Today, an ever-increasing number of modern casino-gaming websites, platforms and applications are making the world smaller by facilitating global accessibility. These platforms are breaking down barriers relating to geography, physical ability, local regulations and language proficiency, making the world of entertainment truly inclusive. Let’s unpack some of the modern realities facilitating this positive trend.

Navigating Legal Landscapes

Regulatory hurdles often limit access to specific content based on location. However, tools like VPNs and location-spoofing technologies are empowering users to get around these restrictions and access a wider range of international entertainment options. While legal and ethical considerations remain, the use of these tools clearly showcase the growing demand for borderless entertainment access.

Many modern apps and platforms have also made their services accessible to global audiences without forcing individuals to make use of VPNs or similar work-arounds. This is perhaps most clear within the world of online casinos, where local restrictions often prohibit operators from running legal online casino operations within specific jurisdictions.

Because fewer laws exist to prohibit residents from playing at offshore casinos, some online casino platforms will open up their digital doors to these players. It can be difficult to find trustworthy offshore operators however, but there are plenty of safe and reputable platforms like those included in a guide for Missouri players where locals can have reliable and accessible means to play casino games with real money. Currently, Missouri’s laws only allow ‘floating’ casinos, and not online ones, so this is a viable alternative for gamblers in the state. As well as this, crypto casinos are also a decent alternative for players in states like Hawaii which don’t allow any casinos at all within their borders.

Demolishing Geographical Boundaries

The days when international entertainment or a visit to a world-renowned casino meant costly flights and cultural isolation are truly over. Today, avid gambling enthusiasts can simply open up an app to access near infinite varieties of casino entertainment and streaming services like Netflix have become global entertainment gateways, offering vast libraries of content from far-flung corners of the world.

With worlds of entertainment at everyone’s fingertips, the sky is the limit. Virtual reality and augmented reality experiences are pushing the boundaries of entertainment further than ever before. Today, gamblers have a wealth of international AR and VR casino options to choose from. These technological innovations are also transporting users to historical landmarks, exotic destinations and fantastical worlds – all from the comfort of their living rooms.

Accessibility for All

The casino entertainment landscape is no longer restricted by physical limitations. Apps and websites are increasingly incorporating features like screen readers, voice controls and fully-adjustable interfaces, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy casino content as well as other forms of entertainment. Even though a recent report on digital accessibility revealed that digital experiences still alienate around 1.3 billion people with disabilities around the world, many sites are working to make their platforms more accessible.

Language barriers are also less of an issue today. Remember struggling with subtitles or missing the nuances of a foreign film? Advanced translation features are now being built into all kinds of entertainment websites and apps are changing the game. This can be seen at online casino platforms, where real-time translation of text, audio and even live dealer streams allows gamblers to immerse themselves in gaming content regardless of their native language.

These advancements in language accessibility makes web-based platforms more user-friendly, which is a big deal for casino operators who wish to maintain a strong online presence. It also opens up a world of possibilities for users. Today, almost anyone with a reliable connection to the internet, regardless of their mother tongue or ability, can easily participate in the digital entertainment landscape.

The Positive Impact of Accessibility

The impact of accessible websites and mobile apps on global entertainment goes beyond simply providing thrill-based casino enjoyment. It can also encourage more cultural exchange, understanding and empathy. It can empower creators, celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or limitations, has the opportunity to be both entertained and inspired.

These innovations are just the beginning of a transformative journey towards a truly inclusive entertainment experience. As technology continues to move forward and artificial intelligence starts to speed up processes, the world can expect even more groundbreaking solutions that further dismantle barriers and connect people across cultures through the shared language of entertainment.

It’s likely that new platforms will mitigate legal limitations further as well by allowing users to access diverse content regardless of their location. Ultimately, accessible websites and apps create a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape. When it’s time to settle down and enjoy a casino gaming session online, take a moment to really sit back and appreciate the fact that accessibility innovations are here to make the world a more interconnected and inclusive space for all.

The post How Apps and Websites Promote Global Accessibility to Casino Entertainment appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

So says John Koetsier in a compelling commentary at Venture Beat. “In fact,” Koetsier posits, “Using your own data makes you up to 98 times better at driving conversions.”

98 times?

“Digital identity and data provider Neustar released its second-quarter 2014 digital advertising report today. It’s based on 220 billion digital actions inside 1,800 companies’ campaigns, and if it shows one thing, it’s that data is probably now the single most significant corporate competitive advantage,” says Koetsier. “Using offline, first-party CRM data to target advertising dramatically improves effectiveness at driving actions,” the report states.

Koetsier notes that entertainment companies using their own private data to target advertising “saw average conversion lift of a staggering almost 10,000 percent — the 98x you see above.”

Though retailers were only “half as good” at achieving these heights, Koetsier says they still saw a 5,400 percent (55x) lift.

