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ANJ: Summary of the Online gambling market for the first quarter of 2021: business continues to grow in all gambling segments


After a singular year in 2020, which ended with a 22% increase in the sector’s turnover, the first quarter of 2021 confirms the very dynamic growth of the online gambling market, with a 35% increase in turnover compared to the same period in 2020. Sports and horse racing betting once again recorded record stakes, while poker, still on the rise, began to return to normal.
In the first quarter of 2021, the turnover of the online gambling sector is up 35% and amounts to 587 million euros. The business was driven by 3.1 million players on accounts, a player base that is up 19% compared to 2020. Each segment of online gambling opened to competition have seen further strong growth in activity this quarter. These performances illustrate the acceleration of the digitalisation of gambling practices, which is a consequence of the health crisis and whose structuring character will have to be confirmed over the long term. As such, the levels of growth recorded in the first quarter of 2021, which are measured in relation to the first quarter of 2020, should be viewed with a certain amount of caution since, on the one hand, they are influenced upwards, for the two online betting segments, by the loss of business linked to the suspension of French sports betting and horse racing betting and, on the other hand, they are oriented downwards for the online poker market, due to the peak of business recorded at the same period last year.
Online sports betting: record stakes and new players
The online sports betting segment, which was the most affected by the first period of lockdown, is the one that has seen the most spectacular growth in stakes this quarter. 2.2 billion euros (+79%[1] compared to Q1 2020) were approximatively bet by the players on the competitions of the quarter, which corresponds to the highest amount of stakes recorded in a quarter. The number of sports bettors in the quarter increased by 29% to almost 2.5 million active player accounts (APA). It is very likely that the growth in activity will continue at a high rate this year due to the two major competitions, the European football championship and the Summer Olympic Games.
The FDJ reports a volume of sports betting stakes recorded on the two distribution channels equal to 1.1 billion euros in the first quarter of 2021, which corresponds to an increase of 46% compared to its results for the first quarter of 2020.
Online horse racing betting: growth continues and expands
The growth dynamic of the online horse racing betting market observed in 2020 is also continuing at a very steady pace. The horse racing stakes, which amount to 481 million euros, increased by 60% compared to the first quarter of 2020, again the highest volume of stakes recorded in a quarter. At the same time, the turnover of the six licensed horse racing betting operators reached 110 million euros, an increase of 48% compared to the first quarter of 2020. Online horse racing betting also recorded a 13% increase in players, with a total of 402,000 active player accounts (APA) over the quarter.
The horse racing betting offer at points of sale remains affected by the health restrictions which, as revealed by PMU, led to the closure of almost 40% of the points of sale for several consecutive months. As a result, the operator posted a 23% drop in stakes placed in its network of sales outlets for a total of 1.3 billion euros.
Online poker: lower growth marks the beginning of a return to normality
Online poker, which recorded the highest turnover increase in 2020, continues to grow at a sustained rate but at a lower rate than in previous quarters. Thus, the sector’s turnover grew by 23% to 120 million euros. The number of online poker players grew by 9% (991,000 active player accounts, (APA)). The results of online poker for the next quarter should however interrupt this dynamic, since they will be calculated with regard to the 2nd quarter of 2020, which had shown an exceptional level of activity due to the first lockdown.
|
Q1 2020
|
Q1 2021
|
Variation
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
2 598 000
|
3 078 000
|
+ 19%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
435 m€
|
587 m€
|
+ 35%
|
Sports betting
|
|||
Actives player accounts
|
1 915 000
|
2 466 000
|
+ 29%
|
stakes
|
1 220 m€
|
2 181 m€
|
+ 79%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
263 m€
|
357 m€
|
+ 36%
|
Horse racing betting
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
357 000
|
402 000
|
+ 13%
|
stakes
|
300 m€
|
481 m€
|
+ 60%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
74 m€
|
110 m€
|
+ 48%
|
Poker
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
906 000
|
991 000
|
+ 9%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
98 m€
|
120 m€
|
+ 23%
|
For Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ’s Chairwoman: “The online gambling dynamics goes on and is accelerating this quarter. It calls for a certain vigilance and must be accompanied in order to guarantee the protection of players, especially in the run-up to major sport events such as the EURO football tournament or the Tokyo Olympic Games. As such, the ANJ reminded operators of the need for their commercial communications to emphasise the importance of maintaining a moderate and controlled gambling practice and for bonuses or welcome offers to be sufficiently clear, enabling players to understand the commitments they underlie. Additionally, the ANJ will pay particular attention to tipsters’ Websites which have recently strongly developed. Some of these Websites are in fact involved in misleading practices and present a real danger for players.”

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Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership
In a landmark move, platform and aggregator Groove Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with BetOnGames, the RNG game provider arm of BETCORE. This collaboration brings together Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, boasting over 15,000 games from 150+ top-tier providers, and BetOnGames’ lightweight, high-performing content, optimised for real-world conditions.
The alliance promises to deliver unparalleled scalability, engagement, and profitability for operators worldwide.
Groove’s cutting-edge platform is renowned for its precision, scalability, and advanced player engagement tools, making it a powerhouse for operators who demand excellence. By integrating BetOnGames’ portfolio featuring 100+ fast-loading, low-data titles across slots, crash, and instant-win formats, Groove further solidifies its position as the go-to solution for diverse markets, including regions with limited internet coverage.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, emphasised the strategic value of the partnership: “BetOnGames’ adaptability and high-converting content perfectly complement Groove’s mission to deliver unmatched performance for operators. Their lightweight design, multilingual UI, and seamless payment integrations, including UPI, QR-wallets, and crypto, make them an ideal partner for both emerging and mature markets. Together, we’re setting a new standard for player engagement and operational efficiency.”
