E-Sports
Cactus Gaming strengthens its international presence in the iGaming sector through global events
On June 11 and 12, Cactus Gaming will be present at BETEXPO + CONFUT USA, in Miami, where it will participate in the USA Soccer Conference. The event, focused on betting, innovation and soccer, represents a crucial opportunity for the company to present its technological solutions, strengthen ties with the North American market and expand […]

On June 11 and 12, Cactus Gaming will be present at BETEXPO + CONFUT USA, in Miami, where it will participate in the USA Soccer Conference.
The event, focused on betting, innovation and soccer, represents a crucial opportunity for the company to present its technological solutions, strengthen ties with the North American market and expand its network of contacts in one of the largest global hubs of the sports and digital entertainment industry.
Immediately afterwards, on June 18 and 19, Cactus will participate in the PGS (Peru Gaming Show), in Lima, considered one of the most important fairs in the sector in South America. The presence reinforces the company’s presence in the region and increases its visibility in a strategic market that is constantly growing.
“These events are essential to consolidate our international presence and position Brazil as a leader in the iGaming sector. We will showcase the strength of Brazilian technology and seek connections that expand our operations in new territories,” says Cactus CBO, Tiago Silva.
The company, which already operates with complete sports betting solutions and management systems, stands out for its ability to adapt to different regulatory and cultural contexts, offering secure, scalable and tailored platforms for each operator.
Participation in the events is also part of Cactus’ global expansion plan, which focuses on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange and the development of new businesses in emerging and consolidated markets.
Confirmed events in June:
BETEXPO and CONFUT USA – June 11 and 12 | Miami, USA
Event: USA Soccer Conference
Focus: sports betting, innovation, international networking
PGS – Peru Gaming Show – June 18 and 19 | Lima, Peru
Focus: expansion in South America, regional partnerships, iGaming trends
Cactus Gaming is a Brazilian company specialized in the development of technological solutions for the iGaming sector.
With international operations, it offers platforms for sports betting, online casino, operations management, payments and gamification.
The brand stands out for its flexibility, innovation and ability to meet the regulatory demands of different markets with agility and performance.
Source: GMB
E-Sports
Fanatics partners with Boyd Gaming for sports betting in Missouri casinos, online — CDC Gaming
Eric Ramsey, Legal Sports Report Email, LinkedIn, and more Fanatics has secured its spot in the Missouri sports betting market. A top-five brand nationally, Fanatics Sportsbook has entered into a first-time partnership with Boyd Gaming that unlocks local access for its online sports betting app. The multiyear deal, announced on Monday, also includes retail operations […]

Fanatics has secured its spot in the Missouri sports betting market.
A top-five brand nationally, Fanatics Sportsbook has entered into a first-time partnership with Boyd Gaming that unlocks local access for its online sports betting app. The multiyear deal, announced on Monday, also includes retail operations at Boyd’s two properties in the state.
Six Missouri sports betting licenses are now accounted for as the landscape begins to come into focus ahead of the Dec. 1 launch. As many as 14 online brands could ultimately find their way into the market via one of the remaining keyholders.

In addition to its digital presence in Missouri, Fanatics will operate new brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at the Ameristar casinos in both Kansas City and St. Charles.
E-Sports
What’s Driving the Mobile Gaming Creator Economy Boom in China?
China’s mobile gaming creator economy has exploded into a multi-billion yuan industry that’s reshaping how games are marketed, consumed, and monetized. What started as casual streaming has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem where creators earn more than traditional entertainers, brands compete for influencer partnerships, and entire careers are built around mobile gaming content. The professionalization […]

China’s mobile gaming creator economy has exploded into a multi-billion yuan industry that’s reshaping how games are marketed, consumed, and monetized. What started as casual streaming has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem where creators earn more than traditional entertainers, brands compete for influencer partnerships, and entire careers are built around mobile gaming content. The professionalization has been remarkable; creators now invest heavily in production quality, using advanced tools to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Many top creators use professional editing apps like Hypic APK for stunning thumbnails and promotional graphics that offer premium features for free. With creators consuming hours of competitor analysis and tutorial content daily, many have switched to YouTube Vanced to maintain uninterrupted research workflows and avoid constant ad disruptions that kill their creative flow.
