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How did COVID-19 impact on online casinos in the world

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How did COVID-19 impact on online casinos in the world

Content:

Afloat: which areas remained “in the black”

The epidemic of gambling: how online casino traffic has changed

Where is the highest traffic?

High attendance, but low revenue?

Gambling іsolation

Casino content strategy

Final word

 

As sociologists and economists continue to make predictions for life after the COVID-19 pandemic, the middle class is already faced with the unexpected economic challenges that the new disease has brought. And the poorer the country, the more painful the consequences for the middle class.

Today the epidemic has tied people’s hands even tighter: incomes have declined or frozen, the shopping opportunities have become smaller, and small and medium-sized businesses are calculating losses. Nonetheless, not all niches were affected by the epidemic. And some are even experiencing highs in terms of revenue and traffic.

Afloat: which areas remained “in the black”

As long as many people are forced to stay at home, as the WHO and the government ordered, the only “window to the world” remains the Internet. With it, users communicate each other, have fun, develop themselves… and work. Just look at these figures: in recent months, the number of visits to online resources has increased by 50-70%. At the same time, the commercial income of companies providing such resources increased 5 times.

And given the increased demand for online services, it’s logical to assume that companies of various Internet platforms will be in trend. And of course, online platforms will take advantage of this and will attract new users. What sources began to enjoy huge popularity:

  • Online learning platforms and courses
  • Online dating
  • Adult industry
  • Online games
  • Webcam
  • Gambling
  • Online cinemas

Interest in cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms has also grown. And of course, this affects the traffic. In particular, on the traffic of online casinos.

The epidemic of gambling: changes in online casino traffic

As many people stayed home, online traffic quickly rushed up. All Internet resources felt change. Gambling platforms began to attract hundreds and thousands of new visitors. The boom in online casinos is also explained by the fact that many land-based casinos haunters have switched to online platforms. More players began to appear in poker rooms, at the same time, online poker tournaments are held more often. Some countries decided to take advantage of this: Belarus officially legalized the online casinos, and Armenia decided to wait with the prohibitions on gambling on the Internet yet.

According to some reports, the traffic of gambling resources increased by 10-15%. And in March, the traffic of online casinos and poker rooms surpassed even the highest jumps in the last three years. But a gradual decline is expected in April. Someone will just get tired of playing, and somewhere will be more stringent online gambling rules.

 

Where is the highest traffic?

If land-based casinos are faced with serious challenges, then online gambling allows them to level losses and equalize their position. However, much depends on the state and the rules for online gambling. And if some countries limit the work of an online resource, such as Latvia or Austria, then others regulate and establish new rules. In which countries are the most favorable conditions for the growth of gambling resources traffic:

  • Italy
  • Spain
  • India
  • Philippines
  • Belarus
  • Georgia
  • USA

No less positive dynamics in terms of growth is observed in the CIS countries, in particular Russia and Ukraine. But other countries, on the contrary, have greatly blocked the air of Internet platforms. A striking example is Latvia. This country, not only declared war on online gambling but also created a stalemate with jobs in this industry: many people have already lost their jobs. Anyway, as in other business areas. Georgia also stated that online casinos will be limited, and although in Armenia didn’t begin to close online casinos, the authorities say that it’s wrong and gambling resources should be banned.

 

High attendance, but low revenue?

While the attendance of online resources goes off scale, the financial aspect has not so positive changes. Especially for countries with an unstable dollar course. The situation looks like this: the price of oil is falling, and the dollar is growing, against the pandemic. This can provide good opportunities for those who receive income in dollars, but cause difficulties in costs. For example, on the gambling platforms of post-Soviet countries, players make deposits in rubles or hryvnias. But marketing costs are priced in dollars. And this causes problems.

Analysts from H2 Gambling Capital predict that global revenues of gambling operators may fall to the level of 2016. This is due to the closure of many operators, the restriction of the online casinos by the authorities and the crisis with dollars course. In general, the situation with the profitability of online gambling amid a pandemic is ambiguous. On the one hand, the dollar threatens the gaming industry with new losses. On the other hand, the operators of the top online casinos, like Queenofluck, note an increase in the number of players by 40%, and the number of bets by 20%. However, the gross income of operators remains at the same positions.

Gambling іsolation

Coronavirus affected all areas of society. Including gambling, of course. And we can’t forget about many cases of speculation on pandemics and marketing strategies. Operators are trying to attract more new players. For instance, by a variety of tournaments, promotions. At the same time, some platforms increase the bonus program, others promise more opportunities for betting. And it works.

Interest in gambling has already skyrocketed due to the pandemic. People sit at home, many of them are bored, they try to distract themselves or even try to increase their income through online games. Especially if the casino offers interesting content and reasons for a good mood, like bonuses, for example. Some operators try to interest visitors more.

 

Casino content strategy

Affiliates take advantage of the epidemic. In particular, thanks to the keywords associated with the epidemic and thereby improve the ranking of their web resources. Affiliates play one of the key roles in promoting online platforms. But far from all operators will like the speculation strategy amid the crisis. Gaming Innovation Group has even developed special software to track the activities of affiliates.

