I plan to publish a series of articles about how intelligence and knowledge, fundamental analysis, and awareness can help entrepreneurs and investors navigate the era of digital speculation.

Every year, there is another surge in the blockchain community. A horde of speculators rushes in thirsting for profit. Today, in this article, I want to understand "where the market is heading," and one of the ways to do this is through monitoring so-called FinIndexes.

Today, using the example of the FinIndex approach in the GameDev and iGaming industries, I want to lay the terminological groundwork.

Article #1 "What is FinIndex in the iGaming and GameDev Industries". TLDR:

1. Definition, my authorial take on the term "FinIndex";
2. Properties of the studied markets, using GameDev and iGaming as examples;
3. Components to assemble the simplest custom index;
4. Its purpose and relevance, particularly for investors;
5. Initial conclusions;
6. Topics for upcoming articles.

[Unprecedented Demand and Popularity:]

In the quest for achieving success and profitability, investors must navigate a vast landscape of companies striving to secure a dominant position in the market. Amidst this frenetic competition, one crucial element emerges as paramount: liquidity. Liquidity plays a pivotal role in the realm of investments, and this holds true even within the gambling industry. Companies boasting high liquidity possess the capacity to adeptly respond to shifting market dynamics, rendering them more robust and attractive to investors in search of both stability and growth.

In this article, I will present to you the top 10 most liquid companies in the gambling industry. My analysis was conducted based on the Financial Index, which tracks the stock performance of 40 publicly traded companies in the gambling industry, encompassing various forms of online gambling, such as casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, lotteries, and more. The index employs a market capitalization-weighted methodology and is adjusted semi-annually to account for market changes and the diversification of companies' activities in the gambling sector.

Top 10 companies

PhilWeb
Corporation is a prominent gaming company based in the Philippines. Established in 2000, the company specializes in providing e-gaming solutions and services to various online and land-based gaming operators in the country. One of the significant aspects that set PhilWeb apart is its digital platform that enables gaming operators to offer a diverse range of casino games, such as slots, table games, and lottery products, to their customers. This platform leverages advanced technology and robust security measures to ensure a safe and seamless gaming experience for players.      

For PhilWeb Corporation, the number of outstanding shares stands at an impressive 1,435,776,680. As of the latest data available, PhilWeb Corporation boasts an impressive average trading volume of 727,878,914.  This robust trading activity reflects the company's prominence and investor interest in the gaming sector in the Philippines.

SJM Holdings Limited
SJM Holdings Limited - a major player in China's gambling industry. With 7,040,000,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 18,569,762, it enjoys a strong market presence. Operating in Macau, it offers diverse gaming options and focuses on top-notch experiences. A compelling choice for investors in the booming gambling and entertainment sector.

Sinopharm Tech Holdings Ltd
Sinopharm Tech Holdings Ltd, headquartered in China, is a notable company in the gambling industry. With 4,590,000,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 15,780,000, it commands a significant market presence. As an investor, this company presents an enticing opportunity in the vibrant and dynamic world of gambling and entertainment.

DraftKings
DraftKings, based in the USA, is a prominent player in the gambling industry. With 451,630,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 13,301,832, it showcases a strong market presence. As an investor, this company presents an exciting prospect in the thriving landscape of gambling and entertainment in the United States.

The Star Entertainment Group
The Star Entertainment Group, headquartered in Australia, is a significant player in the gambling industry. Boasting 947,990,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 11,122,637, it holds a robust market presence. For investors seeking opportunities in the Australian gambling and entertainment sector, this company stands out as an appealing option.

Tabcorp Holdings Limited
Tabcorp Holdings Limited, based in Australia, is a prominent player in the gambling industry. With 2,250,000,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 10,659,072, the company demonstrates a substantial market presence. Investors looking for potential prospects in the Australian gambling and entertainment sector may find Tabcorp Holdings Limited an intriguing choice.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited
Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited, a major player in China's gambling industry, possesses 4,360,000,000 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 9,861,324. With a strong market presence, the company presents an alluring option for investors exploring opportunities in the thriving Chinese gambling and entertainment sector.

