Monthly Archives: February 2015

Content Marketing Tip of the Week: Conversion Attribution

theMediaFlow Managing Director Nichola Stott gives an overview on conversion attribution in this edition of CalvinAyre.com’s Content Marketing Tip of the Week.

If you’re investing in content marketing and it is paying off in driving visitors to your website it is important to understand if those visits are then paying off in merchant sign-ups.

Whilst your affiliate programme will track referrals and sign-ups it is important that you use attribution modelling for more insight to your visitor behaviour. Rather than a “last click wins” model which is the default for most web analytics systems including Google if you configure your different touch points you can assign a percentage stake in the conversion to an additional touchpoint which gives much greater insight into the value of creative content in the digital marketing mix.

I recommend starting here for background on different conversion click models and setting them up in Google Analytics.

Paddy Power’s Oscar Pistorius: ASA’s 2014 Most Complained Ad

Paddy Power’s Oscar Pistorius “Money Back If He Walks” received by far the most complaints ever in Britain, Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said on Friday.

In a list published by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the media and advertising watchdog revealed that the Paddy Power advert had received 5,525 complaints, roughly three times more than the next highest offender.

The advert for Irish betting company Paddy Power appeared during Pistorius’ trial for murder last year. ASA demanded the operator to remove it immediately.

The ASA linked the record year of complaints to the rise of social media – and the outrageous retweets and shares that often accompany it.

“2014 was the year social media came into its own in making it easier than ever to lodge complaints en masse. While some ads will inevitably split opinion, as the diverse nature of complaints we received shows, last year underlined the importance of our work in cracking down on misleading ads, including copycat websites, that are simply unfair to consumers,” said ASA Chief Executive Guy Parker.

However, Paddy Power spokesman said to eGaming Review that the company made the right decision to take bets on the Oscar Pistorius murder trial and would do it again in the future.

“We went into Pistorius with our eyes wide open and fully aware that it might stir controversy. However, as the biggest news story on the planet and as the main topic of discussion around water coolers, we wouldn’t be true to ourselves had we not taken bets on it,” the company spokesperson said. “In hindsight, the feeling is that it was the right decision and we would 100% do it again.”

SJM boss doesn’t want more casino licenses in Macau; gov’t removes gambling ads;

SJM Holdings Chief Executive Officer Ambrose So is making it public record that when the issue of adding more casino licenses in Macau is brought up, he is personally going to sit on the side that opposes it.

Speaking with reporters during a Chinese New Year dinner hosted by the casino operator, So was clear and blunt with his stance, saying that the prospect of more casino licenses in Macau will not contribute to a healthier development of the city’s gaming industry, which is already under siege from the Chinese government’s iron grip

So’s stance falls opposite of Macau Legend Development co-chairman and CEO David Chow Kam Fai, who earlier this month said that he’s wholly in favor of the Macau government to add new casino licenses for local companies. It’s worth noting that Macau Legend already operates two casinos in Macau, both of which use the gaming license of SJM Holdings.

The discussion on the possibility of adding more casino licenses in Macau to the six that already being used is expected to begin this year. That’s likely a big reason why a lot of these companies are coming out and expressing their opinions on the issue.

For those who are opposed to it, new casino licenses will only add more casino options to a market that’s believed to be on the cusp of becoming saturated. Conversely, those who are pining for new licenses are championing the cause in an attempt to get in on the game themselves. Strong points on both sides so it’ll be interesting to see how this shakes out.

Meanwhile, the government’s increased crackdown on illegal gambling took another turn when it was announced that it has removed close to 2000 illegal gambling advertisements in the first six weeks of 2015.

According to Macao Daily, these advertisements, which are largely comprised of ads touting online gambling, have become prevalent on walls, taxis, and buses throughout Macau, despite the fact that the posting of these ads flies against rules imposed by public officials.

MLB Odds: World Series Futures

I’ve always believed that betting on futures in baseball is the most difficult of the five major sports leagues in the US. Unlike the other sports, determining a favorite in baseball before the season starts is like basing it on the flashiness of a team’s roster and their offseason spending habits. Go back to last season and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Remember when the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers were deemed head and shoulders above the rest? Conversely, how many people had the San Francisco Giants and better yet, the Kansas City Royals making it to the World Series?

How about the supposedly revamped Toronto Blue Jays from two seasons back? Go back a few years and you’ll remember that the Miami Marlins – the Marlins! – were actually once preseason favorites.

There’s so many moving parts in baseball that betting on a favorite this early has become a tricky proposition. It’s a big reason why the favorite to win the World Series receives significantly higher odds than favorites in other sports leagues.

Right now, the Washington Nationals sit on that said spot…and it’s been priced at 7/1 odds. Depending on what sportsbook you use, you’ll see that the two LA teams – the Dodgers and the Angels – are not that far behind, getting anywhere from 7/1 to 10/1 odds.

