Latest News
NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands
By: Evgeniy Babitsyn, Chief Marketing Officer, Bets.io
The sport industry finds itself amidst its own digital transformation journey with the introduction of new technologies, and at the forefront of this digital shift are NFTs – otherwise known as Non-Fungible Tokens.
NFTs can represent any kind of digital item, and in recent years have commonly been used for quirky collectibles and art work – but they now enter the sports arena in a unique way. The beauty of NFTs is the unique metadata and ownership information which is tracked via blockchain, making them a one-of-a-kind digital collectible that cannot be duplicated. As a result of their collectible nature, it’s only natural that NFTs caught the eyes of eager sports enthusiasts and die-hard fans.
In fact, according to Deloitte research, around 40% of Gen Z and millennial sports fans are at least somewhat familiar with the use of NFTs and fan tokens in sports.
But why is that? And how can they boost engagement?
NFTs are rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for sports brands in driving deeper fan engagement and unlocking new revenue streams. This is because sports fans are, by nature, competitive and eager to own exclusive content from their much loved players, teams and brands. They want to be part of the action.
By playing on this feeling, and reinforcing loyalty among fans in this way, sports brands have a huge opportunity to take their revenue streams to new heights and gain a competitive advantage over other brands.
Imagine an athlete releases a limited-edition NFT that represents the most iconic moment in their career, such as the winning shot or a record breaking performance. Fans who own that NFT can then access exclusive content related to that moment including behind-the-scenes footage or interviews.
There really is no limit to these tokens, and depending on the asset, they can be much sought after. As more and more sports fans embrace the digital tokens, sports brands are quickly learning that there is huge potential for fan engagement, if they continue to innovate with this technology.
Taking collectibles to the 21st Century
Sports memorabilia and collectibles have for centuries been a way for fans to feel more connected to their favourite teams and athletes. And now thanks to the advances of technology – more specifically, blockchain technology – fans can collect within the digital realm, gaining access to truly “own” unique digital items and experiences.
Beyond just digital art or collectibles, NFTs can also integrate the idea of gamification, exclusive content and experiences into their NFTs – allowing fans to engage more actively while unlocking new revenue opportunities.
The possibilities are endless, extending far beyond just digital collectibles. They can provide fans with access to exclusive digital or in-person experiences, events and merch as well. Think front row seats or the chance for a meet and greet post-game.
With this, NFTs provide an excellent way for brands to diversify their revenue streams by monetising their content and intellectual property strategically.
It really is win-win, fans can own a piece of their favourite team’s history while supporting their team financially. And sports brands can benefit from more loyal fans.
Transforming the fan experience
Engagement is everything to sports brands. After all, the fans are really the most important stakeholders in the end. And offering NFTs can be a powerful tool in fostering deeper engagement within fan communities. NFTs provide more innovative ways for fans to connect, prove their loyalty and gain recognition for their allegiance.
Let’s look at NBA Top Shot. NBA Top Shot is the perfect example of a blockchain-based platform that allows fans to own and collect officially licensed NBA collectibles digitally. The platform offers exclusive collectibles including videos of the biggest NBA moments and highlights.
And football teams are also following suit. Manchester City, PSG, FC Barcelona have all joined in on the NFT hype – offering their own NFT collections for keen supporters such as worn jerseys, trophies and more.
Sports Betting and NFTs
And when it comes to sports betting, NFTs take the iGaming experience to the next level. Fans can purchase NFTs that represent specific bets, such as the winner of a particular game or the performance of a specific player. These NFTs can then be traded or sold, just like other NFTs, providing a new level of flexibility and excitement for betting.
The use of NFTs in the sports industry is still in its early stages, but has already shown great potential. We can expect more applications to come in the world of sports – including at Bets.io. Watch this space.
Looking ahead, the future is incredibly promising for sports brands who leverage NFTs within their business operations. Those who embrace these new powerful ways to inspire fans and forge deeper relationships with their communities, will see their efforts translate into business value.
