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How iGaming businesses can capitalise on event season, and form lasting business relationships
As event season approaches, the iGaming industry gears up for a whirlwind of conferences, expos, and networking opportunities. With countless chances to connect, expand, and make an impact, navigating these events strategically can set businesses up for success long after the season ends. In this op-ed, Boris Pashnev, CEO of Alpha Affiliates, shares insights on how iGaming businesses can maximize their presence during event season and build relationships that drive long-term growth.
For the iGaming industry, events are everything. Networking continues to be the cornerstone of successful marketing and sales, especially within the iGaming sector.
iGB Live Amsterdam took place last month, and in the last year, weâve seen other notable events such as SiGMA Malta, SiGMA Dubai, and of course, iGB London.
We at Alpha Affiliates understand building connections at these events is crucial â however, converting these connections into long-term relationships is everything, and key to business growth.
So, how can iGaming professionals build on, and maintain relationships post-event?
Here are my top tips on how you can effectively network and convert the conversations started at events into business leads:
Listen, and pay attention
One of the best kept secrets in the art of networking, is not talking â in fact quite the opposite. Sometimes the best way to network and build meaningful connections is to zone in and listen.
By listening, you learn a lot. For instance, you may learn something new about them or their business that you can connect to, or use as a hook for a follow up post-event. For instance, if a prospective client mentions they have an exciting holiday or life event taking place, you could get back in touch and ask how it was as a conversation starter. It can be as simple as that.
By listening, you can get to know a person better, and ask more thoughtful follow up questions at the right moments. Playing close attention to what is being said goes a long way in the business world!
Focus on shared interests
I encourage my colleagues to focus on forming connections based on shared interests, values and goals. When speaking in-person, conversations naturally move away from business to other topics, from politics to the economy and hobbies. You can build genuine connections and relationships with people when you share common interests.
Consistency is also important. Regularly touch base with your network and show that you value these relationships beyond just transactional moments.
Play the long game
Networking is often only considered to be successful if an immediate lead is generated. This is frequently not the case.
Building a network is a long-term tactic that takes dedication. Not every connection will lead to immediate benefits, but consistent effort will yield long-term results. Hard selling rarely delivers, and what really makes for effective networking is authenticity.
Focus on being present. Hand out your business card at the end of the conversation and follow up within 48 hours to nurture the relationship.
Make sure thereâs never a firm goodbye
Conferences and events are there to make professional networks that last long after the venue closes. What I have learnt over the years is that even if a particular conversation is not likely to lead to a sale or outcome, it does not mean you should discredit that individual and stop any further conversation.
In the iGaming affiliate marketing sector, we see this all the time. People can quickly move positions, and suddenly have access to new opportunities. And, we should remember that people who enjoyed a conversation can introduce you to their wider network.
This is so important when it comes to networking â be sure to look at their bigger picture and follow-up with everyone you had the chance to speak with at the event. Maintaining these relationships in the long-term could open new doors in the future.
Ultimately, in person networking can deliver significant results if approached correctly. However, no long-lasting relationship can be made without a long-term strategy. Listening, identifying shared interests, as well as remaining authentic and consistent, is key to building meaningful relationships that can convert into business leads in the future.
The post How iGaming businesses can capitalise on event season, and form lasting business relationships appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brian Goodman CEO of Golden Matrix
Golden Matrix Group Inc. Reports Strong Q3 2024 Earnings and Continued Operational Growth
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Revenue Growth: Q3 2024 consolidated revenue increased by 85% to $41 million, with year-to-date revenue up 55% to $105.3 million, driven by consistent performance across key markets.
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Gross Profit Increase: Gross profit grew 39% in Q3 to $22.4 million, with year-to-date gross profit rising 24% to $61.8 million, reflecting improvements in operational efficiency and product margins.
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AEBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 reached $4.3 million, reflecting resilient performance across multiple revenue channels with marginal impacts from currency fluctuations across subsidiaries.
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Balance Sheet Strength: As of September 30, 2024, Golden Matrix maintained a robust financial position with over $38.4 million in cash and equivalents and short-term debt of $17.5 million. Shareholder equity also grew 60% to $94 million, reinforcing the Companyâs ability to pursue strategic growth initiatives.
