The gambling industry is one of the most exciting and fast-paced sectors on the planet right now. Whether it’s online casinos, sports betting apps, or fantasy sports platforms, there’s never been a better time to enter the market. But if you’re a business looking to get your platform off the ground, one question will loom large: Do you go with a custom-built gambling software or choose a white-label solution?
It’s a tough decision, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down and explore how these two options stack up against each other, and what developers bring to the table for each.
1. What Exactly is White-Label Gambling Software?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. White-label gambling software is essentially a pre-built, ready-to-go solution. It’s like buying a ready-made car where you can choose the color, add a few custom features, and off you go. Most of the heavy lifting—game platforms, payment systems, user interfaces, and compliance—is already done. It’s all packaged up for you.
So why would a company choose this? One major reason is speed. If you’re looking to launch fast, this option is perfect. Instead of starting from scratch, you’re essentially renting the software and branding it as your own. A white-label solution allows companies to hit the ground running.
For example, SoftSwiss, a major white-label software provider, allows operators to launch a fully functional online casino in a matter of weeks instead of months. For a business eager to jump in, it’s a great choice. By 2025, analysts predict that the white-label gambling market will be worth USD 3.2 billion. That’s a whole lot of growth, and clearly, businesses are loving the convenience.
2. What About Custom Gambling Software?
On the flip side, custom gambling software is all about exclusivity. If white-label is the “off-the-shelf” option, custom software is the “tailor-made suit.” Custom solutions give businesses complete control over everything from features to branding. Think about a game developer who wants to create an entirely unique game—custom software allows them to do that.
Custom software lets you design every aspect of the platform. Want a special payment gateway? Done. Need a custom feature that no one else has? You can make it happen. The sky’s the limit when you have a dedicated team working on your software.
But this comes at a price. Custom solutions are significantly more expensive and take longer to develop, often 6-12 months for a fully functional platform. However, for bigger players in the gambling industry, like PokerStars or 888 Holdings, the investment is worth it. These companies know that offering something unique is key to standing out in a crowded market.
In fact, the global custom gaming software market is expected to hit around USD 20.5 billion by 2027, driven by businesses looking to differentiate themselves.
3. Cost: Let’s Talk Numbers
Let’s face it: money talks. When you’re deciding between custom and white-label software, cost is a huge factor.
White-label solutions typically come with a lower upfront cost. You’ll pay a licensing fee, and depending on the provider, you might also pay a share of your earnings. It’s not a one-time fee—white-label solutions usually operate on a recurring subscription or revenue-sharing model. But on the bright side, the time-to-market is dramatically shorter. You could be up and running in just a few weeks.
Compare that to custom solutions, which require much more investment upfront. Building a fully custom gambling platform can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on features, complexity, and the development team’s expertise. Bet365 is a prime example of a huge player that invested massively in a custom solution to maintain control over its product. For a business with bigger pockets or long-term plans, this investment pays off in the form of better control and the potential for scalable growth.
4. Time-to-Market: How Fast Can You Launch?
Let’s be real—time matters in the gambling industry. Whether it’s an online casino, a sports betting platform, or a poker game, every day you’re not live is money left on the table. Here, white-label software is the clear winner.
A white-label platform can be deployed in a matter of weeks. The software is already built, it’s just a matter of customizing it with your brand. This is perfect if you’re a new business or a smaller operator looking to get in on the action fast. Providers like https://boostylabs.com/igaming/live-dealer-solutions offer ready-to-launch solutions that significantly reduce development time without sacrificing quality.
In contrast, custom gambling software requires a lot of planning and development time. Building from scratch takes time—generally, anywhere from 6 to 12 months. For big companies with long-term goals, this is a sacrifice they’re willing to make. However, for smaller businesses or startups, the time commitment can feel daunting.
5. Flexibility and Control: What’s More Important?
When it comes to flexibility and control, custom software is the clear champion. You can decide how the system works, what features are added, and even how the user experience feels. Need something unique? Custom software gives you the freedom to create it.
White-label software, on the other hand, comes with limitations. You get what the provider gives you. Sure, you can add your branding, maybe adjust a few settings, but if you want to make major changes or add exclusive features, you’re likely out of luck unless you’re willing to work with the provider to develop custom features (which can be pricey).
If you look at platforms like Betfair, which uses custom solutions, they offer a ton of exclusive features. Their platform is fully customizable, with deep integration of live data and betting features. You wouldn’t get that from a white-label solution.
6. Support and Maintenance: Who’s Got Your Back?
With white-label solutions, support is usually part of the package. Your provider handles the updates, security patches, and ongoing maintenance, which can be a relief for smaller operators. You don’t have to worry about finding and paying a team of developers for updates.
But with custom software, you’re on the hook. Maintenance and support will be your responsibility. This means hiring developers for bug fixes, security updates, and platform scaling. While custom solutions offer full control, they come with the added responsibility of managing your platform’s health.
7. When to Choose White-Label or Custom Software?
Alright, let’s wrap things up with some practical advice. When should you choose a white-label solution over a custom one? Here are a few scenarios:
- White-Label: If you’re just starting out and need to enter the market quickly, a white-label solution is ideal. It’s also perfect if you’re a smaller operator without huge resources.
- Example: A small online sportsbook aiming to enter the market in 3 months.
- Custom: If you have a long-term vision, a large budget, and need something truly unique, custom software is the way to go. It’s the right choice for scaling a large operation or creating something entirely new.
- Example: A casino operator like MGM Resorts looking to integrate AR features or create a fully personalized experience.
8. The Future: Hybrid Models and Innovation
Looking ahead, the future of gambling software might just be hybrid solutions. Some developers are combining the best of both worlds: offering white-label solutions with the ability to integrate custom features. Think of it like a modular system where you start with a white-label foundation and gradually build on it as your business grows.
Conclusion: What’s Right for You?
In the battle between custom and white-label gambling software, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on your goals, budget, and the speed at which you want to get started. White-label solutions are perfect for businesses that need to move fast and cost-effectively, while custom software is the choice for those looking to build something truly unique and long-lasting.
Remember, both paths have their pros and cons. The key is finding the solution that fits your vision and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a startup looking to make your mark, understanding the differences will set you up for success.