With over 25-years of marketing experience and a stellar track record at iGaming giants like LeoVegas and Casimba Gaming, Sven Kaltengger was the standout choice for the 2024 Chief Marketing Officer of the Year Award.
As High Roller Casino’s current CMO, Sven has led the company through its recent headline-grabbing IPO on the New York Stock Exchange—which generated US$10 million in proceeds–and overseen a period of explosive growth.
Under his watch, High Roller achieved a 30 percent revenue increase in just one quarter, a 54 percent surge in first-time depositors.
But as we know, it’s not all about acquisitions.
High Roller Casino, crowned Casino of the Year 2024 by WN iGaming, also scooped SiGMA Europe’s Best Player Retention Award – further cementing its reputation as an industry powerhouse.
In this iGF exclusive, Sven joins Curtis Roach, iGF’s head of content, to discuss the details of the company’s IPO, the strategies behind their success, the evolving role of marketing in iGaming – and what’s next for online casinos.
Curtis began by asking:
Congratulations on your recent IPO. Why was it important to go through this commercial process, and how will the value gained from it be transferred to our partners and customers?
“Thank you for your kind words.
“Taking our company public through an IPO was a pivotal step in our journey, one rooted in our vision to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and deliver meaningful value to all our stakeholders.
“By going public, we’ve unlocked access to additional capital, which provides us greater flexibility to invest strategically in key areas that support our mission. These include accelerating product development, advancing technological capabilities, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our operations into new markets.
“For our partners and customers, this process marks a transformative opportunity. The resources and visibility gained from becoming a publicly traded company empower us to build a stronger, more adaptable organisation that can better respond to their needs.
“We are committed to using this momentum to improve the quality, reliability, and scope of our offerings, ensuring that our solutions remain at the forefront of innovation and are tailored to the challenges and opportunities they face.
“Moreover, our IPO underscores a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term stability. These principles reinforce trust with our partners and customers and position us as a more reliable and capable ally in helping them achieve their goals.
“Ultimately, this milestone enables us to create deeper, more impactful relationships and shared success for everyone involved.”
You recently received a CMO of the Year award at the C Suite Insider Awards. How have you remained successful despite increasing regulation and ever-evolving consumer trends?
“Thank you! Being recognised as CMO of the Year at the C Suite Insider Awards is a tremendous honour.
“Success in this ever-evolving industry requires adaptability, innovation, and a deep understanding of the market and our customers.
“To navigate increasing regulations, we’ve prioritised a proactive, compliance-first approach. We collaborate closely with legal teams to craft campaigns that resonate while adhering to guidelines. Transparency and trustworthiness have been central to building lasting relationships with customers and stakeholders.
“Adapting to shifting consumer trends means staying ahead of the curve through data-driven insights and creative strategies. Leveraging analytics has allowed us to design highly personalised campaigns that engage our audience effectively.
“Lastly, success is never a solo effort. I’m fortunate to lead a talented, collaborative team that embraces a test-and-learn mindset, fostering agility and innovation. This recognition reflects a shared commitment to excellence and delivering meaningful value to our audience.”
What are your thoughts on the adoption of automation and AI tech in the iGaming space? How do you see it impacting operator marketing going forward?
“The adoption of automation and AI technologies in the iGaming space is a game-changer, offering the potential to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and deliver personalised experiences.
“For marketing departments these tools enable more efficient data analysis, customer segmentation, and campaign optimisation, allowing for highly-targeted and relevant marketing efforts. AI can analyse customer behaviour in real time, adapting strategies on the fly to improve acquisition and retention. Automation also handles routine tasks, freeing teams to focus on strategy and creativity.
“However, this shift means marketers must focus more on strategy and innovation while ensuring ethical use of data and AI. Ultimately, AI and automation will transform marketing from operational execution to strategic leadership, driving competitive advantage in the evolving iGaming industry.”
What are the biggest drivers of growth for the online casino market going forward? And how will High Roller leverage these to meet its growth objectives?
“The online casino market is poised for substantial growth, fueled by technological advancements, the expansion of regulated markets, and an increasing demand for personalised, immersive gaming experiences.
“And innovations such as live dealer games, gamification, and AI-driven personalisation are expected to further captivate and engage a broader range of players.
“At High Roller, we see these shifts as opportunities to excel and differentiate ourselves.
“Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we aim to deliver seamless, customised experiences that resonate with individual player preferences. AI and data analytics will be integral to creating personalised promotions, curated content, and targeted game recommendations, ensuring a meaningful connection with our audience.
“As more jurisdictions regulate online gaming, we remain committed to responsible growth. Our focus on compliance, player protection, and innovation positions us as a trusted operator ready to adapt to emerging markets.
“Additionally, we are actively exploring new licensing opportunities and investing in expanded market access to achieve global excellence.
“By capitalising on these growth drivers and strengthening our presence in existing markets, High Roller is well-positioned to deliver exceptional player experiences and achieve sustainable success in the dynamic online casino landscape.”
Editor’s Note:
From capital-boosting IPOs to growth anchored in sustainable principles and excellence, High Roller has made incredible strides since its launch in 2021. And, with Sven leading from the marketing suite, this upward trajectory is reaching new heights.
Going public has provided High Roller with the capital to accelerate product development, advance its technological capabilities, enhance the customer experience and expand operations into new markets, positioning the brand as a frontrunner in the global iGaming sector.
But how has High Roller balanced its rapid expansion with the increasing complexity of compliance and regulation?
According to Sven, the secret is High Roller’s proactive approach to compliance. By collaborating across teams, the company creates campaigns that resonate with players while remaining compliant with regulatory and legal standards.