Oh, and after these three teams? It’s the Tigers again at 12/1 odds.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t bet on any of these four teams, but recent history will tell you that putting money down on favorites has been a losing proposition. You’re better of identifying a team flying under the radar that has the requisite roster balance that can get into the postseason.

The Aviation Club de France Placed Into Liquidation

The Aviation Club de France has shut down for good after the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris announced plans to place the poker room into liquidation.

The Aviation Club de France (ACF) is dead.

Concern has become reality. The Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris will not be renewing their license. They have been placed into liquidation. 213 employees are out of work. French poker players are running out of places to play.

“It’s so sad that the historical place of gaming in France has disappeared.” Says PokerNews France Chief Editor, Mathieu Sustrac. “107 years of history and 20 years of poker in the Champs Elysees. It’s a shame the government didn’t try to save this. And lest we not forget the 213 employees who have fought for their dignity in the past five months.”

It was not that long ago that a nomination panel of Bruno Benveniste, Laurent Dumont, Alexandre Dreyfus, Bruno Fitoussi and Mathieu Sustrac were awarding ‘The “213” in the Aviation Club de France and Victor Saumont’ with a special Jury Award at the 2014/15 French Poker Awards. That trophy no longer has a home.

The club was closed down in September after the French Judicial Police raided the joint and arrested 12 people. The order came from judges at the Grand Instance Court in Paris.

It has remained closed ever since. 213 employees have struggled to make ends meet. Uncertainty casting a shadow that has finally left after a downpour they will never forget. There were many campaigns to keep the place open – most notably the #BringbackACF campaign that was waged via social media networks. Nothing worked. The opinion of policymakers couldn’t be changed.

Saltdean Lido was earmarked for redevelopment as flats before a community campaign to save it

Saltdean Lido on the East Sussex coast has been awarded the cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund to renovate the site and bring the historic 1930s building and pools back into use. But Brighton and Hove City Council agreed to take back control of the site after a community campaign to save it.

Warning: New Jersey DGE Expand Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Options – But Read That Fine Print First!

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement have improved the process for self exclusion from Internet gaming sites, but make sure you read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has improved the options for Internet Gaming self-exclusion. You can now log on to the DGE website, or NJPortal.com, and complete an online form that will exclude you from all New Jersey Internet gaming sites.

Previously, you had to open an Internet gaming account, before being allowed to self-exclude. All that has changed as of last week. The old forms of self-exclusion still exist. This includes walking into the DGE offices, or in person at racetracks around the Garden State.

“The Division of Gaming Enforcement has one of the most comprehensive responsible gaming programs in the country,” the Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck told Pokerfuse. “We strive to be innovative and remain at the forefront of Internet gaming regulation while giving individuals options to play online responsibly, or opt out if that is the right choice for them.”

The self-exclusion period can be for one, or five years, hence the warning to take a breather before hitting that return key. It’s also imperative that you read the fine print before opting for self-exclusion. Here are a few of the reasons why.

1. If you do opt for self-exclusion, and somehow manage to break your own vow, and play online. If you are caught, they will forfeit any winnings, and immediately remove you from the site.

2. By following this option you are opting to be self-excluded from ALL Internet gaming sites in New Jersey. Not just the one site that is giving you all that damned bad luck.

Kerzner International signs two One&Only Resorts in Mexico.

Kerzner International has entered into an agreement with BK Partners, a private equity fund focused on tourism and land development, to develop and operate two new One&Only resorts on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. One&Only Mandarina , located in Riveria Nayarit, approximately 50 kilometres north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport, will offer approximately 145 villas as well as private residential estates, farm-to-table dining and original retail options.

Brian Rast Launches Zen Poker Mentoring

Two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Brian Rast, has launched Zen Poker Mentoring: poker training for the body, mind and soul, with the first class being rolled out in Las Vegas later this month.

With two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, and $8m in live tournament earnings, tucked away in his treasure chest, Brian Rast knows a thing or two about the finer details of becoming a top notch poker player.

This is why his new venture Zen Poker Mentoring is going to be a great success.

But it’s not just Rast that makes this enterprise exciting.

It’s different.

Poker has evolved; a lot. But, in my humble opinion, the training that is available for poker players hasn’t kept pace. The record yourself playing poker and then posting the video way of doing things is old hat.

There is a movement growing. People call it many different things. I prefer to call it wellness. We are destroying the planet. We are destroying our bodies. More people are realizing this. More people are taking action.

Dipthrong on FTOPS XXVIII; PokerStars Act on SCOOP Customer Feedback

Back to back FTOPS Leaderboard winner, Mark ‘Dipthrong’ Herm, gives his opinion on the XXVIII schedule, and PokerStars show they aren’t just playing lip service when it comes to SCOOP feedback.

