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The ANJ publishes the results of the online gambling market for the 2nd quarter of 2020: the sectors are very differently impacted by the COVID crisis

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In the 2nd quarter of 2020, the online gambling market recorded a decrease of 6% of its GGR[1] and a decrease in active player accounts of 9%. It is the sports betting sector that has been the most affected by the effects of the health crisis with a decrease of 56% of its GGR. Conversely, the poker and, to a lesser extent, horseracing betting segments recorded a sharp increase of their GGR.

The lockdown (from 16 March to 10 May) was particularly handicapping for operators, who recorded a decrease of 24% over the period compared to 2019.

However, despite this health crisis, the GGR of the legal online market reached 758 million euros over the first 6 months of the year, an increase of 8% compared to the first half of 2019.

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The collapse of online sports betting : -56% of the GGR

The online sports betting segment is generally the most dynamic part of the online gambling market. On the flip side of this trend, the sports betting offer for the quarter was profoundly altered by the massive cancellations or the delayed recovery of sporting events. With this reduction of the supply, and in order to support the market, the ARJEL Board authorized the add of 7 competitions to the list of sporting events, allowing them for sports betting in France (Australian football, 1st Australian soccer league, Hungarian football cup, 1st South Korea and China football leagues, baseball in Korea and hockey in Belarus).

These new competitions, while meeting ARJEL’s requirements regarding the fight against sports manipulation, have made it possible for operators to maintain a sports betting offer throughout the period of suspension of major competitions. All in all, operators’ GGR in the sports betting market amounted to 94 million euros in the second quarter, a decrease of 56% compared to 2019. The decline in operators’ turnover fell to 87% over the lockdown period.

As a result of this unprecedented situation, the number of active player accounts fell by 36%, albeit at a slower pace than the decrease of the GGR. The average spending per active player account over the quarter[2] amounted to 86€ compared to 126 € in Q2 2019 (-32%).

While operators had planned to make a significant marketing effort for EURO 2020, they sharply reduced their sports betting advertising spending during the 2nd quarter of 2020[3] in response to the decline in their activity.

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The results provided by the FDJ demonstrate similar difficulties in the sports betting segment. The monopoly recorded indeed a decrease of 39% in sports betting stakes, all channels combined, in the first semester and up to around 61% in the second quarter alone.

An increase of online horseracing betting: +33% of the GGR

The horseracing betting offer was significantly affected this quarter following the interruption of French horseraces until 11 May 2020. However, the bets recorded during this period increased by 16%, in particular thanks to the maintenance and additions of foreign horseraces to the French horseraces betting calendar, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food after an informal advice from ARJEL[4]. The increase of horseracing stakes is also due to the shift of some sports bettors to horseracing betting during the period. As soon as French races resumed, the market recorded an increase of the number of players, that accelerated the growth of the stakes over the quarter.

The online horseracing betting market activity is once again growing at a rate not observed since the market opened in 2010. The players’ stakes reached 362 million euros this quarter, up 35% compared to the second quarter of 2019. This volume of stakes also corresponds to the highest level generated over a quarter. At the same time, the GGR of the quarter increased by 88 million euros in proportions almost similar to stakes (+ 33%), its highest level since the opening of the market.

The PMU, operator under exclusive rights regarding offline horseracing betting, reported a decrease of 31% of the stakes in the 1st half of the year, all channels combined. However, business results improved at the end of the semester, thanks to the gradual reopening of points of sale and racecourses.

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The booming of online poker: +126% of the GGR

The lockdown period has been very advantageous to the online poker segment. The popularity for this activity has led to the recruitment of many new players. As a result, nearly 1.100.000 active player accounts (APAs) participated in online poker games during the quarter, an increase of 68% relative to last year.

As a result, the poker GGR reached 142 million euros in the second quarter, its biggest result for a quarter and 44 million higher than the GGR of the first quarter of 2020. The growth of the poker GGR is of 126% compared to Q2 2020, which corresponds to the most significant increase recorded over a quarter.

This growth is due both to an increase in the number of active players (+ 68% compared to Q2 2019) and to the intensification of gambling. The average spending per active player account thus increased sharply in Q2 2020 (+ 34%), reaching € 134 compared to € 99 in Q2 2019.