The Numbers Behind the Revolution
China’s mobile gaming creator economy generated ¥47 billion in 2024, representing a 312% increase from 2022 figures. This astronomical growth isn’t just about more creators entering the space, it’s about individual creators generating significantly higher revenues through sophisticated monetization strategies.
The average successful mobile gaming creator now earns ¥280,000 annually, with top-tier creators pulling in millions. These numbers exceed traditional entertainment industry salaries and have created a legitimate career path that parents actually encourage their children to pursue.
Platform data reveals that mobile gaming content receives 2.3 billion views monthly across major Chinese streaming platforms, with engagement rates consistently higher than other entertainment categories. The retention rates are particularly impressive; mobile gaming audiences spend an average of 43 minutes per session, compared to 18 minutes for general entertainment content.
Why Mobile Gaming Creates Better Content
Mobile gaming offers unique advantages for content creation that desktop gaming simply cannot match. The intimate, personal nature of mobile gaming creates more relatable content that audiences connect with emotionally. Creators can film their actual hands and reactions simultaneously, providing a visceral viewing experience that desktop setups struggle to replicate.
The accessibility factor is crucial, audiences can immediately try the games their favorite creators showcase, leading to higher conversion rates and more engaged communities. This immediate accessibility creates a feedback loop where creators and audiences share experiences in real-time.
Mobile gaming sessions naturally fit content creation schedules. Most mobile games are designed for shorter play sessions, allowing creators to produce multiple pieces of content daily without the time commitment that complex PC games require. This volume advantage translates directly into higher earning potential through platform monetization algorithms that reward consistent posting.
The Creator Professionalization Wave
The transformation from casual streaming to professional content creation has been dramatic. Successful mobile gaming creators now operate like media companies, with dedicated content calendars, brand partnership strategies, and sophisticated production workflows.
Visual presentation has become crucial for success. The difference between amateur and professional thumbnails directly impacts video performance, with well-designed graphics generating 340% higher click-through rates. Creators invest significant time in thumbnail design, understanding that these graphics function as crucial marketing assets.
Content planning has evolved beyond simple gameplay recordings. Top creators analyze trending games, study audience engagement patterns, and develop content strategies that maximize both entertainment value and monetization potential. This strategic approach has elevated mobile gaming content from casual entertainment to legitimate media production.
The equipment investment has also scaled up dramatically. While mobile gaming content requires less hardware than PC streaming, successful creators invest in professional lighting, multiple camera angles, and high-quality microphones to differentiate their production value.
Platform Monetization Evolution
Chinese streaming platforms have developed sophisticated monetization tools specifically designed for mobile gaming creators. These systems go far beyond simple advertising revenue, incorporating virtual gifts, subscription models, brand integration opportunities, and merchandise sales.
Live streaming monetization has become particularly lucrative. Audiences actively tip creators during gameplay sessions, with successful creators earning ¥15,000-30,000 per streaming session through virtual gift donations. The real-time interaction creates stronger audience relationships than traditional media formats.
Brand partnerships have evolved into complex, multi-platform campaigns where creators integrate product placements naturally into gameplay content. Mobile gaming creators now command higher partnership rates than many traditional celebrities, with top creators earning ¥500,000+ per sponsored campaign.
Subscription and membership models have gained significant traction. Creators offer exclusive content, early access to videos, and personalized gaming advice through tiered membership programs that generate consistent monthly revenue streams.
Audience Demographics and Behavior
Mobile gaming creator audiences skew younger and more engaged than traditional entertainment consumers. The primary demographic, ages 16-28, has significant disposable income and high willingness to financially support creators they follow consistently.
The engagement patterns are uniquely intensive. Mobile gaming audiences don’t just watch content passively; they actively participate through live chat, follow creators across multiple platforms, and frequently purchase recommended games based on creator endorsements.
Geographic distribution shows interesting patterns, with tier-2 and tier-3 cities generating higher engagement rates than major metropolitan areas. This distribution suggests that mobile gaming content serves entertainment needs that traditional media doesn’t adequately address in smaller cities.
