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4 Ways in Which Online Gaming Is Evolving

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THIS gaming genre is gaining the most popularity in 2021!
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

A look at the way things are changing in the online gaming world.

Entertainment is something human beings have always enjoyed. From the time of the ancient Greek people, to the famous Romans, even till today, humans have always looked for and devised means of taking care of boredom. In the present day world, one of the most popular ways of taking care of boredom is through online gaming.

Casino and gambling games have been one of the most popular internet activities in the last couple of decades, but a new form of gambling online now has its time in the limelight – CS:GO betting. Players are now able to visit some of the top CSGO gambling sites like CSGOBook.com where they can bet on matches, gamble skins and even trade their items to upgrade them or for real money.

As an industry, the world games market made revenue of up to $150 billion in 2019, and a greater part of this money came from online gaming. The UK online gaming sector is worth up to £2 billion, according to the 2019 estimate, and this is a revelation of how big the industry is.

Online gaming continues to grow in popularity as a form of social interaction, and because of the convenience involved. This is akin to the technology that propels it and the fact that it is always advancing and innovating. Further growth is expected in the online gaming niche, which covers the video gaming and casino gaming subsectors in the future. Having said all these, we have the pleasure of ruminating on the four major ways through which change is coming to the online gaming arena. Read and understand these.

Free Slots

When you consider online casino gaming currently, you will realize that something is changing in the way that players approach it. The popularity of free slots is growing by the day, and this is because many people like to enjoy or test the online casino games without any monetary risk. The best of these free slots come in different designs and themes that players can choose from, and this makes them very attractive. Some of them are even adapted from very popular TV shows and movies.

Most of them can be played on any device at all, be it mobile or PC and they mostly require no downloading. With them, people can conveniently spend their spare time. Another thing that attracts people to the free slots is that, with them, you are able to test the new games free of charge, so as to ascertain if they are good for you and if you will like to go ahead and bet your money on them. These types of online slots are offered in almost all the online casinos, and they are ideal for you to start with, so as to know if they are worth playing, before you delve into the real money version.

Augmented Reality

The technology behind Augmented Reality will add your real world environment to the gaming environment, making it more exciting. The first of such games was Pokémon Go. It was the first that used AR in games to show the industry the way it is done. Currently, the entire industry is working on bringing it into more casinos and video games. When this eventually happens, it will be possible for online casino players to see computer players standing face to face before them, and also see the cards as they are dealt out in their very before. This same tech could be transferred into online video games. Consider how good it will feel when you are able to see other players as they play or where the in-game features are made look like they are in the real world in games like Fortnite,

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is the thing that could bring about a very huge change in online casinos in the near future. One of the major ways this could be implemented is in the safety and security angle.  When you sign into an online casino for games, you would be identified with 100% accuracy by the facial recognition tool before you are logged into your account.

Of course, we cannot overemphasize the benefits of this. We can also use the facial recognition tool to inject higher levels of personalization on online gaming.  When we do this, it will allow us to import people’s faces into video games, and with this, the faces could be used as avatars or profile pictures. Facial recognition could also be used by casino and video games to identify individual players. This way, it would be much easier to deliver personalized rewards and target ads on specific groups of people.

On Demand Game Streaming

This is coming as a change in the online video gaming sector, and it’s already happening at the moment, and looks like something that will grow even bigger. This boils down to the fact that purchasing physical copies of video games to use in your console or PC is now outdated. This is very costly and also time intensive. The solution to this therefore is on demand streaming.  When gamers make use of this, they have the leverage to enjoy a very huge array of slots whenever they like. The Google Stadia that was released in November 2019 typifies this service, and many other services and sites are also coming up in this niche. Digital streaming and online gaming will seemingly take over the crux of how people play video games in the future. This idea is already widely used by casino gaming, though video gaming is still playing a fast catch up at the moment.

Online Gaming Is Evolving Swiftly

The fact that online gaming is witnessing a very swift change is not in doubt. Whether you play online video games or not, the truism of this remains constant. It even extends to the online casino games. We can have a lot of debate about the trajectory of things in the future, but within the entire sector, the aforementioned technologies are undoubtedly staking a huge claim.

