Creating an immersive gaming experience means stepping into your customers' shoes. Eugene Danilov, a seasoned expert in customer engagement and CRM strategy, underscores the importance of empathy in designing player-focused platforms.
“Ask yourself and your team: would you return to your own platform daily? If the answer is no, something needs to change,” he emphasises. By focusing on personalisation and gamification, operators can meet the demand for real-time, tailored experiences and retain their most valuable players.
The Foundation of Customer Engagement in iGaming
Danilov identifies a critical gap in the industry: many operators don’t use their own products.
“You need to understand your platform as a customer does. This approach ensures engaging experiences,” he says. He also advises operators to leverage third-party innovations to stay ahead.
With decreasing attention spans, speed matters. “Operators who deliver novelties faster than competitors will win customer loyalty,” he adds.
Key Metrics for Measuring Success
While traditional revenue indicators dominate, Danilov highlights three essential metrics that often go overlooked:
- Contribution from the Top 10% of Customers:
- “These customers often lack tailored promotions, despite generating significant revenue,” he notes.
- Cross-Sell Rates:
- Operators should focus on engaging customers with multiple products to boost retention.
- VIP Prediction Accuracy:
- Using machine learning models to predict VIP potential allows operators to personalise experiences from the start.
Danilov warns against over-reliance on retention metrics like day-one or day-seven rates, as they ignore customer value. “Shifting focus to top-performing customers can yield better results,” he advises.
Retention Drivers for 2024 and Beyond
As the industry evolves, personalisation and gamification emerge as the key drivers of retention.
“AI-driven analytics make real-time engagement possible,” Danilov explains. Players now expect immediate rewards and experiences tailored to their actions. Geographic differences also play a role:
- Europe: Emphasis on localisation, user experience, and fast payouts.
- Asia: Focus on personalised bonuses and gamification for high rollers.
- Latin America: Prioritise mobile optimisation and local payment options like Pix.
- North America: Integrate sports betting and casino offerings to drive cross-sell opportunities.
Segmenting VIP Customers Effectively
Segmentation should be transparent to players, fostering a sense of progression.
“When players know every bet brings them closer to rewards, they feel more engaged,” Danilov explains. Displaying a progression ladder directly on the platform can encourage loyalty. However, this approach must be tailored to regional purchasing power.
For instance, a player spending €5,000 in Portugal might qualify as VIP, while in Brazil, the threshold could be €1,000. Adjusting segmentation to reflect these differences ensures fairness and relevance.
Concluding Insights
Danilov’s insights reveal the importance of aligning customer engagement strategies with evolving expectations and regional nuances. By prioritising personalisation, gamification, and targeted VIP strategies, operators can create platforms that players return to time and again. His advice is clear: understand your customers deeply, adapt quickly and deliver experiences that truly resonate.
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