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Movers and Shakers: How awager plans to redefine online casino gaming in the European market
“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
Can you introduce the awager product and tell us about your company’s aims in the European market?
With awager’s unique products, we aim to usher in a new era of casino gaming in Europe. Our products bridge the gap between traditional land-based casinos and online gaming by allowing players to access land-based slot games remotely. We use modular design, the latest in streaming and audio technology, and a cutting-edge, user-friendly interface to allow players to experience the sights and sounds of a real casino wherever they decide to play.
This product is a unique proposition in the iGaming industry. We have already established ourselves as a presence in North America, including launching the third iteration of our product with Loto Quebec.
Our aim is to provide players with a more authentic and immersive online gaming experience and after finding success in North America, we are now excited to introduce our product to European audiences.
Which markets will be a priority for awager as you expand into Europe, and why?
We have laid out a detailed roadmap for our European expansion. At the forefront of our strategy is a commitment to focusing exclusively on regulated markets, ensuring compliance and sustainability in our operations.
The United Kingdom is going to be a key target. It is undoubtedly the busiest and most dynamic market on the continent, and it offers a huge player base hungry for something fresh and exciting. This will help give us a strong foothold in the region and present plenty of growth opportunities for us as a company.
Sweden will also be a priority during our first wave. Swedish players have a strong affinity with land-based casinos, and as they begin to close down, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to step in and quench that thirst for a physical gaming experience. The Netherlands will also be an important market.
Once we have established a presence in these key markets, we will turn our attention to other regulated markets like Spain, Switzerland, Romania, and Greece. There is plenty of appetite in these countries for something different, and that is exactly what awager can bring to the table.
Are customer tastes significantly different in Europe compared to North America, and if so, how does awager intend to navigate this?
I don’t think there are too many major differences. America has a much stronger land-based culture than Europe, but European players are much more accustomed to online play, which is where our action takes place.
We anticipate some differences in spending habits. Generally speaking, American players tend to gravitate toward higher stakes games compared to their European counterparts, largely due to regulation and cultural differences.
However, all indications point towards European players strongly embracing our products with the same enthusiasm that has characterised our success in the American market. Given that Europe represents a much larger potential market, we have extremely high ambitions over the next years.
What are some of the biggest trends impacting the European market right now? And how is awager positioned to capitalise on them?
Innovation has been the industry’s buzzword for the last few years. Operators are relentlessly seeking to introduce fresh and exciting offerings that will captivate their players, and we are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.
Players are looking for more from their online casino experience, and operators are looking for innovative ways to attract more players. Our product is the ideal link between these two needs, enabling operators to draw in high-stakes players from traditional land-based casinos while appealing to players who crave a more authentic and fresh casino experience.
There is also a real movement towards creating a more authentic gaming experience. Our products cater to that need by using the latest streaming and sound technology to immerse players in the experience. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we receive from both players and operators is that they can not quite grasp how real the whole experience is.
What are some of the biggest barriers to entry in the European market?
The biggest challenge for most companies looking to break into the European market is navigating regulations. We want to be in as many markets as possible, but we will strictly only work in regulated markets, which does rule out some countries.
Of course, there are also some regulatory hoops we need to jump through in each market, but our product is well-set to do that.
The post Movers and Shakers: How awager plans to redefine online casino gaming in the European market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Usyk Unite to Bring Boxing and iGaming Closer Together
Ready to Fight by Oleksandr Usyk and GR8 Tech have joined forces in a technological partnership that bridges the worlds of sports and innovation.
As Ready To Fight’s exclusive Partner in Tech, GR8 Tech combines its UNrivaled expertise in iGaming with RTF’s experience as the UNdisputed champion’s team to deliver solutions that push boundaries and achieve extraordinary results.
“The iGaming industry is a highly fluid environment, very similar to boxing as a competitive sport: The winners in it are strategic thinkers, relentless in preparation and flawless in execution. These qualities unite GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Oleksandr Usyk and serve as the foundation of our partnership, empowering GR8 Tech to help its clients achieve UNdisputed success in their own rings,” said Sergey Ghazaryan, CRO at GR8 Tech.
