Intelitics CEO Allan Stone talks sweepstakes, influencers and personalised player experiences

This is a fast-moving sector and over the next 12 months operators and suppliers will once again have to strap in for a roller-coaster ride. Ups and downs are guaranteed as they navigate the shifting sands of the global online gambling industry.

This makes predicting what the coming year has in store a tough task – player preferences can quickly change, regulations can suddenly update and innovations catch companies off guard. But I like a challenge, so here are big predictions for 2025 below.

The sweepstakes hype will become a reality

If 2024 was the hype year for sweepstakes, 2025 is the year they will become a reality despite the sector being under immense pressure. That said, most operators are staying the course with stakeholders at the state level duking it out over regulations and class action lawsuits.

This will bring changes in certain areas, but I think there will be a move away from heavy-handed measures and instead, the public markets will be left to figure things out – this will give good companies the room to grow and adapt.

We are already seeing established companies address problem areas by embracing best practices around areas such as player verification and responsible gambling which in turn is helping to legitimise their business and the wider sweepstakes vertical.

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Operators will become more strategic with their marketing efforts (and spend)

Sportsbook operators finally read the room in 2024 and understood that consumers were getting tired of seeing the same national TV ads over and over, especially in states where sports betting isn’t legal.

This saw many brands pull back on national campaigns amid diminishing returns on blanketing the airwaves with generic ads to become more strategic. This is a trend I expect to see continue in 2025.

This will mean more localised advertising with hyper-vigilance in spending – every ad dollar will be carefully allocated to ensure it delivers results. Expect refined top-of-funnel tactics with companies moving away from noisy, generic campaigns in favour of targeted consumer-first strategies.

Don’t underestimate the power of Meta

Meta is the second-largest controller of digital ad inventory in the world and is arguably the best platform out there for targeting and segmenting specific audiences. But it’s important to play by their rules – if Meta bans you, you’re essentially removing yourself from the equation.

It’s next to impossible to come back from and we’ve seen this happen time and again with clients coming to use after a ban asking for a fix. The reality is, there isn’t one.

This is why it’s so important to take your time with Meta – taking a strategic approach and ensuring compliance with its rules means you don’t get burned when playing with what is one of the hottest marketing platforms in the world.

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Personalised experiences will become mission-critical to operator success

The operators succeeding in sports betting right now understand that players want experiences tailored to them. This means ensuring they can quickly access the bets they want to place, whether that be for specific teams or players, and even the markets and bet types they prefer.

Personalisation is about adapting to how players bet, not the other way around. This helps operators and brands to build long-term engagement by tailoring the experience, which in turn keeps players coming back.

If operators can create something that feels personal and intuitive they don’t need to keep pushing heavy promotions or generic options.

Fanatics have proven how powerful this approach can be – they weren’t the first to market, but they filled gaps their competition left wide open and have achieved great success by doing so. Ultimately, operators need to remember to build for players and not for themselves.

Influencers will enter the marketing mix in a meaningful way

Influencers have proved to be an effective marketing tool but an influencer strategy without a strong way to measure attribution is useless, and two things you need to be extremely clear about with influencers is “can you actually send me players” and “how valuable are these players to me?”.

These are easy questions to ask but much harder to answer.

This is why you need to test, track and iterate. I’d suggest starting with a promotion and closely monitoring data. You should also ask yourself things like:

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How many people saw the promotion?

How many clicked?

Of those clicks, how many created accounts?

Are those accounts funded?

Are these new users actively playing over time?

But remember, influencers aren’t just an acquisition tool. They are a way to amplify your message to an audience you might already engage with but need help reaching consistently. This is hard to track, but with the right technology and attribution systems, it can be done.

Poker, a game often hailed as a test of skill and strategy, is available today in new formats and variants. Although the essence of the game remains intact, the dynamics shift frequently because of these innovations.

New versions mean unique gameplay, challenges, and strategies. Many players quickly adapted to the latest poker games, but some felt overwhelmed with new rules and styles.

If you’re a poker fan, stay tuned. Here, you’ll learn about all available poker game variations and emerging trends to become the master of this classic card game.

Classic Poker Variations That Stood the Test of Time

Nothing can beat the charm of classic poker games. You’ll easily find these game variations on every online and offline casino table.

Texas Hold’em

This most popular poker game is the crown of classic card games. Whether playing at a live VIP table or in tournaments, Texas Hold’em is available in both formats. With its emphasis on strategy, dodging bluffs, and analyzing opponents, this high-intensity card game keeps the players hooked throughout the gameplay. Players must make two private cards and five community cards to build the best hand.

Omaha

A closer relative to Texas Hold’em, this game requires using two hole cards and three community cards to form a hand. It’s a more challenging and rewarding version for pro poker players.

