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Long live the lottery: Future-proofing your business model
Ade Repcenko, CEO of Spinola Gaming discusses the new forms of technology available for the lottery sector and how it can help companies innovate their offering and create a future-proof business model in order to adapt to new market behaviour. He explores how technology can help lottery operators spend less yet increase their revenue, while driving more value towards good causes in the process.
Mobile first
Mobile penetration and stable internet access are at their peak, even across emerging markets, with almost 80 percent of the world’s adult population always having a smartphone within arms reach. This is not news for anyone, but while other industries have long adapted to this shift, the lottery sector has been somewhat stagnant in the digital and mobile transformation of their products. Operators across all markets, especially those in emerging markets such as Africa and LATAM where people are more likely to own a mobile than a computer or tablet, should be adopting a mobile-first approach as a necessity, not an option. People rely on their mobile for all kinds of purchases, now more than ever with the restrictions brought about by COVID-19. It therefore makes sense that players would want to access their favourite games, scratch cards and lottery draws on mobile.
Merging retail and online
Retail is not dead, but the belief that lottery player preferences will shift from retail to online is shared by many in the global lottery industry. The “Lotteries in Covid-19 Lockdown” webinar ran an interesting audience poll asking what changes the lottery industry predicts for post-Covid lottery player behaviour. Many European lottery executives and industry experts believe that some players would return to their normal retail/online preferences, while other players would choose to remain online, with retail lotteries becoming less relevant. As a new generation of lottery players emerges, lotteries need to adopt a hybrid approach which merges retail and online. Business models need to adapt in order to be able to give players what they want, whenever and wherever they want it.
Online ticket purchasing is set to play a very large part in the global lottery industry over the coming years. In fact, Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director Michael Sweeney, told the Lottery Commission that the online lottery market is the next big thing, and no longer the distant “future” of lotteries, but the present reality which companies need to adapt to in order to continue to reach their players long-term. He stressed that without an online element to lottery ticket sales, retail land-based lotteries such as the Massachusetts Lottery face “a significant threat of becoming somewhat obsolete”.
Rethinking retail
The time for change is now. Using large clunky lottery terminals that occupy very valuable retail counter space is no longer required. There is a whole range of modern lottery solutions that can be used to sell retail tickets of multiple lotteries via a retail POS application software that can be installed into already existing retail POS systems, without the need for traditional retail lottery hardware.
Lotteries can also be used for customer loyalty schemes and other retention or profit boosting incentives. Imagine going to your local grocery store, getting to the checkout, and there is an offer giving you a free lottery ticket with purchases over $100. Many customers will try to reach the $100 purchase mark therefore boosting shop profits and increasing lottery sales and exposure. The retail owner will purchase these lottery tickets as the cost is very low compared to potential overall retail earnings or giving away store credits.
Utilizing online retailers
Lotteries use retailers in the physical space to sell lottery tickets, and this same model can and should be applied to online retailers in the digital space. There is a plethora of online marketplaces, media and news websites, and other popular websites that can embed lottery widgets and iframes into their pages. It requires no integration and allows players to purchase official lottery tickets without leaving the website, earning online retailers a commission in the process. Adopting this system would give lottery operators more exposure, free advertising for their games, and also open up their entire product offering to a readily available global audience.
The power of online influencers
Social Media influencers can be a very powerful asset to leverage. In the same way that some influencers promote clothing brands and hotels, they could also generate exclusive content and promote online lottery games to their global network of followers. Influencers have an immense amount of power over the purchasing decisions of their audiences, based on their authority in the area and relationship with their audience. The unique content they generate, in exchange for earning a commission, can be used to promote lottery games and draws in order to encourage new users to buy a ticket.
The importance of engagement
Let’s face it, lotteries are NOT engaging. The reason why people play is to win the huge jackpots on offer. They dream of buying a new car, boat, house or of having enough money to live the dream.
Younger player demographics want more than just the prize, they want to be engaged, they want to feel like they have earned the prize whether it be through a challenge or journey. Traditional lotteries therefore need to look at new forms of games that can keep younger players engaged for longer periods of time. One way of doing this could be through creating e-sports inspired games with pooled jackpots. These would be short engaging games of 30-60 minutes, aimed at targeting the commuter market looking to kill time whilst at home or on their daily work commute. These games would take players on a journey where they collect points along the way, with each point getting players closer and closer to the opportunity to win lottery style jackpot cash prizes.
