SiGMA Asia 2024: A guide

Renz Gonzales speaks about PropellerAds and how it has evolved in the challenging business of affiliations.

At PropellerAds, our brand identity revolves around innovation, results-driven strategies, and a strong customer focus. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering a high-performance advertising platform and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Our core values include integrity, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, ensuring we provide top-notch services to our clients and partners.

PropellerAds primarily partner with brands, media buyers, and affiliates who seek effective and efficient advertising solutions. We meet their diverse needs by offering customised ad solutions, real-time optimisation tools and features, and a seamless advertising experience.

In the highly competitive advertising industry, PropellerAds stands out through our cutting-edge technologies, extensive global reach, and a strong emphasis on performance-driven advertising.

Our proprietary algorithms and user-friendly platforms enable us to deliver superior results. Additionally, we offer a diverse range of ad formats, advanced targeting options, and comprehensive analytics to ensure our clients achieve their marketing goals.

Maintaining and enhancing our reputation is a top priority at PropellerAds. We achieve this by consistently providing high-quality service, maintaining transparent communication with our clients, and continuously updating our technology and focus on innovation. We actively gather feedback from our users and promptly address any concerns, ensuring a positive and trustworthy relationship with our partners.

To stay ahead in the market, PropellerAds has recently introduced several new features such as campaign auto-creatives and our survey exit ad format., which leverage machine learning to enhance campaign performance, and advanced targeting options that allow for more precise audience segmentation. We consistently improve our anti-fraud measures to protect our clients and ensure the integrity of our ad network.

Ensuring excellent customer support and satisfaction is a cornerstone of PropellerAds' operations. We offer 24/7 availability through a dedicated support team, providing personalised assistance to our clients. Our proactive approach includes regular follow-ups, feedback collection, and continuous improvement of our support processes to address any issues promptly and effectively.

PropellerAds is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and actively participates in various initiatives. We support digital literacy programs through our media-buying certification, which aims to bridge the digital divide and promote education. Additionally, we are involved in environmental sustainability projects, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Since our inception, PropellerAds has undergone significant evolution, expanding our range of ad formats, developing successful projects, and growing our global presence. We remain dedicated to innovation and growth, continuously adapting and pioneering the ever-changing digital landscape.

We collaborate with various market players to expand our brand awareness and strengthen our relationships with our partners. This collaboration can take the form of a co-hosted event, a webinar with several brands, an expert talk, or a panel. In general, we are open to any type of co-marketing and are glad to share our market expertise.

At PropellerAds, gathering and utilising feedback from our clients and affiliates is integral to our continuous improvement process. We employ various methods, including surveys, direct communication, and performance data analysis, to collect valuable insights. This feedback is then used to refine our services, develop new features, and enhance the overall user experience. By listening to our clients, we ensure our offerings remain relevant and effective in meeting their needs.

 Summit powered by Soft2Bet, will take place in Budapest from 2-4 September 2024.

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed the BBB- long-term issuer credit rating and BBB- long-term issue ratings for SkyCity Entertainment Group. Despite anticipating a weakening of credit metrics in the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, S&P maintains a stable outlook for the company. The rating agency highlights SkyCity's commitment to taking creditor-friendly actions, prioritising debt reduction over the next two fiscal years to mitigate downward pressure on the rating.  

S&P has adjusted its earnings forecast for SkyCity, citing subdued economic conditions in New Zealand, which have decreased revenues in gaming and non-gaming sectors. The debt-to-EBITDA ratio is expected to peak at 2.9x in fiscal 2024, with proactive measures anticipated to improve the ratio to 2.0x by fiscal 2026. These measures include suspending dividend payments until 2025 and utilizing the proceeds from the sale of a stake in Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to pay off debts.  

SkyCity has taken several steps to support its credit metrics, including selling its entire 10.02 percent stake in GiG. This sale, expected to generate approximately NZD55 million (€31 million) after costs, is a significant part of SkyCity’s strategy to reduce its debt burden. Additionally, the company has delayed the opening of the Horizon Hotel to August 1, 2024, and incurred pre-opening operational costs for both the Horizon Hotel and the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).  

