Infinity Gaming Magazine March 2024

Opinion Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

THE GENDER GAP

THE STORY OF ADVERTISING

4 EDITOR NOTES

Editor welcomes you to the latest edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.

11 BLOCKING IN AUSTRALIA

15 BIG INVESTMENT

16 UNDERSTANDING S.H

25 BRAZIL DITHERS

26 UNIVERSITY DEGREES

+ NEWS & MORE NEWS from the gaming industry

A note from the editor

Looking at our future past

Lana Thompson - Editor

The March 2024 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and time flies as we just recovered from the brilliant IGA Awards and here we are taking nominations for the 2024 Women in Gaming (WIG) Diversity & Inclusion Awards!

Also we are now entering the 14th edition of the WIG Diversity Awards and thank you to our current sponsors Digitain, Bally’s, Betsson, Gamomat and IGT

Indeed nominations are still open until the first week in April and already we have had more companies taking part than ever before and so can the WIG Diversity 2024 be the biggest ever? Well it is all down to companies and their people to show how important this original and innovative event is to the industry.

So what you waiting for get over to the

website and get your nominations in for those truly superb people within your company, they deserve the recognition.

Away from the WIG Diversity and the magazine, this month we are focusing on two parts, firstly focussing on some ladies that we believe should be followed in their careers as we think they are rising stars in our business. We also have some great articles on gender pay gap and even they sensitive topic of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The second part is looking back at where Artificial Intelligence, advertising and marketing all originated from. Something related to our industry for sure and knowing its history helps us define our future.

That’s all from me for this edition, next time we will be celebrating the finalists for the WIG Diversity Awards and also have some superb interviews.

Enjoy this special edition of this magazine.

“To Infinity and Beyond!”

Regards, Lana

The Editor

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Women Who Inspire Others 2024

The list below of industry achievers is in recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) held on the 8th March. The list aims to showcase the amazing women that are achieving great career paths within the gaming industry worldwide.

It is not a definitive list but highlights that the industry has some inspiring women and with the forthcoming Women in Gaming (WIGD) Diversity and Inclusion Awards taking place on the 6th June 2024.

With the WIGD now entering its 14th year recognising and celebrating women, inclusion and diversity we hope that in some small way we have helped propel the discussion of equality within our industry further.

#inspireinclusion #IWD2024 #WOMEINGAMING #WIGD2024

Hanna Beck Marketing Manager Gamomat

Jennifer Bowman Senior Director Marketing IGT

Barbara Batári Head of Marketing & Sales Just for the Win

Kimberley Broad CCO Games Global

Lucy Buckley Chief Commercial Officer Allwyn UK

Danielle Calafato Chief Commercial Officer Gaming Corps

Christine Chou Director of Marketing Bally’s

Irina Cornides COO Pragmatic Play

Elizabeth Crutchfield Senior Programme and Planning Manager Entain

Denisa Csepregi Head of Partnerships at IGT PlayDigital

Clemence Dujardin Group CEO at MyAffiliates

Nicole Guilmoto

Key Account Manager at Eyecon

Runa Walia Desai VP Marketing at OpenBet

BPallavi Deshmukh Chief Executive Officer at NetGaming

Janice (Colquhoun) Duncan CFO Casumo

Lindsay Dunford Director of Corporate Communications at Flutter Entertainment

Aregnaz Hakobyan Group Chief Marketing Officer Digitain

Amy Howe CEO FanDuel

Women Who Inspire Others 2024

Siobhan Lane Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Light & Wonder

Ciara Nic Liam Managing Director, Gaming at Entain Group

Dr. Alexandra Krone Managing Director Gamomat

Chu Yook Liew Creative Director & Design Studio Manager Greentube

Christine Lewis VP Operations Europe – Lion Gaming

Maria Loumpourdi Global Head of Talent Development Betsson

Tatyana Kaminskaya Head of Game Aggregator SOFTSWISS

Kristiina Kerma Head of Marketing Operations at Coolbet

Anna Komemi COO Videoslots

Sally Mohamed Diversity and Inclusion Council Member, Executive Coach IGT

Sabine Muller Chief Design Officer Gamomat

Zoe Osmond Chief Executive at GambleAware

Lucy Owen VP Commercial Playtech

Sini Rantala SEO Brand Owner Lead at Betsson Group

Alice Timson Commercial Director at Realistic Games

Laura Peretta Head of Supplier Relations at Betsson Group

Joann Pierce CCO US Games Global

Alexe (Isle) Reichert Director Creative Services 888

Linda Stralberg Development Manager at Bally’s Interactive

Randi Topham VP Global Marketing Light & Won-

Daniela Vella Chief Operating Officer at ComeOn

ACMA Orders Blocking Of Eight Gambling Sites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is tightening its grip on illegal gambling operations, ordering the blocking of eight more websites found to be violating the country’s gambling laws.

ACMA has identified Lucky7even, 50 Crowns, Rockwin, Bitdreams, Mr Pacho, Casino Infinity, Zota Bet, and Spicyjackpots as the latest culprits. These sites are deemed to be in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

ACMA, however, has not disclosed the specific breaches committed by these sites. The authority has the power to take action against a website if it has committed certain offenses. Some of these offenses include offering prohibited interactive gambling services to Australian players, operating without a license, or promoting other unlicensed services.

ACMA’s Statement: “ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have

important consumer protections. This means our laws can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the service provider withholds winnings.”

