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Affina’s managed services model sticks out for sports teams unable to fully on take on a fan loyalty program

CrowdPlay and Rethink Loyalty were speaking separately with the Boston Celtics about their fan engagement efforts in 2023 when a Celtics executive pointed out the two companies’ interlocking capabilities. The two sports fan engagement tech companies should merge instead of competing, the exec suggested. (Light bulb!) Within a year, the companies had merged, officially forming […]

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CrowdPlay and Rethink Loyalty were speaking separately with the Boston Celtics about their fan engagement efforts in 2023 when a Celtics executive pointed out the two companies’ interlocking capabilities. The two sports fan engagement tech companies should merge instead of competing, the exec suggested.

(Light bulb!)

Within a year, the companies had merged, officially forming Affina in December 2024. The timing was perfect. Many loyalty programs created during the 2010s withered on the vine, but rapid and widespread adoption of digital ticketing during COVID laid the foundation for the sports industry’s second crack at loyalty programs.

“Because you now have tech adoption mandated to some extent,” said PagsGroup associate Zach Yoshor, “That’s really what’s driving another look at how to incorporate better engagement tools into sports.”

Sports properties are approaching the fan loyalty program 2.0 era in different ways:

  • Some are designing, building and running programs in-house.
  • Others are doing some of the digital development and ongoing operations work in-house, but getting specific expertise from third parties.
  • Many more sports organizations, lacking the resources or wherewithal to do any of that, are outsourcing much of the work and upkeep to a third party, such as Affina.

“We have two companies,” said Affina co-founder and CEO Andrew Pizzi. “[CrowdPlay] was expert in delivering loyalty solutions for sports teams and [Rethink] was expert in building card-linked and affiliate offer platforms. These are not features, they’re two businesses that came together to deliver a comprehensive solution for customers.”


The CrowdPlay portion of Affina’s business lets fans benefit from their fandom by earning rewards for all types of actions, whether completing a trivia quiz or scanning a QR code at a season-ticket members event. The Rethink Loyalty half of Affina provides the card-linked offers that help fund loyalty programs and generate revenue in a way sports loyalty programs didn’t in the past. Industry feedback led to the third leg of the Affina business, its managed services offering, in which the company operates sports properties’ loyalty programs once they’re built.

“That’s a part of the model that made a lot of sense,” said Next League Chief Digital Officer Shripal Shah. “Having dedicated attention to the loyalty touchpoints alone is going to see a higher [return on investment]. Them offering the managed services is why so many people are asking about them right now.”

Managed services quickly proved a differentiator for Affina in a fragmented field of competitors, helping the company double its sports client roster — which now includes Fanatics, a slew of NBA and NHL teams and an impending first NFL team — each year since 2021. The company has made the prospect of launching, maintaining and growing a fan loyalty program less daunting for sports properties, many of which were burnt in the past by loyalty program failure.

“When we first got into sports loyalty, it was a term that teams were scared of. They’d had bad experiences. Loyalty is at this point where it’s very hot, it’s about to really take off.”

—  Andrew Pizzi, Affina co-founder and CEO

“I think the hard part was proving out the ROI and the lift was heavy, and it was just hard,” said Matt Griffin, Celtics senior vice president of strategy and business operations. “With companies like Affina, it’s easier to see that now.”

Affina recently closed a seven-figure Series A funding round with Yoshor and PagsGroup, the family investment office of Stephen Pagliuca, a former owner of the Celtics who knows sports team business operations. The company’s revenue has grown 307% in the past 12 months, though Pizzi couldn’t disclose revenue figures or whether the company was profitable. The business is non-capital intensive, and thanks to a timely, Celtics-inspired merger (and investment from its former owner), the Boston-based company is well positioned to take advantage of the fan loyalty renaissance in sports.

“When we first got into sports loyalty, it was a term that teams were scared of. They’d had bad experiences,” Pizzi said. “Loyalty is at this point where it’s very hot; it’s about to really take off.”


CrowdPlay, founded by Pizzi and Mike Cusano, originated as a gamification platform teams could use to engage fans, primarily in the minor league sports world.

The company had just raised a funding round in 2020 when COVID hit, eliminating crowds. Pizzi and Cusano pondered returning the investment, but ultimately sat on it for a year and a half. Because of the pandemic, they could get audiences with the pro sports teams that were previously too busy to meet. The duo listened to teams’ stories, cataloging the unfulfilled visions.

Repeatedly, teams said they had started a loyalty program led internally by a specific employee. Within a year or two, that employee would leave the job, and the program lost its pilot. That cycle would repeat again in another year or two.

What if CrowdPlay, in addition to providing the loyalty program product, could be the consistent shepherd of that program for the team, even through organizational change? Industry feedback was immediately positive.

“No one wants more tools,” Pizzi said, “they want solutions.”

Rethink Loyalty, led by Simon Goldstein, was building a business around the complex topic of CLO and arrived at the managed services model in a similar way. Major financial institutions, such as Chase or Visa, might have in-house card-linked offers expertise, but most companies, including relatively smaller ones such as sports teams, would not. By necessity, Rethink had to design, build and fully manage its solution.


