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The untapped potential of SEO in iGaming

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With Filip Podborschi, SEO Strategist at The Unit

From our experience in SEO in igaming, there are a number of areas where we see room for improvement and common mistakes which can be rectified. Let’s take a look at these facets of SEO one by one, with our best tips for how to make sure you can maximise your search ranking and drive more volume to your website.

Keyword strategy

The first thing operators should do in this area is identify the best performing keywords that result in higher search volumes on each post. It’s pages that rank rather than websites, so you need a different search intent on each page, and that increases the list of keywords you’re ranking for.

The way to do this is by checking the search volume, and then implementing the keywords according to SEO best practices, which means having primary and secondary keywords and adjusting repetition accordingly.

The common mistake we see here is that companies don’t go into enough depth when conducting competitive analysis; especially when they’re new to the industry. Identifying what exactly your competitors are doing regarding SEO is harder than it looks, and it’s an area where marketing agencies tend to be quite lazy. They may use some tools which will show the standout competitors by algorithm, but they won’t crawl for long enough to ascertain what services they offer and provide a comparison with their client’s service. You need to find out which sites could be ranking better than you, and why.

We also see issues with the ranking of sites based on the user’s location. For example, you may have a website that ranks well in Canada, and when I as a user based in Romania search for that category, I’m not going to get the same list of results as a user who is based in Canada. The best thing to do is use a VPN to gauge how your websites are ranking and performing with your specific audience in your domestic geographical area.

SEO tags optimisation

With SEO tags, which are essentially the page title and description you see on the search engine results page, the page title has the highest ranking power. Google will first check the page title to get an idea of what the page is about and what searches it is relevant for. It will then check the H1 and the content, and it may look through the H2 as well.

A common issue here is some websites have templated SEO tags, especially for the inner pages, so it’s more of a formula within the code to generate a random structure. It is very obvious they are templated and that the operator doesn’t really care about the length.

The key thing with tags is to make sure your pages have titles that don’t exceed the ideal length. This is a big mistake if you get this wrong, and it is very important to optimise your titles. SEO tags can be optimised around keywords. Once doing so, it is very important to prioritise your main pages. If you have 10 pages as part of the main menu, then you should optimise those, before optimising the inner pages.

Identifying duplicate pages is also important, as well as making sure meta inscriptions include CTAs; those inscriptions don’t impact rankings directly, but they do impact the CTR. You have to do that without being too spammy though, so it’s advisable to avoid words like ‘sale’ or calls to “CLICK HERE NOW”.

Headings

Keywords must be implemented in headings; especially in H1s and H2s. Make sure not to overuse H2s and keep them optimised for content value.

If we structure the ranking power of the elements that are bringing results, we would optimise with the page title first, H1 second, content third and H2s fourth. It is better to have five H2s with three of them being optimised around the same search intent that is highlighted in H1, than it is to have 3/10 optimised around keywords. Too many H2s will just confuse Google about your search intent. You can have similar search intent as with H1s, and also have H3s and H4s to highlight value to the reader.

Interlinking strategy

Interlinking between pages is often missing. I’m not talking about interlinking from the main menu, as every page has the ability for you to go back, but I’m talking about interlinking within content, which Google considers to be much more important, because it cares about the relevancy. Google will consider pages with high-quality content as a higher authority page.

Our advice would be to implement anchor links on both branded and non-branded keywords. You should make sure there is an anchor link to the parent page. For example, domain.com/blog is a parent for domain.com/blog/igaming-seo.

It’s very important to have child pages linking to the parent page, passing authority to the parent page. Having that interlinked structure will pass more authority to that parent page.

To explain that in a little more detail, let’s say you have a sportsbook page with 10 more child pages that reflect a particular set of sports. Having each of those 10 pages optimised so they have some authority and linking them to the parent page would pass authority to that parent page. Parent pages usually have a keyword with higher search volume, and passing as much authority as you can to the child page is very important. Too often websites lack content on child pages.

The future of SEO and experience needed

Going forward, we see AI as one of the most significant developments in SEO. At this point, we are not able to rank user engagement in AI, and it is important to keep yourself updated with how Google is reacting to this.

