Industry News
Maximizing ROI in iGaming: A Deep Dive into Non-Standard Geo-Targeting Through Influencer Marketing (Part 1/2)
Here’s a quick take on influencer marketing in iGaming: it’s all about making waves in the digital world. Popular social media stars teaming up with iGaming brands make them not only well-known, but also more trustworthy. Influencers have got the followers, the trust, and the know-how to get people excited about gambling and betting online. In this article, Anna Zhukova, Team Lead of iGaming vertical at Famesters will delve deeply into smart influencer marketing strategies for this business vertical.
Here are some of the key components of influencer marketing for iGaming brands:
- Engaging the Crowd: Influencers are superstars at grabbing the attention of different players – from those who play just for fun to the serious high rollers.
- Building Trust: When an influencer gives a thumbs-up to a game or a particular online casino, their followers listen. It’s like having a friend recommend your favorite new game.
- Finding the Right Fit: Picking the perfect influencer is key. They need to align with what the iGaming brand is all about.
- Staying in the Lines: iGaming has got rules. Influencers need to play by them to keep things cool and compliant.
- Performance Metrics and ROI: Tracking the success of influencer campaigns through metrics like reach, engagement, and conversions is crucial. This data helps in refining strategies and ensuring a high return on investment.
In short, influencer marketing in the iGaming industry is a trust-building powerhouse: it is a nuanced and effective approach, leveraging the power of influential personalities to build brand trust, engage diverse audiences, and drive business success within a regulated framework.
And here’s another great power that influences the final results of an influencer marketing campaign: geo-targeting. It’s about hitting the right audience, in the right place, at the right time. Here’s why you can’t do iGaming marketing without geo-targeting:
- Audience Segmentation: It’s all about hitting the sweet spot with each region’s unique gaming tastes and cultural vibes. Tailoring content to specific areas means more impact and appeal.
- Regulatory Compliance: Different areas, different rules. Geo-targeting keeps campaigns on the right side of the law, dodging legal headaches.
- Localized Content: This is where you speak their language, literally. You have to adapt to local dialects, cultural hooks, and region-favorite games to ramp up engagement and conversions.
- Cost Efficiency: It’s about smart spending. Better focus your efforts where they count, avoid wasting resources, and watch your marketing budget deliver more.
- Data-Driven Decisions: You can use geo-targeting data to get the lowdown on what works where. This insight sharpens resource allocation, boosting your ROI.
Understanding the iGaming Industry
The iGaming industry, encompassing online gaming and betting platforms, has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. A surge in digital technology adoption and the rise of mobile gaming have been pivotal. The industry’s growth trajectory is marked by technological advancements, expanding into new markets, and an increasing acceptance of online gaming as a mainstream entertainment option. This evolution has opened doors to vast opportunities but also posed unique challenges.
According to Statista, the global iGaming market is expected to reach a revenue of more than $107 billion in 2024.
Traditional marketing methods in iGaming face several hurdles. The biggest is the evolving regulatory landscape, with different countries imposing varied restrictions on gaming advertising. Additionally, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach struggles in a market where gamers’ preferences are as diverse as their geographical locations. There’s also the challenge of ad fatigue, where conventional advertising methods no longer capture the audience’s attention as effectively.
To navigate these challenges, the iGaming industry is turning towards more innovative, targeted, and engaging marketing strategies. Personalization and use of data analytics are becoming increasingly important. Brands are now focusing on creating more immersive and interactive marketing experiences that resonate with their audience on a deeper level.
Influencer marketing is now one of the most powerful tools in the iGaming industry. It leverages social media influencers’ reach and credibility to promote betting and gambling platforms and products. This approach taps into the influencers’ engaged audiences, offering a more authentic and trustworthy promotion method than traditional advertising. Influencers can create content that resonates with their followers, whether it’s through live-streaming games, tutorials, or reviews, thus providing a more organic and engaging way to introduce products to potential customers.
Statistics underscore the impact of influencer marketing. For instance, 66% of marketers using it say that influencer-generated content performs equally or better than branded content. Also, on average, brands earn $5.78 for every dollar spent on influencer marketing.
Understanding the iGaming industry today means recognizing the shift towards more innovative, personalized, and influencer-driven marketing strategies. The industry’s growth is paralleled by the evolution of marketing techniques, with influencer marketing standing out as a key player in engaging and expanding the iGaming audience.
Non-Standard Geo-Targeting
First, you need to understand the tiers in global market segmentation. There are three of them. Understanding the economic and audience characteristics of different tiers is crucial for effective global marketing. Each tier offers unique opportunities and challenges, and selecting the right one depends on a company’s budget, target audience, and industry regulations.
Tier-1 Countries: The Premium Market
- Characteristics: These are the most developed countries with strong economies and a wealthy audience.
- Why They’re Attractive: Businesses target these regions due to the high purchasing power of the audience. This means greater potential for sales and revenue.
- Consideration: Advertising in these countries can be quite expensive. Brands should be prepared for higher marketing costs.
