Like in every sector, numerous iGaming start-ups fail every year. From the outside, launching an online casino or sportsbook business seems straightforward, particularly given that several white-label operators give companies a market-ready platform. Yet failures are common, so we wanted to dig a little deeper to learn about the biggest mistakes many people make. We spoke to IGAMINGHUNT CEO Tanya Shevchuk for insight into what causes iGaming start-ups to fail, and she was happy to share the following revelations. Underestimating total costs Budget planning and cost management are central to any start-up, and iGaming firms are no exception. Founders often miscalculate the cost of launching an online casino, and unexpected costs crop up in the initial stages of the launch. The costs associated with building the platform, assembling a qualified and highly skilled team, player acquisition and retention, legal costs, content, and much more must be considered. Shevchuk explains: “ We had two clients who ran into significant financial trouble because they focused too much on creating attractive designs and new features, neglecting to allocate sufficient funds for marketing and building traffic. The result? They ended up with a beautifully designed product but almost no users, first- time depositors, or revenue. To keep the project afloat, they had to sell 50% of their stake to external investors to secure the necessary funds. ” Undervaluing the importance of qualified team members Some new online gambling firms attempt to cut costs by hiring inexperienced staff who don’t have a track record of delivering at the required levels. The results are usually dire when start-ups put their faith in junior staff to perform senior roles. While it can seem daunting to allocate a significant proportion of your initial budget to staff costs, undervaluing the importance of qualified team members is a mistake many iGaming start-ups don’t recover from. Though the initial cost of recruiting junior, inexperienced staff is lower, the long-term costs can be up to three times as high, given that you will spend a lot of time and money trying to fix mistakes that could have been avoided in the first place. The resources required to train, educate, and eventually replace your junior employees are another thing you should think about if you’re considering cutting corners at the start of your journey. As Shevchuk says from experience: “ In the long run, it’s more cost-effective to hire professionals at market rates to ensure high-quality results. ” This issue especially applies to the iGaming sector, which requires extensive specialist knowledge across product, marketing, and regulatory functions. Pursuing perfection Another mistake many start-ups make is aiming for perfection right out of the gate rather than testing, reviewing, and evolving their operating model. The most successful firms embrace lean start-up methods and tactics, acknowledging that a company’s first iteration will likely be far from perfect. Rather than spending years and tens of thousands of dollars preparing a product for launch, it’s much better to get a “lite” product off the ground and into the market, which you can test and refine as you receive customer feedback. You can also use revenue generated from the site while it’s live to invest in further improvements, which will drive your iGaming start-up forward in the long run. Shevchuk warns: “ Perfection is irrelevant if no one is using your product and it’s generating zero revenue. ” Spreading too thin Also common within the sector is that companies spread themselves too thin. Undoubtedly, there are many potential strings to an online gambling site’s bow, including an RNG casino, live casino, sportsbook, affiliate program, and numerous other income-generating opportunities. While creating numerous revenue streams is a positive step for established companies, focusing on too many options from the start spreads new iGaming firms too thin, causing them to fail with their core offering. As Shevchuk points out: “ We’ve seen this first-hand with three clients who learned this lesson the hard way and eventually decided to focus on making one product successful before expanding. ” The idea of concept dilution is worth considering here. Rather than diluting your initial offering with several ideas to grow your business quickly, focus on what makes your concept unique and valuable. Growing your company’s concept and cementing your place within the sector is crucial as a starting point, and you can always add more revenue streams as your company grows. Lack of industry knowledge From the outside looking in, opening an online casino seems straightforward. Many investors outside of the igaming industry often think they can throw a relatively small amount of money, perhaps $50,000, at a white-label casino and sit back to watch the profits roll in. The reality is that this lack of industry knowledge causes so many online casino start- ups to fail. Without sufficient knowledge of the sector's complexities, regulations, rules, and requirements, it’s extremely difficult for a casino or sportsbook to rise to the top of the pile. Shevchuk expands on this point: “ Without a deep understanding of the industry, its rules, competitors, and trends, and without proper planning, they risk throwing their money away. In truth, you need much more than $50K to make it in the iGaming world. ” Conclusion The iGaming sector is undeniably an attractive segment of the gambling market to get into, with many countries and states adopting favourable laws and regulations to support the establishment of online casinos and sportsbooks. But as Tanya Shevchuk warns, if you want your website to be successful, you must avoid the all-too-common pitfalls that many start-ups fall into.  For more tips on how to get started in the world of iGaming and for support with recruitment and talent acquisition, contact IGAMINGHUNT today.

Knowing the ideal conditions for iGaming businesses and start-ups will help you to identify the best locations for jobs. Companies look to locations with low or no tax on profits and countries that support easy registration and licensing. Of course, relying on a sizeable talent pool is crucial, so locations with access to candidates with relatively low salaries are also attractive to online gambling firms. We spoke to Tanya Shevchuk, CEO of HR, recruitment and advisory company IGAMINGHUNT, about the countries currently ranking as the world’s leading iGaming hubs for jobseekers. Tanya comments: “There are some familiar names to consider, like Malta and Gibraltar, which are both extremely favourable locations for iGaming companies. “ But there are plenty of other destinations worthy of mention, including some that have only become iGaming hotspots in the last few years. It means that iGaming companies have plenty of choice if they wish to relocate. And it also gives jobseekers lots of exciting opportunities to relocate around the world. ” Here are Tanya’s top iGaming destinations. Malta Home of the long-established Malta Gaming Authority, Malta has a reputation as one of the world’s leading hubs for iGaming jobs. As an EU member state, Malta’s standard of living is high, and internet speeds and connectivity are impressive. There’s also an effective tax rate of 5% on profits, making the island nation an attractive option for iGaming firms. Gibraltar Gibraltar has long been a favoured destination among iGaming companies, and the Gibraltar Gambling Commission offers remote gambling licenses to many high-profile betting sites. In Gibraltar, corporate tax is just 1%, while there is no sales tax or VAT, resulting in an extremely attractive business climate for start-ups and long-established businesses alike. Alderney Though not a country, Alderney is an island in the English Channel that has become known as a gambling hotspot. It is a British Crown dependency with sovereign status in the UK, and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission is responsible for regulating many online casinos and sports betting sites. The license fee is relatively low compared to other regulatory bodies, and a 0% tax rate is highly attractive to all firms. Curacao The Caribbean island of Curacao has emerged as a centre for iGaming in the American market. Under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands, Curacao regulates some of the world’s biggest casinos and betting sites, including Stake.com. License fees are affordable and accessible, while the 2% net tax on profits is one of the lowest in the world. Bulgaria Thanks partly to the country’s impressive digital infrastructure, Bulgaria has a booming gambling market. The State Commission on Gambling grants licenses and enacts fair regulatory procedures favourable to operators. Recently, there has been a surge in demand for technology professionals in the iGaming sector, including UI/UX designers and game developers. Romania Romania has emerged as one of Europe’s most lucrative iGaming markets, enjoying significant growth in recent years. Online gambling has been legal in Romania since 2010. The country’s thriving economy and relatively young workforce make it an excellent place for iGaming firms to recruit exciting talent. Estonia Estonia’s impressive iGaming growth mirrors that of Bulgaria and Romania. Relaxed attitudes towards gambling and reasonable regulation have enabled domestic and international iGaming companies to flourish. iGaming income in Estonia is more than €336 million, and there are many jobs for professionals in the industry. Estonia’s low cost of living is a big draw for talented Europeans looking to get more for their money. Cyprus Over the past three years, Cyprus has welcomed many iGaming professionals, particularly those involved in sports betting and poker. Though online casinos cannot be licensed in Cyprus, many iGaming firms have been attracted to the island thanks to the National Betting Authority, which has been responsible for regulating sports betting since 2016. There’s also a relatively low tax rate of 13% on all revenues. Sweden Gambling has long been popular in Sweden, and many of the most successful iGaming firms on the market, such as NetEnt and Play’n GO, were launched by Swedish entrepreneurs. Although Sweden has higher tax rates and costlier licensing fees than other countries on this list, the country is widely regarded for its regulatory framework and exceptional standard of living. Given the number of iGaming firms operating in Sweden, talented professionals regularly move between companies as the demand for the best recruits is exceptionally high. The US (New Jersey & Nevada) The expansion of legal gaming in the United States has seen each state develop its own regulatory bodies and licensing conditions to manage iGaming firms. Nevada and New Jersey are two of the best-regulated states in the country, home to gambling-centric Las Vegas and Atlantic City, respectively. iGaming and land-based gambling jobs are widely available in both states, and the opportunity to live and work in the US is attractive to all potential employees. Costa Rica Boasting an attractive business climate and welcoming thousands of “digital nomads” every year, Costa Rica is an excellent location for iGaming businesses. The Costa Rican government doesn’t regulate iGaming companies but permits offshore companies to operate within the country. Moreover, Costa Rica does not tax companies for earnings from abroad, which is highly attractive to companies offering gambling services within other regulated markets. Flexible working conditions One reason the global iGaming sector is thriving is that companies can attract talent worldwide. Many iGaming jobs available on the market are hybrid or fully remote, enabling firms to provide employees with flexible working conditions. Still, the above countries are the world’s leading iGaming hubs, with attractive tax conditions, licensing and regulatory benefits, and excellent living standards. If you’re looking for your next role within the iGaming sector, whether a management, design, or content job, speak to IGAMINGHUNT about the positions currently available. 

