CURRENT SITUATION WITH SPANISH MARKET AND LEGISLATION

The Spanish online gaming industry is currently considered by many as a test market, as it has different characteristics when compared to European regulated markets with different laws and procedures.

The regulation of the Spanish market started approximately a year and a half ago, so this is technically still an early-stage market with a model open to successive improvement and changes. As at October 2013, there are 51 licensed operators though not all of these have actually launched their products. These operators are holding back to review the best possible scenarios and instead focus on higher anticipated return products and regions. Consequently, Spain is currently operating a mixture of:

  • International Operators with a view to open a Spanish brand;
  • National Land Base Operators: Bingo, Casino, Poker and Slot machine Operators;
  • Media Communication Groups with a view to enter the online gaming market.

Many expect that the gaming sector will undergo some change in the upcoming months, namely:

  • Partnership between Operators, with the objective to reduce CapEx and thus exploit mutually competitive advantages;
  • New products regulation, such as Betting Exchanges and Online Slots;
  • Increased competition between Operators granted a National License, and those granted a Regional License;
  • A gradual expansion in product variety across land-based outlets such as kiosks, restaurants and betting shops;
  • Media agencies offering new products for online gaming.

Seeing as most of the Spanish operators have had to build their online offering effectively from the ground up, this has resulted in a number of unforeseen challenges that have contributed to delays in launch, and subsequent losses. One of the most significant challenges was the first-time integration between various gaming platforms, including Mediatech, BetWare, Microgaming and Playtech, which in some cases are still not working properly together. Conversely, most of the international operators have had significant integration experience and thus did not experience such issues.

Affiliate revenue is also a significant contributor to the Spanish operators. A NetRefer report on the state of the Spanish Market estimates that affiliates contribute as much as 44% to operator turnover. This figure could well increase in the near future as more operators seek to introduce attractive affiliate partner programs.

With regards to regulation, the Spanish Authorities (DGOJ) are using all the methods at their disposal to shut down illegal gaming sites, but this is not an easy task as it is impacted by the Laws on International Legislation and European Environment. The Ministry of Economy’s “Agencia Tributaria” department, has a remit to regulate and control revenue collection, and is increasingly more stringent with Operators, Players and all intermediate channels such as affiliates, super-affiliates and representatives.

For more information on the state of Spanish legislation, and how NetRefer can help operators regulate their affiliate invoicing and taxation, kindly contact your NetRefer account manager or come meet us at BAC later this month.

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NETREFER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Introducing-PS-25-01-01-01

The Professional Services team has been created as a result of recent structural changes made within the NetRefer team.

Two of the longest-serving NetRefer team members within the services arm, Louisa Morrison and Celia Attard, will be the driving forces behind the newly appointed Professional Services branch.

Louisa Morrison, previously the Head of Client Services, has been appointed Head of Professional Services. She has been managing the Client Services, Support and Implementation team and working closely with NetRefer’s most established clients for the past 5 years. Celia Attard joined NetRefer 3 years ago as a Client Account Executive, and for the past year has been single-handedly driving the training arm of NetRefer as the Client Training Specialist.

Having been so heavily involved on the client side, as well as having had a great deal of exposure to the industry, the entities behind Professional Services have a long standing relationship with our clients as well as a sound understanding of how the NetRefer system works and can be applied to its full capacity.

The Professional Services team will be available for consultation on how to make the most out of the NetRefer system by making it work to its full potential. Through workshops and tailored training packages, Professional Services will be able to help analyze any gaps in the way the system is being utilized and make it functional to suit the client’s requirements and business model, as well as provide assistance on best practice approach whenever new system configuration or setup is required. Louisa and Celia are both actively involved in NetRefer’s Product Council, which scopes out the latest industry trends and requirements to be incorporated within upcoming system releases, and hence will act as the main link between client feature requests and release development.

Professional Services will be presented at the Barcelona Affiliate Conference with the rollout of the brand new NetRefer Academy, a certification course aimed at individuals who would like to work within the industry or further their knowledge of the NetRefer system.

If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with our Professional Services team at the Barcelona Affiliate Conference; to enquire about what Professional Services can offer, to know more about the NetRefer Academy or just to catch up, please do not hesitate to get in touch at: ps@netrefer.com

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NETREFER ATTENDING BARCELONA AFFILIATE CONFERENCE 2013

Following IGB’s triumphant return to the Catalan capital, team NetRefer will once again be visiting the coastal city of Barcelona for 2013 autumn affiliate conference, the original home for this leading European affiliate event for the online gambling industry.

Following last year’s tradition, BAC will be held at the ‘Fira de Barcelona’ between the 3rd and 6th of October. This year’s event will also incorporate iGB Espana with a separate zone and conference sessions specifically for the Hispanic Market.

With NetRefer  in the final stages of planning for the 4.5 release containing new features and  enhancements, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the team and have a sneak preview of the product road map. This is also a great opportunity to discuss any training needs or consultancy opportunity with NetRefer Professional Services team that will be present at the venue.

Get in touch with us to arrange an on-site meeting with our Account Management team who are happy to discuss any questions or queries you may have regarding your current and future business requirements or get an insight into NetRefer solutions.

