Industry News

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

Published

4 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.

Golf

Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience

Published

4 days ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-gathering:-an-elite-golf-&-padel-experience

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.

Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.

Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.

The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.

Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”

The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.

The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI chat technology

Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry

Published

4 days ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

casinofy-unveils-next-generation-platform-redesign-with-ai-powered-chat,-setting-a-new-standard-for-the-online-casino-industry

Casinofy, a forward-thinking leader in the online casino space, announced the launch of its completely redesigned platform featuring cutting-edge AI chat technology, a modernised user interface and a suite of innovative features that position the company at the forefront of the iGaming industry.

A Bold Leap Forward in Online Casino Innovation

The newly redesigned Casinofy platform represents one of the most ambitious overhauls in the online casino sector. With a focus on user experience, intelligent personalisation and next-generation technology, Casinofy is redefining what players expect from an online gaming destination.

Key highlights of the new platform include:

• AI-Powered Chat Assistant — An intelligent, real-time chat system that provides instant player support, personalised game recommendations, responsible gaming guidance and seamless interaction — available 24/7 with human-like conversational ability.

• Complete UI/UX Redesign — A sleek, modern interface built for speed, accessibility and engagement across all devices, delivering an immersive experience from the first visit.

• Smart Personalization Engine — Leveraging AI to tailor game suggestions, promotions and content to each player’s unique preferences and play style.

• Enhanced Navigation and Game Discovery — Intuitive categorisation, advanced search and AI-driven recommendations that help players discover new favorites effortlessly.

AI Chat: A Game-Changer for Player Experience

At the heart of the new Casinofy experience is its proprietary AI chat system — a feature that goes far beyond traditional customer support. The AI assistant understands context, remembers player preferences and delivers instant, accurate responses on everything from game rules and bonus terms to account inquiries.

Unlike conventional chatbots, Casinofy’s AI chat is designed to enhance every touchpoint of the player journey, making it one of the most sophisticated implementations of artificial intelligence in the online casino industry to date.

Leading the Industry Through Innovation

While the online casino market continues to grow, few operators have invested as heavily in technology-driven differentiation as Casinofy. The new platform positions Casinofy among the most innovative operators globally, bridging the gap between traditional online gaming and the AI-first future of digital entertainment.

The Casinofy team said that they are not just keeping up with the industry, but setting the pace. The new platform is built on the belief that players deserve smarter, faster and more personalised experiences. They added that the integration of AI chat is just the beginning of what they have planned.

The post Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

DigerPAM

Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators

Published

5 days ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

digicode-launches-digerpam:-a-next-generation-player-account-management-system-for-igaming-operators

International software provider Digicode has unveiled DigerPAM, an enterprise-grade Player Account Management (PAM) system designed to serve as the operational backbone for modern iGaming operators. DigerPAM integrates core account management, CRM, compliance, promotions, analytics, and growth workflows into a single, scalable platform, giving operators full visibility, control, and performance across their brands and player base.

Built for operational excellence and regulatory compliance
Engineered for operators navigating complex regulations and multi-brand strategies, DigerPAM centralises every player interaction—from acquisition and registration to lifecycle engagement and retention—within one intelligent framework.

Key capabilities include:

Unified operational core: Manage player profiles, wallets, CRM, bonus engines, content, compliance workflows, and reporting seamlessly from a single system.
Full lifecycle oversight: Track and engage players from first interaction to lifetime value with real-time behavioural insights and segmentation.
Built-in compliance and reporting: Optional KYC/identity verification, responsible gaming tools, immutable tax logs, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
Modular, scalable architecture: Cloud-agnostic microservices built for high-traffic, multi-currency operations and rapid provider integration.
Optional suite integrations: Full compatibility with Digicode’s ecosystem, including DigerRGS, DigerPay, DigerClick, and DigerCompanion, to expand platform functionality.

A solution for modern iGaming realities
DigerPAM supports both standalone operations and complex multi-brand ecosystems, giving operators actionable insights into player behaviour, campaign performance, compliance readiness, and key business KPIs—all without relying on fragmented legacy systems.

“Operators today need a unified engine that not only manages accounts but drives growth with intelligence and compliance at its core,” said Max Maslii, Global CEO at Digicode. “DigerPAM delivers a single, cohesive view across the player lifecycle, eliminates operational fragmentation, and empowers brands to scale confidently.”

The post Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.