Latest News
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.

Latest News
Better Collective North American talent-led media brands surpass 1 billion views and downloads, providing new ways for partners to reach sports fans
An expanded focus on talent-led media and live events complements Better Collective’s broader strategy of diversifying revenue streams, engaging sports fans, and strengthening its position in key growth markets such as North America.
Talent-led media has become a core strategic focus for Better Collective, providing new ways to engage fans and create value for the company’s partners. Through shows hosted by world-class athletes and personalities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Jalen Brunson, Angel Reese, and Jeff Marek, Better Collective is able to reach highly engaged audiences across North America. These trusted voices not only help Better Collective stay relevant with younger sports fans but also offer partners authentic, direct access to these communities. Since the beginning of last year, content from Better Collective’s talent-led media brands have generated over one billion views and downloads and were significant contributors to the company’s global sponsorship revenue of more than 45 mEUR in 2024. Talent-led media has also further strengthened the commercial opportunities for partners and reinforces Better Collective’s position as a leading digital sports media group.
Karl Pugh, Group SVP of Revenue at Better Collective, said: “As a market leader operating at the intersection of sports media and sports betting, Better Collective provides partners with unparalleled global reach and commercial opportunities. Through our brands and their shows, we are not only reaching millions of engaged sports fans, but creating meaningful value for our partners by offering them direct access to these highly relevant audiences. With more than one billion views and downloads from fans across North America since the start of 2024, our brands have proven over time to be in high demand and an essential platform for partner activation. I look forward to continuing to grow these partnerships and unlocking new ways to drive revenue, audience engagement, and long-term business value together.”
All three of Better Collective’s leading North American brands, Playmaker HQ, Action Network and The Nation Network, have increased their audience with the help of talent-led media and live events.
- All five of Playmaker HQ’s shows have crossed 2 million total followers on social media, total over 15 million hours of consumed content on YouTube, and average 75 million monthly views across all accounts. The shows have gone viral several times, such as when Unapologetically Angel was named one of Spotify’s best new podcasts of 2024.
- Action Network’s content from leading betting experts has spurred growth as well, evident from its 600k+ hours of consumed content from fans this year. Additionally, the brand’s podcasts totalled 6 million downloads during the last NFL season, and will total 8 million total downloads in 2025.
- Within Canada, Better Collective has also experienced growth among its users thanks to The Nation Network (TNN), which has firmly entrenched itself as the leading destination for premier, digital sports coverage. Across its content this past year, TNN saw 71 million total streams, 5 million total watch hours, and 342 million total impressions on YouTube. These numbers reinforce Better Collective’s belief in Canada as a massive growth opportunity and market with immense potential.
North American brands are providing additional avenues for partner success
These three North American-based brands have each contributed to the company’s rise in the talent-led media space, growth in audience, and value generated for both endemic and non-endemic partners. Across the three brands, leading consumer and sportsbook partners include StockX, Dove Men’s+Care, Tommy John, DraftKings, bet365, Ford, Tim Hortons, Coca-Cola and Budweiser, exemplifying the value Better Collective offers its wide variety of partners in reaching new audiences in modern, engaging ways. These partners are not only getting value out of sponsoring podcast episodes, but also by helping create live activations that form deeper connections and more awareness among fans and potential consumers. Listeners and fans are also highly engaged with each brand’s content, leading to elevated brand exposure, increased content consumption, and higher turnouts at events. Examples of this can be seen with Action Network’s over 75% completion rate of its podcasts – above the average industry standard – as well as Playmaker HQ and TNN’s attendance at their live events, showing not only that fans have an appetite for the content, but that partners will get more exposure through their sponsorships and branded activations.
Live events have given our brands more ways to engage audiences
In addition to the popular podcast shows, Playmaker HQ, Action Network, and The Nation Network are all using their strong brand platforms to host live events. These include meet and greets, live shows, watch parties, and fan experiences that bring audiences closer to their favorite shows and stars. A standout example was last year’s live Roommates Show in Central Park, where thousands of fans gathered to meet Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, enjoyed the show, and took part in branded experiences and giveaways from partners.
These events not only deepen fan engagement but also offer partners unique opportunities to connect with audiences beyond digital channels. Previous events have been held in major cities during some of the biggest sporting moments of the year, including the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Final Four, and the 4 Nations Face Off. Throughout the rest of the year, our brands will continue to host exciting events for fans and partners alike, including the upcoming NBA Summer League.
The post Better Collective North American talent-led media brands surpass 1 billion views and downloads, providing new ways for partners to reach sports fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
iGB L!VE opens in London
The 2025 edition of iGB L!VE opened today (2nd July) at it’s new ExCeL London home. iGaming professionals made full use of ExCeL London’s transport infrastructure with Elizabeth Line and Docklands Light Railway trains full of visitors celebrating the show’s relocation to the Capital.
Organisers are seeking to grow the iGB L!VE attendance and, in the process set another record for the event. The 2024 edition, which was the last to be held in Amsterdam attracted 9,788 unique attendees, surpassing the 7,299 at iGB L!VE 2023 and was nearly double the 5,022 at iGB L!VE 2022. The 2025 edition of iGB L!VE will be the biggest on record, providing attendees with access to over 22,000 sqm of product innovation and inspiration.
Claire Williams OBE, the former leader of the Williams Formula 1 racing team and one of the most prominent and successful women in F1 history provided the iGB L!VE 2025 keynote.
Exploring the best practice parallels which can be drawn between the data-driven worlds of F1 and iGaming, Claire Williams noted: “There are a number of ways that Formula 1 can inspire businesses and provide tangible takeaways for iGaming operators of all sizes, from product innovation to navigating entry into new markets. As well as key requirements such as having a dynamic leadership, a culture of continuous improvement, hiring the very best problem solvers and being the first to embrace technology advances, F1 also demands the organisational agility that’s necessary to nuance strategy in what is an ultra-competitive space. “
Described as the TED of iGaming, iGB L!VE features a mix of highly practical case studies, data presentations and panel discussions on best practices across operators and affiliates. Topics include innovations in in-play betting, how to use IP and branding to protect competitive advantage, integrated marketing and SEO strategies, how to build links when no one wants to talk about gambling, as well as market dives into LatAm, UAE and Italy. The full programme can be viewed at:https://www.igblive.com/event-schedule
The post iGB L!VE opens in London appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
THE BATTLE OF POLYTOPIA ANNOUNCES GLOBAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH $10,000 PRIZE POOL
Midjiwan, the award-winning independent studio behind The Battle of Polytopia has today announced The Polytopia World Championship with a prize pool of $10,000 USD and a live final broadcast from Stockholm.
The Polytopia World Championship is set to launch this fall, uniting players from across the globe in an epic showdown of fast-paced strategic mastery. The tournament will be themed to Battle of the Tribes. Players will choose to compete with one of Polytopia’s 12 in-game tribes; each with a unique regional theme and skillset.
The tournament will begin with open qualifiers, giving everyone a chance to prove themselves. From there, players will advance through tribe-specific playoffs and head-to-head elimination rounds, each match bringing them one step closer to glory.
The top six players will earn a spot in the live finals in Stockholm on December 6: an in-person event streamed online for fans worldwide. In addition to live commentary of the tournament, the fan event will also provide behind-the-scenes content from the Midjiwan team.
The winner will be awarded a prize pool of $10,000; making this tournament the biggest competitive event in The Battle of Polytopia’s nine year history.
Christian Lovstedt, CEO of Midjiwan AB, commented: “This marks a major new step for Polytopia’s competitive scene, featuring a fresh tournament format and enhanced broadcasting that makes it even more exciting for viewers to watch, learn, and get inspired by the world’s top players.“
The matches will be played on the Polytopia Official Space on the Challengermode esports Platform.
The planned dates are:
September:
-
Sep 13–14
-
Sep 20–21
-
Sep 27–28
October:
-
Oct 4–5
-
Oct 11–12
-
Oct 18–19
November:
-
Oct 25–26
-
Nov 1–2
-
Nov 8–9
Nov 22–23
-
Faceoff
-
Final Qualifier
Dec 6
-
World Championship Live Event
The post THE BATTLE OF POLYTOPIA ANNOUNCES GLOBAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH $10,000 PRIZE POOL appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
-
Latest News2 months ago
Week 17/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News2 months ago
Fortuna Partners with 2025 UEFA Under-21 EURO
-
Latest News3 months ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Confirms Full Game Lineup, Schedule, and Club Championship Rules for EWC 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News3 months ago
DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus
-
Latest News3 months ago
ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES
-
Latest News2 months ago
Bojoko.com Surpasses €100 Million in All-Time Deposits Milestone