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Are your CRM tactics World Cup Ready?

Published

3 years ago

October 11, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

With the Qatar World Cup fast approaching we spoke to Thomas Aigner, Head of Business Development at Ibex.Ai about how operators can begin to revolutionise their CRM tactics ahead of the biggest sporting event of the year. Here we explore the opportunities available for operators choosing to modernise their approach to CRM marketing and make use of personalisation and automation developments in this sector.

The World Cup not only represents the biggest sporting event of the year but also provides opportunities for operators to create engaging promotions to retain existing customers. Many players may visit a casino or sportsbook platform infrequently with events such as the highly anticipated World Cup being the perfect opportunity to reintroduce these players to the content, bonuses and promotions available on your platform. Introducing Artificial intelligence can re-activate these players and keep them engaged through the use of machine learning and AI-powered personalisation and automation allowing operators to optimise the CRM process and limit the likelihood of players using competitors’ websites. This also allows operators to begin reaching players using the correct channels, especially important as we enter a period of increased sports betting.

Assuming a great acquisition strategy is already in place, the big differentiator in creating a successful CRM campaign is offering players a fully personalised experience. This means showing the content that resonates with them to engage with their interests and this is what will fundamentally aid in their retention in comparison to a competitor’s campaign. Typically, this is achieved using segmentation and defined target groups, with many customers within a group being targeted using the same campaign. This may provide an illusion of personalisation however at this level of granularity true personalisation through segmentation cannot be achieved. Fundamentally what may work for one player cannot be extrapolated to work for all and with such a popular sporting event taking place, these concerns need to be resolved.

It is presumed that the solution to this problem is creating additional segmentation groups with smaller and smaller groups being created and targeted. However, this becomes unscalable very quickly especially when an operator has multiple brands, trades across jurisdictions, has numerous CRM teams or has seen a recent increase in its player base whether through natural growth, affiliate opportunities or sporting events such as the World Cup. The segmentation currently used again doesn’t resolve the problem of personalisation. To answer this issue of personalisation the ecosystem has already begun modifying the CRM practices that it uses and introduced artificial intelligence and machine learning into the process. AI allows the tracking of players on an individual basis to determine what campaigns they interact with and what engages with them be that the content offered by a casino, a match deposit bonus or a particular game. In contrast to the segmentation approach AI also allows the CRM process to be fully automated with no need for managers to oversee this work or control workflow and no manual scheduling needed to initiate communication. The insights gained from the use of AI will be key to reintroducing customers to your platform to place bets during the World Cup.

Additionally, the World Cup will see operators increasing their spend on CRM to attract existing customers, however, utilizing AI and more specifically Ibex.ai operators can save money in this department. Players that are communicated with via an email marketing campaign will only be triggered if this communication will result in a positive spend for the operator when using Ibex. This negates overspending on customers who may not prove to be profitable and actively encourages the use of a smarter way of budgeting around CRM allowing for additional money to be saved. This process also avoids the ever-present and growing bonus abuse problem with users who seek these loopholes not being targeted by the AI and in turn reduces the costs of campaigns.

The email marketing campaign is also a key part of the CRM calculations used before generating messaging for a prospective customer. Timing and using the correct channel to reach an existing consumer is key for them to engage with the content and this is compounded during a month-long sporting event. Email campaigns, SMS, push notifications and more can be used to reach a customer however the timing of this messaging is also key. If they typically respond to a campaign during the evening marketing focused on an upcoming football match will need to be communicated the night before rather than on the day to encourage interactions throughout the month. Ai considers the timing and most useful channel to use prior to communicating with a player.

It is a guarantee that operators are asking themselves how they will manage their CRM practices during the World Cup and Ibex.Ai are offering a trial period to perspective operators looking to upgrade their services. This requires no initial integration and can deliver all your CRM needs before the first whistle blows on top of the current systems you have in place. We ask you to challenge the status quo and don’t simply reuse the same CRM tactics used for the last world cup to retain customers. As many competitors have begun to take advantage of the automation and personalisation offered through Artificial Intelligence, don’t fall behind. We can provide prospective clients with a trial focused on their churned players to provide insight as to the deliverables of our AI-powered services.

BetMGM

BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

betmgm-and-fashiontv-gaming-group-bring-luxury-lifestyle-to-north-american-igaming

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.

The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.

Immersive Luxury Table Games

The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.

FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.

The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.

Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap

For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.

“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”

Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”

Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.