More frequent draws
Most national lotteries have draws once or twice per week. Players buy a ticket and wait a few days for the draw to take place. It is understandable that high-value games with multi-million jackpots cannot normally happen every day, but through new forms of jackpot insurance models and prize pooling, operators have the opportunity to create high value jackpot games as frequently as they want, even every hour! Most people, especially younger demographics, need instant gratification when it comes to gambling, they are not patient enough to wait a week for a draw to take place to know if they have won or not. Creating more frequent draws keeps players more engaged and gives them a reason to increase the frequency of their ticket purchase.
Branded lottery games
Creating games in partnership with major brands, films and events is something which the slot industry has accomplished quite successfully. There is a huge opportunity for lotteries to follow suit and partner up with globally recognized brands to create branded lotteries. The games would instantly amass the brand’s established base of fans and followers, with the brand’s reputation reflecting on the actual game produced.
These could be used as CSR based lottery initiatives for the brands to support and endorse good causes, or as PR stunts giving lucky fans the chance to win life changing jackpots or unique prizes like tickets to a film premier or a test drive in a supercar’s latest model. Player ticket purchase can be achieved on a global level through placement on product merchandise and promotional materials, or by using widgets and iframes embedded directly on the brand’s website which links the players directly to the games.
Looking forward
Going digital and embracing the technology available to the lottery sector can open up the door to many new opportunities and kick-start a new era of borderless global lotteries. This would give lotteries access to new player bases and revenue streams on a global level, something that is not currently attainable through the traditional retail model.
Companies like Spinola Gaming provide powerful digital solutions that allow lottery operators to achieve all of what is suggested above, to digitize their products, and create innovative new products to appeal to today’s changing audience. Their software allows operators to monitor all lottery ticket sales and track all online and offline purchases in real-time, complete with a myriad of marketing functions and analytics available at the touch of a button. It allows for full 360 player and reseller network management through one seamless interface. The system is available across all markets, currencies and languages and is fully customisable to suit each operators’ particular needs.
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Plaza Hotel & Casino hosting WrestleMania 41 viewing parties with WWE special guest hosts Danhausen and Jake “The Snake” Roberts
April 19-20, WrestleMania 41 will take over Las Vegas and fans can watch their favorite WWE superstars battle it out at viewing parties hosted by the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Both nights, the Plaza’s viewing party held inside the Sand Dollar Downtown will show WrestleMania 41 on an oversized high-definition projector screen, and guests will have the special opportunity to mix and mingle with a fan-favorite WWE star who will attend as a special guest host and hold a live Q&A session.
On Saturday, April 19, Danhausen, “The Very Nice, Very Evil” wrestler, will be the party’s special guest. He is a fan favorite known for his eerie face paint, quirky humor, and signature curses. A rising star in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), he blends horror and comedy, making him one of wrestling’s most unique performers.
The next night, April 20, the legendary Jake “The Snake” Roberts will be the special guest host. Roberts is a legendary wrestler known for his trademark snake, Damien and his psychological mind games, iconic promos, and signature move, the DDT. As a result, he has become one of wrestling’s most compelling and feared figures, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and establishing him as an unforgettable fan favorite.
The viewing parties are open to guests 21 years of age or older and start at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 3 p.m. The parties will also offer drink specials including buckets of beer ($30 for domestic brands, $35 for imported) and cocktails with Deep Eddy vodka for $12.
Tickets for the viewing parties are available for purchase online for $25 per person or guests can reserve a table for four for $150 (prices are plus service fees).
The Plaza is also offering a special hotel room package for the event. Guests who book online can save up to 25% off room rates and get direct access to the WrestleMania 2025 Viewing Party with a 2-night minimum stay.
WWE fans can also enter to win a WrestleMania 41 vacation package at the Plaza. The giveaway includes a free two-night stay at the Plaza (check in on April 19 and check out on April 21), two complimentary tickets to each of the Plaza’s WrestleMania 41 viewing parties, and a $50 food and beverage credit per night.
