For Turbo Stars, expanding in Brazil is a strategic move in a transforming market

GMB – You started out in Marketing and then entered the world of sports. How has this experience shaped your leadership style today at Turbo Stars?

Alex Kosachenko- After having worked in a marketing agency for half a year I’ve realized that my perception of marketing that I wanted to be in, and the one I actually was in – were completely different. I was not feeling as I was developing myself and the feeling of stagnation has made me look for other offers.

Somehow having ended up in my first IT company that was mostly aimed at educational products, I tried combining project management and product management positions. After a few years, having the feeling that the maximum in my previous place was reached, I was invited to a company that was developing a sports betting solution for one of the most known brands at that time.

 Then the Turbo team reached out, asking if I was curious to take on something I hadn’t tried before — something a bit broader, because it wasn’t only about sports, but also casino. And that’s the job I really enjoy now. My journey taught me that you should always work where you truly feel you belong. 

Tell us about Turbo Stars. What do you offer?

Turbo Stars is a leading B2B next-gene sports and casino platform provider, delivering high-quality solutions for iGaming operators launches. With over six years of market experience, the company empowers operators with innovative, reliable products designed to elevate the gaming experience.

Turbo Stars has built a strong reputation through multiple long-lasting partnerships, showcasing proven product quality across its comprehensive casino and sports offerings. Tailored for modern operators, Turbo Stars’ solutions drive engagement, performance, and sustained growth.

In your opinion, what are the main qualities a CEO needs to have to successfully lead the iGaming and sports betting sector?

To lead  successfully  in the fast-paced iGaming and sports betting industry, a CEO needs deep industry expertise, inspiring leadership, and sharp decision-making. Mastery of regulatory landscapes, emerging tech like blockchain and AI, and player behavior is essential to anticipate trends and outmaneuver competitors. 

Trust is the foundation of leadership. A CEO must foster a bold, innovative culture where teams feel empowered to take smart risks. Leading by example—hustling alongside the team—builds loyalty and drives execution. 

Clarity and communication are vital in this dynamic sector. A great CEO cuts through complexity, aligning everyone with transparent goals and the “why” behind decisions. This turns chaos into progress. 

Finally, a CEO needs charm—not just to charm stakeholders, but to inspire. The iGaming and sports betting sector thrives on excitement, and a CEO should embody that energy, rallying teams and partners around a shared passion for delivering thrilling, responsible experiences to players.

How would you describe Turbo Stars’ differential in a market as competitive as sports betting and online casino?

Our team consists of senior-level professionals with a strong track record, which allows us to deliver high-quality solutions both quickly and efficiently.

What truly sets us apart is the unique blend of deep industry expertise, innovative technologies, and a relentless focus on building the best product in the market. By integrating AI into our platform, we’re able to optimize and speed up key processes, while our modern tech stack gives us the flexibility and scalability needed to grow and adapt in a fast-changing environment.

What motivated Turbo Stars to enter the Brazilian market and how do you see the potential for growth here?

The legalization of the Brazilian market opens up opportunities for operators to invest without fear of financial losses. This is a direct path to expanding and bringing up to the light an already large segment. 

For Turbo Stars, expanding into Brazil is a strategic move. It represents both a significant growth opportunity and a responsibility. We’re not just looking to launch operations—we aim to contribute to the foundation of a transparent, regulated, and responsible gaming environment. As one of the fastest-growing gambling regions in the world, Brazil has the potential to set new standards, and we’re proud to be part of that journey from the ground up.

You are very passionate about eSports. How do you see the relationship between traditional sports and eSports?

Since the early 2000s, esports has evolved far beyond being seen as just a “kids’ game.” It’s grown into a mature, global ecosystem—with professional teams, major tournaments, significant investments, and a rapidly expanding fan base. While the growth trajectory has been gradual, esports is steadily gaining the status of traditional sports in terms of viewership, engagement, and commercial value.

From a business perspective, it’s clear: no forward-thinking bookmaker today can afford to ignore esports. It has become a must-have vertical in any competitive sportsbook offering, and we see it as a key driver of engagement among younger, digital-native audiences.

What are the biggest challenges for an international company to establish itself strongly in Brazil, especially considering the evolving local regulations?

The biggest challenge today is the growing competitiveness of the market. We see more global brands (both B2B and B2C) entering the space with certifications and licenses. The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly intense. 

For new operators, entering the market and achieving success won’t be easy. Not only will they need to offer a strong and relevant product, but they’ll also have to invest in personalization and marketing to stand out from the crowd. 

Ultimately, every operator will need to answer the key question players are asking: “Why should I choose you?” Those who can deliver a clear, compelling answer—and back it up with real value—will be the ones who succeed.

You have talked a lot about the synergy between sports betting and casino. How is Turbo Stars innovating in vertical integration?

Synergy is key because successfully operating a casino without sports is almost impossible, except for a few cases. The same goes for running a sports bookmaker without a casino.

These are two products that always go hand in hand. However, everyone in the market knows there is a difference between the players of these products — cross-selling casino to sports is very difficult due to the more complex cognitive mechanics of sports betting, while the simplicity of casino games attracts players.

Turbo Stars’ task is to create a unified product where sports and casino work as one whole. We use in-game mechanics to teach casino players about sports and to inspire them to independently switch to sports betting. This includes introducing micro-betting, slot mechanics, and simplified bet placement processes.

Betting is just like any other game, such as slots. By simplifying its mechanics, we’re not just accelerating adoption—we’re shaping the future of how players engage with gambling industry. 

Do you believe that the future of iGaming lies in a more immersive and personalized experience for the player? How are you moving in this direction?

Absolutely! Like any competitive market—whether automotive, hotel business, or others—the more personalized the offering, the stronger the player’s connection to the product becomes. This leads to faster loyalty and long-term engagement. Without personalization, it’s increasingly difficult to create a compelling product that builds genuine trust between the brand and the player.

Personalization may seem like a small detail, but it significantly enhances the player experience by making them feel seen and understood. This sense of recognition is essential for fostering trust and lasting relationships in the iGaming space.

You said that eSports are a natural trend. What strategies is Turbo Stars adopting to position itself strongly in this segment?

To deliver a top-tier esports product, Turbo Stars strategically partners with leading providers like DATA.BET and BETER. These companies bring extensive experience in esports trading and offer a comprehensive range of events and markets. Their data is fully licensed from tournament operators, ensuring the most accurate and up-to-date odds.

This level of reliability is crucial—it gives our operators full confidence in the product, which in turn encourages them to invest further in esports offerings. By combining trusted data partners with our commitment to innovation, we are positioning Turbo Stars as a strong player in the rapidly growing esports segment.

In your view, how can eSports become a bridge between younger audiences and traditional betting platforms?

The younger generation that grew up with games like Counter-Strike 1.6 has naturally transitioned to betting on titles like Counter-Strike 2. Similarly, those who spent time playing classic games such as Minesweeper now engage with modern crash games like Mines. This evolution highlights a clear and organic link between gaming interests and the emergence of potential gambling customers.

Esports acts as a powerful bridge by connecting younger audiences with traditional betting platforms through familiar gaming experiences, making the transition seamless and engaging. Understanding and leveraging this connection is key to capturing and retaining the next generation of players.

When do you plan on coming to Brazil?

Hopefully, I’ll make it to the conference next year! We’re building a product that will take over the market no doubt! And that’s what we’re bringing.

Source: Exclusive GMB