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Boyd Gaming Reports Third-Quarter 2018 Results

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Boyd Gaming Reports Third-Quarter 2018 ResultsReading Time: 10 minutes

 

— Las Vegas Locals Delivers Adjusted EBITDA, Margin Growth for 14th Straight Quarter
— Midwest & South Continues Same-Store Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA Growth
— Company Acquires Five New Properties; Enters Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania
— Company Expands Sports Betting Operations, Strikes Partnership with FanDuel Group

 

Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said: “Over the last several months we significantly bolstered our Company’s long-term growth prospects with the acquisition of five new properties in four states, further expanding our geographic reach and significantly strengthening our robust free cash flow.  In addition, our recent strategic partnership with FanDuel Group puts us in strong position to take full advantage of emerging sports-betting and interactive gaming opportunities that will expand our appeal to new groups of customers nationwide.”

Commenting on the Company’s operating performance, Smith added: “Positive operating trends remained firmly in place throughout our business in the third quarter.  As a result of our ongoing efforts to drive marketing and operational efficiencies throughout the business, we continued to deliver same-store Adjusted EBITDA growth in both the Las Vegas Locals and Midwest and South segments. In addition, Companywide operating margins reached their highest third-quarter levels since 2005. This was yet another great quarter for our Company, and I remain confident in our future prospects as we successfully execute a well-balanced strategic plan to create long-term value for our shareholders.”

Boyd Gaming reported third-quarter revenues of $612.2 million, up 3.5% from $591.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. The Company reported net income of $11.8 million, or $0.10 per share, for the third quarter of 2018, compared to $23.2 million, or $0.20 per share, for the year-ago period.  Project development, preopening and writedown expenses increased $15.6 million over the prior-year period due to acquisition and development-related activities and the launch of the Company’s redesigned player loyalty program.  Interest expense increased $11.4 million, largely due to debt incurred to fund the Company’s recent acquisitions.

Total Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $148.8 million, up 5.8% from $140.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted Earnings(1) for the third quarter 2018 were $26.7 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to Adjusted Earnings of $25.7 million, or $0.22 per share, for the same period in 2017.

(1)

See footnotes at the end of the release for additional information relative to non-GAAP financial measures.

Operations Review

Las Vegas Locals
In the Las Vegas Locals segment, third-quarter 2018 revenues were $208.8 million versus $209.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA was $60.0 million, up 6.6% from $56.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, as operating margins improved nearly 200 basis points year-over-year.

The segment delivered its 14th consecutive quarter of Adjusted EBITDA growth and margin improvement, driven by ongoing marketing and operational refinements, as well as continued strength in the regional economy.  Strong operating trends continued throughout the segment, with revenues reflecting continued initiatives to drive increased profitability through refined marketing programs.

Downtown Las Vegas
In the Downtown Las Vegas segment, revenues were $59.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, up from $58.8 million in the year-ago period.  Adjusted EBITDA was $11.4 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $11.6 million in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an increased loss of approximately $900,000 at the Company’s Hawaiian charter service due largely to higher fuel costs.

The Company’s three downtown properties performed at record levels during the third quarter, due to continued strength in visitation throughout the downtown area and strong business volumes from the Company’s Hawaiian customer base. These strong operating trends were offset by the increased charter-service loss, as well as continued disruption from nearby project development and freeway construction.

Midwest and South
In the Midwest and South segment, revenues were $344.3 million, increasing from $323.1 million in the third quarter of 2017.  Adjusted EBITDA was $97.8 million, up 8.5% from $90.1 million in the year-ago period. Results for the segment include $3.5 million in combined Adjusted EBITDA contributions from Valley Forge Casino Resort, acquired on September 17, 2018, and Lattner Entertainment, acquired on June 1, 2018.

On a same-store basis, results reflect broad-based growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, as segment operating margins improved nearly 90 basis points.  Segment results benefited from ongoing efficiencies in marketing and operations, as well as healthy economic conditions across the Company’s regional markets.