Tier-2 Countries: The Balanced Choice
- Characteristics: These are developing countries. Their economies are well-developed, but the audience’s purchasing power isn’t as high as in Tier-1 countries.
- Why They’re Attractive: They’re a strategic choice for businesses seeking a solvent audience without the high costs associated with Tier-1 markets.
- Ideal for Certain Industries: Tier-2 countries are particularly suitable for advertising sectors like betting, forex, and binaries, which might be restricted in Tier-1 countries.
Tier-3 Countries: High Reach, Low Cost
- Characteristics: Often referred to as ‘third world countries,’ these nations have weaker economies and lower-income populations.
- Advantages: Advertising costs are low, allowing for broad coverage even with smaller budgets.
- Target Audience: These regions are often targeted by industries like gambling, forex, and betting. These sectors appeal to audiences seeking opportunities for ‘easy’ income.
Now let’s take a closer look at the peculiarities of each tier and the countries in it.
High Costs in Tier-1 Markets: A Matter of Solvency
- User Solvency and Payback: In Tier-1 markets, users generally have higher purchasing power, which can lead to better payback for businesses. However, this comes with its own set of challenges.
- Regulatory Hurdles: A significant issue in these markets is the stringent regulation around gambling products. While launching campaigns on platforms like Facebook may not require a license, working with influencers often does.
- Licensing Complexities: Licenses such as MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) or Curacao are necessary for simply working in European countries. However, they don’t authorize advertising in these geographies and targeting users in them. Plus, obtaining advertising permissions is a very complex process.
- Influencer Marketing Challenges: Tier-1 influencers, earning well from less risky advertising options, often steer clear of gambling promotions. Finding one willing to collaborate without a license is rare.
Businesses eyeing Tier-1 markets need to be prepared for higher costs and stringent regulations, especially when incorporating influencer marketing into their strategies. While the financial returns can be significant due to the high solvency of users, navigating the regulatory and licensing requirements adds complexity.
In contrast, Tier-2 markets offer a more accessible and flexible environment for certain types of promotions, including those in the gambling sector. Transitioning from the complex landscape of Tier-1 markets, Tier-2 geographies present a different potential. The regulatory environment is typically less stringent, and the cost of marketing is more manageable compared to Tier-1.
In the next article, we will make it clearer how the countries from different tiers can be connected, what role influencers play in this, and most importantly – how exactly non-standard geo-targeting can be used to reach more solvent audiences with cost-effective strategies. Stay tuned!
Author: Anna Zhukova, Team Lead (iGaming) at Famesters
Industry News
NCPG Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Results and Board Leadership

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has announced the newly elected members of its Board of Directors, as well as the slate of officers who will lead the organization for the upcoming year.
Following the annual election in June, NCPG members voted to elect the following individuals to serve on the Board of Directors from 2025 to 2028:
• Diana Goode – Affiliates Seat
• Wiley Harwell – Affiliates Seat
• Lori Manson – Affiliates Seat
• Glenn Yamagata – Affiliates Seat
• Jamie McKelvey – Organizations Seat
• Amanda Quintana – Organizations Seat
• Brian Ward – Individuals Seat
Glenn Yamagata and Jamie McKelvey will serve a two-year term from 2025 to 2027.
In addition, the Board has elected the following officers to lead NCPG for the 2025–26 term:
• President: Derek Longmeier, Executive Director, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
• Vice President: Christina Gray, Executive Director, Indiana Council on Problem Gambling
• Secretary: Wiley Harwell, Executive Director, Oklahoma Council on Problem Gambling and Gaming
• Treasurer: Amanda Quintana, Player Health Manager, Colorado Lottery
The Board’s esteemed leadership and expertise are instrumental in fostering NCPG membership, shaping policies, implementing strategies, and attaining organizational objectives. By leveraging their subject matter knowledge, skills, and experience, Board members are dedicated to serving all NCPG stakeholders through the development of comprehensive policies and programs for all those affected by problem gambling.
The post NCPG Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Results and Board Leadership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Industry News
How European Tax Changes Are Reshaping iGaming Media Budgets in 2025

Throughout 2025, European iGaming markets have faced a new layer of complexity: shifting tax and licensing rules that directly impact marketing costs. Governments continue to increase gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax rates and impose stricter reporting standards.
As of July 2025, these changes have become a critical factor in how operators and agencies plan, distribute, and optimize user acquisition budgets. RockApp analysis indicates that tax policy is fundamentally reshaping the planning process for performance marketing across Europe.
European Tax Environment in 2025
Several major European markets have introduced or expanded gambling tax rules over the last 18 months:
- Germany: GGR tax increased from 5.3% to 7% in mid-2024. By Q2 2025, operators are recalibrating CPA targets and revising bonus strategies to preserve margin.
- Netherlands: New compliance requirements implemented in January 2025 include enhanced KYC/AML reporting, adding operational costs and slowing onboarding funnels.
- Eastern Europe: Romania and Poland are reviewing GGR tax bands, with planned 1–2% increases included in government budgets for H2 2025.
These changes raise per-user acquisition costs and reduce flexibility on pricing incentives. Media buyers now need to plan budgets and creative strategy with greater precision to maintain efficiency.
