It’s no secret that the retail betting and land-based gaming sectors have taken heavy blows over the past two years, as casino and sportsbook units were forced to shut down.

COVID-19 headwinds have not stopped companies such as Suzohapp continue investing in new developments to advance the space. Todd Sims, Suzohapp’s Vice President Sales, Gaming and Amusement for the Americas, believes that bricks-&-mortar can continue to present a strong commercial opportunity.

Speaking to SBC Senior Media Executive Erin Gallagher for GamblingTV, the VP outlined how ‘non-typical’ retail venues in the US have provided a new market for betting hardware and software developers.

The retail betting sector is growing so fast,” he explained. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. This is amazing, the amount of growth and new openings, it’s so vast and fluid. 

“There’s lots of opportunities, particularly when you get into not just the casinos but the bars and restaurants, sports betting arenas and OTBs, there’s many venues out there and there’s a lot to keep up with.

That is not to say that it is an easy ride, he warned, adding: “There’s a lot of forecasting that’s required and a lot of planning that’s required so these places can meet their target opening dates.”

For Suzohapp, the firm’s main focus is on providing hardware and equipment to these ‘non-typical’ centres – the sports arenas, bars, restaurants and OTBs referred to by Sims.

“For those companies moving into those different venues, they’re mostly software companies,” Sims continued.

“We’re partnering with them and providing the hardware aspect of it. We’re bringing in kiosks and other types of equipment that are necessary to run a sports betting platform in these venues. 

“There’s also a component for service. A bar and restaurant is very different from a casino where you have plenty of staff and support. These bars and restaurants are really going to need help, and we’re providing those services as well.”