Balance Sheet Statistics
As of September 30, 2018, Boyd Gaming had cash on hand of $441.0 million, and total debt of $3.60 billion. Cash and debt balances reflect the Company’s issuance of $700 million in 6.000% Senior Notes due 2026, completed in June 2018.

Full-Year 2018 Guidance
For the full year 2018, Boyd Gaming projects total Adjusted EBITDAR(1) of $660 million to $675 million. This projection confirms the Company’s previously provided guidance, and includes the impacts of the recent acquisitions.

Conference Call Information
Boyd Gaming will host a conference call to discuss third-quarter 2018 results today, October 25, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.  The conference call number is (888) 317-6003, passcode 2917968.  Please call up to 15 minutes in advance to ensure you are connected prior to the start of the call.

The conference call will also be available live on the Internet at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/964/27969

Following the call’s completion, a replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 today, October 25, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and continuing through Thursday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.  The conference number for the replay will be 10125633.

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(In thousands, except per share data)

2018

2017 (a)

2018

2017 (a)

Revenues

Gaming

$

446,760

$

428,852

$

1,335,011

$

1,309,922

Food and beverage

86,006

84,996

259,006

259,245

Room

47,984

47,600

145,330

142,284

Other

31,446

30,094

95,760

94,280

Total revenues

612,196

591,542

1,835,107

1,805,731

Operating costs and expenses

Gaming

197,435

188,044

580,461

569,597

Food and beverage

82,179

82,942

246,488

251,717

Room

22,288

21,845

64,875

64,594

Other

21,149

19,966

63,599

62,500

Selling, general and administrative

88,054

91,288

263,678

275,938

Maintenance and utilities

32,927

30,244

89,526

82,507

Depreciation and amortization

54,688

55,201

159,887

161,728

Corporate expense

25,055

19,339

74,975

63,388

Project development, preopening and writedowns

18,588

2,975

27,829

8,731

Impairments of assets

993

Other operating items, net

265

758

2,196

1,707

Total operating costs and expenses

542,628

512,602

1,574,507

1,542,407

Operating income

69,568

78,940

260,600

263,324

Other expense (income)

Interest income

(2,189)

(452)

(3,168)

(1,367)

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

54,670

43,309

143,888

129,711

Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt

319

61

853

Other, net

16

(139)

(388)

531

Total other expense, net

52,497

43,037

140,393

129,728

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

17,071

35,903

120,207

133,596

Income tax provision

(5,234)

(12,746)

(28,373)

(47,671)

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

11,837

23,157

91,834

85,925

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

347

21,392

Net income

$

11,837

$

23,157

$

92,181

$

107,317

Basic net income per common share

Continuing operations

$

0.10

$

0.20

$

0.81

$

0.74

Discontinued operations

0.19

Basic net income per common share

$

0.10

$

0.20

$

0.81

$

0.93

Weighted average basic shares outstanding

114,410

114,836

114,443

115,108

Diluted net income per common share

Continuing operations

$

0.10

$

0.20

$

0.80

$

0.75

Discontinued operations

0.18

Diluted net income per common share

$

0.10

$

0.20

$

0.80

$

0.93

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

115,070

115,501

115,147

115,768

__________________________________________

(a)

Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method.

 

 

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(In thousands)

2018

2017 (a)

2018

2017 (a)

Total Revenues by Reportable Segment

Las Vegas Locals

$

208,781

$

209,666

$

650,930

$

648,580

Downtown Las Vegas

59,163

58,781

180,833

179,360

Midwest and South

344,252

323,095

1,003,344

977,791

Total revenues

$

612,196

$

591,542

$

1,835,107

$

1,805,731

Adjusted EBITDA by Reportable Segment

Las Vegas Locals

$

60,021

$

56,296

$

201,299

$

185,510

Downtown Las Vegas

11,368

11,595

38,129

37,841

Midwest and South

97,837

90,135

290,593

278,178

Property Adjusted EBITDA

169,226

158,026

530,021

501,529

Corporate expense (b)

(20,475)

