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VanEck Launches ESPO, ETF Focused on Fast Growing Video Game and eSports Industry
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VanEck announced the launch of the VanEck Vectors® Video Gaming and eSports ETF (NYSE Arca: ESPO).
“Just a few years ago, talk of sold out stadiums, viewership in the millions, high-profile sponsors, and notable marketing arrangements would have been centered on football, baseball, basketball or hockey. But today, that talk can just as easily be applied to the world of video games and eSports,” said Ed Lopez, Head of ETF product at VanEck. “This is the future of sports and a growth story that is global in scope.”
The video game market is undergoing a period of transformative growth, added Lopez, and is predicted to generate close to $140 billion in revenue in 2018, an increase of more than 13 percent from 2017. It’s not just that people are playing more video games on more platforms; one of the driving factors of growth for the industry has been the emergence of professional video gaming, or eSports. We anticipate that established video game companies are set to benefit the most with the rise of eSports, through partnerships, league ownership, sponsorships, franchising, and other marketing arrangements.
“eSports have brought video games out of the rec room and into the stadiums,” continued Lopez. eSports has become one of the largest spectator sports in the world with games streamed online or on major broadcast outlets like ESPN and at live gaming events held in stadiums. For example, the League of Legends world finals in 2017 attracted more viewers than the MLB World Series, the NBA finals, and the NHL Stanley Cup finals. In 2018, the global eSports audience is expected to reach 380 million people.
“The video game industry is disrupting traditional media and entertainment,” said Lopez, “and with a young and highly engaged demographic, ESPO provides investors access to what we believe can be a long-term growth story.”
ESPO seeks to track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the MVIS® Global Video Gaming and eSports Index (MVESPO). The index is a rules-based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in video gaming and eSports. This may include companies developing video games and related software, streaming services, and/or those involved in eSports events. To be included in the index, companies must generate at least 50% of their revenues from video gaming or eSports. This allows ESPO to have the highest concentration, among U.S.-listed ETFs, of pure play names participating in this fast-growing space.
ESPO has a gross expense ratio of 0.60% and a net expense ratio of 0.55%, which is capped contractually until [February 1, 2020.]
ESPO joins VanEck’s suite of industry-focused equity ETFs, which also includes the VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH®), VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH®), VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX®), VanEck Vectors Generic Drugs ETF (GNRX), VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH®), VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH®), and VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF (BJK®).
About VanEck
VanEck has a history of looking beyond the financial markets to identify trends that are likely to create impactful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets. This set the tone for the firm’s drive to identify asset classes and trends – including gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 – that subsequently shaped the investment management industry.
Today, VanEck offers active and passive strategies with compelling exposures supported by well-designed investment processes. As of September 30, 2018, VanEck managed approximately $46.1 billion in assets, including mutual funds, ETFs, and institutional accounts. The firm’s capabilities range from core investment opportunities to more specialized exposures to enhance portfolio diversification. Our actively managed strategies are fueled by in-depth, bottom-up research and security selection from portfolio managers with direct experience in the sectors and regions in which they invest. Investability, liquidity, diversity, and transparency are key to the experienced decision-making around market and index selection underlying VanEck’s passive strategies.
Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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New Title Boosts Player Engagement and Solves Liquidity Challenges with Bitcoin Lightning Network
THNDR, a trailblazer in skill-based peer-to-peer (PvP) gaming solutions, announced the launch of its latest title, Blackjack, now available on its B2B PvP platform. Designed for iGaming operators and aggregators, this classic game with a skilled twist leverages THNDR’s cutting-edge betting liquidity network and instant payment settlements to redefine player engagement, retention, and monetization in the iGaming industry.
Underlying the new Blackjack title, THNDR’s tech addresses long-standing pain points for operators, including player liquidity gaps and slow payout processes. By tapping into THNDR’s cross-operator liquidity network, the game ensures players are matched instantly, eliminating unfilled wagers and keeping the action flowing. Coupled with real-time payouts, operators can offer their players PvP games in any currency while benefiting from behind-the-scenes settlement with zero delays or chargebacks.
“We’re thrilled to bring a skill version of Blackjack to our PvP platform,” said Desiree Dickerson, CEO and Co-Founder of THNDR. “This isn’t just another game, it’s a powerful re-engagement and monetization tool for operators. By blending skill-based competition with our innovative tech, we’re delivering a solution that keeps players engaged longer, boosts retention, and opens access to a broader market of new users.”
Unlike traditional casino-style Blackjack, THNDR’s version rewards strategy and decision-making, appealing to a growing demographic of competitive players seeking more than chance-based entertainment. Early partners include BetOpenly, Speed Wallet, Maincard, Telobet, and more.
For iGaming operators and aggregators, the benefits are clear:
- Instant Liquidity: Players connect across THNDR’s betting network for a nearly 100% match rate.
