Want better returns from your iGaming marketing? Here’s what you need to know about automation:
| What You’ll Learn | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size | $45B industry growing 14% yearly |
| Cost Per Player | Up to $55 per click acquisition cost |
| Target ROI | 5:1 marketing return ratio |
| Key Metrics | 70-80% retention rate, under $200 CAC |
This guide shows you how to:
- Pick the right automation tools
- Set up automated campaigns
- Group players effectively
- Track your results
Quick Stats That Matter:
- 63% of top businesses use email automation
- 50% of marketing emails opened on mobile
- 56% of top operators use Optimove
Bottom Line: Marketing automation helps iGaming companies target players better, cut costs, and boost returns. You’ll learn exactly how to set it up, what tools to use, and how to measure success.
“If you’re spending more than $200 to acquire each player or your retention rate is below 70%, you need automation.”
Let’s dive into the details of making automation work for your iGaming business.
What is Marketing Automation in iGaming
Marketing automation in iGaming uses tech to handle repetitive tasks. It’s a game-changer for online casinos and betting platforms.
Main Parts
Key elements include:
- Email Marketing: Keeps players engaged and coming back.
- Player Segmentation: Groups players for targeted campaigns.
- Personalized Campaigns: Creates custom offers using player data.
- Real-time Engagement: Reaches out at the right moment.
- Data Analytics: Tracks behavior and performance to improve marketing.
Here’s how these parts work together:
| Element | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Player engagement | Used by 63% of top businesses |
| Player Segmentation | Targeted marketing | Boosts conversions |
| Personalized Campaigns | Tailored offers | Increases loyalty |
| Real-time Engagement | Timely interactions | Improves retention |
| Data Analytics | Measurement and improvement | Drives ROI growth |
Connecting with Other Systems
Marketing automation needs to work with:
- CRM: For a complete view of each player’s journey.
- Payment Systems: For automated bonuses based on transactions.
- Game Platforms: To trigger campaigns based on player activity.
- Compliance Tools: To keep everything above board in the regulated iGaming world.
“Automation is not about taking marketers’ jobs away from them. It’s just about re-angling what marketers do.” – Cathal Melinn, DMI Trends Podcast
By connecting these systems, you’re supercharging your marketing team. They can focus on strategy while automation handles the rest.
The result? A marketing machine that’s always on, always learning, and always improving your ROI.
Top Marketing Automation Tools for iGaming
iGaming businesses need solid marketing automation tools to keep players engaged and boost ROI. Let’s check out some key tools that can help your iGaming operation succeed.
iGaming CRM Systems
CRM systems built for iGaming are essential. They track player behavior, preferences, and interactions.
Optimove is a standout choice. It’s used by 56% of the EGR Power 50 operators. Here’s what it offers:
- Real-time behavior tracking
- AI-driven personalization
- Multi-channel campaign orchestration
“Optimove orchestrates and automates personalized, real-time campaigns across all channels based on behavior and activity triggers”, says an Optimove rep.
Email and SMS Tools
Email and SMS pack a punch in iGaming marketing:
- 63% of fast-growing businesses use marketing automation
- About 50% of emails are opened on smartphones
To nail these tools:
- Build a solid email list from player sign-ups
- Use data to personalize offers
- Follow data protection laws
Player Data Tools
These tools help you get to know your audience. They track:
- Player actions
- Betting patterns
- Game preferences
This data fuels your marketing automation, leading to more targeted campaigns.
BetMGM, for example, uses Optimove to max out Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV). The platform’s AI creates personalized campaigns based on player data.
| Tool Type | Example | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CRM | Optimove | Top operators’ choice |
| Email/SMS | Various | High mobile open rates |
| Player Data | Integrated with CRM | Powers personalized campaigns |
InTarget
InTarget is a CRM and marketing automation platform for iGaming. It’s built to help online casinos, sports betting sites, and lotteries keep players engaged and coming back.
What InTarget Offers
InTarget packs a punch with tools to boost your iGaming ROI:
- iGaming-specific CRM
- Email marketing
- SMS campaigns
- Push notifications
- Lifecycle marketing automation
With InTarget, you can:
1. Track player behavior
See what your players do, what they like, and how they bet. Use this info to create campaigns that hit the mark.
2. Segment players
Group players based on how they play and spend. This lets you tailor your marketing to each group.
3. Automate campaigns
Set up messages that trigger based on what stage a player is at. It’s like having a marketing team that never sleeps.
4. Measure conversions
See how well your marketing is working and calculate your ROI. No more guessing games.
How to Set Up Marketing Automation
Want to boost your iGaming business’s ROI? Marketing automation is the way to go. Here’s how to get it rolling:
Picking the Right Platform
When shopping for an iGaming marketing automation platform, keep these in mind:
- Does it play nice with your current tools?
- Is it built for online gambling?
- Can it grow as you do?
- Does it have built-in compliance features?
Here’s a quick look at some must-have features:
| Feature | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Data analytics | Understand your players better |
| Multi-channel campaigns | Reach players everywhere |
| Segmentation tools | Target like a pro |
| A/B testing | Make your campaigns pop |
Your Setup Roadmap
Ready to dive in? Follow these steps:
1. Set Your Goals
What do you want to achieve? Maybe it’s boosting player retention by 20% or increasing average deposits by 15%.
2. Get Your Data in Shape
Clean up your player data. It’s the foundation for killer segmentation and personalization.
3. Connect the Dots
Link your new platform with your existing systems. Think CRM, payment processors, the works.
