But as technology develops even further, and more players opt for hand-held devices rather than the more ‘traditional’ desktop counterpart, Vlad Horianskyi – chief marketing officer at TVBET – has advised both bookmakers and casinos to pay considerably more attention to the development of mobile products.

The use of mobile devices for gaming can allow bettors to play casino games on the go – and with the development of mobile technologies, players need not worry about the lack of the internet and access to the network.

Surveys in 2017 showed that only 10 per cent of users regularly use mobiles to play gambling games. By contrast, a joint digital report from the European Gaming and Betting Association and H2 Gambling Capital showed that in 2020, 45.6 per cent of digital gambling profits were generated through mobile devices. 

At the same time, experts believe that by 2022, this figure will reach 50.8 per cent, exceeding the share of traffic from PCs for the first time. This trend will continue, and by 2025 the share of online gambling revenues generated through smartphones and tablets will grow to 58.2 per cent.

In addition to the growth in the number of gamblers using mobile gadgets to access gambling establishments, the amount of time they spend on smartphones will also increase. 

Thus, mobile technologies are not only becoming more affordable but also characterised by better performance and usability; even slots with 3D graphics or live games can run without interruptions or loss of quality.

TVBET believes that bookmakers and online casinos need to create and integrate such products and services that will run well from mobile devices. In this regard, the provider of live games takes care of the mobile adaptation of its solutions. 

Today, TVBET products with betting mechanics are presented on more than 400 websites all around the globe, and mobile versions of our games have commercial success as well.

To ensure that our games are tailored towards those players which bet via desktops and mobile devices, we use our iFrame. This ensures that players can play our complete portfolio of 12 live games.

The success of this is shown in the number of punters placing bets on our games from smartphones, indicating that our mobile-adapted games are commercially successful. The TVBET technical platform also allows for the correct running of all our games without a glitch.

We attribute our successes to American broadcasting technology and workstations, strong knowledge of high-end 3D animation, green screen keying technology which leads to realistic 3D scenery and detailed animation, broadcasts in full HD as well as a high-speed internet connection of two stand-alone channels, with a backup channel each.

All the functions for betting on live games are saved in the mobile TVBET iFrame as well. The interface is easy to understand and intuitive. 

So punters will have no troubles while making bets on TVBET games from mobile devices. All is done with the aim to keep up with the times and stay in tune with the interests of the players. 

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The first deal, with Bragg Gaming’s subsidiary, will see ORYX expand its market position in Spain following the launch of a selection of games from its RGS portfolio, with additional titles set to be introduced ‘shortly’. 

Moreover, exclusive content from ORYX’s in-house studio and Bragg-owned Atomic Slot Lab is part of the offering, as well as titles from the company’s newest RGS partner, Blue Guru.

“We are very pleased to partner with 888casino, one of the world’s leading online casino brands, having launched our premium content portfolio with them in new and established markets,” explained Chris Looney, Chief Commercial Officer at Bragg. 

“Extending our successful collaboration to Spain is a great next step as we continue to execute our growth strategy across key regulated markets together with trusted and leading partners.”

Through its launch with 888casino in Spain, ORYX has stated it has “significantly boosted its presence in a market” where it has already partnered with a number of leading licensees. Overall, the total addressable market for the online casino sector in Spain is projected to be approximately $530m in 2022 according to H2 Gambling Capital. 

Talya Benyamini, VP B2C Casino at 888, added: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with ORYX games and offer its games to 888casino players in Spain.  

“This will provide our customers with an increased portfolio of dynamic and exciting titles, which is an important part of our product and content-leadership strategy.”

Alongside 888casino’s ORYX partnership, 888 Holding online casino brand also teamed up with Spearhead Studios in an agreement that will see the supplier’s slot catalogue go live via 888casino’s online platform. 

The deal will see Spearhead’s content become available in the UK regulated market, marking the supplier’s debut in the country. 

Mathias Larsson, CEO of Spearhead Studios, commented: “This partnership means a lot to our company. 888casino is an amazing partner and are very strong in the regulated markets they operate in. 

“We are also thrilled about going live with them in Italy soon because it is unexplored territory for us.”

Adding on to Larsson’s thoughts, Benyamini concluded: “At 888casino, we are focused on delivering high-quality products and content. Partnerships like this ensure that we continue to provide exciting, varied and dynamic games to our casino players around the world. 

“We look forward to working with Spearhead Studios in the months ahead and welcoming its range of titles to our platform.”

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Strengthening its presence in central Europe, a selection of exclusive titles from slot studio Gamomat will become available through the Oryx Hub to Synot Tip Czech Republic. Moreover, various content from the hub has been added and made accessible to online operator brands in Serbia via Synot Interactive’s omnichannel platform. 

Chris Looney, chief commercial officer at Bragg Gaming, explained: “Introducing our Czech-certified exclusive game titles via the Synot Interactive platform for players at Synot Tip Czech Republic represents another milestone in our continuing efforts to expand the number of markets we serve globally. 

“The success we have had since early 2021 with growing the number of markets we address is expected to further our growth momentum with more new markets expected to come online later this year including in North America and in Europe.

