Entrepreneurs seeking to enter the online casino market frequently opt for turnkey solutions. In this arrangement, they assume the responsibility of promoting the casino and recovering their investments. Nonetheless, this model also offers them considerable advantages. They gain access to high-quality gaming software at a fraction of its original cost and their operational expenses are significantly reduced—they don’t need to secure licenses, set up payment processing, customer support, or address server-related issues. Therefore, with relatively small initial investments, an entrepreneur can launch a reputable casino and start building their own brand. While they may only retain 50% of the profits, compared to the 30-40% they would earn through affiliate programs promoting another company’s brand, this model offers the potential for complete acquisition of the software or the sale of a successful brand along with its player base, providing a lucrative option for newcomers willing to invest thousands, but not millions, of dollars into their venture.
Owners of such gaming platforms generally operate with a sense of security, despite the varying levels of risk involved. However, the situation is not as favorable for the players. Typically, a player is allowed only one account and is eligible for bonuses in just one of the casinos, either the main or a subsidiary brand. The latter often refrains from acknowledging the existence of the main casino or its competitors, leading players to discover only after registration or deposit that their efforts were in vain. Additionally, the complexity of the gambling environment increases with the introduction of a new entity – the turnkey casino owner – elongating the chain of problem-solving and elevating the risk for players in the event of issues with the main or partner casinos.
Identifying a turnkey online casino can be challenging, as information about the parent company is often not disclosed (although some casinos might hint at their parent company through website text or images, like in payment statements). These casinos can sometimes be recognized by their customer support phone numbers, which may be identical to those of the parent casino. The least differentiated casinos might not alter the standard website template. Alternatively, visiting the software provider’s website could help, as turnkey solutions are not typically listed there. A search engine query can also be useful, as many websites provide lists of casinos using specific software but usually exclude turnkey solutions.
As a result, while turnkey online casinos offer valuable opportunities for entrepreneurial newcomers eager to establish their presence in the casino industry with minimal investment, they may not always be the optimal choice for players due to the increased risks and the complexity of resolving potential issues. It’s generally advisable for players to opt for the parent casino where possible.