Google in time may provide additional options if you want to be eligible for a particular set of results in that environment. Keep an eye on what features it will offer and the types of websites. Google may consider implementing specific types of results for betting, such as displaying odds or a comparison of odds from three or four sites at the same time.

With all these issues, it is vital to have the relevant experience on board, particularly when it comes to the skill of conducting very in-depth competitor analysis, and this is something The Unit can provide. Conducting competitor analysis is something we have done across several industries, and not just in igaming. The main strength you can have with SEO is to know your competitors inside out, and those skills can be adjusted based on your needs.

The post The untapped potential of SEO in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Accor

Accor Arrives on The Strip with Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection

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Accor, in partnership with businessman and casino owner Phil Ruffin, announced the signing of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection. The salient 2884 key property overlooks the city’s premier racing circuit and features some of the best panoramic views of Las Vegas. To be operated under a franchise agreement with Accor when it officially debuts later this year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins a global portfolio of carefully curated hotels and becomes the second Handwritten Collection address in the US, following Hotel Stratford San Francisco – Handwritten Collection last year. The signing further increases Accor’s presence in the Americas region, with more than 550 hotels open and operating, and reflects the Group’s growing presence across North America.

“The city’s tagline is ‘What happens here, only happens here’, and certainly there is no other place in the world where a collaboration of this scale and significance could come together. The union of Treasure Island and Handwritten Collection creates a one-of-a-kind guest journey, where connections are treasured, wonder is discovered, and every stay is a narrative waiting to unfold. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mr. Ruffin and confident that together we can create a bigger and bolder future for this iconic hotel now that it sits within the Handwritten Collection portfolio and part of the Accor network,” said Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor.

With more than 40 million visitors drawn to Las Vegas each year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is set to offer a truly memorable stay for those seeking genuine hospitality in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital. The franchise partnership between Accor and Treasure Island includes Handwritten Collection brand support, along with Accor’s full global array of services, including sales & marketing, distribution, and loyalty. The hotel will benefit from exposure to the ALL Accor loyalty program – one of the largest and most globally diversified loyalty databases in the world, with 100+ million members and growing.

“Treasure Island has long held a special place in the story of Las Vegas, and I am certain that Accor and Handwritten Collection will further enrich its legacy and attract new generations of guests and visitors. This next chapter brings new energy to the resort while preserving its unmistakable spirit. We are proud to align with Accor – a global leader in hospitality whose values resonate deeply with ours, and we look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership,” said Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

As the newest entrant to Handwritten Collection, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins over 25 hotels now open and more than 35 addresses in the pipeline. Standing as a beacon of individuality in the global hospitality sector, Handwritten Collection properties weave character and personality into the guest experience, making every stay unique.

At Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection, the distinct design and whimsical personality of the hotel, inspired by the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, carries through the guest experience, inviting travelers to rediscover their childhood spirit. Many of the hotel’s best-known features and perks, as conceived by Mr. Ruffin, will continue to be honored, such as free valet and self-parking.

The hotel has also recently been transformed by a multi-million-dollar refresh, blending contemporary comfort with thoughtful design elements, ensuring the energy of Las Vegas shines through in every detail. A breezy, sociable lobby overlooks a tropical pool, where intuitive self-check-in is complemented by a 24-hour guest relations team ready to offer a warm welcome. The resort features 10 diverse dining venues and eight upscale lounges and bars, including beloved options such as Phil’s Steak House, Golden Circle Sports Bar, and the popular Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que.

The luxurious Oleksandra Spa & Salon is a favorite among guests and residents, part of the resort’s tapestry of experiences filled with local flair. Lively entertainment venues, elegant wedding chapels, state-of-the-art event spaces, and 90,000 sq. ft. of casino and gaming add to the attractions, while the hotel connects to Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest mall in the city. The famed Mystère – the original Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas – performs at the Treasure Island theatre, having been honored eight times as ‘Best Production Show’ and continues to enchant audiences, underscoring the property’s connection to the city’s enduring sense of wonder.

