Radka Bacheva: “Our presence in the US is a long-term investment”

From what I can recall, Wazdan’s last major step in the US market was the May launch of its products in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania through Fanatics Casino. What is the significance of this partnership with one of the leading operators for Wazdan’s overall operations in the US?

This partnership is incredibly significant. It strengthens our position as an engineering-driven partner, not just a game supplier, showcasing our commitment to deep integration and collaboration. It also provides a solid foundation for further expansion in the US, as partnering with Fanatics Casino is a breakthrough partnership with one of the most critical operators in the region. Ultimately, we aim to be available in as many US states as possible, connecting with the right brands to deliver our tailored, rewarding experiences to an expanding player base.

Wazdan has extensive experience in European markets. How useful is this experience when expanding operations in the US?

Our extensive experience across more than 30 regulated European markets is incredibly valuable. It enables us to navigate other jurisdictions efficiently. Our data-driven, engineering-first approach enables us to adapt our products to local regulatory frameworks quickly.

We know how to design player experiences that account for both cultural and legal differences. We have learned that it is not enough to simply port games; success in the US requires tailoring themes and gameplay to local preferences. For example, our Hot Slot™ titles are inspired by Las Vegas aesthetics, resonating well with American audiences.

What about regulatory obstacles? How can you compare them to those encountered in Europe?

For Wazdan, regulatory obstacles are engineering challenges to be solved, not barriers to growth. Our advanced technological infrastructure and robust compliance team enable fast and efficient game deployment across new states. The experience gained in diverse European regulatory environments has certainly prepared us for the complexities of the US market.

How important is the US market for Wazdan, considering that online casino availability is currently limited to seven states?

The US is a high-potential region that is developing dynamically, and Wazdan aims to be part of that growth from day one. Our presence in the US is a long-term investment, not a one-off expansion. We believe in the strong growth trajectory of the US iGaming sector and are committed to establishing a significant and lasting presence in this market.

How do you view the sweepstakes and social casino sector, a problematic yet significant part of the market? Is it more of a threat or an opportunity for faster growth compared to the online casino market?

We closely observe the evolution of all market segments, including social and sweepstakes models, as they offer unique insights into player behaviours and preferences. However, ultimately, we believe that long-term growth stems from compliance-driven, sustainable development – and that is where our efforts are fully concentrated. Our primary focus remains on the regulated online casino market.

If you had to pinpoint Wazdan’s main competitive advantage, what does the company have that other providers in the US market lack?

Our competitive advantage lies in our engineering-first approach to game development; we do not rely on luck – we engineer success. This is coupled with our customisable player experiences and complete control over our technology and integration process. We also take pride in our top-notch customer support.

Furthermore, we are proud to be the first to have developed the Coins™ formula, which has proven to be an industry innovation and has since inspired other providers, even winning us the Industry Innovation of the Year – North America title at the SBC Awards Americas.

Can we expect any new developments from Wazdan in the near future, such as new partnerships or further expansion? Or perhaps new products for players?

Absolutely. We are constantly working on new game launches through new certifications, which will also be tailored to the preferences of American players. We plan to enter new states as soon as they are regulated and open to online gambling. Additionally, our existing partnership with Light & Wonder ensures the seamless delivery of our content to major operators, such as DraftKings and Tipico. We continue to leverage such collaborations to expand our reach.