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NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands
By: Evgeniy Babitsyn, Chief Marketing Officer, Bets.io
The sport industry finds itself amidst its own digital transformation journey with the introduction of new technologies, and at the forefront of this digital shift are NFTs – otherwise known as Non-Fungible Tokens.
NFTs can represent any kind of digital item, and in recent years have commonly been used for quirky collectibles and art work – but they now enter the sports arena in a unique way. The beauty of NFTs is the unique metadata and ownership information which is tracked via blockchain, making them a one-of-a-kind digital collectible that cannot be duplicated. As a result of their collectible nature, it’s only natural that NFTs caught the eyes of eager sports enthusiasts and die-hard fans.
In fact, according to Deloitte research, around 40% of Gen Z and millennial sports fans are at least somewhat familiar with the use of NFTs and fan tokens in sports.
But why is that? And how can they boost engagement?
NFTs are rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for sports brands in driving deeper fan engagement and unlocking new revenue streams. This is because sports fans are, by nature, competitive and eager to own exclusive content from their much loved players, teams and brands. They want to be part of the action.
By playing on this feeling, and reinforcing loyalty among fans in this way, sports brands have a huge opportunity to take their revenue streams to new heights and gain a competitive advantage over other brands.
Imagine an athlete releases a limited-edition NFT that represents the most iconic moment in their career, such as the winning shot or a record breaking performance. Fans who own that NFT can then access exclusive content related to that moment including behind-the-scenes footage or interviews.
There really is no limit to these tokens, and depending on the asset, they can be much sought after. As more and more sports fans embrace the digital tokens, sports brands are quickly learning that there is huge potential for fan engagement, if they continue to innovate with this technology.
Taking collectibles to the 21st Century
Sports memorabilia and collectibles have for centuries been a way for fans to feel more connected to their favourite teams and athletes. And now thanks to the advances of technology – more specifically, blockchain technology – fans can collect within the digital realm, gaining access to truly “own” unique digital items and experiences.
Beyond just digital art or collectibles, NFTs can also integrate the idea of gamification, exclusive content and experiences into their NFTs – allowing fans to engage more actively while unlocking new revenue opportunities.
The possibilities are endless, extending far beyond just digital collectibles. They can provide fans with access to exclusive digital or in-person experiences, events and merch as well. Think front row seats or the chance for a meet and greet post-game.
With this, NFTs provide an excellent way for brands to diversify their revenue streams by monetising their content and intellectual property strategically.
It really is win-win, fans can own a piece of their favourite team’s history while supporting their team financially. And sports brands can benefit from more loyal fans.
Transforming the fan experience
Engagement is everything to sports brands. After all, the fans are really the most important stakeholders in the end. And offering NFTs can be a powerful tool in fostering deeper engagement within fan communities. NFTs provide more innovative ways for fans to connect, prove their loyalty and gain recognition for their allegiance.
Let’s look at NBA Top Shot. NBA Top Shot is the perfect example of a blockchain-based platform that allows fans to own and collect officially licensed NBA collectibles digitally. The platform offers exclusive collectibles including videos of the biggest NBA moments and highlights.
And football teams are also following suit. Manchester City, PSG, FC Barcelona have all joined in on the NFT hype – offering their own NFT collections for keen supporters such as worn jerseys, trophies and more.
Sports Betting and NFTs
And when it comes to sports betting, NFTs take the iGaming experience to the next level. Fans can purchase NFTs that represent specific bets, such as the winner of a particular game or the performance of a specific player. These NFTs can then be traded or sold, just like other NFTs, providing a new level of flexibility and excitement for betting.
The use of NFTs in the sports industry is still in its early stages, but has already shown great potential. We can expect more applications to come in the world of sports – including at Bets.io. Watch this space.
Looking ahead, the future is incredibly promising for sports brands who leverage NFTs within their business operations. Those who embrace these new powerful ways to inspire fans and forge deeper relationships with their communities, will see their efforts translate into business value.
The post NFTs and the future of fan engagement: How NFTs can boost engagement with sports brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet has released Football Thrill, a high-speed, soccer-themed live casino game that delivers the adrenaline of the pitch straight to the live casino floor. Combining the simplicity of classic card games with the global excitement of football, this new release is designed to captivate sports fans and casino players alike.
