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Inside iGaming with Alexandre Tomic: Leadership, Trends & What’s Next
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Alexandre’s Journey in the iGaming Industry
The session begins with Alexandre describing how Alea transitioned from a company that used to buy and sell games to an award-winning casino game aggregator. He entered the iGaming industry by chance, similar to how the actors in LOST found themselves on an island. As a search engine optimiser, a friend asked him to rank a website. They were convinced that he had the skills to run a casino site for a 50% share of the profits, and that’s how it all started.
Alexandre remembers when online casinos powered by Microgaming and Playtech used their own gaming software. However, things changed when casinos started using software from various software providers.
He launched a VR casino in 2015, but it was not easy. “VR stores are not going to accept gambling companies because VR stores are mainly full of kids,” he says. Although he was not making money, affiliates and casino game providers were interested in working with a small company creating innovative products. Based on his experience, he believes it will take about 5 more years for gaming companies to fully embrace VR.
Supporting Alexandre’s argument, Faruk says that “being first is not always the best” experience. You will face the biggest hurdles in terms of regulation, knowledge, and technology.
Inspiration to Join the iGaming Industry: Advice for Entrepreneurs
Alexandre was initially motivated by the thrill of running a profitable business with good gross gaming revenue. However, he realised that building the best product and taking care of his team was the most effective approach. Innovation is also in his DNA, which is why he’s focused on new products and investing in companies that offer innovative solutions. From the conversation, we identified the following helpful tips for entrepreneurs in the iGaming industry.
Consider a Humanist Approach to Shape Company Culture and Values
For Alexandre, it’s important to prioritise your human resources, and it’s “a terrible thing to aim for money” and happiness. He recommends keeping employees in good shape to improve their performance. This can be as easy as offering a coffee break, playing, and having fun together.
Faruk embraces this idea, arguing that having “fun and making money in the organisation is something that a lot of companies and a lot of leaders are seeking nowadays” but it’s not easy. Moreover, they both recommend getting rid of psychopaths who may potentially harm your employees or customers.
Aim for the Best Product with a Clear Objective
Being “here to deliver the best gambling experience” is not enough according to Alexandre. You must have a clear goal and focus on creating the best product. He describes gambling as a playground with many opportunities. Moreover, he says that having a good team that’s passionate about your product can make players feel more inspired