The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brazil Betting Law

2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-regulatory-roadmap:-key-compliance-deadlines

As the industry gathers for ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted into a high-execution phase. The following roadmap outlines the critical compliance dates for three of the most influential markets currently undergoing major transitions: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Date	Jurisdiction	Regulatory Milestone	Action Required for Operators/Suppliers
Jan 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 Update	Ban on Mixed-Product Incentives: Offers like “Bet £10, get 20 free spins” are now prohibited. Wagering Caps: Bonus wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x.
Jan 19-21, 2026	Global / EMEA	ICE Barcelona 2026	Flagship event for showcasing 2026 compliance technology and real-time auditing solutions.
Mar 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Condition 15.2.1 Reporting	Key Event Reporting: Threshold for reporting operator status/shareholder changes raised from 3% to 5%. All loans must be reported regardless of written agreements.
Mar 31, 2026	Philippines	PAGCOR B2B Accreditation Deadline	Final Compliance Date: All B2B providers (studios, aggregators, affiliates) must be accredited. Unaccredited foreign content will be blocked from licensed platforms.
Apr 6, 2026	United Kingdom	DMCC Act 2024 Alignment	Fair & Transparent Terms: Consumer Protection regulations replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Terms must align with new definitions of “misleading actions.”
June 30, 2026	United Kingdom	RTS 12 (Financial Limits)	Technical changes to Remote Technical Standards (RTS) regarding how customers set and view financial limits on their accounts.
H2 2026	Brazil	Betting Deposit Tax Vote	Proposed 15% tax on gambling deposits is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote after being pushed back in late 2025.

Regional Deep Dive: Strategic Compliance

1. United Kingdom: The “Safety & Simplicity” Era

The UKGC’s January 19th update is the most immediate challenge for marketing teams. By decoupling sports betting from casino bonuses, the regulator aims to reduce “cross-product friction” that could lead to unintended gambling harm.

Strategy: Pivot toward product-specific loyalty programs (e.g., “Bet £10 on Football, Get a £5 Free Bet”) to maintain compliance while driving retention.

2. Brazil: Sustaining the .bet.br Ecosystem

Following the January 1, 2025 launch of the regulated market, 2026 is about operational maturity. The focus has shifted to the mandatory use of the .bet.br domain and rigorous AML/KYC reporting to the Secretariat of Awards and Betting (SPA).

Strategy: Ensure all advertising features the mandatory license logo and that all protagonists in marketing materials are visibly over 21 years of age.

3. Philippines: The B2B Supply Chain Lockdown

PAGCOR’s new framework is a move to professionalize the region, mirroring the supplier-licensing models seen in Ontario and Malta.

Strategy: Foreign studios that missed the December 2025 “early bird” three-year accreditation window must expedite their applications before March 31st to avoid a total blackout on Filipino-facing sites.

The post 2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI in Gambling

2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals”

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-outlook:-regulation,-ai-personalization,-and-the-return-of-“originals”

The iGaming industry has officially entered a new era of discipline. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the “wild west” growth of previous years has been replaced by a focus on sustainability, hyper-localization, and AI-driven player protection. From the finalization of the PROGA framework in India to the massive turnover records set by World Pool, the market is no longer just growing—it is maturing.

The Rise of “Explainable AI” in Player Retention

In 2026, AI has moved beyond simple game recommendations. Leading operators are now utilizing “Explainable AI” (XAI) to bridge the gap between engagement and compliance. Unlike traditional “black box” algorithms, XAI allows operators to understand why a player is being flagged for risky behavior or why a specific loyalty nudge was triggered.

This transparency is critical for maintaining trust in highly regulated markets like the UK and Ontario, where the UKGC’s 2026 Social Responsibility updates now demand more rigorous evidence of proactive player interaction.

“Originals” and the Rebirth of Video Poker

While high-volatility slots like Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin continue to dominate headlines, a significant shift is occurring in the “non-slots” vertical.

The PowerPoker Revolution: Strategic partnerships, such as the recent QTech Games and Speedy Tomatoes deal, are revitalizing video poker. By adding features like “Swap-A-Card,” these games are capturing high-value player segments who prioritize skill and strategy.
Branded Originals: Platforms like MINT are proving that “Originals” (Mines, Crash, and Plinko) are no longer secondary products. Fully brandable house games are now a core foundation for crypto-first and Web3 operators, driving session frequency through provably fair mechanics.

Brazil and Ontario: The Battle for Market Supremacy

The geographic focus for 2026 remains firmly on Brazil and Ontario.

Brazil’s Advertising Evolution: With the newly regulated market in full swing, groups like Esportes Gaming Brasil joining IAB Brasil signal a shift toward responsible communication. Advertising is now a tool for helping consumers identify licensed platforms, moving away from aggressive acquisition tactics.
Ontario’s Content War: The region has become North America’s most dynamic hub. Agreements like the Peter & Sons and Casino Time deal highlight the demand for “indie-inspired” content that stands out in a saturated market.

Conclusion: The “Champion Mindset” for 2026

Success this year isn’t about volume; it’s about coherence. As highlighted by GR8 Tech’s “Champions Club” initiative for ICE Barcelona, the operators winning in 2026 are those who treat technology as a performance ecosystem. By aligning real-time data with compliant storytelling, brands are finding that “trust” is the most valuable currency in the modern iGaming world.

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