Bloomberry’s OnlyFun.PH Expands FollowBet with Streamers
Bloomberry Resorts Corp.’s OnlyFun.PH is making strategic moves to enhance its FollowBet feature by onboarding over 100 streamers in the fourth quarter of 2023. Recently launched with Viva Communications, FollowBet integrates live gaming, streaming, and audience interaction, marking a significant innovation in the iGaming industry. This expansion highlights the growing demand for interactive, personalized gaming experiences in the Asian market, positioning Bloomberry as a key player in this evolving landscape.
Creator-Led Content and User Engagement
FollowBet’s strategy is heavily focused on creator-led content, leveraging the popularity and influence of streamers to attract and engage users. As stated by Suzy Polyanska, Vice President at OnlyFun.PH, the goal is to scale interactive live sessions through a substantial increase in the number of streamers. This approach taps into the growing trend of influencer marketing within the gaming sector, where personal connections and community interactions drive user retention and engagement.
The role of streamers is pivotal, as they act as both entertainers and community leaders. By allowing users to follow a streamer’s broadcast, chat, and participate in games simultaneously, FollowBet offers a compelling and immersive experience. This model stands out by sharing the stakes with viewers, aligning outcomes between streamers and their audience, thereby fostering a shared sense of excitement and community.
VMX Partnership and Brand Ambassadorship
The partnership with VMX, a video-on-demand service by Viva Communications, is central to FollowBet’s growth strategy. Recently, notable VMX stars Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto were announced as brand ambassadors and livestream hosts, signaling a strong endorsement of the platform. These personalities are not only media figures but also cultural influencers, bringing their fan base and authenticity to FollowBet.
Jay Montelibano, Vice President at Viva Communications, highlighted the benefits for VMX artists to expand their reach and deepen audience engagement. By working with these influencers, FollowBet enhances its brand visibility and credibility, while also offering its streamers new creative avenues and revenue streams. This symbiotic relationship is a key driver of FollowBet’s expansion, operating 24/7 and allowing users seamless access to various artist streams.
Regulatory Compliance and User Safety
Operating under a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), OnlyFun.PH ensures that FollowBet adheres to strict regulatory standards. Suzy Polyanska emphasized the implementation of age restrictions, requiring users to be 21 or older, alongside robust know-your-customer (KYC) verifications. These measures are essential in maintaining a secure and responsible gaming environment, safeguarding both players and streamers.
Content guidelines and safety protocols further reinforce the platform’s commitment to compliance and user protection. By setting and enforcing these standards, OnlyFun.PH not only adheres to regulatory requirements but also builds trust with its audience, a crucial factor in the highly competitive iGaming market.
Competitive Landscape and Market Implications
The expansion of FollowBet comes at a time when competition in the online gaming sector in the Philippines is intensifying. Other established operators, such as International Entertainment Corporation, are also entering the digital arena, indicating a shift towards online platforms amid evolving consumer preferences. This shift highlights the potential for significant growth and innovation within the industry, though it also poses challenges in terms of market differentiation and user acquisition.
Bloomberry’s strategic focus on combining livestreaming with gaming positions it advantageously against competitors. By creating a unique user experience that blends entertainment with gaming, FollowBet aims to capture a larger share of the online market. However, the lack of detailed user numbers and revenue projections poses questions about the platform’s immediate financial impact, suggesting that much will depend on user adoption and engagement rates in the coming months.
Conclusion
OnlyFun.PH’s initiative to scale FollowBet with a robust network of streamers underscores a pivotal moment for Bloomberry and the wider Asian iGaming industry. As interactive gaming formats gain traction, the integration of streaming and gaming offers a fresh avenue for growth and engagement. With a clear focus on content quality, regulatory compliance, and market expansion, FollowBet is poised to redefine user experiences and lead innovation within the dynamic realm of online gaming. As the platform develops, its potential to influence the future of iGaming in Asia remains substantial, contingent on its ability to attract and retain a dedicated user base.