Football Thrill brings a fresh, energetic twist with easy-to-learn mechanics, real-time interaction and thrilling multiplier features. The game is hosted by a live dealer and played with 8 decks of 52 standard cards. Each round plays out like a football match: players bet on which side—Home or Away—will draw the higher card, or if it’ll be a Draw. The game’s 96.30% RTP ensures competitive odds, while bonus features keep the action rolling.
Instant Excitement with Every Round – Multipliers for main and side bets are triggered every round, offering enhanced win potential. Side Bets such as +5.5, +7.5, +9.5, and +10.5 mimic football handicaps, adding strategic depth for seasoned players.
Multiplier Booster Button allows players to increase their chances for higher rewards by paying an additional 25%, further fueling excitement.
Virtual Cards, real-time statistics, score shields and match-style sound effects immerse players in a fast-paced stadium atmosphere.
Designed for Global Appeal – The universal popularity of football makes Football Thrill a natural crowd-puller across global markets. The game’s simple mechanics and dynamic visuals make it an ideal entry point for new players, while its side bets and multipliers offer layers of excitement for experienced casino and sports betting audiences.
As with other Amusnet Live Casino titles, Football Thrill features popular functionalities like Auto Rebet, Winners’ List, in-game chat and the thrilling Jackpot Cards bonus game—complete with scheduling capabilities for optimised engagement.
The post Amusnet Releases Football Thrill Live Casino Game appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Play’n GO takes players on an unforgettable expedition to Egypt’s legendary Nile in Boat Bonanza CrocoNile!, filled with thrills, spills, and crocodile chills!
Captain Jim and Jane Bonanza are here, sailing into the exotic and mysterious waters of the Nile. Legend speaks of untold treasures hidden beneath its waters, guarded fiercely by crocodiles and the ominous Curse of Sobek. Fans of the Bonanza series and Egyptian adventures will find plenty to love in this latest journey packed with intriguing gameplay and captivating storytelling.
Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! introduces players to heart-pounding gameplay across a vibrant 5-reel, 12-payline slot. Experience thrilling features like Croc Carnage, where crocodiles swim onto the reels upgrading Catch Symbols, and Sobek’s Rage, an intense Lock’n Spin feature with escalating multipliers up to x10. Instant Prize rewards and engaging random features such as Spear Shot and Depth Charge add layers of excitement and align with Play’n GO’s dedication to innovative gameplay.
Fans who enjoyed previous Boat Bonanza adventures or Egyptian-themed slots such as Legacy of Egypt and Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead will find Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! irresistible. The game masterfully blends adventurous exploration with exotic Egyptian mystique, reminiscent of previous successful Bonanza titles, ensuring it will resonate deeply with players.
George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, said:
“Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! encapsulates everything players loved about our Bonanza series, but elevates the excitement with thrilling new mechanics. We’re confident that the game’s adventurous theme and innovative features will keep players coming back for more.”
With its engaging narrative, action-packed gameplay, and visually stunning setting, Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! is poised to be an adventurous addition to any slot enthusiast’s favourites.
The post Adventure Awaits in Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet has launched its latest jackpot system – Golden Coins Link, designed to elevate player excitement and enhance operator performance. Seamlessly integrated into five popular slots, this progressive system introduces more frequent jackpot opportunities and dynamic features – an exhilarating gaming experience filled with thrills and the potential for significant rewards.
Golden Coins Link reflects Amusnet’s commitment to delivering high-quality, player-centric solutions that help its global network of partners grow and succeed in a competitive landscape. With its captivating gameplay mechanics and seamless integration, the system is set to provide a fresh layer of excitement across online casino portfolios.
At the heart of Golden Coins Link is the Hold & Spin bonus, where players collect special symbols with the chance to unlock big wins. Filling the grid activates the Multiplier Wheel, offering the opportunity to multiply winnings up to 10x or hit one of the top-tier Major or Grand jackpots. Compared to other jackpot systems, Golden Coins Link stands out with its higher frequency of triggering, delivering a more thrilling and rewarding experience.
Golden Coins Link is currently available in five fan-favourite titles:
• 40 Power Hot Golden Coins Link
• Art of Gold Golden Coins Link
• 40 Bulky Fruits Golden Coins Link
• 100 Bulky Fruits Golden Coins Link
• 40 Extra Crown Golden Coins Link
These titles combine familiar themes with the excitement of the new jackpot system, offering players a fresh take on their favourite games.
With its engaging mechanics and business-driving benefits, Golden Coins Link empowers operators to boost retention, increase playtime and maximise revenue.
The post Amusnet Launches Golden Coins Link appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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