Consolidation challenge in the remote gaming (or eGaming) sector

I got a call from a VC friend of mine asking for my opinion regarding 'why' the consolidation of the remote gaming sector has not really arrived yet. I told him what I thought, and since I went to Paul Walsh's BIMA drinks last night, I realised that how 'slag' I have been in my blogging (to be honest, this is hard work).. and hope its worthwhile of sharing with the world our thoughts (intermittently).

below is what I already told my friend Sam:

Reason for not much 'real actions' happening in the consolidation space yet for the remote gaming market (no particular order):

* lack of transparency of how big 'really' the market is, therefore difficult to quantify the real 'worth' of the company, made worst by their usual secrecy..

#(I founded GamBond® to work with governments/regulators, gaming firms, banks and payment processors to exactly address that issue, as we will hopefully have a handle on the 'exact' size of the whole market anonymously)

* constantly changing regulations internationally

* blurring line for some gaming operators and vendors

* lack of convergence into other more acceptable 'entertainment' or 'offline/asset rich' operations.

* lack of understanding of the gaming world from outside industries (that was the reason why I founded Gambit http://www.TheGambit.info ).

However, this is mostly due to the fact that like the 'premium rate' market, most companies despite making millions, they are still mostly playing a 'short-term' game.. which means that given the points mentioned above, it does not make sense to take 'chances' nor 'invest' for the future by consolidating..

However, there is a wave of change, as likes of Gigi Levy of 888.com (with backgrounds in telecoms like myself) are keen to work on the medium to long term goals.. by doing what they do better, like real CRM, reaching new audiences etc.

Challenge for us in the sector is how to become a more respectable and 'understood' sector... I humbly submit that it can only be achieved by being more transparent and communicate.

I hope that GamBond® and Gambit can play a part going forward.

Key to success for mobile gambling

This was my answer to a question post on the LinkedIn network.

Key for mobile gambling success: 1.) game that works (format, entertainment, device) 2.) fit (time, place, purpose) 3.) trust (brand, parties involved, channel tomarket) 4.) innovation (not present product extension only) and most importantly 5.) education & change of culture (need substantial investment into product development and finding out what the customers' real needs are).

I had not got time to revise the mobile gambling report this year, but the last one on mobile and iTV are still pretty valid, maybe except the market report numbers.

For those of interest, our next Gambit event is focusing on mobile and iTV development in the gaming sector, on 7th Nov. in central London, hope to see you guys there, Gambit is a grass root initiative supported by the senior figures of the sector, we mainly only need to have our cost covered. www.TheGambit.info

The 2005 version of the mobile gambling report is free on my website, link below.

Links:

• http://www.GarethWong.com
• http://www.TheGambit.info
• http://www.garethwong.com/mobilegambling05.html#MGR

Adopting a true 'professional' esteem for all industries

Having trained as an Engineer.. back in the 90s, I fully understand the reason why Engineers work hard to be a 'chartered' IMechE, IEE or IEEE.. etc. its a badge, respect and I guess, responsiblities, and probably money.

Same goes for Doctors .. Lawyers etc...

there is rarely something similar, yes, there are Chartered manager that recognise people's 'management achievements', but sadly, most people have never heard of it. I only came across them when I was finishing my executive MBA.. and was told that now I can also have that..

I have been observing that for various top end, ivy league business schools, their alumni would mainly (and proudly) give out their alumni emails (e.g. Harvard, Insead etc.).. I did not know previously that however, non-MBAs get them also.. so, it now devaluate somewhat in my mind..

Generally, technology employees etc. previously mainly give out their corporate emails (which changes rather often sadly)... and we kept losing in touch.. but thanks to likes of LinkedIn, Plaxo etc. and now maybe facebook, we can all be 'in touch' with the business contacts (moved onto become personal contacts) and keep in touch via their personal email...

Are we observing that people now are getting a more 'professional' esteem in their own right therefore still proud to be giving out their personal business cards/ contacts, some like myself have their own domain etc.

I certainly get a lot of funny looks in the previous years... but lately, I am getting feedback like, 'thats a great idea... I should get one too'...

After spoken to Graham Brown from w2forum last night, I just reminded myself to write a piece/entry on my blog..

I hope this entry check all those points that I see.. but ultimately.. its pure ranting.. and erm. not much of a punch line... ;)