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How Sports Micro-Influencers Are Building Active Communities and Driving Brand Engagement

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How Sports Micro-Influencers Are Building Active Communities and Driving Brand Engagement

 

When you think of micro-influencers and communities, there’s a good chance you think of social media. Influencers are a product of the online world, and until now, this is where they have always existed. There is, however, a change beginning to happen, especially in the world of sports influencers.

Content creators, while still conducting the bulk of their business online, are now beginning to create active communities in the real world through organised events. This provides businesses with the opportunity to collaborate with them and shine a spotlight on their products, giving potential customers the chance to experience them firsthand.

An Influencer Revolution

This influencer revolution, if you will, is happening in streets and parks all around the world. Currently, there is a trend, particularly in the fitness and sports influencer space, for active involvement and building real-world communities. This trend presents some incredible opportunities both for micro-influencers and the brands they represent.

Trends are, by their very nature, cyclical, and we are starting to see a major shift in the way people want to engage with one another. We have spent the last decade or more glued to our screens, building communities, swiping right, and creating digital relationships. There is a growing revolt against this type of interaction.

Head down to your local park a few evenings a week, and there is a good chance you will see a stampede of active young people come flying past you, chatting with one another and very often wearing the same sports gear.

The running club boom is just one example of how online communities are now beginning to engage in the real world. Micro-influencers are starting to organize meet-ups and host events, all of which are encouraged to drive engagement and foster real-world connections.

Gen Z audiences, in particular, have shown a strong craving for authenticity, and this shift into the real world highlights that. Social media allows people to build carefully curated profiles, but this is stripped back when you attend one of these events and get a chance to really engage with communities.

A Unique Opportunity

This genuine engagement presents a powerful opportunity for sports brands and marketers, and we are seeing it unfold in real-time. A quick Google search of run clubs or meet-ups taking place in New York in June 2025 shows sponsored events from Lululemon, Gym Shark, and several other major brands.

There are also several coffee shops within the city hosting running clubs, and some holding hiking events and a monthly cycle.

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These are moving endorsements from online to the real world. Let’s say, for example, you are a small sports shop in Austin and you want to target customers in the city. Teaming up with a local micro-influencer and hosting a running event or hike with them will not only get you exposure, but it will also allow you to let attendees try your products.

This has been extremely effective for many sports brands in the last few years, and given the current appetite for these kinds of events and clubs, you can rest assured that if they like your product, attendees will do the heavy lifting for you on social media.

Brand Benefits

What’s more, these kinds of events are extremely cost-effective. You don’t need to spend any money setting up the event; all you need to do is create a partnership with a micro-influencer, provide them with some free samples, and you’re good to go. Of course, the more involved you are with the event, the better.

Unlike many social media opportunities, these in-person events can be an excellent way for micro-influencers and brands to interact in real-time. This presents a unique opportunity to showcase shared values, demonstrate products, and genuinely engage with potential customers.

Of course, this also helps the online influence of micro-influencers grow stronger. Once people have had a chance to engage with online communities in real life, they are more likely to keep that engagement going online. This, in turn, empowers the endorsements of micro-influencers, which is hugely beneficial for businesses.

This change also marks a new era in the world of digital and social media marketing. Businesses now have the chance to collaborate in the real world, and we at SGG Media have a network of micro-influencers who have the power to make these kinds of events and interactions happen. Marketing evolves, and this is an exciting new era that businesses should look to throw their arms around and embrace.

Author: Troy Paul, CEO of SGG Media

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BETMGM 2Q/1H 2025 UPDATE & FY2025 GUIDANCE INCREASE

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BETMGM 2Q/1H 2025 UPDATE & FY2025 GUIDANCE INCREASE

 

BetMGM LLC jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain plc, is  providing an update on its Second Quarter 2025 (“2Q 2025”) and First Half 2025 (“1H 2025”) performance.