“We are excited to enter the Czech market that is served by Synot Tip as we are confident the engaging entertainment our content offers will prove to be popular with players.”

Since March 2021, Oryx has gone live with its content in regulated markets including Switzerland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in addition to this recent launch in the Czech Republic.

Oryx stated that the total addressable market for the online casino sector in the Czech Republic is projected to be approximately $500m this year according to H2 Gambling Capital. 

H2 Gambling Capital projects the aggregate 2022 online casino TAM for the six countries in which Oryx has introduced its content since March 2021 will be approximately $9.5bn.

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2026

According to end-of-year data published by the European Gaming and Betting Association, Europe’s online gambling market is expected to be accelerated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, along with the use of mobile devices. 

In partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, the report predicts that by 2026, online GGR is expected to reach 41 per cent of Europe’s total gambling revenue, up from a 26 per cent share in 2019.

Another trend expected to continue is the increasing use of mobile devices, such as phones and tablets for online gambling, with the share of bets from mobile devices this year set to account for 50.5 per cent of Europe’s online bets for the first time, with the EGBA expecting this number to reach 61.5 per cent of all online bets by 2026.

“The growth trend of Europe’s online gambling market continues but there remains significant room for online development in markets such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where the online share of the total gambling market is still relatively low despite the online markets in these countries being relatively mature,” commented Maarten Haijer, secretary general at the EGBA.

$12bn

Online and retail operators in Ohio are predicted to generate between $9bn and $12bn in bets annually once fully matured, according to PlayOhio. 

Predicted to come as soon as the market’s third year, this estimation would also accumulate between $700m and $900m in gross revenue each year as PlayOhio also pinpointed that the state’s sports betting market is capable of producing as much as $900m in gaming revenue, $12bn in wagers, and $90m in state taxes once the market matures.

“Ohio is a large state that has embraced an open model, which will make it immensely attractive to both national and local operators,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayOhio.com. 

“The common element among the largest markets in the US is that they all foster competition among many operators. Those markets are far more appealing to bettors, which in turn makes the industry a more reliable revenue producer for the state.”

$111m

Penn National Gaming has opened its fourth gaming and entertainment property in Pennsylvania as it marks the grand opening of its $111m Hollywood Casino Morgantown.

Once open to the public, Hollywood Casino Morgantown will welcome thousands of guests to experience 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a retail barstool sportsbook, upscale casual dining and premier guest service.

“We would like to officially welcome players and guests to Hollywood Casino Morgantown, our fourth property in the Commonwealth,” remarked Todd George, executive vice president of operations for PNG. “We’re thrilled to showcase this regional entertainment destination, offering premier gaming and dining in a modern atmosphere. 

“In addition, we’re grateful for the support of our host community, Caernarvon Township, and to all of our local and state legislators and regional business leaders who helped make this day possible. We’re proud to be creating jobs and starting a new economic engine right here in Berks County.”

£1.62bn

Flutter Entertainment has secured terms for the acquisition of Italian online gaming operator Sisal, from CVC Capital Partners Fund VI for £1.62bn.

Scheduled to be completed during the second quarter of 2022, the purchase of Sisal, which is payable in cash and in full, is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings in the first 12 months post-completion.

Moreover, the purchase amount includes full repayment of all Sisal’s debt upon completion and will be financed by way of additional Flutter debt facilities, agreed with Barclays Bank. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Peter Jackson, Flutter’s chief executive, stated: “I am delighted to add Sisal, Italy’s leading gaming brand, to the group as we look to attain a gold medal position in the Italian market. 

“For some time we have wanted to pursue this market opportunity via an omni-channel strategy and this acquisition will ideally position us to do so. Sisal has grown its online presence significantly in recent years, aided by its proprietary platform and commitment to innovation. 

€50.8m & €25m

Gaming Innovation Group has inked a share purchase agreement to acquire igaming firm Sportnco in a €50.8m deal, as well as deepening its collaboration alongside SkyCity Entertainment which will put €25m into the company.

The acquisition of the betting and gaming solutions provider has been undertaken to enhance and strengthen GiG’s position, which will see the enlarged group be licensed in 25 markets.

The initial consideration of €50.8m, €23.5m of which will be paid in new shares in GiG and €27.3m in cash. In addition, GiG will assume existing debt in Sportnco of €19.2m, with an earn-out of up to €23m based on performance through 2022 and 2023 also included.

GiG has also entered into an agreement with SkyCity Entertainment, which will see the New Zealand headquartered firm, subject to final completion of the acquisition, invest €25m through a directed share issue at NOK18 (€1.79) per share, that will finance the main part of the cash consideration.

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In partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, the data release, covering EU-27 and UK markets, includes information about Europe’s gambling market revenues, regulated market shares, popular online gambling products, and various information about national gambling markets.

The report predicts that by 2026, online GGR is expected to reach 41 per cent of Europe’s total gambling revenue, up from a 26 per cent share in 2019.

Another trend expected to continue is the increasing use of mobile devices, such as phones and tablets for online gambling, with the share of bets from mobile devices this year set to account for 50.5 per cent of Europe’s online bets for the first time, with the EGBA expecting this number to reach 61.5 per cent of all online bets by 2026.