Entries must be submitted online by March 20 at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/wrestlemania-viewing-party/giveaway/.
For more details on the WrestleMania 41 viewing parties and hotel package, please visit: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/wrestlemania-viewing-party/.
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Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces its participation at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, taking place from March 17–21 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. Xsolla will showcase new and enhanced solutions designed to help developers fund, market, launch, and monetize their games effectively as part of its We Bring Opportunities Together initiative.
“At Xsolla, we’re focused on breaking down the barriers that prevent developers from transforming their ideas into successful businesses,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla. “GDC is a key opportunity to connect with game creators and demonstrate how our solutions streamline game commerce, from launching a game to entering new markets and driving revenue growth.”
Xsolla will highlight advancements across its platform, including enhancements to the industry-leading Web Shop, Cloud Gaming, MENA Payment Solutions, and the launch of new revenue-driving tools.
XSOLLA’S LATEST GAME COMMERCE SOLUTIONS
Xsolla’s latest updates and new solutions address the evolving needs of developers worldwide, enhancing game monetization and player engagement.
- Xsolla Web Shop – With over 500+ Web Shops launched, generating incremental revenue for mobile game developers, Xsolla Web Shop has introduced new personalization and mobile accessibility features to improve the player purchasing experience. Developers can use real-time player behavior data to create dynamic, personalized promotions that increase conversion rates with the new features, including Progressive Web Apps (PWA), automated regional pricing, and a customizable loyalty program, creating the opportunity to increase Lifetime Value (LTV) by up to +30 percent.
- Xsolla Cloud Gaming – Xsolla Cloud Gaming – Created and launched two new user acquisition tools for developers. First, the Play Before Your Buy feature allows players to stream time-limited game demos before key purchase or continue play in the cloud. Secondly, players can now play their PC game on a mobile browser using a virtual controller overlay for extended play on the go. These updates attract new types of users and enhance engagement while lowering hardware barriers to premium gaming experiences. In addition, we have enhanced the backbone of the Xsolla Cloud Gaming offering with our latest integrated vendor partners – Amazon AWS and Tencent Cloud; partnering with Aethir on a new $1 million grant in cloud credits for developers.
- MENA Payment Solutions – Expanded coverage in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, and Jordan, with 11 new localized payment methods to improve accessibility for 380 million gamers, taking the total payment methods available for game developers globally to over +1,000.
- Xsolla Publishing Suite – A direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce solution giving developers greater control over game distribution, monetization, and marketing strategies. Developers can sell game keys, pre-orders, and in-game content with seamless web and in-game commerce integration with cross-platform purchasing support. This ensures seamless transactions between web stores and in-game purchases and built-in marketing and analytics tools to help developers optimize their sales funnels.
- Xsolla Loyalty Program – Created a program to enable cashback rewards, cross-title loyalty programs, and tier-based incentives to drive repeat purchases and increase engagement with seamless integration with Xsolla Pay Station with no additional development.
- Xsolla Offerwall – Delivers revenue-sharing opportunities and player experiences for monetization and advertising by allowing non-paying players to earn in-game rewards through advertiser-driven tasks. It supports CPI, CPA, and CPC models, offering developers up to 90% revenue share—well above the industry average. The platform also enhances security with SMS-based user authentication to prevent fraud and ensure a smooth experience for both players and developers.
- Xsolla Gold Gift Card – Provides a flexible payment option for players who want to purchase or gift in-game content. Available in both physical and digital formats, enabling co-branded promotions and cross-platform redemption across multiple platforms, delivering seamless redemptions across mobile, PC, and console.
- Xsolla Ecosystem – A curated marketplace of pre-validated partners, helping developers streamline vendor selection and reduce operational costs. Pre-integrated partners like G-Core, Game Analytics, Adikteev, and AppsFlyer provide trusted third-party services and seamless integration with Xsolla’s monetization, distribution, and payment solutions.
- Xsolla Partner Network – Introducing advanced influencer marketing tools, making it easier for developers to collaborate with Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok content creators. AI-powered creator discovery, helping developers find the best influencers for their campaigns with built-in promo code and game key distribution tools, streamlining influencer partnerships and creator storefronts on Xsolla Mall, allowing influencers to sell digital game content directly to their audiences.