  • Strong 2Q and 1H performance as BetMGM’s ongoing strategic execution drives strong and profitable growth
    • 2Q Net Revenue up 36% YoY and EBITDA of $86 million (up $78 million YoY)
    • 1H Net Revenue up 35% YoY and EBITDA of $109 million (up $232 million YoY)
  • Leading iGaming offering and enhanced player engagement delivered 2Q revenues +29% (1H +28%) with strong growth in player volumes and activity
  • Strong Online Sports performance with 2Q revenues +56% (1H +61%) driven by refined player marketing and management and strengthened product
  • Upgrade to FY25 guidance and increased confidence in path to $500 million EBITDA in coming years
    • Expect FY25 Net Revenue of at least $2.7 billion and EBITDA of at least $150 million1

Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM, commented: “BetMGM has seen a strong first half of the year, delivering significant revenue and EBITDA growth that is underpinned by the ongoing execution of our strategic plan. The momentum we have built since the second half of 2024 accelerated through the first half of 2025. Our iGaming business continues to deliver new records as we showed why BetMGM is the go-to destination for all players, and in Online Sports, our refined player targeting and management capabilities have driven strong engagement and player KPIs across the board. BetMGM is healthier than it has ever been, a testament to the hard work of our teams and colleagues across the business. Our stronger than expected performance through 1H 2025 positions us well for the rest of the year, reinforcing our confidence in the future and the many opportunities ahead.”

Key Financial Highlights

2Q and 1H 2025 BetMGM Financial Summary1,2,3

$ millions, unless otherwise noted

2Q

2025

YoY

Change

1H

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2025

YoY

Change

1H

2024

Net Revenue

          iGaming

$449

+29 %

$891

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+28 %

$695

          Online Sports

$228

+56 %

$422

+61 %

$262

Handle4

$3,427

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+25 %

$7,515

+27 %

$5,914

GGR Hold %

9.8 %

+40bps

8.9 %

(10)bps

9.0 %

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NGR Hold %

6.6 %

+130bps

5.6 %

+120bps

4.4 %

           Retail / Other

$16

(5) %

$36

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(15) %

$42

        Total Net Revenue

$692

+36 %

$1,349

+35 %

$999

Contribution

$191

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+$88

$307

+$241

$66

EBITDA

$86

+$78

$109

+$232

($123)

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Average Monthly Actives (thousands)5

901

+7 %

984

+6 %

926

2Q/1H Financial Highlights 

  • 1H Net Revenue of $1.35 billion, +35% YoY delivering 1H EBITDA of $109 million (up $232 million YoY)
  • 2Q Net Revenue of $692 million, +36% YoY with continuing momentum and strong underlying growth
    • iGaming Net Revenue of $449 million, +29% YoY, driven by leading offering with exclusive content, differentiated engagement tools and enhanced player management
    • Online Sports Net Revenue of $228 million, +56% YoY, reflecting strengthened product and refined engagement
    • Average Monthly Actives +7% YoY
  • 2Q EBITDA of $86 million (up $78 million YoY) underpinned by positive contribution from both iGaming and Online Sports
  • Secured stabilized 14% GGR market share in active markets with iGaming (22%) and Online Sports (8%), further cementing BetMGM’s podium position in the market6,7
  • $150 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn with no further capital from parent companies expected

Operational highlights

  • Market leading iGaming offering
    • Continued investment behind leading iGaming business to acquire and retain a broader pool of players at attractive payback periods
    • Strong player volumes and engagement KPIs underpin 1H outperformance
      • 1H Average Monthly Actives +38% and Active Player Days each month +34%8
    • Attractive player economics supported by:
      • Exclusive and unparalleled library of content including The Wizard of OzPrice is Right and Family Feud
      • Creative player engagement tools improved active player days and 2025 cohort retention
      • Further investment in live dealer business
      • Improved targeting and showcasing of promotions to cross-sell Online Sports and iGaming players in our multi-product states
  • Strengthened Online Sports product and enhanced player engagement approach
    • Significant growth in Online Sports demonstrates successful brand repositioning, player acquisition and management, alongside ongoing product improvements
    • Focused “premium mass” approach and enhanced CRM delivering a more engaged and higher quality player base
      • 1H Handle per active +34% and NGR per active +70%9
      • 1H Active Player Days +14% with +24% more Bets per active8,9
      • 1H NGR margin improvement of +120 bps YoY
    • Strengthened product with broader offering and parlay capabilities, plus enhanced UX navigation and app speed
  • Unlocking differentiated omnichannel opportunities
    • Growing flywheel benefits from Nevada omnichannel position with launch of flagship app and nationwide digital wallet
      • Improved integration across omnichannel touchpoints supports efficient acquisition and retention funnel offering unique player experiences
      • 30% growth in NV monthly actives in 1H; 4x increase in number of NV actives continuing play in home state in 1H10
    • Omnichannel game titles and differentiated live dealer offering provide BetMGM exclusive experiences
      • c50% of BetMGM’s Top 20 grossing slot titles are omnichannel games, including recently launched titles from The Wizard of Oz franchise11