BetOnGames has built a reputation for reliability, offering RNG-certified titles with competitive RTPs (96–97%) and 24/7 technical support. Popular titles like Aerobet (crash-style, 97% RTP), 100 Mega Hot (classic slot, 97.12% RTP), and Bicho da Sorte 25 (lottery-style, 92.26% RTP) cater to a broad spectrum of player preferences, ensuring high retention and conversion rates.
Peter Korpusenko, CEO of BETCORE, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Groove allows us to expand our reach exponentially while maintaining the speed, fairness, and lightweight efficiency that define BetOnGames. Groove’s robust backend and analytics tools empower operators to maximise our content’s potential, driving growth in even the most competitive markets.”
With full licensing under the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, integrated responsible gaming tools, and AML compliance, BetOnGames provides a secure and scalable foundation for operators. Combined with Groove’s industry-leading platform, the partnership ensures seamless onboarding via Groove’s single-API, optimised cash flow, and data-driven decision-making.
As iGaming continues to evolve, Groove and BetOnGames are poised to lead the charge, delivering a dynamic, player-centric experience that transcends borders and technical barriers. For operators seeking a competitive edge, this collaboration represents the future of iGaming today.
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, underscored the long-term vision: “This partnership isn’t just about adding games, it’s about enhancing ecosystems. BetOnGames’ performance in low-bandwidth environments and localised payment options align perfectly with our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Together, we’re not just meeting operator needs; we’re anticipating them.”
The post Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Week 37/2025 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Leroy wakes up every day with a smile on his face! Why you may ask? Well executing is a dirty job but Leroy just loves to swing his axe in Nolimit City’s latest release, Dead Men Walking. The chopping block features a 3-3-3-3-3reel setup with three Fire Pits above the reels each linked to a unique base game feature.
Amusnet has released 100 Art of Gold. This new online casino release brings together the elegance of art and the dynamic feel of modern slot design. Built on a 5-reel layout with 100 fixed paylines, the game stands out with its refined aesthetic and carefully crafted details.
Play’n GO heads skyward with Rosy Orbit Treasure Turn™, a radiant slot where gravity is optional and innovation is key. A mysterious princess, a faithful fox, and a cherished rose – Play’n GO blends character-driven charm and fresh mechanics in Rosy Orbit Treasure Turn™.
Burning Classics 2 is here to ignite your winnings with all the fiery thrills of the original, plus even hotter rewards. The sequel to Booming Games’ most popular game, Burning Classics, keeps the classic 5×3 grid and 20 variable paylines, along with the iconic stacked symbols, including stacked wilds.
Blueprint Gaming™ takes one of its strongest internationally performing series to new heights in Cash Strike Hotstepper 2, with Super Strike and mystery symbols among the new additions designed to elevate the gameplay experience on offer.
BGaming is excited to announce the launch of Bonanza Trillion, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit slot, Bonanza Billion. The game builds on the success of its predecessor while also upping the ante with a range of captivating features, enhanced visuals, and higher volatility. Bonanza Trillion upgrades the classic fruit and crystal theme that players loved from the original title.
Step into the heart of the untamed frontier in Bison Moon – Power Combo, a slot from Northern Lights Gaming that captures the rugged beauty and boundless thrill of the Great Plains with plenty of big wins in store. This action-packed slot introduces the provider’s latest mechanic, Power Combo, where three unique Scatters unlock incredible bonus features via its proprietary Link&Win feature.
The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.
Spinomenal is welcoming players to ascend to Valhalla with its latest mythology-inspired slot, Majestic Odin. The game joins Spinomenal’s hugely popular Demi Gods series. Majestic Odin is set against a breathtaking Nordic landscape of towering mountains, deep fjords, and glowing torches that frame the game with mythic grandeur.
The post Week 37/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership
GR8 Tech’s drive-time podcast Bet It Drives closes out its debut season in the fast lane with Stephen Crystal, Founder of SCCG Management and a 30+ year veteran of the gaming world. From reshaping tribal and riverboat gaming to owning iconic Las Vegas casinos and driving more than $3 billion in finance, M&A, and technology projects, Stephen has spent his career at the center of the industry’s biggest moves.
In the passenger seat with host Yevhen Krazhan, GR8 Tech’s CSO, Stephen takes listeners from the glitter of Vegas to the global stage—where he has advised 120+ client-partners across 100 countries, built US operations for the UK’s largest bookmaker, and cut high-profile sports betting deals with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Vegas Golden Knights.
On this ride, Stephen opens up about:
- Whether industry events really bring the business
- Why he believes in connecting people to people above everything else
- How he’d reshape iGaming conferences (hint: more case studies, less fluff)
- The single-sentence keynote he’d deliver if given the mic
- The people and principles that shaped his journey
- The art of closing deals and the mindset behind his business approach
- Which song he cues up when it’s deal-done time
- His take on when it’s “network” and when it’s definitely “not work”
“Stephen brought the kind of wisdom you only get from decades at the very top of gaming and a career spent building, betting, and believing in people,” said Krazhan. “It was a very inspirational, motivational talk—and Stephen officially earned a Bet It Drives seatbelt of honor.”
As always, Bet It Drives trades the studio for the streets of London, filming each episode entirely on the move with a multi-camera crew capturing both the ride and the real talk. The result is a podcast that has blended insider insights with unscripted, human moments all season long—from Alex Pratt and Helen Walton to Rohini Sardana, and now Stephen Crystal in the finale.
Watch Episode 4 with Stephen Crystal now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
That’s a wrap for Season 1. But don’t unbuckle just yet—Bet It Drives will be back soon. Follow GR8 Tech and stay tuned: Season 2 is already on the horizon, promising more bold voices, more candid conversations, and more reasons to hit play.
The post GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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