Seven-Card Stud

This was the go-to poker game before Texas Hold’em took center stage. During seven-card stud gameplay, players receive face-up and face-down cards. This game requires sharp memory and observation skills to show the A-game. Its methodical pace appeals to players who value skill over chance.

Five-Card Draw

Many beginners start their poker gaming journey by playing a five-card draw game. This version is like a training session where players aim to improve their hands by exchanging cards. Though simple, it still requires strategic decision-making. The game is also a top choice in casual gatherings.

Emerging Poker Styles Gaining Popularity

Poker has a deep history of offering varied styles to impress beginners and seasoned players. Check out three innovative poker styles that gained popularity by providing fresh challenges to skilled players.

• Short Deck Hold’em:

This variation uses a smaller deck, removing cards ranked 2 to 5. As a result, players encounter more high-ranking hands. This format leads to unpredictable and action-packed gaming sessions.

• Pineapple Poker:

Players start with three-hole cards in this quirky twist but must discard one after the flop. This added layer of strategy makes it both fun and engaging.

1. Open-Face ChinesePoker:

Unlike a traditional poker game, this one focuses on arranging the cards in three hands: two of five cards and one of three cards. Hand rankings and bonuses for specific combinations are used to score.

Regional Poker Variations and Their Unique Rules

Poker’s global reach also led to fascinating regional adaptations.

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In Asia, Pai Gow Poker merges aspects of Chinese dominoes with the traditional poker game. Players vie against the dealer to create the most advantageous high and low hands. However, a widely embraced Asian variant is Badugi. Badugi requires players to assemble the lowest possible hand using cards from different suits.

Although both games stem from a shared heritage, they provide unique experiences that resonate with broader audiences. This diversity in gameplay addresses the differing preferences among poker lovers.

Next, European adaptations also bring their flair to the table. Irish Poker combines aspects of Texas Hold’em and Omaha. This regional version offers players four-hole cards but requires them to discard two after the flop. Meanwhile, European Stud Poker replaces blinds with antes, emphasizing skill over luck.

Hands-down, these variations highlight poker’s versatility and the game’s adaptability to various gaming cultures.

Understanding the Appeal of Poker Tournaments

The variety of formats in poker tournaments is an appealing aspect of the card game. From casual games to marathon-style multi-table tournaments, there is something for every player’s skill level and schedule.

Online platforms gave more open access to participate in these challenging tourneys and win big. Pro poker players from anywhere across the globe can join these exclusive events without ever raising their heads from a couch. Moreover, tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) offer a chance to go head-on with more talented players globally.

Quick Tips to Master the Popular Poker Variations 

While the rules of poker may vary, the principles of success remain the same. To win, start by focusing on one variation and mastering its nuances. For example, understanding pot odds and positional advantages in Texas Hold ’em can significantly improve your game.

Another crucial aspect is bankroll management. Ensure you set a gambling limit and stick to it if you’re on a losing streak. Additionally, look for valuable insights and strategies on online forums. 

FAQs

1. What is the easiest poker game for beginners?

Texas Hold’em is an ideal poker game for newcomers due to its simple gameplay.

2. Are poker tournaments only for professionals?

Not at all. Many tournaments cater to amateurs, with lower buy-ins and more casual settings.

3. How do you choose the right poker variation to play?

Before playing the game, consider your skill level and risk tolerance. Further, consider whether you like more strategic gameplay or fast-paced action.

4. Are regional poker variations harder to learn?

Not always. Once you understand basic poker principles, learning regional variations is relatively easy.

Wrapping It Up

Poker’s diversity is what makes the game so enduring worldwide. New formats and distinct gameplay can significantly improve the experience.

Whether you’re a professional player or even if you wish to enjoy the game casually, there’s a version to suit anyone’s gaming style. With a thorough understanding of the game’s rules and practice, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the game at its peak while beating the opponent more often.

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Piggy Blitz sequel now exclusively available with DraftKings and Golden Nugget in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced the exclusive US network release of its hit title, Piggy Blitz Disco Gold.

Piggy Blitz Disco Gold is a sequel to Piggy Blitz, which took the US by storm in 2024. Piggy Blitz Disco Gold sees the piggies move from breaking piggy banks to busting disco moves on the dance floor in a bid to collect Cash Coins and pile up Instant Rewards in a high-stakes dance-off.

The game is now exclusively available with DraftKings and Golden Nugget in the states of Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut until February 5th.

Anna Mackney, Head of Regional Sales US at Play’n GO added “Piggy Blitz was such a hit in the US last year, we couldn’t wait to release this eagerly anticipated sequel. Piggy Blitz Disco Gold has already hit the ground running since its release last week, and we’re excited to expand our US games portfolio with such a high-quality title.”