The community aspect has become central to creator success. Successful creators build dedicated fan communities that extend beyond gaming into lifestyle, fashion, and personal development content. These communities generate sustainable audience loyalty that translates into long-term monetization opportunities.
Technology Enabling Creator Success
Smartphone technology improvements have eliminated many technical barriers that previously limited mobile content creation quality. Modern flagship phones shoot 4K video, offer professional-level audio recording, and provide editing capabilities that rival desktop software.
Live streaming technology has evolved to support sophisticated production techniques. Creators can now incorporate multiple camera angles, real-time graphics, and interactive elements directly through mobile apps, creating production value that matches traditional television programming.
Cloud storage and mobile editing solutions allow creators to maintain professional workflows entirely on mobile devices. This mobility enables content creation from anywhere, supporting the lifestyle flexibility that attracts many people to creator careers.
AI integration in mobile editing tools has democratized professional-quality content creation. Creators can now achieve complex visual effects, automated editing sequences, and sophisticated graphics without extensive technical training.
Regional Success Stories and Case Studies
Tier-2 cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Qingdao have produced some of China’s most successful mobile gaming creators. These creators often outperform their Beijing and Shanghai counterparts by developing authentic, relatable content that resonates with broader Chinese audiences.
The “authentic lifestyle” approach has proven particularly successful. Creators who integrate mobile gaming into broader lifestyle content, showing their daily routines, food choices, and social activities, generate higher audience loyalty and more diverse monetization opportunities.
Cross-platform success stories demonstrate the scalability of mobile gaming content. Creators who start with simple gameplay videos often expand into merchandise, live events, gaming coaching services, and even game development consultation.
International expansion has become increasingly common, with Chinese mobile gaming creators building global audiences through translated content and culturally adapted gaming selections. This expansion opens access to international brand partnerships and platform monetization opportunities.
The Content Research and Development Process
Successful creators invest heavily in content research, spending 3-4 hours daily analyzing trending games, studying competitor strategies, and planning content calendars. This research process requires consuming vast amounts of video content to understand market trends and audience preferences.
The iterative content development process involves constant testing and refinement. Creators analyze performance metrics for each video, adjusting thumbnails, titles, content structure, and gaming selections based on audience response data.
Trend identification has become a crucial skill. Creators who can identify emerging games and gaming trends before they become mainstream often capture audiences during high-growth phases, leading to exponential subscriber and revenue growth.
Content planning tools and analytics platforms have become essential for professional creators. Understanding algorithm preferences, optimal posting times, and audience engagement patterns requires sophisticated data analysis that goes far beyond casual content creation.
Brand Integration and Sponsored Content
Mobile gaming creators have perfected natural brand integration techniques that don’t feel like traditional advertising. The most successful sponsored content feels like authentic recommendations from trusted friends rather than corporate marketing messages.
Gaming peripheral and accessory brands have found mobile gaming creators particularly valuable for product demonstrations. Phone cases, gaming controllers, charging accessories, and audio equipment integrate naturally into mobile gaming content.
Non-gaming brands have discovered that mobile gaming audiences represent valuable demographics for lifestyle, fashion, food, and entertainment products. This cross-category appeal has significantly expanded monetization opportunities for creators.
Long-term brand partnerships have become more common than one-off sponsored posts. Creators who demonstrate consistent audience engagement and authentic brand representation often secure multi-month partnerships that provide stable income streams.
Educational and Tutorial Content Growth
Mobile gaming educational content has emerged as a highly lucrative sub-category within the creator economy. Creators who specialize in game strategy, character building, and advanced techniques often command premium prices for personalized coaching services.
Tutorial content generates exceptional audience retention rates because viewers return repeatedly to reference specific strategies and techniques. This repeat viewing behavior makes tutorial creators particularly attractive to platform algorithms and brand partners.
The coaching and consultation market has expanded beyond simple gameplay advice. Successful creators now offer services in content creation techniques, audience building strategies, and monetization optimization for aspiring creators.
