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Online Casino Industry Trends and Growth 2020/21
The online gambling industry has grown beyond the limits of our imagination, thanks to the internet and advancement in technology. Europe’s online gaming has particularly undergone exponential growth with many countries emerging as important online-gambling markets, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, among others. Looking at new casinos the trend points upwards as well during 2020 and 2021 estimates as well. One of these launches is the casino operator Winny that been rumoured to go live go live for a couple of month now.
According to the European Betting & Gaming Association (EBGA), technological innovations have made it possible for European consumers to access e-gaming sites anytime, anywhere. The betting association also reported that Europe’s online gambling industry has an annual growth rate of 10%. In 2018, the gross gaming revenue of the continent’s online industry was EUR22 billion, and the market value is expected to reach EUR29.3 billion in 2022.
Reasons for the Rapid Growth in EU Online Gambling Market
One of the reasons why the European casino and gambling industry is gaining ground at a high rate is because the continent is home to some of the strictest licensing bodies in the global betting and gambling sector. Together with EBGA, The Malta Gaming Authority and The UK Gambling Commission operate transparently, issuing licensure only to reputable and well-established gambling sites. That instils confidence among gaming buffs when placing their bets on these websites.
The creation of mobile-first gambling websites is another reason for the growth of EU online gambling. In 2018, virtually half of all casino bets (43%) were placed through mobile devices. A country like Finland, for instance, recorded a 10% growth in mobile gaming in 2018 – evidence that mobile play is bringing in significant revenue to the European market.
Online Gambling Trends in the EU 2020/2021
Currently, most online gaming enthusiasts prefer placing their bets through their smart mobile devices to land-based gambling destinations, such as casinos and bookmakers. Below are some patterns you can expect to see in the EU sector in 2021.
Game Plan Enhancements
With gambling websites aiming to tap into mobile gaming, the need to create pixel-perfect, HD games for smartphones has become more critical than ever. This trend has expanded drastically in recent years. Consumers can access the same game quality through gaming apps as they would when they visit a casino website.
Furthermore, it has also led to live betting, where bettors can play against and alongside other players online. That compels gambling providers to enhance the game plans to offer an improved UX. For instance, live poker provides players with an opportunity to sit around a table with a live dealer and players with real-time chats and feeds.
The UK Leading the Sector
The online gaming market in the UK is provided by private providers and takes place within a highly competitive business environment. The UK Gambling Commission, formed by the Gambling Act 2005, offers strict gambling rules and regulations to ensure that online bettors and gamblers feel secure when wagering their money on these sites. According to a statistical report captured on Mordor Intelligence, 6% of consumers aged between 25-34 and 45-54 years visited an online gaming site at least once every 90 days, accessing casino games, online poker, bingo, sports betting, and lotteries. Some of the key providers in the UK expected to lead the market include 888 Holdings, Bet365, LeoVegas, and Casumo Casino.
Enhanced Reality Casinos
Augmented Reality (AR) is a relatively newer technology in the online gaming world. This innovation expands the physical world on your gaming screens with superimposed digital elements, creating the impression that one is actually gaming in real-world. The technology took off this year and is expected to gain more popularity in 2021. With the online gambling market being highly receptive of new technologies, AR is expected to offer players a 3D, 360-degree gaming experience without the need to differentiate between the physical and digital world.
Asia
Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.
Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”
This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.
Latest News
Catena Media Announces Board Changes
Catena Media’s board of directors announced the appointment of Stephen Taylor-Matthews as non-executive director and the departure of Øystein Engebretsen from the board of directors.
Based in London, Stephen Taylor-Matthews is a tech entrepreneur, executive advisor and investor with over two decades of experience in online gaming, sports betting and data analytics.
He is the founder of Polynate, an AI-first company delivering next-generation sports engagement solutions, and has worked at Underdog Fantasy, GoatGaming and Betgenius in previous roles.
Stephen Taylor-Matthews commented: “Catena Media is in a transformation phase and I’m excited to be joining the board at this juncture and to contributing my industry expertise and insight.”
The appointment coincides with the departure from the board of Øystein Engebretsen, who has served as non-executive director since September 2018.
Erik Flinck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Øystein has made a valuable and important contribution to Catena Media for more than six years. I warmly thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his current and future ventures. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor-Matthews to the board. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset for Catena Media as we move forward.”
Stephen Taylor-Matthews’ appointment will become effective once all necessary filings are made with the Malta Business Registry, and his term will run up until the end of the next annual general meeting, in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act and Catena Media’s articles of association.
Latest News
Endorphina Partners with R. Franco Digital to Expand Reach
The leading online slot games provider, Endorphina, has announced a brand-new partnership with R. Franco Digital, a renowned manufacturer of AWP machines. This collaboration allows Endorphina to expand its reach in the Spanish and Latin American markets.
Endorphina is one of the top iGaming software providers for the B2B market, developing online slots that cater to a wide range of slot enthusiasts. Over the years, the provider has established itself as one of the most innovative slot suppliers in the industry, dedicated to expanding its products to players worldwide.
Zdenek Llosa, Senior Partnership Manager at Endorphina, said: “We are genuinely excited to join forces with R. Franco Digital, a trusted name with a rich legacy in the Spanish and Latin American gaming world. Partnering with a platform that shares our passion for quality and player satisfaction is truly inspiring. Together with the R. Franco team, we look forward to creating memorable, fun experiences that bring joy and excitement to our shared communities across Spain and LATAM. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something truly special.”
Franco Digital, a subsidiary of the Recreativos Franco Group, has been known for providing its customers with the best turnkey solutions for over 50 years. As a pioneering manufacturer of AWP machines, R. Franco Digital is founded on an innovative company culture that uses the best methodologies and technologies available, working with talented and disruptive people to deliver the best solutions.
“At R. Franco Digital, we are always striving to enhance our platform with innovative, top-quality content that resonates with our audiences, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Partnering with Endorphina allows us to bring a fresh, engaging catalog of games to our players, combining our platform’s power with Endorphina’s creativity and expertise. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences tailored for Spanish-speaking markets,” said Javier Sacristán, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital.
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