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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.
Bragg Gaming Group has announced the launch of its newest games and Remote Gaming Server (RGS) technology with Fanatics Casino across New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Fanatics Casino is America’s fastest growing online casino and is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia on iOS, Android, and desktop. Players are invited to dive into a world of thrills as Fanatics Casino brings the casino floor directly to a customer’s fingertips, whether on-the-go or in front of a computer. Players can explore a wide array of classic and modern casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, progressive jackpots and video poker. Each game is crafted to deliver authentic casino action, ensuring endless entertainment.
Players in these states will benefit from access to Bragg’s full catalog, including titles from Bragg’s in-house proprietary content development studios, a roster which includes Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic and Wild Streak Gaming, all through Bragg Gaming’s Remote Games Server (RGS) technology, delivered via the Bragg HUB platform.
In addition, titles from Bragg’s multiple studio partners, including Incredible Technologies, Bluberi, King Show Games, and Sega Sammy Creation will also be available to players in all three regulated markets along with top-performing titles like “Cai Fu Emperor Ways” and “Queenie” and a host of other elevated content from Bragg’s Atomic Slot Lab studio.
This roster of studio partners, which is constantly being updated, now also includes Boomerang Studios, Four Leaf Gaming and Reflex Gaming, who will all launch titles on the Bragg RGS later this year.
This expansion is the latest step in Bragg’s drive to deliver engaging and game-changing content to players across the North American market.
The launch supports Bragg Gaming’s strategic goals by accelerating the growth of utilization of Bragg’s exclusive and proprietary content, and the diversification of revenue through expansion into North American markets.
Matevz Mazij, CEO Bragg Gaming Group commented: “With its history of connecting sports fans with merchandise they love and with sports betting and the strong cross sell between sports betting and iGaming, this launch represents a great opportunity to showcase Bragg’s amazing titles across the three biggest iGaming markets in the US.”
“We look forward to developing our relationship as a key partner of Fanatics Betting and Gaming in the North American market as we continue the roll-out with regular new game releases planned.”
Kieron Shaw, Manager of Fanatics Casino Games Content, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Bragg Gaming Group to bring their diverse and engaging iGaming content to our players in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.”
“This collaboration is a significant step in our strategy to expand our iGaming offerings and capitalize on the substantial growth projected for these key markets. Bragg’s impressive catalogue, including titles from Wild Streak Gaming and their third-party studio partners, along with their innovative promotional tools, will undoubtedly enhance the gaming experience for our users and help us springboard our presence across these important states.”
Gambling in the USA
Abbiati Casino Equipment and Hawkins Holdings Form Strategic Alliance to Expand Presence Across the Americas
Abbiati Casino Equipment, a globally recognised leader in premium casino equipment and technologies, announced a strategic partnership with Hawkins Holdings to strengthen its presence across North and South America. As part of this initiative, seasoned gaming executive Roger Hawkins has been appointed Brand Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for the Americas.
With more than 20 years of executive leadership in the global casino and gaming industry, Hawkins will spearhead the company’s efforts to expand its footprint throughout the Western Hemisphere. His role will include market development, strategic partnerships, regulatory positioning, and the promotion of Abbiati’s legacy of Italian innovation, craftsmanship, and integrity.
“This partnership is about more than market entry – it’s about building deeper awareness, driving product adoption, and reinforcing Abbiati’s commitment to quality across every pit and poker room in the hemisphere,” said Hawkins.
Giorgio Abbiati, CEO of Abbiati Casino Equipment, said: “We have proudly served clients in the Americas for many years, but the time is right to deepen our focus. Roger’s knowledge of our products and his insight into the market make him the ideal partner to lead this next phase.”
Evolution announced a new partnership agreement with Bally’s Corporation. The agreement strengthens Bally Casino’s offering in Rhode Island, with a wide-ranging portfolio of Evolution’s slot titles, and establishes Evolution’s footprint in Rhode Island, a key milestone in its US growth strategy.
In a historic first, Evolution is now live in Rhode Island with its online slot games from its renowned slot brands NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. This milestone marks Evolution’s entry into the state and establishes a presence in all seven US states which currently offer online casino gaming.
Also, under the terms of the agreement, Evolution has also introduced exclusive Bally’s branded live dealer Blackjack tables in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These dedicated tables offer a seamless user interface integration with the Bally Bet Casino app, and will provide a premium, personalised player experience which showcases the distinctive Bally brand. In addition to these live dealer games, Bally players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will enjoy an expanded collection of the newest and most exciting cutting-edge slot titles.
Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer Evolution North America, commented: “This agreement represents a significant step forward for both Evolution and Bally’s Corporation. We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Bally’s by delivering world-class gaming experiences and extend our reach into Rhode Island, a first for Evolution. This partnership showcases our shared commitment to driving innovation and providing exceptional entertainment for players.”
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