“EGT is constantly considering different options to expand its market share globally”

EGT is known in Europe since 2002 as a manufacturer of gaming products, why did you decide to launch your own casino chain in 2008?
Headquartered in Bulgaria, EGT has always pride itself on a reputation of being amongst the fastest growing companies in the global gaming industry.  The growing product quality, performance as well as the establishment of our significant presence (today in over 45 countries) in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa led us to the opportunity in 2008 to launch our own casino chain. The advantage of being one step closer to the casino players is the main objective behind expanding our horizons. The experience as an operator gives us a deeper and wider understanding of what the consumer likes and wants.

How many casinos does EGT own and where are they located?
EGT brand was established through partnership with different local and international operators. We have a few locations in Bulgaria, two in Bucharest (Romania) and one in Tbilisi (Georgia).

Do you plan to extend your casino operations to other countries and continents?
Definitely! If the right opportunity comes along, we are always open for new ideas and partnerships. EGT is constantly considering different options to expand its market share globally. Above all, we devote our progress to constantly developing new ideas, technologically advanced and carefully designed gaming products, assuring EGT customers receive constant flow of top quality service and support worldwide.

As manufacturer you have a partner in Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and The Caribbean, have you planned to look for a Latin American partner to open new casinos?
As for the moment, Estex Corp is our exclusive distributor for Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama and the Dominican Republic. We have been in great relationship for more than two years now. Our product is very well known on this market with great performance and good results. We could always develop our partnership even further but for now EGT is focused on its product manufacturing and distribution field.

Does your casino operation work as a platform for your gaming products? Do your casinos work with other manufactures?
As a manufacture we always test our new products in our casinos. The idea is for the casino to perform the function of a showroom, where each client may view the games in detail, see the high functionality of the jackpot system, track the results of the games and observe the players in action. Besides the predominant number of EGT gaming products, in our casinos visitors may entertain themselves with games of Novomatic, Atronic, Williams and IGT, as well as play Alfastreet roulette. EGT believes in open competition. This is a great way to prove our products have the right to be amongst the leading companies in the gaming industry.

What is the position of the company with regards to online gaming? Do you see it as a complement for your work or as a competition?
Online gaming is the future and EGT plans are to be part of it as well. The last few years have seen online gaming become one of the biggest and most successful enterprises on the planet. We definitely don’t see it as a competition but more as a further way to develop our product portfolio. We are currently working on a project which will be announced officially when it’s launched. There are many advantages to online gaming compared to land based casinos, such as convenience, variety of games, bonuses and security which makes it more of a personal preference choice. However land based casinos are here to stay. They might have a competitor but there are new integrated casino resorts continuously opening and coming soon worldwide. The business is recovering and casino growth in some regions, like Asia, is already starting to rise up.

How do you see the European market? Which are their opportunities? And its negative parts?
For the gaming industry, I could describe the European market as very complex and competitive. The number of different countries with their own jurisdictions and constant change of legislations makes it very dynamic and challenging. Despite that, the European market is extremely important to EGT. It offers endless possibilities with its variety, potential, geographical proximity and easiness to serve. Being part of the European Union has given Bulgaria great advantages. Even though the global economic crisis deeply affected the gaming market in many European countries causing their revenues to go progressively down and even witnessing the total ban in Russian and Ukraine, there are still a lot of opportunities, future prospects and new countries opening their doors, Greece for example. EGT is very optimistic about its future prospects in Europe. The industry is starting to recover and we intend to capture every opportunity out there, our diversified product mix allows us to do that.

What does the Latin American market represents for EGT?
The past few years have marked a significant progress in expanding EGT’s presence in South America through successful partnerships with local companies. South American countries currently all enjoy top-tier GDP growth rates. From Venezuela to Uruguay, passing through Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia or Chile and hence we certainly believe in the great potential of this market. As a matter of fact the whole continent is on the verge of booming economically and its importance should never be underestimated. Statistics and reports are recognizing the Latin American region, together with Asia and Africa as the new leading sectors of the gaming industry. This is a fact definitely recognized not only by EGT but from all major manufacturers in the industry.

Progressive legislation around gaming is stimulating growth across all Latin America. The gambling markets in South and Latin America have so far largely been uncharted territory on the strategic maps of many global gambling manufacturer companies. But as the global market environments and regulations change rapidly, more and more eyes also turn to alternative gambling markets beyond the traditional key markets in the US and Europe.