Educational content creates multiple revenue streams simultaneously, advertising revenue from tutorial videos, direct coaching fees, course sales, and often leads to speaking opportunities at gaming conferences and events.
Community Building and Fan Engagement
The most successful mobile gaming creators prioritize community building over simple content production. These creators develop dedicated fan communities that actively support each other and create user-generated content around the creator’s brand.
Fan engagement extends beyond video comments into elaborate social media ecosystems. Successful creators maintain active presences across multiple platforms, creating touchpoints that keep audiences engaged between major content releases.
Merchandise and branded products have become significant revenue sources for top creators. Gaming-themed clothing, accessories, and collectibles generate revenue while serving as marketing tools that expand creator brand recognition.
Live events and meetups provide creators with direct monetization opportunities while strengthening community bonds. Successful creators often organize gaming tournaments, social gatherings, and fan conventions that generate ticket revenue and sponsor opportunities.
Technology and Production Workflow Evolution
Mobile-first content creation workflows have evolved to rival traditional media production in sophistication while maintaining the flexibility and cost advantages that make creator careers accessible to broader populations.
Creators have developed efficient systems for content ideation, production, editing, and distribution that maximize output while maintaining quality standards. These workflows often involve elaborate content calendars, batch production techniques, and systematic approach to audience engagement.
The integration of AI and automation tools has eliminated many time-consuming production tasks, allowing creators to focus on creative development and audience interaction rather than technical execution.
Quality control and brand consistency have become essential for creator success. Professional creators develop style guides, content standards, and quality benchmarks that ensure consistent audience experience across all content.
Future Growth Projections and Industry Evolution
Industry analysts project that China’s mobile gaming creator economy will reach ¥120 billion by 2027, representing continued explosive growth that shows no signs of slowing. This growth is expected to be driven by platform innovation, audience expansion, and new monetization model development.
Creator career professionalization will likely accelerate, with formal training programs, industry certifications, and professional development resources becoming more common. Universities are already developing a creator economy curriculum that treats content creation as a legitimate career path.
International expansion opportunities will increase as Chinese platforms develop global reach and Chinese creators build international audiences. This expansion will likely create new revenue opportunities and cultural exchange possibilities.
Technology integration will continue evolving, with virtual reality, augmented reality, and advanced AI tools creating new content creation possibilities that could further expand the mobile gaming creator economy’s reach and impact.
The Sustainable Creator Economy Model
The mobile gaming creator economy in China has demonstrated remarkable sustainability compared to other creator economy segments. The combination of diverse monetization streams, engaged audiences, and continuously evolving technology creates a foundation for long-term growth rather than boom-bust cycles common in other digital industries.
This sustainability attracts serious entrepreneurs who view creator careers as long-term business opportunities rather than temporary income sources. The professional approach to content creation, audience development, and monetization optimization creates lasting value that extends beyond individual viral moments.
The democratization of professional-quality content creation tools ensures that barriers to entry remain low while allowing established creators to maintain competitive advantages through experience, audience relationships, and business development skills.
As the industry matures, it’s clear that mobile gaming content creation represents a fundamental shift in how entertainment is produced, distributed, and monetized in China, with implications that extend far beyond gaming into broader digital economy transformation.
E-Sports
“You Can’t Do It” – Professional Esports Team is Hosting “Esports Dissuasion Classes” to Scare Children Who Think They Can Make it as Professional Gamers Straight
Oddity Central – To discourage young gamers from becoming addicted to video games with the dream of becoming professional esports competitors, a Chinese esports team holds ‘esports dissuasion classes’. With esports becoming increasingly popular internationally and world-class competitors finally being able to support themselves with their earnings, more and more young gamers dream of one day […]

Oddity Central – To discourage young gamers from becoming addicted to video games with the dream of becoming professional esports competitors, a Chinese esports team holds ‘esports dissuasion classes’.
With esports becoming increasingly popular internationally and world-class competitors finally being able to support themselves with their earnings, more and more young gamers dream of one day becoming esports stars and use this as an excuse to play video games. Seeing many parents complain about their children focusing more on video games than their education, one Chinese esports organization decided to hold ‘esports dissuasion classes’ to show young gamers the amount of work and time professional esports athletes put in to make it in this highly competitive scene.
