Industry News
When Times are Tough – Calling is Caring
Mikael Hansson, CEO of Enteractive, says that online gambling operators can still retain players even during the global sports blackout so long as they pick up the phone and give them a call
The global online gambling industry is facing a global challenge due to the ongoing crisis with cancelled sports events and many other difficulties. This is also the time for operators to show that they really care about their customers, and with the right approach they can come out on the other side with strengthened customer relationships.
This is absolutely the case for online sportsbook operators who are struggling to fill the void left by the world-wide cancellation of matches, tournaments and events.
While online casino and poker operators are seeing a rise in the number of players visiting their brands, there are concerns being raised over responsible gambling during this time.
This has seen regulators in countries such as Spain take fairly drastic measures such as banning all gambling advertising for the duration of the country’s lockdown.
But operators – even online sports betting sites – can and should be taking additional steps to reach out to players to reassure them and to remind them about the safe gaming tools offered.
Firstly, this is absolutely the right thing to do when it comes to being a responsible operator, and secondly it is a good opportunity to show players they are valued.
Retention is going to be critical if online gambling operators are to weather the storm. Opening a direct line of communication with customers is absolutely the best way to do this.
This is certainly the case for sportsbook brands who have to think of other ways to provide entertainment and value to customers while players and teams sit idle.
Pick up the telephone and speak to customers:
The best way of communicating with players is to pick up the telephone and speak with them directly. This allows for a human connection to be made.
Over the past week, we have seen that a quick phone call just to check in is highly valued by the customer, even with no sports events being held and limited betting markets offered.
You could simply ask how the player is doing, enquire about their situation – are they working from home, what are they doing to keep busy, etc.
Remember, this is a time where a lot of people are being forced to stay indoors and not spend time meeting with family and friends.
A quick call from their favourite sportsbook brand provides the feeling of community and socialisation they are seeking and strengthens their positive feelings towards the brand.
Of course, a good conversation would also open up to talk about additional game verticals such as virtuals, poker or casino and they can remind the player about these options.
But that’s not really what this is all about – It’s about relationships.
The main reason for calling customers is to strengthen the relationship between player and brand, not to upsell them additional products and services. That has always been the reason and it does not change because of changed circumstances.
Anecdotally, online poker has enjoyed a resurgence since sports events have been cancelled and lockdowns put in place – there is a great deal of cross-over between sports and poker.
So, if the sportsbook operator also has a poker product and the person talking to a customer thinks the player would enjoy poker, it is of course ok to make them aware of it.
Naturally, if the online gambling brand is able to build a stronger relationship with the player, they are highly likely to remain loyal to the brand and an increase in revenues occurs as a result, so caring for players does indeed have an undisputable ROI.
Re-think how you communicate with players:
Given increasing restrictions regarding how online gambling operators can market to players during the crisis, there is an opportunity for operators to rethink their communication strategies.
Because they are not able to target players with bonuses and incentives during this time, they are going to have to engage with them in different ways – as mentioned above.
But many will find that this actually improves the relationship they have with their players. This in turn will drive loyalty and ultimately retention even during these uncertain times.
It really just comes down to showing players that you value them and that you truly care.
After five years as Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) Director, Peter-Paul de Goeij has stepped down from his role.
Eric Konings, involved with NOGA since 2022, will be appointed as interim director. He will now hope to utlise his company knowledge and previous experience to steer the company through this transitional period. Further, Konings will be supported in the process of change by former Staatsloterij (State Lottery) CEO, Frans van Steenis.
“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past 5 years, in which he has excellently shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA. As a result, NOGA has been able to properly represent the interests of its members in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do not expect the coming period to be any less turbulent. That is why we as a board have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation,” Remko de Boer, chairman of the board of directors of NOGA, said.
“The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to strive for a safe and responsible gaming offer. That is and remains the best way to achieve optimal consumer protection. I thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I hand over the baton to Eric with a clear conscience,” Peter-Paul de Goeij said.
