BMM Testlabs: Positioned for Success

_{CEO of BMM Testlabs talks about company’s role in driving global gaming compliance. (Image: Courtesy of Martin Storm)}

BMM Testlabs has been providing testing, compliance services, field inspections, and support to gaming machine manufacturers, operators, and regulators around the world for over 40 years. 

With offices in 16 counties, the Las Vegas firm is licensed in more than 700 jurisdictions and also offers customized training and education courses to ensure clients achieve the highest technical standards. 

Martin Storm serves as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer for BMM Testlabs, and he spoke with Casinos.com about his company’s long tradition of excellence and its plans for the future.  

With BMM Testlabs soon set to celebrate its 44th birthday, what do you believe are some of the main reasons behind its success in the provision of digital and land-based testing services? 

"Not only are we the longest-established and most experienced independent test lab, we are also faster and nimbler than our competitors and we deliver more value. Coupling this with the fact we can test and certify products for any gaming product in every gaming market is truly what differentiates us from our competitors."

Last year, BMM Testlabs changed the regional structure of its business model to incorporate a more global configuration. Can you tell us why this change was made and what benefits it enabled? 

"BMM Testlabs has always been a global company, but we operated our businesses within a regional management structure across North America, Asia-Pacific/Africa, and Europe/South America.

"This year we formally globalized our business to better align with our customers’ needs, many of whom are now operating in diverse and interconnected global markets. This change allows us to provide more seamless and coordinated services across regions, improving our responsiveness and consistency in the way we serve customers."

"We’ve been able to enhance our capacity for innovation, streamline our operations, and share best practices across our locations. This has led to quicker turnaround times for testing and certification, stronger support for our clients, and the ability to bring cutting-edge testing solutions and methodologies to market faster. 

"Ultimately, the shift to a global structure has allowed us to better support our customers’ international expansion. 

It’s a strategic move that positions us to continue delivering the high standards and quality that our customers expect, regardless of where they operate."

BMM Testlabs was recently accredited to test and certify products to the coveted Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). What does this commendation mean, and how might it add to your corporate offer? 

"Achieving accreditation to test and certify products to the PCI-DSS reinforces our commitment to meeting the highest security and compliance standards. PCI-DSS is an important framework for ensuring that sports betting and iGaming operators and providers handle cardholder data securely, protecting against breaches and fraud, and it’s a standard that is widely recognized across industries, particularly in the gaming and payment technology sectors. 

"We can now support our clients by ensuring their payment systems and solutions are fully compliant with PCI-DSS, helping them reduce risks and maintain consumer confidence. As digital payments continue to grow in popularity, the commitment to robust, secure payment solutions is more important than ever."

BMM Testlabs participated in last month’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E), where more than 25,000 gaming professionals travelled to Las Vegas to check out the industry’s latest innovations. Did you find this exercise worthwhile? 

"G2E was particularly good. It is always a great opportunity to see all of our stakeholders, including the many regulators, suppliers and operators who we serve globally. 

"Our team at G2E, which included staff from our three BMM Innovation Group companies, BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven, held more than 150 formal meetings and demos over three days with a focus on our testing, certification, education, and cybersecurity protection services."

Nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom host very well-established gambling markets, but what are some of the most exciting emerging jurisdictions?  

"While we are actively engaged and doing business in all of the world’s established gaming markets, emerging markets are particularly exciting. Japan and Brazil are two excellent examples of regions where we’re seeing significant potential. 

"Brazil represents a huge growth opportunity. With its large population and recent approval of fixed-odds sports betting and iGaming, the country is positioning itself to become the largest gaming market in Latin America. As Brazil moves forward with legalizing and regulating sports betting, iGaming, and, soon, land-based gaming, it will open the door to a host of local and international suppliers and operators. 

"BMM Testlabs tests and certifies for Brazil’s fixed-odds betting standards and we’re already actively serving the market with plans to open an office and a test lab in Sao Paulo early in 2025. 

"Japan, with its focus on integrated resorts and expanding its tourism industry, is poised to become a major player in the global gaming landscape. The regulatory environment there is evolving, and as it continues to take shape, we are optimistic that Japan will offer exciting new opportunities for both land-based and online casino operators. This is a market of the future."

What is BMM Testlabs doing to help support suppliers and operators in such emerging markets? 

"At BMM Testlabs, we’re excited to actively support these markets, helping suppliers and operators navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure that their products meet the highest standards for compliance and security. 

"As these markets mature, there will be increasing demand for innovation, and we look forward to being part of that, helping to shape the future of gaming in these regions and other exciting and emerging markets such as Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, to name a few."

By the very nature of your business, you get a sneak peek at some of the technological innovations soon set to impact the global gaming industry. What do you believe are some of these advances, and how do you think they will impact the industry over the course of the next year?  

"We work closely with developers, suppliers, regulators, and operators, some of whom are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So, we do get an early look at the technologies that could help shape our industry’s future. 

"We continue to see the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are already being used to enhance everything from player behavior intelligence to game design and even odds-setting in sports betting. 

"Over the next year, I expect to see AI play an even larger role in personalizing player experiences, improving play mechanics, and streamlining operational efficiencies.   

"We’re also seeing AI-driven systems being used for advanced fraud detection and security, helping to ensure that both players and operators are better protected. We ourselves use AI and machine learning tools to protect the industry from security threats through our managed services solutions and BIG Cyber defences. 

"Another area we’re watching closely is the rapid growth of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in gaming. These technologies could revolutionize the way players interact with games. 

"We’re seeing more immersive experiences that blend the physical and virtual worlds, which could open up entirely new avenues for entertainment. For example, VR casinos are already becoming a reality, offering an immersive experience that mimics a land-based casino environment."

Are there any other developments coming down the road that excite BMM Testlabs? 

"The expansion of regulated online and mobile gaming is another key trend. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll note that people have long commutes to work by train or subway, which keeps them on their smartphones. This presents a great opportunity for mobile gaming. 

"As more markets legalize iGaming and sports betting, we’ll see changes in how people like to enjoy the gaming experience. While exciting, this also presents challenges in terms of compliance and security. At BMM Testlabs, we’re actively helping regulators and our customers navigate these complexities.  

"And, of course, blockchain is an area to keep our eye on, especially in online gaming and eSports. Blockchain provides a transparent and secure way to conduct transactions, which is a major selling point for both players and operators. I expect blockchain technology to become more integrated into gaming platforms, providing benefits such as faster transactions, greater security, and even new in-game rewards.  

"However, its success and the adoption of many other new technologies all depend on the regulatory framework, and that’s where our work with regulators comes in. We’re here to help regulators implement regulations and standards for these new technologies so they can be launched securely and effectively, positioning them for success."