Las Vegas Sands Corp
Las Vegas Sands Corp, headquartered in the United States, is a prominent company in the gambling industry. With 763,989,752 outstanding shares and an average trading volume of 4,971,991, the company demonstrates a significant market presence. Investors seeking exposure to the US gambling and entertainment market may find Las Vegas Sands Corp an enticing choice.

MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International, a major player based in the USA, boasts 373,913,450 outstanding shares in stock and an average trading volume of 4,265,278. With a solid market presence, this company offers investors a compelling opportunity in the vibrant and dynamic world of the US gambling and entertainment industry.

BetMakers Technology Group
BetMakers Technology Group, headquartered in Australia, is a noteworthy company in the gambling industry. It holds 942,050,000 outstanding shares in stock and experiences an average trading volume of 4,196,605. With a robust market presence, BetMakers Technology Group presents an attractive prospect for investors seeking opportunities in the Australian gambling and technology sector.

Factors Driving Investor Interest in These Gambling Companies

These gambling companies have captivated investors for a multitude of compelling reasons, making them alluring prospects in the ever-evolving world of gambling. Let's delve into the core factors that have beckoned investors to place their wagers on these industry giants.

Unprecedented Demand and Popularity:
Companies such as BetMakers Technology Group, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands Corp have achieved remarkable liquidity by drawing in a vast player base. Their extraordinary gaming offerings, alluring bonuses, and diverse entertainment options set them apart, continuously stoking investor interest.

Pioneering Innovation and Technology:
Enterprises like BetMakers Technology Group and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited are actively channeling investments into cutting-edge digital technologies, catering to tech-savvy, forward-thinking customers. Incorporating artificial intelligence, blockchain advancements, and enhanced online platforms has not only expanded their customer base but also bolstered liquidity.

Global Footprint:
With extensive networks of casinos and entertainment complexes spanning various countries, companies such as Las Vegas Sands Corp and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited have established diverse investor bases and stable stock liquidity.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability:   
Firms like MGM Resorts International place paramount importance on transparent operations and their fiduciary duty to players and investors. This steadfast commitment builds trust and sustains long-term stock liquidity.

Internationally Acclaimed Brands:
Companies like BetMakers Technology Group and MGM Resorts International have cemented their status as global brands with stellar reputations and massive followings. Their worldwide recognition draws investors from across the globe, ensuring robust liquidity and consistent stock growth.

Strategic Market Expansion:
BetMakers Technology Group, Las Vegas Sands Corp, and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited are actively pursuing market expansion strategies, igniting interest from international investors and consequently boosting stock liquidity. Through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and market entry into various regions, these companies are solidifying their positions in the global gambling landscape.

For instance, BetMakers Technology Group is ambitiously expanding into Asian, European, and American markets, providing worldwide access to its innovative products and solutions. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands Corp and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited are trailblazing by establishing lavish casino resorts in countries such as China, Singapore, South Korea, and others. This geographic expansion attracts both local patrons and a plethora of foreign guests and investors, thereby elevating the liquidity of these companies' stocks.

In summation, the fervor to expand into global markets propels BetMakers Technology Group, Las Vegas Sands Corp, and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited into the upper echelons of attractiveness for investors seeking maximum liquidity and growth potential within the rapidly evolving gambling industry.

Surely some of you could have seen my post The most liquid companies in the gambling industry in another section and considered me a spammer. However, I mistakenly uploaded 2 posts at the same time in different sections and then just couldn't delete any of them. Therefore, changing the topic, I ask users here to explain why it is not possible to delete posts

Gambling faces limitations, so marketers are exploring new ways to promote. Social media have become one of the methods. I have already written about the top 50 Instagram & TikTok accounts for gambling advertising. But gambling is strictly regulated on these platforms. Therefore, Twitch may be a more suitable platform.

Twitch allowed streamers to share referral codes and links without restrictions for a period. Today, it is prohibited to stream sites that include slots, roulette, or dice games and aren’t licensed either in the U.S. or in other jurisdictions. But following the rules, influencers can stream various gambling sites on Twitch.

