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US iGaming: Three predictions for 2024

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Paddy Casey, Co-Founder at sports betting and iGaming developer The Unit, lists what we can expect from US iGaming in the coming year, covering regulation, the battle for market share and the importance of martech.

 

  1. iGaming continues to flex its muscles

Internet gaming continues to generate extraordinary revenue in the states that have legalized and embraced it. In October, for example, Pennsylvania’s iGaming revenue was up 24% month-on-month to $154.8m; a record month for the state where the total equates to a whopping 3x the sports-betting take. Pennsylvania is by no means a standout state, as New Jersey reported a 13% year-on-year increase in iGaming revenue for September, to $166.8million.

Where iGaming is fully regulated (as we’ve seen in the six states where it is live currently, with Rhode Island expected to launch fully in Q1 or early Q2 in 2024), it drives significant revenue for the state and offers a safe and protected environment for entertainment versus offshore, unregulated casinos. As states look to plug holes in the post-pandemic era, we anticipate at least two or three states will legalize igaming in 2024, with Indiana and New York being the obvious contenders to begin that process early in the year.

As has been the case since the birth of online gaming in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there are obvious fears about problem gaming and revenue streams moving away from bricks-and mortar casinos. Legislators will drive tough, and hopefully innovative, legislation to protect land-based casinos while paving the way for iGaming, which should in fact complement the land-based casinos. Players, much like music fans, will demand access to ‘live entertainment’; whether that’s in Madison Square Garden cheering on Billy Joel, or listening to Piano Man at home while watching the NFL.

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The omni-channel experience with iGaming will become more important as BetMGM for example, can deepen its relationship with players through innovations such as its New Jersey Dual Play Roulette, which offers a truly immersive omni-channel experience. Add this to possibilities around loyalty schemes for resort stays, and this will prove super crucial in the CRM and LTV lifecycles.

Aside from the obvious heavyweights, brands which put players first, treat them like the central stakeholder they ought to be, and personalize the user experience through unique and engaging product and gaming content will be the winners.

 

  1. Competition creates cash

This year has been a rollercoaster, in terms of acquisitions and market exits. Kindred recently announced it will be leaving its North American experience behind as quickly as possible. Fanatics can now access every key sports betting state via its PointsBet USA acquisition and Penn Entertainment is planning to shoot for the stars by rebranding its sportsbook as ESPN Bet. Add DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365 and BetMGM into the ring, and that is one hell of a battle for a share of players’ wallets.

Fanatics and ESPN Bet will most likely use their huge marketing budgets to attract the Gen Z bettors and casual sports fans. Winning the battle to attract, and more importantly retain, this key cohort of players will be significant. Marketing dollars will not be enough; product innovation will be crucial in the attempt to give players the experience they demand. They will demand to be entertained in ways they experience elsewhere.

Outside the ‘big three’ of FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, in terms of US gaming market share, it will only be companies who continue to evolve and innovate their own offering that can close the gap. The likes of Entain and Angstrom, who are well known and have large wallets, can buy the maturity and experience needed. They can make inroads with the quality of their product and people, as well as via the acquisition of operators and challenger brands (particularly when more states go live with iGaming).

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  1. Marketing tech and needle-like focus on ROI

With the big three effectively owning the sports-betting market and making gains in the iGaming space, the chasing pack will need to innovate with needle-like focus on ROI.

Martech is crucial for success in an industry that is seeing shifts in CPAs and one that has historically not merged fragmented data very well. As there is no real single view of acquiring through to retention, and almost zero real data, technology is holding operators back in the battle to retain Gen Z bettors and give them the experiences they demand; i.e. personalization.

Therefore, a holistic 360-view of customer data which is then deployed across multiple marketing channels is the key to being competitive in this landscape. As biddable platforms rely more and more on AI, it is essential that data which is representative of quality customers is used. As experienced industry veterans know, standard first-time depositor data is not enough. In fact, relying on incomplete customer insights can be detrimental to revenue.

As we all know, customer acquisition is only the starting point. Retention and cross-sell is essential to delivering the return on ad spend required to sustain campaigns in this competitive market.

The front-of-mind game is where the winners and losers will ultimately be determined. There is no personalization without sufficient marketing technology integration. Personalization is a key cog in the retention machine you must be leveraging.

