Game World and OKTO pay platform launch Romania’s first cashless-operated slot machines in Bucharest

Game World Romania, a leader of the entertainment industry in Romania, is rolling out OKTO’s cashless, mobile-first, responsible payments in its high-end Game World Bucharest Mall Vitan venue, the largest gambling hall in South-East Europe. The award-winning OKTO.WALLET payment app and platform are now available on the first set of slot machines and will gradually be available across all slot machines and electronic roulettes of the main venue, with further rollout across the entire Game World network to follow.

The new service introduced by Game World is made possible thanks to OKTO’s expertise in e-money services for gaming operators and their customers. The rollout marks a major step forward in the ongoing digital transformation of Romania’s entertainment industry, driving the adoption of digital payment solutions to provide customers with secure, convenient, flexible and affordable solutions to manage their personal digital wallets at any time and from anywhere.

The service operates via a mobile app that functions as a virtual wallet and makes possible not just payments but also money transfer from and into the user’s bank cards, as well as to other users’ cards (note that service availability varies across European countries). OKTO.WALLET provides each user with two separate funds with their corresponding linked card(s): one fund is reserved for gaming payments and the other one for non-gaming use. Money thus set aside cannot be used for cross-purposes, thus adding a safety net against risky behavior, with users forced to comply with the preset spending limits.

OKTO can also be used to make payments in partner POS networks used by brick-and-mortar or online stores.

Simon Dorsen, OKTO CCO, says: “This is another major partnership and one that we are incredibly pleased to confirm with Game World, one of the most respected and recognized operators in the Romanian gaming market. OKTO views Romania as a core strategy territory and will seek to continue investing in the market.

We are glad to provide mobile-first cashless payment experiences in an extremely important and substantial market. OKTO.WALLET ticks a number of important boxes for operators, regulators, and players alike. Our solution is entirely software-driven, and because it provides a fast, smooth, and trouble-free digital experience, it connects with a younger adult demographic, which in turn will increase the level of consumer engagement, help to broaden the player base, and drive up gaming halls’ footfall.

Not only does the OKTO solution satisfy the exacting digital demands of today’s consumers, but it also satisfies the requirements set out by regulators in terms of safer gambling.”

“One of our main goals is to strengthen our leading position on the local market by constantly coming up with innovative actions in Romania and offering our customers the best entertainment experience and options to play, simply and easily”, says Attila Otto Török, Game World Romania Strategy Director.

“Everything we implement is based on the needs of our customers, offering them a wide range of options. It is no secret that the new generation of customers is looking for a fast, smooth and seamless digital experience. We are fully aligned with OKTO’s mission and values. OKTO’s market-leading digital payment solution enables us to offer seamless digital payment solutions that align with our responsible gaming commitments and compliance rules set by the authorities.”