“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape. 

The world of sports is littered with cliches, some true, some not so much. One enduring truth, however, is that few experiences can match the electrifying thrill of a live event.  Live sporting events bring a unique atmosphere and energy almost impossible to replicate. Being able to capture this has been something promoters and marketers have struggled with for decades, however, the rise of micro-influencers and content creators has changed this.

Micro-influencers and content creators, through the use of video content, can provide audiences with a direct connection to a live event, placing them right in the heart of the action with real-time reactions and experiences. These are particularly useful for sports betting events like horse racing, where the tension is high and the outcomes are unpredictable.

By having content creators attend live events, audiences can gain insight they might not otherwise be able to access. At the same time, brands can generate authentic exposure that can not be replicated through more traditional marketing techniques.

Unmatched Authenticity

With AI and curated content everywhere we look, sports fans and bettors are constantly searching for more authentic experiences. Influencers live-streaming at events provide the perfect solution to this issue.

Their followers are given the chance to experience an event in its most authentic way, with influencers able to share their reactions to events in real-time.

This technique has become increasingly popular in horse racing. I was following this year’s Cheltenham Festival in the UK, and my newsfeed was full of live-streamers and micro-influencers sharing their reactions to the events.

So, how do events and companies benefit from this? Well, in the same way, companies have always benefited from freebies—exposure. However, the exposure they gain from these deals is much more impactful than just someone showcasing something or name-dropping them.

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By allowing influencers to attend their events, companies can show what they can really offer. This is a warts-and-all experience that typical marketing strategies are incapable of highlighting.

Last year, one of our micro-influencers, Brettski, was given free hospitality and tickets to the Breeders’ Cup. The company simply provided him free entry and let him work his magic. In the video, he ends up leaving the races up, but whether he wins or loses is not the point. The video does an excellent job of showing people the company’s quality of service.

This type of content will be much more effective for the company than hiring a celebrity to shoot a promo video in a box. Micro-influencers and content creators can bring a raw honesty to the experience that resonates with audiences. Not only that, micro-influencers have a reliability and trust with their audience, which is extremely difficult to create and invaluable to companies trying to sell a product or experience.

Increased Promotional Lifespan

Another massive benefit to having content creators attend live events is that it significantly enhances the promotional lifespan of the event. If you are a company or a team hosting an event and using traditional promotional tactics, you will get some pre-event hype and, if you are lucky, some in-event content, but it typically ends there.

When using a content creator, you will get pre-match excitement and coverage, in-play action, and some post-event content. There is also always the possibility of creating an authentic viral moment, such as capturing the reaction to a horse race, giving your event’s coverage even longer life.

This coverage goes far beyond what you would get from a traditional advertising campaign or a high-end endorsement. When it comes to ROI, having a micro-influencer attend your event is one of the smartest moves you can make.

A Human Approach to Modern Marketing

As scepticism over the authenticity of online content continues to grow, allowing micro-influencers and content creators to attend events in person can be a game-changer for businesses.

It provides a human side to marketing and invites customers to experience something alongside people whose opinion they trust. Providing companies put their trust in the content creators and allow them to show their products and events off in their own unique way

Welcoming influencers to live events is a strategy that can change the marketing landscape for the right brands. It humanises marketing, allowing a brand to create a deeper, more honest connection with its audience that will prove hugely beneficial in the long term.

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Author: Troy Paul CEO and Founder of SGG Media.

Leading sportsbook technology provider ready to deliver premium virtual sports offering to local operators

Altenar has achieved a significant milestone in its LatAm expansion by securing a new certification to offer sportsbook and RGS, including virtual sports in Brazil.

This development underscores Altenar’s commitment to providing cutting-edge and engaging sportsbook solutions in regulated markets, and follows a string of landmark deals with industry leaders, such as Inspired, Kiron, Leap and Sportradar.

To achieve the certification, Altenar underwent a thorough evaluation process, demonstrating the provider’s dedication to compliance and its ability to meet the stringent requirements of the Brazilian market.

The integration of virtual sports from renowned providers will further enhance Altenar’s comprehensive platform, offering a dynamic and exciting vertical for Brazilian players that can be enjoyed 24/7.

Dinos Doxiadis, Director of Product – Sportsbook and Data at Altenar, said: “We are thrilled to achieve certification for virtual sports in Brazil. This marks another significant step in our growth across Latin America and reinforces our commitment to the burgeoning region.

“By joining forces with some of the industry’s most renowned providers, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled virtual sports experience to operators and players in Brazil. This offering will complement our existing sportsbook solutions and provide further opportunities for engagement and growth in this key market.”

Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced an expansion to its partnership with AGS making Caesars’ online casino platforms the exclusive first online home for the immensely popular Triple Coin Treasures family of slot titles. This expansion includes a series of classic and new slot title launches across North America on Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino.

The first exclusive launch will introduce Shamrock Fortunes to Caesars’ online casino players, bringing this beloved title that has long been enjoyed at Caesars Rewards destinations in North America online for the first time. Additional launches later in 2025 will include another beloved Triple Coin Treasures classic, a unique Caesars-branded version of a title, along with never-before-played titles from AGS that will debut simultaneously at Caesars destinations and on Caesars’ marquee online casino platforms.

“We appreciate AGS’ confidence in our ability to transition their popular slot titles from casino floors to online platforms. This expanded partnership, featuring beloved in-person casino slots, custom-branded titles, and new, never-before-played games, underscores our commitment to providing an ever-evolving online casino experience. We’re proud to not only introduce new titles to our players but also to bring the classic titles they have enjoyed at our destinations directly to their mobile devices,” said Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital.

This marks the second collaboration between Caesars and AGS on exclusive game launches for Caesars players, both in its brick-and-mortar casinos and online casino platforms. The first collaboration in 2024 featured the simultaneous launch of the popular title Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey in New Jersey on Caesars Palace Online Casino and at Caesars Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, and Harrah’s Atlantic City.

“Our expanded partnership with Caesars is a major milestone in AGS’ interactive growth strategy. Bringing our proven titles, like Shamrock Fortunes, online for the first time allows us to reach players in a whole new way while honoring the retail roots of these games. We’re especially excited to co-develop a Caesars-branded version of one of our classic games and to continue building momentum with new launches that blend innovation, familiarity, and fun,” said Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS.

Caesars and AGS will celebrate the rollout of these exclusive new games with special marketing promotions linked to each title and omnichannel events for Caesars Rewards VIPs at select Caesars Rewards destinations. Once live, each game will be available on Caesars’ premier online casino platforms including Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.

Caesars’ online casino platforms are accessible on iOS, Android, and desktop for players aged 21 and older in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario, and West Virginia. These platforms deliver an elevated online casino experience, featuring exclusive Caesars-branded games, high limit slots, private live dealer tables, linked progressive jackpots, various poker and roulette variations, and much more.

Online casino play, sports wagering, and in-person casino play at Caesars Rewards destinations seamlessly integrate with Caesars Rewards, the company’s industry-leading customer loyalty program. Players in the US earn Caesars Rewards Credits through both online and in-person casino activities, redeemable for unforgettable experiences at over 50 world-class Caesars destinations across North America.