

Latest News
How Horse Race Betting Has Galloped Into The Online Era
With the popularity of horse race betting steadily on the rise as the sport spreads to new markets and platforms, we sat down with BETBAZAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Max Sevostianov, to discuss everything sportsbook operators should know before they attempt to tap into this emerging online trend.
Despite horse racing being one of the world’s oldest and most historied forms of betting, wagering on the sport is virtually unrecognisable today even when compared to just a few decades ago.
Rapid advances in betting technology and data analytics, increased internet and smartphone penetration and a wider availability of horse racing events all over the globe have all undoubtedly changed the face of the sport – and this has in turn dramatically altered the ways in which online betting operators have had to market their horse racing product to attract and retain customers.
Indeed, you don’t have to cast your mind back all that far to recall a time when horse racing meets were largely confined to the U.K., Ireland and a handful of marquee events in the U.S.A. These days, however, the sport has become an essential part of the betting landscape in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Japan, presenting new challenges and opportunities for operators.
The impact of horse racing’s growing popularity in the U.A.E. and east Asia is two-fold – not only has greater event choice and frequency reduced betting downtime for customers all over the world and created a more consistent revenue stream for operators, but it has also significantly diversified the audience they target and changed how they communicate from market-to-market.
Having these new countries in the horse racing picture means that a blanket way of promoting the sport is no longer a viable option. Instead, operators should be monitoring the customer data they have in each market very closely to try and identify ways in which they can tailor their offering so that it caters to local tastes. This could, for example, involve creating targeted promotions that tie in with local holidays and specific regional events or partnering with race providers and other associated businesses in the market that can enhance brand awareness and bettor engagement.
Of course, the data operators have on each market should also inform whether or not horse race betting is a viable product to push in the first place. Though – as outlined previously – the popularity of the sport is increasing globally, horse race betting is still a very region-specific vertical and needs an existing audience and infrastructure that operators can target. Potential customers need at least some prior understanding of the sport and the betting product that caters for it, so successfully penetrating a market where horse racing isn’t popular is very unlikely.
The change in the number of countries that host horse racing events, however, pales in comparison to the impact technological innovation has had when it comes to betting on the sport. Again, you don’t have to think back very far to remember a time where the two main ways that customers bet on horse racing were either at the track or at their local high street bookmaker and the only data they had at their disposal was the form guides in publications like Racing Post!
These days, it’s a totally different story. Ever-increasing levels of internet penetration across the globe coupled with wider smartphone adoption has meant that customers can now access and bet on races no matter where they are in the world. While this has alleviated the need to travel to retail betting locations and driven more revenue to online wagering platforms instead, so too has it increased the importance of live streaming to a point that it’s now basically a must-have feature.
As online operators have picked up more and more of the traffic that had previously flown to retail betting locations, the onus on them to provide a similarly engaging experience has also increased. Thankfully for them, technology has now advanced to a point where they’re able to reliably stream races from virtually any track on the planet directly to computers or smartphones, with this effectively opening the door to events that bettors may otherwise never have witnessed.
Of course, one of the keys to providing this level of coverage is operators having the necessary partnerships in place with the rights holders in each market that they operate in, as not only does this provide access to all the races they want to feature, but also to the official data that comes with them. Given that we live in an information age where having access to fast and reliable data is an absolute cornerstone when it comes to making informed betting decisions, the fact that online operators can provide this in greater depth than their offline counterparts is very important.
By collating all the relevant information about how certain horses, jockeys and stables have performed on specific tracks in the past and making this available to customers in real time, operators can enhance the betting experience for both horse racing experts and newcomers to the sport alike. For precisely this reason, BETBAZAR has chosen the most accurate and advanced horse racing product for its marketplace in order to give customers access to detailed statistics from truly trustworthy providers – with this information in turn being used to power all manner of useful graphics and widgets for an even more dynamic user experience.
While these geographical and technological factors both mean that the popularity of horse race betting is likely to increase in the coming years, both will count for nought if the industry doesn’t continue to behave in a responsible and sustainable manner. Luckily, these days virtually every aspect of horse racing is totally regulated and necessary steps have been taken to improve horse welfare and other ethical concerns; all of which is vital to the long-term sustainability of the sport.
Alongside this operators must continue to promote responsible gaming practices in all markets that they service and provide further education and insight to both their clients and customers. In doing so, not only will they build trust within the horse racing community and cement the integrity of their product, but they’ll also set themselves up for more success as the sector grows.
