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FANDOM DECODES THE TUG-OF-WAR FOR FAN ATTENTION BETWEEN GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES IN 2024 INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT STUDY

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Study Identifies a New Target Audience – The “Switchers” – and Why Dramas Could Be the Next Big Gaming Franchise

 

Forget the gaming vs. entertainment narrative. Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, today released its annual Inside Entertainment study which reveals a nuanced reality: fans crave both immersive gaming worlds AND timeless storytelling across tv and film, NOT one or the other. Leveraging first-party data from Fandom’s extensive platform – 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250k fan-powered wikis – coupled with a global study, Inside Entertainment: The Entertainment & Gaming Tug of War goes beyond industry headlines to:

  • Understand the dynamic coexistence between the gaming and TV/film industries
  • Identify a brand new audience – the “Switchers”
  • Detail why dramas and book adaptations present a huge opportunity to be the next hit video game franchise

“Every industry analysis refers to the battle for fans’ attention across entertainment and gaming but we’ve found that it’s not an either or. In fact, combined, entertainment and gaming experiences strengthen fan connection and deliver incremental engagement,” said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “Understanding the interplay between these mediums is key to building authentic and enduring fan experiences; and understanding the value and role of each medium is essential for developing powerful marketing messaging to attract and retain fans.”

Key Findings

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  • 67% of fans are spending the same or more time consuming content or playing video games, but their behavior is shifting:
  • 33% are spending less time on cable or in theaters – and the number one activity they’re switching to is gaming (59%

Switchers’ refers to the audience moving away from watching movies & binging TV shows in their free time to do other activities. Outside of gaming, switchers are also spending time:

On social media (47%), reading (56%) and doing hobbies (37%)
With 56% of the switcher audience spending time reading, it presents an opportunity to re-engage this audience and pull them back into the ecosystem with new content strategies, like book-to-game or book-to-film cross over adaptations

But don’t worry entertainment companies. Just as gaming is the #1 activity for entertainment fans, watching TV and movies is the #1 activity gamers turn to when taking a break from gaming – which means these industries are inevitably intertwined and could benefit from joint endeavors or conquest/win-back strategies

Drama could be #1 untapped genre for gaming companies to explore when looking for their next big hit. Our data uncovers that drama fans who also game gravitate towards genres like:

  • Role-Playing (RPG): 73%
  • Adventure: 72%,
  • Simulation: 62%,
  • Sandbox/Open World: 62%,
  • Puzzle: 60%

Gaming wins on super serving the emotional needs of fans, identifying a niche area streamers & studios should not only be aware of – but double down on:

  • 82% of gamers think video games are more interactive & engaging than movies and TV
  • 59% feel more accomplished when playing a video game
  • 53% like that they have more control in the story when playing video games
  • 45% feel more invested in the storylines in video games

Top 3 Takeaways For Advertisers and Marketers

1. Gaming is a Friend vs. a Foe

  • Despite common misconceptions, there is a true symbiotic relationship between the gaming and entertainment industries – they both serve different emotional needs for fans and can actually complement each other – with the right fan strategy.
  • Therefore, if studios, networks and streaming companies cater to the distinct emotional desires of their specific audiences, they can successfully influence a fan’s choice between mediums and content types and build out a more robust conquest strategy for both retention and acquisition.

2. Sway the Switchers

  • Switchers are the audience entertainment companies should be first and foremost targeting in this “tug of war” to capture fan attention, because switching to watching TV & movies is the first activity gamers engage in after they stop playing.
  • This underscores the importance for entertainment companies to develop strategies that resonate with these “switchers.”

3. Find your Niche

  • With the growing intersection between gaming and entertainment, it’s crucial for studios, networks, and streamers to align on a gaming strategy that drives viewer engagement and retention.
  • While many entertainment companies know they need a focus on gaming to drive their business forward – how and where are often barriers. Developing a gaming-specific fan strategy by finding niche pockets in the vast ecosystem – like targeting drama fans or creating book adaptations – is key for reaching a high affinity target at scale.

