also highlighted the booming sports betting market in LATAM and the emerging challenges that operators are beginning to face in this dynamic region.

How was the experience during this 2024 edition at SBC Latin America and what can you highlight from it?

Our team was delighted to attend this premier iGaming and sports betting event, bringing together more than 4,000 participants. It’s exciting to see Atlaslive among market leaders, representing ourselves and our product at such a level alongside key decision-makers, sharing our experience, and enhancing the experience of our partners. These three days were packed with activity! 

We connected with long-standing partners and friends, engaged with media representatives, and even secured new contracts. Meetings like these, especially as we approach the new year, are incredibly motivating and align perfectly with our plans for the coming year, which we’re actively discussing with our team. 

The event featured captivating speakers and knowledge contributors offering valuable perspectives on regulation, the importance of compliance, AI in sports betting, Brazil’s land-based casino developments, and many other engaging topics with valuable takeaways. 

What’s more, we received the Silver Winner Rising Star in Sports Betting award, and our team couldn’t be prouder. It’s not only a testament to the quality of our technology, especially our Sportsbook platform, but also a recognition of our entire team’s effort. We’re very aware of how rapidly the market in Brazil will grow in 2025, and we want even more iGaming businesses to learn about the possibilities our Sportsbook API integration solution can offer - this is, actually,  why we’re here.

What were the most innovative solutions you presented at this edition and what response did you get from attendees and the public?

We always have something new to share because the Atlaslive Platform isn’t just about static nature – it’s about flexibility, sustained development, and fresh opportunities for operators and their players. 

We received numerous questions about the potential, functionality, and capabilities of the Atlaslive Sportsbook Platform. Why focus on Sportsbook, especially when casino games are also highly popular, you might ask? We consistently analyze the market, and while player engagement initially leaned more toward online casino games than sports betting, these are now nearly on par. By 2025, we expect a sharp increase in engagement from sports enthusiasts, with a significant rise in average revenue per user for sports betting specifically. We presented our Sportsbook and highlighted its technical capabilities, including templates that allow operators to make adjustments automatically with zero manual effort. Everything is live and adaptive, offering players the ability to place combined bets to maximize their winnings. The platform is also continuously updated with new sports events, providing a broader selection for players to bet on both pre-match and live. 

Naturally, iGaming businesses cannot ignore these trends, and to remain leaders in the region, they seek new tech solutions that are quick to integrate and deliver impressive results within a short timeframe. Each operator faces a complex challenge: retaining their existing audience while attracting new, unique users and building their loyalty. Our technology is designed for this exact purpose, with everything needed for a successful iGaming business: Sportsbook, Casino Platform, Payment Hub, Bonus Engine, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, Business Analytics, and other integral components. 

When it comes to casino content, we’re also advancing constantly. It’s vital to keep up with market trends and cater to players of different ages and backgrounds. Offering platform content that resonates with current and potential players not only satisfies their preferences but also prepares the path for our partners’ success. 

As for the feedback on our product, attendees were highly impressed by our approach to innovation and the ease of integration of our solutions. They see Atlaslive as a standout in the industry for its forward-thinking technology and dedication to supporting operators in a swiftly changing market. 

What unique opportunities and trends did you identify and how do you adapt your products to meet the diverse cultural preferences of the region? 

To spot these trends and changes in the market, you need strong analytics, which we regularly monitor to stay dynamic. We have a dedicated team focused on this which provides us with key insights to understand each market. When we look specifically at the Latin American market, it’s almost ready to make its mark as a major player in the industry. 

The passion people have for sports is clear in their desire to support their favorite teams, creating a high demand for sports betting. Lotteries, bingo, horse racing bets, and various other forms of gaming are a natural part of life for many in Latin America. In some countries, loyalty to gaming has been cultivated over the years. As soon as regulatory systems become fully clear and unified, we expect a steady influx of new providers and operators. Knowing this, we adapt our product to make it as customizable, secure, and adaptive as possible. 

The drive, excitement, and eagerness to connect with favorite teams and invest in match outcomes make this geographic region perfect for sports betting. In Brazil, for instance, the most popular sports for betting are: soccer, volleyball, mixed martial arts, basketball, and motorsport

Sports betting is growing not only in the region but also in other markets. The influence of sports is only increasing, so combining sports and casino offerings under one platform brings many benefits in terms of promotion and audience reach. 

Moreover, our localization and adaptation kits enable us to quickly tailor the platform to the specific regulatory and operational needs of different regions. Our microservices-based architecture allows us to make custom adjustments to regional regulations without affecting the entire system. This technological adaptability supports our ability to deliver a seamless, region-specific experience for our partners and players alike.

With the continued growth of the online sports betting market in Latin America, what are the main opportunities and challenges facing operators according to discussions at the event?

In Latin America’s fast-growing online sports betting market, operators are seeing both promising opportunities and great challenges. Regulation remains a critical topic, covering everything from sports betting and online and land-based casinos to lotteries, marketing, and compliance. Consistent regulation across countries is paramount, as it creates the foundation for secure and fair gaming environments. 

One of the growing concerns discussed today is underage gambling. The allure of quick wins often appeals to younger audiences, which can lead to issues like addiction, financial risks, and mental health challenges. This makes it even more crucial for regulators and operators to enforce effective age restrictions and promote responsible gaming practices. 

Another key focus is on integrating the latest innovations and solutions rooted in responsible gaming and security. New technology can give the market a strong boost by accelerating development, but it’s essential that these solutions remain adaptive and can respond to different market needs. For new market entrants, there are also considerable hurdles in licensing, establishing local partnerships, managing cultural and language differences, and implementing effective technology solutions.