Ron Braunfeld: “Developing reliable geolocation solutions involves overcoming significant challenges”

Ron Braunfeld, Chief Revenue Officer at Xpoint, sat down with Casino Guru News to discuss Xpoint’s cutting-edge geolocation technology, its role in ensuring regulatory compliance, and how it supports operators and consumers alike in the rapidly evolving iGaming and sports betting industry. Braunfeld highlighted how Xpoint is tackling industry challenges through innovations like Trust Mode, a solution designed to improve efficiency, enhance user experiences, and reduce costs, all while maintaining strict compliance. He also shared insights into Xpoint's growth, its approach to emerging markets like Brazil, and the company’s vision for the future of geolocation technology.

Q: Xpoint is one of the newer entries in the geolocation space, yet you’ve quickly gained a prominent position within the iGaming and sports betting ecosystem, especially in the United States. What inspired the founding of Xpoint, and what unique needs did you set out to address?

Xpoint was established with the vision of reshaping geolocation services to better align with the rapidly evolving needs of the iGaming and sports betting industry. While existing solutions met basic compliance requirements, they often lacked flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, leaving operators with limited options. We recognized the opportunity to fill this gap by creating technology that not only ensures regulatory compliance but also delivers operational benefits, such as enhanced user experiences and improved scalability. By offering adaptable, innovative, and reliable geolocation services, Xpoint helps operators stay competitive and compliant in a market where precision and customer trust are critical.

Q: Geolocation compliance is crucial for both operators and consumers in iGaming and sports betting. Could you expand on the importance of geolocation technology and why it’s essential for both sides to understand its impact?

Geolocation technology is the backbone of compliance in the iGaming and sports betting industry. For operators, it ensures that their services are restricted to licensed jurisdictions, protecting them from regulatory penalties and preserving their legal standing. For consumers, it builds trust in the platform by ensuring that they are engaging with authorized operators who adhere to strict local regulations. Beyond compliance, geolocation also supports responsible gambling initiatives by preventing unauthorized or risky activities. Educating both operators and consumers about its importance helps foster a transparent ecosystem, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Q: Earlier this year, Xpoint introduced its Trust Mode solution. What advancements or innovations does Trust Mode bring compared to previous offerings, and how does it address the evolving needs of the market?

Trust Mode is a patent-pending feature that revolutionizes geolocation services by delivering unmatched efficiencies for online gaming operators while maintaining full compliance with state regulations. It minimizes the need for frequent geolocation checks when players are connected to secure, fixed networks like residential or office Wi-Fi, even near state borders. This approach reduces geolocation checks by at least 15%, leading to significant cost savings for operators while enhancing user experience. To provide some more insight, early indicators in states where we are live show a significant reduction of geolocation checks, such as: Ohio: 27%, Arizona: 53%, Colorado: 30% and Iowa: 25%.

From an end-user perspective, Trust Mode decreases device battery usage without compromising accuracy, making it a win-win for both operators and players. As a game-changer in a space that has traditionally seen little innovation, Trust Mode reflects Xpoint’s commitment to solving real-world challenges for its partners and underscores the competitive advantage of our advanced technology platform. This feature demonstrates how Xpoint delivers practical solutions that save operators money while improving player satisfaction.

Q: Brazil's iGaming and sports betting market is set to expand rapidly, and Xpoint appears well-positioned to support this growth. How does the Brazilian market differ from the United States in terms of regulatory and operational challenges, and what are Xpoint’s short-term goals for this region?

Brazil’s market is at a different stage of maturity compared to the United States, with unique regulatory challenges such as rapidly evolving legislation and localized licensing requirements. Operators in Brazil must navigate this complexity while also adapting to differences in infrastructure, payment preferences, and consumer behavior. Xpoint’s technology is well-suited for this environment, as it offers the flexibility and scalability needed to meet these challenges head-on. Our short-term goals in Brazil include establishing strong partnerships with operators, providing compliance-ready solutions tailored to the region, and supporting our clients as they scale in what is poised to become one of the world’s largest betting markets.

Q: What are some of the major technological challenges you face in building reliable geolocation solutions, and how does Xpoint overcome them to deliver consistent and precise results?

Developing reliable geolocation solutions involves overcoming significant challenges, such as maintaining pinpoint accuracy across diverse environments, ensuring system resilience during peak activity, and mitigating sophisticated fraud attempts. At Xpoint, we address these challenges by utilizing advanced algorithms that process real-time data from multiple sources, including Wi-Fi and cellular networks, for precise location verification. We also implement redundant systems to maintain uptime and ensure uninterrupted service, even during high-traffic events. By staying ahead of technological trends and continuously innovating, we provide operators with a geolocation solution they can depend on, regardless of the complexities they face.

Q: Wrapping 2024 up, are you satisfied with what you have achieved so far, and what the future has in store for you as a company?

2024 has been a remarkable year for Xpoint. We’ve made significant strides in expanding our presence in established and emerging markets, introducing cutting-edge solutions like Trust Mode, and strengthening partnerships with key operators. These accomplishments reflect our dedication to innovation and customer success. While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, our focus remains firmly on the future. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of geolocation technology, expanding our global footprint, and delivering solutions that empower our clients to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. The best is yet to come for Xpoint.

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