The ANJ in brief

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The “Pacte” Act and the ordinance of October 2, 2019 reforming the regulation of gambling have set up a new gambling regulatory authority (ANJ). It follows ARJEL with a significantly extended regulatory scope and enhanced powers.

 

The ANJ is now responsible for all components of the legal gambling market, both online andoffline:

  • online games that ARJEL regulated, such as sports betting and horse racing betting and poker offered by the 14 licensed operators ;
  • all the games of La Française des Jeux or the PMU sold in physical points of sale or online;
  • 237 racecourses;
  • 202 casinos, with the exception of anti-money laundering issues and the integrity of the games offered, which remain under the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

 

Methodology

The following elements have been compiled using data provided by licensed online gambling and betting operators on a weekly and quarterly basis. The ANJ communications take account of statistical confidentiality. It cannot publish information relating to the activity of monopoly markets (FDJ and PMU) other than that already disclosed by operators under exclusive rights.

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Complete report available here in French

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NetBet Partners with Fight Disciples

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NetBet Partners with Fight Disciples
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NetBet, a leading online gaming platform, has announced an exciting new partnership with world-renowned boxing & MMA podcast the Fight Disciples, co-hosted by award-winning broadcasters Adam Catterall and Nick Peet.

The partnership will span some of the UFC’s biggest events, including Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, as well as major upcoming boxing bouts.

This partnership builds on NetBet’s recent announcement as the official betting partner of the UFC in the UK and other parts of Europe. It will play a key role in boosting visibility for NetBet’s popular UFC Predictor Game. As part of the collaboration, NetBet branding will feature across all Fight Disciples UFC content, including behind-the-scenes access and exclusive fighter interviews.

Part of this deal will also see the Fight Disciples and NetBet team up to provide all-encompassing coverage for three huge upcoming boxing fights; Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois, Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Terrance Crawford.

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Adam Catterall, co-host of the Fight Disciples Podcast, said: “We’ve always prided ourselves on being the voice of the fight fan, so teaming up with NetBet – the official sportsbook and betting partner of the UFC – is a massive moment for us. This partnership gives us the opportunity to get even closer to the action and, more importantly, bring our audience along with us. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes insight, exclusive content, or on-the-ground access at the biggest events, it’s all about delivering that front-row feeling to our listeners.”

Tristan Wootton, Head of UK at NetBet added: “With NetBet making huge waves in the world of fight sports, this partnership with the Fight Disciples represents another exciting opportunity with regard to brand development. We feel confident that our players will enjoy the engaging content produced from this partnership, with so many brilliant UFC and boxing shows just on the horizon!”

The post NetBet Partners with Fight Disciples appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Soft2Bet’s brand Don.ro Becomes Main Sponsor of CFR Cluj in Multi-Year Agreement

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Soft2Bet’s brand Don.ro Becomes Main Sponsor of CFR Cluj in Multi-Year Agreement
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Soft2Bet continues its strategic expansion in Romania through its rapidly growing online entertainment brand, Don.ro, which has entered a multi-year agreement as the main sponsor of CFR 1907 Cluj, one of Romania’s leading football clubs.

Beginning with the 2025-26 Liga 1 season, leading Romanian brand Don.ro’s logo will feature prominently on CFR Cluj’s home and away kits, training gear, and throughout the “Dr. Constantin Rădulescu” stadium. The partnership with CFR Cluj also includes a slate of live and digital activations powered by Soft2Bet’s innovative platform, designed to deepen fan engagement.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Don.ro, a Romanian brand that shares our values of performance, professionalism, and the desire to build something lasting. The fact that Don.ro is becoming the main partner of our club is both a validation of the work we do every day and an important step in strengthening CFR Cluj’s image both nationally and internationally.

We are pleased to have a dynamic partner by our side, one with a modern vision who believes in the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. Moreover, Don.ro has chosen to offer each season ticket holder this season an official jersey — a gesture of appreciation for the passion and loyalty with which they support us.” — Cristian Balaj, CFR Cluj President.