About Betbazar
Betbazar is a B2B worldwide iGaming marketplace which has set a new sales standard, sourcing specialist iGaming products and advising on their role within existing strategies to deliver growth to our partners. The company’s ambition is building a digital iGaming marketplace that connects creators with buyers to accelerate growth powered by best-in-class products.
Website: https://betbazar.com/en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betbazar
The post How Horse Race Betting Has Galloped Into The Online Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
GR8 Tech Launches CRM Bonus Shop to Boost Player Engagement and Retention

GR8 Tech has rolled out CRM Bonus Shop—a fully integrated player-facing feature designed to drive engagement, increase retention, and optimize bonus budgets through gamified rewards.
The Bonus Shop enables operators to offer various virtual and real rewards, including free spins, free bets, gamification items, even physical items, spins in Wheel of Fortune, and more, in exchange for custom-branded artificial currency. Players earn coins through behavioral triggers like deposits or email verification, then choose their preferred rewards from a personalized shop interface.
Built directly into GR8 Tech’s CRM, the Bonus Shop offers full back-office control, real-time player wallet tracking, and complete front-end customization to match any brand’s tone, style, and language.
Key Benefits of GR8 Tech’s Bonus Shop for Operators
- Enhanced Player Choice & Satisfaction: Players select rewards they actually want, increasing perceived value and engagement compared to traditional fixed bonuses.
- Cost-Effective Bonus Management: Artificial currency provides greater value to players while reducing operator costs compared to traditional cash bonuses.
- Behavioral Motivation: Automated currency distribution encourages specific player actions, improving key performance indicators.
- Strategic Flexibility: A/B testing capabilities enable operators to compare traditional bonuses against gamified approaches and optimize strategies across different markets.
“Personalization is at its core. By tailoring offers to custom player segments, we ensure every user sees and can purchase the bonuses they truly want, boosting engagement significantly,” said Kateryna Schevchenko, CRM Product Manager at GR8 Tech. “Additionally, the platform gives operators full control over the in-game economy by allowing them to set custom ‘prices’ for products using virtual currencies. This flexibility helps optimize retention costs, manage bonus budgets effectively, and maximize ROI.”
With advanced segmentation tools and engagement elements like gamification, GR8 Tech’s CRM transforms player interactions into engaging, value-driven experiences. The company’s approach has led to impressive results, including a 25% uplift in first-time deposits, an average 80% retention rate, and 75% monthly active users interacting with gamified tools. GR8 Tech’s CRM is a strategic asset for operators aiming to deliver highly personalized and performance-oriented player journeys.
GR8 Tech. Platform for Champions
GR8 Tech is an award-winning provider, delivering high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and win in competitive markets. Key elements of GR8 Tech’s comprehensive portfolio include the Hyper Turnkey solution, ULTIM8 Sportsbook iFrame, Infinite Casino Aggregation, and Platform Acceler8 suite, featuring its proprietary affiliate management platform, Aff.Tech.
With a geo-specific approach to solutions, a focus on practical innovations, and an operator-first mindset, GR8 Tech helps its clients achieve measurable results in their target markets quickly and efficiently. Trusted by top operators worldwide, GR8 Tech has over 100 successful cases and earned multiple recognitions, including the title of the Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE by GamingTECH Awards 2025.
The post GR8 Tech Launches CRM Bonus Shop to Boost Player Engagement and Retention appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AI-driven gaming analytics
Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming and hospitality industry, today announced the addition of Chris Barranco as Director of Business Development.
Barranco brings 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving revenue, and building durable client relationships. He is adept at solution-selling methodology and full sales-cycle management, with a proven track record of mentoring top-tier account executives, delivering high-impact presentations, and retaining key accounts. Known for a tenacious approach to new-business development and customer loyalty, Barranco will focus on expanding QCI’s market footprint, strengthening the partner ecosystem, and advancing go-to-market execution across QCI’s product portfolio.
“I’m excited to join the clear market leader and work with the exceptional team at QCI,” said Chris Barranco, Director of Business Development at QCI. “QCI’s commitment to turning data into action aligns perfectly with my approach to helping customers achieve measurable revenue impact. I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional outcomes.”
“We’re delighted to welcome an industry veteran of Chris’s caliber to the QCI team,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO and Co-Founder of QCI. “His leadership, mastery of solution selling, and passion for customer success will further strengthen our ability to scale, deepen client relationships, and deliver the operational results our customers expect.”
As Director of Business Development, Barranco will lead initiatives to expand QCI’s presence across key markets, refine sales enablement programs, and collaborate with product and customer success teams to ensure a seamless path from discovery to measurable value realization.
