Difference between aggregators and direct suppliers
Difference between aggregators and direct suppliers
Introduction
In the online gambling industry, software vendors play a key role in providing casino games and technology solutions. However, there are two different formats of cooperation in the market: direct suppliers and aggregators. For the casino operator, understanding the differences between them determines the development strategy, range of games and working conditions. For gamers, this explains why some casinos have a limited library of slots, while others have thousands of games from dozens of studios.
Who are the direct suppliers
A direct provider is a developer who creates games and directly provides them to casinos.
Characteristics:
Examples:
Who are aggregators
An aggregator is an intermediary platform that combines the products of multiple providers and provides casinos with access to them through a single interface.
Characteristics:
Examples:
Major differences
1. Model of cooperation
Direct supplier: a one-to-one contract between the casino and the developer.
Aggregator: one contract opens access to many studios.
2. Assortment of games
Direct supplier: limited number of games from one brand.
Aggregator: thousands of games of different genres and styles at once.
3. Flexibility
Direct supplier: more control over integration and conditions.
Aggregator: maximum convenience and launch speed, but fewer individual settings.
4. Cost and conditions
Direct supplier: more often individual price conditions and exclusive bonuses.
Aggregator: fixed payment model for a full package.
5. Speed of implementation
Direct provider: Integration can take longer, especially when working with multiple studios.
Aggregator: one connection allows you to instantly expand your portfolio.
Pros and cons
Direct suppliers
Pros:
Cons:
Aggregators
Pros:
Cons:
Why casinos use both approaches
Often operators combine:
This allows you to simultaneously have a wide range and stand out due to unique offers.
Conclusion
The difference between aggregators and direct suppliers lies in the model of cooperation and the level of control. Direct vendors give the casino exclusivity and flexibility, but a limited catalog. Aggregators provide access to hundreds of studios at once, but without uniqueness. For a successful online casino, a combination of both approaches becomes the best solution: aggregators provide scale, and direct suppliers provide quality and personality.
Introduction
In the online gambling industry, software vendors play a key role in providing casino games and technology solutions. However, there are two different formats of cooperation in the market: direct suppliers and aggregators. For the casino operator, understanding the differences between them determines the development strategy, range of games and working conditions. For gamers, this explains why some casinos have a limited library of slots, while others have thousands of games from dozens of studios.
Who are the direct suppliers
A direct provider is a developer who creates games and directly provides them to casinos.
Characteristics:
- In-house content development: slots, board games, live casinos.
- Games are stored and processed on the servers of the provider itself.
- Integration takes place through the API or SDK from the developer.
- The casino operates on an individual contract with each provider.
Examples:
- NetEnt (Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest).
- Pragmatic Play (Sweet Bonanza, Big Bass Bonanza).
- Evolution Gaming (live casinos and game shows).
Who are aggregators
An aggregator is an intermediary platform that combines the products of multiple providers and provides casinos with access to them through a single interface.
Characteristics:
- Contains games from dozens and hundreds of developers in one package.
- Integration for casinos takes place through a single API, which reduces time and costs.
- The casino receives a ready-made catalog of games without the need to conclude separate contracts with each supplier.
- The aggregator manages technical support and updates.
Examples:
- SoftSwiss (BGaming + hundreds of studios via platform).
- EveryMatrix (CasinoEngine).
- Relax Gaming (own games + partner content).
Major differences
1. Model of cooperation
Direct supplier: a one-to-one contract between the casino and the developer.
Aggregator: one contract opens access to many studios.
2. Assortment of games
Direct supplier: limited number of games from one brand.
Aggregator: thousands of games of different genres and styles at once.
3. Flexibility
Direct supplier: more control over integration and conditions.
Aggregator: maximum convenience and launch speed, but fewer individual settings.
4. Cost and conditions
Direct supplier: more often individual price conditions and exclusive bonuses.
Aggregator: fixed payment model for a full package.
5. Speed of implementation
Direct provider: Integration can take longer, especially when working with multiple studios.
Aggregator: one connection allows you to instantly expand your portfolio.
Pros and cons
Direct suppliers
Pros:
- Exclusive agreements and unique games.
- Closer cooperation, customization.
- Direct support from the developer.
Cons:
- Restricted directory.
- It is necessary to conclude several contracts if you want to expand the range.
- Longer integration.
Aggregators
Pros:
- A wide range of content in one package.
- Fast integration through a single API.
- Convenience for new casinos looking to get the platform up and running quickly.
Cons:
- There is no exclusive, the same games are available from most competitors.
- Less control over conditions and settings.
- Dependence on intermediary for support and updates.
Why casinos use both approaches
Often operators combine:
- mass content is connected through aggregators for variety;
- through direct suppliers they cooperate with top studios for the sake of exclusive games and premium quality.
This allows you to simultaneously have a wide range and stand out due to unique offers.
Conclusion
The difference between aggregators and direct suppliers lies in the model of cooperation and the level of control. Direct vendors give the casino exclusivity and flexibility, but a limited catalog. Aggregators provide access to hundreds of studios at once, but without uniqueness. For a successful online casino, a combination of both approaches becomes the best solution: aggregators provide scale, and direct suppliers provide quality and personality.