“Telco companies — don’t we love getting marketed to by them — achieved 19x average conversion, or 1,800 percent improvement, by using their data to drive digital marketing campaigns,” Koetsier says.

There’s a reason, of course.

“A big part of the improvement, of course, is using data intelligently,” he explains. “When you’re targeting known users who have completed known actions at known times, it’s much easier to anticipate demand or need — and timing of that need — accurately.”

There’s a lot more to take in — as well as nifty graphics. Be sure to read the whole commentary here.

The post Koetsier : Data is the Key to Huge Marketing Successes appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

With an added emphasis on discovering and sharing content via mobile, Tango is launching “Tango Channels,” which the company describes as being a new way to bring premier content into conversations from publishers, brands, and people they love.

Best of all, it takes place within the Tango app. Tango members can browse Channel categories such as Entertainment, News, Sports, Lifestyle, Humor, and Music.

Partners at launch include Spotify; Vevo; AOL, including Cambio, Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and StyleList; CheezBurger; Dailymotion; Getty; 500px; 8tracks Internet radio; WhoSay; and musical artists OK Go and Slash.

Tango plans to bring on additional Channel partners in the near future.

“Tango uniquely blends messaging, social discovery and content into one platform. This is a huge differentiation from all other messengers. Tango members now have even more exciting ways to connect with others through shared interests and premium content, whether it’s talking about the latest viral video or last night’s baseball game,” explains Uri Raz, founder and CEO of Tango. “We’re thrilled to kick off Tango Channels with such an exciting set of content publishers and brands, enabling them to spark conversations on Tango.”

The post Tango Teams Up with Content Providers to Augment Mobile Experience appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

If you haven’t been keeping pace with our coverage, here are some of the week’s top stories from SXSW.

• SXSW: The Marriage of Marketing and Technology

SXSW has emerged in recent years as one convention that is an absolute must to attend for anyone plugged into tech, entertainment, healthcare, social media, music, music, film, television, and, yes, marketing.

• The Hottest Thing at SXSW 14? It’s Gotta Be iBeacon

One of the hottest technology trends of this year is definitely the iBeacon and it’s on full display here at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. iBeacon, Apple’s name for their innovative Bluetooth LE technology, allows two-way communication between devices. Fittingly, the official mobile app of SXSW works with this fast-emerging technology. Although it’s been used in retail environments on many occasions, as well as sporting stadiums, this is the first time that the new technology has been used at an event like SXSW.

• Music Icon Issues Challenge to Apple’s iPod at SXSW

Recording icon Neil Young brought a powerful message to SXSW this week in Austin, Texas. The music legend says the time for change in music has come. And a change in technology will go a long way in assisting that effort.

• Edward Snowden’s Words Still Looming Large Over SXSW

In an extremely rare public talk (via the web, of course) Edward Snowden, the infamous NSA leaker and current fugitive from the United States, told a transfixed tech conference audience this week here at SXSW 2014 that the U.S. government’s surveillance of its citizens is a problem that needs to be “fixed.”

• The Mainstream Adoption of Mobile Commerce is Apparent at SXSW

The annual SXSW convention is fully underway here in Austin, Texas, and MMW has been on the lookout for any and all of the newest innovations in mobile that are being presented at the show.

• The Top Wearable Tech from SXSW 14

With the 2014 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival now in full swing, the buzz around new wearable technology is palpable. From handbags that can charge your smartphone, to devices that can identify you based on the rhythm of your heartbeat, the future of wearable tech is wholly dominating this year’s SXSW.

The post SXSW: The Week's Top Stories from Austin appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The report is particularly interesting this time around in response to its entertainment-related findings.

Ahead of the report, MM shared with MMW a sneak peek at the findings, which reveal that Entertainment was the largest vertical on the Millennial Media platform in Q3, and grew 264% year-over-year.

For the quarter, Application Download, Site Search, and Watch Video were the most commonly used global campaign tactics on the Millennial Media platform in Q3.

The Top six audiences targeted by tech advertisers include: IT Decision Makers, Gadget Geeks, Mobile Switches (ppl. that consistently switch between devices), Business Travelers, Business & Finance Enthusiast, and Tradesmen.

Underscoring the grwing power and popularity of video in mobile, video was included in over 30% of all technology campaigns on the Millennial Media platform in Q3; more than all other verticals.

The most popular campaign goals for technology advertisers on the MM platform in Q3 were Site/Mobile Traffic (56%) and Brand Awareness (38%).

Want to learn more? Download the full report here.

The post Millennial Media Says Entertainment is Booming in Mobile appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

Yesterday, Trendrr CEO Mark Ghuneim announced the deal on his company’s blog with the hashtag #RockingTheFlock.

According to VentureBeat, Twitter’s recent moves into TV, music, and entertainment “make this a logical step for the social media company.”

