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FANDOM SPORTS Allows Sports Fans to Unleash Their Primal Sports Passions
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 07, 2018 – FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. (CSE: FDM) (OTC: FDMSF) (FRANKFURT: TQ42) (“FANDOM SPORTS” or the “Company”), creator of FANDOM SPORTS, the new app that aggregates, curates and produces fan-focused content, is today pleased to provide an overview and management summary of the last two quarters.
Overview
FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. is a sports entertainment and gaming company “Hell Bent” on finding and creating the best sports content. FANDOM SPORTS allows passionate fans to unleash their primal sports passions by engaging with other fans, cheering for their favorite teams, players and jeering their opponents.
Investment Highlights
- Revolutionary blockchain-based sports entertainment platform targets global market
- App scalable through its backend infrastructure to support commercial growth, global reach and potential third-party fiat currency sports gaming settlement
- Apps will be available on both Android and iPhone during Q4 2018
- Worldwide gaming is forecasted to rise to more than $144 billion by 2018; online gaming is pegged to reach nearly $60 billion by 2020, according to NewZoo.com
- Blockchain platform partnership with HHS Technology Group enables global reach and telecom-grade platform maintenance and operations
- Global technology providers range from blue-chip companies like IBM, Google, Amazon and Facebook all the way to cutting edge start-up companies covering interactive video players and Augmented Reality solutions.
- In-house technology team and game studio for eSports will further strengthen FANDOM SPORTS’ operations
- Multiple, partnership-based revenue streams maximize sports fan-focused meta data and provide income opportunity across advertising, brand sponsorship, curated content and white-label app options on the blockchain sports entertainment platform
- Strong management team with track record in successful business development, best-in-class design team that previously built NBA and NASCAR apps, and digital marketing specialists that apply hyper-targeting data analytics and techniques
FANDOM SPORTS: The Brand
FANDOM SPORTS exists to allow sports fans to unleash their primal sports passions, to express their adoration for their teams and players, as well as their deep scorn for their opponents.
Building on the success of its current, 2015 designed, FANDOM Sports App, the company is phasing out systematically the legacy product and will launch an enhanced IBM Blockchain Platform accompanied by a new iOS and Android sports app in the fourth quarter of 2018. This core mobile product – the FANDOM SPORTS App – taps into the passion of sports fans around the world, bringing “trash talk” to a new level.
Currently in development with HHS Tech Group and overseen by IBM, the new platform will give FANDOM the flexibility to expand into new global markets by tailoring a shell app, based on demand, to that specific market. While the shell app will look and perform the same globally, it will produce new results depending on the user’s geographic location. For example, a FANDOM Sports App user in China may not be as interested in the NFL, NBA or NHL like a North American market. Instead, their interests could be in eSports and sports leagues native to their country.
With these features, the FANDOM SPORTS App is the ultimate destination for die-hard sports fans. The app enables users to follow their favorite live-action and fantasy teams and players, as well as test their sports knowledge and track viral sports highlights. During Online and live sporting events, professional athletes, commentators and users can engage and debate. It provides a place for fans to connect and square off in real-time with raw, authentic sports debates.
Users are able to log in, celebrate and commiserate with like-minded fans or debate the enemy. The FANDOM SPORTS app currently targets major sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey, with future global expansion based on demand and market expansion plans. FANDOM SPORTS’ mighty live sports metadata provider is the Sports radar.
The app’s FanFights feature allows sports fans to engage other users and unleash raw opinions, predictions and uncensored debates. Application-use is further driven when sports lovers can keep up with their favorite teams and players, trash talk, invite friends to “Pick a Fight” to win virtual currency and experience points status.
Business Strategy
FANDOM SPORTS has identified a relatively untapped sports market ripe with demand. Large-scale social media players are not nimble enough to fill this gap in the sports entertainment market, and this is where FANDOM SPORTS enters the game. As a newcomer to the market, the company has chosen best-in-class partners to make its platform and sports app.
Monetization is based on multiple potential revenue streams, including in-house advertising sales, brand partnerships, in-app purchases and more.
In addition to its one-of-a-kind, mobile-only IBM Cloud and IBM Blockchain platform, the company’s business model is based on unique features and gamification of FANDOM SPORTS to bring fans, athletes and celebrities together by blending user-generated and curated content.
Through its ability to engage users in a one-of-a-kind social media and competitive mobile sport experience, FANDOM SPORTS is well-positioned within the booming North American and international gaming markets, targeting sports super fans.
FANDOM SPORTS utilizes the IBM Watson learning algorithm, which predicts and services user preferences while building relevant personalized FANFIGHT channels. This brings sports entertainment to a new level, delivering competitive conversation and interaction that rival a sports bar into the user’s hand.