XSOLLA AT GDC 2025
Day Of The Devs 2025 Sponsored By Xsolla
Sunday, March 16 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM | The Midway, 900 Marin Street
Day of the Devs is a dedicated event celebrating independent game developers. It provides a unique opportunity in an inclusive space for indie developers to showcase their creative and innovative projects to a broader audience, which includes industry professionals, media, and gaming enthusiasts. Space is limited, so register here today!
Xsolla Booth at Moscone
Booth WL1-2 | Moscone West Lobby | Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 21
Attendees may visit the Xsolla booth located in Moscone West 1st floor lobby. New look, same expert team. Stop by with your questions. Take advantage of today’s opportunities and maximize your game’s commerce efforts. Enjoy SWAG giveaways, product demos, a comfortable lounge space, and more. See you there!
Xsolla’s Open House
Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 20 | 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday, March 21 | 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Howard – 661 Howard St.
Everyone is invited – no GDC badge is required! Please join Xsolla at our exclusive Open House all week, steps away, and immerse yourself in a relaxed setting to connect with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions, and learn about best practices with great companies. Enjoy hands-on product demos, insightful conversations, and a comfortable space to unwind – all while discovering new ways to maximize your gaming business.
Join Xsolla GDC Mixer
Monday, March 17 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Howard, 661 Howard St.
The Xsolla GDC Mixer in partnership with AppsFlyer, AWS, and Nazara Technologies is a fantastic opportunity to join the gaming community for a light snack and soft drinks, share your current work, and receive expert input. If you’re an indie developer or creator, hurry up and register! There are a limited number of invitations for this event. Invitees will be notified by email.
Xsolla Salons
Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 20 | The Howard, 661 Howard St.
Xsolla Salons with gaming experts will gather at The Howard for open, insightful conversations that move our industry forward.
Xsolla Game Night
Tuesday, March 18 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Moscone South Esplanade rooms #154 & #156
An evening of classic table games like UNO
, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and many more. Are you a soccer fan?? This year, we’re bringing Electronic Arts’ legendary EA FC 2025 for Playstation, AND we’re introducing a pop quiz with a chance at prizes! Doors open at 6:00 PM, with light snacks and soft drinks to keep you powered up. Play with fellow game enthusiasts, meet great people, and socialize early ahead of GDC!
XSOLLA SPEAKING SESSIONS AT GDC 2025
The Industry: Where We Have Been & Where We Are Going
Tuesday, March 18 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Moscone West Room #2024
Chris Hewish explores the evolution of gaming, emerging trends, and the future for developers and publishers. The video game industry has evolved from niche entertainment to a global economic powerhouse fueled by rapid technological advancements, shifting player expectations, and new business models. In this session, we’ll look back at the key milestones that have shaped the industry—from the rise of digital distribution and free-to-play monetization to the emergence of cross-platform play and live-service gaming. Join Chris for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of gaming, with insights on how to navigate the industry’s next significant shifts.
The Scariest Threat In Mobile Gaming: Losing Control Of Your Players
Tuesday, March 18 | 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM | Moscone West Room #2024
Berkley Egenes and Josephine Friday discuss how Web Shops help developers regain control over sales, marketing, and player relationships. In mobile gaming, the biggest nightmare isn’t player churn or high UA costs—it’s losing control of your players. When you rely solely on third-party platforms, you give away valuable player data, sacrifice revenue to hefty platform fees, and limit your ability to engage your audience directly. The scariest part? You’re building someone else’s business instead of your own.
Xsolla Pay – Powering Payments, P(l)ay By New Rules
Tuesday, March 18 | 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Svante Westerberg from Xsolla and Rafael Morgan from Crazygames share how outdated payment models limit revenue and how Xsolla Pay enables global reach and seamless transactions. In gaming, payments aren’t just about transactions—they shape the player experience. Yet, many developers are playing by outdated rules, losing revenue to high fees, limited payment options, and platform restrictions. But what if you could change the game? With new advancements in payment technology, developers now have more control than ever. Imagine offering players seamless, frictionless checkout experiences, supporting their preferred payment methods worldwide, and unlocking new markets without barriers.
