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PR-fueled iGaming strategies lead to 30% higher conversion post-privacy shift

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With third-party cookies on their way out and user-level tracking becoming less reliable by the month, iGaming marketers are being forced to rethink how they build performance. 

The shift has exposed deep cracks in traditional acquisition strategies. Attribution models are fading. CACs are climbing. And data-driven targeting no longer works the way it used to. As a result, one trend is taking center stage: performance works better when awareness comes first.

Across the iGaming industry, growth teams are rediscovering that PR, media buying, and brand-building aren’t vanity plays. They’re clean, compliant, and increasingly essential levers that drive real conversion – especially when user-level data is off the table.

At RockApp, we’ve seen this shift play out across multiple markets and verticals.

Performance Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum

The traditional approach to iGaming performance marketing is ruthlessly optimized: creatives A/B tested down to pixel placement, traffic sources ranked by ROI, and every conversion event tracked. But in today’s data-fragmented ecosystem, even the best-optimized campaign can stall if users don’t recognize or trust the brand behind the offer.

That’s where earned media – and strategic media buying – start pulling their weight in new ways.

According to Think with Google, users exposed to both brand-building ads and performance campaigns are 2x more likely to convert than those who see only one or the other. In our experience, the effect is even more pronounced in privacy-restricted environments, where brand trust becomes a conversion lever, not just a UX concern.

The Awareness-Conversion Loop

In multiple campaigns RockApp has supported for iGaming brands entering new markets, we’ve observed a consistent pattern: strategic media exposure – whether through earned coverage, sponsored content, or thought leadership – primes audiences and lifts downstream performance.

To validate this trend, we recently conducted an internal study comparing two iGaming operators – Brand A and Brand B – both entering the same market with near-identical user flows: similar registration forms, interface logic, site structure, and acquisition funnels.

Brand A had active media presence in the region: ongoing PR coverage in vertical media, sports sponsorship deals with local clubs, and participation in relevant offline events. Brand B, although an established name in other regions, had no media activity or brand presence in the local market at the time of launch.

The performance delta was striking.

  • Brand A achieved a registration-to-deposit (reg2dep) conversion rate of 48%
  • Brand B reached just 26% – almost half

The only significant difference: Brand A was visible, trusted, and familiar to the audience – Brand B wasn’t.

“We consistently see that performance campaigns supported by active PR in the target region outperform standalone campaigns by at least 30%,” says Khanikian Dmitriy, CMO at RockApp. “This becomes especially evident in mid-funnel metrics like reg2dep, where user hesitation can make or break profitability. When users recognize the brand – because they’ve seen it in the media or associated with local sports – they convert faster and with more confidence.”

Sports sponsorships in particular proved to be a powerful lever. By aligning with culturally relevant teams and events, Brand A tapped into existing emotional loyalty, which translated into commercial action. These touchpoints created a steady flow of earned impressions that enhanced performance media, rather than competing with it.

Additionally, PR-led visibility drove a measurable increase in organic traffic. Branded search queries and direct visits rose during campaign peaks, indicating that users were not only clicking on paid ads – but also actively seeking out the brand. This broadens top-of-funnel reach and reduces dependency on high-cost user acquisition channels.

The takeaway: media exposure isn’t just about awareness – it’s an input into conversion.

From Vanity to Utility: Rethinking Media Buys in a Cookieless World

A common misconception is that media buying is just about impressions. In truth, when layered with performance goals, it becomes a strategic asset, especially in a world where deterministic tracking is fading.

Smart buys in content networks, programmatic placements in relevant environments, and even native sponsorships act as pre-conversion touchpoints. They reach users early, before they enter the performance funnel, and shape perception at moments attribution platforms can’t see.

A 2023 study by Pathmatics showed that iGaming brands investing consistently in upper-funnel media saw a 1.5x higher ROAS on performance campaigns compared to those that didn’t.

In a privacy-first market, the logic is simple: you may not be able to track every step, but you can influence every outcome.

What This Means for iGaming Marketers

As user-level tracking degrades and campaign measurement becomes less reliable, growth teams need to think beyond the click. PR and media exposure are no longer peripheral – they’re central to performance strategy.

At RockApp, we’ve adjusted our UA approach to integrate upstream planning with media and PR teams. The results: lower CAC, higher retention, and more resilient campaign performance across regulated and privacy-conscious markets.

So what can iGaming marketers do right now?