The authority further advises Australians to check the ACMA register to verify if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.

Although ACMA itself does not have the ability to block websites, it can request Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to do so.

Since November 2019, when ACMA made its first blocking request, about 945 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Moreover, 221 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since ACMA started enforcing rules against illegal offshore gambling.

ACMA’s recent efforts follow last month’s blocking request targeting 12 other websites. Sites such as Playzilla, Wazamba, Zet Casino, and Slots Palace were among those identified.

Other recent blocking orders included Greenspin, Slotman, Jeetcity, Betibet, Candyland Casino, Thunderpick, Golden Lion, Digits 7, Sector 777, New Vegas, and PayID Pokies.

Towards the end of 2023, ACMA took action against four prominent online gambling brands for breaching in-play betting rules. However, ACMA later accepted that the brands had eventually complied with the rules and decided not to take further action.

Initially, ACMA alleged that these operators violated interactive gambling rules by using ‘Fast/Quick codes’ to facilitate in-play betting on sports. Ladbrokes and Neds, owned by Entain, along with Hillside’s Bet365 and Sportsbet, were the four named parties.

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 restricts in-play betting on sports matches, with only limited exceptions.

The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a concept in human consciousness for several decades now, but it is only in recent times that it has become an integral part of our daily lives and business operations. AI’s symbiotic relationship with us has permeated all aspects of our existence, from early disease detection and treatment methods to streamlining business operations and creating new revenue channels.

Lets Take you on a journey through the history of AI, highlighting the significant milestones and developments that have shaped it into the powerful tool it is today.

The Dawn of AI (1950s)

The conception of AI as we understand it today began in the 1950s. This period saw the birth of the Atomic Age and AI, both of which were seen as existential threats to humanity.

In 1950, the pioneering British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing published the seminal paper, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” introducing the Turing Test and laying the groundwork for what would later become known as AI.

The following year, Marvin Minsky, later known as the father of AI, and Dean Edmonds developed the first artificial neural network, SNARC. This machine used 3,000 vacuum tubes to simulate a

network of 40 neurons.

AI and Machine Learning (19521959)

In 1952, Arthur Samuel created the world’s first self-learning program that played games, the Samuel CheckersPlaying Program, marking the dawn of machine learning.

Towards the end of the decade, the term ‘artificial intelligence’ was coined by John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon in a proposal for a workshop that is now widely recognized as a seminal event in AI.

The 1960s: Chatbots and Robots

The 1960s witnessed the birth of Eliza, a chatbot with cognitive capabilities, and Shakey, the world’s first mobile intelligent robot. Eliza was created by Joseph Weizenbaum and was capable of engaging humans in conversation, making them believe she had humanlike emotions.

The AI Winter and Renaissance (1970s and 1980s)

The 1970s and 1980s were characterized by a period of reduced interest and funding in AI research, known as the AI winter. This was followed by an AI renaissance in the 1980s, signaled by the commercialization of Symbolics Lisp machines.

AI in the 1990s and 2000s: Speech and Video Processing

The 1990s and 2000s saw significant advancements in speech and video processing. The 2000s also witnessed the birth of IBM Watson, personal as-

sistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, facial recognition technologies, and autonomous vehicles.

AI in the 2010s: Deep Learning and Machine Learning

The 2010s were marked by the explosion of deep learning and machine learning. In 2012, Geoffrey Hinton, Ilya Sutskever, and Alex Krizhevsky introduced a deep CNN architecture that won the ImageNet challenge, triggering a boom in deep learning research and implementation.

AI in the 2020s: Generative AI and Multimodal AI Systems

The 2020s have seen the growth of generative AI and multimodal AI systems. In 2021, OpenAI introduced the Dall-E multimodal AI system that can generate images from text prompts.

AI: Beyond 2023

The future of AI is filled with promise and speculation. AI’s continuing tech-

nological advancements are expected to influence business processes, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, customer experience, workforce environments, education, agriculture, law, IT systems and management, cybersecurity, and transportation.

The Impact of AI on Business

According to a 2023 Gartner survey, 55% of organizations that have deployed AI always consider AI for every new use case they evaluate. By 2026, Gartner expects organizations that operationalize AI transparency, trust, and security to see their AI models achieve a 50% improvement in terms of adoption, business goals, and user acceptance.

Ethical Considerations in AI

The rapid advancement of AI has also brought with it numerous ethical considerations. Issues of trust, privacy, transparency, accountability, and humanity have emerged and will continue to clash and seek levels of acceptability among businesses and society.

The Future of AI

The ultimate goal of AI is to achieve artificial general intelligence. Current developments are advancing towards this goal with technologies like neuromorphic processing showing promise in mimicking human brain cells, enabling computer programs to work simultaneously instead of sequentially.

The journey of AI from its inception to its current state is a testament to human innovation and the limitless possibilities of technology. As we continue to navigate this era of AI, we can expect further advancements that will revolutionize the way we live and work.

Philippines Set For $6 Billion Casino Investment

The Philippines is looking to become one of Asia’s top gambling destinations as it attracts up to $6 billion in investments in the casino sector over the next five years. This surge in foreign and domestic investments is expected to solidify the country’s position in the gaming industry. With the opening of new casinos and the expansion of the electronic gaming segment, the Philippines is set to experience continued growth in its casino industry.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp Chairman, Alejandro Tengco, revealed that at least one new casinoresort will be opening every other year, not limited to the capital city of Manila. The expansion will extend to areas like Clark, a former United States military base, and Cebu in the country’s central region. This move aims to diversify the casino industry and attract visitors to different parts of the Philippines.

