SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Vermantia’s Commercial Director Amanda Coca sits with SBC News for the first time to discuss her return to the company after a spell away, the firm’s Italian market success story and more.
SBC News: You have recently rejoined Vermantia after a spell away from the company. What was it about the company that made you rejoin and can you tell us a bit more about the key aims in your role as Commercial Director?
Amanda Coca: I’m very excited to have rejoined Vermantia, it feels like I am coming back home to a company with a dynamic culture and a strong focus on innovation in the gaming industry. What drew me back to Vermantia was its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
As the Commercial Director, my key aims revolve around driving business growth through strategic partnerships, enhancing customer relationships, and expanding our market presence. I am dedicated to leveraging my experience and expertise to drive Vermantia’s success even higher and deliver value to our clients and partners.
SBC: You have vast experience of the Italian market. What observations do you have of the country’s gambling industry and where do you see Vermantia’s space in that?
AC: With my extensive experience in the Italian market, I’ve observed the dynamic nature of the country’s gambling industry which is considered a pioneer in the field. Italy boasts a robust regulatory framework and a diverse consumer base with a strong appetite for gaming entertainment. In this landscape, Vermantia occupies a unique space among all tier-one operators with its innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of operators and players alike.
We aim to further solidify our presence by leveraging our cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric approach to enhance the overall gaming experience and drive sustainable growth in the Italian market.
SBC: What type of betting content resonates best with an Italian audience? Do they for instance prefer in-play betting? Do virtual sports have a large presence in the country?
AC: In Italy, the audience resonates well with a variety of betting content, but there are certain preferences that stand out. In-play betting holds significant appeal, reflecting the audience’s desire for real-time engagement and excitement during sporting events. Additionally, virtual sports have been gaining traction in the country, offering a compelling alternative for betting enthusiasts seeking entertainment and opportunities around the clock.
As preferences continue to evolve, Vermantia remains committed to delivering diverse and engaging betting content that aligns with the interests and preferences of the Italian audience.
SBC: One of Europe’s most mature gambling markets, how do you compete in a saturated Italian market?
AC: Operating in one of Europe’s most mature gambling markets presents both challenges and opportunities. To compete effectively in the saturated Italian market, Vermantia focuses on differentiation through innovation, quality, and customer-centricity. We continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and content development to offer unique and engaging products that resonate with Italian players.
Additionally, we prioritise building strong partnerships with operators, some more than a decade long, providing tailored solutions and exceptional service to meet their specific needs. By staying agile, responsive, and proactive, Vermantia aims to carve-out a distinct and successful presence in the competitive landscape of the Italian gambling market.
SBC: How has Vermantia managed to execute a strategy to earn success in Italy and what are the company’s biggest achievements in Italy so far?
AC: Vermantia has executed a strategic approach in Italy by focusing on key pillars such as innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. By continually investing in research and development, we’ve been able to introduce cutting-edge solutions tailored to the Italian market’s demands. Furthermore, our emphasis on fostering strong partnerships with local operators has allowed us to deliver customized services and support, ensuring their success and ours.
Some of Vermantia’s notable achievements in Italy include the successful deployment of our innovative Digital Signage Solution, Vision 3.0, across various operators, the expansion of our market presence through strategic collaborations, and the introduction of innovative products that have resonated well with Italian players. These achievements underscore Vermantia’s commitment to excellence and pioneering in the Italian gambling industry.
SBC: Italy, like other European nations, is seeking to overhaul its gambling regulations to impose more stringent measures. How challenging is it to navigate this environment and how is Vermantia planning around these potential changes?
AC: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in Italy, as in other European nations, presents its challenges. Vermantia remains committed to compliance and proactively adapts to regulatory changes to ensure our operations align with the latest requirements. We closely monitor legislative developments and engage with relevant stakeholders to stay informed and prepared.
To navigate this environment, Vermantia focuses on flexibility, innovation, and collaboration. We continuously enhance our products and services to meet evolving regulatory standards while providing value to our partners and players. By staying agile and proactive, Vermantia aims to mitigate risk and seize emerging opportunities in the evolving regulatory landscape of the Italian gambling industry.
SBC: What are your plans for the next 12 months in Italy and how are you looking to further increase your presence and products in the country?
AC: Over the next 12 months, Vermantia is focused on further expanding and enhancing our presence and product offerings in Italy. We plan to achieve this through strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening partnerships, increasing market penetration, and introducing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Italian operators and players.
Specifically, our plans include:
- Product Innovation: We will continue to invest in R&D to introduce new and innovative products that resonate with the Italian audience. This may include advancements in content management – digital signage, live betting, horse racing and other areas of interest.
- Market Expansion: We aim to broaden our reach by establishing new partnerships and collaborations with key operators and stakeholders in the Italian market. By fostering strong relationships, we seek to increase our market share and visibility.
- Customer Engagement: Vermantia is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and support. We will focus on understanding the evolving needs of our Italian partners and providing tailored solutions to meet their requirements effectively.
- Regulatory Compliance: As regulatory requirements evolve, we will remain vigilant in ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations in Italy. This includes staying updated on legislative changes and adapting our operations accordingly.
By executing these strategic initiatives, Vermantia aims to strengthen its position as a leading provider of gaming solutions in Italy and Europe overall, delivering value to both operators and players alike.
