Interview November 30, 2024 26 min read
ED

Future of iGaming analytics: Blask CEO’s insights

Editorial Team iGaming B2B Interview

The «iGamingB2B» portal conducted an exclusive interview with Max Tesla, CEO and co-founder of Blask In this conversation, Max shares the inspiration behind Blask, the major problems it addresses in the iGaming industry, and how its cutting-edge AI-powered analytics platform is transforming data int...

Interview with Editorial Team · iGaming B2B
Q1
Future of iGaming analytics: Blask CEO’s insights
The «iGamingB2B» portal conducted an exclusive interview with Max Tesla, CEO and co-founder of
Blask
In this conversation, Max shares the inspiration behind Blask, the major problems it addresses in the
iGaming
industry, and how its cutting-edge AI-powered analytics platform is transforming data into actionable insights for operators worldwide. Discover the unique features and future prospects of Blask that make it a game-changer in the industry.
What really drove us to create Blask was the enormous gap we identified in the analytics market within the
iGaming industry
. In essence, we discovered a «digital stone age» in terms of analytical tools.
Contents
What inspired you to create the Blask service?
What major problems in the iGaming industry does Blask solve?
How does your real-time market analysis algorithm work?
What data does Blask collect and analyze for its users?
How does Blask help iGaming operators improve their strategies?
Can you tell us more about the competitor tracking feature?
What is the Blask Index and how is it formed?
What advantages do Blask users get compared to other analytics services?
How often is the data in Blask updated?
What technologies and AI methods are used in Blask?
How does Blask ensure the accuracy and reliability of its data?
What feedback do you receive from your current users?
Do you have examples of successful use cases of Blask?
How do you plan to develop and improve the service in the future?
What new features or updates are planned in the near future?
How does Blask help affiliates in the iGaming industry?
What data security and privacy measures are implemented in Blask?
How can users integrate Blask into their existing systems?
What tips would you give new users to make the most effective use of Blask?
How can one start using Blask and what steps are needed for registration?
What inspired you to create the Blask service?
The idea for Blask originally came from Dmitry Belyanin, who spent months convincing me of this project's breakthrough potential for the iGaming industry. While I wasn't initially familiar with this sphere, after detailed discussions about his vision, everything fell into place.
Dmitry and I have known each other for over 8 years, and each of our joint projects has yielded excellent results. What really drove us to create Blask was the enormous gap we identified in the analytics market within the iGaming industry. In essence, we discovered a «digital stone age» in terms of analytical tools.
Dmitry, as an industry veteran, knew firsthand how painful the process of obtaining quality data and insights could be. His teams spent tens of thousands of man-hours on research. Blask wasn't just created to fill a market niche – it was a product he personally needed.
The uniqueness of our approach lies in the fact that we don't view
as a panacea or a magic wand. For us, it's simply one of many tools that we employ only when it's the fastest, most cost-effective, and most efficient way to solve a problem. Our success is built on combining technological expertise, deep industry understanding, and creating a product that solves real problems faced by its creators.
What major problems in the iGaming industry does Blask solve?
Blask tackles the biggest headaches in the iGaming industry by providing a seriously sharp AI-powered analytics platform. Forget about drowning in data – Blask cuts through the noise, giving you a crystal-clear view of the market and your place in it.
We're talking real-time market analysis, so you're not stuck reacting to yesterday's news; you're shaping tomorrow's wins. Need to track competitors? Blask's got you covered. Want to see your eGGR dynamics of
Brazil
with insane accuracy? That's a Blask specialty. And the Blask Index? Think of it as the Dow Jones for iGaming – a single, powerful metric that shows the overall
health
and sentiment of the market.
But it's not just about numbers; it's about turning those numbers into strategies that you can implement right now. Whether it's optimizing your
marketing
spend or identifying which games are underperforming, Blask delivers actionable insights that give you a killer competitive edge. We're not just building a product; we're building a revolution, and that's why the big
players
like
Stake
and BC.Game are already on board. So ditch the smoke signals and upgrade to fiber optics – your future self will thank you.