Once the companies merged, the card-linked offer business became a key underpinning. Partnering with larger companies enabled Affina to amass roughly 80,000 card-linked offers, a huge offer pool for sports clients mostly clueless about creating such a library from scratch. Those offers effectively fund a team’s loyalty program.

“We were really the first company that white-labeled CLO to drive loyalty for teams and brands,” said Goldstein, Affina co-founder and chief innovation officer.

The card-linked offer business subsequently becomes a major data source for the sports property that can inform sponsorship and sales teams about their fans’ buying behaviors and habits. The Affina platform collects the data from fans’ card-linked shopping and makes it accessible to the team, which can use the information to source new sponsorship and sales leads (“Did you know 35% of our fans shop with you twice a month?”). Financial services company Plaid provides Affina clients with 24 months of historical spending data and all future spending data (regardless of where a fan’s card is used).

“Card-link offers can really drive a lot of insights around a fan persona,” said Shah. “From my experience, having a direct card link, because you can see real transactions, you can do better marketing.”


Fanatics initially wanted to become a merchant in Rethink Loyalty’s card-linked offers program. The sports merchandise juggernaut happened to have a significant pain point at that time: The average Fanatics customer was shopping with them only a few times per year. How often does a fan need a jersey?

That led Fanatics to become a Rethink customer. By folding in Rethink’s card-linking tech, Fanatics’ FanCash became more valuable to customers. That sparked a 2.8 times increase in spending frequency for Fanatics’ FanCash+ members compared to average customers, a 29% increase in average basket size and a 4.3 times increase in spending on Fanatics’ website.

“This was an opportunity to reward their customers everywhere else they shopped,” Goldstein said.

“You can be as involved or as little involved as is comfortable for you, as you want to. If you need a lot of hand holding, they’ll hold your hand.”

—  Matt Griffin, Celtics senior vice president of strategy and business operations

When Rethink merged with CrowdPlay, the Fanatics relationship came along, too. That relationship appeals to clients such as the Celtics, whose Celtics Rewards points can be converted into FanCash and used on Fanatics’ platform. Affina and Fanatics handle fulfillment for team clients, sending gear directly to fans.

The New Jersey Devils’ three-year deal with Affina expired last summer, and the team went to the open market to study at least five other options. Affina’s managed services model set it apart and led to a new deal.

“There is a high level of trust,” said Zack Robinson, Devils vice president of ticket sales and service. “It’s huge because we don’t have a ton of bandwidth.”

Ditto for the Celtics, who couldn’t dedicate a full-time employee to their program, which launched last November with Affina. The Celtics, with huge ticket demand, limited the program to season-ticket holders. Membership sits in the low thousands. Their loyalty program choices are colored by not owning or operating TD Garden. The team is involved in Celtics Rewards, of course, but Affina handles the operations nitty-gritty, such as customer service.

“You can be as involved or as little involved as is comfortable for you, as you want to,” said Griffin. “If you need a lot of hand holding, they’ll hold your hand.”


Robinson first joined the Devils in 2017 and immediately scrapped the existing loyalty program he found. The challenge with the old program was “it was all on us,” he said. “I felt like I was hacking into an original Apple computer trying to set up the back end. We were kind of scarred.”

Robinson later launched the Devils’ Black and Red Rewards, partly to reinforce game attendance by offering rewards to season-ticket members who sell unused tickets back to the team. After its first season, the program was offered as a perk to season-ticket members who auto-renewed. Two-hundred ticket accounts chose it as an incentive. Several years later, 75% of the Devils’ season-ticket members are enrolled in Black and Red Rewards, with 70% using it daily. Eighty-five percent use it weekly, and 90% monthly. Trivia is one of the most popular engagement games, with 1.5 million questions answered this past season.

The Devils nominated Affina for an NHL Stanley Award in the Best Ticketing Initiative category. Based on the success, the Philadelphia 76ers, another Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment-owned team, rolled out a similar program with Affina last season. The next decision for the Devils is whether to expand Black and Red Rewards fan base-wide, and when.

“Are rewards a fad or does it have staying power? I get asked that all the time,” Robinson said. “Right now, the feedback is I think if you do it right, it does.”



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Bay Area lawmaker pushes to require AI companies to release safety policies – East Bay Times

By Shirin Ghaffary, Bloomberg A California lawmaker is making another effort to regulate artificial intelligence in the state after legislation that would have held large companies liable for harm caused by their technology was vetoed last year by Governor Gavin Newsom. State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, has introduced a bill that would […]

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By Shirin Ghaffary, Bloomberg

A California lawmaker is making another effort to regulate artificial intelligence in the state after legislation that would have held large companies liable for harm caused by their technology was vetoed last year by Governor Gavin Newsom.