To schedule a meeting and discuss opportunities contact us on cam (at) netrefer.com

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MEET NETREFER AT G2E IN LAS VEGAS

NetRefer will be attending one of North America’s largest iGaming conferences, at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas between the 23rd and 26th September.

G2E is the premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry; it allows industries from outside the North American market to understand regulations state by state, marketing to players and driving traffic, Social Gaming, and for companies to display their latest innovations. This year G2E continues to expand on its line-up across key aspects which are instrumental to understand how to succeed in the North American Market.

The conference will also be a great opportunity to come meet Team NetRefer and hear about the new features our performance marketing platform has to offer, and how we can cater for your specific requirements.

To schedule a meeting, send an e-mail to sales@netrefer.com

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NETREFER AWARDED MICROSOFT GOLD PARTNER STATUS

NetRefer, the leading provider of performance marketing software has been awarded Gold Partner status by Microsoft in “Application Development Competency”. This is in recognition of the highest level of expertise that NetRefer has achieved in Microsoft web application development technologies.

“This Gold Partner status is a reflection of our commitment to provide a cutting-edge performance marketing platform coupled with an outstanding customer service. It is a tribute to the passion and smart work of NetRefer’s R&D & IT teams to ensure a cutting-edge architecture and quality code are the primary drivers behind our platform,” stated Johan Zammit, CTO & Chief Product Officer at NetRefer. He added: “Our clients demand the best performance marketing platform on the market and the Gold Partner status is another milestone in achieving this.”

Through a closer partnership with Microsoft, NetRefer can take advantage of the many enterprise software and architectural facilities that Microsoft’s dedicated Services and Advisory Team provide on a periodic basis. This enables NetRefer to achieve better efficiency in all aspects of research and development.

Additionally as Microsoft Gold Partner, NetRefer has access to Microsoft’s resources and support including access to exclusive online content enabling the implementation of the ‘Microsoft Best Practice’ approach. This in turn gives NetRefer clients the assurance that their performance marketing platform is stable, reliable and secure whilst utilizing the latest cutting-edge technologies on the market.

Very few enterprise software suppliers qualify as Microsoft Gold Partners, as every Gold partner undergoes a thorough evaluation including:

  •     Staff members passing Microsoft certification exams
  •     Development processes complying with the latest Microsoft development guidelines
  •     Passing the Microsoft licensing assessment
  •     Receiving significant positive feedback from existing clients

NetRefer would like to thank all clients for their invaluable contribution to achieving this status, and also show appreciation to the team that powers NetRefer. Thank you for your continuous support!

About NetRefer:

NetRefer is a leading provider of Affiliate Marketing Software. NetRefer is capable of handling the whole affiliate marketing life cycle from affiliate CRM, media serving, tracking, comprehensive reporting, finance & rewards management and automated payments to affiliates.

NetRefer provides the most complete and trusted affiliate marketing software in industries such as iGaming, Forex, Option Trading and other verticals. The unrivalled features list, cutting edge technology coupled with professional account management and client support makes it the ideal performance marketing platform.

NetRefer has been elected the Best Affiliate Software Provider in 2010, and the Affiliate Software Of The Year for 2011 and 2012, accompanied by the Seal of e-Excellence and the International Business awards 2013.

For more information about NetRefer please contact us on sales(at)netrefer(dot)com or on  +356 2767 3337, or visit our website https://netrefer.com.

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LIFE CYCLE 2013: TIME TO CELEBRATE

The gruelling Life Cycle Challenge has come to an end, after covering over 2,000km and 5 different countries in 10 days. The challenge started in Minsk and ended in St Petersburg in front of the magnificent Hermitage Palace.

The Challenge this year raised a total amount of 130,000 Euros for the renal unit, substantially beating last year’s figure.

The event was not without setbacks, and even though two of the cyclists were forced to retire due to injury, they were back on their bikes for the final stretch, making sure that they finished as a team. At the end of the race all the cyclists had an emotional finish where they met their spouses and children, and despite border disruptions, still managed to finish within the lapse time limit, and reinforce the fact that they completed a mammoth of a challenge.

This year’s Challenge is truly an inspiring accomplishment, showing true grit and motivation by the Maltese riders, and reinforcing the fact that with true perseverance most things are achievable.

Team NetRefer

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NETREFER’S DAY AT INSPIRE – THE FOUNDATION FOR INCLUSION

Team NetRefer has had a busy but successful year so far; however this never stops us from thinking about our social responsibility, and what we can give back to society.

Last week the NetRefer team volunteered at the Inspire Foundation. Inspire is a non-profit organisation that leads the way in providing therapeutic, education and leisure services to people with disabilities in Malta and Gozo.

During the day at Inspire, NetRefer participated in helping the children in activities such as Horse Riding, Treasure Hunts, Drama, Pottery and Swimming. It was a great experience for the team to interact and learn new skills, and bring happiness through activities shared with the children. Additionally all the staff contributed to a generous donation which was given to Inspire to further help improve their facilities.

Team NetRefer

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