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As a result, a full martech stack is needed to operate an effective marketing department. The gap between the haves and have-nots in this space will widen not just year-on-year, but also month-on-month.

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An Intro to iGaming Fraud 101

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By Tamas Kadar, CEO and Co-founder, SEON

The shift to digital has fundamentally transformed the gambling world, welcoming us to the exciting era of iGaming. But, as much as we love the ease and reach of online platforms, they come with their own set of headaches, especially when it comes to keeping things safe from the prying eyes of fraudsters and bad actors.

In this article, we take a closer look at the risks lurking in the iGaming industry to see how they could mess with businesses, and chat about why end-to-end fraud prevention is like having a good bouncer at the door of your online casino.

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Dealing with iGaming Fraud

iGaming has got a lot going for it. Unfortunately, It’s also a magnet for some unhelpful fraudsters. The front line in this ongoing battle? It’s all about getting to know your customers (KYC) and keeping money laundering (AML) at bay with some solid protocols. These aren’t just red tape; they’re your tickets to staying on the right side of the law, keeping your players safe, and holding onto your hard-earned reputation in an industry that’s often scrutinized.

Ultimately, if you think skimping on these regulations is a minor risk, think again. Getting lax here can hit iGaming operators with everything from eye-watering fines and the nightmare of losing licenses to taking a serious hit on their street cred. And let’s not forget the players – pile on too much paperwork, and they’ll head for the hills, leading to a revolving door of new users that never stick around.

 

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Common Types of iGaming Fraud

Like many problems, getting on top of iGaming fraud first necessitates an understanding of the problem and its main forms. Below is a list of some of the main types of activities that we’re seeing affect those in the sector:

  • Bonus Abuse: The exploitation of promotional offers through the creation of multiple fake accounts is a prevalent issue. While bonuses are effective in attracting new players, without proper restrictions, they can result in significant financial losses.
  • Affiliate Fraud: Unethical third parties may employ deceptive methods, such as using stolen data or creating misleading domains, to siphon off profits illegitimately.
  • Gnoming: A concept that involves the manipulation of games or promotions using multiple accounts controlled by a single individual.
  • Chip Dumping: A tactic used in online poker where players collude to transfer funds under the guise of legitimate gameplay.

If not prevented, fraud won’t only impact the financial bottom line. It also has the potential to erode trust and could lead to regulatory scrutiny. Thankfully, the good news is that there are now highly effective fraud prevention solutions on offer to prevent them. As such, the task for iGaming operators is to ensure these solutions are onboarded and operational as quickly as possible.

 

Preventing iGaming Fraud and Staying Ahead of Compliance Requirements

In response to these challenges, end-to-end fraud prevention companies can offer a comprehensive suite of anti-fraud solutions tailored to the unique needs of the iGaming sector. Multi-faceted in their design, these solutions can help to reduce instances of fraud across the sector. More importantly, these solutions are allowing iGaming companies to find that sweet spot between following the rules and retaining slick consumer experiences.

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While they don’t all work the same, there are a few key things to look out for when evaluating the effectiveness of modern fraud prevention solutions:

  • AML Screening: Utilizing an advanced API, some modern fraud prevention solutions can facilitate both manual and automated screenings against global watchlists, enhancing regulatory compliance and risk management.
  • Pre-KYC Checks: It’s important to find technologies that enable the early detection of potential fraudsters through device fingerprinting, IP analysis, and digital footprinting, thereby minimizing user friction and optimizing the KYC process.
  • Real-time Transaction Monitoring: Fraud can happen in a split second, so having real-time transaction monitoring is a huge benefit for iGaming businesses. By flagging suspicious transactions and behaviour in real-time, solutions of this nature can ensure prompt action to mitigate risks.
  • Customizable Rules for iGaming: Everyone knows their own risk tolerances. A versatile rule engine can allow operators to implement both predefined and custom rules based on their specific business insights and observed user behaviour.
  • Machine Learning: Leveraging AI-driven machine learning, solutions like SEON continuously refine and suggest new rules, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of fraud prevention measures over time.

