Industry News
YouTube removes ban on gaming channels
YouTube has revoked its ban the video blogs (vlogs) of gaming channels after a month of the ban. However, there were no notification on this and no explanation as to why the channels were pulled in the first place.
The favourite channels featured thousands of hours of players filming themselves playing for cash, some in casinos or others merely playing online.
YouTube deemed that such videos violated the community guidelines, which are in-house rules that vloggers need to abide by.
Why did YouTube suspend these channels?
In early June, YouTube suspended an unknown number of gambling channels and sent an email explaining that the suspensions were due to “repeated or severe violations”.
This was the first time most of these channels had heard of any wrongdoing, and there was little chance for redress because YouTube doesn’t always reply to violation inquiries.
The email that accounts received said, in part: “YouTube doesn’t allow content that encourages or promotes violent or dangerous acts that have an inherent risk of serious physical harm or death. For example, it’s not okay to post videos showing drug abuse, underage drinking, and smoking, or bomb making.”
But the thing is, nowhere does YouTube explicitly mention gambling as prohibited content and its policy regarding gambling channels has never been elaborated upon.
Pulling revenue from earners
This isn’t the first time that YouTube has created sweeping new measures without explaining why.
In January, YouTube changed its monetisation policies, making it harder for creators to earn money via ads. Instead of all accounts offered an advertising platform, the new rules stated that vloggers needed to meet a viewer threshold to keep their ads.
Influencers weren’t happy, and the ads were reinstated after a public outcry. Now the gambling channels have been similarly reinstated.
YouTuber Brian Christopher, who owns the BrianChristopherSlots channel, has said that he is looking to leave YouTube and continue on Facebook instead. He said: “YouTube doing this stuff absolutely jeopardizes my business relationships. I’m in contact with the casinos I was supposed to visit, I’m trying to put them at ease and continue on Facebook.”
The crackdown involved accounts being completely shut down and the targeted users being banned from accessing or creating any other YouTube accounts. Some gambling-related channels have hundreds of thousands of users, and this move could have crippled them as it stops them making money. A channel’s subscriber count allows the creator to negotiate deals with gambling-related products and services.
From Russia, now with love
However, YouTube has since reinstated the channels, possibly because its ongoing debacle with Russia was finally solved thanks to an interruption by the President himself.
The Internet Video Association in Russia has been known for complaining about YouTube’s online casino adverts, which play automatically before some videos. This prompted Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to request that Google, which owns YouTube, block such advertising in the country.
However, the video streaming channel was saved by YouTube fan President Putin himself, who last week announced that the video platform would not be blacklisted.
In response to a blogger’s question about banning social networks, Putin said: “I understand your concerns and the bafflement of those people with whom you browse on the internet. We are not going to close anything,”
Last year he signed off on a law that created a blacklist of gambling operators offering services in Russia who were not based or registered there. The ruling came into effect in January this year.
In April, Russia’s Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor), at the request of the Federal Tax Service, cracked down on 250 websites for carrying illegal online casino and bookmaker advertising.
Roskomnadzor announced that it had received almost 90,000 complaints about online gambling websites in its first quarter this year, nearly a six-fold increase from 2017.
This latest YouTube ruling is really a warning that, no matter how profitable a blog, if you can’t control it you must be prepared to lose it.
Industry News
LiveScore Group Announces Internal Restructuring as Part of Sustainable Growth Strategy
LiveScore Group has announced an internal restructuring process, expected to impact more than 100 existing roles across multiple business locations, including London.
The changes are seen as a difficult yet important step for LiveScore Group, streamlining the business to create improved structures and a pathway to long-term sustainable growth. All impacted employees have been informed and are now subject to a confidential consultation process.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, said: “On behalf of all Directors of LiveScore Group, and the relevant subsidiary companies, we are saddened by the difficult decision to commence an internal restructure of the business, a process which impacts a significant number of our people.
“Whilst we celebrate our recent period of significant and exciting growth, we must now future-proof the organisation and ensure our internal structures allow us to achieve long-term and sustainable success.
“This is a hard time for all our people, as we say goodbye to colleagues who have played an important role in our journey across recent years.”
The announcement follows on from the recent news that LiveScore Malta Limited (part of LiveScore Group) is to withdraw its LiveScore Bet brand from the Netherlands following recent government tax increases in the market. The announcement includes those impacted by this. There will be no other customer impact in respect of any of the remaining LiveScore, LiveScore Bet or Virgin Bet sites globally.
