Stefanos Karakidis, BETBY: “For us, a major success would be further expansion across Latin America”

Shows & conferences - 22 April, 2026

During the SiGMA South America 2026 event in Brazil, Focus Gaming News had the opportunity to speak with Stefanos Karakidis, Head of Business Development at BETBY. Karakidis discussed the company's latest innovations aimed at enhancing player engagement and streamlining operator processes, highlighting a strong focus on mobile technology and artificial intelligence. Karakidis unveiled a groundbreaking new feature for their sportsbook platform: an engaging "stories" model, reminiscent of social media platforms like Instagram. He explained that "the concept [is] very similar to Instagram stories... tailored to sports betting," designed to maximise engagement in a market where "most of the traffic, even like 98 per cent, comes from mobile." This "mobile first" approach allows operators to configure promotions, free bets, and combo boosts, as well as push key events of the day, all through an instant, low-friction interface where users can "place a bet just with one click through the story." Looking ahead, Karakidis confirmed that the next version will incorporate AI to tailor content, reading "the betting pattern of the end user" to provide relevant suggestions and "minimise the resources required on the operator side." Another significant development discussed was the growing momentum around prediction markets. BETBY has innovatively integrated these into their traditional sportsbook, offering a "fixed odds betting style of predictions" rather than a full exchange model. This creates a new "engagement hub within the sports book called predictions," allowing users to interact with unique markets and even create combo bets with traditional wagers without disrupting their user experience. Karakidis emphasised its strategic value, stating that "it opens the operators to a new audience," acting as an interactive way to acquire different types of users. The conversation also delved into the broader role of AI in sports betting. Beyond tailoring content for stories, AI is crucial for providing "bet suggestions." Karakidis noted, "AI in sports betting is largely about providing bet suggestions," offering expert tips based on statistics and historical data across numerous sports. Furthermore, AI plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in risk management, player profiling, and even the development of BETBY's award-winning content. Karakidis concluded that "AI now plays a very big part in risk management trading, but also the betting experience we offer to our operators." Reflecting on the event itself, Karakidis expressed satisfaction, noting strong brand awareness and a steady stream of interest from operators seeking "new opportunities." He highlighted Brazil as "one of our biggest markets," observing "massive growth and expansion in LatAm in general." BETBY is particularly active in Peru, having secured GLI certification, and is expanding into Mexico and Venezuela. When asked about BETBY's biggest "win" for 2026, Karakidis affirmed that it would be "expansion in LatAm," capitalising on cultivated opportunities. He also mentioned a significant presence with crypto operators, esports, and sweepstakes, with plans for further expansion into regulated European markets.