Tengco stated, “We will have continued growth because of the opening of new casinos and the expansion in

the electronic gaming segment.” The country’s gaming regulator anticipates reaching its target of 450 billion to 500 billion pesos (US$8 billion to 9 billion) in total gross gaming revenue (GGR) by 2027, a year earlier than originally projected. The Philippines achieved record-breaking total GGR of 285 billion pesos in 2023, according to government data.

The absence of mainland Chinese high-rollers, which resulted from the coronavirus pandemic and stricter regulations on junkets, was compensated by gamblers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the domestic mass market. This influx of players allowed casino resort operators such as Bloomberry Resorts, Japan’s Universal Entertainment, SM Investments, and Alliance Global Group to achieve strong performances in the past year.

The Philippine gaming industry is preparing for potential competition from neighbouring countries like Japan and Thailand. Japan has recently approved its first casino, while Thailand is reconsidering the legalization of

casinos. To fortify its position, the Philippines aims to mature its gaming industry over the next five to six years.

The influx of investments in the casino sector brings numerous benefits and opportunities for the Philippines. The growth of the gaming industry contributes to job creation, boosts tourism, and generates revenue for the local economy. It also attracts foreign visitors, stimulates the hospitality and entertainment sectors, and encourages further development of infrastructure.

The expansion of the casino industry creates job opportunities for Filipinos, ranging from construction jobs during the development phase to positions in hospitality, gaming operations, and management. Additionally, the increased number of casinos and resorts throughout the country will attract tourists from around the world, boosting the tourism sector and supporting related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

This has never been a highly reported issue within the online gaming industry, however over past years much has been written of problems within the land based sector, this has been improved thou, but just in case read on Founder & Managing Partner, Gamomat Development GmbH

Sexual harassment in the workplace is an issue that has gained significant attention in recent years. However, understanding what constitutes such behavior, how to handle it, and the rights of the involved parties remain critical yet misunderstood aspects.

Defining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment refers to any undesired conduct of a sexual nature that infringes on a person’s dignity, intended or not. It can be a single event or a series of actions and does not need to be repetitive to be classified as harassment.

Notably, the behavior must result in an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive environment for the victim. Such behavior includes:

*Making sexual remarks about someone’s body, clothing, or appearance.

*Inquiring about someone’s sexual life.

*Making sexually offensive jokes, comments about someone’s sexual orientation or gender reassignment.

*Displaying or sharing pornographic or sexual images, or other sexual content.

*Physical contact such as touching someone against their will or sexual assault.

Sexual harassment is not confined to the traditional office setting. Any event or situation connected to work can be considered as a workplace. This includes company events, client meetings, or even messaging between colleagues.

Victims of sexual harassment have the right to report the issue to their Human Resource (HR) department. The HR department is obliged to investigate the complaint meticulously, irrespective of the accused’s position within the organization. Some organizations also offer anonymity to the complainant to encourage more people to come forward.

Upon receiving a complaint of sexual harassment, employers must initiate an investigation. They must treat the issue seriously, regardless of the time elapsed between the incident and the reporting. Increasingly, companies are implementing policies and procedures to regulate behavior, such as codes of conduct and guidelines for behavior at workplace events.

The advent of social media has added another layer of complexity to the issue of sexual harassment. Employers need to establish clear policies that balance the right to privacy with the responsibility not to damage an organization’s reputation.

Those wrongly accused of sexual harassment should gather evidence to challenge the allegations. This could include a log of events, transcripts of conversations, or witnesses. Employers should neither assume the accusation is true nor false.

Many companies now have regulations about workplace relationships. Some do not permit them, while others require disclosure if one exists. This is often because the breakdown of a

relationship can often lead to harassment claims.

In response to the growing need for safe and confidential reporting mechanisms, initiatives like “Safe Space” have been launched. These platforms allow individuals to report inappropriate behavior confidentially, supplementing the existing reporting mechanisms of firms.

The HR department plays a crucial role in handling sexual harassment complaints. However, there is often a perception that HR departments work to protect the firm rather than the complainant. This perception can discourage victims from reporting incidents and embolden perpetrators.

While there are numerous steps that can be taken to mitigate the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace, real change lies in individuals deciding to behave differently. Encouraging everyone to speak up when they witness poor behavior and providing support for those who do is an essential step towards creating a safer and more respectful work environment.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a complex and sensitive issue that requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach. By understanding the nature of such behavior, knowing one’s rights, and being aware of the mechanisms in place to address it, individuals can contribute towards creating a more respectful and inclusive work environment.

China Warns Its Nationals To Stop Gambling Overseas

The Chinese embassy in Singapore recently issued a strong cautionary note to its citizens residing in the city-state to refrain from all forms of gambling, citing that overseas gambling contravenes Chinese laws.

The directive came amid Beijing’s mounting attempts to clamp down on Chinese nationals wagering across Southeast Asia, a region frequented by tourists. The embassy made a solemn appeal to the Chinese community in Singapore to heighten their legal consciousness and avoid engaging in gambling activities.

