Latest News
Optimove Launches World Cup Benchmark Tool for the iGaming Sector
For the first time, iGaming operators can accurately assess their overall performance against industry wide KPIs, during the tournament
Optimove, the leading CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming market, today announced the launch of World Cup Pulse, an industry benchmark tool for iGaming operators.
For the first time during a World Cup tournament, marketing teams gain access to daily industry-wide benchmarks and KPIs in real-time, providing visibility into the rest of the industry, broken down by country. Operators can now conduct comparative analyses and derive insight into how their performance compares with industry averages.
The World Cup Pulse, open to operators, marketing professionals, and the public free of charge, is based on the aggregation of anonymous data collected from over 100 sports gaming brands, including industry giants and boutique operators.
The tool presents statistically significant data from the preceding five weeks at any given moment. That data is compared to a static baseline from June 2022, when no other major football events occurred, empowering operators to gain insight into how a mega-event like the FIFA World Cup impacts player behavior.
The KPIs available on the World Cup Pulse include:
- Average Bet Amount per Sport Bettor
- Bet Amount Distribution by bet (Live or Pre-match)
- Bet Amount distribution by channel
- Retention rate
- Reactivation rate
- Conversion rate
“The time when operators stumble in the dark uncertain how they measure up against the industry is over,” said Motti Colman, Senior Director of Sales at Optimove. “This is an unprecedented World Cup in terms of the total number of matches, timing, and location. Understanding how behavior changes daily is more important than ever as operators attempt to navigate uncharted waters in a one-of-a-kind World Cup. For the first time in World Cup history, operators, previously limited to their own data, can stop the guessing game and easily access industry statistically valid insights and benchmarks like never before, allowing them to make data-driven decisions in real-time.”
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Contributors Program
Gamblers Connect adds Xessable CEO Vladimir Mihailovski as 2026 contributor
He becomes the sixth contributor announced this year and will cover software engineering, AI and product development in iGaming.
Gamblers Connect has added Vladimir Mihailovski, CEO and Founder of Xessable, to its Contributors Program as its sixth contributor of 2026.
The B2B iGaming media platform said it plans to appoint 12 contributors this year, announcing one each month. Mihailovski will contribute content focused on software engineering, AI and product development within iGaming.
Mihailovski is an engineer-turned-founder with more than 15 years’ experience in software architecture and has led Xessable since it launched in 2017. Xessable operates between Utrecht and Skopje and provides dedicated engineering teams that integrate with operators’ and suppliers’ product organisations.
According to Gamblers Connect, Mihailovski’s articles will cover software development, applying AI within product teams, scaling engineering organisations and the impact of technical decision-making on long-term product development.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “Software underpins every part of the iGaming industry, yet engineering perspectives are often underrepresented in industry discussion. Vladimir brings extensive experience in software architecture, AI and engineering leadership, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the Contributors Program. His articles will provide readers with practical insights into software development, AI implementation and organisational growth.”
The post Gamblers Connect adds Xessable CEO Vladimir Mihailovski as 2026 contributor appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance
Xpoint rolls out pattern-analysis engine to flag coordinated bonus abuse
Xpoint has launched a proprietary pattern-analysis engine aimed at helping betting and gaming operators detect coordinated fraud, including organized bonus abuse and location spoofing. The company announced the product on 6th July 2026 and said it is currently rolling out with partners in North America.
Xpoint said the engine is designed to catch groups that cycle the same devices, accounts, and locations to farm sign-up bonuses and exploit promotions. Unlike conventional geolocation checks that assess each login in isolation, the new engine analyzes historical location activity to identify patterns that emerge over time.
As an example, Xpoint said the engine can flag groups of users that repeatedly appear together across locations, particularly where some members have previously been linked to location spoofing—signals the company associates with coordinated bonus-abuse rings. Xpoint added that the analysis runs in the background against historical data and is intended to avoid adding friction to the player journey.
The launch follows a new investment round earlier this year, which Xpoint said was dedicated to accelerating growth and supporting further product enhancement.
Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint, said: “Attempts to defraud operators are becoming ever more coordinated and advanced, so operators need the best possible tools to spot areas of concern early.
“Our pattern-analysis engine examines historical data to uncover unusual patterns an operator needs to be aware of, without in any way adding friction to the player journey. It further underlines our commitment to innovative, adaptable compliance solutions for operators.”
The post Xpoint rolls out pattern-analysis engine to flag coordinated bonus abuse appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Fan Engagement
Midnite extends Southampton FC sponsorship through 2026/27 and rolls out ‘2UP’ fan prize
Midnite has renewed its partnership with Southampton FC for the 2026/27 season, continuing as the club’s Official Training Kit partner and back-of-shirt sponsor.
The company said the extension builds on its first season with the club in 2025/26, when it ran supporter activations including “Midnite Express” away travel, a commemorative tifo marking the 50-year anniversary of Southampton’s FA Cup success, and hospitality giveaways via its “Ticket Treats” campaign.
For 2026/27, Midnite is introducing a season-long fan initiative called “2UP”. Under the format, if Southampton go two goals up in any home league match, one fan wins the 2UP prize pot. Midnite said the pot increases by £1,000 each week a jackpot is not won, and noted Southampton held a two-goal home lead on six occasions last season.
Greg Baker, Chief Revenue Officer of Southampton Football Club said:
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Midnite after a successful first season together.
“They’ve consistently looked for new and engaging ways to reward our supporters, whether through unique matchday experiences, away travel or fan competitions, and we’re excited to see that continue this season.
“The launch of 2UP is another fantastic example of that commitment and we look forward to seeing Saints fans enjoying the campaign throughout the 2026/27 season.”
Andrew Mook, Midnite‘s Head of Brand Marketing, added:
“We’re excited to be Southampton’s Official Training Kit partner for a second year.
“During the 2025/26 campaign, Midnite worked closely with the club to create experiences that reward Saints supporters. From helping fans travel in style on the Midnite Express and commissioning the club’s commemorative FA Cup tifo, to providing hospitality experiences through Ticket Treats, our aim has always been to add something extra for Saints fans.
“With that said, we are pleased to introduce ‘2UP’ where one lucky fan will win prize money if Southampton take a two-goal lead in any home league fixture, with £1,000 being added to the pot after each game at St Mary’s.
“With Southampton taking a two-goal lead at home six times last season, we’re looking forward to seeing a number of Saints fans rewarded through ‘2UP’ during the campaign.”
The post Midnite extends Southampton FC sponsorship through 2026/27 and rolls out ‘2UP’ fan prize appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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