4. Slice and Dice Your Players
Group them based on how they play, bet, and spend.
5. Craft Your Campaigns
Set up automated campaigns for different player groups. Welcome newbies, wake up inactive players, you get the idea.
6. Test, Learn, Improve
Run A/B tests and use what you learn to make your campaigns even better.
7. Get Your Team Up to Speed
Make sure everyone knows how to use the new system like a pro.
8. Keep an Eye on Things
Regularly check how your automation is performing and tweak as needed.
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How to Group Players
Grouping players is crucial for effective iGaming marketing automation. Here’s how to do it:
Action-Based Groups
Segment players based on their platform behavior:
| Group | Description | Marketing Tactic |
|---|---|---|
| New Sign-ups | Just joined | Welcome bonuses, guides |
| Frequent Players | Regular users | Loyalty rewards, VIP perks |
| Inactive Users | Haven’t logged in lately | Re-engagement offers |
| Game-specific Players | Prefer certain games | Game-targeted promos |
For new sign-ups, set up a week-long welcome email series. Reward frequent players with a points-based loyalty program.
Spending-Based Groups
Use RFM analysis to segment by spending habits:
| Group | Traits | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Whales | High-stakes, big deposits | VIP treatment, exclusive bonuses |
| Dolphins | Average spenders, regular activity | Targeted promos, mid-tier rewards |
| Minnows | Low spenders, majority of players | Volume-based tactics, small incentives |
For Whales, alert your VIP team when they log in. For Dolphins, offer bonuses at spending milestones to boost play.
Keep in mind: Players can move between groups. A Minnow today could be tomorrow’s Whale. Review and update your segments regularly.
Types of Auto-Campaigns
iGaming auto-campaigns are game-changers. They boost player engagement and ROI. Let’s dive into two key types:
New Player Messages
These messages kickstart a player’s journey. Here’s why they matter:
- Welcome newbies
- Show them the ropes
- Offer some sweet deals
Check out this new player campaign structure:
| Message | When | What |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome | Right after signup | “Hey there! Your account’s ready.” |
| Platform 101 | Day 1 | Quick how-tos, game basics |
| First Deposit Bonus | Day 2 | “Deposit now, get extra cash!” |
| Game Picks | Day 4 | “Based on your style, try these games” |
| Feedback | Day 7 | “How’s it going so far?” |
Pro tip: Mix it up. Use email, SMS, and push notifications to keep players hooked.
Win-Back Messages
These bring back MIA players. They’re crucial for:
- Waking up dormant accounts
- Keeping players around
- Boosting player value long-term
Here’s a solid win-back plan:
| Message | When | What |
|---|---|---|
| Miss You | 7 days MIA | “Remember how fun it was?” |
| Special Deal | 14 days MIA | “Here’s a bonus to welcome you back” |
| What’s New | 30 days MIA | “Check out our latest games!” |
| Last Shot | 60 days MIA | “Don’t miss this killer offer” |
| Feedback | 90 days MIA | “Why’d you leave? We’re all ears.” |
Key move: Tailor these messages to each player’s history and likes.
For both campaign types:
- Keep it snappy
- Tell them exactly what to do next
- Try different stuff and see what sticks
Checking Your Results
Let’s talk about tracking your iGaming marketing automation success. It’s all about the numbers, so let’s dive in.
How to Calculate Returns
Here’s the simple formula for ROI:
ROI = (Revenue – Cost) / Cost x 100
But for iGaming, you need to consider:
- All your costs (software, staff, etc.)
- Revenue increase after automation
- Time saved by automating tasks
Check out this real-world example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Revenue increase | $200,000 |
| Cost savings | $50,000 |
| Total benefit | $250,000 |
| Implementation cost | $100,000 |
| Annual maintenance | $50,000 |
| Total cost | $150,000 |
| ROI | 66.67% |
That’s a 66.67% return. Not too shabby!
Key Numbers to Track
Keep an eye on these metrics:
- Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR): Aim for 10-15% yearly increase
- Net Gaming Revenue (NGR): 5-10% annual increase, promo costs under 20% of GGR
- Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): $100-$200 monthly is good
- Retention Rate: Shoot for 70-80% over 30 days
- Churn Rate: Keep it under 5% monthly
- Player Lifetime Value (LTV): Should be 3-4 times your Customer Acquisition Cost
- Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Try to keep it under $200
- Marketing ROI: 5:1 ratio is solid
- Conversion Rate: 20-30% from sign-ups to first deposits
- Engagement Metrics: Track email open rates and click-throughs
Use these numbers to improve your campaigns. High churn rate? Maybe tweak those win-back messages.
“Monitoring these parameters helps operators gain insights to design measures that lead to profitability.”
Track these metrics quarterly or yearly to see the long-term impact of your automation and decide where to focus next.
Conclusion
Smart marketing automation in iGaming can boost your ROI. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Set clear goals
Define success for your campaigns. This helps you choose the right tools and measure results.
2. Pick the right platform
Find tools that fit your needs and budget. Costs can range from $200 to $2,000 monthly.
3. Track key metrics
Keep an eye on these numbers:
| Metric | Target |
|---|---|
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) | 10-15% yearly increase |
| Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) | 5-10% annual increase |
| Retention Rate | 70-80% over 30 days |
| Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) | Under $200 |
| Marketing ROI | 5:1 ratio |
4. Start small, then grow
Begin with a few automated campaigns. Expand as you see results.
5. Keep improving
Check your ROI often and tweak your strategy. The iGaming market moves fast, so stay nimble.
