Orlando, FL. January 21-25, 2025 – Tom Naramore, D3 Sports Tech Founder and CEO, shares some reflections on the 2025 PGA Show.
There’s something about the energy of the PGA Show that hits differently when you’ve been in the game as long as we have. From the moment I walked through the doors in Orlando, I could tell this year was going to be good. Packed halls, buzzing conversations, and momentum driven by year-over-year industry growth.
We’ve been coming to the PGA Show for years, and let me tell you, the shift in mindset is incredible. Back in 2019, when we introduced our D3 Golf app for skill-based wagering, people looked at us like we were crazy for talking about all the side bets that happen in golf. Everybody does it, but let’s not officially support that. Too risky. Fast forward to 2025 when those same companies are now reaching out to us to help support their technology needs and navigate the complicated legal compliance requirements.
My takeaways from the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show
Gamification has become the core of mobile monetization
Mobile apps are everywhere now—they’re given away for free. But here’s the kicker: Gamification is where the money is. Everyone wants to play for something. This message was loud and clear in meeting after meeting. Businesses understand that gamified experiences are the way to go, and to offer the greatest product, having a digital wallet powers the game play and creates repeat opportunities to have more fun with contests and league play.
People know us
I’ll be honest, in 2019, walking up to each stand and person felt like a door to door knocking experience. Now, 6 years later, I’m walking to back to back meetings, getting tapped on my shoulder, being introduced to CEOs and CTOs. Some of the same companies that once told us “not now” to our digital wallet, are asking us how fast we can integrate. Why? Because they see the writing on the wall that gamification is reshaping engagement and that a digital wallet can help monetize their games.
The legal side of wagering is still a learning curve for most
In almost all of my conversations, brand leaders are clamoring for the knowledge of what the regulators and banking industry deem as legal and approved vs. illegal or too risky to operate. Everyone is still using the term “Gambling” to describe their future or current betting operations but still don’t realize the actual differences between what activities require a State Gambling license, a Daily Fantasy Sports Operator license, and what does not. This is the knowledge, experience and de-risking value proposition D3 brings to the table and where our conversations lead to an ‘Ah Hah’ moment for our partners and prospects. We are on a mission to educate and provide the legal rails for all to have fun, deliver new and amazing customer experiences and time-tested legally compliant operations for all of our partners and customers.
Expanding the vision: more than golf
The most exciting part of this year’s show wasn’t just what’s happening in golf—it’s how gamification is spreading across other sports. Pickleball, for example, is seeing explosive growth, and the industry is starting to realize that friendly wagers and cash prizes can take competitions to the next level.
Our Digital Wallet is designed for this kind of flexibility. Whether it’s golf, pickleball, bowling, darts or corn hole, we’re making it easy for companies to have games and allow their players to fund, wager, and withdraw winnings while businesses enjoy increased engagement and revenue. The integration with Google Pay and Apple Pay ensures that winnings can be spent on-site, creating a seamless experience for users.
A journey from underdog to industry leader
Reflecting on where we started and where we are now, it’s hard not to feel proud. We’ve gone from being the underdogs pitching an idea that stressed people out, to becoming the go-to wallet solution for gamification. Companies that once saw us as competitors now view us as essential partners and the trusted veterans of this category.
And this is just the beginning. The momentum we’ve built is only going to grow as we expand globally and explore new markets. The 2025 PGA Show wasn’t just a milestone, it was proof that D3 Sports Tech is leading the charge in redefining sports engagement.
Since 2018, we’ve been on a mission to make sports more fun and more rewarding. After this year’s PGA Show, I’m more convinced than ever that we’re on the right path. The game is changing, and we’re making sure our partners are ready to win, legally.
– Tom
If you have any questions about D3 Sports Tech or our digital wallet for wagering, please drop us a line.
Schedule a Demo with the D3ST team to learn more about why brands with Games need a wagering wallet.