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Building Brand Identity and Influencer Partnerships: How operators can work with micro- influencers to help establish their brand identity
Having a clear brand identity is becoming increasingly essential for sportsbetting companies. In a competitive marketplace, having a brand that is clearly defined and that knows its audience can help you stand out from broader sports books that fail to distinguish themselves.
A key element of building a brand identity is choosing the right people to work with. There is a rush from operators to snap up celebrity endorsements, often with little to no consideration for what it says about their brand. This is where micro-influencers can help.
Micro-influencers are experts at creating a brand identity. They have to build a carefully curated image and brand to connect with their audiences. Authenticity is key to everything that they do, and this helps them create the communities that, in turn, propel them to success.
Where a lot of sportsbooks go wrong is that they approach big influencers that do not align with their brand. Posting an ad to 100,000 people is great, but if only 2,000 are those who are interested in the sport or team you are promoting, then it is just a misuse of advertising resources. This is where micro-influencers become a much smarter and more cost-effective option. They might have 10,000 followers, but all 10,000 of them follow them for a specific reason, and that is often to do with sports.
For example, if a brand is operating in Ohio, it can be matched up with a micro-influencer that is based in the area that has a direct link to the Cincinnati Reds or the Cleveland Browns. This is much more effective than using a big influencer just because they have more followers, it provides operators with a direct line to the people that they want to attract. Ultimately, the number of followers is not as important as the demographic and quality of the followers.
Authenticity also has a direct influence on conversion and retention rates and that is why it is essential to match the right brands with the right influencers. Long-time followers of a micro-influencer will spot a disingenuous ad straight away, as such, we must ensure that micro-influencers are matched with sportsbooks that fit their demographic and values. SGG Media works with over 1,450 micro-influencers, and between them, we can find an influencer for every major and minor sports team and sport you can think of.
Creativity and engagement are also essential in that respect. Putting faith in influencers to be creative with their ads will reap rewards in the long term. They know their audience much more than the sportsbook does, and they understand what type of content they want to see. The most successful campaigns are the ones that provide value to the influencer’s audience and content. It merges into their content instead of feeling like it has been curated specifically to sell a product. A synergy between an influencer and an operator is very palpable, and a genuine endorsement from a micro-influencer is much more effective than an aimless ad when someone is scrolling through their feeds.
On that point, engagement should also be a focus. Audiences do not want to just feel as though everything they see from a sportsbook is an ad. Influencers should engage with their followers and make the content involving. This not only fosters loyalty and shows audiences that the endorsement is genuine, but it can also be a great way of managing communities and generating more followers, which, in turn, is beneficial for everyone involved.
If you are considering using micro-influencers for your advertising, then you need to make sure that you are working with the correct one for your brand. Using the correct social media influencer can be hugely beneficial to all involved and can help operators get the exact kind of audience they are looking for. It supplies operators with a direct link to their target demographic, ensuring a better ROI and better customer retention rates.
Author: Troy Paul – Co-Founder and CEO at SGG Media
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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