Industry News

Glacial Pace of Change: Web Notifications Coming Soon to Apple Devices?

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Apple’s dragging its feet in response to Anti-Trust Pressure; Bob Lawson, Optimove’s Director of Mobile offering, looks at what that actually means

Operators and mobile app developers love Apple’s App Store. Specifically, those who have a high percentage of their players on iPhones. They love the reach the stores give them to acquire new players.

Operators and mobile app developers dislike Apple’s App Store. They are tired of the hoops they need to jump through to get their app listed. Not to mention Apple’s 13,000-word “guidelines,” which include restrictions for types of apps they will accept, and where, AND the slice that the App Stores take on every dollar spent through the app, kicking a big hole in potential revenue operators can earn from their players.

It’s fair to say operators and mobile app developers alike have a love-hate relationship with the App Stores and Apple in particular.

Recently Apple has come under increasing pressure from Anti-Competition lobbyists to offer other ways for users to utilize their apps on iPhones. But a business with over 745 million software subscribers, grossing over $70bn in direct app revenue a year, isn’t going to give that up easily. Add to this their slowing revenue from hardware sales, and some commentators see Apple increasingly as a software company rather than a vendor of high-end devices. What are we to make of these somewhat conflicting messages? Consider the following:

Apple is under pressure from antitrust regulators to show opportunities for companies that don’t, or can’t, have apps in the App Store. The ruling from their very public lawsuit with Epic Games in the US, and the EU ruling in favor of Spotify, also means that Apple needs to show tangible proof that the Apple ecosystem isn’t closed to competition.
Apple is doing everything it can to hold onto its dominant position while appearing to listen to software makers’ concerns. They continue to make only minor tweaks to App Store terms in response to class actions and slowly introduce small, frequent changes. Those Changes make it very difficult for developers to stay on top of what would make Apple block their new app listing.

So how do the recent announcements at the June 22 WWDC event give us a clue to Apple’s response to pressures? First, it continues to show Apple’s strategy for the glacial pace of change.

Apple has for years been reluctant, to say the least to allow applications other than approved apps on its store, accessing phone and browser functionality. Push notifications, for example, have been possible on Apple mobile apps since June 17, 2009. Just 11 months after it introduced the App Store in July 2008. They have always seen the Apple Push Notifications service (APNs) as a critical part of the iPhone experience.

And in the meantime, next door, Google has allowed much more extensive options for delivering notifications on Android devices. For example, since 2013, it has been possible to deliver notifications on an Android phone to users who don’t have the mobile app installed but have subscribed for notifications from a mobile responsive website or progressive web app (PWA).

But there’s a big difference here and it is that neither websites nor PWAs are downloaded from the Google Play Store, so they aren’t governed by the submission rules or delivering a revenue cut for the Play Store.

Apple’s resistance to following Google’s lead could easily be seen as an attempt to restrict the popularity of Web-Based Applications over mobile apps published through its stores. After all, in the past it did follow Google’s lead when it first introduced notifications to mobile apps published through the Google Play Store.
Apple argues that it’s about maximizing users’ customer experience, but increasingly it has been seen as anti-competitive. It’s strongly suspected that the recent announcement at WWDC 22 to introduce web push notifications to Apple devices is a way to demonstrate that they have no platform bias. They will soon introduce web notifications to browsers running on mobile devices, closing the gap between Mobile Apps and Web Apps.
The technology has been available as a developer test build for months. At their developer conferences, Apple often announces features well into the future to get their community excited about what’s to come. Rarely do they announce something that will be available up to a year later. So why announce now, and why so far in advance?
Antitrust pressure may have led to the announcement this year. And maybe, just maybe, by kicking the can down the road, the heat will come off. They have built it, but will they come? Only time will tell.

What does this mean for the industry?

Marketing automation tolls will relish the prospect of allowing more freedom around mobile devices. CRM Marketing Platforms have many customers who don’t, and won’t, have apps in the store for one reason or another. So being able to offer an experience that is on a par with that of a Native Mobile app is a compelling idea. The power of push notifications to re-engage with lapsed players and send reminders to Apple users, as has been possible with Android, is undoubtedly a good thing.

Is Apple ready to truly embrace customer experience across mobile and web applications? It’s anyone’s guess, well anyone not named Tim Cook, anyway. We’ll be watching this space closely over the coming months.

Bob Lawson is Director of Mobile Offerings at Optimove. He joined Optimove early in 2022, when it acquired Kumulos, the company he co-founded. Kumulos was a market-leading Mobile and Web Messaging Platform serving a broad range of industries. Bob has spent more than 18 years in technology, particularly Mobile MarTech. He has held commercially facing roles in start-ups, scale-ups, and large enterprise businesses, particularly in Mobile Technology. Before working in the Tech space, he spent 15 years in Financial Services, most recently as Marketing Director of one of Europe’s largest Fund Management Companies.

CasinoWebScripts

CasinoWebScripts Launches Revamped Crypto Casino Platform with Advanced Features

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2025

Niji Narayan

casinowebscripts-launches-revamped-crypto-casino-platform-with-advanced-features

Reading Time: 2 minutes

CasinoWebScripts, a leading provider of casino software and game content, has released its newly upgraded cryptocasino platform. The launch strengthens the company’s position as a top solution for operators who want full control, flexibility and innovation in the blockchain gambling space.