FANDOM SPORTS is led by a strategic management team with combined expertise and a great track record in business development, finance, technology and content curation. The team holds veteran expertise across entertainment, media and music industries, while the company’s advisory board boasts high-level executives, professional athletes and celebrities. New additions to the advisory board cover the massively growing arena of eSports.
Gamification
Functionality of the FANDOM SPORTS App enables users to engage in sports debates that have definite resolution from live games. The company is implementing strategies extensively used in the mobile gaming industry to attract its users in continued engagement with the FANDOM SPORTS App. Within the application environment, users become invested as “players” to build their profile (“Player Card”) while competing for rewards and prestige.
The app further engages players with a unique in-game virtual currency. Not intended for use in real-world gambling, the virtual currency holds in-app value. With the in-app currency, fans are able to create their own “FANFIGHTS,” “Pick a Fight,” and debate the outcome of arguments. Users are provided a fixed amount of app currency upon initial sign up. As the user contributes and engages with other fans, they accumulate more virtual currency FANCOIN, as well as a higher experience on the platform.
Within the application in Q4, users in certain regions can make in-app purchases to speed up their gaming experience, as well as “Pick A Fight” for prizes, in-game items and potentially live sporting events.
Market Opportunity
FANDOM Sports is establishing routes to take advantage of strong growth of mobile gaming and mobile games. The worldwide gaming market is forecast to rise to $137.9 billion in 2018, according to Newzoo.
Worldwide gaming is forecasted to rise to US $144.31 billion by 2018. In 2015, the online gaming market had a volume of US $37.91 billion, and this figure was forecasted to increase to US $59.79 billion in 2020. In 2015, the online gaming gross win accounted for 10 percent of the total gaming gross win, and this was forecasted to increase to 14 percent in 2020.
Within this space, the FANDOM SPORTS App is the ultimate destination for die-hard sports fans to dive deeper. The app provides engaging and authentic real-time interactive content aimed right at the company’s targeted age demographic of 18-34. The FanFights on the app create a platform in which intense sports fans can engage other users, unleashing raw opinions, predictions and debates that you don’t want your mom to see on Facebook. Application use is further driven when sports lovers can keep up with their favourite teams and players, vent, gloat, invite friends to Pick A Fight and play to win virtual currency and experience points status.
Management
Henri Holm – Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Henri Holm is president and CEO of FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. Mr. Holm has an extensive track record of business success, bringing over 20 years of international hands-on strategy execution experience. A Harvard Business School alumni, Henri’s career accomplishments include scaling-up functions of multinational firms and expertise in various leadership roles, including covering digital content and implementing as well as enhancing gamification, brand management, licensing, mobile technology, manufacturing, distribution and retail operations processes and functionality.
With key focus on consumer and partner value, Henri’s most recent executive position covered leading video products, billing and sports content services within the Middle-East region. Additionally, Mr. Holm was Senior Vice President at Rovio Entertainment, where he oversaw the development and growth of the highly successful Angry Birds franchise across Asia. Prior to these roles, Henri held progressive titles ranging from Chief Financial Officer, Head of Business Operations, Global Category Marketing Manager, Key Account Manager and Product Manager at various divisions of Nokia from 1995 to 2011.
Jonna Birgans – President and Chief Content Officer
A 25-year veteran of the entertainment industry, Ms. Birgans has had an influential career across all entertainment mediums; Television, Film, Radio and digital media. Ms. Birgans has worked extensively with global brands like Billboard Magazine, Viacom Networks and Lexus, producing content for their marketing campaigns as well as for their on-air shows. She has also had two development deals for TV shows she co-created at GSN and USA Networks. Ms Birgans also has had a successful career as a Music Video Producer, working alongside infamous Directors, Hype Williams and Spike Jonze, to name a few. For the last decade, Ms Birgans has made a name for herself in the world of out-of-home and digital media landscapes performing in Executive roles creating Content Strategy, developing business plans, executing brand partnerships and managing teams of creative and sales professionals.
Alex Helmel – Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Alex Helmel is CFO of FANDOM SPORTS Media Corp. He has extensive career experience with over 12 years in Canadian capital markets and over 20 years in the technology sector, focusing on asset development. He has served in leadership positions for various successful companies including in roles as president, secretary and chief financial officer.
Follow FANDOM SPORTS at instagram.com/fandomsportsapp or @FandomSportsApp on Twitter. Android users can download the FANDOM SPORTS App from Google Play, register. Now you can Pick A Fight. Talk Trash. Get Rewarded!
About FANDOM SPORTS:
“Pick A Fight. Talk Trash. Get Rewarded.”
FANDOM SPORTS Media is an entertainment company that aggregates, curates and produces unique fan-focused content.
The FANDOM SPORTS App is the Company’s core product, which is the ultimate destination for unfiltered raw sports talk. The app allows passionate sports fans to unleash their primal sports passions, pick fights and earn rewards.
