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Introduction
The iGaming sector is a thriving worldwide industry, with millions of individuals taking part in online gambling through numerous platforms. From online casinos and sportsbooks to lotteries, the web has proven to be an ideal space for old and new players alike. But when it comes to entering the iGaming industry, one of the first hurdles they will need to overcome is deciding on a suitable platform on which to establish their business.
The choice of utilizing a White Label, Turnkey, or API-based platform will be among the most critical decisions when opening an iGaming platform. Each of these approaches has strengths and limitations, not to mention compromises. Here in this article, we are going to elaborate each of them in detail to help you decide which is most ideally suited to your specific requirements when starting an online iGaming business.
Choosing the Right iGaming Solution
The platform you choose when launching an online iGaming business is the single most significant choice you'll ever have to make. It will determine everything from time to market to customer experience, scalability, and even profitability. A solid platform selection is the foundation on which you build your growth, whereas a poor one has the potential to hold you back or even kill your business entirely.
The primary platform options of the iGaming business are White Label, Turnkey, and API-based platforms. All have different sets of functionalities and features, and an understanding of their differences can significantly contribute to the success of your online business.
Brief Description of Each Option:
- White Label Solution: A third-party company's completely branded, pre-built platform. It allows operators to launch with minimal technical knowledge or development efforts.
- Turnkey Solution: A more customized solution that gives operators full control over the platform's backend. This solution is designed for those who want a unique brand identity with more flexibility in terms of design and functionality.
- API-based Solution: Comprises integrating iGaming games and services into a pre-existing platform using APIs. This option is apt for operators who have their own platform or website and would like to add iGaming capability.
We shall look at every solution in depth and learn how it can meet your business needs.
What is a White Label iGaming Solution?
A White Label iGaming solution is basically a ready-made online gambling platform that is fully operational and ready to go. Operators buy the rights to brand the platform with their own style, logo, and domain, basically opening an online casino, sportsbook, or betting site with little technical hassle.
How it Works:
White Label providers offer a comprehensive package that includes everything needed to run an online iGaming business. This typically includes:
- A pre-existing platform: This comes with a built-in casino, sportsbook, payment gateways, and user management systems.
- User Interface (UI)/User Experience (UX): Templates that can be used by operators to simply rebrand with their own logo and branding colors.
- Payment Processing Systems: Integrated payment systems that support secure deposits and withdrawals.
- Compliance: White Label providers usually have their platform compliant with the required regulations so that operators can more easily enter the market.
Benefits of White Label:
- Fast Time to Market: Because the platform is pre-built, operators can have their business launched speedily, even in a matter of weeks.
- Low Setup Costs: White Label solutions are generally less expensive at setup compared to Turnkey solutions.
- Low Technical Knowledge Needed: The platform is ready for use, and operators don't need to recruit a full development team.
- Integrated Payment Systems: The solution has pre-integrated payment processors, which can be time and effort-saving in putting up these essential services.
Limitations of White Label:
- Limited Customization: Even though the brand may be rebranded, the platform itself may offer extremely limited customization options as far as design and functionality are concerned.
- Reliance on the Provider: The operators rely on the White Label provider for platform upgrades, bug repairs, and technical assistance.
- Generic Look and Feel: Although you rebrand, the underlying functionality and design might have the same look and feel as other operators on the same White Label solution.
What is a Turnkey iGaming Solution?
A Turnkey iGaming solution is a more flexible and customizable option. It offers the fundamental elements necessary to operate an online iGaming site but enables operators to have complete control over the branding, design, and technology of the platform.
How it Works:
Turnkey solutions are set up to be ready to use straight from the box, but in contrast to White Label solutions, they offer greater room for customization. Operators are usually supplied with a solid platform that features:
- Backend Control: Entire server-side settings are available to operators and may be modified as needed.
- Custom Branding: More flexibility to build a unique brand image, such as custom design and user interface.
- Additional Features: Turnkey solutions can include more advanced features like custom game building, targeted payment solutions, and special bonuses or promotion tools.
Turnkey Benefits:
- More Customization: Operators have more autonomy in the way the platform is designed, experienced by users, and operates, allowing for a branded and unique experience.
- Scalability: Turnkey platforms most likely contain scalable solutions that can scale up as your company scales up.
- Total Control: Operators have full control of the backend, allowing for more efficient optimization, performance monitoring, and customization.
Limitations of Turnkey:
- Increased Initial Costs: Turnkey solutions tend to cost higher than White Label solutions because more customization and development efforts are required.
- Extended Time to Market: Owing to the increased level of customization, the implementation time for a Turnkey solution might be longer, i.e., taking months or even longer.