Guestrooms and suites at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection offer breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas Strip, Sphere Las Vegas, and the stunning Spring Mountains that encircle the Nevada horizon. Signature SensaTIonalTM pillowtop beds, generous soaking bathtubs or whirlpools, marble finishes and upscale amenities ensure stays are as restorative as they are inspiring.

Aligning with Accor’s sustainability commitments, the hotel was awarded a Four Green Globes certification by the Green Building Initiative. The certification reflects meaningful improvements in energy and water efficiency, air quality and resource management – further aligning the hotel with conscientious travelers.

“We are thrilled to bring Accor to Las Vegas and to provide our ALL Accor members and guests here in the United States, as well as those visiting from around the globe, with an incredible opportunity to stay at this emblematic property – now the largest Accor hotel in the world. The addition of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is a milestone achievement, not only for our Handwritten Collection portfolio, but for Accor’s growing presence of exclusively selected properties in the U.S. market,” said Thomas Dubaere, CEO PM&E, Accor Americas.

The post Accor Arrives on The Strip with Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Industry News

Rush Street Gaming Taps Scott Lokke to Lead Rivers Casino Philadelphia

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Rush Street Gaming announced the appointment of Scott Lokke as general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

A gaming executive with more than 30 years of casino and hotel experience, Lokke joins the Philadelphia team from Cleveland, where he most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of JACK Cleveland Casino. He spent the past decade with JACK Entertainment and the 12 years prior with Caesars Entertainment.

“Having worked in Cleveland, Las Vegas and other major metropolitan areas, Scott is highly qualified to lead the Philly team. His achievements in gaming operations, combined with his hospitality expertise in restaurants and entertainment, uniquely position him to build on Rivers’ success,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.

Lokke’s career in the hospitality industry began at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Starwood Hotels directing food and beverage operations, followed by roles at Harrah’s casinos in St. Louis and Kansas City. He then advanced to vice president of hospitality enterprise shared services with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas before ultimately taking on leadership positions in Cleveland.

As a senior property leader, Lokke excels in exceptional guest service, operational leadership, community involvement and Team Member engagement.

“I’m thrilled to build on the strong foundation the team already has in place. I’m committed to leading the team in delivering exceptional experiences, results and engagement. It’s truly my honor to be part of this team,” said Lokke.

Lokke is a graduate of Park University in Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In recent years, he served on the boards of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation, the Cleveland Group Planning Commission and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

The post Rush Street Gaming Taps Scott Lokke to Lead Rivers Casino Philadelphia appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Apple iSports

Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd

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Apple iSports, a gaming, entertainment, and technology services company, announced that it has signed a Definitive Agreement with LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd (LBC or Lucky Bet), an online gaming, wagering, and payment systems company.

The proposed acquisition underscores Apple iSports’ ability to execute strategic transactions pursuant to its stated business strategy. This transaction will underpin the Company’s ambitions and excellent relationships in the gaming and entertainment communities by securing highly accretive gaming and wagering revenue streams from business-to-business (B2B) and consumers (B2C). In doing so, this will position the Company to become a highly competitive player in the U.S. online gambling services ecosystem.

Ian Parke, CEO of LBC, said: “The proposed acquisition of our company by Apple iSports validates the global opportunity we see in regulated, tech-driven gaming. By combining LBC’s platform and operational expertise with AiS’s capital markets presence and distribution network, we are primed to accelerate our expansion into new markets and scale our white label program. This partnership represents a major step forward for Lucky Bet and the broader LBC ecosystem.”

Joe Martinez, CEO and Chairman of Apple iSports, said: “The Board of Directors is excited to continue rolling out our stated objectives with our proposed acquisition of LBC. Our service offerings to B2B and B2C will now be significantly enhanced in a rapidly growing sector. Combined with our exceptional team, this transaction catapults us into the US and international gaming markets.”

Board member and director Lyndon Hsu, who is based in Singapore, said: “This defining transaction will expand our reach into gaming, wagering, and payment services markets via B2B and B2C opportunities. AiS will also be able to accelerate its stated capital raising objectives and further anticipated business acquisitions. Apple iSports remains on track to become a NASDAQ mainboard-listed company.”

The post Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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