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Sam Sadi predicts Fanatics success at Xtremepush iGaming event

Published

2 years ago

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Fanatics has the tools to come out on top in the race between the two major newcomers in the US sports betting market, according to LiveScore Group CEO Sam Sadi.

Speaking at iGaming 2024: The Future of iGaming, an event hosted by Xtremepush, the leading omnichannel customer engagement platform powered by a real-time customer data platform (CDP), Sadi outlined his belief that the superior knowledge and experience of the Fanatics team presents them with a significant competitive advantage over rivals ESPN Bet.

Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel, has estimated that the overall regulated sports betting market in the US will be worth more than $40 billion by 2030.[MC1]

“Fanatics has the better chance of winning,” said Sadi, in a fireside chat with Xtremepush CEO Tommy Kearns at London’s Southbank Centre. “ESPN Bet probably won’t, unless they realise the full difficulties they face with Barstool, they understand what’s missing, they’re patient and they invest a lot in technology.

“Why should Fanatics win? Because they already understand it. A lot of their executives, management and engineering team come from Sky Bet. They know what it takes to build a world-class sportsbook and they know that convergence is difficult. They’re willing to be patient and construct an entire ecosystem piece by piece, with every component being best-in-class.”

 

Coveting convergence

Sadi also touched on the hot topic of convergence in sports betting, such a big area for his company LiveScore and LiveScore Bet, outlining the area in which he sees scope for innovation.

“A lot of technology resources today are spent on remaining compliant,” he said. “We are in an over-regulated industry where margins have been eroded, meaning companies can’t invest as much in innovation.

“Just as we have done, you are looking for alternative strategies and inefficiencies in the ecosystem of sports content and media. If you include this in a fully owned ecosystem, there is margin for improvement. This is the part of the experience where you can start innovating and investing, as opposed to within a sportsbook where you can’t make as much of a difference.”

 

Player Engagement 2.0 – Turning Visitors into Loyal Players

Other external speakers at the well-attended event, which hosted operators, suppliers and media from the iGaming industry, included Joanna Beaton, Head of CRM at Kwiff, Adrian Căpriţă, CRM and VIP Director at Superbet, and Tom Dyson, Head of Gaming Managed Services at EveryMatrix, who discussed the future of player engagement, retention and loyalty.

Beaton also expanded on the theme of regulation and the consequent need to retain players, with personalised experiences acting as a powerful engagement tool.

“A lot of the attention has been on acquisition, but as the market becomes more saturated, regulation becomes stricter and deposit limits are there to deal with, so retention has to become central. How do you stand out if you can’t bonus your player who is playing with three or four more other bookies through your product?

“It’s really important to know your player profiles and half the job is understanding data. If not, you’re basically throwing money into the wind and hoping for the best. We’ve worked with Xtremepush over the last year and have hundreds of attributes now in terms of player profiles, which have enabled some beautiful onboarding journeys. Because of the level of data that we have access to, we’ve seen tremendous uplift.”

Dyson’s view, meanwhile, was that there are limits to the extent to which brand marketing is effective in the battle for player retention.

“Brand recognition is the only area where I can see marketing being responsible for retention,” he said. “How often can I get my brand in front of someone I’ve had a contact point with? Thereafter, the responsibility is with the product. You have to get players in the door and engage them with an experience that might be different, but which needs to match up with what you promised. That needs to happen in real-time, because tomorrow they might have already been sent to other operators.”

 

Pushing the positives

For Beaton, the fundamental key to unlocking player loyalty is the provision of a positive initial experience.

“Even though we have a sizable brand, we are in a congested market and looking after players should be a priority,” she added. “When players come through the door, creating memorable positive experiences is what builds the foundation of loyalty. This is especially the case when regulation is getting tighter and bonusing is becoming harder. While acquisition is important, retention and creating that first positive experience is vital.”

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South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

Published

15 hours ago

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May 12, 2025

By

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South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.

Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.

As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.

Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

  • Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
  • Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
  • Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
  • Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
  • Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
  • Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
  • Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

  • Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
  • Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
  • Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
  • Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos  and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.

We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.

South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.

The post South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Latest News

South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.

Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.

As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.

Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

  • Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
  • Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
  • Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
  • Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
  • Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
  • Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
  • Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

  • Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
  • Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
  • Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
  • Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos  and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.

We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.

South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.

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HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

Published

16 hours ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.

This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.

Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet

The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.

Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony

On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.

Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party

The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.

Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery

In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:

Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.

TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.

Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more –  while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.

Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops

Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:

  • RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
  • Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
  • Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
  • Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.

HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”

The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.

For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
👉 hipther.com/events/vilnius

The post HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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