SkyCity continues to face heightened regulatory oversight, which has posed challenges to its operations. The conclusion of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre’s (AUSTRAC) case against SkyCity Adelaide has some regulatory uncertainties, yet the company remains under various ongoing reviews, including an independent review of SkyCity Adelaide’s suitability to hold a gaming license.  

Despite current economic and r, S&P expects SkyCity’s earnings to improve from fiscal 2026 onwards. This improvement is anticipated to be driven by an economic recovery in New Zealand and the increased earnings potential from operations like NZICC, the Horizon Hotel, and car parks. The stable outlook reflects S&P’s confidence in SkyCity’s debt reduction efforts and its ability to maintain its credit profile within the rating tolerances over the next two fiscal years.  

By taking strategic actions to reduce debt and navigating regulatory challenges, SkyCity aims to strengthen its financial position and prepare for future growth as economic conditions improve. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: Click  to find out all about SiGMA East Europe powered by Soft2Bet happening in Budapest, September 2024.

turned its spotlight on Jonas Warrer, the forward-thinking CEO of He discussed the company’s rebranding of GiG Media to Gentoo that involved a new name, logo and visual identity, while maintaining the same team and brands. The company is operating under the name Gentoo and aims to create a uniform identity and culture.

Warrer, (pictured above), with his extensive background in innovation and business development, is a leader who truly encapsulates the diverse aspects of modern-day leadership. He exudes a palpable enthusiasm that is infectious. His affable and approachable demeanour, coupled with an evident passion for the industry, not only makes him a likable figure but inspires those around him. This charismatic style is evidently a driving force behind Gentoo’s innovative strides in the industry.

The official separation of the company is scheduled for the latter half of 2024. The transformation is not just a change in name and logo, but a massive step to creating a cohesive identity and culture under the Gentoo banner. Warrer explained how despite these changes, the team and brands remain the same, ensuring continuity.

Jonas Warrer . It is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the business. He has had comprehensive discussions with partners and employees to identify the core characteristics required for the business. These values and attributes are now embodied in the new brand, which he believes will serve as a catalyst to enhance operations. Warrer is confident that this rebranding will make the business structure more robust, offering substantial advantages to shareholders and instilling confidence in the future prospects of Gentoo.

The balance between tradition and innovation is a key aspect of Warrer’s leadership strategy at Gentoo. He went on to share his approach to maintaining the company's authenticity while also encouraging innovation. He expressed his commitment to preserving Gentoo’s core values, which are rooted in humility, drive, and collaboration. Warrer said that he actively strives to engage with as many individuals within the company as possible, fostering collaboration both within and between teams. By adhering to these values and promoting teamwork, he believes that Gentoo can generate new ideas and propel the business forward.

Warrer further elaborated that the name Gentoo is a nod to the Rebel Penguin origins, embodying qualities of agility, resilience, and a trailblazing spirit. This heritage will persist in influencing the company’s ethos, promoting a climate of innovation, flexibility, and a defiant approach to industry obstacles. Gentoo’s business strategies will reflect these principles, with a focus on inventiveness, and a ceaseless quest for excellence. This harmonious blend of respecting the past while fearlessly embracing the future is a defining characteristic of Gentoo’s identity.

When asked how Gentoo is preparing for the challenges that may arise from the company split, Warrer indicated that the company has been preparing for this transition for a long time and that the two companies have already separated. However, he added, “it is of course vital for us to ensure a smooth transition and maintain high quality operations”. He agreed that the company will face many challenges, particularly in transitioning corporate and support functions from a centralized setup to the two new business units. Warrer carried on to say how, after parting ways with the Gaming Innovation Group, Gentoo now has a strategic plan to maintain its competitive edge. He acknowledged the effort and dedication required for successful rebranding. He also highlighted the significant support Gentoo received for its planned split from investors, partners, and employees. He believes it reflects the strong relationships and trust that Gentoo has nurtured over the years with its stakeholders.

The focus is on enhancing the company’s affiliate business and perpetuating the strong organic growth that the company experienced in recent years.