State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, has introduced a bill that would require companies developing AI models above a certain computing performance threshold to publicly release safety and security protocols that assess the potential catastrophic risks to humanity from the technology. Under the law, AI companies also would need to report any “critical safety incidents,” such as theft of sensitive technical details, to the state attorney general. Companies that may be affected by the proposed legislation include OpenAI, Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Anthropic.



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This 5-star fitness watch with a dedicated Hyrox mode and full-color maps was already good value – now it’s insanely cheap thanks to Prime Day

I’ve written about a lot of great deals this Amazon Prime Day already, but I think this is the barmiest of the lot so far. A five-star fitness watch for $80 / £80, with full-color maps, GPS capabilities and 160 sports modes, including a dedicated Hyrox one? Impossible, I hear you cry. Well, for those […]

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I’ve written about a lot of great deals this Amazon Prime Day already, but I think this is the barmiest of the lot so far. A five-star fitness watch for $80 / £80, with full-color maps, GPS capabilities and 160 sports modes, including a dedicated Hyrox one? Impossible, I hear you cry.

Well, for those of you looking for a cheap new gym companion, the Amazfit Active 2 is on sale from $99.99 down to just $79.99 at Amazon US, a 20% saving on this already-cheap smartwatch. Virtually the same discount applies in the UK: the Amazfit Active 2 can be found from £99.99 down to £80.74 on Amazon UK.

• Check out Amazon’s full sale

This is the cheapest we’ve seen this already great-value watch so far, and it’s unlikely to go any lower. The Active 2 outperforms many of its contemporaries from the likes of Garmin and Apple for less than half the price, and it’s the only watch in its class with a proper Hyrox mode. Of course, if you are looking for something else, it’s worth checking our Amazon Prime Day live hub.

Amazon Prime Day deals: Amazfit Active 2

In our Amazfit Active 2 review, we gave the watch an enormous five stars: although it’s not quite perfect, it’s unbeatable for the price, while the stainless steel bezel and smorgasbord of features make it feel more premium than it is. If you’re after an affordable fitness companion, this is the Prime Day deal to get.

More Prime Day Amazfit deals



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Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report | iGamingToday.com

Costa Rica, known for its stable democracy and innovative perspectives on technology, has now become an important destination for the global iGaming market. Costa Rica’s location in Central America, its welcoming business environment, and technical features for continued development, including digital accessibility, and a range of suppliers for developers, have allowed many online gambling operators, […]

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Costa Rica, known for its stable democracy and innovative perspectives on technology, has now become an important destination for the global iGaming market. Costa Rica’s location in Central America, its welcoming business environment, and technical features for continued development, including digital accessibility, and a range of suppliers for developers, have allowed many online gambling operators, software developers, and companies that service gambling operators to access and maintain their successful gaming businesses. 

In addition, the flexible nature of the law in Costa Rica is an attraction for many companies, including start-ups and established brands that desire to add their operations to an international industry, with a limited amount of regulations, and uncertainty as to what the future brings in terms of regulations.

Furthermore, in recent years, Costa Rica’s advances in some lesser-known aspects of iGaming and the transfer of knowledge from each cohort of online-based technology entrepreneurs to the next cohort of entrepreneurs have been a huge asset, alongside the government’s ongoing endorsement of tech-based entrepreneurship in Costa Rica. 

Table 1: Key Statistics

Metric Value (2025)
Market Revenue US$794 million
CAGR (LatAm iGaming, 2022–28) 18.4%
Number of Gamers 1.4 million+
Female Gamers 39.8%
Age Group (Majority) 17–38 years
Popular Game Types Casino, Sports Betting, Poker, eSports
Leading Operators 888 Holdings, bet365, Betsson France
Crypto Adoption High

Market Overview

Market Growth and Size 

Costa Rica’s gambling and iGaming market is experiencing significant growth, with domestic and international operators alike taking advantage of the flexibility of the regulatory environment. The estimated revenue for the gambling market in 2025 is approximately US$794 million, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.34% between 2025 and 2029, which is expected to result in a projected market volume of US$871 million or more by 2029. This number incorporates both traditional land-based gambling and casino-style wagering through online gambling, where online gambling continues to gain traction due to technology adoption and changing consumer preferences. 

The player base in Costa Rica is also already considerable, with over 1.4 million active gamers. This figure is indicative of a high level of penetration in terms of population, as well as a significant value for the territory’s iGaming stature within the region. Enhancements in the availability of high-speed internet and mobile devices have further fueled this growth, opening online gambling access to a wider demographic of consumers.

Table 2: Costa Rica iGaming Market Size & Growth (2025-2029)

Year Market Revenue (US$ million) Growth Rate (CAGR %)
2025 794 2.34%
2026* 812
2027* 832
2028* 852
2029* 871

*Projected values

Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report

Major types of games available

As can be seen, the gambling range of activities in Costa Rica is very diverse, accommodating all types of players:

  • Casino Games: Slots, table games (such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat), and live dealers are available through both land-based (usually associated with hotels) and online casino platforms.
  • Sports Betting: Sports betting is likely the largest vertical in the gambling industry as many Costa Ricans participate in wagers based on football, basketball, and international sporting events. Online sports wagering options are appealing as more convenient and easier to place wagers from mobile devices.
  • Poker: Poker, whether offline or online, possesses a consistent player base in both tournaments and cash games.
  • Lottery: The national lottery, provided by the Junta de Protección Social, holds a monopoly on any legal lottery game and is a dominant part of the local gambling market.
  • eSports and Fantasy Sports: eSports has led to the creation of professional teams, tournaments, and dedicated arenas, which points to an increase in interest in competitive gaming.

