SIGMA EUROPE PREVIEW
Retargeting in iGaming: What will really drive player return in 2026
The iGaming industry insight experts at
mr.Booster, the all-in-one ad platform and full-cycle marketing agency, offer advice for operators on how to reengage and retain players in an ever-increasingly competitive market.
R
etention is the toughest challenge in iGaming today. Acquisition costs are rising, competition is multiplying, and user loyalty is shrinking. Up to 95 per cent of new players can become inactive within just a few days. Players don’t always leave because of bonuses or UX; often, they simply stop feeling addressed. In 2026, the battleground will be re-engagement, not acquisition.
Leonid Pudov, CEO of
mr.Booster
WHY RETARGETING MATTERS Retargeting is no longer just showing ads to users who leave a site. It has evolved into a multi-layered communication process built around data, timing, and behaviour. The most effective campaigns segment users by intent, track them across streaming, social, and programmatic channels, and dynamically adjust messaging based on actions, not
demographics. Done correctly, retargeting can recover up to 30 per cent of inactive players at a fraction of acquisition cost, sometimes for as little as $0.10 per user. The industry has shifted from mass reach to behavioural precision. Operators are now investing
more in collecting information directly from gameplay and on-site interactions. Campaigns leveraging first-party segmentation deliver
18 NOVEMBER 2025 GIO
Successful retargeting in 2026 isn’t about budget; it’s about interpreting behaviour signals and acting on them. The most effective campaigns map every stage of the player journey, from first visit to repeat deposit. Teams measure post-click and post-view conversions, monitor redeposit rates and lifetime value, and test creative frequency to avoid fatigue. Retargeting becomes part of a full player- lifecycle strategy, creating continuity rather than intrusive advertising.
FROM THE CEO
Leonid Pudov, CEO of
mr.Booster, emphasises that the speed of user decisions is the biggest challenge in iGaming marketing today. Players move on quickly, and retargeting helps brands stay visible at those critical decision points without being intrusive. Metrics such as post-click and post-view conversions, redeposit rates, and lifetime value are far more informative than CTR alone.
Personalisation will become operational rather than purely creative. It is no longer about slogans, but about systems that respond to behaviour in real time. Brands that combine smart data with measured messaging will dominate the next wave of growth. Retargeting, when executed thoughtfully, is not just a marketing tool; it is a core growth strategy that turns missed opportunities into measurable returns.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As acquisition costs rise, real growth comes from what happens after the first click. Retargeting gives iGaming brands a way to reconnect with users efficiently, precisely, and with data at the core of decision-making. Done right, it’s not just marketing, but smart business strategy.
mr.Booster – insights that bring players back. Meet the team on Stand 1048G at SiGMA Central Europe, Rome.
1.8–2.3x higher conversion rates than those targeting general audience. Data is no longer just a targeting tool; it forms the foundation of creative logic, guiding how, when, and to whom messages are delivered.
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