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Betting Brands may Shift Focus from Sports to Casino Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has shaken up the world. No one and no business has been left unaffected by the virus, and that includes the betting industry. Land-based casino and betting shops have especially felt the impact of the novel coronavirus, which has forced these establishments to close to help stop the spread of the disease. Even the biggest sports betting brands in the UK have suffered online and offline from the widescale suspension, postponement or cancellation of major sporting events.
There’s no question that as far as the gambling industry is concerned, brick and mortar betting shops and casinos have taken the hardest hit, with one of the worst cases being in Nevada, which shut down every casino on its famous Las Vegas strip back in mid-March. Nevada depends on tourism more than any other U.S. state and is used to catering to tens of millions of visitors annually. Unemployment rates are expected to go up by a minimum of 30% in the state, according to the Nevada Resort Association. This has left many to wonder and worry if Vegas’ big names like Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Sand Crop. will survive the virus’ economic impact, even with help from the financial relief plan.
That said, the closures caused by the coronavirus have been felt across the industry. For instance, the impact on big groups like GVC has resulted in the company taking steps to do what it can to alleviate the strain that has been placed on its operations. Like other companies, GVC has been working hard to lower costs and re-prioritize activity to preserve free cash while making sure its customers continue to be able to enjoy great experiences. Among these re-prioritisations has been reducing the amount spent on sports content, online sports marketing, and trading costs.
Even online Sportsbook is not Immune to Coronavirus
Naturally, the online gambling industry has a massive advantage over its land-based counterparts. No one needs to social distance online and gambling can be enjoyed safely from home 24/7 via a computer or mobile, whether one is self-isolating or in full quarantine. However, in spite of this fact, online sportsbooks continue to find it a challenge to make the most of the internet advantage.
With no active mainstream sports, online bookies have been forced to fill the void with more emphasis on the virtual world of sports, including animated versions of major horse races like the Grand National, which was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Grand National, like other virtual races, was a computer-simulated race. It included virtual spectators and virtual ambulances that followed the runners and riders around the courses.
Beyond virtual sports, digital bookmakers have also placed greater focus on eSports as well as other lesser known events. Still, even with the focus on these other events, all online bookmakers have seen a dramatic decline in depositors and increased churn rates because it is simply far too difficult to retain players when the major sports betting markets are at a standstill.
Many of the big name gambling operators have watched the value of their shares suffer from the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of these include:
- William Hill shares have dropped by more than half since the 21st of February 2020
- GVC Holdings (owner of Ladbrokes Coral) has seen a drop in share prices by more than 20%
- Flutter Entertainment (owner of Paddy Power Betfair) has seen its share value tank by over 15%
Sportsbooks May Shift their Focus to Online Casinos
Online casinos, which offer online slots, virtual table, and card games, scratch cards, live casino games, etc. are in much better shape than their sportsbook cousins and that’s because they don’t depend on sports or other major events to continue carrying on with business as usual.
As such, many bookies that also offer a casino platform may consider cross-selling their online casino products to their existing sports betting customers in an attempt to recoup some of the money they’ve lost. This tactic could work as bored housebound punters, who previously focused solely on sports, can be keener to engage in casino entertainment until they can bet on their favorite football matches or horse races again.
Since March, COVID-19 has shut down most economies and sent more than a billion people into lockdown. Like many other businesses considered non-essential, land-based gambling establishments have closed their doors until the outbreak and restrictions ease. While only time will tell how well gambling operators will fare once the worst of the pandemic has run its course, for now, all they can do is focus on their online operations and survive as best they can. For some, online casinos could potentially provide the life raft they need to stay afloat.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Betting Brands may Shift Focus from Sports to Casino Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY Captivates at ICE Barcelona 2025 with a Showcase of Innovative Solutions
TCSJOHNHUXLEY, a global leader in live gaming products and solutions, was delighted with the successful outcome of its participation at the recent ICE Gaming Expo, held from January 20-22 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. The company showcased a range of innovative products and technologies, captivating the attention of industry professionals and reaffirming its position as a leading force in the live gaming sector.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Supernova Progressive Jackpot System on the new Qorex 2 Electronic Gaming Terminals. This groundbreaking feature marks a significant advancement in the gaming industry, offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots across both live and electronic tables. Qorex 2 itself, featuring enhanced multi-game functionality, customisable side bets, and a strong focus on player experience, proved a major draw, showcasing TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge electronic gaming solutions.
Further enhancing the digital gaming experience, Roulette Xtra was introduced to the Qorex 2 platform, bringing the thrill of this popular live table game to the digital realm for the first time.
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation across its entire product portfolio, TCSJOHNHUXLEY unveiled Velocity, its latest automated Roulette wheel. Inspired by the success of its predecessor, Velocity sets a new industry standard for speed, enabling casinos to offer more games per hour, maximising table turnover and revenue. Powered by powerful brushless motors, it ensures continuous, reliable operation without the need for noisy air compressors. First showcased at G2E Las Vegas 2024, the Velocity Auto Wheel incorporates the user-friendly Wheelmate console, empowering casinos with effortless maintenance and peak performance.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY also showcased the next generation in chip handling technology with the introduction of Chipper Champ 3. Featuring an updated aesthetic and a space-saving design, the Chipper Champ 3 boasts a groundbreaking innovation with the ability to sort clay chips, a feature unmatched by any other chipper on the market. This revolutionary capability will significantly enhance efficiency and streamline casino operations. Intelligent chip recognition, intuitive software, and real-time performance data translate to faster processing, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity. The Chipper Champ 3 generated significant interest from attendees, demonstrating the strong demand for innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and player experience.
