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Is Investing in Online Gambling Still Viable?
It is not hard to realize why many have noticed the online gambling industry when it comes to investments. With growth over 224% in the US, it is hard to miss such a boom. But, many people question if investing in online gambling is still viable or has the train passed for the biggest winners.
The answer mainly depends on if the investor is planning to get rich quick or to establish him or herself in the industry. For the former, regretfully the peak has already passed if doctors and governments are to be trusted.
But, if you want to make a high-quality business that will bring regular growth and pay regular dividends, the so-called iGaming industry is the place to be right now. Even if the growth of the market slows down, it will not stop.
This is because the three main comparative advantages of online gambling will still be present even after people are allowed to visit brick and mortar establishments:
- Low regular overhead
- Access to global markets
- Ensured advantage
And the last point might be the most important if you are a concentrated investor. The superior stability of online gambling compared to regular casinos makes it much easier to plan your business, as well as borrow against the company.
Don’t Expect 2020 to Repeat
Investing now and expecting to triple your investment by this time next year would be very unwise. While substantial growth is possible, some normalization of the curve is to be expected.
By all accounts, a vaccine against the current pandemic is expected to arrive in early 2021, with the effects taking in by the spring of next year. This will mean that fewer people will spend time indoors, thus less time gaming on phones, tablets, and computers.
Still, most of the current user base is expected to remain and new users will join in as the word of mouth spreads globally. This makes a perfect chance for someone, especially if offering niche-specific services, to swoop in and fill that market.
Enough Players for Everybody
There is no territorial competition when it comes to online gambling. With the number of players entering and the demand for online gambling rising, the competition is very fair and very open between casino operators. This makes a very relaxed atmosphere if you are a new investor in the industry. Of course in some markets like Australia the players spend more on average than in markets like Romania so competition there is a bit more saturated.
But, keeping players on your platform as well as standing out will be difficult. Finding modes to increase your offering and improve your services will be crucial if you want to remain relevant and growing.
High-Entry / Low-Maintenance
With some new legislation that will be affecting both Malta and Curacao, the industry will probably become even cleaner. But, the licenses will become more expensive, which may dissuade smaller investors from chipping in.
Namely, the old Curacao license, usually taken out by new operators, will now cost roughly $120.000, which is a steep increase from the $35.000 which was the price so far and will be until January 1st, 2021.
But, for those who have the funds, this is where major expenses end and where income begins. As the costs for operations, security, services, and technical support all scale with the level of business, you will rarely find yourself bleeding funds in any way.
Generally, if you can make an arrangement with game developers for pay-to-play terms, you can have a very secure income with minimal expenses and only a basic payroll staff.
New Curacao License
While still being valued as a license that ensures trust and safety from the operator, Curacao has been seen as the ‘second-best’ for a very long time. This is because the rules for obtaining, as well as oversight, was much more relaxed than for the Malta GC license.
But, with the new deal made between Curacao and the Dutch authorities back in Europe, the value and price of this license will rise quite a bit.
For those who had the papers this year, the ~$85.000 increase won’t be an issue, but it might be for new operators looking to open an online gambling business in 2021.
Malta is the Gold Standard
A license provided by the Malta Gaming Commission is still the golden standard when it comes to online gambling. The rules now planned by Curacao have been enforced in Malta since 2009, and even new players are familiar with the significance of having such a document.
But, for many operators, this type of clearance is not necessary. If you don’t want to market towards EU players and don’t plan on predatory tactics in the first place, you may use the Curacao license and save some money initially.
Later, when you have your business established and your investment relatively secure, you can always take the Malta license as well and try to reel in some bigger whales that are hiding all over the world.
News
Online Slots beyond 2024: What does the future bring?
As we move beyond 2024, the online gambling world is set to evolve rapidly, and slots online are no exception. With advancements in technology and changing player preferences, the future of online slots promises to be more exciting and immersive than ever. But what exactly can we expect from this ever-growing industry in the years to come? In this article, we’ll explore some of the key trends and innovations that could shape the future of slots online, from enhanced graphics and gamification to blockchain integration and beyond.
