Lecture Notes: Interview with Thomas Rosender, CEO of Real Luck Group

Introduction

• Interviewer: Gaming America
• Interviewee: Thomas Rosender, CEO of Real Luck Group (parent company of Luckbox)
• Topics Covered: Role in esports betting, anticipated launch in Ontario

Thomas Rosender's Career Background

• Initial career in management consulting
• Extensive experience in the iGaming sector (e.g., online gambling companies)
• Previously a Marketing Director for Electronic Arts
• Career led to the convergence of iGaming and video gaming, culminating in the role at Luckbox
• Describes current role as the pinnacle of his career

Esports Betting vs. Traditional Sports Betting

• Belief: Esports betting will surpass traditional sports betting
• Rationale:
  • Over 3 billion gamers globally
  • Shift in how younger generations consume entertainment
  • Rising interest in esports from major brands (Netflix, Apple, etc.)
• Challenges and Requirements:
  • Need for more engaging betting products tailored to new generations
  • Current betting products are too traditional (like paper slips)

Predictive Timeline for Esports Betting Dominance

• Timeline Estimate: Major shift expected in the next 3 years
• Company Goal: Launch innovative betting products this year
• Expectation: Quick market adaptation and traction

Launch of iCasino

• Launch Timeline: Last autumn
• Operational Markets:
  • International license (Isle of Man) covering 80 countries
  • Expansion into Canada
• Distinctive Features:
  • Targets new generation with fast-paced, video gamey style
  • Serves as a support business to the core esports betting

Key Markets for Real Luck Group

• Current Focus:
  • Latin America (especially Brazil)
  • Europe (Scandinavia, particularly Finland and Norway)
• Future Expansion:
  • Asia and Africa
  • North America (Canada and the US)

Strategy for Canadian Market

• Launch Date: April 4th in Ontario
• Importance of Canada:
  • Home base for the company
  • Significant growth strategy focused on market share
• Growth Strategy:
  • Initial focus on online casino
  • Aim to become number one esports betting destination

Combining Traditional Betting and Esports

• Approach Differences:
  • Traditional audience: Uses established marketing strategies with bonuses and offers
  • Esports audience: Requires different branding, avoiding over-the-top incentives, speaking their language

Marketing to Generation Z

• Challenges: Adapting strategies to Gen Z's preferences
• Trends:
  • Content consumption over direct incentives
  • Providing tools and products that add value beyond betting
• Opportunities:
  • Unregulated betting markets (skin and crypto betting)
  • Emphasis on regulated, safe, and responsible betting

Vision for the Future

• **Goals for Next 18 Months: **
  • Become the top esports betting destination in Canada
  • Launch innovative esports betting products to redefine future betting

Conclusion

• Interview Close: Expresses gratitude to Thomas Rosender for the discussion