Breaking Myths: The Truth About Measuring UX and Player Acquisition in Mobile Games
Tuesday, March 18 | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Berkley Egenes from Xsolla and Adam Smart from AppsFlyer break down misleading metrics, player retention strategies, and effective acquisition tactics. When we discuss experience and player acquisition in mobile games, there’s no shortage of myths, misleading metrics, and guesswork. Are your ads bringing in valuable players —or installs that churn? Does your UX keep players engaged, or are hidden friction points driving them away? It’s time to cut through the noise and get to the actual data. In this session, we’re bringing in Xsolla’s Partners at AppsFlyer and a real success story to share real-life case studies and hard-hitting insights on measuring, analyzing, and optimizing retention and acquisition more effectively.
The Dirty Truth About Funding And Games
Tuesday, March 18 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Justin Berenbaum from Xsolla, Jenny Xu from Talofa Games, and Tony Grayson from Summitsphere uncover the biggest mistakes in game funding and how developers can secure investment successfully. Securing funding for your game can be the difference between launching a hit or watching your project crash and burn. But too many developers fall into the same traps—signing bad deals, giving up too much control, or running out of money at the worst possible moment. Don’t let that be you.
Gaming in 2030: The Future of Play
Tuesday, March 18 | 3:50 PM – 4:20 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Sam Gaglani and industry partners explore the future of gaming, personalization, and new monetization models. The video game industry is evolving faster than ever—so what will gaming look like in 2030? In a future-focused session, we’ll explore the technologies, trends, and challenges shaping the next era of gaming. From hyper-personalized experiences to new ways of owning and monetizing content, we’ll dive into what’s coming—and how studios can stay ahead of the curve.
Influencers in Gaming: Hype? Hustle? Huge ROI?
Tuesday, March 18 | 4:40 PM – 5:10 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Rix Tran and partners will talk about the impact of influencers in gaming. Influencers are everywhere in gaming—driving hype, shaping player opinions, and making or breaking game launches. But are they worth the investment, or is the industry stuck chasing clout with no clear ROI? In this no-nonsense session, we’ll break down the real impact of influencers in gaming. From massive successes to costly misfires, we’ll explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference.
WTF: Web3, Tokens and Fun!
Tuesday, March 18 | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Moscone West Room #2024
Lee Jacobson and Rytis Joseph Jan from Xsolla and Jose Anaya from MatterLabs/ZKsync look candidly at the state of Web3 gaming, separating hype from real opportunities. Web3 promised to change gaming forever with player ownership, decentralized economies, and new monetization models. But let’s be honest: the road has been anything but smooth. So, where do we go from here? Most importantly, how do we make Web3 games that are truly fun—not just financial experiments disguised as gameplay? Join us as we separate fact from fiction, share hard-earned lessons, and explore the future of blockchain-powered gaming.
CONNECT WITH XSOLLA AT GDC 2025
Schedule a meeting with Xsolla’s game commerce experts: GDC 2025 | Schedule a meeting with Xsolla Learn more about speaking sessions and networking events: Join us at GDC 2025! | Xsolla
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This weekend promises great excitement for football fans with the culmination of the Supercopa Feminina Betano, as Brazil’s top women’s teams battle it out to be crowned champions.
Marking the start of the women’s football calendar in Brazil, the competition brings together the eight best teams in the country and is once again sponsored by Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s international premium brand and one of Brazil’s leading online sports betting and gaming platforms.
As the official sponsor of the competition, Betano holds its naming rights and enjoys brand exposure at the key properties of stadiums hosting the matches. This includes LED panel placements along the entire field, 3D carpets beside the goals, and various fan engagement activations, such as influencer-driven initiatives.
Guilherme Figueiredo, Country Manager for Brazil at Betano commented: “The renewal of the partnership for the fourth consecutive year aims to consolidate Betano’s presence in Brazilian football and expand the visibility of the women’s game, strengthening the sport nationwide as it continues to gain popularity season by season.”
Supercopa Feminina Betano 2025
The tournament organized by the Brazilian Football Confederation (known in Brazil by the acronym CBF) will have its final take place this Sunday, March 16. The match will see defending champions Corinthians take on São Paulo, having both successfully navigated Wednesday night’s semi-finals.
The post Betano Sponsored Supercopa Feminina Prepares for Exciting Final This Weekend in Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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