Warrer recognises the importance of technology and Business Intelligence (BI) in staying competitive. The company’s intention is to continue investing in these areas to strengthen proprietary media and the marketing platform, as well as unique BI. By increasing the understanding of data, Gentoo aims to deliver even more impressive results in the future.

Over the past 12 months, Gentoo made three significant Ask Gamblers, KaFe Rocks, and most recently, Casinomeister. These acquisitions were strategic fits, aimed at maintaining Gentoo’s pole position in casino affiliation and furthering its diversification strategy.

Warrer says that the Casinomeister acquisition, although it may have appeared unexpected, was too good an opportunity to pass up. Going forward, Gentoo plans to focus on integrating the last two companies it acquired and building on the progress made with Ask Gamblers.

Warrer also highlighted Gentoo’s impressive financial performance with 13 successive quarters of all-time high revenue. Specifically, on 7 May, 2024, for Q1, GiG Media reported revenues at an all-time high of €28.0 million, a significant increase of 52 percent (21 percent organic) from €18.4 million. The EBITDA for the same period was €13.5 million, up from €8 million. Furthermore, First Time Deposits (FTDs) for GiG Media were 125,100, up 13 percent year-over-year (YoY) from 110,800.

Warrer also discussed the company’s strategic plans. The business is operationally ready for the formal split of Media and Platform & Sportsbook. This split is expected to take place by Q3 2024, pending approvals and further demonstrating Gentoo’s commitment to transparency and shareholder communication.

Age: 46 years
Family: Wife and two kids age 10 and 14
Education: Master Science Management of Innovation and Business Development from Copenhagen Business School
Last holiday: Greece "(my favourite place to go)"
Best advice: Assume most people know more than you do
Relaxation: Fixing things in the house and garden

 Summit powered by Soft2Bet, will take place in Budapest from 2-4 September 2024.

Judge Shepherd has upheld the Kentucky ban on popular "grey machines", skill games that offer cash payouts and were operating in a "grey" legal area. Some argue that these machines are games based on skill, but others declare that the element of chance present in these games ultimately makes them gambling machines or disguised slot machines.

The controversy around these machines peaked when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 594 into law in 2023. This legislation ended the blurred distinction between games and gambling, making the operation of these devices illegal and imposing substantial fines on businesses and manufacturers that did not comply.

The legal battle began when Pace-O-Matic, a major operator with 2,500 machines in the state, challenged the law, arguing against its constitutionality and seeking to overturn the ban. While the company's machines across the state remain in small businesses, they are disabled, pending a final decision to remove them.

Pace-O-Matic argues that the ban is unconstitutional for several reasons, including violations of free speech, due process, equal protection, and separation of powers. It also claims the ban constitutes taking property without fair compensation.

The complaint states that skill games are a form of expression that communicates ideas through unique literary features and should be protected speech under the Kentucky Constitution.

Additionally, it contends that the ban unfairly targets certain electronic video-style skill games while allowing similar devices used in e-sports or .

Judge Shepherd's decision sided with Attorney General Russell Coleman, who vigorously defended the law as necessary to protect Kentucky's families and children from potential social harms associated with unregulated gambling. Coleman praised the bipartisan effort of the legislature in passing the bill.

The ruling addressed several key arguments from opponents of the ban, including claims that the law violated free speech rights and unfairly targeted specific industries. Judge Shepherd's comprehensive 52-page ruling dismissed these claims, affirming that the legislature had the authority to regulate gambling activities to protect public welfare.

Supporters of the ban, including House Speaker David Osborne, celebrated the decision as validation of the legislature's intent to fight illegal gambling practices. They argued that allowing these machines to operate without oversight could have led to expanded gambling across the state, potentially undermining existing regulatory frameworks.

In contrast, opponents of the ban, such as Pace-O-Matic and its legal representatives, expressed disappointment with the court's decision and indicated they were considering an appeal. They argued that the law unfairly targeted their industry and advocated for recognising these machines as legal "skill games" rather than gambling devices.

Earlier this year, in March, Virginia legislatures voted to unban skill games machines and regulate the market, stating that the tax revenue was much needed (grey machines are taxed at 25%) and that many small businesses depended on these machines to survive.