(17,480)

(57,375)

(53,850)

Adjusted EBITDA

148,751

140,546

472,646

447,679

Other operating costs and expenses

Deferred rent

275

290

825

977

Depreciation and amortization

54,688

55,201

159,887

161,728

Share-based compensation expense

5,367

2,382

20,316

11,212

Project development, preopening and writedowns

18,588

2,975

27,829

8,731

Impairments of assets

993

Other operating items, net

265

758

2,196

1,707

Total other operating costs and expenses

79,183

61,606

212,046

184,355

Operating income

69,568

78,940

260,600

263,324

Other expense (income)

Interest income

(2,189)

(452)

(3,168)

(1,367)

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

54,670

43,309

143,888

129,711

Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt

319

61

853

Other, net

16

(139)

(388)

531

Total other expense, net

52,497

43,037

140,393

129,728

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

17,071

35,903

120,207

133,596

Income tax provision

(5,234)

(12,746)

(28,373)

(47,671)

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

11,837

23,157

91,834

85,925

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

347

21,392

Net income

$

11,837

$

23,157

$

92,181

$

107,317

__________________________________________

(a)

Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method.

(b)

Reconciliation of corporate expense:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(In thousands)

2018

2017

2018

2017

Corporate expense as reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

$

25,055

$

19,339

$

74,975

$

63,388

Corporate share-based compensation expense

(4,580)

(1,859)

(17,600)

(9,538)

Corporate expense as reported on the above table

$

20,475

$

17,480

$

57,375

$

53,850

 

 

BOYD GAMING CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Reconciliations of Net Income to Adjusted Earnings

and Net Income Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(In thousands, except per share data)

2018

2017 (a)

2018

2017 (a)

Net income

$

11,837

$

23,157

$

92,181

$

107,317

Less: income from discontinued operations, net of tax

(347)

(21,392)

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

11,837

23,157

91,834

85,925

Pretax adjustments:

Project development, preopening and writedowns

18,588

2,975

27,829

8,731

Impairments of assets

993

Other operating items, net

265

758

2,196

1,707

Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt

319

61

853

Other, net

16

(139)

(388)

531

Total adjustments

18,869

3,913

30,691

11,822

Income tax effect for above adjustments

(4,038)

(1,387)

(6,612)

(4,267)

Adjusted earnings

$

26,668

$

25,683

$

115,913

$

93,480

Net income per share, diluted

$

0.10

$

0.20

$

0.80

$

0.93

Less: income from discontinued operations per share

(0.18)

Income from continuing operations per share

0.10

0.20

0.80

0.75

Pretax adjustments:

Project development, preopening and writedowns

0.16

0.02

0.24

0.08

Impairments of assets

0.01

Other operating items, net

0.01

0.02

0.01

Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt

0.01

Other, net

Total adjustments

0.16

0.03

0.27

0.10

Income tax effect for above adjustments

(0.03)

(0.01)

(0.06)

(0.04)

Adjusted earnings per share, diluted

$

0.23

$

0.22

$

1.01

$

0.81

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

115,070

115,501

115,147

115,768

__________________________________________

(a)

Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation G, “Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” prescribes the conditions for use of non-GAAP financial information in public disclosures. We believe that our presentations of the following non-GAAP financial measures are important supplemental measures of operating performance to investors: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Adjusted EPS). The following discussion defines these terms and why we believe they are useful measures of our performance.  We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding forward-looking GAAP measure due to our inability to project special charges and certain expenses.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR
EBITDA is a commonly used measure of performance in our industry that we believe, when considered with measures calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), provides our investors a more complete understanding of our operating results before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes and facilitates comparisons between us and our competitors. Management has historically adjusted EBITDA when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide a full understanding of our core operating results and as a means to evaluate period-to-period results. We refer to this measure as Adjusted EBITDA. We have chosen to provide this information to investors to enable them to perform comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core on-going operations. We have historically reported this measure to our investors and believe that the continued inclusion of Adjusted EBITDA provides consistency in our financial reporting. We use Adjusted EBITDA in this press release because we believe it is useful to investors in allowing greater transparency related to a significant measure used by our management in their financial and operational decision-making. Adjusted EBITDA is among the more significant factors in management’s internal evaluation of total company and individual property performance and in the evaluation of incentive compensation related to property management. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure in the evaluation of potential acquisitions and dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by management in the annual budget process. Externally, we believe these measures continue to be used by investors in their assessment of our operating performance and the valuation of our company. Adjusted EBITDA reflects EBITDA adjusted for deferred rent, share-based compensation expense, project development, preopening and writedown expenses, impairments of assets, loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt and other operating items, net. Following the Company’s acquisition during the fourth quarter of 2018 of properties subject to a master lease with a real estate investment trust, the Company will begin presenting Adjusted EBITDAR, which will reflect Adjusted EBITDA further adjusted for rent expense associated with the master lease.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS
Adjusted Earnings is net income before project development, preopening and writedown expenses, impairments of assets, other items, net, gain or loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt, other non-recurring adjustments, net, and income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS are presented solely as supplemental disclosures because management believes that they are widely used measures of performance in the gaming industry.

Limitations on the Use of Non-GAAP Measures
The use of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures has certain limitations. Our presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS or certain other non-GAAP financial measures may be different from the presentation used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. Depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, income taxes and other items have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Additionally, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation and amortization, interest and income taxes, capital expenditures and other items both in our reconciliations to the historical GAAP financial measures and in our consolidated financial statements, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, or any other operating performance measure prescribed by GAAP, nor should these measures be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures reflect additional ways of viewing our operations that we believe, when viewed with our GAAP results and the reconciliations to the corresponding historical GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. Management strongly encourages investors to review our financial information in its entirety and not to rely on a single financial measure.

Forward-looking Statements and Company Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements contain words such as “may,” “will,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue,” “pursue,” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and may include (without limitation) information regarding the Company’s expectations, goals or intentions regarding future performance. In addition, forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: the benefits from the Company’s recently completed acquisitions of five new properties and the strategic partnership with FanDuel Group, progress in positioning the Company to keep creating long-term shareholder value, progress towards executing on its strategic plan, and the overall direction of the Company and all of the statements under the heading “Full-Year 2018 Guidance.” Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the Company’s operating results; recovery of its properties in various markets; the political climate and its effects on consumer spending and its impact on the travel industry; the state of the economy and its effect on consumer spending and the Company’s results of operations; the timing for economic recovery, its effect on the Company’s business and the local economies where the Company’s properties are located; the receipt of legislative, and other state, federal and local approvals for the Company’s development projects; whether online gaming will become legalized in various states, the Company’s ability to operate online gaming profitably, or otherwise; consumer reaction to fluctuations in the stock market and economic factors; the fact that the Company’s expansion, development and renovation projects (including enhancements to improve property performance) are subject to many risks inherent in expansion, development or construction of a new or existing project; the effects of events adversely impacting the economy or the regions from which the Company draws a significant percentage of its customers; competition; litigation; financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its subsidiaries; changes in laws and regulations, including increased taxes; the availability and price of energy, weather, regulation, economic, credit and capital market conditions; and the effects of war, terrorist or similar activity. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in the Company’s other current and periodic reports filed from time to time with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

 

About Boyd Gaming
Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states.  The Company currently operates 1.76 million square feet of casino space, approximately 38,000 gaming machines, 900 table games, more than 11,000 hotel rooms, and 320 food and beverage outlets.  With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering its guests an outstanding entertainment experience, delivered with unwavering attention to customer service.

 

Source: Boyd Gaming Corporation


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George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Marketing the Game: How iGaming Brands Win Players and Partners in 2025

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At EvenBet Gaming, we see firsthand how the marketing landscape is changing. Insights from our iGaming Future 2026 report show that in 2025, success comes from connection, not noise.

