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Gaming Time Soars Across Europe in 2022, Samsung Ads Finds
Samsung Ads, the media and advertising division of Samsung, has revealed the latest insights around gaming across its ecosystem in a new report, “Behind the Screens: Gaming Trends Report”.
As per the report, the number of Samsung Smart TVs used for gaming in Europe has increased 12% YoY, growing from 4.8 million in Q1 2021 to 5.4 million in Q1 2022. In the UK, this figure grew 14% to 1.5 million active Samsung gaming TVs in Q1 2022.
The growth of the Samsung gaming universe correlates with strong smart TV sales, coupled with the enhanced gaming experience on Samsung TVs and continuous adoption of next-generation game consoles.
In the UK, the number of total hours spent gaming on Samsung Smart TVs grew by 7% YoY, increasing from 191 million hours in Q1 2021 to 205 million hours in Q1 2022.
Overall, European gamers are playing more frequently year-on-year, which is reflected in a 2% growth in the average gaming sessions number per Samsung TV.
Different Habits for Different Consoles
When it comes to the generation of consoles, gamers in the Samsung universe who use consoles from previous generations – such as PS4, Switch, and Xbox One – still make up a majority share, accounting for 79% of all Samsung connected gaming consoles in EU5. However, next-generation consoles – such as PS5 and Xbox Series X & S – are also catching up, especially considering they were only released in November 2020.
Samsung Ads saw a 149% increase in the number of active next-generation consoles in the UK in Q1 2022 compared to the same time last year – the period immediately after the new generation consoles were released.
Next-generation console users tend to be particularly engaged with their new gadget and spend significantly more time per day playing than previous console users. In the UK in Q1 2022, the average time spent playing per Samsung TV per day was 2 hours 12 minutes on next-generation consoles, compared to 50 minutes on old generation consoles.
Gamers vs. Non-gamers
Gamers are engaging more with their Smart TVs, with the average total screen time among gamers 45% higher than that of non-gamers. Whilst Gamers spend 51% more time in streaming environments than non-gamers, they also spend 32% less time in linear environments than non-gamers.
When it comes to which environments Gamers are spending most of their time on Samsung TVs, Gamers spend nearly twice as much time in streaming environments as they do in linear TV, with 101 hours per quarter spent in linear compared to 195 hours of streaming.
When looking at the propensity to streaming amongst gamers, 35% of UK gamers are heavy streamers. Conversely, 40% of UK heavy streamers are gamers, demonstrating the strong correlation between gaming and heavy streaming audiences.
Streaming and gaming combined make up 75% of gamers’ total screen time on Samsung TVs across EU5 countries.
Gamers and AVOD
Gamers are often seen as early adopters of tech trends which is mirrored in their content consumption habits; AVOD accounts for 34% of streaming hours on gamer TVs, and the average time spent in AVOD environments is 41% higher amongst gamers than non-gamers.
Currently, YouTube is the leading platform in the AVOD category, but free, ad-supported streaming platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, Pluto and Rakuten are growing in popularity across Europe as viewers embrace premium, curated streaming content and no extra cost to them.
Gamers’ propensity for streaming is also reflected in their likelihood to watch Samsung TV Plus – Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming service. Across EU5, gamers are 10% more likely to watch Samsung TV Plus than non-gamers. Among the genres on Samsung TV Plus, UK gamers tend to favour Entertainment, Documentaries and Sports programmes which have come out as the top three genres in Q1 2022.
“The growing scale of Samsung’s gaming universe and continued engagement among gaming audiences post-pandemic, reflects that gaming is now firmly cemented as a habit amongst Samsung TV users. Samsung’s unique position in gaming allows us to understand the gaming audience from both hardware and behaviour perspectives,” Alex Hole, Vice President of Samsung Ads Europe, said.
“Gamers outstrip our non-gamer audience in terms of time with their TV by 45% – and this can’t be accounted for by gaming alone. They’re more likely to access a range of Smart TV options from linear TV to on-demand streaming platforms. For gamers, Smart TVs are truly the hub of the home,” Alex Hole added.

Latest News
From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets
A few months ago, we had the pleasure of speaking with Borja Imbergamo, BetBrothers’ Head of Growth & Strategy, about their ambitious mission to become a leading affiliate company in regulated sports betting markets.
Since then, the company has rebranded as BC Brothers to reflect its multi-vertical vision, now overseeing both BetBrothers (sports betting) and CasinoBros (online casinos). We sat down with Borja again to discuss the strategy behind this move, the company’s growth, and its commitment to shaping a more transparent iGaming landscape.
BetBrothers has recently rebranded as BC Brothers. What was the thinking behind this move, and what does it mean for your strategy going forward?
The rebrand was a natural step in our evolution. BetBrothers had strong traction in sports betting, but as we expanded into online casinos with CasinoBros, we wanted an identity that could unite both brands under one mission. BC Brothers allows each brand to maintain its own voice and focus, while benefiting from a shared growth strategy. It’s about clarity, transparency, and staying true to our mission of connecting players with safer bets across multiple verticals.
Every company faces the pressure of quarterly results versus a long-term vision. How does BC Brothers strike that balance?
Our approach is built on organic growth. High-quality organic traffic takes time and consistent effort – it’s not an overnight success. But it’s also the most sustainable path forward.
For instance, in markets like Spain and Greece, where we’re seeing strong traction, we naturally focus on optimizing that performance. We celebrate quarterly results because they validate our initial strategies and provide the resources to invest further. Simultaneously, we dedicate significant resources for new markets and ventures. These are critical investments in our multi-year vision.
We invest today to secure growth for years ahead. It’s about consistent, quality growth rather than quick, unsustainable wins
Which markets are currently your strongest, and what new ones are on your radar?
Currently, our primary focus markets, and where we’re already seeing really good traction, are Spain and Greece. These markets were chosen strategically for their established regulatory frameworks and significant potential. Our team has a strong understanding of the local player base and operator needs there. That is certainly paying off in terms of performance.
Looking ahead, while Spain and Greece remain key, we’re very excited about the potential in a number of other regulated markets. Our approach is always to go where we can genuinely add value to both operators and players. This leads us to focus on regions like Mexico, Peru, and Denmark, among others. Our strategy, much like in Spain and Greece, is based on delivering high-quality, compliant traffic. This is precisely where our expertise shines. The focus is always on where we can add real value. We don’t just want to be present – we want to be effective.
Beyond geography, are there specific product verticals you’re most excited about?
Sports betting was our foundation, but entering the casino vertical was always part of our roadmap. That’s why we launched CasinoBros, a dedicated platform for online casinos. The strategy and vision here are exactly the same as with BetBrothers. We aim to give players the best and deepest information, guiding them to safe, regulated online operators.
What does “deep information” mean in the casino space, and why is it important?
It means helping players understand everything. From game mechanics, RTP percentages, and volatility to responsible gaming tools and bonus terms. Our goal is to empower players to make informed decisions and enjoy entertainment responsibly, instead of just chasing promotions.
From an operator perspective, what makes CasinoBros stand out?
From an operator’s perspective, our value lies in bringing highly informed players. These players understand game mechanics, responsible play, and promotions. For operators, this translates into stronger retention and healthier long-term relationships. Educated players are less likely to feel frustrated and more likely to stay with operators they trust. Everyone benefits from that.
You’ve mentioned your goal of becoming a globally recognized and trusted brand. How are you working toward that?
Trust is the ultimate currency in iGaming. The rebrand to BC Brothers was a big step. We are uniting BetBrothers and CasinoBros under one strategy while keeping each brand focused. Now we’re rolling it out across all touchpoints and building our community on social media. These channels are crucial for transparency and direct engagement. It’s a long process, but one we’re fully committed to. Our mission remains clear: connecting players with safer bets, across verticals, in regulated markets.
The post From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt
iGaming just got a new ride. Bet It Drives, GR8 Tech’s new podcast, takes the industry’s most interesting voices out of the studio and into the fast lane. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, CSO, each episode is filmed entirely in a moving car, with cameras rolling and London as the backdrop.
No predictable Q&As: Bet It Drives pairs high-energy visuals with relaxed, unscripted dialogue. Shot by the award-winning crew behind campaigns for global brands, the format blends high-energy visuals with the kind of candid moments you only get when people are truly relaxed.
“Bet It Drives was born from a simple idea—great conversations happen when people feel at ease,” said Yevhen Krazhan. “Driving through London strips away the formality, lets personalities shine, and captures the pace and unpredictability that define the iGaming industry.”
The premiere kicks off with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, who oversees a portfolio of leading B2B events and media brands, including ICE, iGB Affiliate, and iGaming Business. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Pratt has been instrumental in shaping its evolution and is recognized for his insights into emerging markets, technological advancements, and fostering community within the gaming sector.
During the ride, Alex opened up about:
- ICE vs. iGB Live—which is his personal favorite, and why.
- Organizing world-class iGaming events and how major decisions like moving ICE to Barcelona come together behind the scenes.
- Partnering with big tech and how such collaborations shape the future of iGaming.
- Advice for startups attending conferences.
- Alex’s Spotify playlist and the tracks that keep him going.
- The most jaw-dropping booths he’s ever seen on the exhibition floor.
- Which panels or attendees would he ban for the greater good of the industry.
- Memorable after-parties—the kind you don’t forget, even if you wish you could.
“Alex really showed us what is happening on the front and the back of high-end igaming events,” said Krazhan. “From the strategic calls that shape entire conferences to the wild stories that never make the press, this episode is a perfect mix of insider knowledge, candid moments, and the kind of energy that makes you wish the ride was longer.”
With upcoming guests including Stephen Crystal, Rohini Sardana, and Helen Walton, Bet It Drives is set to deliver brilliant storytelling, unscripted moments, and a visual style unlike anything else in iGaming media.
Access Episode 1 with Alex Pratt on YouTube or Spotify—and buckle up.
The post GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience
With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.
The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.
The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.
“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”
The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:
All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.
Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:
- 1st place: R30,000
- 2nd place: R15,000
- 3rd place: R10,000
- 4th place: R5,000
Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.
“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”
With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.
Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:
SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:
Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep
Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep
The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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