Many iGaming firms now see the UAE as the ideal location for operations. The standard of living, tax benefits, and employment perks attract top talent worldwide willing to relocate for highly paid roles in the sun. To understand the evolving and blossoming online gambling sector in the UAE, we asked Anna Bezsmertna, the Head of Recruitment at IGAMINGHUNT , to offer their expert opinion by giving detailed answers to the following questions. What are the main iGaming roles available in the UAE? Among the most sought-after roles in the UAE’s iGaming sector are those related to marketing activities , mainly targeting Middle Eastern markets. As the iGaming market expands, companies need strong marketers to navigate competitive landscapes and devise effective campaigns that resonate with local audiences. Expertise in digital marketing, market research, and consumer behaviour is crucial for driving growth, which is why Heads of Marketing and Marketing Managers are in demand. Affiliate marketing is a cornerstone of the iGaming industry’s customer acquisition strategy. Affiliate professionals must identify and partner with key influencers and websites that can bring in high-quality traffic, making this role critical for business expansion. Sales Managers are crucial in expanding market reach and securing new business opportunities. Their ability to negotiate and close deals directly impacts the company’s bottom line, making them indispensable in a competitive market. Understanding regional nuances is vital as the industry grows in the Middle East. Country Managers bring local expertise, helping companies navigate cultural and regulatory landscapes while driving regional growth. Strong client relationships are fundamental to business success. Account Managers ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, essential for long-term growth and stability in the iGaming sector. With sports betting being a significant component of iGaming, knowledgeable Sportsbook Managers are important for developing competitive and engaging betting options. Sports betting is widely popular in Indian and African markets, contributing to the high demand for these specialists in the UAE. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that the sportsbook remains attractive to users and profitable for operators. Why is hiring in the UAE attractive for the iGaming sector? The UAE’s geographical position is a strategic “middle point” for African and Asian countries, including India. This makes it an ideal hub for businesses keen to tap into these growing markets. The connectivity and ease of travel between these regions facilitate smoother operations and business expansions. Most iGaming companies prefer to establish their base in Dubai , thanks to its advanced infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai offers a vibrant, innovative atmosphere that attracts top talent from around the globe. While Dubai remains a focal point, Abu Dhabi also presents significant opportunities. The capital city offers a less congested environment with excellent facilities, making it an attractive alternative for companies and professionals seeking a more balanced lifestyle. One of the most compelling reasons professionals are drawn to the UAE is the absence of personal income tax . This allows employees to maximise earnings, a significant lure for top talent, particularly in high-paying sectors like iGaming. The UAE’s Golden Visa program offers long-term residency options for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. This initiative provides stability and security, encouraging top-tier talent to relocate and commit to long-term careers in the region. The Golden Visa also improves the UAE’s appeal as a career advancement and personal growth destination. The UAE is known for its diverse and inclusive workforce , which brings together professionals from various cultural and professional backgrounds. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and a dynamic work environment, essential for the fast-paced iGaming industry. Each of the Emirates boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure , including high-speed internet, modern office spaces, and excellent transportation networks. These facilities support efficient business operations and enhance overall productivity. The UAE also offers an exceptional quality of life , with luxurious housing options, top-tier healthcare, international schools, and a wide range of leisure activities. The attractive lifestyle is significant in drawing skilled professionals to the region. Finally, the UAE government has implemented various pro-business regulations and incentives to attract foreign investment. These policies provide a stable and supportive environment for iGaming companies to thrive and expand their operations. What bonuses do iGaming companies offer in the UAE? The incentives offered to iGaming employees in the UAE go beyond just a competitive salary; they create a comprehensive package designed to improve employees’ overall well-being and job satisfaction. Anna reveals some of the bonuses iGaming employees can access: Many iGaming companies provide a generous accommodation allowance , helping employees cover the cost of living in the UAE. This benefit alleviates the financial burden of housing, making it easier for expatriates to settle in and focus on their professional responsibilities. To facilitate a smooth transition for international hires, iGaming companies often assist with obtaining relocation visas . This support includes handling the necessary paperwork and covering the associated costs, ensuring new employees can relocate with minimal hassle and start their new roles promptly. Providing comprehensive healthcare benefits is a standard practice among iGaming companies in the UAE. These benefits typically cover medical, dental, and sometimes optical expenses, ensuring employees and their families can access quality healthcare services. Many companies also offer coverage for transportation expenses , whether through monthly allowances or company-provided transport. This perk reduces commuting costs and improves convenience, improving employees’ work-life balance. Attractive bonus schemes based on company performance are also a significant draw for professionals in the iGaming sector. These bonuses reward employees for contributing to the company’s success, fostering a culture of achievement and motivation. Performance-based bonuses can significantly boost overall compensation, aligning employees’ goals with the company’s objectives. Although base salaries in the UAE’s iGaming sector align with current recruitment trends and market