Platipus has announced plans to take on the UK by entering the market with a dedicated team, running alongside the slot provider’s plans to reach further players across Africa and Asia.
Speaking to SlotBeats, Platipus CBDO Vladislav Garanko detailed the firm’s global expansion efforts, while expressing excitement for the upcoming launch of its first branded slot release.
Global focus
The first point on the whistlestop global tour was to the shores of the UK. A long regulated market with severe competition that needs to overcome to achieve real success.
Despite these challenges, Garanko and Platipus remain undeterred through a clear vision timeline to make it happen. “We will have a dedicated team and office for the UK,” Garanko explains.
“Our process of licensing is well underway. Hopefully by June we will have a final decision on that. We cannot name any partner yet until that’s signed, but it’s very up and coming”.
Moreover, Latin America also holds the key to potential market expansion. Having entered the Brazilian market, Garanko notes that Platipus is watching carefully on the continent’s performance.
“We already checked the initial data and found it very interesting, but we understand that it is a transition period,” he notes. “We still watch the market carefully, and based on that, we’ll make decisions of further expansion.
“We might need to put more focus on LatAm countries. Currently Platipus covers approximately from 20% to 30%. We continue growing our influence in the LatAm market despite facing the difficulty with establishing business contacts, language barriers and regulatory.”
Elsewhere, it is the Philippines that could see the studio come calling. Despite the high entry fee and uncertainty around integrating land-based operations with digital platforms, Garanko remains confident about the promising opportunities in the region.
“In the Philippines we have already gained some strategic partnerships with land-based casinos, though the licensing is very expensive,” he explains.
“It’s six figures for three years, which for game providers is a substantial amount of money because you never know how your game’s going to perform.
“Pre-research market information gives some insights as for the potential game players in the Philippines, but we’ve to consider the level of risk when entering new markets. When a Company has a licensed partner, who can shelter you with that, the new market entry process goes much smoother.”
A final point was reserved for Africa, although a long waiting game is needed due to what is labelled as an“ immature, young and very fresh” ecosystem.
“We see that bet volumes are not at a level that would push more interest, but it has a very high potential growth,” he says.
Navigating the niche
While slots continue to dominate the online casino landscape, many suppliers are exploring niche gaming segments. Crash games, for instance, have recently gained significant traction among other emerging genres.
When asked about Platipus’ strategic approach, Garanko mentions that the idea has been considered, but they prefer to proceed with caution.
“There are many providers who excel at these games,” he explains. “Our motto has always been to focus on what we do best, and we excel at slot games and table games.”
“These types of other games are not exactly our strong point. We recognise that, and don’t want to try and force something into the market that we understand other providers are already good at. We’re very happy with them having it.
“This is an open partnership, and we are very happy to provide the content that our players and partners seek on an aggregation basis. But in terms of creating them, no, I don’t think we will ever venture too far. Some games, yes, but never really too far.”
With a clear focus established, attention quickly turns to what we can expect on the road ahead. Garanko swiftly exudes much excitement at a July release that will see the company deliver a brand-new title.
At 95% RTP, although discussions are ongoing to raise this to 96%, it will be Platipus itself that will be the star of its own show amid ongoing ten-year anniversary celebrations. More on that below.
“You will see our mascot in all its fantastic glory,” Garanko continues. I will not reveal too much yet, but this is a slot that we are releasing for ourselves, by ourselves, and for our players to enjoy.”
He adds: “This is a slot about us and how we would like to present ourselves, and for the players to demonstrate that we are not going to be limited or restricted.
“It’s going to be certified for all jurisdictions as soon as possible, hopefully by release. We’re planning to release it simultaneously on all the markets”.
However, that’s not all. In spite of a distinct slots’ focus having been elaborated upon, Platipus is also looking to add to its two table games via baccarat and sic bo, which will be targeted towards the Asia Pacific region.
Internal growth
As alluded to above, Platipus is fresh off the back of a landmark occasion. Amid reflections of a largest ever win being witnessed at €600,000, as well as an upcoming celebratory tournament that boasts a €100,000 top prize, attention quickly turns to overall company growth as one particular standout.
“The company is developing very fast and we hired more than 120 people to contribute to Platipus’ success and business development,” he says.
“It might not seem like much, but for an online games provider, it is significant. These are the people who focus solely on the product. I’m not including legal or other support roles here—this is just about the product.”
As the conversation drew to a close, attention quickly returned to the headline topic, and one very unavoidable country at this moment.
“Another highlight is that we have entered the Brazilian market as expected,” he concluded. “It was not as swift as we had hoped in the previous year. However, we understand due to the regulation and all the other problems this delay was inevitable.”