For an interview with a Fandom executive to discuss the study in more detail, please contact Rachelle Savoia at [email protected]

Methodology

The 2024 Inside Entertainment study regionally analyzes the dynamics between diverse forms of entertainment based on a survey of 5,500 entertainment and gaming fans aged 13-54 These insights were validated and deepened through Fandom’s proprietary, first-party data from 2024 – more than 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content across 250,000 wikis. This methodology provides a 360-degree view of franchises and fan interest across the entertainment and gaming landscape through the eyes of Fandom.

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Press Releases

FBMDS launches new Asian-inspired Panda Treasure slot game

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FBMDS is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest slot game of Asian inspiration – “Panda Treasure – Sublime Series”. This is the inaugural title in its ambitious plan to reinvent its slots portfolio with new, rewarding online casino game releases throughout the year, that speak to different players’ profiles and competitive operator’s demands.

The release of a new slot game aligns with FBMDS’s 2025 narrative, focusing on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments.

Since the company is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, innovative, and compliant experiences both to operators and players worldwide, Panda Treasure demonstrates the brand’s goals in setting new standards in the universe of online casino gaming.

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Panda Treasure: the Slot Game mechanics

FBMDS new slot Panda Treasure is a 3×3 spins game featuring 5 paylines, combining simplicity with an immersive gaming experience. The game boasts visually stunning and Asian-inspired graphics, smooth animations, and gameplay mechanics optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Players will embark on a fascinating adventure through the heart of Asia, guided by the Red Panda Bao, the guardian of luck. Unique symbols celebrating the richness of Asian culture are key to unlocking great rewards, including:

  • Amulet: A symbol of protection and good fortune.
  • Fan: Representing Asian elegance and tradition.
  • Dumplings: A delicacy symbolizing prosperity.
  • Asian Lanterns: Symbols of celebration and light, illuminating the path.
  • Golden Coins: Indicating the route to wealth.
  • Dragon: The mythical creature guarding the most valuable treasures.

A win-win bet for online casino enthusiasts

The game offers a maximum potential prize of 2,500x the bet, available exclusively during the Spin Bonus mode. In the Spin Bonus mode, which can be triggered randomly on any spin.

When this happens, a random paying symbol is selected, and the reels spin to display only that symbol and, if available, WILD symbols.​ The WILD symbol substitutes for any symbol to form combinations and can appear on all reels. In the Main Game, if the WILD symbol fills the entire game screen, the payout will be 250x the bet.

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The player receives 3 spins to try to add new symbols of the selected type or WILD symbols to the game area. Whenever new selected symbols or WILDs appear, they remain fixed on the screen.​

The Spin Bonus ends when the player uses all 3 spins. At the end, all obtained combinations are multiplied by a random multiplier, which can be x5, x10, x15, x20, or x25.

Panda Treasure – Sublime Series embodies FBMDS’s dedication to providing engaging and culturally rich gaming experiences. As the casino gaming company continues to expand its slots portfolio and beyond, players can anticipate more innovative and immersive titles in the coming months.

The post FBMDS launches new Asian-inspired Panda Treasure slot game appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Vixio Finds Over €36m in AML Fines Issued in Europe in the Last Year

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Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, ‍is proud to announce its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Outlook, which found that regulators are cracking down on money laundering weaknesses with severe consequences, totaling over €36m in fines from March 2024 to March 2025 in Europe alone.

Vixio’s AML Outlook examines the challenges of complying with AML requirements in jurisdictions around the world, outlines regulators’ efforts to thwart criminal activity, and considers how payments and gambling firms can prevent being caught up in money laundering scandals.

The report found that in the last year, in the European area alone, there have been around 30 enforcement actions from regulators fining payments and e-money firms for falling short in their adherence to AML/CTF rules.