The post NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report
Leading B2B iGaming solutions provider Slotegrator has released part 1 of the iGaming trends 2025 report, offering a comprehensive look at the trends set to define the industry in the coming year. The report highlights innovative strategies and technologies that operators and providers can leverage to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The report highlights transformative shifts in the iGaming landscape that are reshaping the way operators and providers approach their businesses.
The report contains information about AI and how it is set to revolutionize the iGaming industry by becoming a game-changing tool for operators. Its advances are enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, fraud detection, and player engagement, setting a new standard for the industry. Faruk Aydin, Chief Revenue Officer at Revpanda Group, expressed his opinion on the AI trend: “As we navigate the AI era, I believe it’s more important than ever for iGaming brands to ensure their content is local, relevant, and human-wr0itten to truly connect with players and build trust”.
William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, believes that in 2025, iGaming trends will reflect global shifts and technological advancements. According to Sarto, “AI continues to transform the iGaming industry. In 2025, its application will expand in areas such as data analysis and processing to enhance the gaming experience, content creation and process automation, and tools for personalization and creating added value for players.’’
According to Slotegrator, payment technologies are also evolving rapidly. With the integration of cryptocurrencies, biometric authentication, and instant cross-border transactions, in 2025 it will become key to meeting player demands for speed, security, and convenience.
In addition, the growing importance of social gaming and community building is redefining player expectations. No longer just about entertainment, iGaming platforms are increasingly becoming spaces for connection, where features like live dealer games, player chats, and tournaments foster a sense of belonging and enhance retention.
William Sarto highlights that “responsible gambling, social and charitable initiatives, and addressing ecological concerns are becoming integral. These factors influence not only the external perception of companies but also their internal corporate culture.’’
Sarto also puts a focus on brand and values: “Building a strong brand is becoming a core development vector. Establishing values, communicating them to both B2B and B2C audiences, and creating added value for “consumers” are critical. Players will choose companies offering not just quality products but also emotional connection.’’
Slotegrator also delves into the emergence of innovative game formats, such as crash games, skill-based gaming, and immersive VR and AR experiences, which are attracting a broader and more diverse audience.
Meanwhile, the evolution of affiliate marketing strategies emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and localization, allowing operators to connect more deeply with their target demographics.
The report emphasizes the importance of forward planning, urging operators to adapt to shifting player preferences and adopt the latest technologies to maintain competitiveness in the dynamic iGaming market.
Faruk Aydin has added his predictions about iGaming trends for 2025: “I think 2025 will be another year where we’ll see new trends emerge, while still needing to stick to the fundamentals. If iGaming brands want to stay ahead in the marketing game, they’ll need to focus on a smarter, more strategic approach.
Multi-channel marketing will take center stage, enabling brands to engage players through a mix of social media, email, influencers, and more—creating seamless, personalized experiences. At the same time, SEO will remain a cornerstone of success—optimizing for search intent will help brands stay visible and competitive.
Finally, exploring new and emerging markets, especially in regions with growing online gaming adoption, presents a huge opportunity for brands that localize their approach and adapt to regional preferences. Overall, adopting a marketing strategy that balances technology with a human touch will be the key to success for iGaming brands in 2025”.
The iGaming Trends 2025, Part 1 is now available for download on the Slotegrator website. For additional information or inquiries, please contact the Slotegrator team.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
The post Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Unwrap a flurry of festive wins in Chessmas by Swintt’s Elysium Studios
New board-game based entry in the Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt line-up sees tactics meet tinsel as players get into the holiday spirit with big wins of up to 9,021x
We all know nothing beats a good board game over the holiday period – so to help players get into the competitive spirit this Christmas, Elysium Studios has created a cracking new Chessmas slot where making the perfect play could result in a flurry of festive wins.
Taking place in the cosy confines of Santa’s workshop, Chessmas features an expanded 5×5 reel set with 15 fixed paylines and is designed to look like a classic chess board. Symbols to feature in the game include reindeers, snowmen, sleighs and Mrs Claus, with each of these icons taking on the characteristics of a corresponding chess piece when its wild modifier has been activated.
At the start each round, a special “Christmas Reel” to the left of the board will spin to reveal either a win multiplier or a symbol to become wild. In the latter case, any instances of the selected symbol will expand in a pattern that mimics the actions of a particular chess piece – with reindeers moving in an L shape, snowmen spreading diagonally and sleighs copying horizontally.