 

 Fighting Fraud Earlier and More Effectively

When it comes to fortifying iGaming platforms against fraud, embracing comprehensive fraud prevention solutions is a game-changer for operators. These solutions play a pivotal role in not just warding off prevalent fraud risks but also in bolstering compliance efforts. Moving forward, this enhanced focus on security will enable the iGaming sector to craft a safer and more reliable space for users, significantly boosting trust and satisfaction.

With the industry on an exciting growth trajectory, leveraging advanced fraud prevention tactics is crucial for its enduring success and integrity. Incorporating technologies like SEON, which specialize in identifying and mitigating fraud early in the customer journey, can make a world of difference. Early detection is key to preventing fraudsters from causing damage, enabling companies to intercept suspicious activities before they escalate.

Ultimately, this proactive approach not only safeguards the platform and its users but also streamlines compliance processes, reducing the friction and inefficiencies that can arise from dealing with fraud incidents after they’ve occurred. In an industry where reputation and user confidence are paramount, the ability to pre-empt and neutralize threats through such advanced solutions is invaluable.

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For more information about SEON, please visit: https://seon.io/

The post An Intro to iGaming Fraud 101 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CT Interactive Appoints Monika Zlateva as Chief Commercial Officer

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CT Interactive has appointed Monika Zlateva as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Equipped with a strong background in business development and strategic marketing, Monika has a proven track record of driving growth and managing high-level business communications across various regions, including EMEA and Greece.

Throughout her career, Monika has showcased leadership by taking ownership of business strategy, sales initiatives and marketing campaigns. Her expertise lies in new business development, customer acquisition and retention, aligning these strategies with company values and objectives.

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Monika has been instrumental in successful business strategies and upselling initiatives within the iGaming industry. Her strategic vision has consistently led to remarkable increases in sales and market presence in her previous roles. She has focused on enhancing the understanding of customer needs, expectations, and demands in both B2B and B2C environments through market research, successfully identifying insights that drive business behaviour and opportunities.

Possessing relevant international experience, including leadership roles such as Business Development Partner, Business Development Director and Regional Director of Business Development, Monika has developed and executed innovative strategies that have led to successful product launches and relaunches. Her ability to manage complex business communications and PR strategies further enhances her capabilities.

Monika holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from the University of National and World Economics in Sofia, Bulgaria. She also has a Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation and a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Greek Language and Literature from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

The post CT Interactive Appoints Monika Zlateva as Chief Commercial Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Navajo Gaming Appoints John James as Chief Executive Officer

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Navajo Gaming has appointed John James as its Chief Executive Officer.

John James brings more than two decades of professional gaming and hospitality experience to Navajo Gaming. He previously served as CEO of River Rock Entertainment Authority in Geyserville California. There he exemplified his strong leadership skills by identifying and implementing innovative operational improvements to grow revenue while improving morale through thoughtful strategic direction and mentoring.

Prior to that, he led numerous tribal casinos including serving as CEO of Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Washington, CEO of Soboba Casino Resort in California, COO of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in California, and CEO of Gila River Gaming Enterprises in Arizona. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions for Seminole Gaming Inc., Pechanga Resort and Casino, and various successful Station Casino properties.

As CEO of Navajo Gaming, John James will oversee and manage Navajo Gaming properties in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as ensure that Navajo Gaming policies and objectives are met. His three main objectives are to strengthen Navajo Gaming and the hospitality economy, return revenue to the Navajo Nation, and provide additional jobs to members of the Navajo Nation.

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“Navajo Gaming has grown to a multi-million-dollar enterprise over the past 15 years. John James brings extensive gaming and management experience and leadership qualities to lead Navajo Gaming. James has been widely recognized as the industry’s ‘best of the best’ for his exceptional strategic and positive impact. He will stimulate continued growth and success for Navajo Gaming as we remain focused on job creation and enhancing the Navajo economy,” Quincy Natay, Chairman of the Navajo Gaming Board of Directors, said.

“I am honored to serve Navajo Gaming’s team and guests under the stewardship of the board and alongside such a strong management team. Our industry is transforming rapidly and there is tremendous opportunity for Navajo Gaming to capitalize on opportunities, elevate guest experiences and solidify our reputation as exceptional destinations where memories are made,” John James said.

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