“Our partnership with GR8 Tech is about bringing the boxing world closer through technology and creating something new for fighters, fans, and industry leaders. We’re combining GR8 Tech’s expertise in iGaming with our vision to build a stronger, smarter platform. Together, we’ll be rolling out new features and innovations to bring people together and make the boxing experience better with great tech,” said Oleksandr Usyk, Co-Founder of Ready to Fight.
GR8 Tech’s top-tier Sportsbook and iGaming platform stands out for its scalability, precision, and exceptional performance – qualities that align with Usyk’s UNwavering drive and UNstoppable track record. Just as Ready To Fight by Usyk wins the global boxing market, GR8 Tech excels with UNparalleled event coverage, sophisticated margin management, and a geo-specific approach, providing everything operators need to achieve extraordinary success in any market.
Ready to Fight’s mission to merge technology with boxing comes to life through GR8 Tech’s advanced platform. By leveraging GR8 Tech’s technological expertise, RTF meets the high operational standards of iGaming leaders. Both brands share a data-driven, innovative approach, empowering their audiences to break boundaries and achieve UNprecedented success at the intersection of sports and technology.
This UNdisputedly GR8 partnership marks the start of an exciting 2025, bringing digital activations, exclusive merch, and a groundbreaking product tech collaboration. Stay up-to-date with all the latest news by following GR8 Tech on its website and LinkedIn.
The post GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight by Usyk Unite to Bring Boxing and iGaming Closer Together appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Fandoms and Passions: New SuperAwesome Research Demystifies Gen Alpha and Gen Z for Brands
– Study of almost 4,000 Gen Alpha/Z respondents reveals how brands can best engage the vital but elusive kid and teen audience –
SuperAwesome, the leading youth technology and insights provider, has launched a groundbreaking in-depth study into the passions and fandoms that enable brands and IP owners to forge deeper connections with young audiences.
Kids and teens remain a vital but elusive audience. They shift across a hyper-fragmented media landscape, immersed in (and defining) cultures that move faster than ever before. The long-standing challenge of data scarcity relating to under-18 audiences makes connecting meaningfully with them incredibly difficult for brands.
Conducted among 3,750 under-18s and their parents across the US, UK and Germany, the new research provides critical insights to help brands decode the passions and fandoms that fuel youth audiences. Launched today at the London Toy Fair, ‘Fandoms & Passions: The Antidotes to Hyper-Fragmented Youth Audiences’ reveals that meaningful and lasting relationships are developed throughout childhood and teenhood that impact brand loyalty in this timespan and beyond.
Kate O’Loughlin, CEO of SuperAwesome, said: “The fragmentation of kids’ and teens’ digital behaviors continues to grow, yet the insights on how to engage them have been limited to rudimentary observations of what they interact with online – without understanding the WHY. We conducted this research to uncover the complex drivers of how brands can build real resonance with young audiences.”
Fandoms and Passions – What’s the Difference?
Passions are hobbies or interests (think gaming, sports, or music). They’re important for self-discovery and shaping individual perspectives, and are primarily focused on the personal connection with an activity or interest. Tapping into passions gives an instant connection to young audiences on a personal level.
Fandoms can elevate this further by adding a social dimension. They’re built around community or consumable content that unites people (think particular video games, film franchises, or a musician, for example). They allow kids to be part of a collective, creating a sense of community and belonging. This shared experience strengthens their connection to the fandom and the brands that interact with them authentically.
How Important Are Fandoms and Passions Really?
3 in 5 kids engage with their passions daily, and 56% of kids engage with their fandoms daily. On average, young people have 4 passions but only 2 fandoms at any given time due to the social and potential financial investment fandoms require. More than half (55%) of those surveyed said their top fandom had an enormous influence on their daily lives, rating its impact at least 9 out of 10.
