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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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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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