realities, they remain appealing. While not as high as in previous years, these salaries are still competitive , especially when supplemented with comprehensive benefits packages and the region’s significant tax benefits. This combination of wages and perks makes employment in the UAE’s iGaming industry highly attractive for professionals seeking a rewarding career. Beyond the standard bonuses, many iGaming companies provide additional perks such as gym memberships, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. These benefits contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, promoting long-term employee satisfaction and retention. Is iGaming regulated in the UAE? The UAE is poised for a significant transformation in the gaming industry. New regulations to formalise and govern online gaming activities will likely be introduced soon. This regulatory framework will create a more structured and secure environment for operators and players, improving trust and credibility within the market. Upon accepting these regulations, the UAE’s iGaming market will see heightened demand for new specialists, particularly in legal and compliance roles. This presents a tremendous opportunity for professionals in these fields to contribute to and shape the burgeoning sector. As the UAE positions itself as a hub for technological innovation, investment funds increasingly view it as a promising destination for their capital. Over the next five years, many start-ups are anticipated to be launched in the online gaming, Web3, crypto, and blockchain spaces. These start-ups will leverage cutting-edge technologies to improve gaming experiences and contribute to diversifying the UAE’s economy. What are the particulars of employment within iGaming in the UAE? Many companies operate on a six-day workweek , typically with Friday (the holy day in Islam) being a half-day or the day off and Saturday being a regular working day. That said, some companies have adopted a five-day workweek , often from Monday to Friday, aligning more with Western practices. The standard working hours are eight hours per day, 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two hours per day. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work policies ; however, most companies now prefer to return to office work or offer hybrid work arrangements. Employees who complete one year of service are entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave. Those with less than one year of service are entitled to two days of leave for every month worked. There are several public holidays , including Islamic holidays (Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha) and national holidays (such as UAE National Day). Professional attire is generally expected in the workplace, with a preference for conservative clothing in line with local customs. Communication tends to be more formal and polite. Direct or confrontational communication styles that might be acceptable in some European countries are often avoided. Given the expanding job market and the numerous firms looking to recruit in the UAE and the Middle East, now is an exciting time to look for work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Discover the latest Middle East jobs available via IGAMINGHUNT and rely on industry expertise to find your dream role in iGaming.

iGaming has become an attractive sector for people looking for new and exciting careers. But with the soaring interest comes a lot more competition for each role, meaning employers in the online casino and sports betting space can be way more selective than they used to be. For candidates, that means making sure their skills and attributes stand out in the application process and that they are fully prepared to answer questions well if they progress to the interview stage. With that in mind, what essential qualities are iGaming companies looking for in their new hires? We asked Tanya Shevchuk, CEO of specialist recruitment company IGAMINGHUNT, for her top assessment. 1 Industry knowledge When online gambling emerged as a new form of entertainment, basic knowledge of how things worked was just about enough to get you through the door. But today, many roles require a deep understanding of how platforms like casinos work, from the games and marketing to payment systems, regulation, customer service, tech, and design. But that alone is not enough. Every role in iGaming requires employees to understand the customers. What makes casino players tick? What makes a bettor repeatedly return to the same sportsbook? It’s rare for an industry to be this laser-focused. But with billions of dollars at stake, employers have no choice but to hire people who “get it” from day one. 2 Creativity In a competitive environment where technology is evolving seemingly every week, iGaming companies must be creative to stay ahead of the curve. Creativity and innovation start at the top and should be filtered down through every level of the organisation. Creativity induces brave new strategy, sparks conversations that result in innovative games, ways to market, methods to retain and extract value from customers, and so much more. It’s rare to find sectors with such high levels of creativity, so if you’re looking to apply for an iGaming role, be sure you’re inquisitive and creative because prospective employers will explore your mindset during the selection process. Demonstrate that you can think outside the box and explore new trends before they become the norm. 3 Business mindset Every iGaming company wants all staff to bring genuine value to its business. Execs hire good people and will demand results in return for what is usually an attractive salary and benefits package. To show you can add value at the interview stage, we suggest you begin by demonstrating that you understand the business’s size, its challenges, competitor landscape and opportunities. Talk confidently about this at the interview, and be armed with examples of how you brought added value to a previous role. Did you input into a new product or process, for example? And if so, what were the results? 4 Agility A successful company must be quick to respond to almost constant regulatory, technical, and consumer taste developments, which can change very quickly in iGaming. It should react quickly when necessary. For example, the regulatory body might impose a cap on slot game bet sizing, as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission did in 2024. This required casino technical, content and customer service teams to switch things fast. Or a new kid on the block might disrupt the landscape with a new product. Take Spribe and its Aviator game as a case in point. This became a high-flying success, spawning the crash game genre that so many other studios are still trying to catch up with. But there’s no point in a company trying to be agile if its employees resist change and are “stuck in their ways.” Show your interviewer that you can be fast on your feet, work creatively, and work in spaces outside of your comfort zone to create incredible results. 