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ANJ: Summary of the Online gambling market for the first quarter of 2021: business continues to grow in all gambling segments
After a singular year in 2020, which ended with a 22% increase in the sector’s turnover, the first quarter of 2021 confirms the very dynamic growth of the online gambling market, with a 35% increase in turnover compared to the same period in 2020. Sports and horse racing betting once again recorded record stakes, while poker, still on the rise, began to return to normal.
In the first quarter of 2021, the turnover of the online gambling sector is up 35% and amounts to 587 million euros. The business was driven by 3.1 million players on accounts, a player base that is up 19% compared to 2020. Each segment of online gambling opened to competition have seen further strong growth in activity this quarter. These performances illustrate the acceleration of the digitalisation of gambling practices, which is a consequence of the health crisis and whose structuring character will have to be confirmed over the long term. As such, the levels of growth recorded in the first quarter of 2021, which are measured in relation to the first quarter of 2020, should be viewed with a certain amount of caution since, on the one hand, they are influenced upwards, for the two online betting segments, by the loss of business linked to the suspension of French sports betting and horse racing betting and, on the other hand, they are oriented downwards for the online poker market, due to the peak of business recorded at the same period last year.
Online sports betting: record stakes and new players
The online sports betting segment, which was the most affected by the first period of lockdown, is the one that has seen the most spectacular growth in stakes this quarter. 2.2 billion euros (+79%[1] compared to Q1 2020) were approximatively bet by the players on the competitions of the quarter, which corresponds to the highest amount of stakes recorded in a quarter. The number of sports bettors in the quarter increased by 29% to almost 2.5 million active player accounts (APA). It is very likely that the growth in activity will continue at a high rate this year due to the two major competitions, the European football championship and the Summer Olympic Games.
The FDJ reports a volume of sports betting stakes recorded on the two distribution channels equal to 1.1 billion euros in the first quarter of 2021, which corresponds to an increase of 46% compared to its results for the first quarter of 2020.
Online horse racing betting: growth continues and expands
The growth dynamic of the online horse racing betting market observed in 2020 is also continuing at a very steady pace. The horse racing stakes, which amount to 481 million euros, increased by 60% compared to the first quarter of 2020, again the highest volume of stakes recorded in a quarter. At the same time, the turnover of the six licensed horse racing betting operators reached 110 million euros, an increase of 48% compared to the first quarter of 2020. Online horse racing betting also recorded a 13% increase in players, with a total of 402,000 active player accounts (APA) over the quarter.
The horse racing betting offer at points of sale remains affected by the health restrictions which, as revealed by PMU, led to the closure of almost 40% of the points of sale for several consecutive months. As a result, the operator posted a 23% drop in stakes placed in its network of sales outlets for a total of 1.3 billion euros.
Online poker: lower growth marks the beginning of a return to normality
Online poker, which recorded the highest turnover increase in 2020, continues to grow at a sustained rate but at a lower rate than in previous quarters. Thus, the sector’s turnover grew by 23% to 120 million euros. The number of online poker players grew by 9% (991,000 active player accounts, (APA)). The results of online poker for the next quarter should however interrupt this dynamic, since they will be calculated with regard to the 2nd quarter of 2020, which had shown an exceptional level of activity due to the first lockdown.
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|
Q1 2020
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Q1 2021
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Variation
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TOTAL
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|
|
|
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Actives player accounts
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2 598 000
|
3 078 000
|
+ 19%
|
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
435 m€
|
587 m€
|
+ 35%
|
|
Sports betting
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|||
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Actives player accounts
|
1 915 000
|
2 466 000
|
+ 29%
|
|
stakes
|
1 220 m€
|
2 181 m€
|
+ 79%
|
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
263 m€
|
357 m€
|
+ 36%
|
|
Horse racing betting
|
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
357 000
|
402 000
|
+ 13%
|
|
stakes
|
300 m€
|
481 m€
|
+ 60%
|
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
74 m€
|
110 m€
|
+ 48%
|
|
Poker
|
|
|
|
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Actives player accounts
|
906 000
|
991 000
|
+ 9%
|
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
98 m€
|
120 m€
|
+ 23%
|
For Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ’s Chairwoman: “The online gambling dynamics goes on and is accelerating this quarter. It calls for a certain vigilance and must be accompanied in order to guarantee the protection of players, especially in the run-up to major sport events such as the EURO football tournament or the Tokyo Olympic Games. As such, the ANJ reminded operators of the need for their commercial communications to emphasise the importance of maintaining a moderate and controlled gambling practice and for bonuses or welcome offers to be sufficiently clear, enabling players to understand the commitments they underlie. Additionally, the ANJ will pay particular attention to tipsters’ Websites which have recently strongly developed. Some of these Websites are in fact involved in misleading practices and present a real danger for players.”