 

Compliance Updates

Updated Gambling Guidelines: Why Safer Betting Is Your Best Bet

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Updated Gambling Guidelines: Why Safer Betting Is Your Best Bet
Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

It’s no secret that problem gambling is a widespread issue within the UK, with GOV.UK reporting that it has a direct financial cost equivalent cost to £412.9 million and a cost to society between £635 million and £1.3 billion. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the UK Gambling Commission has announced much-needed updates to its regulatory framework, putting consumer protection in the gambling industry at the fore.

The UKGC’s new rules coming into effect in 2025 require online gambling operators to carry out more in-depth financial vulnerability checks and equip themselves for effortless and future-proof financial risk assessments. These changes are designed to promote safer gambling practices by enhancing consumer protection, fairness, and transparency. It is therefore crucial for gambling operators to proactively work towards preventing gambling-related harm.

Though the regulatory changes will pose some difficulties, they offer a chance to adopt more responsible practices. Fully grasping the implications of these new regulations and the wider issue of gambling addition will allow operators to navigate the shifting landscape, maintain compliance, uphold ethical standards, and foster continued customer trust.

Understanding the New Rules

The UKGC’s latest updates, introduced as part of a phased review of the Gambling Act 2005, implement key measures designed to enhance consumer safety in the online gambling industry. These regulations highlight the Commission’s continued commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and mitigating gambling-related harm, particularly in the fast-expanding online sector.

There are three significant policy changes:

  1. Financial Vulnerability Assessments: Remote operators are now required to perform financial vulnerability assessments when customers spend £500 on gambling within a 30-day timeframe. These assessments utilise publicly accessible data to determine if a customer might be at risk of gambling beyond their means. The UKGC’s goal is to pinpoint financially vulnerable customers before they incur substantial harm.
  2. Frictionless Financial Risk Assessments Trials: The UKGC is testing seamless financial risk evaluations for the largest remote operators. This initiative enables operators to evaluate customers’ financial well-being without disrupting their gambling experience. The aim is to establish a system that safeguards consumers while minimising interruptions, ensuring that safety measures do not adversely affect responsible gamblers.
  3. Additional Regulations on Game Design and Advertising: Alongside financial assessments, the UKGC will implement new regulations concerning remote game design in January 2025. These guidelines aim to make games less addictive and mitigate the risk of problem gambling. Furthermore, updates to direct marketing regulations, set to take effect in May 2025, will empower customers to have increased control over the marketing communications they receive from gambling companies.

These updates clearly demonstrate the UKGC’s commitment to enhancing gambling safety by focusing on financial vulnerability, addictive game design, and excessive marketing – all key factors that are known to contribute to problem gambling. The industry must get behind the Commission and its measures to help reduce the risks faced by vulnerable players.

The Repercussions of Problem Gambling

According to the latest statistics from the Gambling Commission, 0.5% of the adult population has a problem with gambling, making it one of the UK’s most pressing issues. For individuals with gambling addictions, betting can lead to several major life issues, including financial hardship, mental health issues, and damaged relationships.

Financial vulnerability is a major factor that can aggravate gambling addiction. Whilst gambling and online gaming can appear as a quick fix for those who are already struggling financially, it can often lead to even greater debt and hardship. Therefore, UKGC’s focus on financial vulnerability is vital – it targets this issue at its roots by encouraging operators to intervene before a customer’s gambling spirals out of control.

Another factor that plays a huge role in problem gambling is game design. Fast-paced games that offer frequent wins or incorporate mechanisms such as near-misses can hinder players’ ability to quit. The new regulations on remote game design are set to address these addictive features and enhance consumer safety.

What Gambling Companies Can Do to Stop Problem Gambling

Given the UKGC’s new regulations, it’s evident that online gambling companies must adopt a proactive approach to prevent problem gambling. Merely complying with the updated rules is not enough; operators need to exceed the minimum legal standards to genuinely protect their customers, including:

  1. Enhance Financial Monitoring: The UKGC’s updated financial thresholds highlight the necessity of understanding a customer’s financial well-being. Operators should invest in tools that facilitate real-time assessments of customers’ ability to engage in gambling responsibly, intervening when needed. This includes providing resources like deposit limits and self-exclusion options to help customers manage their spending.
  2. Encourage Responsible Gambling: Operators should actively foster responsible gambling habits among their customers. This can involve regular reminders of betting limits, offering cooling-off periods, and making it easy for users to access information on safe gambling practices. Clear communication regarding the risks associated with gambling and available support services can play a crucial role in preventing harm.
  3. Create Safer Game Designs: The newly introduced regulations on game design offer an opportunity for operators to evaluate their offerings and ensure they do not promote addictive behaviours. By reducing immersion and minimizing features that encourage continuous play, operators can help prevent customers from developing gambling-related problems.
  4. Ensure Transparency in Marketing: With new direct marketing regulations set to take effect in 2025, operators must communicate transparently and respectfully with their customers. This includes allowing customers to control the marketing materials they receive and ensuring that promotional content does not encourage excessive gambling.

A ‘Safer’ Approach to Betting

With the evolving regulatory landscape, online gambling operators are tasked with finding effective strategies to meet stringent requirements while prioritising customer protection. Technology plays a key role here – yielding operators with comprehensive tools to conduct financial vulnerability assessments, evaluate gambling risks, and ensure compliance with UKGC regulations.

Through the latest technology operators can generate secure consent links to access a customer’s financial data. Once granted permission, this type of system connects to the customer’s bank, finding real-time data on their income, affordability, and gambling history. This information is analysed to provide actionable insights into a customer’s financial situation, aiding operators in meeting the £500 threshold checks and identifying at-risk customers early.

Additionally, streamlined financial risk assessments allow operators to integrate outside solutions into their platforms through intuitive APIs. This allows for thorough financial evaluations without compromising the customer experience.

In this regulatory climate, it’s imperative for gambling operators to adopt solutions that not only ensure adherence to laws but also promote responsible gambling. Technology that empowers operators to meet compliance standards, protect their customers effectively, and foster the trust that is vital for sustained growth and success.

To learn more, visit: https://www.aperidata.com/

 

About the author / spokesperson

Andrew Bonsall is COO at AperiData.

Andy’s a credit risk entrepreneur with 25 years of global experience in the banking and software industry. He has vast experience working for Tier 1 banks and global software, scoring and data providers worldwide with a particular focus on Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Andy and Steve Ashworth (CEO of AperiData) have worked at a lot of places together and celebrate a long history of success. They know what works and what needs to change in the industry. Together they formed a special team at AperiData doing world changing things.

Prior to AperiData, Andrew co-founded 10x Consulting Ltd in 2013 while also completing a variety of Credit & Risk positions across leading brands, Lloyds Banking Group, FICO, GE Money and Bank of America.

 

About AperiData.
An industry challenger harnessing the power of Open Banking, AperiData is laser-focussed on facilitating instant, accurate and fair outcomes for consumers and financial institutions. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Credit Reference Agency and Open Banking Provider the company is on a mission to improve financial inclusion by revolutionising credit scoring and lending processes.

Founded by risk practitioners turned serial entrepreneurs with more than 100 years of experience in global credit risk and data analytics, AperiData’s real-time risk insights empower organisations to serve their customers digitally and work to improve life outcomes.

For more information, visit: www.AperiData.com

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Marketers Beware: Ad Fraud’s Sneaky Tactics Threaten Sportsbook Success

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Marketers Beware: Ad Fraud's Sneaky Tactics Threaten Sportsbook Success
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Written by Mathew Ratty, CEO & Founder TrafficGuard.

In an era where the stakes are high and the competition fierce, sportsbooks face a daunting challenge: staying ahead in a cutthroat market while battling the relentless onslaught of fraudsters.

With revenue projections soaring to £36.5 billion by 2024 and an estimated 180.8 million users globally expected by 2029, the online sports betting industry is a lucrative playground for both legitimate businesses and nefarious actors alike.

The European market, in particular, stands as a battleground where sportsbooks must not only secure profits but also safeguard audience loyalty to maintain their competitive edge. However, lurking beneath the surface lies a shadowy underworld of fraud, where bad actors exploit vulnerabilities to siphon profits and disrupt marketing efforts.

One of the primary weapons wielded by fraudsters is Invalid Traffic (IVT), a stealthy adversary that wreaks havoc on advertising budgets and undermines the effectiveness of campaigns.

Pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, a popular choice for marketers seeking to drive traffic, have become prime targets for fraudsters who capitalize on automated bots to generate fake clicks, draining resources and diluting returns on investment.

 

Fraudsters Follow the Money

But why does ad fraud thrive in the sports betting industry? The answer lies in the pursuit of profit. Free bonuses serve as bait to lure in new customers, yet they also attract fraudsters who exploit loopholes to abuse these incentives.

From creating fake accounts en masse to deploying sophisticated bots across millions of IPs, fraudsters operate with impunity, leaving sportsbooks grappling with the consequences.

Inefficiency in advertising is another driver of huge losses for sportsbooks. When returning customers are using ads to access betting websites, companies are losing new customer attraction and ad campaign budgets.

 

Taking Out the Competition

To outmanoeuvre the competition and safeguard their bottom line, sportsbooks must adopt a proactive stance against ad fraud. By implementing robust verification measures and setting custom rules to detect and mitigate IVT, companies can reclaim control over their advertising budgets and drive sustainable growth.

Transparency and visibility are paramount, allowing marketers to identify fraudulent activity and allocate resources effectively.

The battle against ad fraud is not merely a defensive manoeuvre; it’s a strategic imperative for sportsbooks seeking to secure their place in a fiercely contested market. By arming themselves with data-driven insights and tailored solutions, companies can navigate the treacherous waters of online advertising with confidence, ensuring that every campaign is a resounding success.

 

Game, Set, Match, Win.

In conclusion, staying ahead in the sports betting industry requires more than just luck; it demands vigilance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to combating ad fraud.

With the right strategies in place, sportsbooks can emerge victorious, delivering winning campaigns that resonate with audiences and safeguarding their budgets from the clutches of fraudsters.

 

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Emerging iGaming Startups Leverage Unique Strategies for Early Customer Acquisition

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Emerging iGaming Startups Leverage Unique Strategies for Early Customer Acquisition
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

A new study by industry investor Waterhouse VC has uncovered innovative approaches that emerging iGaming startups are using to acquire their first customers. This research involved extensive engagement with a range of companies, both B2C and B2B, in the online gambling sector, revealing a diverse array of tactics employed during the critical initial phase of their business growth.

The study found that high-touch customer engagement was the primary strategy for most startups. Tom Waterhouse, Chief Investment Officer at Waterhouse VC, emphasized that this approach, although not easily scalable, is crucial in establishing a robust customer base in the early stages. “Our findings suggest a shift from traditional methods to more organic, engagement-focused tactics,” said Waterhouse.

In terms of tactics, the report identified a clear dichotomy between B2B and B2C startups. B2B companies, like the B2B free-to-play game provider Low6, typically focus on one or two strategies. On the other hand, B2C startups, such as the online cryptocurrency casino Shuffle, tend to adopt a broader approach, often utilizing three or more diverse strategies for customer acquisition.

Shuffle’s success story was highlighted as particularly noteworthy. Ishan Haque from Shuffle explained their unique approach, “Instead of participating in traditional acquisition channels like streaming or traditional affiliate marketing, we recognized our edge in finding influencers with a small following, but that following consisted of 1000 true fans.”

Another approach that gained attention was leveraging strategic partnerships and networking, as illustrated by Circle Squared, a product and technology consultancy in the iGaming space.

Co-founder Clyde Harris shared how utilizing existing networks and forming strategic alliances helped them in acquiring new customers and raising their profile in the industry.

A surprising insight from the report was the lack of emphasis on paid advertising among these startups. This reflects a broader trend in the industry towards more organic growth methods and the importance of directly understanding and engaging with the target audience.

In addition to engagement and partnerships, incentivizing early adopters also proved to be a popular tactic, especially among startups like Voxbet, a Dublin-based ‘speak-to-bet’ technology company. “Typically, we have used exclusivity as the reward for an early adopter,” said Jonathan Power, founder and CEO of Voxbet.

The findings of this study underscore the significance of creative and high-engagement strategies for customer acquisition in the iGaming sector. As these startups continue to evolve, their innovative approaches to building customer relationships are setting new trends in the industry.

For a detailed exploration of all the tactics used, Waterhouse VC’s full report is available on their website.

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