The new Blackjack Display captivated players with its real-time data and insights. Seamlessly integrated with TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s acclaimed Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, this innovative solution utilises advanced camera technology for automatic card recognition, eliminating the need for manual entry. By showcasing key game information, including dealer hand history, live dealer odds, and historical stats, this new dynamic Blackjack Display empowers both novice and experienced players to make more informed decisions and enhance their gameplay.
Furthermore, TCSJOHNHUXLEY showcased its unparalleled craftsmanship with a stunning display of custom Roulette Wheel Turrets, demonstrating the company’s ability to create truly unique and captivating gaming experiences.
“We are incredibly pleased with the response we received at ICE Barcelona,” says Tristan Sjöberg, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Executive Chairman. “The show provided a valuable platform to showcase our latest innovations and engage with industry leaders and the feedback we received on our new innovations was particularly encouraging. TCSJOHNHUXLEY looks forward to continuing to push the boundaries of gaming technology and delivering innovative solutions that enhance the player experience and drive success for our valued partners.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Captivates at ICE Barcelona 2025 with a Showcase of Innovative Solutions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ONE MONTH LEFT TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR SELECT CATEGORIES AT THE CASINO GURU AWARDS 2025
Time is running out! Casino Guru is reminding industry professionals and stakeholders that there is just one month left to submit nominations for select categories in the prestigious 3rd annual Casino Guru Awards 2025. As the deadline of February 28, 2025, approaches, we encourage all eligible participants to seize this final opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the iGaming industry.
This year’s awards bring added prestige with the introduction of an exclusive live ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta. As always, Casino Guru remains committed to honoring transparency, social responsibility, inovation and ethical leadership within the industry.
Categories with open nomination
Nominations remain open for a range of categories, including our two newest additions that emphasize public engagement and individual industry impact:
- Players’ Choice – This category gives players the power to vote for their favorite game provider from a handpicked shortlist, ensuring a winner truly selected by the public.
- iGaming Changemaker of the Year – Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional influence and leadership, driving positive change through innovative projects and initiatives.
The complete list of award categories includes:
- The Fairest Bonus Policy
- The Fairest General Terms & Conditions
- The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative
- The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools
- The Most Transparent Casino
- The Most Effective Handling of Complaints
- The Most Ethical Approach to Marketing
- Players’ Choice
- iGaming Changemaker of the Year
- Voice of the People
A night of celebration in Malta
Following the nomination period, voting for the “Players’ Choice” and “Voice of the People” categories will open as shortlisted nominees move forward. The final awards ceremony on June 6, 2025, will be a night to remember, bringing together top industry professionals, esteemed judges, and media representatives at an invite-only gala at the Hilton Hotel, St. Julian’s, Malta. The evening will feature a three-course dinner, complimentary drinks, and a grand celebration at Level 22, a stylish wine lounge and club with stunning city views.
Submit your nomination today
With the deadline fast approaching, Casino Guru encourages all industry players to put forward their nominations before February 28, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized among the best in iGaming!
The post ONE MONTH LEFT TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR SELECT CATEGORIES AT THE CASINO GURU AWARDS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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At Least $5M To Be Won In GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, today announces details of its upcoming GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition, a $150 buy-in tournament running February 23 and boasting a guaranteed prize pool of $5M. The 5th Anniversary Edition is the highlight of an entire series celebrating the success of GGPoker’s signature freezeout events, with the festival running from February 9 through February 24.
In the five years since their introduction in 2020, the GGMasters freezeouts have become firm favorites of the GGPoker community; daily and weekly events with buy-ins starting from $25 and each featuring a juicy prize guarantee. Headlined by the weekly $150 GGMasters tournament, players appreciate the simplicity involved – each participant has one shot at winning the event and knows that once all their chips are gone, there are no rebuys available.
Players can satellite into GGMasters 5th Anniversary Series events or snag tickets via the $200K GGMasters Ticket Drop, which takes place throughout the series. Tickets will be randomly awarded to players participating in GGMasters 5th Anniversary Series events, with a total of $200K in tickets valued at $15, $25 and $150 awarded.
“The GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition is all about taking that one shot at a mouth-watering prize pool,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker. “This unique single entry-only event is one of the highlights of our annual tournament schedule – buy in directly or win your way in and play for a share of at least $5M!”
Players can join the action by downloading the GGPoker app, creating their account and registering for their favorite tournaments or playing their favorite cash games. New players can also claim GGPoker’s Welcome Bonus and join the rewards-rich Fish Buffet loyalty program.
The post At Least $5M To Be Won In GGMasters 5th Anniversary Edition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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