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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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Uncover more treasure in Blueprint Gaming’s The Goonies Megaways™

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One of Blueprint Gaming’s most popular series returns, as the gang is back to discover more secrets hidden in One-Eyed Willy’s treasure map in The Goonies Megaways™.

Built in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, the newest instalment from its series of games inspired by the award-winning film offers Megaways™ alongside Cash Collect features.

The film’s iconic characters lead the way on a colourful background with bespoke logos and symbols as players try to move the Inferno along the treasure map to trigger the bonus game by landing collect symbols. Reaching the One-Eyed Willy position will unlock its own unique upgrade.

Landing four collect symbols awards free spins and a cash multiplier, alongside the potential of a x10 each time a cash win is collected.

Cash symbols are present between reels 1-6, with the special Collect symbol awarded by landing on the sixth reel.

Activate free spins by landing three or more scatters, with 10 free spins awarded in the base game and more retriggering 10 additional spins if three more scatters land.

The game showcases Blueprint Gaming’s ability to provide additional features to a beloved series while maintaining the core characteristics found within its previous critically acclaimed titles. It also is the latest example of its capacity to develop first-class content based on a multi-genre IP that crosses cinema and multimedia platforms.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing & Relationships at Blueprint Gaming, said: “The latest addition to The Goonies series adds Megaways™ to player’s pursuit of One-Eyed Willy’s treasure, and this shows we are committed to evolving the licenced games in our portfolio. We’ve retained the familiar feel the wildly popular branding brings while still ensuring the features and gameplay offer the engagement players demand.

“The game’s artwork stays true to the cult film, following its beloved design and symbols, and we’re sure players will enjoy the immersive experience provided by the soundtrack, as well as the special new bonus round.”

The post Uncover more treasure in Blueprint Gaming’s The Goonies Megaways™ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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HBA Media Partners with Genius Sports

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HBA Media announced a new partnership with Genius Sports to launch “Crown Jewels Racing Fantasy” (CJRFantasy) – the first international horse racing fantasy game.

As the established leader in the international distribution of horse racing media rights, HBA Media works with broadcasters worldwide representing renowned races including Royal Ascot, the Saudi Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, Hong Kong Jockey Club, as well as premium UK horse racing through HBA’s partnership with Racecourse Media Group.

CJRFantasy has been launched to help unify the global horse racing calendar, providing broadcasters and their fans around the world with a new platform to enhance their knowledge, compete with family and friends, and engage with the world’s most prestigious races.

For each race, players must select three horses, designating who will finish first, second and third. Double points will be assigned to one horse chosen as captain, while players must also answer a tie-breaker question on the winning distances. Each horse is assigned an XP where the lower their score, the more likely the horse is to win the upcoming race. Horses with higher XP who win will deliver more points, encouraging players to select from the full field.

HBA Media will promote the new CJRFantasy game through the international broadcast feed across the calendar year, connecting their gamification strategy with millions of horse racing fans worldwide. On-air graphics will encourage and engage viewers in the joys of the CJRFantasy game, which offers unique raceday experiences and VIP merchandise as prizes. In addition, on-screen talent and ambassadors that include horse racing’s finest Nick Luck, Michelle Yu, Tom Stanley and Frankie Foster will also host their own competitive leagues, enabling viewers to take on the professionals.

CJRFantasy is powered by Genius Sports – a global leader in building highly interactive and engaging fantasy, trivia and predictor tools for the NFL, FIFA, World Rugby, European Tour and MLB.

Frank Sale, Managing Director for HBA Media, said: “We are continually looking for innovative and exciting ways to promote, engage and connect with new and existing audiences. Working in partnership with Genius Sports has enabled us to provide our clients (racecourses, federations and broadcasters) with a powerful and entertaining interactive tool. We are delighted to be able to launch CJRFantasy for the prestigious Dubai World Cup this Saturday.”

Judd Goldstein, Global Commercial Lead, Fan Engagement at Genius Sports, said: “HBA Media plays a central role at the heart of the global horse racing ecosystem, and we’re thrilled to be helping them directly connect with fans around the world. CJRFantasy will bring the world’s showcase horse races into one connected free-to-play gaming destination, allowing horse racing fans to engage with the sport like never before.”

The post HBA Media Partners with Genius Sports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Playson diversifies portfolio with Wild West theme in Arizona Heist: Hold and Win

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Daring masterminds launch train robbery to take home big prizes

Playson, the fast-growing digital entertainment supplier, is taking players on the wildest adventure of their life in its debut Western-themed title Arizona Heist: Hold and Win.

A weathered team of criminals feature as symbols in this unpredictable slot. A revolver, backpack, and boozy supplies are all packed ready for this adrenaline-fuelled heist.

The high-energy mission is reflected in three Bonus Game boosters. The Plus booster reveals a random value of up to x10 and adds it to each symbol below it. The Multiplier randomly multiplies up to x10 and adds to all icons on the grid. The Gold booster transforms one Bonus symbol into a Bonus Gold symbol on the reel below. Additionally, the Collect feature collects all values from Bonus and Bonus Gold symbols during the Bonus Game.

In-game jackpots return in the form of a golden safe. Collecting two, three, four or five Bonus Gold symbols during the Bonus Game offers one of four corresponding jackpots. Two Bonus Gold symbols triggers a mini jackpot of x20, three symbols award a x50 minor jackpot, the major jackpot of x100 lands if four symbols are achieved. The grand jackpot of x5,000 is given if five Bonus Gold symbols appear.

The Double feature results from filling all 20 positions in the Bonus Game and doubles all symbol values.

Reflecting the scene of the crime, three or more train Scatters symbols trigger 10 free spins. A further three trains during free spins issues a further five free spins.  During the free spins round, Wild symbols multiply all combinations they are part of, with the Wilds’ multiplier amounts depending on how many Scatters appear. For three Scatters, the Wild offers x2, for four it is x3 and for five it is x5.

The Extra Bonus feature grants a chance of adding Bonus symbols in quantity enough or more to activate the Bonus Game during the Main Game or Free Spins.

Tamas Kusztos, CCO at Playson, said: “The Wild West is known for its unpredictability and adventure, which is what we evoke in Arizona Heist: Hold and Win. We are delighted to introduce this lively new theme into our portfolio, with an exciting array of enhancing features to inject even more excitement.

“The graphics and atmospheric music convey a sense of the unknown, as our players seek to run away with great riches from the train’s bursting safe.”

The post Playson diversifies portfolio with Wild West theme in Arizona Heist: Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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