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NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands
By: Evgeniy Babitsyn, Chief Marketing Officer, Bets.io
The sport industry finds itself amidst its own digital transformation journey with the introduction of new technologies, and at the forefront of this digital shift are NFTs – otherwise known as Non-Fungible Tokens.
NFTs can represent any kind of digital item, and in recent years have commonly been used for quirky collectibles and art work – but they now enter the sports arena in a unique way. The beauty of NFTs is the unique metadata and ownership information which is tracked via blockchain, making them a one-of-a-kind digital collectible that cannot be duplicated. As a result of their collectible nature, it’s only natural that NFTs caught the eyes of eager sports enthusiasts and die-hard fans.
In fact, according to Deloitte research, around 40% of Gen Z and millennial sports fans are at least somewhat familiar with the use of NFTs and fan tokens in sports.
But why is that? And how can they boost engagement?
NFTs are rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for sports brands in driving deeper fan engagement and unlocking new revenue streams. This is because sports fans are, by nature, competitive and eager to own exclusive content from their much loved players, teams and brands. They want to be part of the action.
By playing on this feeling, and reinforcing loyalty among fans in this way, sports brands have a huge opportunity to take their revenue streams to new heights and gain a competitive advantage over other brands.
Imagine an athlete releases a limited-edition NFT that represents the most iconic moment in their career, such as the winning shot or a record breaking performance. Fans who own that NFT can then access exclusive content related to that moment including behind-the-scenes footage or interviews.
There really is no limit to these tokens, and depending on the asset, they can be much sought after. As more and more sports fans embrace the digital tokens, sports brands are quickly learning that there is huge potential for fan engagement, if they continue to innovate with this technology.
Taking collectibles to the 21st Century
Sports memorabilia and collectibles have for centuries been a way for fans to feel more connected to their favourite teams and athletes. And now thanks to the advances of technology – more specifically, blockchain technology – fans can collect within the digital realm, gaining access to truly “own” unique digital items and experiences.
Beyond just digital art or collectibles, NFTs can also integrate the idea of gamification, exclusive content and experiences into their NFTs – allowing fans to engage more actively while unlocking new revenue opportunities.
The possibilities are endless, extending far beyond just digital collectibles. They can provide fans with access to exclusive digital or in-person experiences, events and merch as well. Think front row seats or the chance for a meet and greet post-game.
With this, NFTs provide an excellent way for brands to diversify their revenue streams by monetising their content and intellectual property strategically.
It really is win-win, fans can own a piece of their favourite team’s history while supporting their team financially. And sports brands can benefit from more loyal fans.
Transforming the fan experience
Engagement is everything to sports brands. After all, the fans are really the most important stakeholders in the end. And offering NFTs can be a powerful tool in fostering deeper engagement within fan communities. NFTs provide more innovative ways for fans to connect, prove their loyalty and gain recognition for their allegiance.
Let’s look at NBA Top Shot. NBA Top Shot is the perfect example of a blockchain-based platform that allows fans to own and collect officially licensed NBA collectibles digitally. The platform offers exclusive collectibles including videos of the biggest NBA moments and highlights.
And football teams are also following suit. Manchester City, PSG, FC Barcelona have all joined in on the NFT hype – offering their own NFT collections for keen supporters such as worn jerseys, trophies and more.
Sports Betting and NFTs
And when it comes to sports betting, NFTs take the iGaming experience to the next level. Fans can purchase NFTs that represent specific bets, such as the winner of a particular game or the performance of a specific player. These NFTs can then be traded or sold, just like other NFTs, providing a new level of flexibility and excitement for betting.
The use of NFTs in the sports industry is still in its early stages, but has already shown great potential. We can expect more applications to come in the world of sports – including at Bets.io. Watch this space.
Looking ahead, the future is incredibly promising for sports brands who leverage NFTs within their business operations. Those who embrace these new powerful ways to inspire fans and forge deeper relationships with their communities, will see their efforts translate into business value.
The post NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brian Goodman CEO of Golden Matrix
Golden Matrix Group Inc. Reports Strong Q3 2024 Earnings and Continued Operational Growth
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Revenue Growth: Q3 2024 consolidated revenue increased by 85% to $41 million, with year-to-date revenue up 55% to $105.3 million, driven by consistent performance across key markets.
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Gross Profit Increase: Gross profit grew 39% in Q3 to $22.4 million, with year-to-date gross profit rising 24% to $61.8 million, reflecting improvements in operational efficiency and product margins.
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AEBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 reached $4.3 million, reflecting resilient performance across multiple revenue channels with marginal impacts from currency fluctuations across subsidiaries.
