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The Impact of Technology on Poker Store Monetisation: From Blockchain to NFT

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Over the years, poker has moved from once dim backrooms of dull backstreets to high‑stakes online arenas, and every step of the way, it was propelled by innovation. Today, it comes in the shape of blockchain technology with decentralised ledgers, unique NFT assets, and crypto wallets that allow for frictionless and borderless payments. These are more than fashion or flashy new tech, these novelties reshape the whole iGaming industry and fundamentally change how platforms monetise, how players engage, and how trust is built in online poker.

At EvenBet Gaming, we keep our ear to the ground and add blockchain‑ready features to our platform. In the following sections, we’ll explore traditional monetisation, introduce EvenBet’s enhanced toolkit, unpack the tech behind blockchain and NFTs, and examine the security, benefits and challenges operators face in this new era.

Traditional Poker Monetisation Models

We have already delved into the traditional poker monetisation streams in some of our previous articles, but let us recap. Online poker platforms have historically relied on a handful of core revenue streams:

  • Rake: a small percentage (typically 2–5 %) taken from each pot, it forms the main share of operator income.
  • Entry fees: tournament buy‑ins charged to participants, part of the fee is allocated to prizes and part to the house.
  • Freemium models: the core gameplay is free with additional paid chips, cosmetic items, or power‑ups.
  • In‑game purchases: sale of virtual goods — avatars, card backs, table themes — via traditional payment gateways.
  • Ads and sponsorships: brand partnerships and in‑client advertising generate additional income.

While reliable, these methods depend on centralised control, fee structures, and limited player ownership. EvenBet’s research shows that poker clubs where players purchase in‑app chips via a virtual store have grown rapidly in markets where real‑money poker is restricted (in Asia, for example). In club models, app owners set purchase prices and incentives, while club and union owners manage tournaments and liquidity — this illustrates the power of microtransactions in generating revenue.

EvenBet’s Enhanced Monetization Offering

EvenBet Gaming offers more than traditional monetisation models, but fresh integrated features designed to boost ARPU and engagement across both real‑money and social poker formats.

In‑Store Feature

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Our In‑Store offers bundles (Play Money chips, Time Bank top‑ups, VIP Card upgrades) that generate an ongoing microtransaction revenue stream alongside the traditional rake. The store, rolled out for free‑to‑play environments, also unlocks casual boosters to monetise play‑money sessions and encourage demo‑to‑real‑money conversion.

Soft Gaming Options

Soft gaming titles like slots, lotteries, or bingo keep players engaged between hands. These casual games monetise through timed bonuses, in‑game purchases, and promotional bundles, thus extending session length and spend in non‑real‑money modes.

Cross‑Vertical Upsells

Operators can diversify revenues by cross‑selling casino games and sports betting to poker users within the same client. Such a cross‑vertical strategy increases wallet share and overall ARPU because it allows for capturing spend across several iGaming verticals.

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Clubs Feature

Earn via chip‑commission models (~30 %) and upsells like custom emoji packs or stats bundles. Platform owners set the prices for in-app chip bundles, VIP cards, and optional features (e.g., Rabbit Hunting, advanced statistics). All revenue from these sales flows directly to the platform, allowing operators to optimize pricing and promotions for their community.

Dealer Tips

Our Dealer Tips feature replicates real‑casino etiquette, and players can now tip the virtual dealer. This microtransaction heightens immersion (particularly in tipping cultures) and also unlocks another revenue stream.

Blockchain, NFTs, and Crypto Wallets in iGaming

Blockchain is a decentralised ledger that records transactions across distributed nodes. This guarantees that the data is immutable and transparent. Key benefits for poker operators include provably fair gaming (because players can audit RNG and shuffle algorithms to verify fairness), immutable records (tamper‑proof logs of bets and game actions allow for better dispute resolution), and secure funds (because irreversible transactions reduce the likelihood of fraud).

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Non‑Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique on‑chain assets representing, and in poker, they can represent anything from avatars to tournament tickets. EvenBet’s platform supports NFT avatars, table‑income sharing, and tournament segmentation via NFT ownership. This, in turn, opens the way for:

  • Secondary markets: players trade NFTs outside the poker platform, creating ongoing royalty streams for operators.
  • True ownership: verifiable asset provenance and scarcity, which is in the very nature of an NFT, increase perceived value.
  • Cross‑platform utility: an NFT can be used across multiple games and platforms.