How does your real-time market analysis algorithm work?
Let's keep it real. We're basically using a supercharged AI brain that’s been trained on a mountain of OSINT data – we're talking billions of data points, from historical trends to current market buzz. Think of it as a digital Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving
crimes
, it's solving the mysteries of iGaming.
This AI isn't just crunching numbers; it's actually learning and adapting in real-time. We're constantly feeding it fresh data – think daily updates on brand performance, player behavior, and everything happening in the market. It’s constantly analyzing this information, identifying patterns and trends, and predicting what’s going to happen next, like a financial Nostradamus for the iGaming world. We're talking about predicting GGR, identifying underperforming games, and spotting emerging trends – all in real-time.
The magic? It's a combination of cutting-edge AI methods and some seriously clever data wrangling. We’re not just throwing algorithms at the problem; we're using a blend of machine learning, deep learning, and other techniques – the exact mix is our secret sauce, but let's just say it’s seriously powerful. The result? You get the cheapest, clearest, fastest, and most accurate market insights in the industry, delivered straight to your fingertips. Need a demo? Seriously, just check our website. It's not rocket science (although, building this was pretty close).
What data does Blask collect and analyze for its users?
Search data: We're analyzing search trends across various platforms like
Google
to gauge player interest in specific brands and games. This gives us a real-time pulse on the market
Brand performance: We're tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for thousands of iGaming brands globally – think GGR, FTDs, and more. This allows us to show you who’s winning and who's lagging.
Competitor analysis: We're keeping tabs on what your competitors are up to – their marketing strategies, promotions, new game releases. This intelligence is gold for strategic planning.
Market trends: We're using AI to identify the big trends and patterns shaping the industry – which countries are exploding, which games are hot, and where the money is flowing.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT): We use sophisticated AI models like Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze publicly available information, extracting valuable insights that others might miss.
Public company disclosures: We’re mining public company reports to unearth important data and improve the accuracy of our predictions.
The result? You get a holistic overview of the iGaming market, from granular brand-level performance to overall market dynamics. It's not just raw data; it's actionable intelligence that gives you a serious edge. We're not just building a product, we are building a crystal ball for the iGaming industry.
How does Blask help iGaming operators improve their strategies?
Look, Blask doesn't just give
iGaming operators
data; it transforms how they strategize. Forget about gut feelings – we're talking about data-driven decisions that seriously boost the bottom line.
First off, we're providing crystal-clear market insights in real-time. Need to know what your competitors are up to? Blask shows you their moves, their relative market share – the whole shebang. This isn't some once-a-quarter report; we're talking daily updates, giving you the speed and agility to react instantly.
But it's not just about reacting; it's about predicting. Our AI helps forecast GGR with laser-like accuracy, so you're not just responding to market shifts; you're anticipating them. Want to know which games are about to blow up? Blask’s got that covered. Want to optimize your marketing spend for maximum impact? That's another Blask superpower.
Our new daily historical data, going back to 2017, is a total game-changer. Now you can analyze long-term trends, identify seasonal patterns, and see the real impact of your marketing campaigns with unparalleled precision. We're not just talking about numbers; it's about understanding the story behind the numbers, seeing the connections, and making strategic moves that propel your business forward. It's about transforming chaos into clarity and turning data into pure profit. And that’s something you won't find anywhere else.
Can you tell us more about the competitor tracking feature?
We're not just passively watching the competition; we're actively analyzing their every move, giving you a serious strategic edge. We don't just show you the numbers; we show you what those numbers mean.
Blask's competitor tracking isn't some static snapshot; it's a dynamic, real-time view of the competitive landscape. We’re monitoring key metrics across thousands of iGaming brands globally, providing you with a clear understanding of their performance, strategies, and market share. We're not just looking at their GGR; next year, even more, we're going to be digging into their marketing strategies, promotional offers, slot game featurings—everything that moves the needle. It's like having a dedicated intelligence team working 24/7 to keep you informed, but analyzing dozens of thousands of operators in real time.
