Both options offer viable solutions, but direct integrations have several advantages. In this article, inplaySoft, which uses direct integrations, will explore the points at which this approach is superior to aggregators and discuss its main benefits, such as greater control over the game catalog, greater customization, lower costs and greater flexibility.
What are direct integrations and aggregators?
Before detailing the advantages of direct integrations over aggregators, it is important to understand what they are and how the two approaches work.
Direct integrations, as the name suggests, are direct connections between game providers and online casino platforms. In this solution, the platforms connect directly to the systems of the game providers, without the need for intermediaries. Integrations are done through APIs (application programming interfaces), which allow games to be incorporated in a customized way into the casino.
Game aggregators, on the other hand, are intermediaries that bring together games from different providers to offer them to the platforms. In this solution, instead of connecting directly with each provider individually, casinos use aggregators that provide them with access to games from multiple providers.
Advantages of direct integrations
Among the main advantages of direct integrations over aggregators are:
* Total control over the game catalog
One of the main advantages of direct integrations is the control that casinos maintain over the games available on their platforms. By opting for direct integrations, the casino chooses which games are made available without relying on aggregators.
This control is important for casinos to offer personalized gaming experiences. A platform can, for example, specialize in games from certain categories, such as slots, and directly choose which providers will offer the best games to meet its target audience. Direct integration also allows the inclusion of new games quickly and efficiently, since there is no need to wait for intermediaries or go through bureaucratic processes.
When operators rely on aggregators, they have to accept generic portfolios that often include low-quality providers just to increase the number of games. With direct integrations, you can curate games to ensure that only high-quality titles from top-tier providers are available, providing a superior experience for players.
Rather than overwhelming players with quantity, direct integrations prioritize quality and make it easier for players to find and enjoy the best games available.
In addition, direct integrations provide control over other features such as promotions and marketing tools. These include advanced promotional mechanics such as free spins, tournaments, jackpots, bonus campaigns, and other engagement tools that aggregators often don’t support or limit due to their cookie-cutter model. With direct integrations, casinos can take full advantage of these tools and maximize player retention and engagement.
* Cost reduction
Using aggregators may seem like the most cost-effective solution for casino platforms just starting out, but direct integrations are more cost-effective in the long run. Aggregators charge commissions, revenue shares or additional licensing fees on the games they offer, which can add up over time and reduce profit margins, especially if the casino uses a large number of games from different providers.
By opting for direct integrations, casinos cut out the middlemen and, consequently, reduce additional costs. Direct integrations may require larger initial investments in terms of development and technical implementation, but in the long run they offer substantial savings, as casinos do not have to pay recurring commissions to aggregators.
In addition, by having full control over the games, casinos can negotiate directly with providers, resulting in better financial terms and more favorable contracts. Direct negotiations allow platforms to obtain more competitive prices and have higher profit margins. Over time, the casino will have a more profitable and scalable operation.
* Better user experience
User experience is one of the most important factors for the success of online casinos. By integrating directly with game providers, platforms ensure smoother experiences, which is particularly important for the performance and stability of games.
Games provided by aggregators are more likely to suffer from latency issues or technical glitches due to third-party intermediation, which can negatively impact the player experience. Direct integrations, on the other hand, can reduce game loading times and the number of interruptions.
With direct integrations, casinos can also be assured that games will run optimally, without delays or glitches that can occur when going through aggregators. In addition, direct integrations allow for greater customization of game features, as we will see below.
* Greater customization and flexibility
Direct integrations offer levels of customization that are difficult to achieve with aggregators. By integrating directly with the game provider, the casino can tailor the presentation and gameplay to its preferences. This includes customizing game layouts, tweaking functionality, and implementing unique features such as custom bonuses or loyalty promotions.
In addition, direct integrations provide greater flexibility for casino platforms, as they can more easily adapt to updates and changes in games and industry regulations. If changes to games are required, casino platforms can coordinate directly with their providers to implement them, without the need for intermediaries.
* Direct relationship with gaming providers
By establishing direct integrations with gaming providers, casinos cultivate close and direct relationships with suppliers that are advantageous in a number of situations, such as quickly resolving technical issues or negotiating exclusive promotions and events.
When casinos work with aggregators, they often have limited communication, which makes resolving specific issues or requests slow and complex. By working directly with gaming providers, casino platforms get fast support and have clearer insights into innovations and upcoming updates.
* Data control and regulations
With direct integrations, casinos have greater control over player and transaction data. When relying on aggregators, platforms have to share their data with third parties, which can raise concerns about security, privacy and transparency in the use of this information.
Regulatory and compliance aspects are also much easier to manage with direct integrations. At inplaySoft, for example, each provider that is integrated goes through a certification process with the platform, which ensures that all requirements are met. Aggregators may limit access to certain jurisdictions or fail to provide adequate support for local regulatory requirements, creating unnecessary operational risks.
* Long-term advantages
While aggregators may be more practical solutions for early-stage casino platforms, direct integrations have significant long-term advantages. Over time, as a casino grows and expands its game offering, the independence provided by direct integrations becomes valuable. The casino can build customized gaming networks that are aligned with its players’ preferences, with greater control over financial and operational aspects.
In addition, direct integrations provide a solid foundation for innovation. Game providers frequently launch new products or updates, and with direct integrations, casinos have immediate access to these innovations, which can be a key competitive differentiator in the dynamic online casino market.
For these reasons, inplaySoft opts for direct integrations. And whoever chooses inplaySoft as their software provider will have access to all of these advantages as well. The company is fully prepared to operate in the newly regulated Brazilian market and is focused on providing the best possible solutions for its customers to thrive in the competitive iGaming universe.
Find out more by clicking here!
Source: inplaySoft