5 Flexibility While agility refers to the doing, flexibility applies to the mindset. iGaming companies need their employees to be flexible and to go the extra mile. Yes, many roles will be hybrid, some even fully remote. But if the business needs a period in the office, working long hours, to work through a challenge, you must show you’re keen to get stuck in. When the FBI shut down the PokerStars platform unexpectedly on a Friday in 2011, many staff dropped their weekend plans and worked around the clock to find a workaround that allowed customers outside of America to access the online poker tables again. It’s a great example of how staff in the iGaming sector should be willing to go above and beyond what’s stipulated in their contract. Throughout the hiring process, demonstrate how you will do whatever it takes to support the business. In most cases, employers reward their teams handsomely as a result. If a company does not, it loses its talent. 6 Loyalty You must demonstrate loyalty in two areas, which will undoubtedly improve your chances of interview success. The first is being a devout custodian of company information. Being loyal to the cause in terms of protecting confidential information is crucial. In a sector where the competition is so fierce, data leaks about customers, suppliers, performance or strategy can be hugely damaging. Don’t trip yourself up at the interview by spilling the beans about your current or previous company – would this prospective employer worry you might do the same with their confidential information? Probably. Secondly, loyalty is about demonstrating your long-term commitment. Every company's selection process, followed by training and onboarding, is costly, and it's super important to demonstrate your desire to stay and grow with them.  Interviewers often ask: “How do you see your future growth within the industry or company?” Well, the first thing is to say you hope your growth will be with the company and not elsewhere in the industry. You can then explain how you want to grow into the role you’re applying for and prove your skills and value, justifying the company’s faith in you. Then, you can predict how eager you’ll be to develop and grow with the business as it continues to excel. Perhaps this might be by moving up in responsibility to lead and mentor others. But be sure to note how flexible you can be to adapt to wherever the company needs your talents and capabilities. Conclusion These are six of the most crucial attributes that iGaming employers will look for in every new hire. While landing one of these jobs is hard in a very competitive job market, you can certainly improve your chances by being prepared to demonstrate not one or two but all of these characteristics in your application and throughout the hiring process. If you think you have what it takes to secure a new job in the sector or if your company is looking for new talent, contact the IGAMINGHUNT team.

The iGaming industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, offering a plethora of opportunities for those seeking to make their mark. However, landing the right role in this competitive market requires more than just a polished CV and impressive interview skills. It also involves asking the right questions to gain a deeper understanding of potential employers. Tanya Shevchuk, the CEO of specialist recruitment company IGAMINGHUNT, explores the most pressing questions that candidates often ask when seeking their next roles in the industry. Understanding the company’s leadership and structure One of the first things candidates want to know is who the owners of the company are. Understanding a company’s structure and the people behind the operation can significantly influence a candidate’s decision to join the firm. Shevchuk emphasizes the importance of transparency in the iGaming industry, stating that candidates often inquire about the founders, directors, and senior management team to avoid firms that are unknown quantities. Location and working arrangements Given the global nature of the iGaming industry, candidates are naturally interested in the company’s country of origin and the location of its offices. Many iGaming firms operate out of hotspots like Malta, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and Cyprus, and offer hybrid and remote working opportunities. The more flexible a firm is with working arrangements, the more likely they are to attract top iGaming talent. Company’s track record Candidates often prefer to work for companies with a proven track record. However, some relish the fast pace of a startup environment or a young company. Shevchuk notes that many candidates prefer companies that are at least three to five years old as a form of insurance against the volatility of working within a start-up. Company shares and incentives Many successful iGaming companies offer company shares as an incentive to attract the best talent. This incentive is usually reserved for senior-level positions, but it’s a question that many candidates want to know the answer to. Products, markets, and licenses Candidates are keen to know about the main products, markets, and licenses of the iGaming companies. They prefer companies that offer a broad spectrum of products and work in leading markets in Europe and the Americas. Shevchuk highlights that many candidates specifically want to know if the iGaming firm is licensed by a regulatory body like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. Team size and structure iGaming companies tend to be agile organizations with multiple teams. Candidates are curious about where they will be placed within the organization and the size of the company. Some prefer working within smaller teams, while others want the opportunity to grow within a larger company. Operating in black markets While many iGaming firms are regulated, fair, and transparent, there’s another side to the industry that some candidates want to avoid. Candidates often inquire if the company operates in black markets, indicating their preference for firms that adhere to regulatory norms. Asking the right questions can help candidates navigate the iGaming job market more effectively, ensuring they find a role that aligns with their career goals and values.