Table 3: Popular Game Types in Costa Rica iGaming Market

Game Type Description / Popularity
Casino Games Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat; popular online & offline
Sports Betting Football, basketball, international sports; strong online presence
Poker Online and offline tournaments and cash games
Lottery State monopoly operated by Junta de Protección Social
eSports & Fantasy Sports Growing interest with professional teams and tournaments

Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report

Demographics of Players

Costa Rica’s iGaming and gambling audience is youthful, diverse, and digitally engaged: 

  • Age: Most players are between 17 – 38 years of age, and college students/university or young professionals, who are highly tech-savvy and open to game experiences. 
  • Gender: Approximately 40% of gamers are women, which shows a relatively equal gender divide and a wide market. 
  • Preferences: Gamers in Costa Rica tend to prefer mobile video games, which translates into over 70% gaming an average of three-plus hours each day. Electronically, gamers preferred video games that included social connection, immersive experiences, and game elements to video games they could do alone.                                                                                                                                     
  • eSports, online multiplayer games, and mobile casino games are very popular with younger users. 
  • Spending Habits: Gamers in Costa Rica spend on average between $500 and $1,000 on gaming products and services in any six months. 

Table 4: Player Demographics

Demographic Details
Age Range 17–38 years
Gender Distribution ~40% female, 60% male
Preferences Mobile gaming, social features, gamification, eSports
Spending Habits Majority spend between $500 and $1,000 every six months

Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report

Regulatory Landscape

Overview of Existing Gambling Regulations

Costa Rica’s gambling landscape represents a unique combination of strictness and permissiveness. Land-based casinos are sanctioned; however, they must be operated as an extension of a hotel. This is structured under Law No. 9050 and overseen by the Ministry of Public Security. There are specific tax and operational obligations for these casinos. The national lottery represents the only state monopoly for gambling and is controlled by the Junta de Protección Social, the government agency that also controls other legal games of chance.

Online gambling, on the other hand, occupies a grey area within this legislative context. There is no legal framework or regulatory authority to govern online gambling. Instead, businesses can leverage the freedoms provided to them by their location in Costa Rica, as demonstrated through the Data Processing License, for example, to run an online operation from Costa Rica (as long as they do not target Costa Rican residents or utilize local financial institutions to transact funds). 

Licensing Requirements and Regulatory Bodies

Costa Rica does not have a formal license for online operators to use for gambling. Rather, companies must:

  • Register as a legal entity (typically an Ltd. or SA) in Costa Rica and have a local address.
  • Apply for a Data Processing License through the local municipality, which gives the company a license to process data, but it is not a gambling license.
  • Follow provider terms that, in effect, prohibit the provision of services to the residents of Costa Rica and gambling transactions through local banks.

Details on Taxation and Compliance

Costa Rica has a very favorable tax regime for iGaming operators:

  • No direct taxes are placed on profits derived from international gambling operations.
  • The only taxes incurred by operators are normal business registry and maintenance taxes.
  • A company that operates predominantly in the domestic market will have some tax obligations locally, whereas most online operators are exempted as they are primarily international customers.
  • For Costa Rican residents, there are no taxes on gambling winnings, which is even more attractive for operators to use as a base in Costa Rica.

Compliance focuses on:

  • AML & KYC polices and internal controls and transaction monitoring;
  • Business regulations, including registration, documentation compliance, and limited-term audits

Upcoming Changes in Legislation

As of mid-2025, dialogue continues on the potential for online gambling regulations to enable formalization to improve investor/supplier confidence, claims of player protection, and market confidence. However, there has been no significant movement on legislation. Industry players believe that the potential reforms may provide:

  • An established regulatory body for online gambling. 
  • More stringent compliance and reporting requirements. 
  • Tax changes or licensing fees for online operators.

Table 5: Regulatory Overview

Aspect Details
Land-based Casinos Legal, must be attached to hotels; regulated by Ministry of Public Security
Online Gambling No formal license; Data Processing License for international operations only
Lottery Monopoly by Junta de Protección Social
Licensing Authority No dedicated online gambling regulator; municipal Data Processing License
Taxation No direct gambling taxes for international operators; standard business fees apply
Compliance AML, KYC, business registration, periodic audits

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

Costa Rica’s iGaming space is made up of a range of locally-owned start-up businesses and international businesses that have made an operational or administrative base in the country due to its flexible regulatory environment. Costa Rica does not offer formal online gambling licenses, but rather companies build their operations in the country using a Data Processing License, which allows them to operate legally in their target international markets. 