The post Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
Be Heard Above the Noise: Booming Games’ Dorota Gruszka on Standing Out in the Crowded Slot Studio Market

With over 600 online slot studios competing for operator attention, cutting through the noise has never been harder. In this exclusive article, Booming Games’ Head of Marketing, Dorota Gruszka, shares her strategy for building a distinctive brand, forging lasting operator relationships, and creating campaigns that resonate in a crowded iGaming marketplace.
There are now more than 600 online slot studios, with each vying for operator attention and a solid position for its titles within casino lobbies. These 600+ studios are making a lot of noise, and this makes it incredibly difficult for individual studios to be heard.
But it is possible, requiring a clear strategy, creativity and consistency. Being loud is important – it’s the only way you’re going to be heard – but you also need to be relevant and authentic. And this requires a strong understanding of self.
Studios absolutely must know who they are and what they bring to the table, and ensure that these values are reflected in everything they do, from the games themselves to how they are launched and the nature of the partnerships forged with operators. It even extends to events and social media.
A sharp brand, meaningful relationships and marketing collateral that not only engages but also connects are critical to success. Of course, this is easier said than done, but when you have a strong team, defined goals and a product you believe in, it can be achieved.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges studios face when it comes to marketing their brand and games.
There are plenty of hurdles to clear
The biggest challenge is, of course, standing out in the market, but second to that is navigating the complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape. Providers need to demonstrate compliance and responsible gaming practices, which means marketing must be transparent and aligned with operator expectations.
Another challenge is building and maintaining trust. Operators demand reliable partners that deliver quality products on time while supporting them beyond the initial sale. That means marketing needs to focus on relationship building, not just quick wins.
Then there’s flexibility, which has become a major differentiator. Operators look for partners that can adapt to their needs – the more flexible and collaborative a partner can be, the more value they bring, and this is a message that needs to come across clearly in B2B marketing activity.
Take a multi-layered approach
At Booming Games, we have taken a multi-layered approach to marketing our studio and the games we produce. This includes combining creativity, strategic planning and consistency. Brand awareness isn’t gained overnight – it’s an ongoing process across all channels and touchpoints.
Tactically, we have invested in strong PR and media partnerships and maintain a presence at major industry events. We also leverage social media, posting high-quality content across various channels and digital platforms.
We always go big with our game launches and invest in creative campaigns that showcase each title and ensure it gets noticed by casino managers. This is combined with tailored client communications and eye-catching merchandise that reinforces our visual identity.
The power of LinkedIn
One of the most effective marketing channels for a slot studio is LinkedIn, and we have focused a lot of our efforts on the platform. Since joining Booming Games in 2023, we have grown our follower base from 5,000 to almost 18000.
This growth has given us a much stronger platform from which to showcase our games, share company updates and connect directly with industry professionals. This, in turn, has driven exposure, engagement and, ultimately, led to additional operator partnerships.
Thinking outside the box is also important, especially in such an overcrowded industry.
A good example of this is our Ronaldinho Mascot campaign, which was a huge hit across the expos and saw thousands of people taking and sharing photos with the mascot across various social media channels.
But just as important is to listen carefully to partners, players and the wider market to ensure your brand, values and campaigns evolve and remain relevant and interesting. It’s about creating a brand people recognise, trust and enjoy interacting with.
Brand ambassadors are an important piece of the puzzle
Increasingly, studios are turning to brand ambassadors to help them do this. But it’s important to make sure the ambassador is the right fit – it’s about more than just attaching a famous name to your brand.
At Booming Games, we know first-hand just how effective brand ambassadors can be off the back of our highly successful partnership with footballing legend, Ronaldinho.
We struck a partnership with him just as the Brazilian market was moving toward regulation, and I truly believe it has allowed us to establish a strong foundation and presence in the region.
Ronaldinho is still relevant and popular, and having him associated with Booming Games has given us exposure, recognition and trust. It has also helped us become one of the first game providers to get certified in Brazil, allowing us to leverage the first-mover advantage.
That said, not all brand ambassador deals are as successful as ours with Ronaldinho. Sometimes, they require a lot of effort, coordination and investment and the return might not justify this. That’s why it’s important to evaluate every potential partnership carefully.
Ultimately, the brand ambassador must genuinely resonate with your audience, complement your brand values and support your long-term goals. When done right, it can be a game-changer.
Driving awareness for a studio is harder than ever, but there are plenty of tactics to turn to that can deliver results while having plenty of fun in the process. Being heard is important, but you must be making the right noise in the first place.
The post Be Heard Above the Noise: Booming Games’ Dorota Gruszka on Standing Out in the Crowded Slot Studio Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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