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Balance Sheet Strength: As of September 30, 2024, Golden Matrix maintained a robust financial position with over $38.4 million in cash and equivalents and short-term debt of $17.5 million. Shareholder equity also grew 60% to $94 million, reinforcing the Company’s ability to pursue strategic growth initiatives.
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Meridianbet Strong Growth Continues: Meridianbet’s Q3 revenue grew 16% YoY, led by a 19% online increase and 6% in retail. Deposits rose to $61.9M (+13% QoQ), with new registrations up 23% to 125K. Online casino GGR margin hit 3.37% (+21% turnover), sports betting rose 7.4% YoY with GGR at 9.5%, retail sports GGR at 10.3% (record 14.1% in August), and retail slots up 17.5% YoY.
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Expansion of GMAG Platform: The GMAG B2B aggregator platform saw substantial growth, with wagering volume increasing 84% to $1.4 billion. Enhanced customer retention tools and the addition of high-margin games have driven engagement and profitability.
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Classics for a Cause Acquisition: This newly acquired Australian business added $2.1 million in revenue and $503,000 in EBITDA within two months, expanding Golden Matrix’s market reach and contributing to overall profitability.
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Mexplay Growth: Mexplay, the Company’s online casino in Mexico, reported a 56% increase in active players and a rise in gross gaming revenue to $15 million, underscoring growth potential in Latin America.
As esports and digital entertainment surge forward, driven by tech innovations, global reach, and shifting user preferences, we’re seeing a redefined gaming landscape with unprecedented growth opportunities. Although recent regulatory shifts and the impact on live events have temporarily slowed growth, the future of esports remains incredibly promising. Key revenue drivers, including sponsorships, advertising, merchandise, ticket sales, and streaming, are expected to continue propelling the industry forward.
Betting options have also transformed, expanding well beyond traditional sports to embrace esports. This new category, focused on top video games, is drawing in players eager for engaging betting experiences on local sportsbooks that cater to their interests with a diverse array of games, leagues, and tournaments. Atlaslive iGaming Platform and Sportsbook rise to this challenge, offering a rich catalog of esports betting options. Within the “Sports” section, fans can back their favorite teams across leading games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty.
With a seamless registration and verification process, Atlaslive brings fans closer to the action. The platform provides a vast array of betting options across multiple games, with fan favorites like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) attracting enthusiastic participation. The live betting section is crafted for maximum engagement, allowing fans to place wagers tailored to each game’s unique competitive elements.
Backed by comprehensive market research, Atlaslive identifies emerging trends in gaming and esports revenue, particularly across the top six revenue-generating regions. With a commitment to innovation, Atlaslive continues to enhance its iGaming platform, blending high-quality gaming content with adaptable, real-time technology to offer an unparalleled experience for players worldwide.
Esports Market in Focus: Global Statistics and Emerging Trends
Competitive gaming, or esports, has skyrocketed into a global phenomenon, where pro players and teams battle it out in popular multiplayer games through structured leagues, tournaments, and major events. With devoted fans, substantial sponsorships, and an enthusiastic community, esports is more profitable and visible than ever. But what factors are powering this explosive growth, and what lies ahead?
One major accelerator is the worldwide accessibility of high-speed internet and mobile technology. With mobile devices now in nearly every pocket, esports can reach a truly global audience. Atlaslive’s analytics reveal that over 90% of players prefer mobile gaming, a trend that highlights the ease of access for fans to engage with esports anytime, anywhere. This mobile-friendly environment also makes it seamless for fans to place bets on the go, keeping engagement high.
Another driving force is the impact of streaming services like Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, which collectively attract millions of viewers every month. Twitch alone garners over 240 million unique visitors monthly, demonstrating how integral streaming is to the esports community. These platforms not only allow fans to watch games live but also encourage connections between streamers and viewers, creating an interactive and immersive experience that brings fans closer to their favorite players and teams. The professionalization of esports, with structured leagues, big sponsorships, and marquee events, has cemented its place as a mainstream entertainment option.
As the industry’s momentum builds, Atlaslive is positioned to elevate the esports betting experience, enhancing accessibility and engagement in this fast-evolving digital arena. With such strong community support and technological innovation, esports is set to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Source: Statista 2024
The global esports market has evolved remarkably, expanding from $1.2 billion in 2017 to an anticipated $6.1 billion by 2029, boasting a strong CAGR of 14.5%. This impressive rise reflects esports’ journey from a specialized interest to a mainstream entertainment force, fueled by increasing investments and a widening international audience.
Esports revenue is driven by six primary streams:
- Sponsorship and Advertising: Brand deals and advertisements associated with tournaments and events.
- Merchandise and Ticket Sales: Earnings from event tickets and esports-themed merchandise.
- Streaming, Media Rights, and Publisher Fees: Revenue from broadcasting on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
- Esports Betting: Wagers placed on esports outcomes, adding a dynamic element of fan engagement.
Together, these streams create a substantial revenue foundation, underscoring the industry’s growth potential.
Average revenue per user (ARPU) in esports is on a steady incline. Currently, esports betting ARPU sits at around $33 for 2024, contributing to broader sports betting ARPU exceeding $300. Although modest, the esports ARPU indicates a growing appeal among new audiences, with demand surging for platforms that offer a wide range of games tailored to market needs.
Both merchandise and ticket sales are experiencing steady increases, highlighting fans’ enthusiasm for esports, both in live and virtual formats. While streaming revenue remains a smaller segment, it is on a gradual rise, signaling that esports content monetization is expanding, though at a gentler pace compared to other revenue channels.
This upward trajectory underscores esports as a thriving market, with continuous growth opportunities across diverse revenue streams.
Source: Statista 2024
The global reach of esports has skyrocketed, growing from 386 million users in 2017 to a projected 896.1 million by 2029, marking its shift from niche to mainstream. By 2025, esports is set to reach 772 million users, almost quadruple iGaming’s 211 million, with the market penetration of 12.6% compared to iGaming’s 2.7%. This growth reflects rising engagement among players and bettors, drawn by the excitement of competition and easy online access. For brands, this young, tech-savvy audience offers a prime opportunity to connect in a rapidly expanding market.
Source: Statista 2024
The esports market could reach a remarkable $8.3 billion by 2029 in a best-case scenario, fueled by expanding internet access, community support, and advancing technology. Moderate forecasts, however, suggest potential market sizes of $4.7 billion or $6.4 billion, depending on these influences.
These projections illustrate the range of possibilities for esports growth. While the optimistic scenario forecasts rapid expansion, even conservative estimates indicate steady progress, underscoring the market’s resilience and potential.
Global Leaders in the Esports Landscape
As one quote goes, “The aim is to convert data into information, and information into great thoughts.” This approach is crucial for success in esports, as data reveals how various regions drive the global rise of esports. Established markets continue expanding while emerging regions promise future growth, showing where engagement is strongest today and where the next opportunities may emerge.
Source: Statista 2024
Europe, North America, and Asia lead the esports market, generating the majority of industry revenue, thanks to strong infrastructure and significant investments in key hubs like the U.S., South Korea, and Germany. Asia, with gaming-driven cultures and government backing in countries like China and South Korea, sees robust growth. Meanwhile, South America faces economic and infrastructure challenges, slowing its progress, though interest in esports is on the rise. Australia also holds a modest share, reflecting a smaller population but a dedicated esports community.
Source: Statista 2024
Europe currently leads the esports market and is set for steady growth, though North America’s strong 10% growth rate could close the gap with strategic investments and expansion. Asia, with a 6.9% growth rate, remains a key region due to its large audience and gaming culture, yet North America’s rapid growth could soon push it ahead in revenue.
Regions like South America, Africa, and Australia & Oceania, though smaller, show strong potential. South America, growing at 8.1% annually, stands out for investment opportunities, while Africa and Australia & Oceania hint at future development possibilities.
Unlock New Betting Possibilities in Esports with Atlaslive
The growth of esports has driven betting operators to expand beyond traditional pre-match bets. With Atlaslive, users experience the excitement of live betting as events unfold, enjoying competitive odds and dynamic options for in-play predictions. From pre-tournament wagers to real-time betting, Atlaslive provides a seamless and engaging betting journey.
Recognizing the importance of mobile accessibility, Atlaslive Platform offers optimized mobile solutions, allowing players to bet on their favorite esports events anytime, anywhere. The platform also delivers comprehensive stats, featuring both real-time and historical data, empowering users with valuable insights into team performance and past results for smarter betting choices.
Backed by advanced technology, Atlaslive offers esports fans an immersive live betting experience while partners benefit from increased engagement, access to vibrant player communities, and enriched iGaming options.
Lead the game with Atlaslive.
The post Esports Market Growth and the Atlaslive Advantage in Betting Innovation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
MGM National Harbor is kicking off November with a big jackpot. A lucky guest was playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em on November 3 when he was dealt a Royal Flush of diamonds, winning $961,428.50.
“What an incredible way to kick off the holidays,” said Alex Alvarado, MGM National Harbor’s Vice President of Casino Operations. “We take great pride in offering the premier selection of table games in an industry where anything is possible. Today, that possibility became a reality with a life-changing win for our guest.”
Golden Matrix Group Inc. Reports Strong Q3 2024 Earnings and Continued Operational Growth
Esports Market Growth and the Atlaslive Advantage in Betting Innovation
Guest Wins Nearly a Million Dollars on Royal Flush Jackpot at MGM National Harbor
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GAN Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
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Spinomenal celebrates Halloween with Book of the Cursed release
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