The beauty is, we present all this data in a way that's actually useful (shoutout to Nick and our UX team) – not just a pile of raw numbers. We use our AI to highlight key trends, spot emerging threats, and identify opportunities that you might miss otherwise. It's about turning raw data into actionable intelligence that you can use to fine-tune your strategies, outmaneuver your rivals, and dominate the market. And if you need some extra clarity, just ask Greg, our CRO – he'll walk you through it. It’s all on the website, of course.
What is the Blask Index and how is it formed?
Think of it as the Dow Jones for iGaming – a single, killer metric that gives you a real-time pulse on the market. We're not just throwing numbers at you; we're telling a story, a story of player engagement and market dynamics.
It's built using a seriously clever combination of cutting-edge AI and a whole lot of data. We’re inspired by the «Share of Search» concept – it’s a proven method with a 95% correlation to actual market volume – so we're not pulling numbers out of thin air. We're analyzing massive amounts of search data, looking at what people are actually searching for online, related to iGaming. This gives us an incredibly accurate picture of brand performance and market share for individual countries, updated hourly.
This isn't some lagging indicator; it's a live, breathing snapshot of the market. See a surge in search volume for a specific brand? The Blask Index reflects it instantly. See a country's overall iGaming market shrink? You'll see it reflected in real-time. It’s more than just numbers; it’s actionable intelligence that empowers you to make informed decisions. It's like having a crystal ball – but instead of fuzzy predictions, you get rock-solid data. So, if you want to know what’s hot and what's not, in real-time, then Blask Index is your go-to resource.
What advantages do Blask users get compared to other analytics services?
Let’s be real, there are a lot of analytics platforms out there, but Blask isn't just another pretty face. We're offering a completely different level of insight and speed. Forget those clunky, outdated systems; Blask uses cutting-edge AI to deliver real-time, actionable intelligence that gives you a serious competitive advantage.
Here’s the deal: other services might offer some data, but Blask goes way beyond the basics. We're providing a comprehensive, unified view of the entire iGaming landscape, not just snippets of information. We’re talking real-time updates, hourly granular data, and predictive analytics that give you a glimpse into the future. Our Blask Index is a game-changer – it's like having a financial market index specifically for iGaming. It gives you a clear view of market size and brand performance in real-time, across multiple countries.
Where others might offer monthly reports (I’m not even saying that you need to wait for SEPA or SWIFT payment to land, before getting numbers, and if you’re reading this interview, drop me an email to
[email protected]
, we are ready to streamline our data and get down to business), Blask provides a continuously updated stream of information, with up to hourly data granularity. This speed means you can make split-second decisions, capitalize on opportunities, and react instantly to market shifts.
And unlike some other platforms that overwhelm you with raw data (like those, SEO teams use), Blask delivers clear, actionable insights, related specifically to iGaming. We’re not just showing you numbers; we're telling a story, using AI to uncover the connections and trends that matter most. Think of it as having a dedicated team of analysts working 24/7, but without the massive overhead. In short, Blask delivers unparalleled speed, accuracy, and comprehensiveness, giving you a significant edge in the fiercely competitive industry.
How often is the data in Blask updated?
Blask's data is updated hourly, giving you a real-time pulse on the iGaming market. Forget those outdated monthly reports; we’re talking about a continuously updated stream of information, so you're always in the know.
But that's not the whole story. We've recently added daily historical data going all the way back to 2017. That's a total game-changer. Now you've got the long-term perspective to really understand those seasonal trends and see how past campaigns performed. Think of looking at day-over-day performance of every single Indian brand during IPL 2023 when in 2024.
Also, let's be clear on hi-granular month-over-month metrics we introduced this year: eGGR and eFTD. While some reports boast about pinpoint accuracy in GGR and FTD predictions (that cannot be real, especially for mixed markets with no regulating authority you could use as grounding truth) that reminds me of a guesswork. That's just not realistically possible with deep learning, even with the use of advanced AI – hello, election simulation case studies. Blask's superpower isn't about getting every cent right, but introducing our own new metrics eFTD and eGGR over FTD and GGR. Our focus is on understanding the dynamics – the micro and macro trends – and how those dynamics shift among different players within a specific country. That's where the real value lies.