We have collected 2,505 Twitch channels related to gambling and I make the top 40 of them sorted by the number of hours watched.

idx	Name	Followers	Language	Hours Watched	Top category by HW
1	CasinoDaddy	183,033	English	707,391	Slots (99,7%)
2	SlotsMarko	32,000	English	600,621	Slots (100%)
3	SkipNhO	1,250,000	Portuguese	535,614	Virtual Casino (81%)
4	PokerStars	327,000	English	512,140	Poker (100%)
5	rachaxp7	199,000	Portuguese	382,578	Virtual Casino (79%)
6	STANISLAW89	128,000	Russian	335,639	Virtual Casino (94%)
7	ilGabbrone	545,000	Italian	320,153	Virtual Casino (89%)
8	ZLOYn	857,000	Russian	307,565	Virtual Casino (56%)
9	Andypsx	94,000	Spanish	238,293	Slots (100%)
10	egorkreed	1,160,000	Russian	233,181	Virtual Casino (70%)
11	k4t4n4	172,000	Russian	226,723	Virtual Casino (36%)
12	Slotshub	25,259	Greek	221,803	Slots (100%)
13	ROSHTEIN	1,070,000	English	218,262	Slots (100%)
14	RobbinLud	10,000	Russian	208,070	Virtual Casino (100%)
15	KhovanskyToday	105,000	Russian	199,053	Virtual Casino (53%)
16	PokerStarsEspanol	57,000	Spanish	196,284	Poker (100%)
17	Casino_Squad	68,000	Italian	194,948	Virtual Casino (100%)
18	TritonPoker	75,141	English	174,478	Poker (100%)
19	aussieslots	50,000	English	164,755	Slots (100%)
20	yuuri22	106,000	Portuguese	154,733	Virtual Casino (51%)
21	PokerStars247	173,113	English	148,791	Poker (100%)
22	symbiolive	131,922	Portuguese	138,976	Slots (58,9%)
23	Kosteze	111,000	Russian	138,509	Virtual Casino (72%)
24	SemaKingg	16,000	Russian	127,934	Virtual Casino (99%)
25	SpinlifeTV	86,000	English	125,964	Slots (100%)
26	SEINTYS	128,000	Russian	118,056	Virtual Casino (38%)
27	cellinrj	308,000	Portuguese	117,266	Virtual Casino (60%)
28	Eskhato	94,000	Russian	116,558	Virtual Casino (100%)
29	PokerStarsFrance	46,000	French	113,107	Poker (100%)
30	ADM1TR1POW	277,393	Russian	106,738	Slots (45,6%)
31	fnxLNTC	650,000	Portuguese	104,120	Virtual Casino (95%)
32	topbonusio	42,000	Spanish	103,057	Slots (100%)
33	FEDOSIK_ZANOSIK	15,309	Ukrainian	101,069	Virtual Casino (100%)
34	B4W1N	23,160	Russian	95,773	Virtual Casino (100%)
35	GALINEOS	18,000	Polish	95,302	Slots (100%)
36	Bonusheroes	15,887	German	90,417	Slots (100%)
37	DiNIceTea	117,000	Russian	89,526	Virtual Casino (46%)
38	nokainlive	68,000	Portuguese	89,102	Virtual Casino (100%)
39	SLOTAKIAS	24,000	Greek	88,981	Slots (100%)
40	ProdigyDDK	172,000	English	87,051	Slots (92%)

The information in the above top is relevant at the time of data collection. The Demo_Gambling/iGaming Twitch Marketing Inventory List 2023 includes the number of peak viewers, average viewers, hour watched per day, active days, and etc.

More and more businesses are turning to influencers, considering their vast audience and impact. The effectiveness of influencer advertising can be attributed to the strong bond between influencers and followers. When influencers recommend or review products, viewers perceive their opinions as highly reliable, surpassing the credibility of traditional advertising methods. Influencers offer a unique advantage in terms of targeting, allowing advertisers to concentrate on specific target audiences. That's why we have compiled 2,505 streamers into a single list - Gambling/iGaming Twitch Marketing Inventory List 2023, which served as the basis for this top. Considering the restrictions faced by gambling, influencer marketing on Twitch can become effective and allows companies to achieve more quality results.

