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3.5 Billion ‘Gamers’ Globally by 2024, but Cloud Gaming Must Evaluate Business Models in Order to Survive
Report by ABI Research and InterDigital confirms cloud gaming providers should favor subscription-based pricing models to take advantage of market potential
A new report from ABI Research has found almost half of the expected population in 2024 will be gamers. To take advantage of this huge market potential, telecommunications companies, internet service providers (ISPs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must evaluate different business models to determine whether the service will succeed or fail.
Commissioned by InterDigital, the report “Cloud gaming: Enabling a next generation gaming and streaming paradigm” states that the video gaming market is now among the largest entertainment industries in the world. Currently, more than 2.3 billion individuals play video games, and the number of gamers is expected to grow substantially over the next four years to more than 3.5 billion gamers by 2024. The Asia-Pacific region represents the largest gaming base with 51% of the worldwide total. The Americas, at roughly 20% of the player base, represent the second largest revenue opportunity.
The report suggests that for cloud gaming operators to capitalize on this growing industry, they must evaluate their business models while the market is in the early stages of its life cycle. Over-the top media services, like online video streaming, offer the most pragmatic and consumer-friendly option thanks to monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription plans. Consumers favor unlimited subscription plans over time-based payment plans, even if they end up paying more than what they would on a usage payment plan.
Subscription models are also intended to shape user behavior. A parallel can be drawn with mobile data, where caps were implemented to increase revenue, but also to dictate usage. While usage-based fees are less popular, they could prove to be the optimal strategy for market players in early cloud gaming days, especially when it might be challenging to convert the core gaming audience from gaming PCs and consoles.
Furthermore, the future of cloud gaming doesn’t solely lie in traditional video games. According to the report, there are increasing opportunities for market players to add gaming elements to non-gaming activities and content. Gamification can increase flexibility in delivery and consumption, opening new use cases and applications, such as within workplace collaboration tools and fitness applications. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) also have inherent synergy with gaming and, more specifically, with cloud gaming.
“The cloud gaming market is rapidly growing, and it’s clear those who act now will capitalize on this opportunity. But these players need to act fast if they want to take advantage of everything this exciting market has to offer,” said Laurent Depersin, R&I Senior Lab Director at InterDigital. “As developments in 5G and Wi-Fi penetrate the mainstream, enabling more products and services to become gamified, we’ll see Gaming-as-a-Service (GaaS) really come to life—pulling in new gamers, and encouraging existing ones to make the transition to the cloud, thanks to its user friendly business model. For cloud gaming and GaaS to succeed, players need to ensure they deliver both the right business model and the right user experience to drive mainstream adoption.”
To access the full report ‘Cloud gaming: Enabling a next generation gaming and streaming paradigm’ please click here.
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Kaizen Gaming brand becomes an Official Regional Sponsor as World Cup 2026 approaches, with campaigns planned across digital, TV and OOH.
Betano has signed a new sponsorship agreement with the Argentina National Football Team, joining as an Official Regional Sponsor, the company said on April 29, 2026.
The deal was announced from Athens, Greece and Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the Kaizen Gaming-owned sports betting and gaming brand positioning the partnership ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to the company, the sponsorship will include “local 360° campaigns” featuring Betano’s tagline “Confiá” across digital media, television, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Betano also said it plans “high-engagement activations” intended to connect fans with the team.
In the release, Kaizen Gaming framed the agreement as part of a broader strategy to invest in top-tier sports partnerships to support international brand growth and “responsible gaming experiences.” Financial terms, territories covered under the “regional” designation, and contract duration were not disclosed.
More relevant data as follows:
- Betano (Kaizen Gaming) official website; https://www.betano.com/ Primary source for brand and market presence details related to Betano.
- Kaizen Gaming official website; https://kaizengaming.com/ Company background and corporate announcements for Kaizen Gaming, the owner of Betano.
- AFA (Argentine Football Association) official website; https://www.afa.com.ar/ Authoritative reference for Argentina national team commercial partnerships and federation announcements.