Think of it like this: we're not just showing you a snapshot of a race; we're showing you the entire race, the lead changes, and the strategies each player is employing. We analyze billions of data points – search trends, brand performance, and competitor actions – using our fine-tuned AI to identify the subtle shifts in player behavior and market share. We're looking at the momentum, the velocity of change, not just the precise position at any given moment. We use the patterns uncovered in search engine data to understand the motivations behind user behavior, focusing on the «why» and «how» of player actions. This is how we understand the micro- and macro-trends that impact eFTD and eGGR, allowing you to make strategic moves and capitalize on emerging opportunities, rather than chasing fleeting, potentially inaccurate numbers with no real use-case.
For example, while a competitor might show a slightly higher eFTD on a given day, Blask’s analysis could reveal a larger, more significant upward trend in their overall acquisition rate compared to yours, or perhaps pinpoint a marketing tactic that's proving highly effective, allowing you to develop a counter-strategy. That's the real power of our eFTD and eGGR data – it's about understanding the why behind the numbers, not just the numbers themselves. It’s about getting a competitive advantage by understanding the market dynamics and the competitive landscape more effectively. It's about strategic insight, not just numerical precision. It’s about winning the race, not just getting a precise measurement of the distance covered.
What technologies and AI methods are used in Blask?
We're not using some off-the-shelf AI; we've built a system of agents using a blend of natural language processing, computer vision and math to deliver real-time insights. We're not just throwing algorithms at the problem; we're using a powerful combination of data science and deep learning, carefully tuned and trained on massive datasets, both language and vision.
Blask AI isn't a black box; it's a finely-tuned engine designed to process billions of data points, identify complex patterns, and provide actionable predictions. We leverage techniques like natural language processing to analyze textual data, computer vision with flash attention to process visual modality (though not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, it's a common technique used for these types of large-scale data processing tasks), and also foundation models to make sense of all the information. We don't just rely on one approach; we employ a variety of methods to maximize accuracy and insight.
The exact methods are proprietary, but it's safe to say that we're at the forefront of AI-driven iGaming analytics. The result is a system that's not only powerful but also highly reliable and accurate in identifying trends and making predictions. It's about getting a competitive advantage by understanding the market dynamics and the competitive landscape more effectively. It’s about strategic insight, not just numerical precision. It's about winning the race, not just getting a precise measurement of the distance covered.
How does Blask ensure the accuracy and reliability of its data?
First, we use a variety of data sources – search trends, brand performance, competitor actions, and more – to get a complete picture. We don't rely on a single source; we cross-reference information to identify discrepancies and ensure consistency. Think of it as triangulation – we're using multiple data points to pinpoint the most accurate information.
Second, we don't just accept data at face value. Our AI agents are constantly learning and refining, using advanced techniques to identify and correct errors. We’re continuously auditing and validating our data sources, applying rigorous statistical methods and quality control measures to filter out noise and ensure the data's integrity.
Third, we're constantly monitoring the data for anomalies and inconsistencies. Our system is designed to flag potential issues, allowing our team to investigate and address any problems promptly. We’re also constantly upgrading and refining our AI algorithms to improve accuracy. We’re obsessive about accuracy; it's not just a feature; it's fundamental to everything we do. It's the foundation upon which our users make strategic decisions, and we treat it with the utmost seriousness. We're not just providing data; we’re delivering trustworthy intelligence. We constantly validate this data by checking it against regulatory reports from
gambling
commissions to ensure maximum accuracy.
What feedback do you receive from your current users?
Look, we're not just building a product; we're building relationships. And those relationships are built on feedback – both the good and the, shall we say, constructive kind. Our current users are a mix of major players and innovative startups, and we're constantly learning from their experiences.