How Do Fandoms and Passions Translate Into Engagement Opportunities with Gen Alpha & Gen Z?
Young audiences are naturally drawn to brands that reflect their values: 74% say they feel more connected to brands that share their passions, while 73% feel more positive about brands that collaborate with something or someone they’re a fan of. Not every brand can create a fandom, but it is possible to leverage passions and collaborate with fandoms to maximize the potential of understanding and connecting with young people.
Kate O’Loughlin, CEO of SuperAwesome added: “With this research, making safe connections to Gen Alpha and Gen Z can be as sophisticated as they are. The ability to take an audience-based approach with youth – rooted in a comprehensive understanding of their values, passions and emotions – is a necessary leap forward to meet the challenge of engaging kids and teens as they rapidly evolve.”
The research highlights that brands that are looking to connect with youth audiences cross-platform can begin with understanding their deep interests, emotional engagement and commitment. 47% of respondents watch content (like on YouTube) and shows (on streaming platforms) related to their fandoms, plus 22% also play games, use apps or buy merchandise related to the fandoms too.
Far from trying to exclude brands from their fandoms and passions, the research shows that 67% of young people think brands could do more to connect with them. It’s up to brands to make sure they do this with a deep understanding of their audience, enabling them to engage with meaning and authenticity.
Download the full report at this link: superawesome.com/identities-fandoms-and-understanding-youth-audiences/
The post Fandoms and Passions: New SuperAwesome Research Demystifies Gen Alpha and Gen Z for Brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
iGX and Optimove Announce Report on the Transformative Impact of Gamification and AI in the iGaming Industry
iGX, a leading voice in the iGaming industry, and Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing platform for iGaming and sports betting operators, announce the release of a report exploring the transformative role of gamification and Generative AI (Gen AI) in the iGaming industry. This comprehensive study highlights the trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of iGaming, providing valuable insights for operators navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Methodology:
iGX Insights surveyed 100 Heads of Marketing, CMOs, Brand Directors, and similar executives from iGaming organizations across Europe to find out how the industry is continuing its gamification efforts and the impact AI is having on iGaming.
Key Findings Previewed
The forthcoming report reveals critical insights into how gamification and AI are revolutionizing player engagement, retention, and overall gaming experiences:
- Gamification’s Universal Adoption: The report highlights that 100% of surveyed iGaming operators have implemented gamification strategies, underscoring its universal adoption. Popular elements such as achievements, tournaments, and personalized challenges have proven effective in driving player activity and loyalty.
- Generative AI’s Growing Role: With 61% of operators already deploying Gen AI solutions and 39% planning to do so, AI is reshaping iGaming. Applications such as personalized promotions, automated content creation, and predictive analytics are driving hyper-personalization and streamlining operations.
- Data-Driven Personalization: The study emphasizes the increasing importance of player data in tailoring experiences. Organizations that leverage data insights effectively can deliver highly targeted content, predict player behavior, and optimize engagement strategies.
Industry Implications
The report positions gamification and AI as pivotal to the future of iGaming, enabling operators to deliver immersive, personalized experiences. By integrating these technologies, organizations can foster deeper player loyalty, enhance lifetime value, and remain competitive in a dynamic market. However, the study also addresses the challenges of data analytics and ethical use, which will be critical for sustained success.
As noted by Pini Yakuel, CEO of Optimove, “Gamification and Generative AI are no longer optional strategies—they are essential for operators looking to thrive in today’s competitive iGaming landscape. This report provides a roadmap for leveraging these tools to enhance player engagement and deliver meaningful, data-driven experiences.”
Added Gabriela Martins da Silva, Content Director iGX, “It’s important to note that implementing Generative AI solutions successfully also requires a strong data foundation. Any gaps in data can lead to inaccurate results, introducing potential risks when deploying these technologies. That said, it’s clear that AI is poised to become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, and the number of companies leveraging Generative AI will only increase in the coming years.”
The post iGX and Optimove Announce Report on the Transformative Impact of Gamification and AI in the iGaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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