Beasts of Fire Maximum slot by Play'n GO featuring Charging Fire Beasts, Expanding Reels, and Maximum Burning Spins for explosive wins.
Connect with us
Beasts of Fire Maximum slot by Play'n GO featuring Charging Fire Beasts, Expanding Reels, and Maximum Burning Spins for explosive wins.

Latest News

Why US operators must improve their marketing tech

Published

on

Why US operators must improve their marketing tech

 

Paddy Casey, co-founder at leading product development and digital marketing supplier The Unit, chats to Gaming Americas about the importance of modernising the US product experience now sports-betting markets have settled

The challenges presented to US-facing sports-betting operators have changed considerably since markets began to open up following the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. The idea of exponentially high marketing spends is not so prominent in 2023, and the battleground is transitioning towards a fight for existing customers.

One of the key issues affecting operators is they have been forced to make redundancies in their tech teams. While it is still crucial to develop rapid-fire landing pages/products to meet the demand of sports events, marketing departments rarely received the support they needed for fast digital campaigns from the internal tech teams in the first place, and this issue has now been exacerbated.

When mobile sports betting began to open up in the US, the apps were based on European sportsbooks. This can be an adequate market-entry strategy, but it doesn’t necessarily work in the long-term. When William Hill US first launched as the second mobile sports betting app in New Jersey after DraftKings, the advertising agency behind the campaign had been briefed for three months on the launch. When the app was finally developed and presented to them, the overall reaction was: “Is that it?” They felt it was going to be a new, ground-breaking Silicon-Valley-style piece of new technology, but it was essentially the same William Hill app adapted for US bettors.

Launching based off European models was all the operators could think to do, but that was not necessarily right for the US audience. Now, everyone in the market has to think harder about maximising performance. There are many things you have to do to attract new sign-ups, and the idea of a strong design and the ability to make changes is paramount now, which it wasn’t in 2018.

Following FanDuel’s lead

With a 50% market share as of the end of 2022, FanDuel is the clear market leader in US sports betting, but what is key to remember is it is not necessarily run in the same vein as most other US-facing operators. Given it is owned by Flutter Entertainment, the same parent company that manages Paddy Power and Betfair, it can be guided with more of a European mindset.

FanDuel’s app wasn’t particularly stronger than that of any other operator, but it has taken the lead with product and marketing innovation. Specific products were marketed similarly to how they had been by Paddy Power. While Paddy Power’s advertising is, of course, associated with comedy and at times controversy, it is always focusing on a product release or something that particularly stands out in the mobile app; FanDuel replicated that very astutely. While all the other operators were enforcing generic messages about how enjoyable sports betting can be, FanDuel was actually mentioning products like single-game parlays, and this approach was always likely to be successful.

There is still one thing FanDuel, like all US operators, can improve on, and that’s marketing tech. Tracking marketing spend and player behaviour are still quite new concepts, even with various US markets now being close to five years’ old. We have heard examples of affiliates in the US who can’t work with certain operators because they are convinced the player tracking is so far behind where it needs to be that the operator can’t even track which players have been sent to it by the affiliate. In the early days of regulated US markets, some teams were so naïve in this area they were literally guessing click-through rates.

Advertisement
Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

Working around the problem

In sports betting, there is often one C-level executive whose needs are never prioritised within the product roadmap by the operator, and that’s the chief marketing officer. As soon as someone pipes up about what they need to promote March Madness, for example, the usual response is: “We don’t have time for that.”

That is why it is vital to utilise the expertise of teams who are experienced in sports betting and able to take this matter off an operator’s to-do list. It requires a team who can spend time addressing the player behaviour issues mentioned above, while also building out designs and all the core digital marketing that takes place within the sports product. When operators are able to use resources that can help make their marketing experience better, this will undoubtedly give them an edge in competitive markets.

US consumers are becoming more educated. Their loyalty will be closely matched to the product experience and engagement. With state launches now slowing down with regards to sports betting, operators will now, and should now, focus on product improvements.

