Exclusive: Former Stanleybet head launches emerging markets-focused B2B platform
Salvatore Messina to bring revamped Blokotech to Latam and Asia as he plans headcount expansion and M&A growth
Former Stanleybet Group exec Salvatore Messina has launched a new PAM platform which plans to tackle emerging markets, EGR can exclusively reveal.
The new Blokotech platform will target Latam, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following behind-the-scenes development over the past 12 months.
The PAM will include features such as bonus and segmentation engines, as well as CMS and CRM capabilities.
The platform, which has been refocused following the acquisition of a Venezuelan supplier in 2022, also includes a content aggregation suite boasting more than 70 game suppliers.
EGR understands Messina’s company has around 60 staff based across Venezuela, Malta, Spain, Italy and Dubai, with plans to increase headcount by 30% next year.
The firm, which is headquartered in Dubai, is also planning to expand into upcoming regulated markets including Brazil and Peru.
Messina, who is CEO of the business, most recently served as head of business development for Stanleybet Group. He also counts spells with Entain, Italian operator Scommettendo and BetStarters on his industry CV.
Speaking to EGR, Messina revealed the firm is planning to flex its M&A muscles to bolster its growth in the coming months, as well as detailing the growth of the business over the past 12 months.
The CEO said: “We added key people to the business and did a lot to change the organisation. My fellow shareholders and I are European; we have a different approach and experience with the industry.
“I’ve been in the industry for a while. One important experience was when we moved from unregulated to regulated markets, like Italy. This taught me a lot about the differences between them and the rules involved,” he added.
On the opportunities posed by regulation in Brazil and the UAE, Messina continued: “There will be some changes in Brazil. There will be fewer competitors, but some big ones may enter the market.
“It will become easier for operators in terms of payments and making money, and there will be some changes in rules about verifying identity and responsible gaming, although these might not happen right away.
“We already have signed a contract with a major UAE operator and we are really happy about that. We think we will launch there in Q2 next year. There is plenty of business over there and it is growing quickly, so we are ready,” he concluded.