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Psychology of Online Casinos vs Land Based, Analysis of 41 Studies Conducted by Leanbackplayer.com
Leanbackplayer has released a summary of new findings on the psychology of gambling and how it affects the brain: https://www.leanbackplayer.com/psychology-casino-games/
The research looked at 41 studies from 17 different journals over the past 5 years and compiled findings from each.
The research was performed by Will Titterington and Quincy Miller, veteran gaming industry professionals.
The Research Findings
Finding #1
Online casinos have built-in advantages that their brick-and-mortar counterparts struggle to match. Online casinos are more convenient, require less overhead to operate, and allow players to gamble in complete anonymity — important advantages that regular casinos will never be able to replicate.
“In online live casino gaming, the anonymity of the internet allows players to privately engage in gambling without the fear of stigma,” said Dr. Mark Griffiths, a Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University.
Finding #2
The biggest advantage brick-and-mortar casinos have is consumer trust. Despite advances in cybersecurity, many gamblers simply don’t trust online casinos not to rig the games against them. As long as brick-and-mortar casinos have the edge in trust, they’ll likely enjoy a large slice of the gaming market.
Finding #3
Online casinos may be more dangerous for problem gamblers. The ability to gamble at any time, day or night, without any of the traditional societal safeguards that keep problem gamblers in check can be a recipe for disaster.
“Fundamentally, increased accessibility of gambling activities enables the individual to rationalize involvement in the risk-behavior by removing previously restrictive barriers such as time constraints emanating from occupational and social commitments,” Griffiths said.
Finding #4
Gambling utilizes the power of uncertainty to literally reprogram the brain. Gambling changes how the brain releases dopamine, the so-called “feel-good neurotransmitter.” Over time, the brain adjusts to higher and higher doses, reducing its effectiveness, so that gamblers have to play longer and bet more to get the same effect.
According to one study, the release of dopamine reinforces maladaptive gambling, creating a self-perpetuating destructive behavior.
Finding #5
Casinos — both online and brick-and-mortar — are using new technology to exploit players’ brains. Advances in gaming technology — most notably “losses disguised as wins” — are changing how long players gamble and how much they wager, often with catastrophic results.
Finding #6
The root of gambling addiction may lie in the supplementary eye field (SEF), a little-understood region of the brain designed to control the movement of the eyes. People with dopamine deficiencies also experience abnormalities in the SEF, making them more susceptible to addiction.
Researchers investigating monkeys found that increased neuron activity in this region corresponded to increased risk-taking behavior, and a lack of dopamine increased neuron activity, creating a vicious loop.
Finding #7
Problem gamblers fit a troubling profile. Addiction is more likely to affect men, minorities, and those with preexisting health conditions, and the rise of mobile gaming is making it easier for these people to fall into self-destructive patterns.
Prior to internet gambling, many of these vulnerable individuals weren’t affected so long as they didn’t live near a casino; however, the rise of mobile gaming has led to a corresponding rise in problem gambling among these demographics.
Finding #8
The solution to problem gambling may lie in setting limits. If casinos would enforce — and gamblers would adhere to — limits on how much can be wagered or how long sessions can last, problem gambling could be severely curbed.
About Leanbackplayer.com
Leanbackplayer covers global igaming trends, regulations, and news. The Leanbackplayer research team also conducts original surveys and reports that can be found on https://www.leanbackplayer.com/category/news/.
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SharpLink Gaming, Inc., an online performance-based marketing company serving the U.S. sports betting and iGaming industries, today announced that it will host its Annual General Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM Central Time at SharpLink’s corporate headquarters, located at 333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 104, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, and thereafter as it may be adjourned or postponed from time to time.
At the Meeting, stockholders will be asked to approve the following proposals and adopt the following resolutions in connection with the proposals:
| 1. | The reelection of Rob Phythian, Obie McKenzie, Robert Gutkowski and Leslie Bernhard as members of the Board of Directors for a term expiring at our 2025 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified; |
| 2. | The approval of a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), by a ratio of up to and including 6:1, to be effective at the ratio and on a date to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, and amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect such reverse stock split; |
| 3. | The ratification of the appointment of Cherry Bekaert, LLP, registered public accountants, as our Company’s independent registered public accountants for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the authorization of our Board of Directors to fix such independent public accountants’ compensation in accordance with the volume and nature of their services or to delegate such power to our Audit Committee; |
| 4. | The approval of a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to our named executive officers (the “Say on Pay Proposal”); and |
| 5. | To transact any other business properly coming before the Meeting. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on November 12, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. It is anticipated that on or about November 19, 2024, the Company shall commence mailing to all stockholders of record, as of the Record Date, the proxy notice, the proxy statement that describes the proposals to be considered at the Meeting and a proxy card. The definitive proxy notice, proxy statement and form of proxy card was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, November 18, 2024 on Schedule 14A.
The approval of the election of the directors under Proposal 1 requires the affirmative vote of holders of the plurality of the Common Stock (on an as-converted basis, subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below)), represented at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, entitled to vote and voting on the matter. Proposal 2 requires votes cast for the reverse stock split to exceed the votes cast against such proposal. Proposals 3 and 4 require the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the Common Stock (on an as-converted basis, subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below)), represented at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, entitled to vote and voting on the matter presented for passage. The Beneficial Ownership Limitation is defined in our Certificate of Incorporation as 9.99% of the number of our Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock and warrants held by the stockholder that is subject to such Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each director and the other proposals set forth in this proxy statement.