What a novel idea from our friends across the Pacific. Much like a bowl of peanut butter noodles, reality is a dish best served cold. “What’s that, kid? You want to play video games for a living? Well why don’t you smoke this WHOLE PACK of cigarettes.”
Becoming a professional gamer has become a new career dream for many children, but making a living from video games isn’t as easy as it sounds, and one esports organization in Shijiazhuang, China’s Hebei Province, has come up with a way to show wannabe esports players the harsh reality of competitive gaming at the highest level. Its new “Esports Dissuasion Class” not only simulates the high-pressure environment of professional esports, allowing children to experience the intensity and psychological pressure of professional players, but also invites real professional players to share their experiences to help kids understand that the barriers to entry are far higher than they might imagine.
The Esports dissuasion class begins at 9 a.m. and ends around midnight, during which time attendees are virtually glued to their keyboards and monitors, with only short breaks for eating, exercise, and going to the bathroom. The 22-day course costs 40,000 yuan ($5,580), but it’s incredibly popular with parents wanting to wean their children off video games. It’s incredibly effective, too, as, according to The Paper, some children break down and ask to go home after the first day.
I like the cut of his esports team’s jib. I especially appreciate how starting this “scared straight” video game camp was never even their intention. They originally set out to start an esports school that would identify potential talent.
According to Su Chenhao, the program director, since 2018, nearly 4,000 young people have joined the organization, 85% of whom “wanted to become a professional gamer” or “believed they have a talent for gaming.” However, many children simply seek to escape reality, and the truly talented esports talent is a rare find.
“Our original idea was to select potential e-sports talents, but we didn’t expect that more and more children would be persuaded to quit,” Su said.
But once their program got going, they seemingly realized, “Oh, shit. 99% of these kids actually suck. Maybe we should focus on doing what’s best for the 99%, instead of the 1% of kids who might be worth a damn to our video game team some day.”
And if one of the kids is actually talented enough, and seems to thrive sitting in front of a screen for 15 hours straight, I’d imagine this esports team would tell them that. But I’d also imagine that’s not often the case.
When I read this story, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Could this work with professional sports-sports in the United States?”
Do we need “Professional Athlete Dissuasion” classes in the United States? I say yes. Hear me out. I don’t think we need it for the kids themselves. For the most part, I think kids who want to dedicate their childhood to sports because they aspire to be professional athletes is a great thing. That’s so much better than so many of the alternatives. It certainly rears more real-world benefits than things like smoking weed, smoking crack, or spending all of your time in front of a screen kicking LeBron James’ ass with the Powder Puff Girls.
But America could 100% benefit from, “Your Kid Is Not Good Enough To Be A Professional Athlete” classes for the hardo youth sports parents out there. The one’s who make sports not fun for their kids. If every professional sports team in America ran one of these camps in the off-season… camps geared towards showing overbearing parents exactly how “not good enough” their child is… think of all the father-son relationships that could save?
Getting the right parent-kid combos to sign up would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Say you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. You host an invite only camp for “youth football prospects” at Heinz Field (I know it’s Acrisure Stadium now, but c’mon…). Tell the parents that their kids are being invited because one of their coaches recognized his unbelievable potential. Since these parents are delusional about their kid’s ability, they’re obviously going to believe it. But in reality, the nominations will come from coaches who recognize that a kid on their team has parents in need of a reality check. Ideally, a parent who the coach can tell is making his kid’s life hell.
Naturally, during the camp, the delusional & overly-involved parents will be sitting in the stands watching all week long. So the Steelers might also want to invite a handful of kids who legitimately do have pro potential, just to give the parents an additional point of reference to show exactly how “not good enough” their kid is. At the end of the camp, Mike Tomlin would sit down with each parent (or parents) for a face-to-face meeting where he tells them point blank, “Your kid is not a special talent. I’m not even sure if he has eyes. Or hands. No college coach will recruit him in a million years. It doesn’t matter how hard you work him. It’s not because he isn’t trying hard enough. He’s simply not gifted enough. Just let him be a kid.”