The Chinese government’s crackdown on cross-border, off-shore, and online gambling has seen a significant uptick, with many countries receiving similar advisories in an effort to curtail these illicit activities and threats posed to citizens abroad.

Singapore is home to two casinos, one operated by Las Vegas Sands and the other by Genting Singapore. “Even if overseas casinos are legally operating, cross-border gambling by Chinese citizens is suspected of contravening the laws of our country,” the embassy stated.

The embassy’s statement underscores that embassies and consulates may not be able to provide consular protection for violations. The Chinese authorities are determined to curb cross-border gambling which may lead to risks such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, detention, trafficking, and smuggling.

The Chinese embassy in Singapore has highlighted these potential hazards in its recent statement. These risks, they argue, are sufficiently grave to warrant the avoidance of gambling activities by Chinese citizens overseas.

Recent times have seen the Chinese embassies in South Korea and Sri Lanka also issuing comparable warnings. This move signifies a concerted global effort by the Chinese government to diminish the instances of cross-border gambling involving its citizens.

On February 22, law enforcement agencies in China and the Philippines joined forces to repatriate more than 40 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling, as per a statement from the Chinese embassy in the Philippines.

“The Chinese government has always opposed any form of gambling and opposes Chinese citizens leaving the country to engage in the gambling industry,” the embassy emphasized. This stance reflects China’s stringent laws and regulations around betting activities.

Maryland Online Casino Bill Moves Forward To Senate

The House of Delegates in Maryland has made a major step towards legalizing online casinos in the state, when they approved and forwarded House Bill 1319, an online casino legislation, to the Senate.

The bill, championed by Representative Vanessa Atterbeary, went through its third reading on March 16, 2024. This reading marked the bill’s journey out of the House and onto the Senate.

The proposed legislation aims to give Marylanders the power to decide on the legalization of online casinos through a referendum slated for November. This bill’s passage came just two days before the crossover deadline, with a House vote of 92-43 favoring its progression.

The Senate now has the task of progressing the bill before the general

assembly adjourns on April 8.

It’s noteworthy that this bill comes at a time when House leadership unveiled a $1.3bn budget plan. This budget plan is heavily dependent on tax revenues from legal internet gambling, which are targeted towards financing future education and transportation costs.

Maryland has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, with many industry stakeholders believing that the state stands the best chance of passing an online casino bill this year.

Despite the optimism, it’s worth noting that passing such bills has not been a walk in the park in the past. Various reasons, such as lack of understanding of what “online gaming” entails and the perception that local players won’t benefit, have hampered such efforts.

As the bill navigated its way through the House, it underwent numerous changes. While some of these changes are seen as negative by industry stakeholders, it’s expected that lobby groups will contest them as the bill progresses through the Senate.

One of the significant amendments made to the bill before its third reading was an increase in the number of available licenses. This amendment also included a ban on the use of credit cards to fund accounts and guidelines promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The bill proposes a minimum tax rate of 55% on electronic games. This rate is within the tax rate range of 18-57% observed in the seven states where online casinos are legal. Live-dealer games would attract a tax rate of 20%.

The Gender Gap in Executive Roles

The issue of gender inequality in corporate leadership is a global concern. Despite the gradual increase of women in executive roles, the duration of their stay at the pinnacle of power is alarmingly less compared to their male counterparts. This article explores the reasons behind this disparity and highlights potential solutions to bridge the gender gap.

Despite considerable progress in recent years, the representation of women in top leadership positions remains shockingly low. A glance at the list of FTSE 100 chief executives reveals that a staggering 91% of these critical roles are occupied by men. This glaring

inequality underscores the immense challenges women face on their ascent to the apex of the corporate ladder.

For women who manage to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling, reaching the pinnacle isn’t the end of hurdles. Women leaders encounter unique challenges that their male counterparts often don’t. This reality was highlighted in a recent report by Russell Reynolds, a leading global recruitment firm, which noted that women accounted for a record tenth of all global CEO departures in the previous year.

Prominent financier and mother of nine, Baroness Helena Morrissey, former

CEO of Newton Investment Management, suggested that female executives are often victims of the “tall poppy syndrome” in the UK. She noted that high-profile women leaders often face undue scrutiny, leading to their premature departure from top roles.

The past year witnessed a string of high-profile exits by female leaders, further amplifying concerns about gender equality. Among those who left were Dame Sharon White, former chair of John Lewis, and Sarah Bentley, who resigned from Thames Water following intense scrutiny of the supplier’s performance.

Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube boss, also left her position for personal reasons last year, stating a desire to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. This decision highlights the often unspoken expectation that women in leadership must juggle their professional roles with family responsibilities, a burden rarely shared equally with their male counterparts.

Dame Inga Beale, the first woman to lead Lloyd’s of London, noted that women leaders often face criticisms for not conforming to traditional leadership styles.

The media also plays a significant role in raising the profiles of female CEOs, sometimes leading to added pressure.

Jemima Olchawski, CEO of the Fawcett Society, a campaign for equality, noted that even high-earning women encounter gender barriers. Despite their professional successes, they are often expected to manage family responsibilities, such as childcare and elderly care. These expectations are deeply embedded in societal norms and often not based on rational decisions.

One of the significant issues women face is the lack of flexibility in the workplace. Many businesses have yet to modernize their working practices to accommodate the unique challenges faced by women, particularly those with family responsibilities.