Outlook

  • BetMGM’s performance in 2Q and 1H 2025 provides increased confidence in the long-term profitability and opportunities for the business
  • Stronger than expected second quarter supports further upgrade to FY25 guidance12:
    • Net Revenue guidance of at least $2.7 billion
    • EBITDA guidance of at least $150 million
  • Secured podium position in a large and growing total addressable market with increasing operating leverage benefits, reinforces our confidence in delivering EBITDA of $500 million in the coming years
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Play’n GO Announces North American Operator Partnership with Caesars Entertainment

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Play'n GO Announces North American Operator Partnership with Caesars Entertainment

 

Play’n GO, a leading casino entertainment provider, has  announced a new U.S. operator partnership with Caesars Entertainment.  

The partnership brings Play’n GO titles such as Buildin’ Bucks, Piggy Blitz, and Reactoonz online across Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and soon in West Virginia.  

This partnership marks another significant milestone in Play’n GO’s growing U.S. footprint, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment to players across the country, where it is now licensed in six states.  

Anna Mackney, Head of Regional Sales US at Play’n GO: commented: “The Caesars brand is synonymous with world-class gaming and entertainment in North America, and it’s an exciting time for our business to announce this partnership. Our mutual commitment to high-quality entertainment and responsible gaming makes them the perfect partner for us as we mark this latest milestone on our U.S. journey.”

Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital added: “Bringing Play’n GO’s popular titles live on our platforms is a win for our players. We’re committed to continuously making strides in building out our portfolio of titles on our online casino platforms and we’re thankful to bring another great partner like Play’n GO into the fold to make that happen.”

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Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling

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Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling

 

Brazilian operator BETesporte is first to adopt AI-powered solution

Sportradar Group AG has launched Bettor Sense, a personalized, proactive, and data-driven approach to user protection. BETesporte will be the first operator to implement the solution, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more responsible practices in Brazil’s newly regulated betting market.

Bettor Sense is an AI-powered solution that detects early signs of gambling-related risk and enables personalized interventions to protect end users. Developed with proprietary technology and grounded in behavioral research, Bettor Sense allows operators to act quickly and efficiently, promoting responsible gambling and strengthening brand reputation. Fully compliant with regulatory standards, Bettor Sense provides a critical tool for operators aiming to meet rising expectations around end user protection.

In addition to implementing Bettor Sense, BETesporte has also joined Sportradar’s Integrity Exchange, a global information-sharing network that enables betting operators to report suspicious betting activity directly to Sportradar’s Integrity Services division. This collaboration strengthens the industry’s collective ability to fight match-fixing and betting-related corruption through enhanced transparency and cooperation.

Tom Mace – SVP, Integrity & Regulatory Services, Product & Strategy at Sportradar, said: “This partnership with BETesporte marks an important milestone for Sportradar’s ongoing mission to help shape secure and sustainable sports betting and iGaming industries. BETesporte is taking a proactive step in embracing responsible gaming as a core part of its business. We are confident this will be the first of many partnerships, as the market increasingly recognizes the value of using data and technology to protect end users and strengthen compliance.

Marcos Pereira – CEO of BETesporte said: “BETesporte is fully committed to transparency and security across all its operations. The partnership with Sportradar, through the integration of Bettor Sense and the Integrity Exchange, reinforces our dedication to fostering a responsible and ethical betting environment in line with regulatory standards. Sportradar’s advanced technology enables us to anticipate and prevent risky behavior, ensuring our bettors have the best possible experience with complete safety. We will continue working tirelessly to protect the integrity of sport and the trust of our users, which remains our top priority.”

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