The Rise of Immersive Gameplay
One of the most noticeable trends that will likely define the future of slots online is the continued emphasis on immersive gameplay. Developers are already using advanced 3D graphics, VR (virtual reality), and AR (augmented reality) technologies to create more engaging gaming experiences. As technology continues to improve, we can expect future online slot games to offer even more realistic environments and interactive elements.
For instance, virtual reality slots may soon allow players to feel like they are sitting in a real-life casino, interacting with other players and the environment around them. This shift toward immersion will enhance the player experience, making slots online more than just a spinning reel game, but a fully interactive experience.
Gamification and Social Features
Another major trend set to influence the future of slots online is the gamification of gameplay. More and more online casinos are incorporating elements of traditional video games into their slot offerings, creating missions, challenges, and reward systems to keep players engaged. This approach is particularly appealing to younger generations who seek a more dynamic and competitive experience.
In addition to gamification, social features are becoming increasingly important. Multiplayer slots, leaderboards, and in-game chat options will likely become standard in many future online slots. These elements not only enhance engagement but also foster a sense of community among players, making the gaming experience more social and enjoyable.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, we can expect more online casinos to adopt blockchain technology and cryptocurrency payments. Blockchain offers benefits such as transparency, security, and decentralization, making it an attractive option for both players and operators. In the future, slots online could integrate blockchain to offer provably fair games, where the outcome of each spin is verifiable by players themselves.
Moreover, cryptocurrency payments will allow for faster transactions and reduced fees, enhancing the overall convenience for players. As more casinos begin to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, this trend will likely become a key component of the future of online gambling.
Personalized Gaming Experiences
Another innovation we can expect to see in the future of slots online is the rise of personalized gaming experiences. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, casinos and game developers will be able to tailor the gaming experience to each player’s preferences and behavior. This could include customized bonuses, personalized game suggestions, and even tailored in-game features designed to enhance individual enjoyment.
This personalization improves player satisfaction and increases engagement, making it more likely that players will return for future sessions. As AI technology continues to develop, expect to see more casinos offering highly personalized gaming experiences.
The future of slots online promises to be filled with technological advancements and innovations designed to create more immersive, engaging, and secure experiences for players. From the rise of virtual reality and gamification to the integration of blockchain technology and personalized gameplay, online slots are set to evolve in exciting ways. As these changes unfold, players can look forward to a richer and more dynamic gaming experience, making slots online a truly next-level form of entertainment beyond 2024.
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How live streaming impacts sports betting
The rise of live streaming has significantly impacted the world of Sports betting, offering bettors new ways to engage with their favorite sports in real-time. As technology continues to evolve, live streaming is becoming a key component of the online betting experience, allowing users to follow games and events directly on betting platforms. This development has transformed how people place bets, especially when it comes to in-play betting, where decisions are made as the game unfolds. In this article, we will explore the various ways live streaming is influencing sports betting and how it benefits both bettors and betting platforms.
Real-Time Engagement
One of the most obvious benefits of live streaming for Sports betting is the ability to watch events in real-time without the need for an external service, like cable TV or separate streaming platforms. Bettors can follow the action as it happens, which adds a whole new level of excitement and engagement. This direct access to live events allows bettors to make informed decisions based on the current gameplay, team performance, and any unexpected developments, such as injuries or weather conditions.
This instant connection to live games is especially valuable for in-play betting, where odds and outcomes can change within seconds. For example, during a football match, a team scoring an unexpected goal might shift the odds dramatically, providing an opportunity for bettors to adjust their strategies accordingly. This dynamic environment, made possible by live streaming, enhances the thrill of sports betting, making it more interactive and immersive.
Enhanced In-Play Betting
Live streaming has revolutionized in-play or live betting, which has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the sports betting industry. The ability to watch the game live while placing bets as events unfold allows bettors to react in real-time. This creates a more strategic betting experience, where users can capitalize on momentary shifts in the game’s momentum.
