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Sports-Betting Boost Expected With Texas, Oklahoma In SEC

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With the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners now in the Southeastern Conference, legal sports betting soon could jump by double digits in the region, says one bookmaker.
Starting this season, Texas and Oklahoma are in position to challenge for the SEC football championship — and championships across all SEC sports — in a collegiate conference loaded with rich traditions and annual national title contenders.
The Longhorns and Sooners joined the SEC in July. Both moved over from the Big 12.
This new conference (alignment) leads to better games for the book and better opportunities for the player,” Casey Lewless, manager of two Louisiana sportsbooks, told Gambling.com.
Legal sportsbooks in Louisiana are popular with bettors from neighboring Texas and nearby Oklahoma. Sports wagering is illegal in Texas and Oklahoma.
Because of this, the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, expects to see a bump of about 30% in college wagering, Lewless said. That sportsbook already was anticipating more action because of its recent expansion.
The Margaritaville sportsbook is one of two in Northwest Louisiana that Lewless manages for Penn Entertainment. The other is at the nearby Boomtown Casino Hotel.
Lewless pointed to Texas’ rivalry years ago with the Arkansas Razorbacks in the former Southwest Conference as a matchup that will stir interest now that both are in the SEC. Sports betting is legal in Arkansas.
Also, every clash between the two Texas SEC schools — the Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies — will stir emotions and boost sports betting in close-by states like Louisiana where wagering is legal, Lewless said.
Sports Betting Illegal In Half Of SEC States
The addition of Oklahoma into the SEC means six of the 12 states with schools in the conference do not have legal sports betting. Texas already had a school in the SEC — Texas A&M.
Those six SEC states make up the largest geographic region in the U.S. without legal sports betting. Combined, the six states have a population of more than 62 million, representing about 19% of the U.S. population.
Nationwide, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C.
The SEC states without legal sports betting are:
  • Texas (Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies)
  • Oklahoma (Oklahoma Sooners)
  • Missouri (Missouri Tigers)
  • Alabama (Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers)
  • Georgia (Georgia Bulldogs)
  • South Carolina (South Carolina Gamecocks)
  • The other six SEC states have either in-person or mobile sports betting — or both. Tennessee is a mobile-only state, while Mississippi has in-person sports betting at casinos but not off-site mobile wagering.
The SEC states with legal sports betting are:
  • Arkansas (Arkansas Razorbacks)
  • Louisiana (LSU Tigers)
  • Kentucky (Kentucky Wildcats)
  • Tennessee (Tennessee Volunteers, Vanderbilt Commodores)
  • Mississippi (Ole Miss Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs)
  • Florida (Florida Gators)
College Football Kicks Off In August
The overall college football schedule kicks off Aug. 24, including a matchup overseas between Florida State and Georgia Tech in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
In the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables, begin their season on Aug. 30 against Temple at OU’s Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium.
The SEC schedule gets fully underway over the Labor Day weekend, highlighted by an Aug. 31 contest between Clemson and Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
On that same day, the Steve Sarkisian-coached Texas Longhorns host Colorado State in Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
The next day’s schedule, on Sept. 1, features another SEC school, LSU, in a matchup against Southern California in the Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
SEC Divisions Abandoned
The addition of Texas and Oklahoma brings the number of teams in the SEC to 16. This season, the conference football championship will be decided between the top two teams. The 2024 SEC title game is set for Dec. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
In previous years, the conference was split into two divisions, with the East and West winners battling it out for for the SEC title.
The 2024 arrangement with no divisions is a departure in the conference structure dating back more than three decades.

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Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.

Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation

Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.

“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”

Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share

The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.

Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:

  • Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
  • Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
  • Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029

Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities

Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.

Digital Leaders:

  • Sweden: 68.3% online share
  • Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
  • Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement

Growth Markets:

  • Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
  • Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
  • France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth

Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders

The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:

For Operators:

  • Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
  • Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
  • Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration

For Technology Providers:

  • Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
  • Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
  • Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning

Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity

Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.

“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”

To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn

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After two exciting years of iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges uniting the industry in fitness, wellness, and camaraderie, HIPTHER is proud to announce the official launch of HIPTHER Movement – where Community meets endurance.

HIPTHER, leading media hub and events organiser for Gaming and Technology across Europe and beyond, has incorporated fitness and wellness networking initiatives across its events since 2023.

The “Morning Networking Run” and “Morning Yoga” sessions have been a part of their summits since 2023, with the participants warmly embracing these opportunities to nurture relationships, body, and soul, ahead of a busy conference day.

 

iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges: Community Relationships & Healthy Competition

In 2024, HIPTHER launched the iGaming and TECH Run Club on Strava, and kicked-off the iGaming & TECH Run-Offs, with the Summer and Winter editions spanning 2024 and 2025.

Many brilliant minds and athletic spirits from gaming and tech joined the Club, and spurred with this momentum of excitement, HIPTHER raised the game – offering exciting prizes at the end of each Challenge to the Top 3 runners in the Female and Male Categories, with the support of GameOn as a Sponsor.

Now, with the launch of HIPTHER Movement, this fitness-forward initiative evolves into a dynamic wellness community powered by year-round running and cycling challenges – bringing together professionals who hustle hard, on and off the road.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoy the grind, the HIPTHER Movement is your new home for HIPTHER-powered challenges hosted under the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club on Strava.