Some of the international operators with an operational presence in Costa Rica are 888 Holdings, bet365, Betsson France, and 22bet. A handful of long-term players, such as Wild Vegas Casino, Club Player Casino, CoolCat Casino, Prism Casino, and Royal Ace Casino, have specialized in casino and poker games with good rewards for players loyal to their online casinos.

Table 6: Key Market Players

Operator Type Focus
888 Holdings International Global iGaming platforms
bet365 International Sports betting, casino
Betsson France International Casino, poker, sports betting
Wild Vegas Casino Local Online casino, slots
Club Player Casino Local Online casino, poker

Market Share Distribution

As there is not, as of now, a formal licensing regime or an official regulator to provide exact market share data, the data is limited. The Costa Rica market is largely dominated by international operators, who use Costa Rica primarily as an operational and managerial location for their platforms targeting Latin America, Europe, and other, still-emerging regions. 

Meanwhile, the local operators will typically focus on niche markets or game verticals, ie, crypto casinos or poker rooms. The market does remain fragmented, with no single operator delivering the largest market share, which creates a competitive environment in which innovation, offering variety, and unique approaches can thrive.

Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

Strategic partnerships are an important component within the iGaming ecosystem of Costa Rica. Operators regularly engage with software developers, payment processors, and technology companies focused on blockchain and AI in order to expand their platform functionalities. Partnerships with international gaming companies allow a Costa Rican-based operator to utilize the latest technology, expand their game library, and enter new markets efficiently. 

Additionally, many operators will partner with marketing agencies and affiliate marketing networks for customer acquisition and retention optimization, taking advantage of Costa Rica’s business-friendly environment in order to scale. These partnerships are all very important for operators that need to remain competitive while working in a low-regulatory environment with high operational demands.

Costa Rica’s competitive landscape ultimately shows how this is a dynamic sector that thrives on innovation, where flexibility and strategic alliances are the keys to winning.

Table 7: Strategic Partnerships & Alliances

Partnership Type Purpose
Software Providers Enhance game portfolios and platform capabilities
Payment Processors Support cryptocurrency and traditional payments
Marketing Agencies Customer acquisition and retention
Affiliate Networks Expand market reach
Technology Firms (AI, Blockchain) Innovation in security, personalization, transparency

 Consumer Trends

Player Behavior and Preferences

  • Mobile gaming is the dominant mode of play, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and affordable data plans.
  • Players seek personalized experiences, gamification, and social features such as leaderboards and achievements.

Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report

Payment Methods and Technology

  • Cryptocurrency payments are widely accepted, with blockchain technology ensuring transparent and secure transactions.
  • Traditional payment methods (credit cards, e-wallets) are also supported for international players.

Costa Rica iGaming Market Research Report

Social and Cultural Influences

  • Costa Rica’s young, educated, and tech-savvy population is highly receptive to new gaming experiences and technological innovation.
  • The rise of eSports and gaming culture is reflected in the establishment of professional teams, tournaments, and dedicated arenas.

Opportunities & Challenges

Growth Potential For New Entrants

  • Costa Rica provides a business-friendly climate with low barriers to regulation and openness to innovation. Considerations for new businesses and investors are valuable. 
  • Costa Rica’s reputation as a technology hub for innovative and daring new businesses and as a port to Latin America is advantageous as it provides ample opportunity for a quick and quick launching pad for regional expansion. 

Regulatory and Operational Challenges

  • A lack of a formal online gambling or sports betting license raises questions for operators who are looking for long-term certainty in continuing to operate in a system that is stable and regulated. 
  • Any future regulation may lead to more to movers having to adhere to rules and compliance that could affect their debut swiftly. 

Innovations and Investment Areas 

  • AI, machine learning, and gaming have the ability to personalize for players, detect fraud detection and reinforce responsible gaming. 
  • Blockchain and crypto gaming have the ability for secure payment processing as well as outcomes for transparent gaming. 
  • Mobile-first platforms and cloud-based gaming will allow for a better audience reach and a lower barrier to entry. 
  • Sustainability of the operations in CI, to a certain extent comparison to studio operations in the US or Canada, including eco-friendly server hosting from a renewables standpoint, aligns with attention at the national level.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Costa Rica’s iGaming industry is unique because of its adaptability, innovation, and reach. Without major regulations and a technologically literate labor force in a supportive business environment, the country has been able to establish itself as a prime destination for iGaming operators and investors. While the lack of formal licensing brings inherent risks, it also presents unmatched opportunities for new and established brands to trial and grow new ideas. 

Strategic Recommendations for Market Entry

  • Market Entry: New entrants should take advantage of Costa Rica’s low-cost, low-barrier operating environment to trial new products that can leverage mobile and blockchain technology.
  • Compliance: Operators need to be aware of the potential for future liability in compliance with international AML regulations and keep an eye on any potential changes in regulation going forward.
  • Sustainability: Investing in environmentally friendly infrastructure and responsible gaming initiatives will increase brand credibility and long-term viability. 
  • Regional Expansion: Use Costa Rica as a launching pad to access Latin America’s broader markets by establishing local partnerships and forming international partnerships (with brands in Europe and North America) that might have local ties. 