One disturbing trend that research has uncovered is that women, regardless of their seniority, are appraised more negatively than men for the same performance. This bias is rooted in powerful gender norms and expectations of how women should behave.

Studies indicate that women have, on average, served as CEOs for 5.2 years, compared to 8.1 years for men since 2018. This pattern is not limited to corporate leadership but extends to other leadership roles, such as in politics.

For women with children, the journey to the top is often accompanied by a supportive partner ready to share family responsibilities. However, there’s a limit to the time these partners can make these sacrifices, contributing to the shorter tenure of women in leadership roles.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, adopting flexible working practices and modernizing the workplace can help. As Morrissey pointed out, CEOs should not be working 80-100 hours a week, as it doesn’t lead to sound judgment. This change will benefit everyone, regardless of gender.

In conclusion, the journey to the top for women is fraught with unique challenges. However, with conscious efforts to promote flexibility, fairness, and understanding, we can hope to see more women not just reaching the top, but also staying there for longer periods.

Brazil Dithers Over Naming Head Of Regulator

Despite the imminent advent of a nationwide online sports betting market, Brazil’s Secretariat of Bets and Prizes (SPA) is yet to confirm its name of a leader as regulator. The onus of this important task falls on the shoulders of Fernando Haddad, Brazil’s Minister of Finance. While the clock ticks, Haddad is under tremendous pressure to announce the head of this critical authority.

SPA’s mandate is wide-ranging and critical for the smooth functioning of the Brazilian betting market. It will be responsible for governance, enforcement of sports marketing requirements, and ensuring integrity and anti-match fixing regulations are strictly adhered to.

The Ministry of Finance had announced back in February that it had finished plans to establish a ‘Special

Secretariat’ to monitor and report on gambling activities. As per the Ministry’s decree, “SPA will function within the Ministry of Finance to enhance its structure and boost government actions in regulating the fixed-odds betting market, online games, and carrying out legal duties related to lotteries and commercial promotions.”

Enthusiasm is building up for the long-anticipated launch of Brazil’s online sports betting market. The government of President Lula da Silva confirmed this development in early January 2024. This market is expected to be one of the largest globally.

However, since this announcement, the Brazilian Congress has grown increasingly impatient with the perceived lack of progress on the regulation of the ‘Bets’ framework. Haddad is now on the hot seat, with various political interests jostling for influence

over how this lucrative market will be run.

The upcoming market launch holds immense significance for a number of stakeholders in Brazil. The government, for one, is looking at the prospect of increased tax revenue. But the list of interested parties doesn’t end there. It includes betting operators and suppliers, and various sports organisations.

Betting taxation will result in 36% of state revenues from the industry being directed towards sports administrators and associations. Moreover, sports clubs will also stand to gain from betting sponsorship.

SPA’s operations will be guided by eight governors. They will have specific responsibilities relating to Brazil’s economic and financial governance.

Evaluating the Consequences of Certain Degrees on Career Advancement

Most of our readers have gone past this situation in our lives but how many of us made the wrong choice and have we got children considering their options at University?

Then this article is definately for you. Founder & Managing Partner,

In the pursuit of higher education, students often find themselves facing a myriad of choices. One such decision is the selection of the degree they wish to pursue. In recent times, the rise of unconventional degree programs, often dubbed as “Mickey Mouse degrees”, has made the selection process even more complex. This article aims to dissect the

potential impact of these degrees on career progression, and whether their worth is as controversial as the moniker suggests.

The world of academia has seen a surge in unique degree programs. From modules focused on pop culture icons like Harry Styles to entire courses dedicated to bakery and patisserie

technology, the diversity in degree offerings is expansive. These unconventional degrees, often termed as “Mickey Mouse degrees”, have sparked debates regarding their value in the job market.

Attaining a university degree is no small feat, both intellectually and financially. The average university degree often leaves graduates with hefty debts, which only begin to decrease once their salary reaches a certain threshold. High-earning individuals may find themselves paying off university debt well into their middle age, making the choice of degree even more significant.

While the allure of unique degree programs can be appealing, it’s essential to evaluate their worth in terms of career progression. Research has revealed that certain degrees may not provide the best return on investment. This includes mainstream academic programs such as English Literature.

To understand the potential earnings that different degrees can provide, job website Adzuna conducted a study analyzing the career pathways graduates of various subjects commonly take after university, and their potential earnings five years into their careers. The results revealed a list of 10 degrees that were deemed the worst value for money.

Despite high wage growth and soaring inflation, advertised salaries for graduates have remained stagnant. This suggests that while hiring remains steady, the increase in salaries is not keeping pace with inflation. As a result, graduates entering the job market may find their salaries not matching their expectations or meeting their financial needs.

Among the degrees evaluated, photography degrees were found to offer the worst value for money. Graduates from this program were found to earn an average salary of £24,242 five years after graduation. Other degrees that ranked low in terms of return on invest-

ment included courses in translation, criminology, and fine art.

While the statistics may paint a bleak picture for certain degrees, there are always exceptions to the rule. For instance, Ben Galyas, a fine arts graduate from Chelsea College of Arts, now earns over £100,000 a year plus bonuses. However, his lucrative income does not come from his degree but from a sales job connecting media and tech businesses.

Despite the success stories, it’s essential to acknowledge the limited corporate opportunities available to art graduates outside of sales. The competitive nature of the art industry and the limited entry-level jobs make it challenging for a large number of graduates to secure a job in their field of study.

