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Hong Kong season finale breaks single race meeting turnover record

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An extraordinary 2022/23 Hong Kong horse racing season ended in style on Sunday, 16 July at Sha Tin Racecourse, with the 88th and final meeting of the season setting a new turnover record for both a single race meeting and the season finale meeting of HK$2.065 billion (approx. £202 million) – an increase of 1.3% year-on-year – since the establishment of the HKSAR in 1997.

In total, the season’s 88 meetings saw 835 Hong Kong races and 299 overseas simulcast races and posted turnover of HK$141.1 billion (approx. £13.8 billion), representing a slight 0.5% increase on the 2021/22 season.

The increasing popularity of the simulcast of overseas races and the increasing appreciation of the global nature of racing contributed to a 12.5% growth in simulcast turnover to over HK$11.8 billion (approx. £1.2 billion).

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While the majority of simulcast turnover comes from Hong Kong customers, which registered an 11.3% growth to HK$10.5 billion (approx. £1 billion), turnover generated via World Pool from the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) overseas customers and partners grew by 23% to HK$1.3 billion (approx. £127 million).

The turnover of all simulcast races conducted under the World Pool Brand (including both Hong Kong and overseas customers) increased from HK$6.2 billion (approx. £606 million) in the 2021/22 season to HK$7.3 billion (approx. £714 million), representing a 18.5% increase.

The HKJC have continued to increase the number of World Pool races to 24 days this season featuring many of the LONGINES Top 100 Group 1 races, while also broadening World Pool partnerships to include racing from Australia, Saudi Arabia and Germany for the first time.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Under such a challenging economic situation, our overall season racing turnover of HK$141.1 billion is very satisfactory. The strength of the turnover reflects the quality of our products and the on-going support of our customers. However, we will stay vigilant as there will be significant challenges from offshore bookmakers following the reopening of borders and also illegal bookmakers.

“To ensure our racing will stay competitive and maintain its world-class status, we will re-invest in racecourse assets and enhance customer experience. We will also grasp the unique development opportunity in the GBA under the ‘One Country Two Systems’ principle. After all, the Club is acting for the betterment of society. All we do is to contribute more to our community with a strategic focus that best meets the needs of Hong Kong people.”

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Zac Purton and John Size set new records

The 2022/23 season saw new records set on the track too, with trainer John Size becoming the first trainer to win 12 Hong Kong trainers’ championships. The Australian master trainer has now trained 1493 winners in Hong Kong and continues to excel with an uncanny ability to patiently develop young talent into elite top-level performers.

Zac Purton clinched his sixth Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with a single-season record of 179 wins, breaking Joao Moreira’s previous record of 170.

Home-grown jockey Vincent Ho received the Tony Cruz Award – given to the leading local rider with the most wins in the season – for a fourth time.

With only 1,250 horses in training – or around 0.7 percent of the world’s horse population – Hong Kong’s racing once again displayed its world-class quality in 2022/23.

Golden Sixty, the first horse in the history of Hong Kong racing to have secured three consecutive Horse of the Year crowns, and fellow G1 winners, Lucky Sweynesse and Romantic Warrior, are firmly entrenched in the top seven of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.

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They delivered astounding performances against international rivals in the international spotlight on FWD Champions Day on 30 April 2023 and led a clean sweep of the three Group 1 features of the day – G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m).

Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “Hong Kong’s world-class racing is not only built on our state-of-art racing facilities, but more importantly a rich and growing pool of racing talents across all levels from trainers, jockeys, veterinarians to stable assistants and farriers. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is committed to attracting world-class talents from overseas and nurturing high-potential home-grown talents. I am delighted to see our racing talents and the horses they train, and take care of, deliver remarkable performances this season to local and global fans. They are the future of Hong Kong’s racing.”

Development of racing in Mainland China

Another important highlight of the 2022/23 season is that Conghua Racecourse (CRC) has demonstrated its critical role in supporting Hong Kong’s racing as well as the development of the equine industry in the Greater Bay Area.

CRC has fully utilised its state-of-the-art facilities to best accommodate, train and prepare horses to return to Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourse for racing. In the past season, CRC has produced 172 wins by 138 horses.

Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “The importance of CRC will continue to grow further with the significant work we are undertaking with Sha Tin’s stable refurbishment to meet the future needs of trainers. CRC will also serve as the centre stage of international-standard racing in the Mainland, starting from the first race meeting in 2026 with the establishment of an iconic grandstand enabling visitors from all fronts to enjoy and experience Hong Kong’s world-class racing.”

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Hong Kong racing will restart for the 2023/24 season on 10 September.

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Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.

Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation

Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.

“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”

Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share

The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.

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Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:

  • Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
  • Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
  • Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029

Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities

Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.

Digital Leaders:

  • Sweden: 68.3% online share
  • Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
  • Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement

Growth Markets:

  • Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
  • Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
  • France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth

Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders

The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:

For Operators:

  • Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
  • Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
  • Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration

For Technology Providers:

  • Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
  • Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
  • Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning

Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity

Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.

“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”

To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.

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This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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WinSpirit’s Birthday: A Year of Success and Innovation

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Cheers to another year of success! Time flies when you’re having fun — and what a year it’s been! From overcoming challenges to achieving exciting milestones, WinSpirit has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

As we celebrate our birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on all our achievements and the exciting journey ahead. This past year has been filled with remarkable moments, including a stunning $361,647 player win, the launch of over 100 local tournaments, and the addition of 1,112 games to our library. We’ve also been honoured with prestigious industry awards, and we’ve continued to make strides with our innovative responsible gaming initiatives. These highlights are just a glimpse of our incredible journey, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

Overview of WinSpirit

WinSpirit is an online casino that has rapidly made its mark in the gaming world. With a vast library of approximately 17,000 games, 24/7 customer support, and fast withdrawals, WinSpirit offers players an exceptional and engaging gaming experience. The platform is built on a robust bonus system, including welcome bonuses and regular offers. In addition, WinSpirit promotes responsible gaming by providing features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring players’ safety while enjoying their gaming experience.