An important factor was the theme of the games and the casinos. The fact is that with the isolation and disturbing events, people subconsciously look for something action-packed that would add adrenaline. Therefore, the developing games are aimed at plot, extraordinary and relevance today. Slots on the theme of the apocalypse, bacteria and viruses, blockades and other anti-utopian motifs are becoming more and more interesting. And this means that the classical approach is losing its relevance. Users come to online casinos for new experiences. And the game developers, as well as the casinos, have a new task: to create truly fascinating content. It’s worth noting that many have already succeeded.

Final word

Coronavirus launched a chain of irreversible changes in all areas of society. And many of them brought crisis consequences, in particular for the middle class. Some areas of the business were in severe stagnation with enormous losses. But some online platforms, on the contrary, have experienced a serious rise. Educational content, insurance, as well as adult and gambling industry turned out to be in the wake of popularity. Gambling deserves special attention. People want at least a little distraction from problems for a couple of gambling sessions.

Companies providing such entertainment also try to follow trends and increase their audience. Someone does this through a new marketing strategy, someone develops topical games, and someone uses the popularity of coronavirus queries to their advantage. Honest casinos increase their audience due to a thoughtful bonus program. An important factor is the attitude of the state to online gambling. And despite the growing popularity of online entertainment, online gambling is also going through hard times in some places.

 

 

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Week 16/2024 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Habanero, is introducing the Reel Rewards feature in its new 6×3 reel slot Golden Taj Mahal. Paying homage to Indian culture, the game sees tigers, candles, precious gemstones, the prince and princess as well as the magic lamp Wild fill the grid as the slot’s symbols. At the top of the board, there are six empty spots which can be filled by the Reel Rewards mechanic on any spin, awarding a prize ranging from 2x, 3x or 5x multipliers to a Wild, which transforms all symbols below it.

 

After releasing the frenzy of a slot game that was Brick Snake 2000, the award-winning slot provider is now set to release Tombstone No Mercy an upgraded refresh of its 2019 hit slot, Tombstone. The 2024 refresh stays true to the original game and introduces Nolimit Bonus Buys and Nolimit Booster into the mix. With the introduction of Nolimit Bonus Buys, players can buy right into the bonus rounds; Justice Spins, Gunslinger

 

 

Games Global exclusive studio PearFiction Studios has unveiled its latest release, Cerberus Gold, incorporating three engaging LockNWin bonuses that can be combined for great win potential. This mythological title boasts an exciting triple collection mechanic that sees each collection pot protected by a head of the fearsome guardian of the underworld, Cerberus, who precariously sits above the reel set.

 

4ThePlayer in collaboration with Yggdrasil is unveiling its new release, 4K Ultra Gold MoneyWays, through the YGG Masters platform. This game evolves 4ThePlayer’s popular MoneyWays mechanic as seen in the top-performing 4 Fantastic series where cash on the reels is won by forming ways wins without the need for additional symbols or features. In 4K Ultra Gold, every cash symbol is boosted when it lands on the reels, creating additional excitement and anticipation.

 

Push Gaming has released the second in its series of DJ games, DJ Cat, which brings a range of new features to amp up engagement. Following the success of DJ Fox, this new follow-up retains the easy-to-understand, win-what-you-see gameplay, adding in larger win multipliers. Lining up CD symbols helps players to build big prizes while VIP icons grant access to spin the decks and feed the Multiplier Meter. Arrow symbols crank the volume and unlock more reels using the iconic Push-Up feature.

 

Inspired Entertainment is thrilled to announce its latest slot game, Spin 2 Riches™, now available the UK B3/LBO market. Offering players an unparalleled gaming experience filled with mystery symbols and Fortune Spins. Spin 2 Riches invites players to embark on a thrilling adventure where every spin brings the promise of untold riches.

 

PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, is on target again with its latest fun-filled game release, Piñata Wins. Set against a vibrant fiesta backdrop, Piñata Wins is a five-reel and three-row title offering players a colourful gaming experience with plenty of features with an opportunity to make big returns from multipliers up to x100. The reels are brought to life with symbols that celebrate Mexican culture including tacos, maracas, skulls, sombreros and chillies.

 

Endorphina, has announced the release of its latest slot game, Moon Tiger, on April 17th. Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows, 25 fixed paylines, and cool bonuses, the slot will soon join Endorphina’s portfolio of over 150  games. Inspired by Chinese mythology, this slot embodies the legendary White Tiger, a creature born from a rare occurrence in the heavens.

 

Blueprint Gaming is inviting players to live like royalty and reign over Phrygia in its latest scatter-pay release, the Greek mythology-themed Midas King of Gold. Players attempt to turn every touch into gold in this 6×5 scatter pays title, with the King himself appearing in symbols on the game’s richly coloured board alongside royal pillars and ancient artifacts.

 

Playson, the fast-growing digital entertainment supplier, has combined the striking themes of its most successful games in its latest title Energy Joker: Hold and Win. With coins, electricity and a grinning joker, this fast-paced release has lightning running through its reels. The blue Collect feature strikes the cells and gathers all values, including the Mini, Minor and Major jackpots and Bonus symbols.

 

 

Spinomenal has released its new hit, Queen of the Amazon. Set amongst the lush rainforest, this 5×4 slot welcomes players on an adventure where treasure awaits intrepid explorers. A majestic Amazon headdress, tiger, gorilla, and snake, make up the Medium symbols on the reels. At the heart of the story stands the queen herself, representing the Wild symbol.

 

 

Embark on a thrilling journey across continents in 80 Day Escapade, the dramatic new slot from Boldplay that offers multiple features for endless excitement and rewards. With its 5×3 reels and 243 ways to win, players will enjoy a world of adventure and fortune but the real excitement begins with the set of exciting bonus features.

 

 

The post Week 16/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center Leads Industry in 2023

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Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center leads industry in 2023, saving players over $11 million

Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center continues to set the standard for excellence in the online gambling industry, achieving remarkable milestones in 2023 and reaffirming its commitment to player advocacy and fair gaming practices.

In the past year alone, the Complaint Resolution Center received over 14,000 complaints from players worldwide, a testament to its reputation as a trusted platform for addressing player concerns. Of these, over 12,000 were accepted, underscoring the Complaint Resolution Center’s dedication to providing a voice for players and addressing their grievances. Throughout the year, Casino Guru’s team successfully resolved 3,428 complaints, resulting in an astounding USD$11,279,425 in saved funds for players. This achievement reflects the Complaint Resolution Center’s unwavering commitment to securing favorable outcomes for players and ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.

Notably, Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center stands out from its competitors such as AskGamblers by accepting almost all complaints received; a significant difference that underscores Casino Guru’s dedication to prioritizing player concerns and advocating on their behalf. By comparison, AskGamblers reported saving USD$9,031,914 for players with 3,565 accepted complaints while Casino Guru’s comprehensive approach led to saving USD$11,279,425 with 12,161 complaints accepted for resolution.

Aside from monetary savings, the Complaint Resolution Center also boasts other significant achievements. With an average resolution time of 17 days and the fastest resolution completed in just 48 minutes, Casino Guru demonstrates efficiency and responsiveness in addressing player concerns. Additionally, the Complaint Resolution Center resolved the longest open complaint, active for 287 days, showcasing its commitment to seeing cases through to a satisfactory resolution. Moreover, the Complaint Resolution Center successfully resolved the complaint with the highest value, amounting to USD$1.99 million, further highlighting its dedication to addressing all levels of player grievances.

Petronela Kontos, Complaints Team Lead at Casino Guru, commented on the Center’s achievements: “We are proud to lead the industry in providing a platform where players can voice their concerns and seek resolution. Our commitment to fairness and transparency drives us to continually improve and deliver exceptional results for players worldwide.”

In addition to its outstanding performance in 2023, Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center has achieved significant milestones over its lifetime. With over 37,000 complaints received and more than $25 million recovered for players, the Complaint Resolution Center has become a trusted resource for players seeking resolution to their issues.

As the Complaint Resolution Center continues its mission of empowering players and advocating for fairness within the online gambling industry, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring that players’ voices are heard and their concerns addressed with integrity and transparency.

The post Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center Leads Industry in 2023 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Evoplay strikes distribution agreement with Light & Wonder

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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has leveraged its position across Europe by taking its portfolio live with Light & Wonder’s leading aggregation platform.

Through this latest launch, over 100 of the provider’s dynamic titles will be made available on Light & Wonder’s global operator network including its Penalty Shoot-out instant game as well as top-performing slots The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy and Hot Triple Sevens.

The integration will see Evoplay boost its presence across a plethora of territories in Europe, including MGA-regulated markets, Italy, Portugal, the Balkans and the Baltics, where Light & Wonder’s platform is a top choice for tier-one operators.

Evoplay’s latest agreement underscores its commitment to becoming a leading supplier across Europe and follows significant commercial expansion in several key markets.

Ihor Zarechnyi, CBDO at Evoplay, said: “Evoplay’s latest landmark deal serves as a testament to the power of our dynamic portfolio. As we continue to excel across markets worldwide, we are delighted that Light & Wonder recognised the quality of our games and took them live on its platform.

“Light & Wonder has a vast market reach, which allows us to greatly expand our footing in Europe. Additionally, once we obtain the Canadian licence, we look forward to introducing our innovative content to an even wider audience of players.”

James Bustin, Commercial Director at Light & Wonder, added: “Thanks to its commitment to differentiation, Evoplay’s offering has proven to captivate players across Europe and we anticipate its games will perform just as well with our operator network.

“Forging new content agreements with suppliers such as Evoplay allows us to continue delivering fresh and exciting experiences to the market whilst elevating studios to an even bigger reach.”

The post Evoplay strikes distribution agreement with Light & Wonder appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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