Download the app and bring your crew. Talking trash is better with friends. The more you invite, the more in-app virtual currency FANCOINS you can earn.
The Company’s profile may also be viewed on the following websites:
Network Wire:
NNW : https://www.networknewswire.com/clients/fandom-sports-media-corp/?symbol=fdmsf
Investing News Network:
INN: https://investingnews.com/company-profiles/fandom-sports-media/#disclaimer
For additional Information about the Company, please contact:
FANDOM SPORTS: [email protected];
Investor Relations
Tel: (647) 236-4895
Or
Sales & Partnerships
Email: [email protected]
You may also visit the Company’s website: www.fandomsports.net
DISCLAIMER:
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy and accuracy of this information. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not guarantee future events or performance and should not be relied upon. Actual outcomes may differ materially due to any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Some of these risks and uncertainties may be described in the Company’s corporate filings (posted at www.sedar.com).
The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements due to new information or events. This press release contains forward-looking statements about FANDOM SPORTS. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “consider,” “project,” and similar references to the future. Forward-looking statements reflect FANDOM SPORTS’ good-faith evaluation of information available at the time the forward-looking statements were made. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and our actual results may differ materially from those projected. Please refer to FANDOM SPORTS’ annual and quarterly reports filed on SEDAR for a full discussion of those risks and uncertainties we view as most important. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.
Corporate Communications Contact:
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.NetworkNewsWire.com
212.418.1217 Office
[email protected]
Bacta is at the forefront of initiatives to encourage responsible gambling with the leading trade association for the land-based low-stake sector joining the Betting and Gaming Council, the Lotteries Council and the Bingo Association as organisers and supporters of the 2024 edition of Safer Gambling Week (SGW) which runs 18th – 24th November.
With a core objective of encouraging people to talk and take action to gamble responsibly, the initiative which is running for its eighth year, will feature what the official SGW web site refers to as a ‘blitz’ of safer gambling messages online and in land-based venues in order to spark a nationwide conversation about responsible gambling and the safeguards that have been put in place by the regulated industry.
George McGregor Bacta’s Executive Director (Government Relations) believes the initiative continues to make a significant contribution to the industry’s endeavours to reduce further the incidence of problem gambling. He stated: “The first point to make is that Safer Gambling Week draws attention to what Bacta members are practicing every week and every day of the year. This commitment and culture is something that every Bacta member should be extremely proud of.
“The consumer-facing Safer Gambling website poses a series of questions to consider and outlines how to use safer gambling tools such as setting time and deposit limits and how to self-exclude from gambling.”
He added: “As an awareness raising initiative Safer Gambling Week has demonstrated its value. Safer Gambling Week 2023 smashed previous social media records, generating over 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
“The website received half a million visits and the campaign engaged with a large number of cross-party MPs and peers who gave their backing as did Premier League clubs West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
“Safer Gambling Week demonstrates that Bacta, its members and the industry at large is fully committed to delivering a safe, responsible and enjoyable gambling entertainment experience for all of its customers.”
SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBET) (“SharpLink” or the “Company”), an online performance-based marketing company serving the U.S. sports betting and iGaming industries, today announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Financial Highlights
- Revenues decreased 27.7% to $2,838,908 for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $3,925,618 for the same nine-month period in 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, revenues declined 34.7% to $881,690 compared to $1,349,331, respectively.
- Total operating expenses declined 25.9% to $4,426,835 from $5,977,327 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and total operating expenses dropped 46.0% to $970,080 from $1,795,057 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
- For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income climbed to $11,002,266 after factoring net income from discontinued operations of $14,567,733 – up 673.3% from a net loss of $9,114,443 inclusive of the net loss from discontinued operations of $2,523,754 posted for the comparable nine months in the prior year. After factoring a net loss from discontinued operations of $97,139, the net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 68.9% to $885,131 when compared to a net loss of $2,849,547 for the same three months ended September 30, 2023 after factoring a net loss from discontinued operations of $822,100.
- As of September 30, 2024, cash on hand was $1,850,206 and total stockholders’ equity was $2,020,143. This compared to $2,487,481 cash on hand and total stockholders’ deficit of $9,399,769 as of December 31, 2023.
Commenting on the results, SharpLink Chairman and CEO Rob Phythian said, “The notable decline in operating expenses reflects SharpLink’s continued focus on streamlining our affiliate marketing business; and the significant improvement in our bottom line results is largely a result of our $22.5 million cash sale of our SportsHub fantasy sports and sports game development businesses to RSports Interactive, Inc. earlier this year. Since that time, we have succeeded at scouring our balance sheet, eliminating virtually all of our debt, and have turned our attention to identifying, qualifying and pursuing compelling strategic growth opportunities that we believe can best be leveraged to create and enhance long-term sustainable value for our shareholders. As we progress through to the end of the year, we look forward to sharing much greater insight into our future plans for SharpLink resulting from the collective due diligence efforts of our leadership team and our highly engaged Board of Directors.”
