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Influencers are key to the next stage of US betting growth
With Callum Broxton, Head of US Operations, Checkd Group
Those who remember wired house phones and floppy disks might be left cold by the term “influencer,” which may evoke perceptions of young digital natives clambering for their 15 minutes of fame by any means.
However, in the world of igaming, influencer marketing, via professional sports betting tipsters, or “Cappers,” has become a critical driver when it comes to retention and reactivation of customers, and is fast becoming a cornerstone of growth for the nascent North American industry.
Social media influencers, with their large and engaged followings, provide an ideal medium for operators to promote their platforms, and for affiliates to keep discerning bettors informed and entertained. As new states open up, and tier-one operators battle for market share, we are seeing the ways in which influencer marketing is becoming a true value proposition in the strategy to reach a wider audience.
Why should operators and affiliate brands dedicate a significant part of their respective marketing budget to sports betting influencers? In short, our tried-and-tested experience shows that they boost retention rates and they encourage acquisition by leveraging their existing audiences. They also effectively promote your brand from a position of authority while humanizing a brand, offering a tangible relationship and a welcoming gateway to your sign-up page.
The best Cappers are highly informed communicators. They keep detailed empirical statistical models, they study the signals and external factors affecting any given sporting event, and they even factor the intangibles of human psychology into their tips.
They are, in essence, a trusted source of information — regarded as more trustworthy and independent than in-house talent — to whom customers will often turn before placing a bet. Recent studies suggest two thirds of bettors wagering between $51–100 per month will spend between 15 minutes and an hour researching their picks. An endorsement from a reliable influencer takes much of the legwork out of this research, while positively reinforcing the decision-making process.
The FlashPicks app places Cappers front and center in the user journey, in order to offer the customer informed opinion, while leveraging the significant built-in audiences with whom they already resonate. The app spotlights a team of influencers, many of whom boast six-figure follower numbers across Twitter, TikTok and Twitch: social forums where a diverse cross section of online bettors are seeking information.
By proxy of an influencer’s trusted followers, operators and affiliates can drive conversions from key growth demographics, and retain their custom by positioning the influencers within the user journey.
Influencer marketing also provides brand promotion outside of the brand’s own ecosystem, and within the context of creative and engaging content. By the nature of their trade, Cappers understand the kinds of content their audience is interested in, the bet types that will appeal to them, and the kind of offers that will see them bring their business to a new operator. At once, they are a brand promotion tool, creative editorial content provider, a hotbed for backlinks and a market research tool.
The cost of influencer marketing may vary, depending on their level of notoriety and followership, but it typically provides superior added value and utility in comparison to traditional paid marketing options.
The sports betting industry is, and will continue to, embrace significant technological shifts in the coming years, with artificial intelligence already being used for SEO, content creation and the next generation of user interfaces. As the industry, and the world at large, shifts towards a reliance on faceless-but-functional technology, there will inevitably be a desire for the human touch. At its core, influencer marketing is about building relationships. This is exactly what an operator or affiliate brand wants to achieve with its customer base, and this is exactly the kind of interface that an influencer provides.
The rise of the influencer in the United States is tracking harmoniously with the rise of its sports betting handle. They will continue to develop in harmony, as more brands open up to the virtues of using Cappers as an ambassadorial marketing function.
Endorphina has entered into a partnership with Luckia, a leading company in the gaming sector. Combining Endorphina’s passion for slots with Luckia’s innovative spirit, this partnership is set to provide incredible gaming experiences to all iGaming enthusiasts.
Endorphina’s Senior Partnership Manager, Zdenek Llosa, shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Luckia, a respected and influential operator in Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. This partnership is a significant step forward in our global expansion strategy, allowing us to reach new players and markets. We are confident that Luckia’s players will appreciate the quality and diversity of our games, and we look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration.”
Luckia is a commercial brand of Luckia Gaming Group that combines offline and online gaming, including traditional businesses such as gaming machines in bars and restaurants and gaming arcades, new online gaming activities, and land-based sports betting. By advancing the current concept surrounding gaming, Luckia aims to provide an extensive entertainment experience, democratizing gaming and making it a social, accessible, and trust-inspiring activity.
Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Endorphina, with Mexico being the first market to go live with their creative slot content on Luckia’s platform! Endorphina’s distinctive games will not only enhance our offering but also provide a fresh and engaging experience for our Mexican players. Their unique approach aligns with our mission to elevate entertainment and optimize our services in key markets.”
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
Aposta Ganha, the fastest growing Brazilian sports betting and casino site in Brazil, has launched its Black Friday promotion with its newest ambassador Luva de Pedreiro, AKA Bricklayer’s Glove.
With over 21 million followers on Instagram, the digital influencer and social media phenomenon will strengthen the brand’s presence in the market and shake up Black Friday with a campaign full of special offers for bettors.
Known for his catchphrase “Receeeeba!” and his irreverent personality, Luva de Pedreiro will be the main face of the campaign, creating a direct connection with the public, football fans and social media enthusiasts. The partnership aims to increase Aposta Ganha’s visibility in the market, attract new bettors and offer an even more dynamic experience.
Aposta Ganha is taking advantage of Black Friday to reinforce its commitment to ethical and transparent operations in the market. The platform complies with the new regulations of the Federal Government and invests in education and awareness initiatives, ensuring a safe experience for its users. Vitor Paulin, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Aposta Ganha, said: “Signing an ambassador like Luva de Pedreiro is a huge milestone for Aposta Ganha. His authenticity and connection with the public make him the ideal partner to boost our brand and make the betting experience even more exciting.”
Aposta Ganha’s Black Friday brings unmissable offers for all types of bettors. One highlight is that bettors will receive 10% cashback on the amount lost in the Aviatrix game and daily offers for sports betting. The promotions will be valid from November 21 to 30, with exclusive advantages in selected games each day.
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