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How Does The Modern Gambling Industry Change During Economic And Social Upheavals?

Published

4 years ago

July 21, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Just over one year ago, the entire world was shaken when the coronavirus, named Covid-19, started to spread to all corners of the planet. The World Health Organization officially declared Covid-19 as a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. Since this time, we have seen multiple countries going into lockdown. Several industries were severely affected in the process – and this includes the gambling industry.

Several land-based gambling facilities were forced to close their doors during the lockdown period. This had a significant impact on their performance, resulting in months with no profits generated. The online casino industry, however, did experience an opposite effect. This post takes a closer look at how the gambling industry has changed during the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Covid-19 And Physical Casinos

Physical businesses around the globe experienced the hardest impact from the pandemic. With this in mind, we should start by taking a look at how physical or land-based casinos were affected. A group of researchers posted a paper based on statistical data collected between February and June 2020. The data was related to the casino industry and looked at how these businesses were affected when global lockdowns were initiated. Tax payments were the primary factor taken into consideration – as this has a direct indication of revenue generated by casinos and other gambling-related business ventures.

A significant reduction in tax payments was recorded by physical casinos. This allowed the researchers to make a conclusion that land-based casino operators were certainly affected in a negative way.

A Switch To Online Gambling During A Global Pandemic

Even though a negative impact was observed among casinos that are based on a physical location, the online gambling industry has not experienced the same impact. There was a slight decline in online gambling usage was observed in March 2020, but the industry quickly recovered and saw an increase in user activity, as well as new registrations.

Currently, the online gambling industry is growing at an 11.5% rate on an annual basis. One report states that there are several factors currently driving the increasing interest in online gambling platforms. This includes easier access to the internet, the ability to play from home, and the legalization of these digital platforms.

There are additional reasons why people have been increasingly turning to online gambling platforms – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic that we are still facing.

Here are a few of the primary reasons why there has been an increase in the number of people turning to online gambling websites:

As we entered a pandemic and lockdowns were initiated, sports were put on hold. This caused many people to miss out on standard sport betting opportunities. Online casinos, however, gave these individuals a chance to continue betting on virtual sports events.
With online casinos, there is no risk of being infected with the Covid-19 virus – as no physical interaction with other individuals is needed.
The ability to play casino games from home provided an attractive opportunity. There is no need to visit a physical location and no long drives to be concerned about.
Many people started to work from home during the pandemic. This gave them a more flexible schedule to work with and allowed them to have a computer at home. These two elements further drove an increase in online casino activity among the population.
Those who were in a career affected by Covid-19 found themselves with extra time on their hands. This also led to more people turning to online activities and games to kill time.

Several statistical reports have been released to help us understand how the industry had grown in the pandemic – with a primary focus on online gambling games.

In one report, it is reported that between April and October 2020, a 43% growth in the online poker game industry was noted. In the United States, a 255% increase in first-time players related to online poker games was noted in the same period.

In another report, it was noted that the online casino industry surged to an all-time high in terms of both new user registrations and activity in the lockdown period.

Here, we can see that interest spiked within a matter of days. The data shows that more people started to search for online gambling platforms when the coronavirus outbreak started. The trend continued to increase further.

Since the start of lockdowns, many companies have also provided their input. One publication explains that lockdown can be considered a good reason for people to turn to online casinos. While there are risks with these activities, the benefits need to be noted too. By playing these games from home, it reduces a person’s risk of being infected with the virus – thus serving as a type of protective barrier compared to land-based casinos where people frequently interact with each other. Other benefits include welcome bonuses, which is something people do not gain access to when they visit a physical casino. This can add to the funds available to play, giving the person a better opportunity to make a profit from their gambling activities.

Conclusion

While the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global population, there are some industries that seemed to remain stable. Physical casinos were adversely affected, with some larger casinos being closed completely due to the pandemic. On the other hand, we have observed increased interest in the online gambling industry. Numerous individuals turned to internet-based casinos during the pandemic, and the trend has continued to remain stable.

Carolina Fiel is a professional with experience in various industries. She is passionate about content production and currently serves as a Redator freelancer at Upwork.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34061685/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.611939/full

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/online-gambling-market

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/22/2112777/0/en/Online-Gambling-Platforms-Gained-Larger-User-Base-With-Pandemic-As-A-Driver-Of-The-Global-Online-Gaming-Market-2020.html

http://www.aaamusic.co.uk/2021/04/22/lockdown-is-a-good-reason-to-play-online-casinos/

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Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: This is a classic “Cross-Sell” play. Meridianbet has already spent seven years building a sports betting database in Belgium. By securing this B+ license, they can now monetize those same users with higher-margin casino products (slots, table games) without needing to acquire new traffic from scratch. With the Belgian casino sector growing at 20% year-over-year, this is a significant revenue unlock for the GMGI portfolio.

The Full Story

Meridianbet, the sports betting and gaming operator owned by Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has successfully expanded its regulatory footprint in Europe by securing a B+ online gaming license in Belgium.

The new license (B+ 4016) authorizes the company to launch a comprehensive online casino platform—featuring slots, table games, and automated live games—starting in January 2026. This move significantly broadens the operator’s capabilities in the country, complementing its existing sports betting operations which have been active in the Belgian market for seven years.

Targeting the Largest Market Segment The strategic rationale behind the license is clear: Casino is now the dominant force in Belgian gambling. According to the Belgian Gaming Commission, the online casino vertical generated €455 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2023, representing a 20.2% year-over-year increase.

By entering this vertical, Meridianbet gains access to the largest and fastest-growing segment of a market that generated a total of €944.6 million last year.

Tech-First Entry Meridianbet plans to deploy its proprietary AI Casino Recommender technology for the Belgian launch. This system analyzes player behavior and preferences in real-time to deliver personalized game suggestions, a crucial differentiator in a highly concentrated market where just ten operators account for 94% of all online wagers.

Regulatory Context Belgium is known for having one of Europe’s strictest regulatory frameworks, characterized by rigorous compliance standards and player protection protocols. Securing this license validates Meridianbet’s operational standards and deepens its foothold in a “mature” market that is notoriously difficult for new entrants to penetrate.

The post Meridianbet Doubles Down on Belgium: New Casino License Unlocks €455m Market Segment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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LinkDataMedia Drops ‘Startup’ Look with Major 5th Anniversary Rebrand

Published

6 hours ago

December 22, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: In the iGaming affiliate space, the five-year mark is a critical survival threshold. Many media startups fade away before reaching it. LinkDataMedia’s decision to rebrand now is a classic “graduation” signal. By shedding their startup skin for a more corporate, “blue-chip” aesthetic (the stability-focused blue triangle), they are telling operators and partners that they are no longer just an affiliate project, but a stable infrastructure partner ready for larger commercial deals.

The Full Story

LinkDataMedia, the parent company behind the popular affiliate portal Gamblers Connect, has announced a comprehensive corporate rebrand to coincide with its fifth anniversary.

The overhaul includes a completely refreshed brand identity, a redesigned logo, and a fully revamped website, all of which are now live. The move is described by the company not as a mere cosmetic update, but as a strategic pivot designed to distance the business from its “startup roots” and reflect its current status as an established player in the competitive iGaming media landscape.

Visualizing Maturity The new visual language features a modernized blue triangular logo, a shape chosen to represent “stability and forward momentum.” The digital user experience has also been streamlined, offering partners a cleaner interface that aligns better with the company’s matured operational capabilities.

Management Commentary Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder and CEO of LinkDataMedia, commented on the significance of hitting the half-decade milestone in such a volatile industry:

“Surviving the first five years in business takes more than luck. It takes belief, resilience, and the right people around you. This milestone, and the rebrand, reflect exactly that.”

Implementation The new branding has already been deployed across the main corporate website and is currently being rolled out across LinkDataMedia’s social media channels and internal communication platforms. As the company enters its sixth year, the refreshed identity aims to set the stage for a new phase of expansion and innovation.

The post LinkDataMedia Drops ‘Startup’ Look with Major 5th Anniversary Rebrand appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Win Systems to Debut New ‘Gold Club Colors’ and WIGOS Upgrades at ICE Barcelona

Published

6 hours ago

December 22, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: As ICE makes its historic move to Barcelona, established tech providers like Win Systems are under pressure to bring their “A-game” to the larger venue. The focus here isn’t just on cabinets; it’s the ecosystem. By highlighting WIGOS (their CMS) alongside WIN PAY, Win Systems is positioning itself as an infrastructure partner, not just a hardware supplier. The debut of the Gold Club Colors roulette specifically targets the growing demand for visually customizable electronic table games (ETGs).

The Full Story

Win Systems, the global provider of technology for the gaming and entertainment industry, has confirmed its product roadmap for ICE Barcelona 2026, the sector’s most significant international event taking place from January 19 to 21.

Exhibiting at Stand 3M30 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the company will leverage the new venue to showcase a broad portfolio designed to cover the entire casino floor—from management systems to the gaming floor itself.

Systems and Fintech At the core of the showcase is WIGOS, the company’s flagship Casino Management System (CMS). WIGOS is widely recognized for connecting thousands of machines across multiple countries, and the Barcelona display will focus on advanced tools that streamline daily operations and optimize player retention.

Complementing the CMS, Win Systems will present WIN PAY, its secure transaction platform. As cashless and seamless payment solutions become standard requirements for operators, WIN PAY offers the necessary efficiency and security controls for modern gaming environments.

Hardware: Roulette and Slots On the hardware side, Win Systems is refreshing its electronic table game offering with the new Gold Club Colors electronic roulette. The Gold Club line has long been a staple in the company’s portfolio, known for its compact footprint and reliability; the “Colors” iteration promises to maximize visual impact on the floor.

Alongside the roulette, the company will display its latest slot hardware, including the Sublime and Rhapsody cabinets. These units are designed to house the company’s extensive game library, which has been adapted to suit diverse market profiles from Europe to Latin America.

Strategic Goals Win Systems aims to use the three-day event to reinforce its 30-year legacy in the industry. The company described its participation as a commitment to “continuous innovation,” inviting operators and regulators to explore how their integrated solutions can improve in-room performance.

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