Given the stagnation of graduate salaries, alternative paths such as apprenticeships are becoming a serious consideration for young job seekers. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity

to learn on the job and avoid the financial burden of university debt, making them an appealing option for many.

The stagnation of graduate salaries has led to a reevaluation of the promise of higher education. Students are encouraged to pursue higher education with the promise of a graduate premiumhigher earnings as a result of a degree. However, the reality seems to be that while graduates may be left with the debt, the pay premium may not materialize as promised.

Choosing a degree is a significant decision that can have long-term implications on a person’s career. While unconventional, “Mickey Mouse” degrees may appear enticing, it’s important to consider the potential return on investment and job prospects before making a decision. As the job market becomes more competitive, the value of a degree is not just in the knowledge it imparts, but also in its potential to open doors to rewarding career opportunities.

Entain Considers Selling Some Of Its International Brands

Entain is reportedly contemplating the sale of several of its international brands. This development comes as part of the company’s strategic move to optimize its operations and promote growth.

The firm’s reach extends to various global markets, offering a range of services from sports betting to online gaming. Some of these International brands include:BetCity, Ladbrokes, Enlabs and CrystalBet.

According to multiple reports, Entain has engaged advisors to oversee the possible sale of several of these brands. This decision, though still under consideration, could significantly alter the company’s international operations.

BetCity, a Netherlands-based brand acquired by Entain last year, is among the brands under review for potential sale. The decision comes after

the Netherlands announced stricter deposit limits expected to adversely impact Entain’s annual revenue and profit.

In addition to BetCity, other brands under review include the local Australian offshoot of Ladbrokes, Swedenbased Enlabs, and Georgia-based CrystalBet. These brands’ unique status, being separate from Entain’s main tech platform, makes them easier to offload.

Entain has enlisted the expertise of Wall Street boutique advisory firm Moelis to guide its board through the process. Any brand not integrated into Entain’s technology platform will be considered for disposal.

Like many gambling firms, Entain has enjoyed a surge in online betting during the pandemic. However, stringent regulations in its main markets have posed significant challenges to its operations.

The UK, the company’s largest market, is expected to publish a review this year that may include a stake cap on slots at 5 pounds and increased affordability checks. These changes could adversely impact Entain’s core profit.

The Netherlands, another key market for Entain, proposed tighter deposit limits from the second quarter of last year. These changes are expected to hit Entain’s annual revenue and profit.

As a result of the regulatory moves in the UK and Netherlands, Entain anticipates a 40 million pound hit to its core profit in 2024. Despite these regulatory challenges, the firm remains committed to providing exceptional services to its customers while maximizing shareholder value.

The Evolution of Advertising

Unveiling Trends, Unfolding Technologies, and Uncovering Opportunities

In the rapidly changing digital era, the path of advertising is continually shifting, paving the way for a future that transcends traditional product-pushing strategies. The future of advertising lies in establishing meaningful connections, narrating stories that resonate, and offering immersive experiences that the consumers didn’t even know they wanted. So buckle up! We are about to embark on an exploration journey into the innovative world of advertising

where creativity is boundless, and opportunities are as infinite as the human imagination.

The future of advertising promises to be more personalized, immersive, and interactive than ever before. Advertisers will leverage AI to customize ads, VR and AR for creating immersive experiences, and interactive ads to captivate consumers more profoundly.

Personalization: Advertisers will increasingly use artificial intelligence (AI) to

customize their ads based on individual consumers’ interests, demographics, and behaviors. This will enable advertisers to serve more relevant and engaging ads to each consumer.

Immersion: Advertisers will employ novel technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to create immersive advertising experiences. This will allow consumers to interact with ads in innovative ways and experience products and services before purchasing them.

Interactivity: Advertisers will use interactive ads to engage consumers more profoundly and motivate them to act. This could encompass elements like clickable video ads, shoppable ads, and interactive games.

In the face of current economic uncertainty, businesses are actively exploring cost-effective channels to engage customers and promote their offerings. As we gaze into 2023 and

beyond, it’s clear that advertising will undergo significant transformations. In this new landscape, companies will likely adopt a more cautious approach to advertising expenditures, demanding marketers to exhibit agility, efficiency, and ingenuity to maintain a competitive edge.

The digital marketing domain, propelled by the surge in digital media consumption and evolving consumer behaviors, is in a state of rapid change. To flourish in this ever-changing environment and optimize their budgets, businesses need to remain adaptable and wellinformed about the latest advertising trends.

Authenticity is vital in advertising, especially on social media. Consumers are in search of genuine and relatable brands they can trust. Social media, a critical advertising platform, requires a people-centric approach to establish meaningful

connections.

With over 59% of the global population engaged on social media, the influence of social media influencers is growing. Influencers, particularly those resonating with Gen Z, create authentic content that appeals to their followers.

Businesses must focus on partnering with influencers to authentically share their brand stories, nurturing customer loyalty through user-generated content and collaborations with both macro and micro-influencers. Authenticity remains pivotal for brand success in 2023 and beyond, enabling brands to stay memorable while building lasting customer relationships.

In today’s fast-paced world, our attention span is shrinking, making visuals essential in digital marketing. Video content, the superstar, grabs your attention in just 8 seconds – that’s the average attention

span today.

