09 Feb ICE LONDON 2023, ANDREA FAELLI: "RESPONSIBLE GAMING AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE OUR PRIORITIES"
Andrea Faelli, Ceo of Eurobet, was one of the top attendees at London 2023 Ice. Last year's record figures for Eurobet, what to expect in 2023 and the company’s new sustainable business model are among the many topics addressed by Faelli in his exclusive interview with Agimeg.
What do you think of this Fair?
"After the Covid years there are finally a lot of people here and I have seen many innovative and interesting products."
How was Eurobet's 2022 and what are the goals for 2023?
"We are very pleased with last year’s achievements, but we are not resting on our laurels because there is always room for improvement. We have high hopes for 2023, with many projects that should see the light of day by the end of the year – both in terms of website and apps, but also with regard to responsible gaming. A year ago, we had already developed an artificial intelligence algorithm that allowed us to track down abnormal player behavior. This year we want to continue along the pathway but also implement this system on all our channels. This will allow us to keep our focus on the players and to prevent the healthy part of the game from being lost."
Is your great attention on players thereby confirmed?
"The key word for us is sustainability. Having a sustainable business over time is vital nowadays. Sustainable means that people have to be enjoying themselves and be happy with their gaming experience."
You are about to celebrate 20 years of commitment to the public gaming industry. Do you regret the past or do you look at the future with optimism?
"I am happy with what has happened over the last 20 years. The gaming world has evolved, improved, and, without wishing to be misunderstood, been "cleaned up." There is certainly a shortfall of communication unity among stakeholders across the industry and, unfortunately, at the social and political levels the understanding is still negative. Being a controlled and regulated concession business, what I am hoping in is a reorganization of the gaming industry by the regulating authority, with a set of rules that focus on the customer and entertainment."
What do you think about the 0.5 percent levy on betting?
"It is an anachronistic decision. There are many ways to support the sports industry, but this is not the way to do it. It is an ineffective method and only contributes to penalizing the gaming market." (AGIMEG - Interview by Fabio Felici)