Latest News
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.”
Compliance Updates
Why stakeholders must be vocal as part of UKGC consultation on gaming machines
As the UK Gambling Commission announces the launch of its consultation on proposed new rules for gaming machines, Nick Arron, lead partner for the Gambling Team at Poppleston Allen urges stakeholders to ensure they are heard
The UK Gambling Commission this week announced the launch of a 16-week consultation, seeking input on proposed new rules for gaming machines in retail venues.
The consultation focuses on technical standards and related testing strategy and aims to improve consumer protection through a number of proposed changes. The consultation is due to end on May 20.
Nick Arron, lead partner for the Betting and Gambling Team at Poppleston Allen, encouraged stakeholders such as operators and licensees to have their say on what impact these proposed changes will have, including the potential costs.
He said: “Robust stakeholder engagement is an important part of this progress. It’s important that operators have their say so that the regulatory framework balances both consumer safety and industry sustainability.
“Changes will require affected businesses to update their processes and technologies to ensure that any changes are not only implemented by the required date but also properly enforced.
“As this consultation progresses, operators will need to weigh the implications of adopting these new standards, not least the cost. While the intention is to enhance consumer protection, businesses must carefully assess the operational and financial implications of the proposed changes.
“While the Gambling Commission’s initiative is a positive step in prioritising consumer safety, the real challenge will be ensuring that the proposed regulatory adjustments are manageable for businesses already operating under thin margins.”
Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director for research and policy, said: “We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs.
“We are encouraging consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups to share evidence that will assist us in measuring both the likely regulatory impacts of the proposed changes and the likely costs of implementing them.
“This evidence will be invaluable to helping make a robust assessment on whether the benefits to consumers are proportionate to the costs involved.”
The post Why stakeholders must be vocal as part of UKGC consultation on gaming machines appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkan's
Pateplay’s newest partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pateplay is thrilled to unveil its latest strategic partnership with WWin, a premier online operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Martin Yonovski, BDM & CMO at Pateplay, on the collaboration: “Partnering with WWin is a significant step forward for Pateplay. We’re eager to combine our strengths and expertise, and we’re confident this collaboration will open new doors for growth and huge success for both parties”.
Through this alliance, Pateplay is further accelerating its global expansion efforts, poised to achieve extraordinary milestones and deliver unparalleled experiences to players worldwide.
The post Pateplay’s newest partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
GoldenRace fuels growth in Europe with renewed MGA certification
GoldenRace, leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, is thrilled to announce the renewal of its Maltese certification, successfully tested by BMM lab and approved by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This renewed certification keeps unlocking opportunities in Romania, Poland, Serbia and other MGA-regulated territories, giving operators a golden ticket to tap into new revenue streams in highly regulated markets.
In Romania, where 88% of the population has internet access, the online gambling market is thriving, offering significant opportunities for operators to attract a tech-savvy audience. Serbia, ranked 8th in Europe for gambling revenue, continues its rapid expansion with over 2,200 betting shops and a flourishing online gambling sector. Meanwhile, Poland’s well-regulated and mature market is a compelling destination for operators seeking sustainable growth.
Any games that have been approved under its newly recertified license in Malta, are also eligible for inclusion under its Class II license in Romania, upon the successful completion of the ONJN approval process. While this certification eases the path in these markets, local regulators may require additional approvals. Operators are advised to present these certifications to their respective regulatory authorities to ensure seamless compliance.
Markets on the rise demand winning content
Compliance may open the door, but content is what keeps players loyal. GoldenRace is helping operators target new demographics and grow market share by offering an incredible portfolio of certified games.
In markets such as Romania and Serbia, football is the main revenue force. GoldenRace continues to dominate this space with its newly certified football games, including its most new football format and games such as Football League, World Cup, Euro tournaments (Champions League & Euro League), La Libertadores and Single Soccer.
With online sports betting making up 58% of Romania’s gambling market and Serbia’s sports betting sector projected to grow by 4.93% between 2025 and 2029, GoldenRace has certified games such as Penalt2Win, Basketball 3×3, Horse and Greyhound racing, MMA (Single & Tournament) and several thrilling motor racing titles, such as Grand Prix Indianapolis 60, Motorbike and Speedway racing.
Eastern Europe’s enduring love for number-based games creates another profitable avenue for operators. Certified games such as Keno & Keno Deluxe, Spin2Win (Royale & American) and Perfect6 are designed to meet the unique preferences of players in these regions.
Insights show that players in Poland and neighboring regions prioritise financial rewards, with 56% listing it as their top motivator for gambling. For those players seeking big payouts potential, Crash Games are leading the charge. After a stellar debut in GoldenRace’s Crashmas campaign, games like Jet Escape, Boom Ball Juggle, Fire Crash, Bank Run and Meteoroid are now part of the certified portfolio.
The post GoldenRace fuels growth in Europe with renewed MGA certification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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