There are many things that made Full Tilt famous: t-shirts adorned with donkeys, Rush Poker, and a bunch of robbing bastards immediately spring to mind. But it was an acronym that produced the most groin heat.I’m talking about FTOPS.

15-29 March 2015 are the dates when bedrooms all over the world will smell of sweaty farts as online poker players refuse to leave. FTOPS XXVIII (number 28 for those of you that didn’t go to school), will consists of 35-events, and the organizers have promised $4m in guarantees.

There is a little something for everyone.

The working class can get involved in the action. There are eight events carrying a $100 price tag. Although, you had better like No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE), otherwise you will have to dig a little deeper to play. There are 25 NLHE events all-in-all.

The men and women with too much money can also get involved. Sunday, 22 March, sees the start of a two-day event that will cost $2,500 to enter, and carries a $350,000 guarantee.

There is also a $250 NLHE event carrying a $200,000 guarantee, and the $1,000 Main Event will take place Sunday, 29 March. There will be a million dollar guarantee for that one.

Jorryt van Hoof Announced as Special Guest for the British Poker Awards; Ranking Hero Pick Up Bar Tab

World Series of Poker Main Event fourth place finisher, Jorryt van Hoof, will be the special guest star at the upcoming British Poker Awards, due to take place at the Hippodrome on Monday, 23 Feb 2015.

The British Poker Awards (BPA) have announced that Jorryt van Hoof will be a special guest star at the award ceremony due to take place on Mon, 23 Feb 2015.

The Dutchman – who finished fourth at the 2014 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, for a $3.8m score – will guest star in a specially arranged pro-am poker tournament, scheduled to take place after the awards have been distributed to the fortunate few.

“With the awards just a few days away, we’re hugely excited to welcome one of the standout poker players of 2014 for our fifth anniversary. Whoever knocks out Jorryt van Hoof from our pro-am tournament is set for a fantastic prize, so you won’t want to miss out!” said Michael Caselli, Bluff Europe Editor-in-Chief.

The special ‘Bounty Tournament’ will be organized by Bluff Europe. Unibet will be the sponsor, and they will supply all bounty prizes, as well as a little something special for the winner.

We are unsure who will be joining Jorryt in the game, but can confirm that Liv Boeree, Victoria Coren Mitchell and Neil Channing will be attending the annual bash at the Hippodrome. Coren Mitchell is one of three players each nominated for three awards: Patrick Leonard and Simon Deadman are the other two.

If you want to get involved in the game then head over to www.hippodrome.com to register. Hurry though. The tournament will be capped at 50 entrants. Tickets for the awards show are also still available at the same site.

Trying to Make the World a Better Place With REG Co-Founder Adriano Mannino

The world is changing.

If you take a moment to stub out that cigarette, put down that crossword book, and think for a moment – you know that’s true.

You see it every day. Worldly images of death and destruction beamed into your brain from the idiot box that controls your world from the heart of your living room.

But there is light out there. The darkness is not having its own way. The world is also changing in a good way. More and more young people are starting to take positive action as they try to make a difference in the world. They are putting the lives of others in front of their own, and this movement has reached the shores of the poker community.

Ladbrokes to close another 50 betting shops

UK-listed betting operator Ladbrokes is preparing to close another 50 betting shops as increased taxes and thinning margins take a bite out of retail profits.

The Sunday Times was first to break the news that Ladbrokes will announce the shop closures when it turns in its Q4 and FY 2014 report card on Thursday. The 50 shops due for the axe are in addition to the 90-odd closures Ladbrokes had previously announced. When the rubble clears, Lads’ remaining complement of UK betting shops will have fallen to around 2,150.

The announcement comes just ahead of the March 1 implementation of a hike in the Machine Games Duty. The rate is going up from 20% to 25%, and with fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT) accounting for half of betting shop revenue, shops that were already struggling to clear a profit will have to go. Lads is far from alone in this regard, as rival William Hill announced the closure of over 100 shops last April.

News of the closure will be celebrated by the Daily Mail and the hordes of anti-FOBT campaigners who never fail to mention their ‘crack cocaine of gambling’ meme when discussing bet shops. (We’ve tried hard to push the ‘salted peanuts of gambling’ alternative but to no avail.)

UK councils have long advocated for more powers to be able to block new betting shops moving into their neighborhoods, even though bet shops are one of the only industries actually willing to occupy many vacant high street storefronts. Both the Association of British Bookmakers and the newly formed Senet Group have attempted to inject some reality into the betting shop discussion but it appears the taxman is winning.

As for Lads’ 2014 results, Morgan Stanley is forecasting revenue will be up 6% over 2013’s total but earnings will fall 7%. In addition to the increased machine duty, UK operators’ margins are having to adjust to the Dec. 1 imposition of the 15% online point of consumption tax.