Launches and sign-ups 17 January 2018
The key launches and sign-ups from the egaming industry in the last seven days (10 January to 17 January 2018)
Betfair launches facial recognition log-in
iPhone X users now able to log into their Betfair apps using new Face ID technology
Betfair users will be able to log into their accounts using facial recognition technology, following the latest update to the company’s app.
The update utilises the iPhone X’s Face ID technology to streamline the log-in process and beef up the app’s security.
Face ID unlocks the phone by using infrared and visible light scans to uniquely identify your face.
Betfair originally launched the feature when the iPhone X first came out, but the firm said it has now optimised the customer journey, with the original iteration “not ideal”.
Kindred launches gambling AdBlocker tool
Kindred Group has launched a social responsibility tool to prevent under 18s from being exposed to online gambling adverts.
The operator has collaborated with Betfilter over the past year to develop the AdBlocker tool that blocks all gambling ads on a chosen device and will be offered to Kindred customers for free.
Kindred acknowledged that children under 18 spend a lot of time on mobile devices, tablets and computers, and were therefore more susceptible than most to digital gambling campaigns.
The UK Gambling Commission published figures in December 2017 suggesting more than 80% of 11-16-year-olds had been exposed to gambling advertisements.
Winamax launches in-house TV channel
Winamax has launched its own in-house poker and sports TV channel as the French operator continues to expand its broadcasting capabilities.
Winamax TV kicked off the New Year with its first broadcast on 9 January and has shown more than 40 hours of content over 25 live programmes in its first week.
Content can be viewed on Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Periscope and Molotov, as well as the operator’s official website as the company looks to cover all digital channels.
The operator had been working on the web TV project for several months, with the finished product featuring 22 guest presenters running more than 15 shows, seven days a week.
ATG launches marketing campaign for horseracing virtual assistant
Swedish horseracing monopoly ATG has launched a major marketing campaign for its virtual assistant Harry Boy, which helps punters place bets on the most popular horses.
Harry Boy has been a long-standing feature on ATG’s desktop and mobile site since the 1990s and enables first-time bettors to gain some experience.
ATG said Harry Boy had delivered record revenues in 2017, and the new concept is based on the product name “Harry” as a term for when something goes well.
The operator has signed on with local advertising agency Akestam Holst Noa to develop a series of TV, billboard and online ads.