- Enhanced Monetization: Instant payouts encourage higher spending and user trust.
- User Acquisition: Skill-based games allow licensed operators to reach a wider market.
- Seamless Integration: The platform can be integrated with just a few lines of code and works with any currency.
The post New Title Boosts Player Engagement and Solves Liquidity Challenges with Bitcoin Lightning Network appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Altenar offers sportsbook advice with ‘Behind The Bet’ webinars
Altenar is launching a series of free online webinars with helpful tips and advice for operators to gain a better understanding of how to maximise the potential of their sportsbook.
In the webinars titled ‘Behind The Bet’, experts from across Altenar’s departments will present their thoughts on a range of topics aimed at educating the audience and helping them optimise their sportsbook offering.
As a leading sportsbook provider in regulated markets around the world, Altenar’s products are tailored to the demands of various regions and are developed based on the localised expertise of the team.
Account managers already play an important role in the business development of existing clients but ‘Behind The Bet’ will allow both current and potential customers to improve their understanding of various markets, regulations and sportsbook products.
The webinars will be held in English, Spanish and Portuguese to cater to the needs of a global audience, with the presentations followed by a question-and-answer session.
The first edition of Behind The Bet will focus on one of the hottest topics in the iGaming industry as Altenar’s Head of Licensing and Regulatory Compliance Magno Neiva and Sales Manager Frederico Caputi discuss the legal landscape in Brazil.
Charlie Williams, Commercial Director at Altenar, said: “The newly regulated market has opened up exciting opportunities for iGaming companies, but there are also many regulatory challenges to overcome in order to maximize market potential. Altenar’s success in highly regulated markets across the globe, and in South America, positions us to deliver a flexible range of products and services to help our clients grow in Brazil.”
Magno Neiva, Head of Licensing and Regulatory Compliance, said: “The Brazilian iGaming market is evolving rapidly, presenting exciting opportunities for operators and providers alike. As one of the most dynamic and promising regions in the industry, Brazil is at the centre of innovation and the new regulatory advancements are shaping the future of online betting and gaming in South America.
“Altenar is proud to be part of this journey, bringing its expertise and cutting-edge solutions to a market that is poised for significant growth.”
This webinar, the first in a series, could not have chosen a more relevant market to explore. Through this discussion, Altenar aims to showcase how its advanced sportsbook and gaming solutions can help businesses thrive in this fast-moving environment.
The first edition of Behind The Bet will be held in Portuguese and takes place on March 12 at 11am (Brazilian Standard Time).
The post Altenar offers sportsbook advice with ‘Behind The Bet’ webinars appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion to promote world’s number one crash game to his fans
SPRIBE, the developer behind the number one crash game in the world, Aviator, has added yet another UFC superstar to its roster of brand ambassadors with Tom Aspinall promoting the game to his fans around the world.
Aspinall is the interim UFC heavyweight champion, actively defending his title and solidifying his place as one of the most dominant forces in MMA today. His championship mindset aligns perfectly with Aviator’s commitment to working with the best, ensuring fans experience the thrill of elite competition.Aspinall will take part in a number of campaigns promoting Aviator to UFC audiences worldwide. He joins other Aviator brand ambassadors like Alex Pereira, Johnny Walker and Merab Dvalishvili.
These brand ambassador partnerships form part of a wider marketing deal between SPRIBE and UFC, which sees Aviator branding appear in and around the Octagon for UFC Fight Nights and Pay Per View events. It also established an athlete ambassador fund for agreements such as this.
The deal will help to build even more momentum behind Aviator, the original crash game now available at more than 4,500 online casinos and with more than 42 million active players a month placing upwards of 350,000 bets per minute.
Its popularity comes down to the simple and easy-to-understand increasing curve format and the high-risk/high-reward gameplay. Aviator is also multiplayer with tons of social interaction built into the experience including a chat function and real-time leaderboards.
David Natroshvili, Founder & CEO at SPRIBE, said: “Tom is one of the toughest and most celebrated fighters in the UFC right now and we are excited for him to join our ranks as an Aviator ambassador.
“He has a large and loyal fanbase that we are certain will love the thrills that Aviator provides and look forward to working with Tom on a number of campaigns over the coming 12 months.
“These brand ambassador deals, and our partnership with the UFC and other sports franchises, show our commitment to ensuring Aviator remains the number one crash game on the planet and that as many people as possible get to play it.”
Tom Aspinall, UFC interim heavyweight champion and Aviator Brand Ambassador, added: “Taking flight in Aviator is just as thrilling as stepping into the Octagon on fight night so I’m excited for my fans to experience what the game has to offer.
“The team at SPRIBE have some great campaigns planned for the coming months which I’m excited to be a part of as we work together to ensure that Aviator really takes flight.”
The post Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion to promote world’s number one crash game to his fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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