With over 100 passionate members and counting, participants can track their progress, climb the leaderboard, and revisit the results from past events. From virtual sprints to multi-week challenges of endurance, HIPTHER fuels industry momentum – one stride and one pedal stroke at a time.

Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder of HIPTHER, stated about this initiative: “The HIPTHER Movement is about more than logging miles or chasing medals. It’s about showing up for yourself, your peers, and your community. In an industry that never slows down, we believe wellness should move with us. From early morning runs to multi-week endurance challenges, we’re creating a culture where progress, connection, and resilience go hand-in-hand. GameOn has helped us take it to the next level, and we’re just getting started.

 

Summer 2025: Run-Off and Spin-Off Challenges Now Live!

The Summer Run-Off Challenge and Summer Spin-Off Challenge, proudly sponsored by GameOn, kicked off on June 9 and will run until September 7, 2025.

🏃‍♂️ The Summer Run-Off Challenge, hosted by the iGaming and TECH Run Club, invites runners to lace up and power through the summer heat for serious rewards:
Top 3 finishers will receive exclusive performance gear
Surprise gifts for the top male and female participants
4th and 5th place earn limited edition HIPTHER x GameOn merch

🚴‍♀️ The Summer Spin-Off Challenge, run via the iGaming and TECH Cycling Club, puts pedal power in the spotlight with equally exciting rewards:
Top 3 cyclists win exclusive performance gear
Special gifts for the top male and female riders
4th and 5th place receive HIPTHER x GameOn cycling kits

 

Powered by GameOn: Because Every Effort Counts

HIPTHER is proud to have GameOn as a sponsor of the HIPTHER Movement. Their support helps level up each challenge with better prizes, bigger energy, and even more motivation for the growing community.

With GameOn’s backing – and HIPTHER’s commitment to wellness and engagement – every mile, every ride, and every personal effort truly counts.

 

Join the Movement

📲 Not in the Strava clubs yet?
Join the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club today to get in on the action, track your progress, and connect with fellow professionals.

Because movement is more than motion.
It’s momentum. It’s clarity. It’s how we grow stronger – together.

Let’s move with purpose. Let’s move together!

The post HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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TSG Store hits record-high share in game bookings as the company gets closer to its long-term target

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Ten Square Games S.A. reports continued growth in the performance of its proprietary web-based platform, the TSG Store, which in May 2025 accounted for 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash – the company’s two flagship products. This result marks a major milestone in the development of the platform and brings the Group closer to its strategic target of 25% share in total bookings across the TSG portfolio.

From launch to record-high share

The TSG Store was introduced in May 2023, initially for Fishing Clash, followed by Hunting Clash in September 2023. Designed as a browser-based direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, it allows players to purchase in-game content outside of traditional app stores. Since its launch, the store has grown steadily in terms of user engagement and transaction volume, supported by ongoing feature enhancements such as dedicated currency, loyalty packs, and exclusive promotions.

In March 2025, the store reached a monthly share of 19.1% in total bookings of the TSG Group. Within that result, Fishing Clash reached 26.1% of its bookings through the TSG Store, while Hunting Clash reached 17.5%. In May 2025, 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash came through the TSG Store marking the highest levels of bookings through the store to date and bringing it closer to its ultimate goal.

Building value through player communication

The success of the TSG Store has been driven not only by technical enhancements, but also by clear and consistent communication with players about the value and benefits of using the direct-to-consumer platform. A major priority from the outset was ensuring a seamless gameplay experience. This was achieved by introducing dedicated in-game currencies for each title – Fishbucks in Fishing Clash and Deerbucks in Hunting Clash – and by designing a user interface aligned with the look and feel of the games.

The platform’s development was also guided by ongoing discussions with the most engaged user groups, particularly VIP players, who not only provided valuable feedback but also helped promote the store within their clans and player communities. This close relationship with the player base proved essential in building trust and driving store adoption.

– The success of the TSG Store reflects not only product innovation, but also our long-term approach to building a more resilient and profitable business model. What made this possible was close cross-team collaboration – from product and monetization to tech, design, analytics, and community management. Creating your own store that strengthens both the player experience and the company’s financial foundation requires more than infrastructure. It requires shared vision, strategic alignment, and deep understanding of what drives player value. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve.” – commented Grzegorz Gierczyk, Head of Game Services in Ten Square Games S.A.

A strategic tool for profitability

The TSG Store was created as a strategic tool to improve game profitability by reducing commission fees paid to third-party platforms. In the current mobile gaming environment – marked by increasing user acquisition costs and growing competition – optimizing margins has become essential. The store enables Ten Square Games to retain a larger share of player spending without altering its user acquisition strategy.

Players benefit from competitive pricing, bonus content, and additional value, while the company gains improved unit economics, more flexibility in shaping monetization strategies, and a direct relationship with its most engaged users.

Changing market dynamics support long-term growth

In a market shaped by evolving privacy regulations, platform policies, and monetization models, owning part of the payment ecosystem becomes a competitive advantage. The TSG Store is now an integral part of Ten Square Games’ long-term strategy to build a more resilient and profitable business model – one where financial performance and player experience go hand in hand. Following recent legal rulings in the United States and ongoing antitrust proceedings in other jurisdictions, the outlook for DTC platforms has significantly improved.

The post TSG Store hits record-high share in game bookings as the company gets closer to its long-term target appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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