Future Outlook for the iGaming Sector in Costa Rica

As the worldwide gaming industry continues to experience change, Costa Rica is poised to retain its position as an innovation engine and center of global operations. Ongoing dialogue surrounding regulation denotes a shift towards more formalization, resulting in enhanced investor certainty and sector reliability and sustainability.

Data and Sources:

  1. NuxGame: Costa Rica Gambling License 2025 Guide
  2. Statista: Gambling Market Forecast Costa Rica 2025
  3. Research and Markets: Gambling Market Report 2025
  4. Gambling Insider: Costa Rica: Effective Regulation and Market Outlook 2025
  5. Rue.ee: Costa Rica Gambling License 2025 Overview
  6. TGM Research: Sports Betting and Gambling Industry Data Costa Rica
  7. ENV Media: iGaming in Latin America Outlook 2024-2025
  8. The Business Research Company: Global Gambling Market Report 2025-2034

 



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Forrester Announces Full Conference Agenda For Technology & Innovation Summit APAC 2025

At the event, tech, data, and security leaders will gain the skills to tackle today’s complex technology challenges and master driving innovation in a volatile world SYDNEY, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) has announced the full conference agenda for its annual Technology & Innovation Summit APAC, being held in Sydney and digitally […]

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At the event, tech, data, and security leaders will gain the skills to tackle today’s complex technology challenges and master driving innovation in a volatile world

SYDNEY, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) has announced the full conference agenda for its annual Technology & Innovation Summit APAC, being held in Sydney and digitally on August 19, 2025. Recent developments including shifts in global trade policy, AI-led disruption, an evolving regulatory landscape, and intense cost pressures are creating mounting demands for tech leaders. To thrive and remain competitive in this volatile environment, technology and business leaders must adapt their existing strategies to optimize spend without sacrificing their AI ambitions, navigate risk, and anticipate and adapt to future volatility.

With the theme of “Master Tech Mayhem,” this year’s event will equip technology, data, and cybersecurity leaders with insights, tools, and frameworks to develop resilient IT strategies amid rapid technological advancements and complex cybersecurity threats.

Featuring top Forrester analysts and industry leaders from Equifax, KPMG Australia, Suncorp, and Telstra, noteworthy sessions include:

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Gods, Machines, And Kaos: High-Performance IT (Because Prayer Isn’t A Strategy). In this keynote, attendees will learn how to lead through technology upheaval, architect shock-absorbing systems, and adopt a resilient IT strategy when chaos reigns. AI Inside: The Rise Of The Intelligent IT Operating Model. This session will explore how generative AI is reshaping enterprises into adaptive, cognitive systems that not only respond to tasks but act with intention. Address 2025 Cyber Threats With Preparation And A Steady Hand. This keynote will tackle evolving cybersecurity threats amid global uncertainties with practical, proactive strategies. Leadership In The Agentic Era. In this keynote, attendees will develop the new mindsets and capabilities required to lead enterprise teams in a world where humans and intelligent systems collaborate side by side. Scaling Agentic AI: Inside KPMG’s AI Transformation. In this guest keynote, learn about KPMG’s own journey in deploying genAI internally and discover lessons on build versus buy strategies, data sovereignty, responsible AI, and leveraging advanced telemetry and metering to drive impactful outcomes. “Today, technology leaders across Asia Pacific are facing unprecedented technology disruption, turbulent global markets, and geopolitical and social upheaval,” said Frederic Giron, VP and senior research director at Forrester. “But there is a way to regain control, do more with less, lead teams through difficult times, and navigate the ongoing chaos more gracefully. Technology & Innovation Summit APAC 2025 is the perfect forum for these leaders to come together and reimagine existing strategies, harness innovation, and develop resilient frameworks to fuel business growth.”

Onsite Summit attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops, interactive analyst-led roundtable discussions, and special programs including the Forrester Women’s Leadership Program and the Executive Leadership Exchange, an exclusive peer networking program targeted at C-level leaders.

At the event, Forrester will also honor the recipients of its Technology Strategy Impact Award and Enterprise Architecture Award. Additionally, the winners will share their success stories and share best practices for accelerating business outcomes through technology.

Resources:

Register to attend Forrester’s Technology & Innovation Summit APAC 2025. View the full agenda and speakers for Technology & Innovation Summit APAC 2025. Members of the press interested in attending, please contact [email protected]. Explore Forrester’s top 10 emerging technologies for 2025 and how these innovations apply across industries. About Forrester

Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We empower leaders in technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, sales, and product functions to be bold at work and accelerate growth through customer obsession. Our unique research and continuous guidance model helps executives and their teams achieve their initiatives and outcomes faster and with confidence. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.



