Novomatic Italia and LiveG24 Launch New Vabanq Live Dealer Platform

The Italian online gaming sector is seeing a significant technological upgrade through a new high-profile collaboration. LiveG24 and Novomatic Italia have officially announced the launch of Vabanq, their new live dealer platform. This partnership is designed to enhance the Italian online offering by providing high-quality live streams directly from Novomatic’s dedicated studios in Italy. The platform focuses on casino staples like Roulette and Baccarat, enhanced by modern technical features and unique wagering options.

The initial suite of games is already operational on Quigioco, a site managed by HBG Online Gaming, a subsidiary of Novomatic Italia. This project illustrates a growing trend where established industry giants team up with specialized technology firms to build bespoke products for national markets. The platform utilizes proprietary technology developed by LiveG24, specifically tailored to meet Novomatic’s brand requirements.

Numbers and facts

A key feature of Vabanq is the inclusion of proprietary side bets that were previously unavailable in the Italian online market. The technical foundation is supported by LiveG24’s certifications from iTech Labs, ensuring compliance with the strict regulations set by the Italian authority ADM (formerly AAMS). LiveG24 brings extensive experience to the table, holding Malta Gaming Authority license number MGA/B2B/153/2007, which was originally issued on March 12, 2009.

Angelo De Gobbi, Chief Operating Officer of LiveG24, views this alliance as the blueprint for the future of the industry.

“We believe that the future of Live Casino will increasingly depend on collaboration between large operators capable of leveraging their own know-how and product identity, and solid, specialised technology companies such as LiveG24. Vabanq is a concrete example of this model.” - Angelo De Gobbi, COO at LiveG24

Background

The decision to produce games directly in Italian studios is a strategic move to foster authenticity. It is no longer enough to offer generic gaming tables; operators must create an atmosphere that mirrors the land-based experience. Davide Diodato of HBG Online Gaming emphasized that the development was driven by a fundamental question regarding player behavior: what do traditional players seek when moving online? The answer lies in the rhythm of the game, the physical gestures of the dealers, and a production style that remains unobtrusive.

“Vabanq was born from a simple question: what are traditional Roulette and Baccarat players really looking for when they move to online gaming? The answer is a table that respects the pace and gestures of the live game, with professional dealers and a production that does not get in the way, to which we have added proprietary side bets that did not previously exist online.” - Davide Diodato, Managing Director at HBG Online Gaming

Initial feedback from players on quigioco.it suggests that prioritizing quality over quantity was the correct strategy. The partners intend to expand the portfolio in the coming months, following the same localized and quality-centric philosophy.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, this news serves as a reminder of the current regulatory divide. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) currently restricts private online casinos with GGL licenses from offering live dealer games like Roulette or Baccarat. These games fall under the jurisdiction of individual federal states, which have been slow to issue licenses to private entities. Consequently, while Italian players enjoy the Vabanq experience, German platforms remain limited to virtual slot machines.

German users must ensure they only play at providers listed on the official GGL whitelist. These legal sites enforce a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and a one-Euro-per-spin limit on slots. Live dealer offers from MGA or Curacao-licensed providers are not legally authorized for residents in Germany and do not offer the protections provided by the LUGAS monitoring system.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The cooperation between Novomatic and LiveG24 shows where the market could head if German regulations eventually permit live games for private operators. Novomatic is already a major player in Germany through various subsidiaries. The Vabanq technology could theoretically be adapted to provide German-speaking dealers and localized streams, provided the legal framework evolves. For now, Italy serves as the primary testing ground for these high-end solutions.