  • Map your funnel touchpoints beyond attribution. Awareness matters even when you can’t track it.
  • Align media buying and PR efforts with performance goals – not after the fact, but during planning.
  • Invest in brand signals like sports sponsorships, thought leadership, and earned media. They work when pixels can’t.

In a privacy-first world, performance doesn’t start with a click – it starts with trust.

And trust is built upstream.

 

The post PR-fueled iGaming strategies lead to 30% higher conversion post-privacy shift appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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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REEVO Goes Live with Microgame, Expanding Its Reach in Italy

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REEVO has announced that its innovative portfolio of in-house games is now live with Microgame, one of Italy’s leading gaming service providers.

This partnership marks another significant milestone in REEVO’s expansion strategy, bringing its rapidly growing collection of original slot titles to Microgame’s extensive operator network. Known for its cutting-edge technology, immersive mechanics and distinctive themes, REEVO continues to redefine the online casino experience for players worldwide.

Italian operators and players will now gain access to some of REEVO’s most popular and engaging titles, including Bongo Safari, Her Genie Ways and Bullfighting Champion—games that blend striking visuals, fresh concepts and dynamic gameplay designed to captivate audiences.

Francesco Cuzzupoli, Gaming Product Director at Microgame, said: “With REEVO joining our portfolio, we strengthen Microgame’s ability to provide Italian operators with a diverse and high-quality offering. The vast selection of titles and the advanced architecture of REEVO’s platform represent an important competitive lever for us.”

Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO, said: “We’re delighted to officially go live with Microgame, a market leader in Italy with an impressive operator network. This collaboration is a powerful step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional content and aggregation solutions to operators globally. By combining REEVO’s innovative in-house games with Microgame’s deep local expertise, we’re confident players in Italy will enjoy a truly unique and next-level gaming experience.”

The post REEVO Goes Live with Microgame, Expanding Its Reach in Italy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation

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The show is about to begin… so find your seats, sit back and enjoy The Freak Show Revelation! B.T Parnum has gathered the freakiest freaks and created a program that is meant to shock the people! This is the second release from Sneaky Slots since the launch of Nip Tuck last month, with Gopnik and Gods Go Pew Pew up next!

Reel Area

The Freak Show unfolds across a 3-3-3-3-3 reel setup with a couple of sneaky Host tricks above the reel. Each linked to a Host symbol that can land anywhere on the reels. When a Host Symbol lands, the corresponding feature above the reel activates:

  • Host Multiplier: Awards a random Multiplier 5x, 10x, 25x and 50x.
  • The Generous Host: The Host will expand to cover the entire reel and acts like a wild.
  • Host Cash: Instant cash prize will be awarded and the Host will add a random multiplier between 2x and 10x.

xBomb®

Well, well, well… look what decided to make an surprise appearance! It’s one of Nolimit City’s iconic xMechanic, xBomb®, making its first ever appearance in another provider’s game!

In Freak Show Revelation, xBomb® explodes removing all adjacent symbols and increases the Multiplier for the next collapse.

Pick Your Bonus!

The beauty of this show is that get to choose between Heaven and Hell. Land 3 Bonus Symbols and choose between either the Heaven Spins or Hell Respins. Landing 4 Bonus Symbols will unlock the choice for the Super Variants of each bonus.

Heaven Spins

So, you think you have a good cocnscious. When selecting the Heaven Spins, you get 10 free spins. During this feature the Host activation increase in frequency.  A single Bonus Symbol will activate Super Heaven Spins and will award +3 Spins.

Super Heaven Spins

The difference between Heaven and Super Heaven Spins is that the Host is guaranteed to land at least once in each spin.

Hell Respins

Maybe you’re feeling a little mischievous. When selecting the Hell Respins Bonus, you are award 3 respins where the only symbols that can land are; Multipliers between 1x-10x, Blank, Bonus and the Host.

When a multiplier lands on the reels, it’s value will be added to the current multiplier on top of the relevant reel.

Whenever the Host lands on any reel, he will double the value of the multiplier above that reel.

Landing a Multiplier or the Host will always award +1 respin. At the end of the feature all Multipliers will be added up and added to the bet.

Landing a single Bonus Symbol will upgrade Hell Respins to Super Hell Respins and award +2 respins. Super Hell Respins will also keep the collected Multipliers above the reels.

Super Hell Spins

The difference between Hell and Super Hell Respins is that in Super Hell Spins you start with 4 free respins . During Super Hell Spins whenever the Host lands it will triple the value of the Multipliers above that reel. Landing at least 1 Multiplier Symbol or Host will award +1 respin.