Paddy and The Unit’s senior team will be on site at SBC Summit North America this week at the Meadowlands, New Jersey

Latest News

Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance

Published

on

Rivalry Corp. (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQB: RVLCF) (“Rivalry” or the “Company”), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today shared preliminary key performance indicators (“KPIs”) and revenue figures for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (“Q1 2025”), underscoring the success of its strategic transformation and path toward sustainable, profitable growth. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.

Q1 2025 marks the first full quarter under Rivalry’s revamped operating model, following significant changes to product offerings, organizational structure, cost management, and user acquisition strategies. Underlying KPIs show improved unit economics, deeper engagement, and structural momentum toward long-term sustainability.

Revenue in the quarter was lower than prior periods – a result of Rivalry’s deliberate shift to a leaner, more efficient model – creating a stronger foundation that the Company is now building on. The shortfall also reflected temporary variance in sportsbook hold, amplified by a strategic focus on high-value and VIP players. The Company believes that these segments drive significantly greater long-term value but can introduce short-term volatility as they scale.

“Our Q1 KPIs are delivering tangible results that validate our strategic shift,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “The structural changes we implemented over the past six months – from streamlining operations and refocusing the product, to modernizing our platform and concentrating on high-value players – are now clearly reflected in our KPIs. We’re operating more efficiently than ever, generating significantly more revenue per user, and moving closer to achieving sustainable profitability.”

Q1 2025 Highlights1:

  • Operational Efficiency Up 400%: In Q1 2025, Rivalry generated over 400% more net revenue per user per dollar of operating expense as compared to its average before the strategic overhaul. This marks a significant leap in cost efficiency and operating leverage, validating the impact of recent changes.
  • Shift to High-Value Players Driving 175% Increase in Player Monthly Deposits: Total deposits rose 36% month over month in February 2025 and another 12% in March 2025, despite a smaller active user base than past peaks. In Q1 2025, average monthly deposits per player were just over 175% higher than the periods prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 strategic overhaul – a clear result of the Company’s focus on acquiring and retaining high-value players, while improving unit economics and lowering variable costs.
  • 115% Increase in Monthly Deposit Frequency: In Q1 2025, average monthly deposit frequency per player increased by 115% compared to the average prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 rebuild – signaling strong user re-engagement and validating the Company’s refined product experience and more targeted player strategy.
  • All-Time High in Monthly Betting Handle per User: Monthly betting handle per active user hit a new all-time high in March 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking engagement and deeper player value.
  • Record Revenue per User: In March 2025, monthly Gross and Net Revenue per active user reached all-time highs (normalized for margin variance), extending a four-month streak of consistent revenue per active user growth and player monetization strength.
  • Month over Month Active User Growth: Monthly active players grew by 9% in March 2025, following a similar increase in February 2025, despite a significantly reduced global marketing budget compared to the same period last year.
  • Ontario Regulated Market Showing Strong, Improving Unit Economics: Since the Company’s operational shift, Rivalry’s Average Revenue Per Playing Account (“ARPPA”) in Ontario – a monthly metric defined by and publicly reported by gaming regulator iGO – has generally trended in line with the market average, and in some months exceeded it by as much as 50%. ARPPA has also nearly doubled compared to pre-overhaul levels at Rivalry, reflecting strengthening unit economics supported by efficient customer acquisition, with customer acquisition cost paybacks consistently within single-digit weeks.

Operational Momentum and Efficiency Gains Reflect Structural Progress

The Company’s Q1 2025 performance reflects the first full quarter operating under a significantly leaner structure, with total monthly run rate operating expenses reduced by approximately 65% as compared to prior peak periods.

Betting handle in Q1 2025 was $58.2 million, and net revenue $1.3 million1, for a net revenue margin of 2.3%. This compares to Rivalry’s full-year 2024 net revenue margin of 4.4%1, with the Q1 2025 margin variance largely attributable to short-term fluctuations in sportsbook hold. This was amplified by the Company’s strategic pivot toward high-value and VIP players – segments that offer significantly greater long-term value but naturally introduce more short-term variability in margin performance as they scale.