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The partnership between Soft2Bet and CFR Cluj brings together Don.ro’s award-winning online gaming brand and a club with a rich history of success, including eight league titles, four Romanian Cups, and four Super Cups. Both sides are driven by a commitment to high performance, bold ambition, and fresh ideas, which makes this collaboration especially well-aligned.

“We are honored to join the CFR Cluj family, a symbol of excellence in Romanian football. This partnership reflects the shared values that bring us together — performance, responsibility, and respect for the community.

At Don.ro, we are committed to promoting a safe and balanced entertainment environment, and through our collaboration with CFR Cluj, we aim to deliver a strong message about the importance of responsible play, both on and off the field.”  — Marius Mirasovici, Official representative of Don.ro brand

The partnership is designed to deliver real value to Don.ro’s players and the wider local community. With Soft2Bet’s backing, Don.ro will launch a range of activations tailored to Romanian audiences, such as exclusive match-day experiences, localised campaigns, community events, and responsible gaming initiatives, bringing fans closer to the action and rewarding their loyalty in meaningful ways.

Oksana Tsyhankova, Chief Marketing Officer at Soft2Bet, highlighted: “At Soft2Bet, we excel in building powerful and award-winning brands that forge deep connections with players through localised experiences. Don.ro’s partnership with CFR Cluj embodies this vision,combining a top-performing club with our drive for tailored gamified experiences, product excellence, and a passion for performance.”

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Launched in 2024 and recognised as “Best Launch of the Year” at the 12th Meeting of Gambling Professionals, Don.ro delivers over 3,484 casino games, a full live-dealer lineup, and a complete sportsbook. The platform runs on Soft2Bet’s proprietary MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application) technology, which enhances player engagement through mission-based features and in-game challenges.

The post Soft2Bet’s brand Don.ro Becomes Main Sponsor of CFR Cluj in Multi-Year Agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 27/2025 slot games releases

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Week 27/2025 slot games releases
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

PG Soft has served up a classic slot with its Diner Frenzy Spins. This is a 5-reel, 4-rows video slot featuring connecting ways and sticky symbol respins. Diner Frenzy Spins is set within a vibrant, retro-futuristic diner with a buzzy atmosphere thanks to a playful soundtrack. During any spin, the Mystery Respin may be randomly triggered while the reels are spinning.

PG Soft serves up Diner Frenzy Spins

ELA Games calls back to a classic yet luxurious gaming experience with its new title, Juicy Crystal. The game offers a unique and modern twist on the beloved and familiar fruit machine format, featuring timeless symbols and rich visuals. The studio’s trademark attention to detail and quality delivers a game that’s exciting, memorable and elegant.

Juicy Wins, Crystal Clear: ELA Games Releases New Luxury Title

Amusnet presents its newest Online Casino portfolio expansion – a royal-themed slot filled with exciting bonus features. The release adds to the fun of the player-favourite Extra Crown game series, this time with six reels and 100 paylines, top-notch graphics and a vibrant soundtrack. A total of 11 symbols are scattered across the now six reels and 40 fixed paylines, along with some special features that make the gameplay more engaging and fun.

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Amusnet Expands an All-Player-Favourite Series with Its Newest Game Release, 100 Extra Crown 6 reels

Play’n GO illuminate their classic Moon Princess universe once more with Moon Princess Stargazing, a grid slot set among icy stars and rising multipliers. Set beyond Neptune in the icy reaches of the Kuiper Belt, Moon Princess Stargazing marks a radiant new chapter in one of Play’n GO’s most celebrated series. Players reunite with Star, Nova and Astra – the celestial trio whose powers help forge constellation connections and unlock sky-high wins.

 

Moon Princess Stargazing expands beloved celestial slot series

Step into the golden sands of Ancient Egypt with Ra’s Relics Bonanza, a thrilling 6×5 cascading slot adventure from Booming Games! Land 8 or more matching symbols anywhere on the reels to secure a win, as winning symbols vanish and new ones tumble down, unlocking endless chances for treasure. Keep an eye on the Divine Scarab, collecting scatter symbols throughout the base game and triggering Free Spins at any moment.

Uncover Ancient Riches in Ra’s Relics Bonanza™ from Booming Games

 

The post Week 27/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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