Gambling has been a widespread form of entertainment for centuries. I Googled how many people gamble and on the first site they write that about 1.6 billion people around the world gamble. And this is almost 20% of the world's population. Gitnux also writes that at the same time 4.2 billion play at least once a year.

The world of gambling is diverse, and people's attitudes towards various products can be amazingly different. Each gambler finds a game that suits their taste. At the same time, many people who gamble are not even aware of their involvement. I want to study the ambivalent attitude towards different gambling products.I want to start with the reasons for such a different attitude.

Reason 1: Perception of risk
One of the main reasons is the perception of risk. Certain forms of gambling, such as sports betting and casino games, are perceived as high-risk activities that can lead to significant financial losses. On the other hand, lotteries are seen as a relatively low-risk option, perhaps due to the low ticket price and their legality at the government level.

Reason 2: Social acceptability
Certain entertainment carries a greater degree of social acceptance compared to others. For instance, bingo is commonly regarded as harmless, while roulettes, sports betting, poker, or blackjack often carry negative associations, including addiction and irresponsible behavior.

Many people have a negative attitude to gambling, not even realizing that their passion for bingo is also gambling addiction. This case is interesting because people generally don't classify bingo or lotteries as forms of gambling.

Reason 3: Accessibility
In many countries, lotteries are widely available and easily accessible, often operated by the government. Conversely, casino games may face restrictions or even be prohibited. This disparity in the treatment of different forms of gambling within a country can significantly influence public attitudes towards them. For people, products approved by the state are deemed acceptable, while anything that is prohibited tends to generate a negative perception.

The main arguments against gambling are:

• Prohibition at the state level.  As I have already said, gambling is prohibited or strictly regulated in many countries.
• Addiction. For example, playing slot games or sport betting people lose money and can't stop. At the same time, no one talks about dependence by lotteries. It is the fact that many countries are allowed to play the lottery that has created a positive image around this game. But there are enough examples when people lost everything trying to win the main prize in the lottery.
• Scam. It is worth remembering that fraud is not only in gambling. However, the scammers of several such projects spoil the reputation of the entire sphere as a whole.
• Banditry. I think it has to do with negative images in movies. After all, no one will watch a movie about how thousands of people play in a casino, and then go to work, lead a normal lifestyle. Therefore, they make films about bandits who conduct dishonest business.
• Everyone loses. This myth came from the fact that people declare losses loudly and it is remembered. For example, people will not remember hundreds or thousands of other people's winnings, but they will remember 1 case when a person lost an apartment and job due to gambling.

Attitudes towards gambling products have evolved over many years and are shaped by the complex interaction of all the aforementioned factors.

Positive attitude to the lottery
Typically, gambling activities are frowned upon by society, but lotteries enjoy immense popularity and trust. Many individuals perceive lotteries as acceptable, primarily because they offer the possibility of winning substantial sums, and the proceeds from ticket sales often contribute to vital social programs like education, culture, and healthcare. However, it is important to recognize that despite the general perception, lotteries are indeed a form of gambling.

Lottery operators tend to target the most vulnerable members of society, with individuals from lower-income brackets more likely to allocate a significant portion of their earnings towards purchasing lottery tickets. This is primarily fueled by the lottery's promotion of the notion of "get rich quick". Surprisingly, many countries approve of this phenomenon, with lottery ticket sales points found everywhere. Regrettably, the potential consequences of fostering unrealistic expectations and financial irresponsibility often go unnoticed.

It is crucial to acknowledge that lotteries possess one of the highest House Edges, ranging from 7% to 30%. This substantial margin ensures that lottery owners amass significant profits, given the extremely low probability of players winning. In lottery play, luck remains the sole factor upon which players rely. In contrast, casino games like blackjack offer players greater opportunities to win, as they can employ strategies and skills to enhance their chances of success.