Sneaky Buy

Do you want the best seat in the house? The Sneaky Buy feature lets you jump straight into the action:

  • The Host – Guaranteed to land at least 1 Host symbol
  • Bonus – Guaranteed to land 3 Bonus Symbols and pick either Heaven Spins or Hell Respins
  • Super Bonus – Guaranteed to land 4 Bonus Symbols and pick either Super Heaven Spins or Super Hell Respins

Sneaky Boost

Sneaky Boost makes for an unforgettable performance in Freak Show Revelation.

Sneaky Boost is activated for 2 times the base bet, where there is an increased chance of triggering the Bonus rounds. Landing 1 or 2 active Sneaky Symbols in a spin trigger a normal bonus feature.

Super Sneaky Boost can be activated for 5 times the base bet for an increased chance of triggering the Super Bonus feature. Landing 1 Super Sneaky symbol will trigger a normal Bonus and landing 2 Super Sneaky symbols will trigger a Super Bonus.

The Stats

Max Win: 13,000x

Volatility: Extremely Volatile

 

Ivelina Balova, Product Owner at Sneaky Slots, said: “We’ve gotten great reception after our first release and now we’re looking to capitalise off that momentum. Freak Show Revelation has been in the works for a while, we have even changed the name a few times, but the Host? He has always been the star of the show. Sit back, enjoy the spectacle and keep an eye out for those easter eggs!”

Freak Show Revelation will be available to all Sneaky Slots partners on October 29th, 2025.

The post Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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VGCCC: Footy Legends Team Up to Champion Limit Setting

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Aussie Rules football legend Sam Docherty and rugby league superstar Cameron Munster are teaming up for Gambling Harm Awareness Week to encourage people to set limits before they bet.

Both footballers use practical tools when they gamble and are sharing their advice with others, particularly males aged 18–34 who are the biggest users of wagering and sports gambling products.

“I’m committed to raising awareness and encouraging safer gambling habits. I know from experience the highs and lows that can come with gambling. Now, I want to focus on supporting change so that gambling harm can be minimised.

“In the last few years, I have grown immensely as a person and by setting limits, I’ve had the occasional gamble but have been able to focus on what matters most,” Munster said.

Sam Docherty said: “I’ve had my struggles with gambling in the past and now I set a weekly deposit limit. I’ve found it really helps keep my gambling activity in check. People struggling with gambling harm can feel stuck and alone because of feelings like shame and guilt – and I want them to know that it’s okay to seek help.

“It’s important that people, especially young guys, think about their actions before they place a bet. I wouldn’t take to the field without warming up and making sure my body was match fit. Setting a limit is the same. It will help protect you.

Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO, Suzy Neilan said safety should be front of mind as the state’s sporting calendar ramps up.

“There is always a spike in wagering and sports gambling at this time of year, which is why it’s crucial we reach people that are statistically at greater risk of experiencing gambling harm.

“This is about safety. Setting a limit is like putting on a seatbelt as soon as you get in the car. Limits can reduce the likelihood of you experiencing gambling harm.”

Victorians spend more than $7 billion a year on gambling, including approximately $2.5 billion on wagering and sports betting products.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual event that encourages people to understand the risks of gambling. The 2025 campaign “Set before you bet” focuses on how setting limits can reduce someone’s risk of experiencing gambling harm. Protective behaviours that can be used include:

• Gamble no more than 2% of take home pay.

• Gamble no more than once a week.

• Gamble on no more than 2 different products.

“Sam and Cameron have unique experiences with gambling, and I commend them for implementing their own strategies, including setting limits when they gamble.

“What’s more, it’s great that these role models are now sharing their lessons and advice with other young men who are the cohort most at risk from experiencing gambling harm from sports betting,” Ms Neilan said.

The VGCCC has released findings from the annual Community Attitudes Survey, which asked more than 3000 Victorians about their views on gambling. The survey shows that most Victorians overwhelmingly agree gambling is addictive and can damage families and communities.

“With the widespread popularity of sports betting, it is so important for people to understand our Gambling Harm Awareness Week message and set limits before they bet,” Ms Neilan said.

“Gambling is a personal choice, and it’s vital that people are equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to manage their activity and participate safely.

‘The gambling industry must act with integrity, comply with their licence conditions and Code of Conduct obligations, and care for their customers who may be showing signs of gambling harm.”

The post VGCCC: Footy Legends Team Up to Champion Limit Setting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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