Integrating crypto wallets into a poker platform gives players self‑custody of funds and assets. Crypto, which is becoming increasingly popular among players, allows for near‑instantaneous peer‑to‑peer deposits or withdrawals, more privacy thanks to its anonymity, and a seamless user experience thanks to removing reliance on third‑party payment processors. Making the most of this tech, EvenBet’s Crypto Poker integrates 140+ cryptocurrencies and multiple processors, enabling instant, low‑fee deposits and withdrawals. This attracts privacy‑focused and crypto‑native audiences, opening fresh monetisation channels.

New Monetisation Models Emerging from Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has unlocked several new ways of monetising an online poker platform, while offering transparency and security for players and operators who benefit from distributed ledgers and decentralised payments.

Play-to-earn dynamics: players can now earn cryptocurrency or NFTs simply by participating in games or tournaments. This turns traditional gameplay into a game of achievements with real-world value. The rewards often come in the form of token incentives or collectible assets, which can be traded on open marketplaces for profit.

NFT-driven marketplaces: non-fungible tokens are unique in-game items such as custom card designs, avatars, or VIP passes that players can buy, sell, or even auction both on the poker platform and outside. Limited-edition NFT collectibles introduce the idea of scarcity, which drives more demand, as well as brings more profit for the operator (both as an initial sale and in the form of royalties when resold).

DeFi and token staking: decentralised finance (DeFi) mechanisms allow poker platforms to incorporate staking models, where players lock tokens into smart contracts in exchange for passive returns or exclusive tournament entries. This provides operators with profits from protocol fees and also promotes long-term engagement because stakers earn rewards proportional to their commitment.

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Decentralised poker ecosystems: smart-contract-driven poker platforms remove intermediaries and allow for peer-to-peer wagering and trustless game enforcement. Transaction fees collected on each hand and staking become key monetisation drivers in this new setting.

Security and transaction efficiency: crypto wallets integrated into poker clients make room for near-instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees. This leaves traditional payment methods far behind, as crypto reduces operational costs for both operators and players. Moreover, immutable blockchain records ensure provably fair shuffles and transparent gameplay, which is always good for trust.

Enhanced loyalty and ownership: blockchain tokens and NFTs can become the new backbone of poker loyalty programmes. They grant holders governance rights (voting on tournament formats or prize structures) and exclusive access to VIP events. This on-chain loyalty deepens community engagement, as players feel a tangible stake in the platform’s success.

Final Thoughts

The poker store of tomorrow isn’t just a menu of chips or avatars — it’s a tokenised marketplace, a community‑driven ecosystem, and a player‑owned economy. The new technology, such as blockchain, NFTs, and crypto wallets, is already shaping the new online poker reality. They are not a flashy new feature to attract the more tech-savvy players, but the new benchmark of the industry. These technologies bring about more transparency and security, alongside low‑fee payments and real asset ownership, all opening more revenue streams for poker platform operators. EvenBet Gaming’s modernised monetisation features, including the In‑Store Feature, Clubs, cross‑vertical upsells, Dealer Tips, and Crypto Poker — equip operators to capitalise on these trends.

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Esports Charts Becomes Official Viewership Analytics Partner of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

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Esports Charts, the leading esports viewership analytics provider, has partnered with StarLadder, a pioneering tournament organiser. The Budapest Major 2025 marks a highly anticipated comeback for StarLadder, as it is their first Counter-Strike Major since 2019 and a significant return to the top-tier esports arena.

As the official analytics partner of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Esports Charts will provide comprehensive, real-time audience data and insights throughout the event. This will empower organisers, teams, sponsors and fans with unparalleled transparency and a deeper understanding of the tournament’s global reach.

Artyom Odintsov, Co-founder and CEO of Esports Charts, said: “We are thrilled and proud to provide viewership analytics for StarLadder for the Budapest Major 2025. Since both Esports Charts and StarLadder are Ukraine-born companies, we share similar values and deal with similar challenges, which brings us even closer.

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“It’s genuinely exciting to follow how viewership will develop at this Major. But knowing the expertise, drive, and passion that the organizers are bringing, I have no doubt we’ll witness some incredible things happen in Budapest.

“Esports Charts has always been driven by a mission to provide the esports community with accurate, actionable data, and we look forward to showcasing the impact and audience engagement of this world-class event.”