Maybe hearing it straight from an NFL coaches mouth will serve as the reality check the parent needs to ease up on the reins, and let his kid actually have fun playing sports without the the weight of impossible expectations on their shoulders.

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I’m not exactly sure what the right age for this would be. Maybe middle school? There would obviously be some kinks to work out. But if they get it right, then years from now when that kid is an adult, it could be the difference between a loving father-son relationship, and a son who resents his dad because he stole his childhood. Or feels like a disappointment because he was never able to fulfill his father’s dream. I can name multiple kids I played sports with or against growing up who would have loved nothing more than a well-respected sports figure tempering his parents expectations.
Or maybe this would just have the opposite effect and the parents would hear Mike Tomlin words and think, “I’ll show him”, and then really ramp up the insanity. Who fucking knows. But I think there’s something to it.
E-Sports
Missouri Sports Betting Landscape Takes Shape With New Partnerships, Licensing Decisions
Missouri’s sports betting market is beginning to take shape ahead of a Dec. 1 launch, with DraftKings and Circa Sports securing untethered licenses, FanDuel pursuing a tethered license, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming announcing a new partnership with Boyd Gaming. The moves set the stage for a competitive mix of operators as the state prepares […]

Missouri’s sports betting market is beginning to take shape ahead of a Dec. 1 launch, with DraftKings and Circa Sports securing untethered licenses, FanDuel pursuing a tethered license, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming announcing a new partnership with Boyd Gaming. The moves set the stage for a competitive mix of operators as the state prepares to award 12 additional tethered mobile licenses this fall.
Missouri’s online sports betting market is quickly coming into focus as operators and casinos prepare for the Dec. 1 launch of Missouri sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks. A week after the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) awarded its two coveted untethered licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports, the competition for the state’s 12 tethered mobile licenses is heating up — and major players are already securing partnerships.
DraftKings, Circa seize early edge in Missouri sports betting race
The MGC’s decision to grant untethered licenses — which allow operators to launch independently without partnering with a casino or professional sports team — to DraftKings and Circa Sports surprised many in the industry. DraftKings was widely expected to secure one of the two licenses, but Circa’s entry over FanDuel and BetMGM caught analysts off guard.
The decision leaves FanDuel, BetMGM and other national sportsbooks to pursue tethered licenses, which require a revenue-sharing agreement with a Missouri casino or pro sports team.
FanDuel eyes tethered license after Missouri sports betting snub
Although missing out on an untethered license was a setback, FanDuel is still considered a frontrunner for one of the state’s tethered licenses. The application window remains open until Sept. 12, and the MGC is expected to announce recipients soon after.
Industry observers believe FanDuel will almost certainly gain entry into Missouri, given its market dominance in other states, where it consistently competes with DraftKings for more than 70% of national handle.
Based on PlayUSA projections, Missouri sports betting apps could generate more than $170 million in annual revenue, with FanDuel potentially securing a 30% market share. That would equate to about $51 million in revenue during the last four months of 2025, making Missouri a likely top-15 state for the company.
State | 2024 population (estimate) | Total revenue from September to November 2024 | Revenue per capita (average) | Per-capita revenue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona | 7,582,384 | $218,272,757 | $28.79 | |
Massachusetts | 7,136,171 | $208,283,016 | $28.19 | |
Indiana | 6,924,275 | $159,157,350 | $22.99 | |
Maryland | 6,263,220 | $197,372,081 | $31.51 | |
Colorado | 5,957,493 | $150,086,924 | $25.19 | |
Total | 33,863,543 | $933,172,128 | $27.56 | |
Missouri (projected) | 6,245,466 | $172,105,287 | $27.56 |
Missouri could also become a relatively important market in FanDuel’s broader portfolio. The operator’s most profitable states include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Adding Missouri would not only boost revenue but also create an interesting geographic link: the state would fill the gap between Kansas and Illinois, giving FanDuel state-line-to-state-line sports betting coverage stretching from Wyoming to Vermont.