The culture and values of a business in the ultra-competitive iGaming sector will determine whether it thrives or falters. As a leader, you can build and breed an ethos to ensure your team feels valued, supported, and appreciated. Tanya Shevchuk, CEO of IGAMINGHUNT , a leading recruitment and HR consultancy specialising in iGaming, insists that the right culture will help you hire and retain the best talent. “Looking after your employees is paramount,” says Tanya. “The sector is full of talented and enthusiastic professionals who create brilliant products and services. To retain talent, companies must look beyond salary expectations and provide a culture that encourages employees to thrive.” Here are some key aspects of a winning culture that Shevchuk has seen in many of the leading companies in the online gambling space. Emphasise values alignment The best iGaming firms do a great job aligning their company ethos with the values and aims of the broader industry. This includes creativity and responsibility, both central to high-performing firms. Also, values alignment is much more than publishing a set of values on the company website. It’s about engaging with employees and helping them live out these values through their work, which the best firms get right. Promote diversity and inclusion Most companies in the online casino and sports betting space are multi-national. They tend to have offices in numerous locations and benefit from a diverse team of employees who enjoy hybrid or remote work. The truly global nature of the industry means there’s no excuse for firms not to embrace diversity and difference. Employing team members from different countries with unique cultures fosters interest and inclusivity and means that teams within iGaming companies benefit from multiple cultural perspectives when delivering their work. Encourage collaboration and teamwork There are lots of critical components to any successful iGaming team. Experts in numerous fields, from design to marketing, must be on the same page to get behind a product launch. Collaboration between teams is crucial to success, and the best companies in the world recognise this fact. Many companies incentivise performance and offer team bonuses for reaching specific goals throughout the calendar year. Consider employee well-being You don’t want staff to feel like they might be prone to burnout. Making it clear you consider staff well-being important, perhaps by including things like gym membership discounts or flexible working hours, will help attract good people. After all, employees who feel valued and looked after are much more likely to perform well. Offer opportunities for growth and development Most employees like to envisage their potential career trajectory, so offering clear opportunities for growth and development is something else that many firms focus on. Upskilling via training courses, development plans, and team promotion opportunities is important. We have also come across many iGaming firms that offer employee mentoring, which can benefit both mentor and mentee, helping people grow at all company levels. Celebrate achievements and successes The way that an iGaming firm celebrates success is also key. Product launches are a great opportunity to showcase employees' talents, as are awards ceremonies and partner launch parties. You can also ensure you celebrate team milestones on a smaller level to show your team that you care about their success. It’s not enough to demand success – you should reward achievements appropriately when that success is delivered to or beyond expectations. Foster a transparent and open communication culture Effective communication is fundamental to any successful organisation. We don’t mean you must reveal all your tech, marketing plans and operations to everyone in the business. Instead, we mean ensuring departments communicate well with each other and no one feels isolated. Offering employees numerous communication channels, be it options like Slack or company networks and message boards, encourages conversations. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their ideas and seeking feedback, so your firm should have the mechanisms to encourage clear communication. Embrace innovation and creativity The iGaming sector thrives on innovation and creativity. Brilliant games and betting platforms are released because of creativity, and the employer’s job is to foster this creativity wherever possible. Encourage your staff to think outside the box, try new things, and innovate solutions to age-old challenges and problems. It’s always the most innovative firms that rise to the top, so incorporating innovation and creativity into your company ethos is non-negotiable. Final thoughts IGAMINGHUNT’s Shevchuk says these are the key components to building a thriving company culture within the iGaming sector. But each component puts the employees at the centre and makes the best firms some of the most innovative and pioneering companies to work for.