The feedback we get falls into a few key areas. Many users rave about the speed and accuracy of our real-time market analysis. They love the ability to make data-driven decisions quickly and to actually see the impact of those decisions in real time. The Blask Index is a constant source of positive feedback; it’s a game-changer for them. They appreciate that they can monitor their own performance and identify areas for improvement within their countries, making informed and rapid strategic changes.
But we also get feedback that helps us improve. Sometimes it's about refining our UX to make it even more user-friendly. Other times, it's about adding new features or expanding our data coverage. We take all feedback seriously. Every suggestion, every bug report, every bit of constructive criticism is carefully considered and incorporated into our roadmap. It’s how we evolve – by listening to our users, the people who keep us sharp. We actively solicit and analyze this feedback, prioritizing issues based on frequency and impact, and using tools for user experience analysis. We treat it all seriously because they help us build something truly exceptional. And remember, that is how we make something «damn legendary».
Do you have examples of successful use cases of Blask?
I’m not one for throwing around case studies like confetti at a marketing conference. But since you asked… let’s just say we’ve helped some serious players in the iGaming world. We’re talking about companies that are already crushing it, and we’re giving them the extra edge to really dominate.
Remember that thing I said about clients asking for even crazier solutions? That’s where the real magic happens. We’ve built bespoke solutions tailored to specific use cases, often integrating with proprietary systems. Think of it as a custom-built sports car versus a mass-produced sedan. It's a much more powerful tool, and it gives them the competitive edge. We’re not just selling a product; we’re providing a strategic advantage. We're part of their team now, solving problems they didn't even know they had.
But I’m not going to give you any names – that's confidential stuff. But trust me, the results speak for themselves. Want to see for yourself? Book a demo with Greg – he'll walk you through the whole shebang.
How do you plan to develop and improve the service in the future?
First up is our game detection feature – it's already a beast, identifying tens of thousands of slots in real-time. But we're making it even more powerful, adding more granular data and faster processing. Imagine having that level of real-time insight into what games are hot, what's trending, and what your competitors are featuring within their lobbies. It's insane.
Then there’s the whole index thing. We're expanding the Blask Index beyond countries and brands, to include leagues and sports, using our 3i metrics – Impact, Importance, and Interest. Want to know what's the bigger deal in
Ghana
, the Champions League or Serie A? Blask will tell you.
We’re also working on even sharper calculations. It’s not just about sanity checks and expert reviews anymore; we’re using AI to refine our predictions and make them even more precise. Think of it as a transition from a magnifying glass to a high-powered electron microscope. We'll be digging into even more granular data, pulling information from gambling commission reports,
regulators
, and publicly listed companies – it’s like mining gold from terabytes of PDFs.
And beyond that? We’ve got some wild ideas cooking. We're looking at optimizing marketing mixes, doing deeper dives into competitive analysis, and generally redefining how people look at marketing intel data. It’s going to be a game-changer, trust me.
But the biggest thing? It's about the people. Our team is obsessed with this. We live and breathe this stuff. We are constantly refining our processes, adding new features, and customizing our solutions to meet clients’ needs. It’s not about just building a product; it's about building a partnership. We’re here to help our clients dominate the market – and that’s what drives us.
What new features or updates are planned in the near future?
Very recently, we rolled out daily historical data going all the way back to 2017 for key metrics like the Blask Index and Relative Market Share. This gives our clients a level of granularity they've never had before – imagine analyzing daily trends over years, not just monthly aggregates. This is a massive upgrade for understanding long-term market movements and optimizing strategies based on past performance. It's like having a time machine for your data.
Also, we're constantly refining our AI models. We're not just talking about incremental improvements; we are making significant leaps in
prediction
accuracy and the speed at which we can process and deliver insights. This means faster, more precise decision-making for our clients. AI is getting smarter, faster, and more efficient every day.
Beyond that, we're expanding our market coverage. We've recently added several key markets in
Latin America
and Africa, and we are on track to have real-time data from over 100 countries by the end of the year. We also plan to improve the user experience with a more intuitive navigation system – making it easier to understand market shifts and regional dynamics.