With videos, marketers can create quick, informative, and fun content that stirs emotions and makes your brand memorable. Great visuals leave a lasting impression in record time.

Companies are going all-in on visual marketing, even embracing augmented and virtual reality for immersive customer experiences.

To stay ahead, brands need to diversify content and tap into usergenerated visuals.

AI and machine learning play a crucial role in digital advertising. Predictions show the AI market soaring to $407 billion by 2027, with Google bracing for AI disruption within a year or two, according to Gmail creator Paul Buchheit.

In the realm of digital marketing, AI is a game-changer, automating tasks, saving time, and optimizing ad spending. It enables precise customer targeting based on online behavior, making ads personalized and campaigns more effective. AI is now a driving force from ad targeting to customer segmentation, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

Marketers leverage generative AI tools for crafting content, including videos, images, and music, streamlining the creation of personalized campaigns. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper produce compelling copy with minimal input. ChatGPT, for instance, has skyrocketed to over 100 million users just two months after its launch, prompting Google’s own release – Bard. These AI writing tools empower marketers to create audience-optimized content effortlessly.

Text-based search queries used to dominate the internet, but the rise of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri has shifted the game. Now, over 71% of consumers prefer voice search for its convenience and accuracy.

To stay relevant, businesses must tailor their content for voice searches, which tend to be longer and more conversational. People use voice assistants in a question-style manner, so marketers should adapt their content accordingly to capture these voice search queries.

Effective voice search optimization hinges on understanding natural language processing. It involves using long-tail keywords, integrating structured data, and optimizing for featured snippets in voice search results.

In 2023, voice search optimization will be a must for businesses aiming to shine in a competitive market. It helps

broaden their audience and enhances visibility in search engine results. By fine-tuning their voice search optimization strategies, marketers can propel their content to the top of search results, increasing their chances of getting noticed.

The use of mobile devices has seen explosive growth and is expected to continue its rise. Marketers must prioritize campaigns optimized for all screens, ensuring responsive websites and content that’s easily viewable on devices, especially those with vertical displays.

Mobile-centric campaigns need to focus on user experience, tailoring content and optimizing for speed. No one likes a slow-loading page or ad, especially on mobile. Short, concise ads are essential, as mobile users have shorter attention spans.

Mobile gaming is booming, offering marketers opportunities for engaging on-the-go users with creative campaigns and in-game rewards.

In 2023, mobile-centric campaigns remain vital for reaching target audiences in the mobile-dependent world. By emphasizing user experience and leveraging trends like mobile gaming and interest-based targeting, marketers can create successful campaigns that drive conversions and stand out in the crowded marketplace.

Emerging technologies are transforming the advertising industry, enabling advertisers to create more personalized, immersive, and engaging experiences for consumers.

One of the most exciting emerging technologies in advertising is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is being used to personalize ads, target audiences more precisely, and create more engaging advertising experiences. For example, AI can be used to generate personalized ad recommendations based on a user’s browsing history and purchase data. AI can also be used to create chatbots that can answer customer questions and provide support.

The Evolution Of Advertising

Another emerging technology that is having a significant impact on advertising is virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR and AR are being used to create immersive advertising experiences that allow consumers to interact with products and services in new ways. For example, VR can be used to give consumers a virtual tour of a new car or home. AR can be used to allow consumers to try on clothes or see how a piece of furniture would look in their home.

Blockchain is another emerging technology that is having a substantial impact on advertising. Blockchain is being used to create more transparent and secure advertising ecosystems. For example, blockchain can be used to track the performance of ad campaigns and ensure that advertisers are paying for the ads that are actually seen by consumers.

Finally, voice assistants are also creating new opportunities for advertising. Voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, can be used to create voiceactivated skills that allow consumers to order products or services using their voice assistants. This makes it easy and convenient for customers to interact with brands, which leads to higher sales and conversions.

These are just a few of the emerging technologies that are transforming the advertising industry. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and engaging advertising campaigns in the future.

The Shift in Consumer Behaviour

Throughout history, the way people shop and make choices as consumers has undergone remarkable changes. We’ve moved from simply looking for the best deals to valu-

ing quality and sustainability. Today, we’re a lot pickier about what we buy and consume, let’s have a look at the data that might help us to have a better understanding:

Present-day consumers are more likely to engage in thorough research before making a purchase decision.

Around 45% of Millennials compare prices across different retailers to find the best deals.

Embrace online shopping for convenience and a wider range of options.

35% are most likely to be influenced by social media in their purchase decisions.

Demand sustainable and ethically produced products and services.

The Evolution Of Advertising

Loyalty in the 2022 Global Landscape

In the midst of the uncertainty that marked the previous year, brand loyalty took a leap worldwide in 2022. A significant 76% of consumers now consider themselves loyal to one or more brands, showing a notable increase from the 67% reported in 2021. What’s intriguing is how this loyalty has evolved.

Incentivized Loyalty, which relies on discounts, rewards, and incentives, has decreased over the past year. While 45% of consumers stayed loyal to their favorite brands due to these perks in 2021, only 39% did so in 2022. This shift suggests that consumers are becoming more discerning, emphasizing the need for retailers to offer tailored incentives at the right moment.

Loyalty that stems from association with other brands, known as Inherited Loyalty, also dipped from 27% in 2021 to 21% in 2022. Ethical Loyalty, where consumers support brands for ethical reasons, such as sustainability and diversity, has fol-

lowed suit, decreasing from 19% in 2021 to 14% in 2022.