- Needs Technical Knowledge: Operators require a more advanced level of technical knowledge or have to outsource developers to handle the backend systems.
What is an API-based iGaming Solution?
API-based iGaming solution enables iGaming services and games to be integrated into a pre-existing platform through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This is the best option for companies with an existing website or app and that desire to introduce iGaming capabilities without rewriting everything from the ground up.
How it Works:
API solutions operate by bridging third-party services (such as game providers, payment processors, or odds providers) with your current system. These third-party vendors reveal some functionality through APIs, which your website can capitalize upon.
- API Integrations: Operators can add a particular service such as casino games, sportsbook, or live dealer functionality.
- Flexibility: API solutions enable the operators to combine and choose various services and providers as per their business requirement.
- Control Over Branding: As the iGaming services are being overlaid over a pre-existing platform, the operators have complete control over the user interface and branding.
Advantages of API-based Solutions:
- Flexibility: Operators are able to select various game providers and other services to build their differentiated offering.
- Total Control: You retain total control of your user experience, design, and branding of your platform.
- Cost-Saving: APIs provide you with a financially savvy way to incorporate iGaming functionality into an existing platform with minimal upfront investment.
- Scalability: API-based solutions can be scaled according to your business as you grow, allowing you to include more services in the future.
Drawbacks of API-based Solutions:
- Technical Complexity: API integrations are technical to work with and, in the long term, can prove to be hard to maintain.
- Ongoing Management: API solutions will involve on-going management, ie, keeping them current and having to debug.
- Reliance on Third-Party Providers: As you are combining third-party services, there is always a problem with performance, downtime, or availability of certain features.
Comparison Table: White Label vs Turnkey vs API
Which Solution is Best for Starting Your Online iGaming Business?
The correct platform is dependent upon your business requirements, technical capabilities, and finances.
- White Label Solution: Optimum for new operators with poor technical capabilities who wish to launch quickly and at low expense. Ideal for operators seeking to build a distinctive brand with greater scalability and flexibility.
- Turnkey Solution: Ideal for operators who wish to create a distinctive brand with greater flexibility and scalability. Perfect for companies that possess certain technical resources or are inclined to invest in development for sustainable growth.
- API-based Solution: Ideal for companies that already possess an existing platform and wish to integrate iGaming functionality. Perfect for individuals who desire complete control over their platform and the ability to select third-party services.
Conclusion
When starting an online iGaming business, the platform selection is of vital significance. Every decision—White Label, Turnkey, and API-based—does have its upside and downside. Knowing your business needs, resources available, and long-term goals will help you make a solid decision.
Remember that one-size-fits-all is not available, and every operator will benefit in some special way with each choice. If you need an accelerated launch, complete control, or most freedom, the correct platform can guide you towards success.
As you take your decision, it would also be beneficial to take the services of a seasoned iGaming development partner, like AIS Technolabs, to assist you with the process and help you choose the solution that suits you the best.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We do not promote or facilitate gambling activities in any country where it is considered illegal. Our content is focused solely on providing knowledge about legal and regulated markets. We only work with operators and platforms that are licensed and comply with the laws of jurisdictions where casino gaming is permitted. We do not operate or endorse any form of gambling in restricted regions. In countries where only skill-based games are allowed, our involvement is strictly limited to those games.
We believe gambling should be an entertaining and responsible activity. Our goal is to ensure that the platforms we review uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and player safety.
FAQs
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A White Label iGaming solution is a plug-and-play, pre-configured platform that enables operators to easily create an online gambling site with minimal tech work. The platform is offered by a standalone third-party supplier and can be rebranded under the operator's logo and appearance.
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White Label solutions are pre-configured platforms that could be rebranded by the operator with little tailoring. Turnkey solutions allow more flexibility since operators can have complete control over the look and feel, functionality, and backend infrastructure of the platform.
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White Label solutions implement the quickest, typically weeks to get up and running because they are pre-built. Turnkey and API-based solutions are longer to implement, customize, and integrate.
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Whereas White Label sites permit simple branding modifications (logo, colors), they usually have few possibilities for modifying the fundamental characteristics and appearance of the site. For high customization, a Turnkey solution is more appropriate.
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API-based solutions require more technical expertise since they require the incorporation of third-party services (games, payment gateways, etc.) into a pre-existing platform. The solution is more adaptable but needs continuous maintenance and support.
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White Label is the cheapest, with minimal upfront costs and subscription fees. Turnkey solutions cost more initially since they are tailored but API-based solutions vary according to the amount and type of third-party services that are utilized.
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For novice operators with minimal technical expertise and having to launch quickly, a White Label solution would generally be best. But if you wish to have greater control and are willing to pay more in the long run, Turnkey or API-based solutions would be better suited.
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