For more detailed information about SharpLink’s Third Quarter 2024 financial results, please refer to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and accessible online at sec.gov or via SharpLink’s investor relations page at investors.sharplink.com/
About SharpLink Gaming, Inc.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, SharpLink is a trusted marketing partner to leading sportsbooks and online casino gaming operators worldwide. Through its iGaming affiliate marketing network, known as PAS.net, SharpLink focuses on driving qualified traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to U.S. regulated and global iGaming operator partners worldwide. In fact, PAS.net won industry recognition as the European online gambling industry’s Top Affiliate Website and Top Affiliate Program for four consecutive years by both igamingbusiness.com and igamingaffiliate.com. SharpLink also owns and operates a portfolio of direct-to-player, state-specific, affiliate marketing websites designed to attract, acquire and drive local sports betting and online casino gaming traffic to its valued partners which are licensed to operate in each respective state. For more information, please visit sharplink.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business through strategic growth opportunities, the potential benefits of the Company’s products, services and technologies and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, government regulation of online betting, customer acceptance of new products and services, the demand for its products and its customers’ economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the lengthy sales cycle, proprietary rights of the Company and its competitors, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s annual report and other filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
INVESTOR AND MEDIA RELATIONS
[email protected]
The significance of cashback programs extends beyond mere player retention. They are a compelling incentive for new player acquisition, particularly among demographics that value financial reassurance during gameplay. By offering a partial refund on losses, operators can create a more forgiving gaming environment, encouraging players to engage more freely and frequently.
To gain deeper insights into the strategic advantages of cashback programs, we spoke to renowned industry expert Joonas Karhu. He is the CEO of Bojoko, a leading online casino affiliate platform known for its expertise in everything from exclusive offers to optimizing bingo bonuses.
In this interview, Karhu shares his insights on how cashback initiatives impact player acquisition and retention metrics, the specific player demographics that respond positively to these incentives, and the potential financial implications for operators. He also provides practical advice on effectively implementing cashback programs to maximize their benefits while mitigating associated risks.
How do cashback programs impact player acquisition and retention metrics?
From a retention perspective, cashback offers create a more forgiving gaming environment. Players are more inclined to return, knowing that some of their losses will be reimbursed. This assurance can reduce churn rates and extend the customer’s lifetime value.
You might not think that cashback programs could be a driver for new player acquisition, but they actually do have this effect, much more than UK casinos might expect. We have a page highlighting British casino sites with cashback bonus offers available, and from this, we have seen some interesting data.
Hundreds of Brits are specifically looking for casinos with cashback every month, and while smaller than many other searches, such as free spins, etc., this traffic and niche interest should not be ignored. Additionally, players will also take cashback into consideration when reading casino reviews and comparing websites. Adding cashback is a positive factor across the board.
Are there specific types of players who respond more positively to cashback incentives?
Cashback programs tend to resonate particularly well with the types of players you want at your casino, namely regular recreational players and high rollers.
For the former group, it is about a safety net and better odds. The logic is somewhat similar for high rollers, but the numbers they are playing for are huge, and you should strongly consider making your cashback for VIP rollers real cash rather than bonus money. Highrollers are used to getting money straight into their hands, have alternatives, and will be picky.
What are the potential financial implications for operators offering cashback programs?
While cashback programs involve returning a portion of losses to players, the long-term financial benefits often outweigh the immediate costs. Yes, you will lower the house edge, but in return, enhanced player retention leads to sustained revenue streams.
However, it’s crucial for operators to carefully design these programs to ensure they are financially sustainable, balancing player incentives with the company’s profitability goals. This is especially key for highroller incentives.
How can operators effectively implement cashback programs to maximize their benefits?
Operators should tailor cashback programs to align with their target audience’s preferences and behaviors. If you have a solid VIP or high roller base, have a separate system for them. Tiered loyalty programs or VIP programs work as well. It is also possible to only make cashback available for your VIP players if you have data showing that your regular incentives do enough to retain recreational players.
Are there any risks or downsides associated with cashback programs that operators should be aware of?
The only real risk is miscalculating your profit margins, especially when it comes to high rollers. Be careful that big wins from one set of players, coupled with high cashback payouts to others, are planned. The unexpected does happen, and you need to be prepared for it.
If you plan cashback right, there is no real risk. You are simply trading a small percentage of your house edge for retention. Just ensure the house edge is squarely on your side, and should you end up with a very high RTP overall, be sure to advertise it for maximum potential. There’s also a very large group of British players that really cares about payout percentages, and being over 96-97% can give you a nice additional boost in acquisitions.
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