And there’s more in the works. We’re adding features like game performance and provider metrics, a sports calendar, competitor bonus and promotion information, and even an affiliate database. Basically, we’re building the ultimate one-stop shop for all iGaming data. It's going to be a game-changer. It's going to be epic. Just you wait.
How does Blask help affiliates in the iGaming industry?
Blask gives affiliates a real edge, offering instant access to critical market intel. We're talking granular insights into market size and brand share, updated hourly, so you can spot growth opportunities fast. Forget clunky spreadsheets and endless research; Blask delivers what traditional methods simply can't.
Beyond the Blask Index, our platform lets affiliates benchmark against the competition, pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and fine-tune campaigns for maximum impact. We're not just talking about optimizing existing strategies; Blask helps uncover entirely new markets ripe for expansion, diversifying revenue streams and driving serious growth. By automating brand discovery and providing up-to-the-minute data, we free you from tedious analysis, letting you focus on what matters: strategy and execution.
Blask transforms affiliate marketing from reactive to proactive, from guesswork to data-driven decisions. We empower you to target efforts precisely, anticipate trends, and crush your ROI. And in a volatile market like iGaming, our predictive capabilities help mitigate risk and seize lucrative opportunities before they vanish. This isn't just data; it's actionable intelligence that fuels smarter decisions, boosts campaign efficiency, and gives you a competitive edge that leaves others in the dust.
What data security and privacy measures are implemented in Blask?
We built Blask from the ground up with security as a core principle, not an afterthought. We rely solely on publicly available OSINT data to train our models. This drastically reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures we're working within the bounds of ethical data use. Our infrastructure is designed for maximum security, utilizing industry best practices for data encryption both in transit and at rest. We employ rigorous access controls, limiting access to sensitive information on a strict need-to-know basis.
We're constantly monitoring our systems for vulnerabilities and implementing updates to address them proactively. Think of it as a fortress, not a leaky bucket. We’re constantly evolving our security protocols and applying the most cutting-edge technologies to ensure the highest level of protection. We’re not just talking about meeting industry standards; we're exceeding them. Transparency is also crucial, and we’re always happy to discuss our security measures in detail with our partners. The bottom line is this: your data is safe with us. It’s that simple.
How can users integrate Blask into their existing systems?
Currently, the easiest way to start using Blask is as a dashboard.
However, we're also actively developing our API infrastructure. In 2025, we plan to launch a comprehensive developer portal and APIs, allowing you to directly integrate Blask data into your existing systems. This will provide a more flexible and automated way to leverage Blask’s capabilities.
Beyond our standard API offering, we have a highly skilled team ready to collaborate on bespoke integrations. Should you require a tailored solution to integrate Blask into your specific business processes and infrastructure, we are happy to work with you to create a custom on-demand integration that meets your precise needs.
What tips would you give new users to make the most effective use of Blask?
Alright, let's cut to the chase. Here's the Blask breakdown:
First, get comfy with the dashboard. It's your command center for instant insights and data visualization, giving you a bird's-eye view of the industry and your own performance.
Next, remember, data isn't just numbers; it's intelligence. Blask isn't about raw data dumps; it's about understanding the meaning behind the numbers. Focus on the trends and patterns our AI highlights. Think of it as having a data whisperer on your team.
Don't forget our killer predictive tools. eFTD and eGGR forecasts let you make proactive moves, optimizing resource allocation and staying ahead of the curve. It's like having a crystal ball, but way more accurate.
Coming in 2025: seamless integration with your existing systems. Our APIs and developer portal will make data-driven decisions even smoother and more automated. It's like adding a turbocharger to your workflow.
Finally, stay sharp. Even with Blask’s powerful AI, human oversight is key. Question everything, scrutinize the data, and never stop learning. Healthy skepticism isn't a weakness; it's how you refine your strategy and win.
How can one start using Blask and what steps are needed for registration?
Just drop a message to Veranika, our Head of Sales:
[email protected]
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