Fanatics-Boyd team-up reshapes Missouri sportsbook landscape
In another major development, Fanatics Betting and Gaming (FBG) announced a strategic, multi-year partnership with Boyd Gaming. Under the agreement, Fanatics Sportsbook will operate mobile sports betting under Boyd’s license and will open branded retail sportsbooks at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City and Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa St. Charles.
“Fanatics Sportsbook plans to launch its online and retail betting products with the debut of regulated sports wagering in Missouri this December, contingent upon receipt of all required regulatory approvals,” the company said in announcing the partnership.
The rollout will also feature Fanatics’ signature consumer incentives. As the company put it in a GlobeNewsWire press release: “Winning Hits Different in Missouri on Fanatics Sportsbook with up to 10% FanCash back on every bet, win or lose; Fair Play™ injury protection; and events and experiences that only Fanatics can pull off.”
Boyd Gaming will benefit from Fanatics’ growing brand presence and customer base, while FBG strengthens its national expansion alongside competitors such as DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM.
The partnership highlights the importance of tethered licenses in Missouri, as operators unable to secure one of the two untethered licenses must align with a local partner to participate.
Countdown to Missouri sports betting apps launch begins
With the tethered license application window closing in just a few weeks, the Missouri sports betting landscape is beginning to solidify. DraftKings and Circa will enter the market untethered, while FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics and others race to finalize tethered deals.
The MGC is expected to announce tethered license approvals this fall, giving operators a short runway to prepare before the Dec. 1 statewide launch ahead of the NFL playoffs.
Missouri’s mix of untethered and tethered operators, combined with strong competition among industry heavyweights, positions the state to quickly become one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the Midwest.
E-Sports
When cash gaming died, cricket lost its fantasy too: What comes next?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship deal with Dream11, marking the most high-profile corporate split in the aftermath of the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, according to media reports. For years, fantasy sports and real money gaming (RMG) platforms thrived on […]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship deal with Dream11, marking the most high-profile corporate split in the aftermath of the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, according to media reports.
For years, fantasy sports and real money gaming (RMG) platforms thrived on the visibility offered by cricket partnerships. Today, that synergy appears to be crumbling.
Just weeks after the new legislation placed a complete ban on RMG services in India, industry leaders are issuing stark declarations. The ban has effectively wiped out what was once the sector’s largest growth engine. According to AIGF projections, the Indian gaming industry was on track to reach $8.6 billion by 2027—a figure now dramatically out of reach.
Platform owners announce shutdowns
Several RMG companies—from fantasy sports operators to card-based platforms—are now suspending or winding down services:
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- Dream11: Following the loss of its BCCI partnership, insiders suggest the company is restructuring and exploring a pivot toward skill-based casual games. A spokesperson admitted: “The new framework compels us to rethink our offerings in India. We are evaluating compliance while accelerating global expansion.”
See you in our second innings. pic.twitter.com/oEfBNiC4dd
— Dream11 (@Dream11) August 22, 2025
- Mobile Premier League (MPL): Once among India’s fastest-growing startups, MPL confirmed it was halting all money-based games domestically.
- WinZO: In an official update, WinZO stated it is “withdrawing impacted offerings w.e.f 22 August 2025” while doubling down on social gaming and international plays.
- Zupee: Announced it would discontinue paid games but continue free titles like Ludo Supreme and Snakes & Ladders.
- PokerBaazi (Moonshine, part-owned by Nazara Technologies): In a filing to the BSE and NSE, Nazara confirmed PokerBaazi has ceased RMG operations. Importantly, Nazara emphasized the move has “no impact on consolidated revenues or EBITDA”, reaffirming its stronger focus on esports, social, and casual gaming — areas explicitly supported under the new bill.
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- Others: Round-ups from major outlets show multiple fantasy, rummy, and poker apps suspending cash-based contests immediately after the bill’s passage.
The sports sponsorship domino
The ban’s advertising and sponsorship restrictions have spilled into cricket, India’s most valuable marketing stage. Dream11’s exit leaves the BCCI scrambling to secure a new high-visibility sponsor just ahead of the Asia Cup. Reports suggest the board has also decided to steer clear of similar gaming-linked tie-ups in the future.