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe has announced that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board has made the decision to suspend operations at Mechoopda Casino. The final day of operations will be Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Mechoopda Casino says this decision comes after months of deliberation and efforts to address the various challenges affecting the casino’s operations.
Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, said: “Suspending operations at the Casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community. While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the Casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.”
The Tribe is taking steps to support both its employees and community partners during this transition period:
Employee Support: The Tribe is committed to offering resources and guidance to assist team members through this difficult time.
Remaining Open Until January 31: The Casino will remain open through its final day of operation, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the remaining days of service.
The post Mechoopda Casino to Suspend Operations Effective January 31, 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Versus Systems Inc. announced its expansion into Brazil, one of the largest global gaming markets with more than 100 million users and a reputation for embracing cutting-edge technologies. This expansion marks a significant milestone as the company continues growing its international footprint and leveraging its gamification platform to transform audience engagement across industries.
Heading the company’s Expansion into Brazil
Versus Systems has appointed Flavio Maria as the Country Manager. Mr. Maria brings extensive expertise in leadership and business strategy, with a strong background in marketing, gaming, startups, and business innovation. Previously Mr. Maria served as a Managing Partner at the M/Challenger Startup, Accelerator; the Founder & Chief Operating Officer of 1st11 Gaming Entertainment; and the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Future Group.
He has also held senior leadership roles as the Chief Marketing Officer for PSN Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing – Latin America at Pepsi International. His deep understanding of local dynamics and his track record of driving business growth make him the ideal choice to lead Versus Systems’ Latin American expansion.
“Mr. Maria’s appointment reflects our commitment to unlocking Brazil’s immense potential as a global gaming powerhouse. We’re thrilled to have him lead our efforts connecting with Brazilian gamers and delivering solutions that resonate with their passion for innovation,” said Luis Goldner, Chief Executive Officer of Versus Systems.
Unlocking Brazil’s Gaming and Innovation Potential
Brazil is one of the largest and most dynamic gaming markets worldwide, with a diverse consumer base ranging from casual mobile players to dedicated esports enthusiasts. With gaming revenues and digital engagement on the rise, the Brazilian market presents a significant opportunity for companies looking to innovate and connect with highly engaged audiences.
“Brazil is a cultural and technological hub that thrives on creativity and interaction. Its gaming community is not only vast but also deeply passionate about new and innovative experiences. We are excited to bring our gamification platform to Brazil, enabling brands to engage their audiences in ways that are both meaningful and memorable,” said Luis Goldner, Chief Executive Officer of Versus Systems.
A Platform Built for Engagement
Versus Systems’ platform allows brands to offer rewards-based interactive experiences, enhancing engagement by making every interaction more dynamic and rewarding. By integrating into apps, games, and digital content, the platform provides unique opportunities for companies to connect with consumers, driving loyalty, and satisfaction. The platform also presents significant potential for brands to gamify campaigns around major sports and cultural events.
Versus Systems plans to tailor its offerings to local trends and consumer behaviors. In Brazil this includes tapping into the country’s vibrant esports scene, mobile gaming growth, and love for social and interactive experiences.
The post Versus Systems Expands into Brazil, One of the World’s Largest Gaming Markets appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
ESPN BET, the official sportsbook of ESPN, has launched in Washington D.C. via PENN Entertainment Inc. ESPN BET is now live in 20 U.S. jurisdictions.
Fans in the District now have access to the state-of-the-art mobile and web betting platform, which offers a variety of markets across sports and leagues from around the world, along with daily odds boosts, profit boosts, featured parlays, live betting markets, custom offers, exclusive promotions and integrations with ESPN content and personalities.
“We’re thrilled to launch ESPN BET in our nation’s capital and expand our presence across the Washington metropolitan area. Along with our partner ESPN, we’re excited to introduce our deeply integrated media and betting experience and further engage with the D.C. area’s passionate sports community,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer of PENN Entertainment.
ESPN BET offers a unique account linking feature that allows fans to link their ESPN BET and ESPN accounts to seamlessly track upcoming, live and settled bets within the ESPN app and on ESPN.com. Account linking can be accessed either via a prompt within the ESPN BET app or by visiting settings within the latest versions of the ESPN BET or ESPN apps or ESPN.com.
PENN secured market access in Washington, D.C. through a deal with Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The deal also designates ESPN BET as a proud sports betting partner of Monumental and its teams, the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics.
The post ESPN BET Now Live in Washington, D.C. appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Mechoopda Casino to Suspend Operations Effective January 31, 2025
Versus Systems Expands into Brazil, One of the World’s Largest Gaming Markets
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