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Building Brand Identity and Influencer Partnerships: How operators can work with micro- influencers to help establish their brand identity
Having a clear brand identity is becoming increasingly essential for sportsbetting companies. In a competitive marketplace, having a brand that is clearly defined and that knows its audience can help you stand out from broader sports books that fail to distinguish themselves.
A key element of building a brand identity is choosing the right people to work with. There is a rush from operators to snap up celebrity endorsements, often with little to no consideration for what it says about their brand. This is where micro-influencers can help.
Micro-influencers are experts at creating a brand identity. They have to build a carefully curated image and brand to connect with their audiences. Authenticity is key to everything that they do, and this helps them create the communities that, in turn, propel them to success.
Where a lot of sportsbooks go wrong is that they approach big influencers that do not align with their brand. Posting an ad to 100,000 people is great, but if only 2,000 are those who are interested in the sport or team you are promoting, then it is just a misuse of advertising resources. This is where micro-influencers become a much smarter and more cost-effective option. They might have 10,000 followers, but all 10,000 of them follow them for a specific reason, and that is often to do with sports.
For example, if a brand is operating in Ohio, it can be matched up with a micro-influencer that is based in the area that has a direct link to the Cincinnati Reds or the Cleveland Browns. This is much more effective than using a big influencer just because they have more followers, it provides operators with a direct line to the people that they want to attract. Ultimately, the number of followers is not as important as the demographic and quality of the followers.
Authenticity also has a direct influence on conversion and retention rates and that is why it is essential to match the right brands with the right influencers. Long-time followers of a micro-influencer will spot a disingenuous ad straight away, as such, we must ensure that micro-influencers are matched with sportsbooks that fit their demographic and values. SGG Media works with over 1,450 micro-influencers, and between them, we can find an influencer for every major and minor sports team and sport you can think of.
Creativity and engagement are also essential in that respect. Putting faith in influencers to be creative with their ads will reap rewards in the long term. They know their audience much more than the sportsbook does, and they understand what type of content they want to see. The most successful campaigns are the ones that provide value to the influencer’s audience and content. It merges into their content instead of feeling like it has been curated specifically to sell a product. A synergy between an influencer and an operator is very palpable, and a genuine endorsement from a micro-influencer is much more effective than an aimless ad when someone is scrolling through their feeds.
On that point, engagement should also be a focus. Audiences do not want to just feel as though everything they see from a sportsbook is an ad. Influencers should engage with their followers and make the content involving. This not only fosters loyalty and shows audiences that the endorsement is genuine, but it can also be a great way of managing communities and generating more followers, which, in turn, is beneficial for everyone involved.
If you are considering using micro-influencers for your advertising, then you need to make sure that you are working with the correct one for your brand. Using the correct social media influencer can be hugely beneficial to all involved and can help operators get the exact kind of audience they are looking for. It supplies operators with a direct link to their target demographic, ensuring a better ROI and better customer retention rates.
Author: Troy Paul – Co-Founder and CEO at SGG Media
High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Home field advantage has a new name, as the Edmonton Elks announced that Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is now the home of the Elks.
The field naming rights are part of a broader multi-year agreement between Play Alberta and the EE, making Play Alberta the official sports betting partner of the Club.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand our partnership with Play Alberta. This partnership is about more than just putting a name on the field – it’s about building something meaningful for our fans and our community. Play Alberta is an Alberta-based organization that shares our values and our commitment to giving back. Together, we’re creating new ways for fans to connect with our team and experience the game day atmosphere in a whole new way,” said Elks President and CEO Chris Morris.
The expanded relationship between the Elks and Play Alberta will allow the game day experience to continue to grow. Fans can look forward to unique activations and promotions around the stadium, including the chance to win game tickets and memorabilia.
“Since Play Alberta’s launch five years ago, our team has made it a priority to connect with the communities where our players live and work. We are very excited to join the Edmonton Elks on the field on game days during upcoming CFL seasons. Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium allows us to partner with the Elks and showcase two brands built for Albertans in a historic Edmonton location,” said Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Chief Executive Officer Kandice Machado.
The Elks open their 76th season on Saturday, June 7 in Vancouver when they take on the B.C. Lions. Edmonton’s home opener at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is slated for Thursday, June 19 against the Montreal Alouettes.
The post Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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