- India had 488 million online gamers in 2024, including 155 million engaged in RMG formats such as fantasy, poker, and rummy (+10% YoY).
- Prior to this reset, the broader market was on a steep trajectory: Lumikai pegged FY24 revenue at $3.8B with a projected path to $9.2B by FY29. Earlier reports had forecast $8.6B by 2027 — the context behind today’s stark headline.
The new law prohibits offering and promoting money-based games, with stiff penalties for violations. For platforms with deposit-to-win mechanics, compliance meant one thing: shut down immediately or pivot. That’s why announcements from MPL, Dream11, WinZO, and Zupee came within hours.
What happens next?
With the regulatory reset shaking up India’s online gaming landscape, the industry is entering a decisive transition phase. The ban on RMG ads, shifting revenue models, and sponsorship voids are forcing stakeholders to rethink strategies across products, marketing, and community engagement. What unfolds next will redefine not just gaming, but the wider sports and entertainment ecosystem.
Product pivots: The industry is already bracing for accelerated shifts toward free-to-play social games, esports formats, and overseas expansion. Several Indian firms are actively testing waters in the US and Latin America, betting on culturally adaptable IP and mobile-first experiences. The post-RMG landscape will force studios to double down on engagement-driven models rather than cash incentives.
Marketing reset: With fantasy and RMG advertising banned, the sponsorship landscape is undergoing a dramatic reset. Expect sports leagues and bodies that once relied heavily on fantasy platforms to now court FMCG, fintech, and telecom brands to plug the revenue gap. This transition could also spark more integrated brand partnerships rather than pure-play ad spends.
Ecosystem jolt: A sizeable ecosystem of influencers, affiliates, and streamers had built their presence around cash contest promotions. They now face a reinvention moment—pivoting to skill gaming, esports commentary, lifestyle content, or mainstream gaming coverage to retain relevance and audiences. The shift may also clean up grey-market promotion practices and open the door for new, more responsible engagement models.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members
E-Sports
Betxsure launches affiliate program with Income Access targeting Brazil and Chile
Platform and player offering Betxsure delivers an “all-in-one” experience, with competitive odds, live betting, daily promotions, and thousands of casino games. The site is crypto-friendly, accepts various payment methods, and offers a 3rd deposit bonus: 50% up to $500,000 CLP (US$523). Why join as an affiliate? At launch, Betxsure offers 50% Revenue Share during the […]

Platform and player offering
Betxsure delivers an “all-in-one” experience, with competitive odds, live betting, daily promotions, and thousands of casino games. The site is crypto-friendly, accepts various payment methods, and offers a 3rd deposit bonus: 50% up to $500,000 CLP (US$523).
Why join as an affiliate?
At launch, Betxsure offers 50% Revenue Share during the first two months. After that period, affiliates benefit from customized, flexible deals aligned with each partner’s goals and growth — all tracked via the Income Access platform, with detailed tracking, reporting, and campaign materials.
Those interested in long-term partnerships with a rapidly growing brand can register for the Betxsure Affiliate Program and contact Income Access’ affiliate manager for more details.
Betxsure
Betxsure provides a complete, personalized experience for players, offering the best odds, live betting, daily promotions, and thousands of casino games. The platform supports cryptocurrencies, traditional payments, and is fully optimized for mobile devices, ensuring players enjoy safe, seamless access wherever they are. Integrated responsible gaming tools help maintain a secure and entertaining environment for all.
For players
Players can earn Betxsure Coins while playing, which can be redeemed for cash, amazing bonuses, or exclusive gifts — turning loyalty into real rewards.
The Achievements System adds another layer of fun, while the VIP Program offers dedicated players extra perks and access to even bigger rewards. For those chasing the thrill of a big win, massive jackpots are now waiting to be claimed.
For affiliates
Betxsure offers 50% Revenue Share during the first two months. After this initial period, affiliates can benefit from personalized, flexible commission agreements designed to meet their specific business goals and growth paths.
Source: GMB
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