As regulations tighten, acquisition costs rise, and audiences scatter across platforms, the brands that win are those that blend precision with personality. Today’s players and partners expect authenticity over aggression and storytelling over sales pitches. Campaigns are no longer about mass impressions but about micro-moments – tailored, data-driven interactions that feel personal, even at scale.

The winners listen first, analyze second, and act third – turning insight into engagement. In this landscape, connection is the foundation of sustainable growth.

The Split Game: B2B vs. B2C

In B2B, the battleground is trust. CEOs and decision-makers are drowning in noise – from events to endless newsletters. What cuts through? Case studies that show ROI, product demos that feel real, and personal networks built at ICE or SiGMA. Social media remains the undisputed king here: 49% of iGaming executives use it as their primary info source, followed by in-person networking and industry events. Long-form content still works – when it’s insightful, not promotional. To stand out in B2B marketing, brands should focus on:

  • Building thought leadership through expert commentary and research-backed insights that prove credibility;
  • Nurturing long-term relationships via community-led webinars, roundtables, and co-marketing projects that drive collaboration;
  • Leveraging data storytelling – turning complex metrics into simple, visual narratives that help decision-makers act fast.

B2C, by contrast, is all about emotion and immediacy – but with a sharper distinction between markets and business models. The latest EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report shows that while short-form and community-driven content remains key, the dominance of platforms differs markedly. In Europe – LinkedIn leads the way as a professional and networking hub, reflecting a B2B-oriented focus on authority building, lead generation, and industry-specific engagement. In Asia – Facebook and Instagram dominate, highlighting a strategy centered on community connection, targeted advertising, and broad audience engagement, with Telegram also playing a significant role. For B2C operators – visual storytelling and entertainment-led platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok continue to drive emotional engagement, while for B2B providers – LinkedIn holds an undisputed lead, supported by Instagram and Telegram as complementary channels. The formula, therefore, is not simply to be social-first, but to be strategically social – prioritizing community and visual impact in B2C, and credibility and professional engagement in B2B.

AI and Automation – The New Marketers

According to EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, AI has moved from buzzword to backbone – redefining how brands attract, convert, and retain players. Predictive analytics now segment audiences before login, while machine learning powers adaptive CRM systems that personalize offers and retention bonuses in real time. In marketing operations, AI delivers measurable impact through:

  • Dynamic pricing and bonus optimization – adjusting rewards by player value and engagement;
  • Content intelligence – automating localization and campaign creation, cutting production time by up to 60%;
  • Ad fraud prevention – identifying fake traffic before it drains budgets;
  • Predictive churn analysis – triggering personalized retention actions;
  • Voice and visual recognition – tracking live reactions and sentiment to optimize creative on the fly.

In B2B, AI turns marketing from broadcast to conversation – analyzing partner behavior, flagging high-value leads, and automating follow-ups. The brands that master real-time data interpretation lead the race. In iGaming, AI doesn’t just predict behavior – it shapes it.

Social Channels – The Real Arena

Social platforms have evolved far beyond advertising spaces. They’ve become the central nervous system of iGaming marketing. In 2025, social media is a living ecosystem where customer acquisition, brand positioning, community building, and market research all merge. Every platform has its rhythm and audience psychology; successful brands know how to play them like instruments in the same orchestra.

Whether a B2B partnership or a B2C retention campaign, the rule is simple: go where your audience lives, speak their language, and deliver value before the pitch. How each key platform shapes the iGaming marketing mix? Read here.

LinkedIn – the B2B Heartbeat

This is where credibility is built and deals are born. For iGaming providers, affiliates, and tech companies, LinkedIn serves as the top channel for partnerships, thought leadership, and lead generation. Sharing industry insights, case studies, and event takeaways reinforces authority and keeps brands visible among decision-makers. Paid targeting tools also allow for pinpoint precision, ensuring that every ad or article reaches the right vertical – from operators to regulators.