The Benefits of Using AI in Online Gambling Recruitment IGAMINGHUNT's experienced recruitment team led by Head of Recruitment Anna Bezsmertna, believes that AI can transform the online gambling recruitment process for both candidates and companies looking to hire. When used effectively, AI can benefit practically every sector, but fear often holds companies and individuals back when looking to tap into AI’s potential. This is often a fear of what they might find and a worry they might be replaced! However, the crucial thing to remember is that AI needs a human touch to be effective. It should be used as an addition, not a replacement, at key stages throughout the recruitment journey. When you move past the fear and look at the potential of AI, you will start seeing huge benefits to various aspects of your work. With that in mind, here are some of the key perks of utilising AI to find the best people for myriad roles in the iGaming industry: 1/ CV Screening Every recruitment consultant knows how much time and energy is required to screen CVs for the ideal candidate. Looking through hundreds of CVs manually for every role isn’t feasible, and it can often result in oversight that may let the best client slip through the gaps. What’s more, manual CV screening takes hiring managers away from other important roles within the recruitment journey, often leading them to outsource the process to less qualified team members. However, AI can take responsibility for the initial screening phase of CVs, ensuring that only relevant and experienced candidates are considered. This is easily done and means that AI will automatically remove irrelevant or unqualified candidates from consideration. Though not necessarily helpful for some high-level roles, AI screening is a good option for technical roles that require knowledge of tools, scripting languages, or databases. AI can easily determine each of these credentials. IGAMINGHUNT found that making AI responsible for CV screening saved approximately 80% of the time compared to manually screening CVs. This is hugely transformative and highlights how the smart deployment of AI can revolutionise and speed up the gambling recruitment process from the start. 2/ Candidate Sourcing AI can also dig deeper when looking for the best fit for roles in the iGaming sector. Creating a relevant sourcing script through AI can help recruiters scour the Internet to find the best clients for the role, even if they don’t maintain a LinkedIn profile or show up via similar job searches. What’s more, AI can recommend the best way to communicate with candidates found via this search, particularly if an offline method of communication is required for candidates who aren’t on professional networking or social media platforms. After all, candidate sourcing is not just about the people who contact your firm looking for a position. The best recruiters know that the most suitable candidates might not be actively looking for a new position right now. Therefore, it’s up to you to actively search for them. Leveraging AI for candidate sourcing can help supplement the batch of candidates who have been screened for the role, as highlighted in point one. Ultimately, both processes use AI to help source the best candidates and provide a better foundation for your search. 3/ Idea Generation for Initial Contact So, AI has helped you identify the best candidates for your role. Then what? Well, your initial contact with a candidate can be the difference between success and failure. So many recruiters go with something generic like, “Hi – your profile is impressive, I have a role that might interest you.” Highly qualified and experienced candidates receive countless messages from recruiters and tend to overlook generic, uninspiring messages. Granted, you might not have the time to personalise messages for every candidate you reach out to, but that’s where AI can play a crucial role. You can ask an AI tool to analyse the candidate’s profile to provide tips on what to include in your initial message. This might be information about their previous employment or details about their likes, comments, or posts on LinkedIn that you can use to your advantage. Connecting with a potential candidate personally is so important if you want them to consider the offer you have lined up for them. IGAMINGHUNT found that using AI to personalise initial contact messages significantly increased the response rate. After all, it’s no secret that candidates are more likely to respond to personalised messages that consider their actual circumstances and experiences. 4/ Job Description Preparation The job description is so important to online gambling recruitment, but it is often overlooked by hiring managers. In fact, many hiring managers ask less senior members of the recruitment team to put together a job description, which can result in only basic requirements and responsibilities being included. This is a problem, as it can blur expectations and may even lead to an under or over-qualified candidate accepting a role they are not well suited to. So many recruiters think that because they can envisage the best candidate for a specific role, they don’t need to accurately express what the role entails within the job description. IGAMINGHUNT discovered that AI tools can put together extremely detailed and relevant job descriptions for various roles within the iGaming sector. This means hiring managers don’t have to delegate the role to a less experienced team member. However, once the AI has created the initial job description, the hiring manager must sit down to personalise it. Editing and proofreading an AI-generated job description is much more efficient than creating one from scratch, and hiring managers can store these descriptions to use them for future roles, thus saving even more time and effort in the long run. 5/ Interview Preparation Interview preparation is a two-way street. The hiring manager needs to ask the right questions, while the candidate needs to be well prepared to show why they are the perfect person to fill the role. So much interview time is wasted by reviewing topics already covered in CVs and application forms. The whole point of requiring CVs, cover letters, and application forms is to find candidates who tick all the required boxes. The interview is about finding the right person with the right mindset and personality to join the company. Again, AI can play a crucial role in preparing relevant interview questions to ensure the candidate is a good match. You can use the AI-generated job description to ask technical questions that are crucial for the role before following it up with behavioural questions that give you an insight into the candidate’s personality. IGAMINGHUNT found that AI provided insightful and relevant interview questions that helped to focus on relevant traits required for each role in question. This saved time and effort and ensured the interview time could be used to find the best-suited candidates. 6/ Continuous Learning & Development Recognising that AI is continuously learning, developing, and improving is important. AI tools are consistently adding new features that can enhance the online gambling recruitment process, and it’s crucial that hiring managers are open to such improvements and developments. The way that IGAMINGHUNT was able to revolutionise the recruitment of candidates highlights the fact that when harnessed effectively, AI can positively impact the process of finding the best candidates for roles in the iGaming sector. From screening CVs to writing interview questions, AI has a key role in online gambling recruitment. Ultimately, it’s up to hiring managers to use AI to streamline and improve their hiring practices. What’s more, hiring managers should keep up to date with the latest AI developments to find ways of continuously improving their recruitment processes. AI is not static, and it is constantly evolving. Who knows how helpful it could be in 3-5 years? In conclusion, Anna Bezsmertna the head of recruitment, and the IGAMINGHUNT team members emphasize that when applied judiciously and efficiently, AI can significantly enhance the entire recruitment journey. This strategic use of technology not only streamlines the hiring process but also empowers hiring managers in their quest for the finest talent within the dynamic iGaming sector.