For example, in tennis, a player who is visibly fatigued or struggling with an injury might see their chances of winning decrease. Bettors who are watching live can seize this opportunity to place bets that reflect the changing conditions of the match. Without live streaming, bettors would have to rely on delayed updates, which could result in missed opportunities or less accurate bets.
Increased Transparency and Trust
Live streaming also helps to build trust between the Sports betting platform and its users. In a world where transparency is critical, allowing bettors to watch the action as it happens ensures they are not relying on delayed or inaccurate data. This transparency makes the betting process feel more legitimate and fair, as bettors can verify that what they are betting on aligns with what is happening on the field.
For betting platforms, offering live streaming can serve as a competitive advantage. Platforms that provide this feature are more likely to attract and retain users who value the ability to follow the game live and make well-informed decisions. This, in turn, fosters a stronger relationship between the bettor and the platform.
Combining Data and Streaming for Smarter Bets
Another way live streaming is impacting sports betting is through the combination of live data feeds and video streams. Many platforms now integrate real-time statistics, analysis, and streaming into a single interface, allowing bettors to see everything they need in one place. This combination provides a comprehensive view of the game, enabling bettors to make smarter and more informed decisions.
For instance, during a basketball game, bettors can watch the live stream while tracking player statistics, team performance, and betting odds. This dual-layer of information allows for a more strategic approach to betting, where users can base their decisions on both visual cues and statistical data.
Live streaming has become a game-changer in the world of Sports betting, enhancing user engagement, boosting transparency, and creating a more dynamic betting environment. By offering real-time access to games and events, betting platforms provide a more immersive and strategic experience for their users. As live streaming technology continues to evolve, its role in sports betting will only grow, making it a key feature for bettors who want to stay informed and engaged throughout the sporting events they wager on.
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ClickOut Media prepare for ‘monstrous’ edition of iGB Affiliate Barcelona as registrations show 86.7% uplift
With the volume of registrations for iGB Affiliate tracking nearly 87% ahead of the same stage last year Neil Roarty spokesperson for ClickOut Media, the multi-channel marketing company with a team of 120+ professionals based in key international locations has predicted that, the first edition of the show to be held in Barcelona will be a ‘really monstrous event.’
Expanding on his hopes for next year’s historic edition Roarty added: “Barcelona is a wonderful city and arguably more suited to evening networking than London as the central area is more self-contained – and of course the weather is better! With the show’s ambitious growth plans it’s understandable that iGB Affiliate is relocating and I would say that London’s loss is Barcelona’s gain.”
He added: “The city of Barcelona is unparalleled for evening entertainment and hospitality, so I am sure the relocation will be a positive thing, even if it takes a little getting used to in everyone’s annual planning. As such I have little doubt that the show in January will be a really monstrous event.”
Reflecting on the industry’s enthusiastic response to the relocation to the Fira Gran Via Barcelona which is one of the largest exhibition venues in Europe, Naomi Barton, iGB Events’ Global Portfolio Director stated: “I’m delighted to confirm that the marketing campaign in support of iGB Affiliate 2025 has hit the ground-running with more iGaming Affiliates registering to attend much earlier in the promotional cycle.
“iGB Affiliate is the only event in the world that has a dedicated focus on connecting igaming affiliates with operators, affiliate programmes and tech vendors. Our mission is to facilitate outstanding business networking, deliver high-quality content, and provide thought leadership that fosters trust-based partnerships and drives growth throughout the iGaming affiliate ecosystem. By delivering on these core objectives we plan to usher in an incredibly bright future for all of our customers.”
iGB Affiliate 2025 will feature a record 250 industry-leading exhibitors and sponsors, a vibrant community of 8000+ iGaming Affiliates and over 50 Affiliate Network Programs and Tech Vendors all brought together in a dynamic and engaging environment.