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Innovative sport education: London Sport Institute Dubai opens at dynamic showcase

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai has unveiled the London Sport Institute Dubai (LSID) during a vibrant and interactive Sports Development Showcase, welcoming students, industry professionals, and thought leaders from across the UAE and wider region. Held at the university’s Dubai Knowledge Park campus, the event marked a significant milestone in the evolution of sports education in […]

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Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai has unveiled the London Sport Institute Dubai (LSID) during a vibrant and interactive Sports Development Showcase, welcoming students, industry professionals, and thought leaders from across the UAE and wider region.

Held at the university’s Dubai Knowledge Park campus, the event marked a significant milestone in the evolution of sports education in the region. The launch introduced LSID as a dedicated hub for advanced sport development, performance science, and sports education, tailored to meet the region’s growing need for sport sector innovation and professional training.

Guests participated in an engaging agenda of live demonstrations, panel discussions, and expert-led sessions that celebrated the future of sport through education, technology, and collaboration.

Event Highlights Included

Programme Insight: Attendees were introduced to LSID’s suite of specialised degree offerings in Sport and Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Sport Performance Analysis, designed in alignment with industry demands and regional priorities.

Technology in Action: Interactive demonstrations showcased cutting-edge tools such as wearable tech, motion analysis software, and performance-tracking systems, illustrating how data-driven training is revolutionising athletic development.

Expert Networking: The event created opportunities for students and professionals to connect directly with LSID faculty, local practitioners, and regional athletes to discuss career pathways, research collaboration, and real-world applications of sport science.

Q&A with the Experts: Lively and engaging sessions allowed attendees to pose questions around industry trends, career development, and the future of sport in the Middle East.

Looking Ahead

Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, said: “The launch of the London Sport Institute Dubai is about expanding educational offerings, and establishing a regional centre of excellence that integrates sport performance, innovation, and community impact. We are excited to build a future where education and industry work hand-in-hand to shape the next generation of sport professionals.”

Charvi Bhatt, Sports Partnership and Development Executive at LSID, added: “LSID is about creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, career growth, and impact across the sport and wellness ecosystem. We’re proud to be setting a new benchmark for sport education and development in the region.”

This initiative cements MDX Dubai’s reputation for globally recognised education, while responding to the UAE’s rapidly evolving sport, health, and wellbeing sectors.

Expert Networking & Insightful Panel Discussion

A highlight of the LSID launch was an engaging networking and expert panel session, which brought together some of the UAE’s leading voices in sport science, athlete development, and performance optimisation.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with the Institute’s academic team alongside regional sport professionals, exchanging ideas on career development, athlete wellbeing, and future directions for sport innovation.

Chief Guest – Lieutenant Colonel Yaser Alkatheeri

The showcase was honoured by the presence of Lt-Colonel Yaser Alkatheeri, Rescue & Firefighting Officer and acting President of the Emirates Canoe & Rafting Federation, whose distinguished career spans more than two decades in emergency services and national sport leadership.

In his keynote address, Lt. Colonel Alkatheeri highlighted the powerful intersection between sport, public service, and community empowerment, referencing his leadership roles:

  • Vice-President, Emirates Federation of Canoeing and Rafting – Promoting athlete safety and water sport development.

  • Secretary, Abu Dhabi Community Cooperative – Driving social impact through grassroots sport initiatives.

  • PhD Researcher – Bridging practical emergency service expertise with academic contributions to the sport and health sciences field.

His remarks emphasised the role of sport as a catalyst for youth development, national pride, and socioeconomic progress.

The panel discussion featured an exceptional line-up of professionals whose expertise spans high-performance sport, athlete wellbeing, coaching, and innovation. Each panellist shared valuable insights into how their work supports the evolving landscape of sports in the UAE and beyond.

Tanvi Lad, former Professional Badminton Player & Sports Management Leader A former international athlete for India, Tanvi now works in sports and entertainment management across the UAE and MENA region. Drawing from her experience as a professional athlete, Tanvi spoke about the importance of athlete mental health, youth engagement, and career transition support. Her academic background from Loughborough University and leadership in major global events, including the World Tennis League, provided a powerful narrative of the bridge between sport and business.

Blessing TF Mushonga – Performance Nutritionist

Blessing shared critical insights on sports nutrition as a cornerstone of athletic success. With a track record supporting youth and elite athletes in football, endurance, and strength sports, he discussed integrated strategies combining education, applied science, and nutrition coaching. His commentary focused on the growing role of multidisciplinary performance teams and the importance of culturally tailored approaches.

Mike Drummond, Development Manager, VALD | Performance & Physiotherapy Lead, UAE Rugby Mike highlighted how technology is transforming athlete monitoring and rehabilitation, showcasing how VALD’s systems are implemented across healthcare and elite sport settings in the region. As founder of Vertex, he works with professional combat sport athletes and oversees physiotherapy for UAE Rugby, using a data-driven, holistic approach to optimise player performance and reduce injury risk.

A Platform for Future Collaboration

The Sports Development Showcase demonstrated how LSID is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and sport practitioners. The event provided a springboard for future research, internships, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives that will benefit the UAE’s thriving sport ecosystem.