Attitude to the casino games
When comparing casino games to lotteries, one can observe that casino games tend to exhibit greater honesty and transparency. Within a casino setting, the rules of the games are clearly outlined, allowing players to ascertain the probabilities of winning for each bet they place. While it is crucial to remain vigilant against scammers, it's important to acknowledge that fraudulent individuals exist in various aspects of life, including the realm of gambling. Nonetheless, numerous countries are actively working towards regulating gambling, and operators are increasingly adopting responsible gaming.

Criticism
Criticism towards gambling persists, with the belief that these games have a detrimental effect on society by exacerbating wealth inequality and contributing to social issues.

Different forms of gambling possess unique characteristics and allure, yet their impact on participants and society varies. The crucial factor lies in approaching gambling responsibly, implementing legislative regulations, and promoting social awareness. These measures can help alleviate the negative consequences of gambling and minimize its risks for both individuals and society.

As previously mentioned, the regulation of lotteries plays a significant role in rendering them accessible and less hazardous to people. In countries where casinos are prohibited, a multitude of underground and illicit operations arise. In such illicit establishments, responsible gaming is disregarded, and operators prioritize extracting as much money as possible from players. Engaging in such underground activities puts individuals at risk of falling victim to scams, and they have no legal recourse against these establishments due to their involvement in illegal gambling. Therefore, it is essential to regulate all forms of gambling, fostering a positive perception of fair and lawful gambling practices.

What do you think? Why is there such a different attitude to gambling products and will it ever change?

Top 50 Instagram and TikTok accounts that are suitable for gambling advertising

It was a clickbait, right. I want to consider influencer marketing opportunities for gambling projects. The Data40 team collected 3,438 influencers ready to promote gambling. Based on Gambling/iGaming Instagram Inventory List for Marketing 2023 and Gambling/iGaming TikTok Inventory List for Marketing 2023, I have compiled the top 50 influencers on Instagram and TikTok. And I have included influencers who create videos on various topics, ranging from entertainment to sports. They may not gamble, but they promote gambling, and the audience here is positive about such advertising.

idx	Name	Platform	Followers
1	barstoolsports	TikTok	27 300 000
2	bleacherreport	Instagram	20 917 830
3	funnyhoodvidz	Instagram	17 069 181
4	egorkreed	Instagram	14 665 056
5	egorkreed	TikTok	12 500 000
6	loud_victor	Instagram	11 184 367
7	loud_coringa	TikTok	8 800 000
8	evtushenko_dima	TikTok	7 900 000
9	mrstiventc1977	TikTok	7 200 000
10	ziilverk	TikTok	7 200 000
11	jonvlogs	Instagram	6 406 242
12	rodrigofee2	Instagram	4 772 613
13	ivanzolo2004	TikTok	3 800 000
14	bruninzor	TikTok	3 700 000
15	elgato	TikTok	3 600 000
16	piuzinholl	Instagram	3 512 900
17	jonvlogs	TikTok	3 300 000
18	lasapaaaaa	TikTok	2 800 000
19	stiven.tc	Instagram	2 780 613
20	dilbliin	TikTok	2 200 000
21	bingojunkiess	TikTok	2 200 000
22	evelone1922	TikTok	2 100 000
23	slaterkodish	TikTok	2 000 000
24	rachaxp	Instagram	1 966 935
25	fluxo_two9	Instagram	1 918 052
26	evtushenko_dima	Instagram	1 797 746
27	alanafloresf	TikTok	1 700 000
28	tima_maconi	TikTok	1 700 000
29	kyivstoner	Instagram	1 663 612
30	paradeevich	TikTok	1 600 000
31	diegoneira3	TikTok	1 500 000
32	eypiedra	TikTok	1 500 000
33	lopezzjoacoo	Instagram	1 456 272
34	thenotoriousprankedy	Instagram	1 430 137
35	kareykadasha	Instagram	1 339 234
36	elranty	Instagram	1 301 162
37	westcol	Instagram	1 269 735
38	calaaaango	Instagram	1 240 844
39	davoobj	Instagram	1 184 008
40	gazzettadellosport	Instagram	1 130 765
41	fluxo_gorilatv	Instagram	1 111 213
42	davooxeneize	TikTok	1 100 000
43	gensyxa	TikTok	1 100 000
44	sport1news	TikTok	1 100 000
45	neekolul	TikTok	1 100 000
46	linfnx	Instagram	1 052 693
47	nsmartynov	Instagram	1 049 458
48	sharkao	Instagram	1 047 934
49	dedeof	Instagram	1 001 195
50	el_ranty	TikTok	1 000 000

