GoldenRace at 20
Defining Authenticity, Innovation and the Next Era of Virtual Sports
As GoldenRace marks 20 years in the virtual sports sector, CEO Martin Wachter reflects on the strategic decisions that shaped the company’s rise - from pioneering Virtual Football and omnichannel retail innovation to securing leadership in regulated markets worldwide. Looking ahead, he outlines how GoldenRace plans to push virtual sports into a new era of interactive, authentic and market-attuned experiences, with major new product launches unveiled at ICE Barcelona.
Reflecting on two decades in the industry, what would you say have been GoldenRace’s most defining moments and core strategic decisions that shaped you into the company you are today?
Looking back over two decades in this incredibly dynamic industry, our success is the culmination of core strategic decisions rooted in two fundamental principles: uncompromising realism and a dedication to providing the most flexible and complete B2B solutions.
Our biggest and most defining moment, without a doubt, was the creation and continued evolution of our Virtual Football. It wasn't just a game; it was a revolution with advanced motion-capture technology, realistic odds crafted by in-house professional bookmakers, and many other innovative features. In fact, it has been consistently recognised as the world's most played virtual football product, processing millions of tickets daily, receiving several industry recognitions.
Our VBOX was another hit, as it ensured we offered operators a fast, reliable and space-efficient way to offer our content - always in line with our intention to provide our partners with an affordable solution for every operator.
Recently, a truly forward-thinking moment was the introduction of In- shop Mobile, a hybrid model designed to modernise the retail environment which allows players to access our entire portfolio directly on their mobile devices within the shop, drastically reducing queues, saving on hardware and printing costs and facilitating cashier management.
And of course achieving market leadership in key regulated markets like Italy and securing global licences like the UKGC and MGA. Also, having entered regulated markets like now with Colombia, where we
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became the first and only Virtual Sports provider certified for Retail (ACDV).
As you celebrate 20 years, what are the key lessons you’ve learned about adapting to technological and consumer trends in virtual sports? In the past you've talked about the authenticity of GoldenRace's virtual sports - how do you keep to those principles with new releases?
Our two decades of experience have taught us that success is not about following trends, but about predicting and defining them while staying loyal to our core principle: Authenticity.
Some of these trends we have detected and worked on are a Mobile- first strategy to offer players a seamless mobile experience (HTML5, low-bandwidth optimisation); also localisation is key for success, specially in markets like Africa, where we work with local teams to understand player habits and deliver tailored content. We have also created one-feed products like RaceDay and Big5 to offer speed, variety and simplified betting.
You’re unveiling two new revolutionary games at ICE Barcelona - can you share the inspiration behind these titles and what differentiates them from other betting products on the market?
We have an excellent team of professionals who always look for innovation, and they came up with this idea. Together, we saw that the gaming industry was in need of innovation.
We have detected seven key elements that a game needs to have for customers to love it: innovation, simplicity, gamification, fun, excitement, rewards, and speed! Tis led us to spend years considering
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