Latest News
AGHANIM RESEARCH GAUGES DMA AWARENESS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT ON DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER DISTRIBUTION

Aghanim, a mobile gaming fintech company founded by the former CEO and CTO of Xsolla, today reveals fascinating new research among mobile game developers relating to the recently launched Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The research is based on interviews with 300 mobile game developers across the US, UK and Germany in the weeks leading up to the introduction of the Act. The new European Union legislation aims to ensure a higher degree of fairness and competition in European digital markets and designates a number of major tech corporations including Apple and Alphabet (Google) as “gatekeepers”.
The key findings of the study shows:
- 62% of mobile game developers are aware of the Digital Markets Act
- 82% have at least some understanding of how it will impact their business. Almost a fifth (19%) feel they have a complete understanding of the DMA’s impact
- 31% of mobile game developers feel they will have more freedom under the DMA, though just 9% are confident they’ll be able to keep more of their revenue
- Only 13% have ruled out making changes to their payment processes. A third (33%) have begun implementing them
- Awareness of the DMA is highest in Germany (70%), followed by the UK (68%). Less than half (47%) of US developers are aware of the legislation. While the DMA is a European framework, it applies to US developers operating in the EU
Constantin Andry, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Aghanim, commented: “This data shows that there’s an appetite for change among game developers. Yes, the platform holders instigated the $92 billion mobile games industry, but we need to be asking why game developers – the people who make the games – now only see about 10% of this. With direct-to-consumer distribution, there’s an opportunity to ensure a further $18 billion of annualized value remains within the video games industry, with game creators, which will help soften many ongoing issues including layoffs. Otherwise, the business of making mobile games could soon become unviable.”
Konstantin Golubitsky, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Aghanim, added: “The opportunity for game developers is to create a web-based game hub for their titles which provides added value for their most engaged and valuable users, keeping them coming back regularly. Ultimately, players spend where they see the most value, and our goal is to help developers provide them with the greatest value at the lowest cost.”
A key promise of the Digital Markets Act is to provide fairer competition and greater choice to gamers and game studios. However, Apple’s latest business terms introduced a Core Technology Fee which, for many game developers, cancels out the potential benefits of third-party distribution. Despite the game developers being surveyed before the introduction of the Core Technology fee, just 40% said Apple is a positive force for the games industry. 39% were neutral, while 21% felt Apple was having a negative impact. Since the introduction of App Tracking Transparency in 2021, game developers have increasingly explored direct-to-consumer platforms such as browser stores to supplement on-platform monetization with lower-fee options.
An online survey was conducted on behalf of Aghanim by Atomik Research among 305 mobile game developers in the UK (101), Germany (103), and the USA (101). The research fieldwork took place between 18-22 February 2024. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides by MRS code.
Latest News
BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil

Investment in championships, clubs, and national teams expands media assets and positions BETesporte as a key player in Brazil’s sports market.
BETesporte, a betting platform that proudly carries “sports” in its name, is reaffirming its leadership in the industry by reporting consistent investment results over the past four months. While most betting platforms generate the majority of their revenue from online games (virtual casinos), BETesporte stands out as one of the few where sports betting leads the way — accounting for 65% of its total revenue, compared to 35% from online games. This figure directly reflects its brand strategy and commitment to strengthening Brazilian sports.
“Over the last four months, we’ve consolidated our presence on multiple fronts, focusing on strategic returns and high-quality visibility. We’ve sponsored several state championships in all regions of the country, including the Paulista, Paranaense, Carioca, Alagoano, Gaúcho, Pernambucano, Cearense, Catarinense, Baiano, and Mineiro tournaments, as well as the highly engaging Copa do Nordeste. We’ve also invested in Series A and B of the Brasileirão, placing our brand on Brazil’s biggest football stages and ensuring mass exposure with a high value per impression. It’s a strategic allocation of resources designed to generate brand impact and strengthen the Brazilian sports ecosystem,” said Thiago Carvalho, CFO at BETesporte.
Among the platform’s most notable recent acquisitions is brand exposure during Brazil’s national team matches in the World Cup Qualifiers — a move that reinforces BETesporte’s presence on the global football stage and strengthens its connection with fans during highly visible moments.
“We truly believe in the power of sports as a driver of connection and engagement. At BETesporte, we’re constantly investing in improving our platform with new features and more real-time betting options. Our marketing plan is performance-oriented: we aim to energize Brazil’s sports scene through active sponsorships in Series A and B of the national league — with master sponsorships, LED field displays, and direct club support. We bet on sports both as a passion and a business,” added Danylo Campos, CTO of BETesporte.
Beyond football, BETesporte is expanding its social impact by supporting up-and-coming athletes, providing financial assistance to help them compete and grow in sports like kickboxing, table tennis, and jiu-jitsu — an initiative that helps uncover new talent and democratize access to high-performance sports.
The company also maintains partnerships with traditional clubs like CRB, CSA, and Volta Redonda, reinforcing its regional presence and boosting local fanbases with strong community ties.
BETesporte’s credibility is further strengthened by the presence of legendary Brazilian football figures as brand ambassadors, including Zico, Vampeta, Diego Souza, and Macaé — personalities who bring even more legitimacy to the company’s presence in the sports world.
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
Latest News
CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES REVOLUTIONIZE PALACE BINGO & SPORTS BETS IN CANCÚN

Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has taken a major step forward by introducing Zitro’s revolutionary CONCEPT cabinet line and new games that promise to elevate the gaming experience in this iconic Mexican tourist destination.
The newly installed titles—Legendary Sword, Triple Charm Journey, Fairyland Quest, and Merging Fu Pots —are designed to appeal to all types of players. They feature stunning graphics, innovative mechanics, and rewarding prizes that enhance the excitement of play.
Representatives from El Palacio de los Números commented: “The addition of Zitro’s games and CONCEPT cabinets at our Cancún casino has been an overwhelming success. Player feedback has been exceptional, with many praising the visual quality, engaging gameplay, and the wide range of prizes. This new offering is undoubtedly transforming the gaming experience on our floor.”
Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, added: “We’re very pleased that Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has again chosen Zitro to innovate its entertainment lineup. The combination of our CONCEPT cabinets and new games provides a unique player experience and drives profitability for the operator.”
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