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Meridianbet Strong Growth Continues: Meridianbetâs Q3 revenue grew 16% YoY, led by a 19% online increase and 6% in retail. Deposits rose to $61.9M (+13% QoQ), with new registrations up 23% to 125K. Online casino GGR margin hit 3.37% (+21% turnover), sports betting rose 7.4% YoY with GGR at 9.5%, retail sports GGR at 10.3% (record 14.1% in August), and retail slots up 17.5% YoY.
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Expansion of GMAG Platform: The GMAG B2B aggregator platform saw substantial growth, with wagering volume increasing 84% to $1.4 billion. Enhanced customer retention tools and the addition of high-margin games have driven engagement and profitability.
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Classics for a Cause Acquisition: This newly acquired Australian business added $2.1 million in revenue and $503,000 in EBITDA within two months, expanding Golden Matrixâs market reach and contributing to overall profitability.
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Mexplay Growth: Mexplay, the Companyâs online casino in Mexico, reported a 56% increase in active players and a rise in gross gaming revenue to $15 million, underscoring growth potential in Latin America.
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As esports and digital entertainment surge forward, driven by tech innovations, global reach, and shifting user preferences, weâre seeing a redefined gaming landscape with unprecedented growth opportunities. Although recent regulatory shifts and the impact on live events have temporarily slowed growth, the future of esports remains incredibly promising. Key revenue drivers, including sponsorships, advertising, merchandise, ticket sales, and streaming, are expected to continue propelling the industry forward.
Betting options have also transformed, expanding well beyond traditional sports to embrace esports. This new category, focused on top video games, is drawing in players eager for engaging betting experiences on local sportsbooks that cater to their interests with a diverse array of games, leagues, and tournaments. Atlaslive iGaming Platform and Sportsbook rise to this challenge, offering a rich catalog of esports betting options. Within the âSportsâ section, fans can back their favorite teams across leading games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty.
With a seamless registration and verification process, Atlaslive brings fans closer to the action. The platform provides a vast array of betting options across multiple games, with fan favorites like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) attracting enthusiastic participation. The live betting section is crafted for maximum engagement, allowing fans to place wagers tailored to each gameâs unique competitive elements.
Backed by comprehensive market research, Atlaslive identifies emerging trends in gaming and esports revenue, particularly across the top six revenue-generating regions. With a commitment to innovation, Atlaslive continues to enhance its iGaming platform, blending high-quality gaming content with adaptable, real-time technology to offer an unparalleled experience for players worldwide.
Esports Market in Focus: Global Statistics and Emerging Trends
Competitive gaming, or esports, has skyrocketed into a global phenomenon, where pro players and teams battle it out in popular multiplayer games through structured leagues, tournaments, and major events. With devoted fans, substantial sponsorships, and an enthusiastic community, esports is more profitable and visible than ever. But what factors are powering this explosive growth, and what lies ahead?
One major accelerator is the worldwide accessibility of high-speed internet and mobile technology. With mobile devices now in nearly every pocket, esports can reach a truly global audience. Atlasliveâs analytics reveal that over 90% of players prefer mobile gaming, a trend that highlights the ease of access for fans to engage with esports anytime, anywhere. This mobile-friendly environment also makes it seamless for fans to place bets on the go, keeping engagement high.
Another driving force is the impact of streaming services like Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, which collectively attract millions of viewers every month. Twitch alone garners over 240 million unique visitors monthly, demonstrating how integral streaming is to the esports community. These platforms not only allow fans to watch games live but also encourage connections between streamers and viewers, creating an interactive and immersive experience that brings fans closer to their favorite players and teams. The professionalization of esports, with structured leagues, big sponsorships, and marquee events, has cemented its place as a mainstream entertainment option.
As the industryâs momentum builds, Atlaslive is positioned to elevate the esports betting experience, enhancing accessibility and engagement in this fast-evolving digital arena. With such strong community support and technological innovation, esports is set to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Source: Statista 2024
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The global esports market has evolved remarkably, expanding from $1.2 billion in 2017 to an anticipated $6.1 billion by 2029, boasting a strong CAGR of 14.5%. This impressive rise reflects esportsâ journey from a specialized interest to a mainstream entertainment force, fueled by increasing investments and a widening international audience.
Esports revenue is driven by six primary streams:
- Sponsorship and Advertising: Brand deals and advertisements associated with tournaments and events.
- Merchandise and Ticket Sales: Earnings from event tickets and esports-themed merchandise.
- Streaming, Media Rights, and Publisher Fees: Revenue from broadcasting on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
- Esports Betting: Wagers placed on esports outcomes, adding a dynamic element of fan engagement.