With over 15 years of experience in iGaming development, CasinoWebScripts has redesigned and expanded its digital-currency casino solution to deliver a cleaner interface, faster performance and a broader range of tools that give operators a genuine competitive edge.

New Lobby UI and Improved User Experience

At the core of the update is a reworked lobby interface. The new design is clean, responsive and modular, so operators can display games, promotions and categories in a way that matches their brand identity. The platform optimises game grouping, filter logic and launch speeds across desktop and mobile devices to provide smoother navigation and faster content access.

Key Advantages of the Platform

CasinoWebScripts’ cryptocasino platform introduces a powerful feature set that few other providers combine in a single package:

• Provably Fair Replay for In-House Games — every spin or game round can be verified through transparent, cryptographical algorithms

• Compatibility with Any Cryptocurrency — operators can integrate any coin supported by their wallet infrastructure, without being limited to specific tokens.

• Comprehensive In-House Tools — the platform includes a complete suite of management and marketing features such as a bonus system, reward-code system, daily login wheel, affiliate module and more, all built to the highest standards.

• Flexible, Fair Pricing — pricing models scale with the operator’s growth, ensuring fairness and transparency from launch to expansion.

• Source Code Licensing & Exclusive Rights — operators can purchase full source-code access for complete customization and branding control. Exclusive licensing is available for those who want proprietary game content.

Oscar Stevens, Business Development Manager at CasinoWebScripts, said: “This launch focuses on what operators actually need — transparency, control, and independence. With provably fair replays, full crypto compatibility, and source-code options, our platform gives clients the freedom to own and shape their casino business entirely.”

The post CasinoWebScripts Launches Revamped Crypto Casino Platform with Advanced Features appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

12Bet

12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards

Published

3 days ago

October 14, 2025

Niji Narayan

12bet’s-customer-first-approach-earns-shortlist-for-best-customer-service-at-egr-operator-awards

Reading Time: < 1 minute

12BET, shaping the igaming landscape since 2007, has been shortlisted for “Best Customer Service” at the EGR Operator Awards 2025. This recognition highlights 12BET’s commitment to building trust, transparent interactions and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations. Being named a finalist shows how 12BET’s service philosophy sets new standards in responsiveness, empathy and professionalism across its global player community.

In 2025, 12BET strengthened its customer-first approach with honest communication and transparent service. A structured Trustpilot review programme invited genuine feedback from long-standing users, building public trust while informing service improvements. This reflects 12BET’s belief that customer feedback should not only resolve issues but also inspire continuous learning and evolution.

“We are proud to be recognized for Best Customer Service at the EGR Operator Awards. Customer trust is the foundation of our brand, and this shortlisting honors the dedication of our teams who serve players with integrity and care. Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce our values and strengthen our relationship with the community,” 12BET Spokesperson Rory Anderson said.

The post 12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

American gambling industry

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5

Published

1 week ago

October 7, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-september-29-october-5

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Jackpot Digital Inc. has announced that it has been granted a Manufacturer and Distributor License by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This approval authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply gaming equipment to licensed casino operators throughout Mississippi. This marks the Company’s second state-level manufacturer’s license in the US. Additional licensing applications are currently pending in other jurisdictions as part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy. Mississippi is one of the nation’s premier destination gaming markets, generating over $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023. The state’s Gulf Coast and Biloxi regions are particularly well known for their vibrant casino tourism and established gaming brands.

iDEA (iDevelopment and Economic Association), the leading trade association representing the U.S. online gaming industry, launched the definitive online destination for all things online gambling: ideagrowth.org. The new website provides the media, and U.S. legislators and regulators, a comprehensive resource for data-driven research, policy insights, and responsible gaming resources. The new website provides the industry’s most vital statistics and research — from consumer protections to economic development — in an engaging, accessible format designed for maximum impact.

CT Interactive has further strengthened its international presence by expanding its certified game portfolio on the regulated Peruvian market with 20 new titles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored specifically to regional markets. The newly certified portfolio features titles from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus product line, including fan favorites such as Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein, and Nanook the White Ghost. These enhanced editions deliver dynamic gameplay with one- or three-level Buy Bonus options, giving players new tools for diverse strategies and greater control over the game’s pace and excitement. A highlight of the newly certified titles is the launch of Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the acclaimed Clover-themed series.

Partnerships

CT Interactive has entered a new phase of its Latin American growth by launching its complete portfolio of games on Rushbet in Mexico and Peru. This collaboration with Rush Street Interactive—one of the region’s leading online casino and sportsbook operators—marks a significant step in the company’s international expansion. Players on Rushbet now have access to proven favorites like Lucky Clover, 40 Treasures, Win Storm and Big Chilli, along with the engaging Hot Luck three-level jackpot, designed to enhance player excitement and retention. This partnership underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering tailored gaming solutions across diverse Latin American markets.

Hard Rock International has announced its 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign in partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ahead of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a global entertainment and hospitality brand guided by the principle “All is One,” Hard Rock is leveraging every touchpoint to support the cause throughout October, from a limited-edition retail collection to special menu items and events. A portion of proceeds from PINKTOBER sales each year are donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide. The program has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research since its inception.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.