As an extension of Middlesex University’s internationally recognised London Sport Institute in the UK, this exciting new venture brings together global academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and industry partnerships in a world-class environment. With its launch, LSID becomes a vital player in shaping the UAE’s next generation of sports professionals, innovators, and leaders.

The opening of LSID, which will be inaugurated later this year, directly supports UAE Vision 2030, which prioritises the development of a knowledge-driven economy, an active and healthy population, and the integration of AI and advanced data technologies across sectors. As sport becomes a key driver of social wellbeing, national identity, and economic diversification, the Institute stands at the forefront of this transformation.

The global sports industry is now valued at over $600 billion, with explosive demand for expertise in sports science, performance data, and athlete development. In just the last five years, over 10,000 new jobs have been generated in sport and fitness in the region alone, and 50 per cent of elite athletes worldwide now rely on sport science specialists to enhance their performance. LSID is uniquely positioned to prepare graduates for these opportunities, providing them with the skills to succeed in this rapidly evolving sector.

LSID is equipped with world-class facilities built to replicate elite sport environments. These will include high-performance training labs, biomechanics suites, motion capture and wearable tech stations, and dedicated conditioning spaces, all supported by an experienced faculty of international sport scientists, researchers, and practitioners. Students benefit from a collaborative learning environment that merges theory with application, preparing them for the demands of global careers.



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A Crucial Crossroads for Sports Industry Investments

The legal clash between the Trump administration and California over transgender athlete inclusion in sports has escalated into a high-stakes showdown with profound implications for the sports industry and its investors. As the federal government threatens to withhold billions in education funds and state leaders defiantly uphold their policies, the outcome could reshape everything from […]

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The legal clash between the Trump administration and California over transgender athlete inclusion in sports has escalated into a high-stakes showdown with profound implications for the sports industry and its investors. As the federal government threatens to withhold billions in education funds and state leaders defiantly uphold their policies, the outcome could reshape everything from school sports budgets to corporate social responsibility strategies. For investors, the battle represents both a risk and an opportunity to navigate an increasingly polarized landscape.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Operational Costs

The central issue—whether biological sex or gender identity determines sports eligibility—has no clear federal precedent. California’s Sex Equity in Education Act, which permits transgender students to compete in sports aligned with their gender identity, directly conflicts with the Trump administration’s Title IX interpretation, which emphasizes biological differences. This legal ambiguity creates operational challenges for schools and sports organizations.

For instance, if the federal government prevails, states may face pressure to adopt biology-based eligibility rules, requiring sports programs to reorganize teams, revise policies, and possibly incur compliance costs. Conversely, if California’s stance prevails, it could embolden other states to maintain inclusive policies, creating a fragmented regulatory environment.

Companies like Nike, which have publicly supported LGBTQ+ rights (e.g., its 2020 campaign featuring transgender model Taylor Hooton), could see heightened scrutiny. Investors should monitor whether the legal battle impacts consumer sentiment toward such brands.

Financial Risks to Education and Sports Programs

The federal government’s threat to withhold $44.3 billion in education funds looms large. While schools might divert funds from other programs to sports, the cut could force reductions in athletic budgets, affecting equipment purchases, facility maintenance, and team sponsorships.


Companies reliant on school sports purchases, such as Under Armour or Adidas, face potential revenue dips if budgets shrink. Conversely, firms with diversified revenue streams or exposure to professional leagues—less directly tied to education funding—might weather the storm better.

Consumer Sentiment and Brand Alignment

The debate has deepened cultural divides, with 27 states already enacting transgender athlete bans. Investors must assess how consumer preferences align with corporate stances. Brands perceived as supportive of transgender rights may attract LGBTQ+ consumers, a demographic with significant purchasing power, but risk backlash from conservative markets.

Companies like the NBA or NFL, which have publicly supported inclusivity, could see loyalty gains, while those perceived as indifferent or hostile might face boycotts.

Investment Strategy: Navigating the Crosscurrents

  1. Prioritize Diversification: Invest in companies with revenue streams across multiple sectors (e.g., both school and professional sports) to mitigate regulatory risk.
  2. Monitor Legal Outcomes: Track the California lawsuit and Supreme Court rulings on Idaho/West Virginia bans. A ruling affirming federal authority could pressure states to conform, reducing fragmentation.
  3. Focus on Inclusive Brands: Brands with strong social responsibility credentials (e.g., Nike, Reebok) may benefit from long-term loyalty if inclusivity prevails.
  4. Avoid Overexposure to Education-Dependent Sectors: Schools facing budget cuts may delay equipment purchases; prioritize firms with corporate or professional contracts.

Conclusion

The transgender athlete legal battle is more than a courtroom drama—it’s a defining moment for the sports industry’s future. Investors must weigh the risks of regulatory fragmentation and consumer polarization against the potential rewards of backing inclusive, resilient companies. As the case unfolds, agility and foresight will be critical in steering capital toward opportunities while avoiding pitfalls in this increasingly contentious arena.

Stay informed, stay diversified, and position for the long game.



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