YouTube & Twitch – Where Entertainment Meets Education

As highlighted in EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, streaming has become a key growth channel for iGaming brands. YouTube anchors long-form storytelling – developer insights, product demos, and CEO interviews that build credibility. According to the EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report, YouTube accounts for 14% in Europe and 15% in Asia, showing near-equal relevance across regions and reinforcing its universal value for both markets.

Twitch, mentioned in iGaming Future 2026 alongside YouTube Live and Kick, plays a pivotal role in real-time engagement – driving live gameplay, poker tournaments, and influencer collaborations that enhance transparency and community connection. While no percentage data is provided for Twitch, the report emphasizes streaming as a natural fit for gambling content and audience interaction.

Together, these platforms turn audiences into participants – transforming content from promotion into experience.

TikTok & Instagram – Short, Raw, and Honest

Authenticity wins here. These platforms thrive on short-form, story-driven content that prioritizes emotion over polish. According to the EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report (p. 58), Instagram ranks second in both regions – 22% in Europe and 20% in Asia – while TikTok shows stronger traction in Asia (9%) than in Europe (5%), underscoring its growing influence among younger, mobile-first audiences.

Behind-the-scenes clips, quick tips, and relatable humor consistently outperform corporate messaging. Interactive ad formats like reels and hashtag challenges help iGaming brands spark viral loops, amplify influencer reach, and turn curiosity into action.

In a mobile-first world, these platforms don’t just advertise – they convert. The brands that master them know one truth: social is the marketplace, the focus group, and the loyalty engine all at once.

Customer Access and Personalization

Today’s players expect the brand to recognize them before signing in. The data backs it up: operators using personalized onboarding see up to 37% higher retention. Hybrid campaigns – connecting online and live play – are rising fast. A push notification might lead to an app bonus, unlocking a live event seat. That seamless loop is where loyalty lives. For iGaming operators, personalization now stretches far beyond “Hello, [Name]”:

  • Behavioral segmentation uses AI to analyze time-of-day habits, game preferences, and betting velocity – letting brands tailor every interaction, from welcome bonuses to tournament invites;
  • Cross-channel identity mapping ensures players get a consistent experience across web, app, email, and live venues – no duplicate offers, no irrelevant messages;
  • Progressive profiling builds player personas gradually through engagement, balancing data collection with trust. This creates a 360° view without overwhelming the user with long forms;
  • Experience-based incentives are replacing static bonuses. For example, completing a “10-hand challenge” online could unlock real-world prizes or exclusive event tickets.

What Next?

As highlighted in EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, the next phase of iGaming marketing – especially in B2B – is built on access, insight, and shared growth. Partners no longer want to be sold to; they want to collaborate, learn, and co-create. Loyalty now comes from ecosystems of mutual value, not discounts or outreach volume. Next-gen B2B engagement revolves around:

  • Micro-communities on Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn – invite-only spaces where suppliers, affiliates, and operators exchange insights and form strategic alliances;
  • Account-based marketing (ABM) powered by AI – integrating CRM and social data to tailor outreach, improving conversion rates by up to 50%;
  • Virtual demos and co-branded webinars – frictionless entry points for collaboration that combine live interaction with analytics-driven follow-up;
  • Shared data dashboards – transparency as the new trust currency, providing partners with real-time access to KPIs and campaign metrics.

In both B2C and B2B, the rule holds: the closer you get to your audience or partner, the harder it is for them to leave.

Innovation: Beyond Buzzwords

Gamification has become the universal language of engagement – missions, badges, leaderboards, loyalty loops. AI adds the adaptive layer; players evolve in real time. This same logic applies in marketing: adaptive storytelling that shifts with user behavior. The future? Predictive personalization. The line between “targeting” and “understanding” is getting thinner, and the best marketers are crossing it first. The new generation of gamified marketing goes beyond points and badges – it builds ecosystems of continuous engagement:

Category Tool / Mechanism Description & Benefits
B2C (Players) Dynamic Missions AI-driven missions that adapt to player behavior in real time – e.g., switching from “daily spins” to “multi-table hands” based on user habits. Keeps engagement personal and relevant.
Reward Tiers & Progression Paths Data-driven systems that reward consistency, not just spend. Players advance through experience-based milestones, improving long-term retention.
Social Competition Leaderboards, team missions, and community milestones create peer motivation. Increases engagement by up to 40% vs. solo play.
Narrative Gamification Marketing campaigns unfold as storylines – every message or promo feels like a new chapter in the player’s journey. Builds emotional attachment.
AR & VR Integration Combines real-world activity (QR scans, event participation) with digital rewards, creating immersive cross-channel brand experiences.
Predictive Personalization AI anticipates player mood and intent, adapting visuals, tone, and offers before behavior shifts. Moves from reactive to proactive marketing.
B2B (Partners) Partner Scoreboards Tracks campaign performance – traffic, conversion, retention. Encourages friendly competition and higher partner productivity.
Gamified Learning Platforms Turns product training and onboarding into missions, quizzes, and leaderboards. Boosts learning retention and team motivation.
Incentive Ecosystems Partners earn tiered rewards – access to beta tools, co-marketing funds, or exclusive insights – based on measurable performance metrics.
Community Challenges Affiliates or resellers compete in group KPIs (e.g., “Top Q3 Converters”). Builds engagement and shared achievement culture.
AI Engagement Analytics AI monitors partner engagement levels, offering personalized feedback, goal suggestions, and reward triggers automatically.

Ultimately, gamification in iGaming marketing has shifted from “adding fun” to engineering motivation. It’s about designing systems where engagement becomes the most natural move. When rewards, progress, and storytelling align seamlessly with user behavior, participation stops feeling like marketing and starts feeling like entertainment. The brands that master this balance turn every interaction into a self-sustaining loop of curiosity, reward, and loyalty – where players don’t just play the game, they live inside it.

Final Hand

In 2025, iGaming marketing is a blend of human intuition and machine precision. The era of mass messaging is over – success now means balancing data with emotion and automation with authenticity. In B2B, growth comes from trust, transparency, and measurable ROI rather than lead volume. In B2C, players expect instant personalization, dynamic engagement, and brands that speak their language – making AI-driven personalization and social-first storytelling essentials, not extras.

The strongest brands will merge both worlds, using AI to amplify empathy and data to sharpen creativity. In a market flooded with content, relevance is survival – and trust is the true currency of differentiation.

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GR8 Tech Challenges Operators to Face Their Fears This Halloween

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This Halloween season, GR8 Tech dares the iGaming world to face its darkest fears. The company has launched an interactive campaign titled “What Scares Operators Most?”, inviting operators to explore the challenges that haunt their daily operations—and to discover how the right solution can turn those fears into fuel for growth.

The mysterious, immersive journey highlights iGaming’s most chilling pain points, and each revealed fear leads to actionable insights and practical solutions, guiding operators toward the tools and strategies that keep their businesses bulletproof, no matter what monsters lurk in the data.

“Fear is a powerful teacher,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech. “Every operator faces moments that test their systems and their strategy. Our Halloween campaign acknowledges those fears and shows that with the right partner, they’re entirely conquerable.”

On the GR8 Tech website, visitors can flip cards, uncover their personalized iGaming “fear,” access GR8 Tech’s expert take on how to overcome it, and view materials that discuss the problem in more detail. They can also share their results or book a meeting to discuss real-world solutions.

Operators brave enough to fight their fears are encouraged to continue the conversation in person at SiGMA Central Europe 2025, Booth 5028. Because in the world of iGaming, even the scariest nightmares can turn into winning stories.

The post GR8 Tech Challenges Operators to Face Their Fears This Halloween appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 43/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Relax Gaming is opening the hatch to Frank’s Diner, an apocalyptic slot where Split Symbols, reel multipliers, and Gold Wild re-spins deliver the potential for sizzling wins. Split Symbols take centre stage, with two or three identical single symbols landing on the same reel, forming double or triple stacks that immediately multiply the number of ways to win.