On a normalized margin basis, Rivalry’s Q1 2025 net revenue would have covered approximately 75% of current run rate operating expenses, inclusive of additional cost reductions completed in early April that lowered monthly operating expenses by approximately $140,000. Growing user value, rising engagement, and stronger unit economics reflect encouraging momentum toward long-term financial sustainability.

“The KPIs are telling the real story – user value is up, efficiency is up, and player engagement is the strongest we’ve seen in the Company’s history,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Even with soft margin outcomes in Q1 2025, the model is showing strong underlying signals. As sportsbook hold normalizes and our cost base becomes leaner, we believe we’re moving in the right direction.”

Over the past six months, Rivalry has reduced monthly run rate operating expenses by approximately $1.7 million per month, inclusive of the recently completed April 2025 reductions. These reductions have been enabled by a fully modernized core product with improved site performance and ongoing development velocity across key revenue-driving features. The Company has also realized efficiencies through vendor rationalization and the rollout of AI-driven tools across departments.

Advertisement
Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

“We’ve built a stronger, leaner, and more focused Rivalry,” Salz added. “Our improved KPIs and disciplined cost management have created a healthier foundation. With continued operational momentum and a re-energized product, we believe we’re on a promising path forward.”

Continue Reading

Latest News

Todd Cravens Named President of Betson Gaming Division

Published

on

 

H. Betti Industries Inc, the leading distributor of amusement and gaming equipment and parts, has announced the appointment of Todd Cravens as President of Betson Gaming. In this expanded leadership role, Cravens will oversee all aspects of its growing gaming division, with a focus on expanding market share, building the product portfolio, and accelerating growth in new and existing markets.

Since joining the Company in January 2025 as Senior Vice President of Gaming, Cravens has made an immediate and measurable impact across the business. His leadership has helped sharpen Betson’s gaming strategy, align the team, and focus on new revenue streams, while also bringing operational discipline and strategic vision to other areas of the company.

“Todd has quickly proven himself to be a dynamic and transformative leader and a key member of our senior Leadership team. In a short period of time, he’s elevated not just our gaming business but added value across the entire enterprise. We’re excited for what’s ahead as he takes this next step,” said Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries.

With decades of experience in gaming and amusements, including prior roles as CEO of Galaxy Gaming and other executive leadership positions in the casino and amusement industries, Cravens brings a unique blend of industry expertise, customer focus, and entrepreneurial energy.

As President of Gaming, Cravens will focus on:

• Expanding Betson’s gaming footprint in key regulated markets

• Driving new product partnerships

• Leading legislative strategy for emerging markets

• Building a high-performance sales and service organization

Advertisement
Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

• Enhancing Betson’s brand as a leader in both gaming and amusements

“The Betson name has a rich legacy in gaming and amusements, and I’m honored to lead our efforts to take that to the next level. This is a growth story — and we have a talented team, a great product portfolio, and a tremendous opportunity to grow our business and help our customers win,” said Cravens.

Cravens will continue to be based in Betson’s Henderson, Nevada office and will report directly to Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries.

Continue Reading

Compliance Updates

Nebraska: Proposal to Legalize Mobile Sports Betting Advances

Published

on

 

Mobile online sports betting would be legal in Nebraska under a bill advancing in the Legislature, but trouble could still lie ahead for the proposal.

Sen. Eliot Bostar introduced the proposed state constitutional amendment that would let people make sports bets on their phone from anywhere in the state. Bostar says Nebraskans are already betting, either by going to a casino, a neighboring state or using illegal, unregulated platforms.

“I introduced this not because I think gambling is a great thing, not because I want everyone to do it, not because I think you should like it, or anyone should, but fundamentally because it’s already happening. Our prohibition on mobile sports betting here in save Nebraska is not stopping anyone from engaging in that activity,” Bostar said.

