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Virtual Betting Expected to Surge Due to COVID-19

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Since mid-March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has stalled mainstream sports betting online and offline. Land-based shops have been forced to close their doors to help stop the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, even though online sportsbooks remain operational, they are unable to provide their punters with offers for major football, horse racing and other major international sports markets as all events have either been postponed or canceled.

What has this meant for big-name brands that usually draw in punters with their online sportsbooks and football betting apps? It means that they have had to cater to the gambling desires of their online and mobile customers by placing greater focus on other lesser-known events like virtual sports.

These electronic games that have been inspired by real sports use a random number generator (RNG) to decide the outcome of the match, race, etc. Although they’re not new to the digital bookmaker experience, since the novel coronavirus struck, virtual sports have garnered the interests of more punters.

For instance, the Virtual Grand National 2020 replaced the real event this year that was canceled due to the pandemic. While certainly not the same betting experience by any shade, this televised virtual version of one of the world’s most famous and unpredictable horse races involved forty runners who would have been the most likely to line up at Aintree. These runners took part in the virtual event with the help of CGI technology and special algorithms.

The resulting computer-generated version included much of the action for which the race is known. Among the animations were virtual ambulances trailing the runners and riders around the course as well as shots of the excited animated spectators. Bookmakers offered odds, with profits sent to NHS Charities Together. Potters Corner, the winner of the real-life Welsh Grand National back in December, won the virtual race, finishing 18-1.

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That said, it’s not just virtual sports that are gaining popularity during this time of crisis, Esports might also be on the rise as it is yet another type of entertainment that continues to thrive in spite of the turmoil caused by the disease. The reason is that while live esports tournaments hosted in stadiums has become hugely popular, these events do not require these land-based venues to take place.

On the contrary, eSports can easily function online as it has done before, with many of its viewers used to watching these events from home via a live stream on Twitch or YouTube. As such, esports continues to be strong and shows no signs of slowing down. It is quickly becoming a primary target of punters across the globe eager to bet on live-action.

In fact, according to Forbes, the Online Betting Guide claims that it has witnessed a whopping 943% boost in traffic to its esports betting tips page, which would suggest that punters are looking to spend their money on new thrills.

It is likely that in the coming months, bookmakers will place greater value on this entertainment to draw in players who may base the deciding factor on their choice of bookie on the esports they offer.

Of course, bookmakers will do what they must to stay alive and profitable while gamblers hungry to place bets will be keen to spend money on other markets that wouldn’t normally interest them to fill the void left behind by the postponement and cancellation of major mainstream sporting events.

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This creates an ideal environment to allow virtual sports, esports and other similar forms of digital and online-based entertainment to flourish. Still, it will be interesting to see if these betting markets will continue to maintain their popularity once the COVID-19 crisis is over and the sports world returns to normal.

 

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Gaming Corps games suite to roll out with betPawa, which operates in 12 African countries

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Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden – is to bring its premium games suite to more players across Africa after agreeing a partnership with betPawa.

More than 10 million Africans trust and use betPawa as their betting brand of choice, with the operator currently active in 12 countries across the continent. betPawa is on a mission to make betting friendly by providing 24-hour customer support, a user-friendly platform, the lowest minimum stakes and guaranteed and instant payments.

Players at betPawa will be able to enjoy Gaming Corps’ full portfolio of Crash, Mine, Table and Slot titles, as well as a certified Plinko. This will include recent smash hits such as RAMPAGE, Piggy Smash and Raging Zeus Mines, along with Gaming Corps’ renowned games series such as Jet Lucky and Coin Miner.

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Gaming Corps is now able to offer more value to players following the launch of its Smash4Cash™ mechanic, which is designed to make the game experience even more unique and bring an even greater chance for players to make the most of bonus rounds.

Mats Lundin, Gaming Corps’ Director of Sales, said: “We are delighted to partner with betPawa; an operator that has established a reputation as a successful and trusted betting brand across Africa.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to bring our thrilling games to many more players across the continent, and I look forward to offering even more magnificent games to betPawa’s players as we continue to strengthen our portfolio. Our Smash4Cash™ mechanic is already helping us produce games full of even more excitement, and I’m sure that trend will continue.”

Spencer Okach betPawa said: “This partnership with Gaming Corps will allow us to further strengthen our casino offering, and we are very excited to give our players the chance to make the most of Gaming Corps’ first-class games suite.

“We are always looking for ways to make the gaming experience with betPawa even more memorable, and I’m sure Gaming Corps’ ever-expanding list of games will help us do that.”

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The post Gaming Corps games suite to roll out with betPawa, which operates in 12 African countries appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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UK risks losing safer gambling leadership position – warns BetBlocker.org chief of partnerships

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Pedro Romero, chief of partnerships at safer gambling software provider BetBlocker.org has highlighted the sense of insecurity among Research, Education and Treatment organisations arising from the publication of the UK Government’s White Paper on gambling reform.

Speaking following February’s edition of ICE where BetBlocker and US-based International Centre for Responsible Gambling (ICRG), shared a £41,000 pool which was provided by leading brands Light and Wonder, Flutter, Betsson Group, IGT, Novomatic, Neccton and Playtech Pedro Romero noted: “The main talking points at ICE 2024, particularly in relation to safer gambling, revolved around the publication of the White Paper which has caused so much anxiety.

“It’s concerning that many in the third sector feel alienated from critical conversations about the future of safer gambling and harm minimisation.

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“The potential implications of this disconnect are significant, not just for the individuals and communities we serve, but for the UK’s reputation in the field.

“We must find a way to bridge this gap and work together to address the challenges ahead. Otherwise, I fear the UK risks losing its leadership position in advancing safer gambling practices.”

Regarding the £20,500 donation which was presented at ICE he added: “We have earmarked these funds with a dual purpose in mind. Primarily, it will assist with our running costs, which as a small charity is crucial for the sustainability of our operations.

“Additionally, we are excited about a very special project that we’re planning for ICE 2025 in Barcelona. Without giving too much away, it’s a development that aims to pay tribute to both Clarion and the city of Barcelona. We believe it will make a significant impact and we look forward to unveiling it.”

Romero spoke positively about the relocation to Barcelona stating: “ICE 2024 served as a fantastic farewell to London, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Barcelona.

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“While there’s a certain sadness in leaving a city that has been such a great host, the move to Barcelona is an exciting development. It represents a fresh opportunity for ICE to be the global gaming hub in a vibrant, dynamic city. We are very much looking forward to what the future holds in this new location.”

 

The post UK risks losing safer gambling leadership position – warns BetBlocker.org chief of partnerships appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The MeridianBet – Golden Matrix Transaction Secures Approval at GMGI Shareholder Assembly

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The MeridianBet Group, Southeast Europe’s leading Business-to-Consumer (B2C) sports betting and gaming group, operating in multiple markets across Europe, Africa and Latin America, announced that the shareholders of Golden Matrix Group (GMG), a developer, licensor and global operator of online gaming and eCommerce platforms, systems and gaming content, have voted to approve the acquisition of MeridianBet.

Commenting on the merger Zoran Milosevic, Chief Executive Officer of MeridianBet Group, said: “Today marks a major milestone for MeridianBet and I am thrilled that the shareholders of Golden Matrix have overwhelmingly voted in favor of the acquisition of MeridianBet. By joining forces, we are not only expanding our reach but enhancing our ability to provide customers with a diverse and comprehensive offering whilst creating a leading global betting group. I look forward to announcing the completion of the deal in due course.”

The post The MeridianBet – Golden Matrix Transaction Secures Approval at GMGI Shareholder Assembly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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