It’s possible that this decline in ethical loyalty, coupled with rising living costs, has contributed to Silent Loyalty holding steady, with 53% of consumers in 2021 versus 52% in 2022 quietly buying from brands they wouldn’t openly endorse.

Surprisingly, True Loyalty remains constant, with 23% of consumers in both 2021 and 2022 remaining devoted to a brand simply because they genuinely love and trust it.

Based on a survey conducted by emarsys, we can also see which sectors drive the most consumer loyalty.

Ethical and Privacy Aspects in Advertising

As advertising technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the ethical and privacy implications of these new technologies. Here are a few key areas to be aware of:

Data privacy: Advertisers are increasingly collecting and using personal data to target their ads more precisely. This raises concerns about how this data is collected, stored, and used. Advertisers need to be transparent about how they are using personal data and obtain users’ consent before using their data for advertising purposes.

Algorithmic bias: AI algorithms are used to personalize ads and target audiences. However, these algorithms can be biased, leading to ads that are discriminatory or unfair. Advertisers need to be aware of the potential for bias in their algorithms and take steps to mitigate it.

Deepfakes: Deepfakes are synthetic media that can be used to create realistic videos or images of people saying or doing things that they never actually said or did. Deepfakes could be used to create false or misleading advertisements. Advertisers need to be careful about using deepfakes in their advertising and ensure that their ads are truthful and accurate.

Surveillance advertising: Surveillance advertising is the use of data collected from people’s online activities to target them with ads. This can be done without people’s knowledge or consent. Surveillance advertising raises concerns about privacy and the erosion of personal autonomy. Advertisers need to be transparent about how they are using surveillance advertising and obtain users’ consent before tracking their online activities.

THE BIRTH OF MARKETING WHEN DID IT ALL START?

Marketing, as we understand it today, is the ingenious blend of strategy and technology. But it wasn’t always this way. Its inception can be traced back to the basic attempts of selling goods and services – a practice as old as civilization itself. Some argue that it originated from simple trade presentations. The art of persuasive communi -

cation for selling products and services was nurtured in ancient civilizations such as China and India. Although not recognized as a formal business activity back then, these efforts provided the seed from which the concept of marketing gradually sprouted.

The Birth of Modern Marketing

The modern understanding of market -

ing was shaped during the time of the Industrial Revolution. This era, stretching from the late 18th century to the 19th century, was characterized by rapid social change, fueled by scientific and technological innovations. The Industrial Revolution marked a shift in consumer behavior – buying products became more convenient than making them. This shift sparked a surge in mass production, creating an array of industries catering to the growing consumer market. As transportation infrastructure and mass media ascended, producers felt a pressing need to develop innovative products and sophisticated marketing strategies to inform consumers about these products.

The Advent of Competitive Marketing

The early 20th century to the late 1940s saw an intense escalation in business competition. The need to boost sales using marketing techniques became a crucial part of main -

-taining a competitive edge. It was during this era that the importance of brand development and strategic marketing was truly recognized. Business competition also spurred the need to enhance production outputs and market shares across all industries. Marketing began to emphasize distribution methods and consumer communication modes. The ultimate goal became to convince consumers that one company’s goods and services were superior to those of its competitors.

Rise of the Marketing Business

The 1960s brought about market saturation in many industries, necessitating specialists in direct marketing. Companies started dedicating entire departments to marketing their products or services. This was the era when marketing management matured to become an integral part of business success. Marketing managers began to participate in strategic planning, deciding on pricing, communication methods, and more.

Strategic Branding Era

The marketing landscape underwent another transformation during the 1990s. As soon as a product or service was created, a brand was instantly developed around it. Companies real-

ized the potential of selling high-quality products and building better brands for them. This strategy not only improved their profit margins and reputation but also heightened their brand awareness. Some companies with private labels managed to increase their market share by over 49 percent.

The Dawn of Internet Marketing

The evolution of the web paved the way for websites to become essential tools for marketing. During the late 1990s, simple text-based company websites emerged, primarily to provide information about a company’s products or services. However, as the number of websites soared, it became increasingly challenging to attract attention. Simply having a website was no longer sufficient – implementing online marketing strategies to stand out from the crowd became imperative.

The Impact of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Over the past 25 years, the web and search engines have dramatically increased in importance for marketing. Initially, web search engines were not very efficient. Achieving a good ranking was not complicated, but the quality of the results was poor. To improve the quality of results, search engines

modified their algorithms. The aim was to verify referring sites to ensure the quality of the search results. Today, manipulating SEO rankings is nearly impossible, and attempts to do so can bury a company’s search engine results.

The Importance of Blog Marketing

Blogs, which began as online diaries, became a crucial part of marketing in the late 1990s. From a meager 23 active blogs in 1999, there are now over 150 million. Blogs are now integral to most content marketing campaigns. They serve multiple purposes such as providing information, building customer relationships, generating sales leads, increasing brand awareness, gathering customer feedback, community marketing, and more.

The Future of Marketing

Marketing strategies have become increasingly complex and granular, with specific attention and personalization at every customer touchpoint. Coupled with the growing understanding of psychological foundations that convert visitors to customers and the emergence of new social media platforms, the future of marketing is unpredictable. However, one thing is certain: marketing will continue to evolve and play a crucial role in our everyday lives.