Together, these streams create a substantial revenue foundation, underscoring the industryâs growth potential.
Average revenue per user (ARPU) in esports is on a steady incline. Currently, esports betting ARPU sits at around $33 for 2024, contributing to broader sports betting ARPU exceeding $300. Although modest, the esports ARPU indicates a growing appeal among new audiences, with demand surging for platforms that offer a wide range of games tailored to market needs.
Both merchandise and ticket sales are experiencing steady increases, highlighting fansâ enthusiasm for esports, both in live and virtual formats. While streaming revenue remains a smaller segment, it is on a gradual rise, signaling that esports content monetization is expanding, though at a gentler pace compared to other revenue channels.
This upward trajectory underscores esports as a thriving market, with continuous growth opportunities across diverse revenue streams.
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Source: Statista 2024
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The global reach of esports has skyrocketed, growing from 386 million users in 2017 to a projected 896.1 million by 2029, marking its shift from niche to mainstream. By 2025, esports is set to reach 772 million users, almost quadruple iGamingâs 211 million, with the market penetration of 12.6% compared to iGamingâs 2.7%. This growth reflects rising engagement among players and bettors, drawn by the excitement of competition and easy online access. For brands, this young, tech-savvy audience offers a prime opportunity to connect in a rapidly expanding market.
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Source: Statista 2024
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The esports market could reach a remarkable $8.3 billion by 2029 in a best-case scenario, fueled by expanding internet access, community support, and advancing technology. Moderate forecasts, however, suggest potential market sizes of $4.7 billion or $6.4 billion, depending on these influences.
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These projections illustrate the range of possibilities for esports growth. While the optimistic scenario forecasts rapid expansion, even conservative estimates indicate steady progress, underscoring the marketâs resilience and potential.
Global Leaders in the Esports Landscape
As one quote goes, âThe aim is to convert data into information, and information into great thoughts.â This approach is crucial for success in esports, as data reveals how various regions drive the global rise of esports. Established markets continue expanding while emerging regions promise future growth, showing where engagement is strongest today and where the next opportunities may emerge.
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Source: Statista 2024
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Europe, North America, and Asia lead the esports market, generating the majority of industry revenue, thanks to strong infrastructure and significant investments in key hubs like the U.S., South Korea, and Germany. Asia, with gaming-driven cultures and government backing in countries like China and South Korea, sees robust growth. Meanwhile, South America faces economic and infrastructure challenges, slowing its progress, though interest in esports is on the rise. Australia also holds a modest share, reflecting a smaller population but a dedicated esports community.
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Source: Statista 2024
Europe currently leads the esports market and is set for steady growth, though North Americaâs strong 10% growth rate could close the gap with strategic investments and expansion. Asia, with a 6.9% growth rate, remains a key region due to its large audience and gaming culture, yet North Americaâs rapid growth could soon push it ahead in revenue.
Regions like South America, Africa, and Australia & Oceania, though smaller, show strong potential. South America, growing at 8.1% annually, stands out for investment opportunities, while Africa and Australia & Oceania hint at future development possibilities.
Unlock New Betting Possibilities in Esports with Atlaslive
The growth of esports has driven betting operators to expand beyond traditional pre-match bets. With Atlaslive, users experience the excitement of live betting as events unfold, enjoying competitive odds and dynamic options for in-play predictions. From pre-tournament wagers to real-time betting, Atlaslive provides a seamless and engaging betting journey.
Recognizing the importance of mobile accessibility, Atlaslive Platform offers optimized mobile solutions, allowing players to bet on their favorite esports events anytime, anywhere. The platform also delivers comprehensive stats, featuring both real-time and historical data, empowering users with valuable insights into team performance and past results for smarter betting choices.
Backed by advanced technology, Atlaslive offers esports fans an immersive live betting experience while partners benefit from increased engagement, access to vibrant player communities, and enriched iGaming options.
Lead the game with Atlaslive.
The post Esports Market Growth and the Atlaslive Advantage in Betting Innovation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
MGM National Harbor is kicking off November with a big jackpot. A lucky guest was playing Ultimate Texas Holdâem on November 3 when he was dealt a Royal Flush of diamonds, winning $961,428.50.
âWhat an incredible way to kick off the holidays,â said Alex Alvarado, MGM National Harborâs Vice President of Casino Operations. âWe take great pride in offering the premier selection of table games in an industry where anything is possible. Today, that possibility became a reality with a life-changing win for our guest.â
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