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Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup: iGaming Streamers & the US Legislation Round-up

Published

1 month ago

August 5, 2024

Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup: iGaming Streamers & the US Legislation Round-up

The last Gaming Americas Virtual Meetup for Q3 of 2024 delved deeply into one of the most popular trends in the iGaming industry: streamers. How is this trend evolving in the Americas, and what have companies learned from Europe’s momentum? What qualities should companies seek in a streamer, and how can they fully harness their influence?

In the Meetup’s second session, we were thrilled to welcome back our favorite industry legends: Bill Pascrell III, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG); Jeremy Kleiman, Gaming Attorney and Member at Saiber LLC; and Martin Lycka, SVP of American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain. They shared the latest updates on US legislation and their perspectives on the current landscape.

Streamers’ Role in Gaming Industry Growth

Moderator and HIPTHER Co-founder, Zoltán Tűndik, welcomed experts Troy Paul, Co-Founder & CEO of SGG Media; Martyn Hannah, Founder & Managing Director at Comparasino; Yoni Sidi, CEO at Winpot Casino, and Jekaterina Dubnicka, Marketing & Communications Manager at Slotsjudge, and kicked things off with the considerations gaming companies need to make when partnering with streamers. The panel agreed that while there’s still room for growth and improvement, the use of streamers and micro-influencers has proven to be a valuable marketing strategy for the industry.

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Selecting Influencers for Brand Engagement

“Microinfluencers” was the new word of the day for Zoltan, and apparently, a critical concept for the industry. Yoni and Troy highlighted the importance of engagement, authenticity, and expertise when selecting streamers or influencers for a brand. They stressed that a smaller, more authentic influencer who deeply understands the product and effectively engages their audience is often more valuable than a larger, less engaged influencer. They also emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in both content and deal structures. The team agreed that while well-known personalities might draw a larger initial audience, their long-term engagement and impact are less predictable.

Influencer Marketing in Gaming Industry

Jekaterina and Troy explored the impact of influencer marketing within the gaming industry with Jekaterina arguing that medium and micro-level influencers often drive better engagement and attract new audiences more effectively than their larger counterparts. Meanwhile, Troy highlighted the significance of budget considerations and tailoring influencer partnerships to the specific type of campaign.

Zoltan raised important concerns about the authenticity of social media followers, underscoring the need for greater transparency in influencer marketing practices. Adding a practical perspective, Yoni shared insights from his experience in tracking the return on investment (ROI) of marketing campaigns, using tools such as promo codes and engagement metrics to gauge effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Influencers and Streamers

Yoni stressed the importance of selecting the right influencer for a brand’s campaign, emphasizing qualities such as honesty, authenticity, and strong customer engagement. He also highlighted the benefits of treating influencers well and providing them with valuable insights into the business.

Troy added to the conversation by differentiating between public-facing feedback and constructive criticism. He emphasized the need for open and honest communication with influencers to foster effective partnerships.

Jekaterina shared her positive experiences with proactive streamers who actively work to enhance the brand’s image. The discussion also explored how brands can leverage streamers to connect with more traditional audiences, expanding their reach beyond digital platforms.

Streaming Platform Audiences and Engagement Strategies

Zoltan, Jekaterina, Yoni, and Troy examined the demographics of streaming platform audiences and discussed effective engagement strategies. Jekaterina highlighted that a mature audience, ranging from 30 to 60+ years old, is actively engaged with streaming content. She suggested targeting this demographic through platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as well as by creating discussion groups to foster interaction.

Yoni, on the other hand, emphasized his company’s efforts to attract a younger audience, specifically males aged 18 to 35. The team shared their personal insights and experiences with streaming and its diverse audience, wrapping up the discussion with a look forward to the next quarterly update from the US.

US Legislation Round-up Q3: Bill Pascrell’s Political Predictions

Our favorite dynamic trio, Bill Pascrell, III (BP3), Jeremy Kleiman, and Martin Lycka “entered the chat” and Bill got the ball rolling by sharing his views on the current political climate and its potential impact on the gaming industry. He expressed support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing their predictability and potential for more favorable policies for the Gaming industry. Bill also discussed the uncertainty surrounding the reinterpretation of the Wire Act and the potential impact of Congressional elections on a legislative fix. Bill also shared his predictions for the upcoming election, stating that a Trump White House, Republican Senate, and Democratic House would be the worst possible outcome, while a Democratic control of everything would be the second worst.

Legalizing Sports Betting in Texas

Bill and Martin discussed the prospects of legalizing sports betting in Texas. They noted that the state legislature only meets every two years, making any potential progress on this issue slow-moving. However, they believe that the upcoming legislative session, coupled with the support of influential figures like Jerry Jones and Dan Patrick, could bring the issue closer to a vote. They also highlighted the need for the gaming industry to improve its operations and messaging to have a better chance of success.

Addressing Gaming Industry Lobbying Challenges

Jeremy and Billl discussed the inefficiencies and challenges of the current lobbying approach for the gaming industry, particularly in California. They criticized the lack of coherent messaging and the waste of resources due to multiple stakeholders pursuing their own interests. Bill suggested a more unified approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty and educating each other. They both expressed pessimism about the future of online gaming and sports betting in California, citing past failures and the current lack of a coalition among tribes and operators. Martin agreed, noting the potential for offshore operators to benefit from California’s situation and the need for regulation to combat the black market. The panel also highlighted the importance of finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Mobile Sports Betting and Gaming in New York

Jeremy, Bill, and Martin explored the ongoing issues surrounding mobile sports betting and gaming in New York. Bill provided an update on the situation, highlighting the efforts of Assemblyman Pretlow and Senator Addabbo in pushing for sports betting online and retail. He also expressed concerns about the potential cannibalization of the lottery by iGaming and the challenges faced by the budget due to these issues. Martin emphasized the need for clear communication and education for legislators regarding online sports betting and eye gaming. The conversation ended with an appreciation for the productive discussions and the anticipation of future meetings.

Watch the Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup recording on YouTube and HIPTHER TV!

Will your company elevate its marketing game with streamers? And do you agree with our experts’ views on the US legislation landscape? Take note and get ready for the Gaming Americas Q4 Virtual Meetup in November 2024!

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2025 Tech Trends Report: Info-Tech Research Group Unveils New Insights on the Future of AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity

Published

16 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Wladimir P.

Info-Tech Research Group’s newly released Tech Trends 2025 report highlights six pivotal trends poised to transform the IT landscape in the coming year. As the pace of technological innovation accelerates and organisations are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the firm’s report provides insights into how IT leaders can harness technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and cybersecurity while mitigating the risks they introduce.

Historically, chief information officers (CIOs) have been tasked with preserving the integrity of an organisation’s past through meticulous recordkeeping. However, in 2025, the global IT research and advisory firm reports that the role of the CIO will evolve as the focus shifts from maintaining the past to forecasting the future. With the rise of generative AI and the impending era of quantum computing, Info-Tech explains that CIOs will need to increasingly adopt forward-thinking strategies to anticipate and simulate future business scenarios.

‘Across the UK, we’re witnessing a transformative shift driven by technological advancements, including in both AI and quantum computing,’ says Nora Fisher, senior vice president of global market programs at Info-Tech Research Group. ‘Sectors such as financial services and healthcare are harnessing the potential of generative AI to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. As organisations continue to embrace AI-driven innovations, balancing data security, privacy, and governance remains a top priority.’

The Tech Trends 2025 report is informed by Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 survey. The survey gathered responses from nearly 1,000 IT decision-makers globally between March and July 2024, with contributions from key regions such as the UK, the United States, Canada, and APAC, and representation from 17 industries, including financial services, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. In addition, expert interviews conducted with representatives from organisations such as the Blockchain Research Institue, Nubinary, Kyield, SAS, Xprize Quantum, IBM Quantum Industry & Technical Services, HP Inc., Voices.com, SWEAR, and the University of British Columbia offer in-depth case studies and real-world examples of how organisations are navigating these trends.

‘At the intersection of digital transformation and exponential AI growth, IT leaders are entering a new era where forecasting probable futures will be just as critical as reporting on the past,’ says Brian Jackson, principal research director and lead author of the report. ‘Our 2025 Tech Trends report provides a roadmap for organisations to harness AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity solutions to stay ahead of the curve.’

The six key tech trends identified by Info-Tech Research Group for 2025 are:

AI Avatars and Chatbots:
Generative AI is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between human and AI-generated interactions. AI avatars and chatbots, now integrated into many enterprise systems, are transforming user experiences and the way organisations handle customer service, software development, and marketing. However, the rise of deepfakes presents new security threats, raising the need for robust AI detection and defence mechanisms. According to Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 survey, 70% of respondents are already using generative AI chatbots, with Microsoft Copilot leading adoption at 78.84%.
Deepfake Defense:
With the increasing sophistication of AI-generated digital humans, deepfakes are becoming a powerful tool for fraud and misinformation. IT leaders are prioritising AI-powered detection tools and content authentication methods, such as blockchain, to combat the rising threat of AI-powered cyberattacks and ensure the integrity of their data. AI ranks as the second-most disruptive force to business operations, just behind talent shortages, with a disruption risk score of 3.55 out of 5, according to Info-Tech’s findings.
Quantum Advantage:
Quantum computing has moved beyond theoretical exploration and is now accessible through cloud platforms, enabling real-world business experiments. As organisations begin leveraging quantum hardware to solve complex problems, industries such as media, government, and financial services are leading the charge in quantum investments. Thirty-three percent of organisations in the media, telecom, and technology sectors are investing in quantum computing, followed by 27% in the public sector and 20% in financial services.
Post-Quantum Cryptography:
With the threat of quantum computers breaking current encryption methods looming on the horizon, organisations must prepare for “Q-day.” The adoption of post-quantum cryptography is now a critical priority, particularly for industries handling sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Info-Tech reports that 31% of advanced IT departments plan to invest in post-quantum cryptography before the end of 2025, compared to 16% of average IT departments. This preparedness is critical as organisations face increasing risks from ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ cyberattacks.
Expert Models:
As AI matures, organisations are increasingly developing custom AI models tailored to their specific industries. These expert models improve the accuracy and relevance of AI outputs, enabling businesses to derive exponential value from AI investments. Info-Tech reports that 80% of high-maturity IT departments, or “Transformers,” have already invested in AI or plan to do so by the end of 2025, compared to 72% of average IT departments. Higher maturity firms are also twice as likely to expect exponential value from AI by 2025.
AI Sovereignty:
While AI offers significant opportunities, it also poses risks to industries such as music, news, and customer service. The firm explains in the report that organisations are focusing on balancing AI adoption with governance and control to protect sensitive data, reduce costs, and ensure AI performance. By 2026, more companies will run localised AI models to improve cost-effectiveness and maintain control over their AI initiatives. Privacy and security concerns top the list of factors influencing AI investment decisions, with 65% of respondents citing it as a key consideration.

‘Our survey data and expert interviews show a clear path forward for organisations to not only adopt these emerging technologies but also navigate the challenges they bring,’ says Jackson. ‘By understanding the risks and opportunities associated with AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, IT leaders can make informed decisions that will drive both innovation and security.’

As organisations prepare for the future of IT, Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2025 report provides the strategic guidance needed to stay competitive and secure. From leveraging AI avatars and quantum computing to safeguarding data with post-quantum cryptography, the firm advises that IT leaders must act now to future-proof their operations in the coming months.

Download and read the full Tech Trends 2025 report for more insights for the year ahead.

For media inquiries or interview requests with Brian Jackson, lead author of the 2024 report and an expert on emerging technology trends, please contact [email protected].

Gambling in the USA

Atlantic City Casinos Help Raise $280,000 at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk

Published

17 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) has participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness Community Walk,” on Saturday, September 7, which raised more than $280,000. Led by team members from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, employees from every casino property participated in Saturday’s walk.

“We are so very proud that every Atlantic City casino property has united with Hard Rock to raise awareness and funding for this important cause. We are extremely grateful that our efforts will help to make a difference in the lives of many and aid the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s with life-saving initiatives,” said Mike Sampson, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & AFSP NJ Chapter Board Member.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first Atlantic City casino to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk over the last five years through Sampson’s leadership. The team at Hard Rock was driven to participate annually after the group’s personal experiences with loved ones who died by suicide.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide. In New Jersey, suicide is impacting the state’s youngest residents. According to the most recent CDC data, 94 youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death among youth in that age range for the state. The National Institute of Health reports 20% of children ages 3 to 17 have either a mental or a behavioral disorder. Between 2008 and 2020, suicide rates for children ages 12 to 17 increased by 16%, according to the institute.

“This show of force from across our casino properties demonstrates the industry’s commitment to this vital issue. Sadly, so many families across our city, state and country know a loved one that has died by suicide, and that is why it’s so important for us to come together to raise awareness and support each other,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

“We are honored and grateful for the continued partnership with Hard Rock in the fight to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma around mental health. With their support, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown to be the Chapter’s largest walk, raising $7000 in 2017 to over $278,000 last year. Through Hard Rock’s leadership we have been able to engage the communities of Atlantic and Cape Counties to raise awareness, bring comfort to those who have lost someone to suicide and to raise critical funds for suicide prevention,” said Michael Lamma, AFSP Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.

Compliance Updates

JCM Global Awarded License by New Mexico Gaming Control Board

Published

17 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Niji Narayan

JCM Global (JCM) has successfully passed regulatory review and is now licensed by the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. This license enables JCM to sell and service customers directly throughout the state.

This license is the latest in JCM’s wide array of awarded gaming licenses across North America and around the world and underscores JCM’s commitment to holding itself to the highest regulatory standards. JCM now maintains more than 170 active gaming licenses.

“Achieving this licensing in New Mexico clearly demonstrates that JCM is willing to meet our customers where they are. Our mission is to give every customer the best possible service and support, and now we can provide that directly for our industry leading transaction and automation solutions throughout New Mexico instead of through third party vendors,” said Dave Kubajak, JCM Global SVP Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

JCM provides a broad range of products to casinos in New Mexico including iVIZION and UBA Pro bill validators, GEN5 thermal printers, ICB Intelligent Cash Box System, FUZION system with AML monitoring, and DSS Digital Signage Solutions.