StarLadder has been a driving force in global esports for almost 15 years now, since hosting its first tournaments in 2011. Renowned for its innovation and reliability, the company has organised some of the industry’s most iconic events. These include the StarLadder Berlin Major 2019, which accumulated over 44 million hours watched and remains in the top 10 CS events by this metric, and the legendary StarSeries tournaments which started back in 2012.

Viacheslav Shcherbakov, Sales and Partnerships at StarLadder, said: “We’ve been working with Esports Charts since their founding and have always valued their professionalism and integrity. In a market where reliable data is essential, Esports Charts provides honest, transparent numbers, exactly the kind of insights sponsors and stakeholders rely on when assessing the potential reach of a World Championship event.

“We’re confident that this partnership will result in a high-quality analysis of our tournament’s performance and the audience data we’ll report to our partners. It’s a collaboration built on trust, shared values, and a deep understanding of what it takes to elevate esports to the next level.”

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The Starladder Budapest Major 2025 will be held from November 24 to December 14 in Budapest, Hungary. The event will bring together the world’s top 32 Counter-Strike 2 teams to compete for a $1.25 million prize pool and one of the most prestigious titles in esports.

The post Esports Charts Becomes Official Viewership Analytics Partner of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Superbet Becomes New Main Sponsor of Jagiellonia Białystok

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Superbet has become the new main sponsor of Jagiellonia Białystok. The logo of one of Poland’s leading bookmakers will appear on the front of the Podlasie team’s match jerseys. This is the fourth Ekstraklasa club, alongside Lech Poznań, Górnik Zabrze and GKS Katowice, to join the bookmaker’s extensive sponsorship portfolio.

The new partnership is more than just a logo on a jersey – the collaboration between Jagiellonia and Superbet is intended to have a particularly fan-focused nature. The brand is announcing numerous dedicated campaigns, events and surprises aimed at fans of the yellow and reds. The first of these has already launched with the announcement of the partnership – and will undoubtedly delight anyone planning to purchase the new jersey.

Superbet will pay a 100 PLN bonus towards the purchase of an official Jagiellonia match jersey. A total of 1920 jerseys will be available as part of the promotion – a number symbolically related to the year the club was founded. The promotion is valid both in-store and online and is open to all Superbet app users.

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“When making a purchase in a stationary store, all you need to do is show the installed application, and for online customers, verification will take place via the email address: [email protected], to which you can simply send a short message, and in response, fans will receive a unique code entitling them to purchase a T-shirt at a discount,” explains Bartosz Malaka, Head of Marketing & Sponsoring at Superbet.

However, this is not the end of surprises for fans of the Białystok club, because if they register using the special code “JAGA,” they will also receive a welcome bonus.

“Jagiellonia fits perfectly into our sponsorship strategy – it’s a club with ambition, a strong identity, and enormous potential that combines modernity with local character. W’’re thrilled to be embarking on this journey together. Our logo will now appear on the fronts of the jerseys of four Ekstraklasa clubs, confirming our continued leadership in sports sponsorship,” said Łukasz Seweryniak, General Manager of Superbet Polska.

“Jaga is the perfect partner for us – with a great history and a huge, loyal community of fans who live and breathe this club every day. With them in mind, we’re preparing a whole package of activations, surprises, and events designed to build even stronger bonds. We want to show that just as Jaga is a super club, Superbet is a super sponsor,” Malaka said.

“I am extremely proud and happy to have entered into a partnership with such a renowned and recognizable brand as Superbet. I would like to emphasize that this is the highest-ever sponsorship agreement in the club’s history, which further underscores the importance of this partnership. I believe the word ‘partnership’ is key in the context of our agreement. I am most pleased that we are not just gaining a sponsor, but a true partner with whom we will achieve great things together,” said Ziemowit Deptuła, President of the Management Board of Jagiellonia Białystok SSA.

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The partnership with Superbet is another important step in Jagiellonia’s development – not only in terms of sporting activities, but also in terms of modern marketing and fan engagement. Both parties emphasize that this will be a collaboration based on genuine commitment and closeness to fans.

The post Superbet Becomes New Main Sponsor of Jagiellonia Białystok appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures

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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.

VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said: “This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.

“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.

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“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”

In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.

Ms Neilan said: “Taking disciplinary action is the last resort. We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.

“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”

The VGCCC acknowledged that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.

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This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.

The post VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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