Commenting on the data report, Maarten Haijer, secretary general at the EGBA, said: “The growth trend of Europe’s online gambling market continues but there remains significant room for online development in markets such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where the online share of the total gambling market is still relatively low despite the online markets in these countries being relatively mature. 

“With continued online growth also comes the responsibility to ensure the online market is well-regulated and operators continue to utilise the latest online technologies to promote a stronger culture of safer gambling.”

The data released also includes information about Europe’s total gambling revenue, which is set to increase by 7.5 per cent in 2021 to €87.2bn GGR, driven by a 19 per cent growth in the online sector totalling €36.4bn GGR.

However, despite this increase, total gambling market revenue is down by 13 per cent compared to 2019 levels as Europe’s land-based gambling sector continues to feel the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Also due to pandemic-related restrictions, while Europe’s land-based gambling revenue is expected to increase by 0.4 per cent this year to €50.8bn GGR, land-based revenue is down significantly by 32 per cent compared to 2019 levels.

With EGBA members now accounting for 36 per cent of Europe’s online gambling revenue, the association has also published finalised European market data, for 2020, from its member companies – bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, Flutter, Kindred Group, and William Hill – including information about revenues, products, customers, and licensing in the EU-27 and UK online gambling markets.

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According to new data published by the European Gaming and Betting Association, in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, Europe’s total gambling revenue will drop from €98.6bn gross gaming revenue in 2019 to €75.9bn in 2020. 

The data, covering EU-27 and UK markets, forecasts Europe’s online gambling revenue to increase by seven per cent this year, from €24.5bn GGR in 2019 to €26.3bn in 2020. 

However, this will not compensate for Europe’ land-based decline, with revenue expected to drop by 33 per cent this year, from €74.1bn GGR in 2019 to €49.6bn.

“We commend our members’ efforts in support of safer gambling and their significant investments in European sports. Like many other sectors, Europe’s gambling sector has taken a hit from COVID-19 this year but the growth trend of online continues to be strong,” noted Maarten Haijer, secretary general, EGBA.

“There is also still lots of room for growth in markets like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where the online penetration of the total gambling market is still relatively low compared to other European countries.”

Yet the EGBA has cast its eye into the future and anticipates a steady growth of Europe’s online gambling market, with online GGR expected to grow by approximately seven per cent yearly and reach 33.6 per cent of Europe’s total gambling revenue by 2025. 

Moreover, the use of mobile devices for online betting is expected to continue rising in popularity. The EGBA states that mobile betting is forecast to account for 45.6 per cent of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2020, reaching to 50.8 per cent in 2022 and surpassing the use of desktop for the first time. Mobile betting usage is projected to reach 58.2 per cent in 2025. 

Also published by the EGBA is detailed European information from its member companies, such as bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, Kindred Group and William Hill. This includes information about their customers market value, games, investment in sports, licensing and regulatory compliance. 

The data highlighted that 63 per cent of customers used at least one safer gambling tool, an increase from 37 per cent in 2019, along with 1.2 million direct interventions with customers to promote safer gambling, a 50 per cent increase from the previous year.

Furthermore, the EGBA emphasised its member companies economic impact in 2020 with a combined €5.6bn in online GGR with €340m invested in European sports, €107m through sponsorships and €233m in streaming rights. This was an increase of 56 per cent from 2019.

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The group put forward an expectation that the value of the global gambling market is set to fall by eight per cent this year, for only the second time in over 20 years.

COVID19, which has now hit 90,000 cases worldwide, has already had a significant impact on China’s gambling market and those of neighbouring Macau and Singapore, with the former’s February 2020 games of fortune gross win coming in at just MOP3.10bn, just under 88 per cent lower than 2019.

H2 has also revised the forecasts for Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.

As a result, it is now expected the best case for the global gambling market’ gross win will fall by a minimum of one per cent year-over-year to C$452bn in 2020, a drop of 4.8 per cent on the pre-CONVID19 forecast.

It is expected movement restrictions caused by COVOID19 could contribute to interactive’s share of global gaming gross increase from 13.4 per cent to 14.7 per cent in 2020. H2 asserts that it could “easily” see the figure increasing to a level in excess of 15 per cent, should the outbreak continue into the second quarter.

In contrast, land-based gambling gross win is now forecast to fall by 2.4 per cent to C$386bn, this would represent the second consecutive year of decline in the bricks and mortar business. 

This latest development comes after Hong Kong-listed hotel, gaming and leisure firm NagaCorp commented last month stating the outbreak “will be short-lived” and “despite such challenging times” it remains “confident that even [if] its financial performance may be impact by such unexpected even in the next six months of operations and beyond, the long-term prospects of the company remain good.”

The SARS outbreak in China in 2002/03 did not have anywhere near the impact on the global gambling industry, as China’s total gross win of $9bn at the time only represented 3.5 per cent of the global total. However, growth in mainland China and the deregulation of Macau means that it generated $71bn of gross win, or 16 per cent of the global total, in 2019.

Online gambling could still be affected by the cancellation of any major sports event, something that H2 said would have an impact across the board.

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