The primary purpose for the proposal for the reverse stock split, should the Board of Directors choose to effect one, would be to increase the per share price of our Common Stock to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). On July 11, 2024, we received a letter from Nasdaq Listing Qualifications (the “Letter”) indicating that the Company is no longer in compliance with the minimum bid price requirements for continued listing set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. The rules also provide us a compliance period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance. According to the Letter, we have until January 7, 2025 to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
SharpLink knows of no other matters to be submitted at the Meeting other than as specified in the press release. If any other business is properly brought before the Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote in respect thereof in accordance with the recommendation of SharpLink’s Board of Directors.
Stockholders can vote either by mailing in their proxy, by Internet, by phone or in person by attending the Meeting. If voting by mail, the proxy must be received by SharpLink’s voting processing agency at least 48 hours prior to the appointed time of the Meeting or at our registered office in Minneapolis, Minnesota at least four (4) hours prior to the appointed time of the Meeting to be validly included in the tally of Common Stock. If voting by Internet or phone, votes must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, December 5, 2024 to be validly included in the tally of the Common Stock voted at the Meeting. If a stockholder elects to attend the Meeting, he or she may vote in person and your proxy will not be used. Detailed proxy voting instructions are provided both in the proxy statement and on the enclosed proxy card.
SiGMA Europe 2024 closed the year with a bang, and GR8 Tech seized the spotlight, leaving a lasting impression on industry leaders and professionals. The event proved pivotal for GR8 Tech, with nearly 300 meetings showcasing robust interest in its offerings. Of these, 15 discussions are already progressing toward long-term agreements, laying the groundwork for expanded partnerships and future business launches. The event highlighted the demand for customizable iGaming solutions and GR8 Tech’s impactful presence at the year’s grand finale.
Kiril Nestorovski, Sales Director at GR8 Tech: “What’s really grabbed attention in SiGMA Europe is our openness to discuss and be flexible, but what truly surprises people is the quality of our products. I’ve had clients react with phrases like, “Can I touch the screen to see if it’s real?” when they saw our demos. That kind of response speaks volumes about the impact our products have, especially in the sportsbook area.”
Sharing Expertise: Panel Discussion Takeaways
At the “Trends and Predictions for 2025” panel, GR8 Tech CEO Evgen Belousov and other industry leaders shared insights into esports and sportsbooks’ future, spotlighting AI-driven personalization, opinion-based betting, and esports as key disruptors.
The panelists drew a fascinating parallel between sportsbooks and streaming platforms. As competition intensifies, operators are now juggling multiple feed suppliers to deliver exclusive, tailored content. Much like streaming services fighting for exclusive rights, sportsbooks are investing in diverse and unique betting experiences to stand out. Diversification is now becoming essential for staying relevant in the market.
Belousov explored how sportsbooks are evolving from casino add-ons to profitable standalone ventures, redefining their role within the iGaming ecosystem. The panel underscored AI’s transformative impact on player acquisition, gamification, CRM, and risk management – all the areas where GR8 Tech leads the way with practical innovations aimed at increasing operators’ profitability.
Opinion-based betting – wagering on elections or entertainment outcomes – emerged as a rising trend, appealing to younger, tech-savvy players seeking interactive experiences. Esports also increased its role as a game-changer, with younger generations gravitating toward familiar titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike over traditional sports.
Focus for 2025: Driving Innovation
Yevhen Krazhan, CBDO at GR8 Tech: “As we wrap up 2024, I’m proud to say that GR8 Tech has exceeded expectations, performing at 150% of our initial goals. The demand and interest in our solutions have been overwhelming, and we’re excited to see how the trends of reactivation and investment growth continue into 2025. With strong momentum from events like SiGMA and the upcoming ICE, we are poised for another successful year. Our strategic focus remains clear – leading the charge as a global sportsbook platform. We’re ready for what lies ahead, and we’re confident that 2025 will be another great year for GR8 Tech.”
As the year comes to a close, the partnerships forged at SiGMA Europe 2024 have paved the way for GR8 Tech’s next major event: ICE 2025. Building on this year’s success, GR8 Tech will showcase its cutting-edge solutions and push iGaming boundaries, solidifying its industry leadership. Stay tuned for exciting developments and join us at ICE 2025!
The post GR8 Tech Closes the Year at SiGMA Europe 2024 with Industry Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
DATA.BET has announced a strategic partnership with Nubet. Through this partnership, Nubet will leverage DATA.BET’s Single Page Application with Data Feed that covers over 60 disciplines for both esports and classic sports. Advanced Risk Management that blends AI-driven analytics with expert oversight to optimise profitability while safeguarding against market volatility.
The company offers Nubet a fully customisable platform with greater flexibility and integration options. Optimised for SEO and supporting over 25 languages, it enables the betting brand to effectively reach diverse markets while providing a seamless, personalised experience that aligns with the specific needs of users from the North European region.
DATA.BET provides Nubet with an odds line built on official data that is expertly processed by its in-house trading team. This Data Feed offers unparalleled accuracy, with market delays reduced to as little as 1 second. Also, the partner will get a suite of interactive Widgets, such as Scoreboards and the Pitch Tracker, all supported by trusted data partners.
“We look forward to partnering with our new client to boost revenue through our progressive technologies and dedicated team. This collaboration not only enhances the user experience in esports betting but also represents a strategic entry into an exceptionally promising region for us,” said Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET.
Niko Marttinen, Head of Trading, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with DATA.BET, whose technology and industry expertise align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional value to our users. Partnering with us as a premium provider, powered by licensed content from DATA.BET, marks a transformative step forward for our company.”
The post DATA.BET Announces Strategic Partnership with Nubet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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