The Evolution of Gaming & Betting Advertising: Trends, Insights, and the Road Ahead

The gaming and betting industry is going through big changes. With new technology, shifting player interests, and updated rules, brands are moving away from traditional ads on TV and print. Instead, they are focusing more on digital strategies, influencer marketing, and AI-powered campaigns to stay ahead.

For advertisers, keeping up with these changes is essential. Programmatic ads, targeted campaigns, and interactive content are now the key to success. Simply reaching a broad audience is no longer enough, brands need to connect with the right people at the right time.

Successful gaming brands are using live sports sponsorships, esports collaborations, personalized ads, and immersive videos to attract and keep players engaged. As the industry evolves, businesses that adapt to these modern marketing methods will have a better chance of standing out and growing. This blog covers key advertising trends in gaming and betting for 2024, including the rise of digital ads, AI-driven marketing, influencer impact, interactive ad formats, and event based hikes. By the end, you'll have a clear strategy to stay ahead and boost ROI. First of all, let's understand why these trends matter the most to advertisers?

Why do these trends matter for advertisers?

The advertising industry is getting more competitive, and brands need smarter strategies to attract and retain customers. With traditional advertising losing its impact, investing in digital channels is more important than ever for better targeting and ROI. AI, influencer marketing, and programmatic ads are changing the way gaming brands connect with their audience, making marketing more personalized and effective. Plus, major events like IPL, FIFA, and esports tournaments offer huge opportunities for brands to grab attention and engage with audiences in real time.

Moreover, data-driven marketing is becoming a game-changer, enabling brands to analyze consumer behavior and tailor campaigns accordingly. By leveraging analytics, brands can optimize their ad spend, refine messaging, and deliver highly relevant content to the right audience at the right time. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, staying ahead with innovative, tech-driven strategies will be key to standing out in the crowded advertising landscape.

TV: The Strongest Traditional Channel for Gaming Ads

Key trends to discuss in advertising 2022 to 2024

Advertising trends in gaming and betting have evolved, with television remaining a strong channel, especially during prime-time slots and major sports events. Despite this, digital ad spending has surged by 12% in 2024, signaling a shift in marketing strategies. Celebrity endorsements continue to play an important role, with 90% of TV ads featuring well-known personalities like MS Dhoni, Ajay Devgan, and Hrithik Roshan, enhancing brand recall and trust.

Sports channels dominate gaming ad spending on TV, with 80% of the budget allocated to IPL and other major tournaments. While print ads still hold relevance in regional markets, particularly in the North Zone, radio advertising is losing ground as brands prioritize digital platforms. This shift reflects changing consumer behavior, where digital engagement is becoming more impactful than traditional channels.

Market leaders and spending patterns

Despite the rise of digital marketing, television remains a key platform for gaming and betting ads. In 2024, the top five advertisers dominated nearly 100% of TV ad spend. Sporta Technologies (Dream11) led fantasy sports ads, especially during major cricket events, while Playgames 24x7 (RummyCircle) focused on skill-based card games. Cashgrail (WinZO) targeted both casual and hardcore gamers, Tictok Skill Games increased its presence in skill-based betting ads, and Junglee Games India specialized in real-money gaming.

Where and when Ads appear

Gaming brands heavily target live sporting events to maximize engagement and audience connection, with prime time (6 PM – 10 PM) being the most valuable slot for TV ads. Major sporting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), ICC Cricket World Cup, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and Asia Cup drive significant advertising spend, as they attract massive viewership and boost interest in fantasy sports and betting platforms.

Celebrity endorsements play a crucial role in building trust and credibility for gaming brands. MS Dhoni promotes WinZO Games, reinforcing its reliability, while Hrithik Roshan aligns with RummyCircle’s premium and skill-based gaming appeal. Ajay Devgan enhances the credibility of Junglee Rummy, and Kapil Sharma and Harbhajan Singh engage audiences with humor and sports appeal for brands like Zupee and RummyCulture. These strategic partnerships help gaming brands connect with their target audience more effectively.

The Rise of Digital Advertising in Gaming & Betting

Gaming brands allocate their digital ad spend across key platforms, with YouTube (47%) leading in video ads and live sports streaming promotions, followed by Facebook (29%) for targeted social ads and gaming communities, and X.com (18%) for real-time engagement and sports discussions. Video and display ads are equally split, with interactive content, influencer marketing, and gamified ads proving more effective than static formats. Peak ad spending happens during major tournaments like the IPL, ICC Cricket World Cup, and esports competitions, where live streaming, influencer partnerships, and gamification drive audience engagement.

Digital advertising is now the dominant force, with YouTube, Facebook, and X.com accounting for 94% of the total digital ad spend. Video ads and influencer-led campaigns are proving to be the most effective formats, engaging audiences with dynamic and personalized content. To stay competitive, gaming brands must embrace an omnichannel approach that integrates TV, digital, and influencer marketing for maximum impact.

Digital advertising is now the dominant force, with YouTube, Facebook, and X.com accounting for 94% of the total digital ad spend. Video ads and influencer-led campaigns are proving to be the most effective formats, engaging audiences with dynamic and personalized content. To stay competitive, gaming brands must embrace an omnichannel approach that integrates TV, digital, and influencer marketing for maximum impact.

Actionable insights for advertisers in 2025

• Prioritize Digital Advertising – Invest in AI-driven programmatic campaigns and video-first strategies.
• Partner with Influencers – Collaborate with gaming influencers, esports pros, and micro-influencers to boost trust and conversions.
• Capitalize on Major Events – Plan ad campaigns around IPL, FIFA, and esports tournaments for peak engagement.
• Use Interactive Ads – Experiment with playable ads, in-game sponsorships, and AR/VR marketing to enhance user experience.
• Leverage AI & Machine Learning – Personalize ads, retarget users, and maximize ROI with predictive analytics.

Final thoughts

The gaming and betting advertising industry is evolving toward precision, engagement, and cross-platform integration. Brands that leverage AI, influencer marketing, and data-driven strategies will shape the future of gaming promotions.

Looking for expert guidance? Excellent Publicity specializes in high-impact, data-driven advertising solutions tailored for gaming brands.

Contact us today to create winning campaigns that drive engagement and maximize ROI.