RockApp data, drawn from over 120 active campaigns in 2025, demonstrates how these pressures translate into real shifts in buying behavior and budget allocation.
Budget Impact on Media Buying Strategies
Analysis of campaign performance in 2025 reveals several clear trends:
- Shift to Tier-2 GEOs: Markets with lower tax pressure (such as CIS, Balkans, and LATAM) are seeing 30-40% more acquisition budget allocation compared to 2023.
- CPA Adjustments: Average first-time-depositor CPA in regulated Western European markets has risen from ~€120 in 2023 to €145–160 in 2025, driven by increased taxation and competitive auction dynamics.
- Creative Cost Pressures: Bonus-focused creatives now demand tighter payout modeling to balance user appeal with higher GGR liabilities.
As a result, buying strategies have moved away from broad, high-volume campaigns toward segmented, CPA-focused plans with more granular GEO targeting.
Budget Impact on Media Buying Strategies
Tax policy changes don’t just influence operator balance sheets. They force a recalibration of the entire media buying strategy.
RockApp data from over 120 active campaigns in 2025 shows clear budget trends:
- Shift to Tier-2 GEOs: Markets with lower tax pressure (e.g., CIS, Balkans, LATAM) now see 30-40% more acquisition budget allocation compared to 2023.
- CPA Adjustment: Average first-time-depositor CPA in regulated Western Europe has climbed from €120 in 2023 to €145-160 in 2025, driven by both taxation and competitive auction prices.
- Creative Cost Pressure: Bonus-focused creatives need tighter payout modelling, balancing marketing appeal with GGR realities.
For media teams, the result is a move away from broad, high-volume campaigns toward precisely segmented, CPA-optimized buying with robust GEO-targeting logic.
GEO Diversification as Strategic Response
For many brands, geo diversification has become the simplest and most effective hedge against rising tax costs.
According to Appsflyer’s mid-2025 install cost benchmarks, CPIs in markets such as Brazil, India, and select African countries remain stable or are falling – averaging $0.60–$1.20 per pre-install, compared to $3+ in Western Europe.
RockApp’s planning data shows clear reallocation trends:
- LATAM budgets up ~35% year over year.
- Eastern Europe spending stable, with modest CPA increases.
- Western Europe budgets flattening or declining, with more investment going toward targeted retargeting and high-value lookalike segments.
Diversifying GEO strategy is emerging as a necessary planning approach to balance premium Tier-1 acquisition costs with Tier-2 scale opportunities.
Tactical Media Buying Adjustments in 2025
In response to new taxation and compliance demands, advertisers are refining their acquisition tactics. Effective strategies seen across European campaigns this year include:
- Hyper-segmentation: Adapting CPA targets at the micro-GEO, channel, and audience level.
- Creative Flexibility: Developing multiple bonus tiers and transparent CTAs designed for localized regulations.
- Source Tiering: Prioritizing verified, high-retention traffic sources over pure volume channels.
- Automated Bidding Rules: Aligning bid pacing and budget allocation with region-specific margin goals and user lifetime value curves.
RockApp analysis suggests that these shifts are helping operators maintain acquisition efficiency in the face of rising costs and regulatory complexity.
Advice for Q3 and Q4 Planning
With peak acquisition season approaching, several planning considerations stand out:
- Leverage Q3’s traditionally lower competition to test new channels and creative variations cost-effectively.
- Prepare Q4 budgets for elevated CPA levels, using segmented bidding strategies and clear ROI targets.
- Integrate compliance checks and fraud-control measures early in creative production to avoid approval delays and wasted spend.
RockApp data indicates that campaigns investing in upfront planning and testing see more stable CPA performance even in high-demand periods.
Conclusion
European tax changes have become a defining variable in iGaming growth strategy. These aren’t simply operational details – they now shape how marketing teams approach channel selection, creative design, and budget allocation at the most fundamental level.
RockApp continues to monitor these shifts across campaigns and regions, helping operators and agencies adapt media buying systems to maintain acquisition efficiency in a more complex regulatory environment.
The post How European Tax Changes Are Reshaping iGaming Media Budgets in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
IGT Celebrates Milestone Achievement

IGT has hosted a special customer event to celebrate a 2500-plus unit installment milestone in Spain’s Amusement with Prize (AWP) salones sector.
Presented in partnership with gaming distributor Orenes Grupo, the event was held at the historic Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel in Valladolid, Spain. IGT representatives were onsite to demonstrate the Company’s Salones Espana multi-level progressive (MLP) portfolio featuring the high-performing Diamond Mania and Treasure Box Link games on the BINTIA 27 cabinet.
“IGT was thrilled to bring our customers together in a world-class venue to demonstrate our top-performing MLP innovations and celebrate our growth in Spain’s Salones Sector. As reflected by our 2500-plus unit installment milestone, IGT is committed to building a successful roadmap in Spain by delivering market-attuned MLP experiences that align with localized player preferences,” said Marilu Aldana, IGT Director of Sales, Western Europe and Africa.
The post IGT Celebrates Milestone Achievement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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