Leading online gambling companies are introducing a range of valuable staff perks to attract and retain the best talent. Along with good pay rates, recruitment experts say these incentives explain why many candidates are keen to consider jobs in iGaming. One agency, IGAMINGHUNT, highlights innovative ways that firms in the online casino and sports betting space make life much better for their employees. IGAMINGHUNT CEO Tanya Shevchuk explains that with the sector’s job market being so competitive, companies with perks are staying one step ahead in the recruitment process. “We have a large candidate pool looking to switch jobs within iGaming or move to the sector for the first time,” she says. “Increasingly, they are telling us that perks offered by iGaming companies are important to them.” Here are the key incentives and perks that Tanya Shevchuk says are helping to attract talent. Remote or hybrid working model Most leading iGaming companies today permit their employees to follow a remote or hybrid working model. Some take things further by adopting a “work from anywhere” policy, enabling employees to live in the country of their choice while completing their day-to-day work. Remote working is mutually beneficial. It allows companies to attract top talent to jobs in iGaming without being restricted to specific geographic locations, and it means that employees have the freedom to choose where (and often when) they work. Health insurance The rising cost of global healthcare has led most reputable iGaming companies to introduce generous health insurance packages to their employees. Some health insurance schemes are localised and available in specific countries. Other firms offer staff extensive and comprehensive international insurance policies tied in with a remote or hybrid working model. For instance, the Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) provides all employees with international health insurance and a generous health and well-being package . iGaming software company Softswiss offers a mental health programme to ensure employees are at the top of their game. Sports compensation Pioneering iGaming companies recognise the fact that the physical health of their employees goes hand-in-hand with their daily performance. That’s why many offer gym subsidies and sports classes as part of their remuneration packages. This can range from reduced fees at national gym chains to in-house yoga classes open to all employees. Betsson exemplifies this policy brilliantly with a good perks package , including daily yoga classes at the office and a gym subsidy that all employees can take advantage of if they wish. Additional days off Many companies give employees their birthdays off as a free day, while others add days off for things like volunteering in the community or as performance-related bonuses. Companies recognise that their employees are at their best when they are well-rested and valued, so extra days off is one of the most popular perks in the iGaming industry. Learning and development with jobs in iGaming Many iGaming companies are also investing significantly in the learning and development of their workforces. This is commonly achieved via courses and classes, with some firms offering free development courses and others paying for professional development courses delivered by third parties. The development opportunities available at iGaming firms vary, ranging from second language classes to technical courses relating to game development, coding, and design. Some firms also offer subscriptions to employees to help with learning and development. For example, live casino pioneer Evolution Gaming provides employees access to Bookboon, the world’s biggest eBook and audio learning publisher. As a result, Evolution employees can access hours of podcasts, virtual classrooms, and online classes for free. Check out the company careers page for more info. Event Invitations A key part of any iGaming company’s success is networking, and most firms invite their employees to various events throughout the year. Industry events include SIGMA and ICE, which are opportunities for employees to connect with other professionals within the iGaming sector. iGaming companies also provide regular corporate events, functions, and parties to incentivise their staff. For instance, Soft2Bet hosts regular “away parties,” staff events over several days involving entertainment and activity programs to thank staff for their hard work. Snacks and food Last but certainly not least, iGaming offices are often a foodie’s paradise. Regular in-house breakfasts, delicious snacks, and lunches at expensive restaurants for team meetings are commonplace at some of the biggest firms. Some companies also offer staff discounts for specific restaurants in their local area, providing great opportunities for employees to eat out with friends and family away from the corporate environment. Final thoughts In addition to a highly competitive salary, working for a leading iGaming company has many perks. From remote working to learning and development opportunities, these companies know how to care for their staff. It’s an exciting industry, with expected future growth and increased salaries likely. iGaming employees also benefit from performance-related bonuses, yearly bonuses based on company performance, and other corporate perks. Ultimately, it’s easy to see why jobs in iGaming are so highly sought after.