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New Study Shows Online Gambling Soared During Lockdown, Especially Among Regular Gamblers


According to a new research, regular gamblers were more than six times more likely to gamble online compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, led by the University of Bristol and published on May 17 in the Journal of Gambling Studies, showed regular male gamblers were particularly prone to gambling more often online during the public lockdown in the UK, compared to their previously reported gambling habits.
Although overall men and women gambled less frequently during the lockdown, partly due to betting shops being closed, some forms of gambling increased. For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online.
Lead author Professor Alan Emond, of the University of Bristol’s Medical School, said: “This study provides unique real time insights into how people’s attitudes and gambling behaviour changed during lockdown, when everyone was stuck inside and unable to participate in most social activities. The findings reveal that although many forms of gambling were restricted, a minority of regular gamblers significantly increased their gambling and betting online. As with so many repercussions of the pandemic, inequalities have been exacerbated and particularly vulnerable groups were worse affected.”
The comparative research used two online questionnaires during the first lockdown in 2020, which surveyed the same group of adults, aged 28 years on average, who had previously been asked similar questions about gambling before the pandemic as part of the renowned Children of the 90s study, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
More than 2600 adults responded and results revealed that during lockdown men were three times more likely than women to gamble regularly, defined as more than once a week. Drinking heavily, defined as more than six units in a session (equivalent to more than three pints of beer) at least once a week, was strongly linked to regular gambling among men and women. These trends are likely to be much greater in reality, as the majority (70%) of respondents to the surveys in lockdown were women.
Professor Emond, a public health expert, said: “The strong link between binge drinking and regular gambling is of particular concern, as they are both addictive behaviours which can have serious health and social consequences. With the wider availability of gambling through different online channels, vulnerable groups could get caught in a destructive cycle. A public health approach is needed to minimise gambling harms.”
Online advertising expert and co-author Agnes Nairn, Professor of Marketing at the University of Bristol’s School of Management, said: “The results of this study and trends being reported more widely are quite alarming. As gambling habits shift online, vulnerable groups including children and adults who drink heavily may be more easily sucked into these channels. The increased prevalence of home working is also an important consideration for future policy making, as the temptation to gamble online, amplified by clever advertising, is always there. Children are also falling prey to this advertising, especially for esports, on social media and could get locked into addictive habits from an early age. Stricter regulation is needed in this growing field to protect unwitting consumers.”
Alison Clare, Research, Information and Knowledge Director at GambleAware, said: “We know that gambling is part of the daily lives of children, young people and vulnerable adults and this research sheds further light on the impact Covid-19 and lockdown has had on gambling habits for young people. GambleAware is committed to ensuring all those affected by gambling harm have access to the necessary information and advice. All organisations, including National Health Services and charities need to work together to reduce stigma and raise awareness of the help and support that is available via the National Gambling Treatment Service.”

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Race Estoril Track With F1 Legend Barrichello During SBC Summit 2025
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, invites SBC Summit Lisbon delegates to take a spin on the iconic Estoril Formula One circuit on 16 September 2025. The experience features remote-controlled car racing on a true-to-scale replica of the track. The programme begins at 10:00 with an opening race at Space EN08, with the circuit then open all day for drop-in challenges and networking.
At 10:00 on 16 September, a showcase race on the Estoril mini‑track will bring together Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, Rubens Barrichello, F1 legend and Non‑Executive Director for Latin America at SOFTSWISS, and Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. Delegates are welcome to cheer on the participants and then take the controls themselves on the very same circuit layout.
Beyond the track, Barrichello and Montik will also appear together on the Super Stage for their fireside chat, Excellence Under Pressure: Evolving in a Fast‑Moving Space. Taking place on 16 September, the discussion will explore the shared disciplines of motorsport and iGaming innovation, highlighting how speed, reliability and agility translate into long‑term business advantage. Barrichello will also share lessons from F1’s rapid technological changes, while Montik will show how SOFTSWISS applies similar agility in iGaming, innovating quickly while ensuring compliance and stability.
The SOFTSWISS team looks forward to meeting partners and friends throughout the show. Visit us at Stand B160 to explore collaboration opportunities and learn more about our product ecosystem.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides certified software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post Race Estoril Track With F1 Legend Barrichello During SBC Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025
The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) proudly announces that Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will once again return as a sponsor of the highly anticipated Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025, taking place on 27–28 November at Inter Expo Center, Sofia.
As the global leader in testing, certification, and professional services for the gaming industry, GLI has supported regulators, suppliers, and operators across more than 480 jurisdictions worldwide for decades. With a strong mission to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency, GLI plays a pivotal role in shaping a trusted and sustainable global gaming environment.
The continued sponsorship of the Regulators’ Roundtable underscores GLI’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between regulators and industry stakeholders. As one of the flagship sessions of EEGS, the Roundtable offers an exclusive platform to address pressing regulatory challenges, explore innovative solutions, and discuss strategies that will define the future of the sector.
EEGS 2025 will once again unite regulators, operators, suppliers, and thought leaders for two days of high-level discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing, reinforcing its position as the leading forum for gaming innovation and regulation in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Learn more & register here: https://eegamingsummit.com/register-for-super-early-bird-ticket/
For any sponsorship availabilities, see here: https://eegamingsummit.com/sponsorship-2025/
Together with partners like GLI, EEGS continues to be the meeting point for innovation, regulation, and collaboration in the gaming industry.
The post GLI Returns as Sponsor of the Regulators’ Roundtable at EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The post Trigger Xtreme Power: A 400% Deposit Bonus Plus 30 Free Spins Await on Thor Hammer Strike at SlotsCapital.lv appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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