Latest News

Cross-Selling and Upselling in Poker Stores: How to Increase the Average Check

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Revenue optimization has emerged as one of the key success factors in the highly competitive online poker industry. With the growing costs of acquiring players and the challenge of retaining them, poker operators need more ways of generating revenue. In this light, the In-Store feature developed by EvenBet Gaming has brought a new change in the industry: boosting the operator’s revenue while offering engaging game perks for the players.

The mechanics of online poker rooms

Historically, online poker rooms have been able to attract a variety of players with diverse games, starting from the more common Texas Hold’em to the less known Razz. In the past, poker platforms have depended on rake, which is a small percentage of every pot, or tournament fees as their main sources of income.

However, nowadays, these models have become less dependable as poker operators face a number of challenges. They are always torn between the need to meet regulatory requirements, maintain their profit margins, and keep the players happy. This has led to the need to increase the average revenue per user (ARPU) without losing customers in this competitive environment.

Welcome cross-sell and upsell — two effective techniques successfully implemented in niches like e-commerce and are now actively used in the poker segment. These strategies have been effective in increasing the LTV and customer retention rates. For poker rooms, this could mean the difference between going bust and holding out for the long term.

Cross-selling in poker

Cross-selling is the practice of selling related products or services to existing customers. In the poker context, this could take several forms:

Basic cross-sell: advertising casino games to sports bettors and the other way around. For example, a poker room may recommend slot games to the players who frequently play Texas Hold’em.
Intermediate cross-sell: the use of player data to develop more specific campaigns. For instance, if data reveal that poker tournament players like to play blackjack, the room may target blackjack to tournament players.
Advanced cross-sell: a more complex approach that employs dynamic and data-driven models to provide the player with customized suggestions. For example, when a player’s activity and their preferences are used to recommend new games or tournaments that may be interesting.

Upselling in poker

Upselling persuades the customer to choose a better version of the product they are already using. In poker rooms, this might involve:

Providing VIP tournament seats to the ordinary cash game participants.
Offering higher risk and reward tables to players who play at lower limits.
Offering additional services such as higher level statistics or time bank top-up.

Through these strategies, poker operators can develop multi-players — customers who interact with several products. Multi-players have higher retention rates and an average future value of 50% higher than that of single-product players.

For poker room operators, understanding these cross-sell and up-sell strategies might be the only way to not only survive but prosper in the highly saturated online gaming market. It’s about the long-term perspective and the audience that will provide constant revenues.

Applying cross-selling and upselling to poker platforms

The poker industry is one of the most suitable for cross-sell and upsell strategies. The EvenBet Gaming In-Store feature is a game-changer for operators as it provides a range of virtual items that can improve the players’ experience.

Items available for cross-selling include:

Play money packages: for those who wish to play or warm up with other games without staking their real money.
Time bank extensions: allowing the players to spend more time making strategic moves over the course of the game.
Rabbit hunting feature: enabling the players to see the cards that would have been dealt in the next round once a round is over.
Opponent game statistics: informing the players about the actions and strategies of their opponents during the game.

Upselling opportunities in the store include:

VIP cards with bundled perks: EvenBet store offers customisable sets of benefits that come at a lower price when bought together.

Yet another option are loyalty programme incentives that can come in different styles:

Premium tournament entries: as players accumulate cash game points or achieve a certain hand count, they can unlock access to exclusive tournaments.
Exclusive game access: higher-tier loyalty members might gain entry to special cash games or tables not available to the general player base.

These features are beneficial for the platform’s revenue, and they also boost the gaming experience and bring greater satisfaction to the players.

Strategies for increasing the cash flow

To optimize revenue in online poker stores, operators should implement a comprehensive strategy that encompasses several key elements:

Strategic offer placement: display relevant promotions in the lobby and during the game, so that they do not interfere with the gameplay. This approach keeps the audience interested in your offer without being annoying.
Personalized marketing: use player data to create specific promotions that will appeal to the players’ preferences and activities.
Value-driven bundles: offer appealing promotional offers like “two for the price of one” and combo packages. Such offers have high perceived value for the players, as in a bundle they receive more than each separate item’s worth.
Time-sensitive promotions: take advantage of the FOMO effect by offering time-sensitive products or services. This creates urgency, which in turn leads to faster buying decisions.
Integrated loyalty schemes: integrate cross-selling and upselling opportunities in the loyalty programme. This helps retain the players for a long time and makes them use the platform more frequently.

By implementing these strategies, poker room operators can create a more engaging and profitable store environment. This holistic approach not only drives revenue but also enhances the overall player experience, fostering loyalty and sustained growth in the competitive online poker market.

Seizing the opportunity

Well-adopted cross-sell and upsell strategies can greatly improve both the cash flow and the players’ experience. This way, operators can increase their user lifetime value while enhancing the quality of the game. If you want to transform your poker platform’s monetisation model, learn more about EvenBet Gaming’s advanced store options and find out how these enhancements can help you increase player worth and involvement. The operators able to balance the revenue targets and player satisfaction will be in good standing to succeed in this competitive market.

The post Cross-Selling and Upselling in Poker Stores: How to Increase the Average Check appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: