Zona de Azar Czech Republic – 2025 Outlook: Future of User Engagement in iGaming

Czech Republic.- February 14, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com As the iGaming industry prepares for transformative changes in 2025, Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, presents a forward-looking vision based on the recently released Trend Report.

His insights highlight strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing user engagement and retention, reshaping success in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

The importance of user engagement and retention
As we look to the future, a key focus for us at EvenBet Gaming is to enhance user engagement and retention through innovative features and experiences within our gaming offerings. The pressing question is: what will EvenBet be doing in the coming year to engage users even more actively? It is clear that user engagement must begin the moment they first encounter the platform.

In the gaming industry, two cornerstone elements directly affect players: acquisition and retention. The overall economy of iGaming is built upon these two principles. Furthermore, user engagement can be divided into two main tasks: acquisition and retention. Often, the same product attributes serve both these categories. However, having a clear understanding of whether we are focusing on acquisition or retention provides transparency for operators and platforms like EvenBet. It is essential to regularly align our strategies with these two metrics. Every activity we undertake is connected to one or the other.

Adapting to generational shifts and consumption patterns

At EvenBet, our core emphasis leans more towards retention, as we are primarily a content supplier that enhances the player experience. However, there is indeed some overlap with acquisition; for example, if we do not provide quality content or if our content fails to meet expectations, acquisition efforts will suffer. Overall, our focus remains on developing features that encourage players to remain engaged for longer periods. This is a fundamental goal for us. All of our efforts from previous years, as well as our initiatives this year, will be directed towards this objective.

Currently, we are witnessing a generational shift in players. While we have engaged Generation Z, we are now beginning to see the emergence of Generation Alpha. This shift is influencing consumption formats and significantly impacts retention strategies. It is essential to address these changes. On one hand, we have a generational shift among gamers; on the other, we are observing the maturation of players. For instance, individuals in their fifties, who may not have previously engaged with games, are now participating widely. This older Generation X has grown up with computers and is likely to maintain their gaming habits.

Therefore, our retention strategies must adapt to evolving consumption patterns. EvenBet is committed to developing features that cater to the existing preferences of Generation Z while also anticipating the future interests of Generation Alpha, who are already engaging with casual and mobile games. We can see their involvement in non-gambling games, which highlights the importance of creating relevant and appealing content for all generations.

Innovations in gamification and AI technologies

We will continue to enhance our gamification efforts. For instance, we aim to implement more sophisticated user reward systems for gameplay. Another trend we have observed due to this generational shift is the rise of casual gaming, which necessitates the development of more casual gaming mechanics. This includes revamping user interfaces to be more relaxed, dynamic, vibrant, and even cartoonish. We also plan to integrate additional daily reward features that encourage players to log onto our platform and engage with our games more frequently.
Additionally, we are exploring a club format. Our research indicates that club poker and traditional poker exist as two separate worlds, and our goal is to bridge these gaps so that operators can effectively engage both groups of users. We will continue to develop various technologies associated with artificial intelligence. For instance, this year we plan to launch a feature that will assist in profiling players and enhancing their overall comfort on the platform. Personalisation has been a trend for the past five years and should have been significantly integrated into gaming experiences by now.

EvenBet Gaming is committed to innovating user engagement and retention through strategic development, understanding generational dynamics, enhancing gamification, and leveraging AI technologies, all with the aim of creating a rich and rewarding experience for every player.

Impactful technologies in iGaming for 2025: The role of AI

In my view, artificial intelligence (AI) in its broadest sense will have a significant impact on the gaming industry in 2025. We can expect substantial expansion in the application of new data analysis approaches. It’s important to approach the topic of AI with caution, as about 90% of what is marketed as AI isn’t truly that. The primary focus will be on the development of machine learning (ML) within gaming.

Currently, concepts such as generative AI are gaining traction alongside traditional ML. Generative AI will also significantly influence online gaming. For instance, it can be utilised for generating gaming content, opening up new creative possibilities and enhancing user experiences.

Key trends impacting the industry: Competition and regulation

In my opinion, the trends highlighted in our report that will have the most significant impact this year revolve around increasing competition and heightened regulation. While this may sound somewhat cliché, it reflects the reality and laws of the market.

The rise in competition signifies one crucial point: we must continue to improve and evolve. Only those with the best products will succeed in this environment. Conversely, the tightening of regulations will necessitate a focus on various activities related to certifications and obtaining licenses in different markets, among other requirements.

Source: Next.io

Edited by @pererarte   www.zonadeazar.com