Dr. Andreas Ditsche: The power of community engagement within the iGaming Sector
Dr. Andreas Ditsche is the CEO of Group GmbH, a prominent Berlin-based affiliate marketing company, and a university professor specialising in management and entrepreneurship. In addition to his academic work, he teaches ethics, exploring the delicate balance between market forces and moral considerations.
With an international background, Andreas was born and raised in Germany, and has lived and worked in France, Italy, the UK, and the USA. An expert in remote work, he is also a sought-after speaker on topics related to management, innovation, and the iGaming industry.
The power of community engagement within the iGaming sector
Q: How has your understanding of community engagement in iGaming evolved since you first entered the industry, and what key lessons have shaped your current approach?
Dr. Andreas Ditsche: Entering the iGaming scene, I’ve seen it transform from a playground for high rollers to a fairground for entertainment seekers betting smaller stakes, thanks to regulatory changes. The big dog in the yard, Google, now demands richer content and more engaging websites for better rankings. These shifts taught me that adapting to both market and technological changes is not just necessary but essential for survival and success.
Can you walk us through a specific community initiative and how did the results influence your subsequent engagement strategies?
AD: We launched iGamingCare, a beacon for responsible gambling, which offers a self-test to help visitors assess their risk of addiction. The outcome? If the test suggests gambling is a no-go, we advise against playing and provide no links to gambling sites. This bold move resonates with our community, sending a crystal-clear message: “We’re serious about responsible play. If you’re not, or if you’re at risk, this isn’t the place for you.” This approach has shaped our strategy to prioritize integrity over profit.
What role does responsible gaming play in your community engagement strategy, and how do you ensure these initiatives genuinely serve community interests rather than just fulfilling compliance requirements?
AD: Responsible gaming isn’t just a box to tick for us; it’s a cornerstone of our community strategy. For instance, our main site includes a to identify potential problem gamblers. We ensure high-risk individuals can’t simply click through to a gambling offer. We go beyond compliance, aiming for a culture of care rather than just avoiding legal snags.
What strategies have you implemented to transform passive community members into active participants in your ecosystem, and which approaches have proven most effective?
AD: We’re stirring the pot to turn passive followers into active community members. Although still in the early days, we send out newsletters, invite discussions on our blogs, and engage via social media. It’s a bit early to crown a winner, but social media is proving to be a potent tool for stirring up engagement.
How do you maintain authentic community connections while scaling your business across different regions and cultures?
AD: Our mantra for maintaining authenticity across the globe is simple: go local. Being a remote-first company with team members hailing from over 30 countries, we have local insights on tap. Each market has dedicated teams who aren’t just fluent in the language but are culturally clued-in, often natives of the regions they serve.
What innovative approaches have you developed to engage with younger demographics while maintaining responsible gaming standards?
AD: We aim to empower players of all ages with the information they need to make wise decisions. The secret sauce? Tailoring our communication to the ways different age groups digest information, from traditional articles to more modern methods like streaming, videos, chatbots, and AI. The landscape evolves rapidly, and so do we.
What role do you see community engagement playing in shaping the future of iGaming regulation, and how are you preparing your organization for this evolution?
AD: I foresee a shift from solitary slot sessions to more social, group-based play—mirroring the dynamic of a physical casino. Community engagement could become a game-changer in influencing iGaming regulations. As for us, we’re on our toes, engaging with regulators, staying ahead of legislative changes, and juggling the complex web of country-specific regulations.
How do you balance transparency with confidentiality when engaging with your community, particularly regarding sensitive business decisions or industry challenges?
AD: Here’s the deal: we walk the tightrope between being open about upcoming game releases and respecting confidentiality agreements with game providers. It’s a professional juggle of what to reveal and what to keep under wraps, always honouring our contracts and understanding the boundaries of what should remain behind closed doors.
Can you share an example of how community insights have directly influenced your product development or service offerings?
AD: Certainly! Feedback from our community highlighted that many were daunted by the registration process with online gaming providers. In response, we developed detailed guides and videos to carefully outline the registration process, helping newcomers take their first steps with confidence, while ensuring a mindful approach to prevent gambling addiction.