Biggest Win of the Year

At WinSpirit, huge wins are what keep the excitement alive. On May 2nd, 2025, a lucky player took home an incredible $361,647 after landing a 4000x multiplier. This monumental win serves as a testament to the exciting potential of big rewards available on the platform.

Tournaments and Other Key Activities

WinSpirit continues to engage its community with exciting new activities. Over the past year, several successful initiatives have taken place, including:

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  1. Updated Gift Shop in April:
    One of the key innovations this year was the launch of the revamped Gift Shop — a retention-focused feature that saw impressive engagement, with more than 92% of users actively participating, significantly enhancing player loyalty and satisfaction.
  2. VIP Tournament Series:
    In August 2024, WinSpirit organized the Interstellar VIP Journey, a tournament series with three qualifying tournaments and a Grand Final. The prize pool in each tournament was 350 Free Spins.
  3. Christmas and New Year Promotion:
    From November 2024 to January 2025, WinSpirit launched the “Welcome to Lapland” campaign, distributing $1,500,000 in cash and sports gifts. Players participated in tournaments, received daily gifts, and exchanged promo currency in Santa’s Gift Shop.
  4. 100+ Local Tournaments:
    WinSpirit hosted over 100 local tournaments in collaboration with slot and live providers, awarding more than $300,000 in real money prizes.

Popular Betting Events

Players have shown strong enthusiasm for major global events. Some of the most popular betting events included:

  • Super Bowl 2025
  • Champions League
  • Euro 2024 & Copa America 2024
  • Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
  • Olympic Games
  • NFL Finals

Collaborations with Other Brands

WinSpirit has also expanded its presence through collaborations with slot and live providers, as well as exciting social media campaigns. Partnerships with brands like 1spin4win and OnlyPlay have helped create engaging giveaways for players on platforms like Instagram, providing players with the chance to win Free Spins and bonuses.

Awards and Achievements

Over the past year, WinSpirit has received significant recognition in the gaming industry. In 2024, the platform was honoured with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Rising Star 2023 (SBC Awards)
  • World’s Best Online Casino 2023 (World Casino Awards)
  • AskGamblers Trust Certificate
  • Voice of the People 2024 (Casino Guru Awards)

These accolades are a testament to WinSpirit’s commitment to providing a premium and trustworthy experience for players.

Responsible Gaming Initiatives

WinSpirit places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Players are provided with the tools to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible play and player well-being.

WinSpirit Moments

With initiatives like WinSpirit Moments, we invited players to share their casino experiences — not just through gameplay but by showcasing real-life stories and moments. By submitting creative photos of WinSpirit Casino in unique locations, players shared their passion for online casinos and the benefits they enjoy.

This campaign helped forge stronger connections with our community, creating a platform for storytelling and engagement, while also encouraging responsible gaming. Through this initiative, we not only engaged players but also deepened our relationship with them, making WinSpirit more than just a casino — it’s a community where players’ experiences come to life.

WinSpirit Stories and Trends

WinSpirit also introduced WinSpirit Stories and WinSpirit Trends, innovative features that engage players in new and exciting ways. These formats provide players with information on bonus rules, showcase top game titles, and offer exclusive offers. WinSpirit Stories helps players reflect on their achievements and discover new opportunities, while WinSpirit Trends focuses on the most thrilling aspects of gameplay, helping players choose their next adventure.

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Feedback from Players

WinSpirit’s high ratings across various platforms highlight its success in providing quality service and entertainment. With strong ratings of:

  • 6/5 on Trustpilot
  • 6/10 on CasinoGuru
  • 9/10 on AskGamblers

These reviews reinforce WinSpirit’s reputation as a top-tier online casino, valued by its loyal player base.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences — for our players, partners, and the entire industry. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and building a stronger community. The journey is just beginning, and WinSpirit is excited for what’s to come!

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DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution

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The company opens a new chapter

DATA.BET, the sportsbook solution supplier, strengthened its portfolio capabilities by adding sports betting.

The new sportsbook covers over 50,000 sporting events per month, featuring over 63 pre-match and 38 live sports, along with 1000+ available markets. From the most popular leagues to niche categories, the company delivers comprehensive sports coverage backed by trusted official data providers. DATA.BET’s 24/7 in-house trading team ensures over 93% market uptime, dynamic odds adjustments, and automated settlements.

Combined with Player Props, operators can deliver a broader, player-centric betting experience. Cashout functionality is also available, allowing players to settle bets early on single and multiple bets. User engagement is further increased through integrated Video Streaming of events for football, American football, tennis, and basketball as well as interactive Widgets across key sports — keeping users engaged within the platform and eliminating the need to seek information elsewhere. This seamless access to match insights, player data, and betting markets enhances the overall experience and supports higher retention, deeper engagement, and increased betting volumes.

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Today, DATA.BET’s portfolio includes esports, sports, and virtual sports, providing a complete solution for betting operators. Integration is available via an upgraded SPA or through a direct Odds Feed. Depending on operator needs and market focus, each vertical can be connected individually or as a combined solution.

“With the expansion of our sports betting solution, we are entering a new phase in supporting our partners,” commented Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “This update equips operators with a complete betting solution, while ensuring continued access to DATA.BET’s trusted tools for flexibility, control, and fast content delivery.”

The post DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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