Twitter, which has said that its media moves are not competitive to but complementary with TV, has been pushing its services to broadcast media companies as a way of amplifying audiences and increasing engagement.

“Over the last five years we have led the way in working with real-time data and television, unlocking the power and value of engagement around TV and creating compelling media experiences around content,” Ghuneim wrote. “That’s why we are excited to be joining Twitter’s world-class team, enabling us to realize bigger opportunities that drive better experiences for users, media and marketers — across Twitter and around the globe.”

Considering the findings of a recent Forrester study, which indicate that 85 percent of tablet owners in the U.S. check social media while watching TV, the fusion of Twitter and Trendrr may be a hugely beneficial arrangement for both parties.

The post Twitter Confirms Acquisition of Trendrr appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

As part of the arrangement, Time Inc. will deliver its branded content within a customizable section of the SprintZone application on select Sprint devices.

We are told that customers can expect the latest entertainment, lifestyle, sports and business news.

The content experience within SprintZone will be updated in real time, pulling content from Time Inc.’s brands, including stories, photography and videos. Users will be able to customize their content and experience by brand.

If you’re wondering if mobile advertising will have a role in all of this, you are correct.

Time Inc. and Sprint will also collaborate on mobile advertising solutions leveraging Time Inc.’s mobile network of 20 million and Pinsight Media+, Sprint’s targeted advertising service.

“Time Inc. is home to some of the biggest consumer media brands, and our audiences are seeking out our content on every mobile platform available,” says Cyrus Beagley, senior vice president and general manager of Time Inc.’s Advertising Sales & Marketing Group. “We are thrilled that our arrangement with Sprint will make content from People, Sports Illustrated, Entertainment Weekly and other brands available to an even broader, highly engaged mobile audience.”

The post Sprint and Time Inc. Form Mobile Alliance appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The industry leading ad network also released a corresponding infographic revealing how people used their mobile devices during the festivities.

Among the highlights of the SXSW & Mobile report are:

• Overall mobile traffic in Austin was 50 percent higher during live shows.
• Impressions in entertainment content were 113 percent higher during live shows.
• Impressions in social content were 116 percent higher during live shows.
• 78 percent of mobile impressions in Austin were on smartphones, while 22 percent were on tablets. Overall impressions on both spiked between 11pm and 1am.
• The top audiences (ranked by number of impressions) were “Entertainment & Music Fans,” “Social Influencers,” and “Gadget Geeks.”
• Impressions for Entertainment and Music Fans and Social Influencers were both over 90 percent higher during live shows.

To learn more, check out the infographic below.

The post New Millennial Media Infographic ‘Rocks’ appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The results of the first phase of this study are being revealed this week at Hispanicize 2012.

“Hispanics rarely, if ever shop alone,” Sensis President José Villa said ahead of the report’s publication. “They also over-index in their use of social media and the Web, and much of that usage is through smartphones. This gives retailers an opportunity to craft unique experiences for their Hispanic customers. Hispanicize 2012 is the perfect place to share what we learned with our partners at White Horse.”

If you’re not familiar with the occasion, Hispanicize 2012 is the latest in a series of annual events for Latino trendsetters and newsmakers in social media, marketing, entertainment and innovation.

“The Hispanic market is significant, and since Hispanics are more likely to access the mobile Web than are general market mobile consumers, the opportunity for retail marketers is huge,” White Horse Principal Jennifer Modarelli said. “Our report is designed to help those marketers more fully serve this audience by adapting mobile experiences to their in-store social shopping behavior.”

“Hispanic In-Store Mobile Experience: Social Shopping,” which includes statistics, insight, and marketing recommendations, is available now at www.HispanicMobileReport.com.

The post New Report Highlights How Hispanics Use Smartphones in Retail appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

This latest report is part of Cellit’s ongoing series on best practices by industry vertical, covering Retail, Hospitality, Entertainment, QSR Dining, Bars & Nightclubs, Broadcast, Print and Small Businesses.

Among the countless pearls of wisdom in the new report, Cellit reveals that QSR clients surveyed used a range of tactics to acquire new mobile subscribers to the programs. “While diverse,” the report reads, “they are generally cost-effective and fall into one of four categories: on-premise, social media, advertising and refer-a-friend.”

According to Cellit, leveraging existing social media and email databases to convert customers into mobile was the most effective tactic, while the refer-a-friend consistently delivered program growth.

On average, 21 percent of subscribers participated in the refer-a-friend programs Cellit analyzed, while the average conversion rate for referred friends was six percent. The average increase in database size after one refer-a-friend program was 16 percent. Most subscriber growth for a new program takes place between days 31 and 90 after launch, which is when the marketing and social media efforts start to take effect.

To get the full report from Cellit, click here.

The post Cellit Publishes Insightful Best Practices in QSR Mobile Marketing Programs appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.