- FIFA World Cup 2026; https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canada-mexico-usa2026 Official tournament page to ground the timing reference to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The post Betano signs sponsorship deal with Argentina national football team appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
New France stop runs Nov 2-8; EPT Prague returns to the Hilton Prague on Dec 2-13, both counting toward the PokerStars Live League.
PokerStars has added two stops to its 2026 live poker calendar: EPT Prague returns on Dec 2-13 at the Hilton Prague, and a new PokerStars Open event will debut in Aix-en-Provence, France, on Nov 2-8. The operator announced the dates on April 22, 2026.
Both events will award points in the PokerStars Live League, PokerStars’ annual leaderboard system across High, Medium, and Low tiers. PokerStars said more than €150,000 in PokerStars LIVE credit will be paid out to the top three finishers in each tier at year-end, plus a live freeroll with a €100,000 prize pool at the first EPT of 2027 for the top 30 finishers in each tier.
EPT Prague is set to run as an 11-day festival, with PokerStars flagging the High Roller and EPT Main Event among the headline tournaments. PokerStars cited last year’s Prague Main Event at more than 1,200 entries for a prize pool of more than €5.9 million, with Matan Krakow winning for more than €770,000.
The new PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence stop will run in partnership with Texapoker at Pasino GRAND Partouche Aix-en-Provence. It becomes the latest confirmed date in PokerStars’ 2026 live lineup, which also includes EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 – May 10), PokerStars Open Namur (May 27 – June 7), PokerStars Open Malaga (June 22-28), and EPT Barcelona (August 16-29).
“We’re delighted to bring players two more incredible live events and welcome the return of EPT Prague,” said Cédric Billot, Associate Director, Live Events. ”Each stop offers a unique experience and world-class competition and strengthens an already exciting 2026 schedule. We look forward to welcoming everyone for another standout year of live poker.”
More relevant data as follows:
- PokerStars Live; https://www.pokerstarslive.com/ Official schedule and event information source referenced in the announcement.
- PokerStars blog; https://www.pokerstars.com/poker/learn/news/ PokerStars’ news hub cited for additional details on live events and updates.
- European Poker Tour (EPT) – PokerStars Live; https://www.pokerstarslive.com/ept Background and official overview of the EPT brand and tour stops mentioned in the release
The post PokerStars adds PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence and confirms EPT Prague for 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Betano joins the Argentina National Football Team as Official Regional Sponsor ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026
Betano, the premium online sports betting and gaming brand of Kaizen Gaming, is an Official Regional Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team, further highlighting its commitment to supporting Argentine sport.
The sponsorship agreement comes at a time of increased global anticipation for the game, just weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Through this partnership, Betano is strengthening its ties with Argentine football and together with the country’s National Team, will deploy high-engagement activations that bring the fans closer to the game.
Argentina, the reigning world champions and one of the most iconic footballing nations, hold three World Cup titles and 47 major tournament wins and are supported by an expansive international fanbase. By reinforcing its presence in this legendary footballing stronghold, Betano continues to elevate its brand profile, integrating it into the elite of global sport. The partnership with the National Football Team of Argentina also reflects Kaizen Gaming’s broader strategy to invest in top-tier sports collaborations that drive international brand growth, while delivering innovative and responsible gaming experiences to millions of users worldwide.
The scope of this sponsorship will include local 360° campaigns that feature Betano’s tagline “Confiá” in digital media, television, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising.
Football is a global language, and few teams and countries embody its passion and legacy like Argentina. This partnership is a natural step for Kaizen Gaming and the Betano brand, deepening their presence at the heart of the sport and connecting with fans in moments that matter most. As anticipation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to build, this collaboration positions Betano centre-stage in the football conversation. Ahead of what promises to be a thrilling tournament, Kaizen Gaming remains focused on expanding its international reach, investing in strategic partnerships, and building meaningful connections with fans worldwide.
The post Betano Teams Up with World Champions Argentina in New Sponsorship Deal appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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