BC.GAME has released Tim & Larry, a new in-house developed slot combining traditional video slot mechanics with a cartoon-inspired theme centered around a kitchen standoff between a cat and a mouse. The game features high volatility, a theoretical RTP of 96.91%, and a capped maximum payout of 15,000× the base bet.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., is excited to announce the launch of Werewolf It Up! featuring Cash Bank and Zeus Legends of Olympus featuring Triple Hit Combo across the UK and Malta iGaming markets. Packed with captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, this online and mobile slot duo is designed to deliver strong results for operators and offers the best in iGaming entertainment for players.

TaDa Gaming invites players to spin for royal rewards in Crown of Fortune, a vibrant 5×3 slot featuring expanding Wilds, locking respins and dazzling payout potential of up to 1000x the bet. Blending nostalgic fruit slot charm with polished, modern mechanics, Crown of Fortune captures the timeless allure of classic gameplay—enhanced by Wild-driven action.

SlotMatrix has launched its latest exclusive title, Aphrodite’s Fortune, an enchanting slot that invites players into the goddess’s golden garden of love and wealth. Set among the clouds of Mount Olympus, Aphrodite’s Fortune celebrates beauty, fortune, and celestial power in a stunning 10,000-ways-to-win format.

Have you got what it takes to take on the Prize Ladder and come out on top? That’s the question players must answer before taking on the latest classic slot title from in-demand content house, Northern Lights Gaming. Bright lights and big wins are the order of the day in Prize Ladder, a game-show style blockbuster that promises twists and turns from the very first game round to the last.

Gaming Corps is preparing to enchant players this October with the launch of its latest slot, 3 Pots of Potions. Arriving just ahead of Halloween, the high-volatility release combines imaginative design with feature-rich gameplay and the potential to conjure wins of up to 10,000x the stake.

Get ready for a spine-tingling splash with Fish Tales: Halloween from Booming Games! This spooky twist on the beloved Fish Tales: Monster Bass takes you to a haunted underwater world where ghoulish fish and creepy cash prizes await. The beloved spook-tacular mechanics remain intact, but with an eerie makeover—fog-drenched waters, zombified fish, and a fang-tastic new design.

Evoplay has released Young Buffalo Coins, the second instalment in its popular Young Buffalo series. Following the success of the original title, the new game takes players back to the wild prairies for another action-packed adventure, combining fast-paced gameplay, sticky coins, and big jackpot opportunities.

Online casino operators can give their players the fright of their lives with Midnight Queen, the latest slot launch from in-demand iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Midnight Queen is a Vampire-themed slot that’s perfect for entertaining players during the Halloween season and beyond.

TaDa Gaming has returned to the savannah with intriguing new release Golden Explorer. A rich trove of multiplier gemstones sparkling with additional random multiplier bonuses can burst on to the screen, enhancing the win potential and delivering vivid and exciting gameplay for 96.99% and a max win of 30,000x.

To celebrate the launch of Reactoonz 100, Play’n GO’s iconic slot character Garga reached a max altitude of 37,753 metres (117,300 ft) in a two-hour flight to set a world record and become the first slot character ever in space. Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that one of the most iconic characters in slots, Garga, has set a world record by becoming the first slot character in space.

Tom Horn Gaming is expanding its portfolio with the release of 243 Zeus Fruits, a slot that combines two proven player favourites – fruit slots and Greek mythology. The game delivers short feature cycles, multipliers, and higher stakes through the supplier’s QuickX mechanic.

Amusnet invites players into a realm of mystery and midnight thrills with Vampire Dice, its latest Online Casino portfolio addition. This captivating dice-themed game combines gothic elegance, thrilling features and an immersive atmosphere where every roll reveals secrets of the night.

SlotMatrix has embraced the Halloween spirit with its latest exclusive release, Ghost Pigger. Combining high energy rhythm and rewarding gameplay in a disco-fuelled haunted house, Ghost Pigger makes for a truly unique slot experience. The 96.09% RTP, medium volatility, and maximum win potential of up to 13,712x keep the players engaged.

 

The post Week 43/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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