Instagram and TikTok bloggers possess an extensive number of subscribers, enabling them to connect with a wide array of users and establish brand recognition. The listed 50 accounts collectively amass 214,269,797 followers. Followers place their trust in influencers and diligently follow their advice and recommendations. Partnering with bloggers presents a valuable opportunity for iGaming projects to attract new users.

barstoolsports
Platform: TikTok
Followers: 27,300,000
Optimal for: All thing gambling

Barstool Sports, established by Dave Portnoy in 2003, has emerged as a well-liked sports and pop culture media company. Initially starting as a print publication in Boston, it has evolved into a thriving digital media empire, commanding a significant online presence. The distinctive and often irreverent approach taken by Barstool Sports in their coverage of sports and entertainment has garnered them a substantial following.

The company's extensive coverage spans various topics, encompassing professional and college sports, gambling, viral videos, and celebrity gossip. Barstool Sports pushes the boundaries of conventional sports journalism, fearlessly taking risks and addressing sensitive subjects.

With a notable presence on social media platforms like TikTok, Barstool Sports shares condensed and dynamic versions of their content. On their TikTok account, a combination of sports-related videos, comedic skits, and viral clips is presented. There exists a potential customer base of 27,300,000 individuals who hold a positive disposition towards advertising gambling products.

bleacherreport
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 20,917,830
Optimal for: Projects related to sports

Bleacher Report (BR) is a renowned media platform that specializes in sports journalism, news, analysis, and entertainment. Its establishment dates back to 2007, and over time, it has emerged as one of the foremost sports websites globally. A distinguishing feature of Bleacher Report is its extensive team of authors and journalists, exceeding 2,000 experts and writers. These individuals collaborate with BR, offering their distinct perspectives and analysis on various sports events.

The official Instagram account of bleacherreport stands as one of the most influential and widely followed sports accounts on social media. Since its inception, it has amassed a massive audience of sports enthusiasts and delivers captivating content covering sports news, game highlights, interviews, entertainment, and much more.

With over 20,000,000 devoted sports fans, this account proves to be an exceptional tool for promoting a sports-related companies, given its average of 3,000,000 views on Reels alone. Furthermore, there are additional advertising avenues available, such as purchasing ads in Stories, posts, or live broadcasts.

funnyhoodvidz
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 17,069,181
Optimal for: All thing gambling

This Instagram account enjoys immense popularity among users, thanks to its ability to deliver entertaining content. In terms of advertising, you may encounter promotions for gambling games on the profile. For instance, it is possible to acquire a series of posts and stories, similar to what Stake did, with their advertisements regularly appearing in the account's stories throughout the year.

egorkreed
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Followers: on Instagram -14,665,056; on TikTok - 12,500,000
Optimal for: All thing gambling

Yegor Bulatkin, better known by his stage name egorkreed, is a renowned singer from Russia. He commands a substantial following on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch, where he actively interacts with his fans. egorkreed utilizes his influence to promote a diverse range of products, spanning from video games to online casinos.

With an outstanding presence, egorkreed secures a prominent position in the ranking, amassing a combined follower count of 27,165,056 across these platforms.

To sum up

In total, these 5 accounts (with 2 of them belonging to Egor Kreed) have over 90,000,000 followers. Only these accounts alone can already generate significant traffic for iGaming businesses. Moreover, this number of followers is not final since popular TikTok and Instagram accounts continue to grow their follower count. In a few months, the milestone of 90,000,000 may exceed 100,000,000 followers.