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Financial institutions found to have money laundering weaknesses face profound consequences, with prosecutors and regulators alike generally unwilling to be empathetic on this matter. For example:

  • In March 2025, Germany’s regulator, BaFin, fined Ratepay €25,000 over suspected money laundering.
  • In February 2025, Estonia’s Money Laundering Data Bureau revoked B2BX Digital Exchange OÜ’s licence for failing to implement proper customer due diligence, transaction monitoring and risk assessments.
  • The Bank of Lithuania, meanwhile, revoked Foxpay’s licence in November 2024 for systemic AML/CTF and governance failures, including fund mismanagement and conflicts of interest.

John Gidla, Head of Payments Compliance, Vixio, explains, “Although AML compliance involves significant costs for payments firms –  including investment in transaction monitoring systems, customer due diligence (CDD) processes and ongoing staff training – the consequences of failure can be significant. In addition to financial penalties, failing to prevent money laundering can severely damage a firm’s reputation, leading to loss of customers, partners and investor confidence. Maintaining a strong compliance framework is crucial for preserving trust and long-term business viability.

Until now, the EU’s AML enforcement has been more fragmented, but the EU’s new Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) could be a significant step towards addressing AML enforcement and closing gaps that criminals have been exploiting for years.

Regulatory scrutiny means that firms need to implement know your customer (KYC) procedures, monitor transactions on their systems for suspicious activity and report concerns through suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the relevant authorities.

The post Vixio Finds Over €36m in AML Fines Issued in Europe in the Last Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BETANO

Club Atlético River Plate and Betano Announce Long-Term Principal Partnership

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Club Atlético River Plate and Kaizen Gaming, one of the world’s biggest GameTech companies and owner of the Betano online sports betting and gaming brand, announce a new long-term partnership that will see Betano become the club’s new main and front-of-shirt partner, starting from the current season.

The new partnership with River Plate follows an exciting year for Kaizen Gaming and its Betano brand, which launched in Argentina just a year ago and is already regarded as one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms. Alongside expanding its sponsorship programs, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and growing market presence, Kaizen Gaming has also solidified its role as a pioneer in shaping the online gaming industry internationally and fostering safe, controlled environments for players.

For River Plate, this agreement represents a strategic step in its international expansion and in the diversification of its revenue streams. In this regard, the alliance with Betano is a clear example of the club’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and building strong relationships with leading global brands.

Jorge Brito, President of River Plate, said: “Partnering with Kaizen Gaming and its brand Betano marks a significant milestone for us. Their presence in 19 international markets aligns perfectly with our global vision. Through its sponsorships of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and the Argentine Professional Football League’s “Torneo Betano”, Kaizen Gaming has reinforced its leading role in the world of sports. River Plate is also a global leader in sports marketing, backed by a passionate fan base, an iconic stadium and an unmatched record of over 85 consecutive sold-out home matches. We are proud to be the most followed club in the world. With this partnership, we continue to grow, break new ground, and we’re excited to welcome Betano to the River Plate family.”

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Stefano Di Carlo, River Plate’s General Secretary, added: “This agreement is the result of a long-term strategy we have been developing to consolidate the club as a global leader, backed by its institutional strength and more than 120 years of sporting success. The fact that an international brand like Betano has selected us as its partner speaks volumes about the strength of the River Plate brand worldwide and the confidence our institutional and sporting project inspire.”

Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, said: “River Plate is a global footballing institution with one of the largest fan bases in the world and a history dating back over 120 years. As soon as we started speaking with the club, we knew we had found a partner who shared our values and relentless drive to raise the bar and set the highest standards in everything they do. The club and its fans’ passion for football is second to none, and it is exciting to be joining them on the next chapter of their illustrious history. At Betano, we are always aiming for the top.”

The new partnership expands beyond marketing activities. Kaizen Gaming continues to join its partners in driving positive social impact in local communities, whilst promoting the value of responsible gaming.

The post Club Atlético River Plate and Betano Announce Long-Term Principal Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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