Mrs Claus understandably acts as the queen piece and will not only move in any direction to complete the biggest win possible, but also rewards players with three free respins. “But what of Santa himself?” you might ask – fear not, for he also appears to trigger the game’s bonus feature.
Activated whenever Jolly St. Nick arrives on reels one, three and five simultaneously, players will be transported to a Christmas-themed board game and awarded between four and eight rolls of the dice. Each roll they make will see Santa travel around the board and land on spaces containing multipliers, win multipliers and extra turns, with all payouts accumulating as they go.
Should they not wish to wait to trigger this exciting extra from the base game, players also have the option to use the “Buy” button to enter the bonus directly, but either way it’s a feature that has the potential to award big prizes in addition to the slot’s already impressive 9,021x maximum win.
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, Chessmas – our new festive-themed from Elysium Studios – has all the right ingredients to get you into the holiday spirit. Featuring expanding wilds and an exciting, board-game based bonus feature, it’s a Christmas cracker that we’re sure all players are going to love!”
The post Unwrap a flurry of festive wins in Chessmas by Swintt’s Elysium Studios appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Ring in the Holidays with 1spin4win’s New Year Prize Rush network promotion
The holiday season is about to get even more exciting with 1spin4win’s brand-new “New Year Prize Rush” network promotion, featuring a €20,000 prize pool.
Running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, this 1spin4win festive event offers players the chance to win part of the €20,000 prize pool, with 515 cash prizes spread across 11 1spin4win games. Players can claim as many prizes as they like throughout the promotion.
The “New Year Prize Rush” is designed to spark excitement, attract new players, and increase player engagement during the holiday season. The generous prize pool and festive atmosphere are sure to boost GGR and betting volume, encouraging players to keep spinning for more. With holiday cheer at the heart of the promotion, operators can also enhance their brand image and foster stronger connections with their players.
Thanks to 1spin4win’s automatic setup, operators can effortlessly run this holiday-themed event. Prizes are credited directly to players’ accounts, requiring no extra configuration and ensuring smooth operations while maximizing player participation and engagement.
Olga Hlukhovskaya, Head of the Account Management Division at 1spin4win, said, “We really wanted to capture the magic of the holiday season. That’s why we created two brand-new games, Classic Christmas and Christmas Gems, specifically for this promotion. We hope these festive games bring extra joy to our players and make the ‘New Year Prize Rush’ an experience they’ll enjoy and remember.”
Players can dive into the holiday spirit with 11 specially selected 1spin4win games, packed with festive fun and big rewards as part of the “New Year Prize Rush” promotion.
- Classic Christmas (coming soon)
- Christmas Gems (coming soon)
- Fruity Christmas
- Lucky Christmas 243
- Lucky Eve 100
- Lucky Xmas 20
- Northern Gold Rush
- Lucky Snowlight
- Lucky Gold Miner
- Cash The Gold
- Hold the Gold
This year, two new holiday-themed games, Classic Christmas and Christmas Gems, take center stage in the promotion, offering a festive experience and the beloved Hold and Win mechanic. Classic Christmas captures the charm of the traditional land-based slot machines, while Christmas Gems dazzles with sparkling rewards. All games, including these two new releases, are compatible with both fiat and cryptocurrencies, allowing players from all over the world to join in the holiday fun.
For further details or inquiries, please contact the dedicated 1spin4win Account Manager or Olga Hlukhovskaya, Head of Account Management Division at 1spin4win, at [email protected].
Find out more about 1spin4win’s promotional tools for online casinos here.
About 1spin4win
1spin4win is a fast-growing game provider founded in May 2021 by ambitious developers with over 15 years of experience in the gambling industry. Since its inception, the company has expanded its portfolio to include over 100 classic online slots, all characterized by quality mathematics, transparent mechanics, and well-balanced gameplay — key factors that drive strong player retention. The studio consistently releases an average of three new games each month and offers effective promotional tools for casino operators to help them enhance player loyalty.
The post Ring in the Holidays with 1spin4win’s New Year Prize Rush network promotion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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