“The industry is facing a number of major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this. In addition, NOGA is explicitly exploring how the representation of the industry’s interests can be organised in a future-proof manner. I am pleased that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of explorer to shape this process with me,” Eric Konings said.
“A lot is happening in the gambling sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policy makers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all parties involved in the gambling dossier,” Van Steenis said.
The post Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SmartSoft, the pioneering the first-ever crash game creator, was founded in Georgia in 2015 by industry enthusiasts. Dedicated to delivering high-quality gaming experiences globally, SmartSoft remains committed to not only creating games but also revolutionizing the industry itself. The hallmark lies in it’s continuous creation of new games, updating of old favorites and coming up with the features that make every gaming experience unforgettable.
What’s more, SmartSoft’s commitment to innovation goes beyond just game mechanics. The company also prioritizes engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating sounds to create truly memorable gaming experiences. This complex approach not only sets SmartSoft apart from its competitors but also underscores its mission to deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers worldwide.
Let’s take a look below at Smartsoft’s work, old gems, new features and pushed boundaries:
The Evolution Continues, expending horizons
As pioneers of non-traditional casino games, flagship game “Jet X”, launched in 2018, marked a breakthrough in the genre and continues to lead the transformation of non-traditional games into mainstream casino offerings. “Jet X” has become the most popular game for SmartSoft, but mission doesn’t end there. Along with “Jet X”, SmartSoft have released numerous innovative games within a year. These games are distinctive in their mechanics and visuals, reflecting company’s commitment to continuous innovation through creativity and passion.
The latest innovation, a visual symphony known as “Helicopter X”, has been captivating users since November 2023. The groundbreaking Crash game designed to revolutionize the online casino landscape. This game combines innovative gameplay mechanics with stunning visual and auditory elements, offering players challenges and multiple strategic options. In “Helicopter X,” players control a helicopter, aiming to cash out before a crash occurs. The game features the Diamond Feature, which randomly boosts multipliers, adding excitement to every round. With it’s fascinating features and results “Helicopter X” offers high stakes and high rewards.
One more gem from SmartSoft – “Mine Island” presents an innovative and exhilarating addition to the online casino world. Since the release in December, this innovative game blends simplicity with excitement, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. Its 10-stage progression system introduces a unique twist to traditional minefield games, allowing players to strategically decide when to collect winnings or risk progressing for higher multipliers, thus enhancing the gaming experience. The game offers substantial rewards and a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The intuitive gameplay, combined with strategic depth, ensures that “Mine
Island” stands out in the crowded casino market. Visually stunning design and user-friendly interface reflects a deep understanding of player preferences and behaviors.
“Crash Duel X” is an adrenaline-pumping world where strategic betting meets thrilling gameplay, achieving more success daily since launching in December of 2023. SmartSoft Gaming invites you to experience the rush of Crash games with an unparalleled gaming experience, with its diverse betting strategies and exciting features. As the first game on the market to introduce Crash Side Bets, “Crash Duel X” revolutionizes the traditional Crash game mechanics by integrating the best practices from online casino games with side bonus bet features. This innovative approach provides players with multiple strategic options, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
This is just a glimpse into SmartSoft’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Smartsoft, together with its team of professionals, continues to work actively, generating ideas and creating stunning visuals to deliver only the best products to its partners. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments and innovative solutions from SmartSoft.
The post SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) released fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue numbers totaling $41.9 billion, an increase of $1 billion, or 2.4%, from the historic FY 2022 GGR of $40.9 billion.
Acting Chairwoman Sharon M. Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made the announcement at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wis.
This year’s revenue reflects the viability of tribal gaming operations, as tribal gaming continues to adapt to technological advances and changes in consumer preferences. All eight NIGC regions demonstrated growth in gaming revenue since the last GGR report.
“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape. This steadfastness will ensure that tribal gaming remains a valuable resource for continued economic sustainability in tribal communities,” said Avery.
“I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year. Their hard work in meeting and overcoming the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market is evidence that tribes are resilient, and their gaming expertise is yielding benefits for their nations as IGRA intended,” said Hovland.
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