Industry News
Pronet Gaming Appoints Alex Karaoulis as its New Commercial & Product Strategy Lead
Pronet Gaming, an award-winning platform provider of full turnkey solutions, announced the appointment of Alexandros Karaoulis as its new Commercial & Product Strategy Lead.
With over 14 years of experience in the iGaming industry, Karaoulis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be instrumental in driving the company’s strategic initiatives forward.
Throughout his iGaming career, Karaoulis has held various senior roles with B2B sportsbook and casino providers, as well as with B2C operators. His extensive background in marketing and sales within the iGaming sector positions him as a true industry expert, ensuring that Pronet Gaming remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
“I am thrilled to join Pronet Gaming and excited to fulfill my role in developing and executing sales strategies to drive the company’s revenue growth in key markets,” Karaoulis said.
With a track record in commercial strategies and driving product excellence, Karaoulis’ appointment is invaluable as Pronet Gaming now seeks to expand its footprint to Asia. His vision and deep understanding of the iGaming landscape equip him to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that the dynamic region presents.
“I want Pronet Gaming to lead the iGaming revolution by providing innovative, culturally tailored solutions that cater to the diverse and rapidly growing demands of the region. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of local markets, we aim to empower operators to offer world-class gaming experiences that engage players and drive sustainable growth,” he added.
According to Karaoulis, Pronet Gaming is poised to make a splash in Asia by leveraging its advanced technology, flexible platform solutions and deep market expertise while adapting to the unique characteristics of the region.
“The key differentiation point of Pronet Gaming is that we have B2C experience, which greatly aids in understanding the needs of operators and helping them to improve and execute their strategy according to the market. I have worked in B2C roles for more than seven years in my iGaming Career and managed campaigns across various channels, optimised conversion funnels, and learned to use data to improve player acquisition and retention,” said Karaoulis.
Karaoulis acknowledges that the marketing skills he has acquired from B2C experience are valuable in every B2B environment. As he dives into his new role at Pronet Gaming, Karaoulis aims to guide his operator clients on how to better market their own sites, including providing them with advice on effective acquisition strategies, content marketing and campaign structures that appeal to iGaming audiences.
“I also focus heavily on engagement strategies, loyalty programs, bonuses, and personalised offers to keep players active and returning. In my new B2B role, I will advise clients on best practices for player engagement, helping them adopt effective loyalty programs, personalised marketing, and retention tactics that drive player lifetime value to improve the end-player experience for our clients’ sites,” Karaoulis added.
Industry News
Vbet Wins Best Online Casino Operator 2024 at SiGMA Europe 2024
Vbet has been crowned the Best Online Casino Operator 2024 at the highly coveted SiGMA Europe event, cementing its position as a leader in the online gaming industry.
This achievement highlights Vbet’s commitment to providing an exceptional user experience by combining cutting-edge technology with a vast range of options and a secure process. The dedication to creating a responsible, enjoyable environment for players was recognised with this award, making this accolade even more significant. As Vbet continue to expand into new markets, the list of strategic partnerships grows alongside our constant drive to expand its offering. This award serves as a stepping stone on its path to reach more players and set new standards in the industry.
Arman Khachatryan, VBET’s Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Best Online Casino Operator award at SiGMA Europe 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and effort of our entire team. Our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality experience in the safest environment possible to our users. This award not only recognizes our dedication to this mission but also motivates us to continue expanding into new markets and territories.”
-
Latest News3 days ago
Make every pixel personal: Opera GX facelift lets you match your browser to your setup down to the smallest detail
-
Latest News3 days ago
Casino Management System Market to Reach USD 29.09 Billion by 2032 | Enhanced Security and Operational Efficiency Drive Growth | Research by S&S Insider
-
Africa5 days ago
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
-
Latest News3 days ago
Fast Track Celebrates Third Year as a Great Place to Work Certified™ Tech Company
-
Latest News3 days ago
IBIA Upgrades Technology Platform to Strengthen Global Betting Integrity Efforts
-
Latest News3 days ago
ACR POKER ADDS BLITZ BONUS BOOST TO NOVEMBER CALENDAR AS $20 MILLION GTD WINTER OSS ENTERS FINAL DAYS
-
Latest News3 days ago
Crypto Sportsbook, Sportsbet.io’s player wins huge $3.2m jackpot from $5 spin
-
Balkans5 days ago
CT Interactive Shortlisted in Two Categories at BEGE Awards 2024