Sen. Jason Prokop has made the proposal his priority this session. Prokup talked about Nebraskans who cross the Mormon Bridge into Iowa and congregate at the first off I-680 to place bets during the football season.

“There’s no reason why a corn field in Iowa, just off the interstate, should be touted as the busiest corn field in America. Senators, those are your and my constituents using this product, spending their money and paying taxes in another state, simply because our Constitution does not provide for it,” he said.

Bostar said Nebraska is losing tax revenue.

“Nebraska is currently missing out on a $1.6 billion state online industry and $32 million in annual tax revenue, which instead goes to neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming. Legalizing online mobile sports betting through LR20CA could significantly boost state revenues dedicated to the property tax credit fund, helping to address the burden of high property taxes,” he said.

Sen. Jared Storm seemed unmoved.

“I’ve been in the body for three months. I’m a freshman senator, and it seems like the common thread I keep seeing here is, if you want to pass your bill or get something through here, you say it’s going to lower property taxes. That’s kind of the buzz word,” he said.

Advertisement
Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

Strong offered a different interpretation of any tax revenue.

“I would view this as taxation by exploitation. We’re going to exploit people to get tax revenue out of them, mainly young men. So you’re going to have students at UNL, students at UNK, other universities, who are going to gamble away their tuition on online sports betting. They’re going to gamble away their rent online sports gambling. I think as state senators, we have to stand up for those people,” he said.

Sen. Rob Clements read a letter from a mother whose son got in financial trouble from sports betting and died by suicide last year.

“The $10,000 bet my son frenetically placed on a losing NHL Stanley Cup game during the last 48 hours of his life, was followed by a series of still more frenetic bets placed in isolation on his phone as he tried to win back his massive loss. It is clear that he died alone,” Clements read.

But Sen. Ben Hansen argued incidents like that should not be enough to prohibit sports betting.

“How far do we restrict people’s liberties and their rights? This is always a tough one, because we do see some of the ills, the pitfalls some of our citizens can fall into. But do we take that right away from them for that reason? If we take away that right because of addictive factors, we better get rid of alcohol. We better get rid of smoking. We better get rid of refined sugar, one of the most addictive things that we legalize here in Nebraska. We better get rid of a lot of addictive behaviors in the state of Nebraska,” he said.

Sen. Rick Holdcroft read a letter from former Congressman Tom Osborne, former Gov. Kay Orr, Sen. Pete Ricketts and State Auditor Mike Foley opposing the proposal.

“Legalizing online sports betting in Nebraska would turn every cell phone, laptop and tablet into a gambling device available 24 by seven, online sports betting can lead to new people developing gambling disorders, puts young men in the addiction bulls eye and will take money away from the main street Nebraska businesses,” he said.

Gov. Jim Pillen has supported legalizing online sports betting in the past. And Sen. Tom Brandt said the proposal should be approved.

“In Nebraska, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, guns, whether you wear a helmet, we let grown ups decide that. We let our people decide that. Does everybody make a good decision? They do not. There are consequences to some bad decisions, but we let them decide for themselves. Mobile betting should be the same way,” he said.

Advertisement
Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

But Sen. Brad von Gillern said mobile betting was an especially threatening form of gambling.

“My opposition to LR20CA is not from a moral position against gambling as a whole. I provided tons of data to you that illustrates that this is a predatory process that primarily pursues young men,” he said.

After about three hours of debate, senators voted 27-16 to give the bill first-round approval. But von Gillern vowed to filibuster it at the second round of debate, when opponents need only talk for four hours, instead of eight, before supporters can try to cut off debate and vote on the bill itself. That takes 33 votes, and von Gillern predicted it would be close.

Continue Reading

Trending

GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

Disclaimer: All the information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always check your local laws before participating in any gaming activities.

Copyright © 2018 – 2025, HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved.