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ANJ: Summary of the Online gambling market in 2020: historic performance despite the health crisis

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Ten years after the market was opened in 2010, the year 2020 is a turning point for online gambling, which is becoming a permanent fixture in French people’s lives. Because of the acceleration of the digitisation of gambling practices favoured by the health crisis and the arrival of new players, online sports betting, horse racing and poker have recorded historic performances. The sector’s turnover rose by 22% in 2020 to reach €1.7 billion, its highest level since the opening to competition. This performance contrasts sharply with those of casinos and gambling or betting points of sale, which have been hit hard by the health crisis.

 

Online sports betting: increased recruitment of new players and rising average spend

With an increase in turnover of “only” 7%, the online sports betting market remains by far the dominant activity in the online gambling sector. In 2020, stakes on sports competitions reached €5.3 billion, the highest amount of stakes generated in a year since the opening up to competition in 2010. At the same time, the population of sports bettors continues to grow, with more than one million additional players over the year compared to 2019, representing 4.4 million sports betting players.

After a second quarter in which activity was down (-56% of turnover), the situation of the sports betting market was reversed in the second half of the year with the resumption of sports competitions.

On the other hand, the sports betting segment recorded a pronounced drop in activity at points of sale. The FDJ reports a 10% drop in sports betting stakes across all channels (online and in points of sale).

Bettors’ enthusiasm was focused on major sporting events such as the Champions League in football, which recorded a 65% increase in stakes compared to 2019, or the French Open, which generated €107 million in stakes, the highest amount ever for a Grand Slam tournament.

 

Online horse racing betting: continued growth and record of stakes levels

Online horse racing betting grew strongly, recording a 33% increase over 2019, and totalizing €1.5 billion in stakes, which corresponds to the largest volume of bets placed online over a year. The associated gross gambling revenue grew at a rate close to the stakes (+31%) and set a new historical benchmark (€354m).

This growth is being driven by the recruitment of new players (+5% of players in 2020), which undoubtedly reflects the transfer of a certain number of players who used to bet at points of sale to online horse racing betting.

PMU, whose point-of-sale games generally account for almost 90% of its domestic results, has reported a 15% loss of turnover in this channel.

 

Online poker: a windfall effect of lockdowns that seems to last

Online poker turnover for this year leapt by to €446 million (+64% on 2019), which is a new record-breaking activity erasing the previous benchmark of 2011, the first full year of the market opening.

The lockdowns measures (and more particularly those relating to the first lockdown) have indeed led to a renewed interest in poker. Online poker benefits from the significant recruitment of new players in 2020, which it intends to capitalise on, through loyalty actions, in order to maintain a high level of activity for the coming year. However, this attractiveness does not seem to have been accompanied by an uncontrolled increase in excessive gambling insofar as the average expenditure per player increased by “only” 7% in 2020.

Synthesis of 2020 activity data

 
Q4 2019
Q4 2020
Variation
2019
2020
Variation
Sports betting
Actives player accounts
1 917 000
2 402 000
+ 25%
3 443 000
4 478 000
+ 30%
Bets
1 500 m€
2 004 m€
+ 34%
5 056 m€
5 352 m€
+ 6%
Gross Gambling Revenue
230 m€
356 m€
+ 55%
880 m€
940 m€
+ 7%
Horse racing betting
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actives player accounts
333 000
388 000
+ 16%
599 000
628 000
+ 5%
Bets 
294 m€
448 m€
+ 53%
1 106 m€
1 473 m€
+ 33%
Gross Gambling Revenue
72 m€
105 m€
+ 47%
271 m€
354 m€
+ 31%
Poker
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actives player accounts
709 000
991 000
+ 40%
1 199 000
1 840 000
+ 53%
Gross Gambling Revenue
76 m€
117 m€
+ 54%
272 m€
446 m€
+ 64%
TOTAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actives player accounts
2 436 000
3 037 000
+ 25%
4 174 000
4 891 000
+ 17%
Gross Gambling Revenue
377 m€
578 m€
+ 53%
1 423 m€
1 740 m€
+ 22%

 

10 years after the opening up to competition, what has been achieved?

Ten years after the opening up of the online gambling market to competition, the sector of activity, driven by a dynamic and continuous growth, now represents around 17% of the total market turnover, compared to 7% in 2011. In total, the number of players has more than doubled between 2011 and 2020 while the Gross Gambling Revenue has almost tripled over the period, propelled by sports betting (+717%), the growth of poker (+42%) and horse betting (+46%).

The year 2020 seems to represent a turning point for the online gambling sector, which is no longer marginal and is driven by a rapid dynamic.

For Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chairwoman of the ANJ: “The good health of the online gambling sector, due in particular to the massive arrival of new players in sports betting and poker, means that operators must step up their initiatives to prevent problem gambling and protect minors. In line with the new obligations that came into force in 2020, they must better identify and assist at-risk players, provide tools for moderating play time or betting and ensure responsible promotional strategies. More than ever, and with major sporting events approaching before the summer, promoting recreational gambling must be a priority shared by all. “

 

Methodological reminder

This quarterly report was compiled on the basis of data transmitted by licensed online gambling and betting operators on a weekly or quarterly basis. The ANJ’s communications take into account statistical confidentiality. It may not publish information relating to the activity of the monopoly markets (FDJ and PMU) other than that already disclosed by the operators under exclusive rights.

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SPAIN’S LEO MARGETS HAS CHANCE TO BE THE FIRST WOMAN IN POKER HISTORY TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION

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Leonore “Leo” Margets is the first woman to reach the WSOP Main Event final table since Barbara Enright 30 years ago.

The final table of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is a historic one, as for the first time in 30 years a woman is among the final nine players competing for poker’s most coveted prize.

Leonore “Leo” Margets, a professional poker player from Barcelona, Spain, will be only the second woman in WSOP history to play at the WSOP Main Event final table since Poker Hall of Fame inductee Barbara Enright finished in fifth place in 1995.

Making the Final Nine of the 2025 WSOP Main Event, Margets has secured at least $1 million in prize money, adding to her over $2 million in recorded live tournament winnings.

Achieving a historic accomplishment that is an overwhelming positive for the game of poker, Margets has an opportunity to make even more history by potentially being the first woman ever to win the WSOP Main Event.

Claiming her lone WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em – The Closer tournament at the 2021 WSOP ($376,850 top prize), Margets’ second career bracelet may be the most prestigious one a poker player can win.

With 16 players remaining during Day 8 of the 2025 WSOP Main Event, nearly the entirety of Margets’ chip stack would enter the pot preflop as she called off a three-bet all-in by Sergio Veloso. Holding pocket jacks to Veloso’s ace-king offsuit, despite an ace arriving on the flop, Margets hit a runner-runner flush to give her not only the chips but the momentum needed to reach the WSOP Main Event final table.

Interviewed by PokerGO sideline reporter Jeff Platt moments after officially reaching the WSOP Main Event final table, Margets, surrounded by adoring supporters, was all smiles as she reflected on her achievement.

“It’s so unreal, it is a dream,” Margets said. “I’m so glad that I’m cheering (with my rail), it means so much. How lucky I am to live this!”

The final table of the 2025 WSOP Main Event will resume at the Las Vegas Horseshoe and Paris on Tuesday, July 15th with action beginning at 1:30 P.M. local time. Poker fans and players can watch the action on PokerGO, as well as on the PokerGO YouTube channel.

The post SPAIN’S LEO MARGETS HAS CHANCE TO BE THE FIRST WOMAN IN POKER HISTORY TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 7-13

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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Apollo announced the completion of the previously announced acquisitions of International Game Technology PLC’s (doing business as Brightstar Lottery) Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. (Everi) by a holding company owned by funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the Apollo Funds). The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, brings together complementary businesses to form a privately held global leader in gaming, digital and financial technology solutions. The two companies will be integrated into a combined enterprise in the coming months. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the combined enterprise will operate under the IGT name, while retaining the Everi brand in select markets and product lines.

Luckbet has announced Vitor Paulin as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), bringing his expertise in branding, digital marketing, data-driven strategies, performance, CRM and user experience optimisation to lead the brand’s positioning at a strategic moment for the betting sector in Brazil. With a consolidated track record in branding, strategy and communication, Paulin takes on the mission of boosting the company’s marketing initiatives, strengthening its presence in the market. Having worked for renowned companies such as Accenture, Ogilvy, Cadastra, Havas, Dentsu, Digitas, Serasa Experian, Escola Conquer and Grupo Aposta Ganha, Vitor has accumulated experience in leadership positions, including CMO and Chief Growth Officer.

Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel has officially opened its newly expanded non-smoking gaming floor, marking a significant milestone in the property’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, the new, larger non-smoking slot floor will feature nearly 400 of today’s most popular slot machines in a fresh, modern environment designed exclusively for non-smoking guests. This addition enhances the casino’s dedication to providing smoke-free gaming options in a luxury setting. For convenience and ease of access, non-smoking guests can also take advantage of the smoke-free entrance via the hotel’s valet parking. This new space complements Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s existing fully enclosed, non-smoking slot area near Falls Buffet and Snoqualmie Café & Deli, offering guests even more choice and accessibility when it comes to their preferred gaming environment.

Partnerships

Hasbro has announced a new slate of multi-year licensing partnerships aimed at transforming and expanding its most popular brands across the casino category. After a comprehensive review and market evaluation, Hasbro has selected Aristocrat Technologies, Evolution, Galaxy Gaming, and Bally’s as its newest partners in casino licensing. The new partners join existing licensee Sciplay. The announcement underscores Hasbro’s “Playing to Win” strategy, revealed in February 2025, which focuses on innovation, partnerships, and bringing beloved brands to life across more formats than ever.

The Indiana Fever announced that one of the world’s leading online betting companies, bet365, is joining the team as its Official Sportsbook Partner for the 2025 season. Bet365 will step into the game with a lineup of fan-focused features that will be integrated across the Fever’s media and game day experience. As part of the partnership, bet365 will have a strong presence throughout the Fever season, including having a brand presence across Fever Radio Network broadcasts, team social content and the Fever mobile app.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 7-13 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GeoLocs Partners with Green Brick Labs to support their brand Maverick Games

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GeoLocs, the industry-leading geolocation product developed by mkodo, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Green Brick Labs to launch Maverick Games, an emerging operator in the online gaming sector. This collaboration reinforces GeoLocs’ commitment to supporting operators with robust, regulation-ready geolocation services that deliver a smooth and secure player experience.

Through this partnership, Maverick Games will utilise GeoLocs’ advanced geolocation platform to ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements in regulated markets, while providing a seamless user journey across web and mobile environments.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Maverick Games,” said Will Whitehead, Commercial Director at mkodo. “They bring an exciting and fresh perspective to the iGaming space, and we’re proud to support their expansion with a solution that not only meets regulatory demands but also puts the player experience front and centre.”

GeoLocs is designed specifically for the iGaming industry and benefits from over 13 years of experience in supporting operators and platform providers across regulated markets in North America, Latin America, and beyond. The platform is certified by GLI and the AGCO, and holds ISO 27001 accreditation—offering operators a secure, scalable, and regulator-approved solution for location verification.

Maverick Games is known for its innovative outlook and dedication to creating a user-first betting experience. As the brand continues to grow and enter new regulated markets, having a trusted geolocation partner was a critical requirement.

“Our goal is to build a product and brand that players love and trust,” said Matt Rathbun, CEO at Green Brick Labs. “To do that, we need partners who share our values of innovation, integrity and great UX. GeoLocs stood out for its reputation, proven track record in regulated markets, and the ease of integration. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

GeoLocs continues to expand its global reach, enabling operators to meet regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional experiences to players wherever they’re licensed to operate.

The post GeoLocs Partners with Green Brick Labs to support their brand Maverick Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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