Industry News
GVC Holdings Updates on Covid-19 Impact
GVC Holdings has provided an update on the impact of Covid-19 and the cancellation of sporting events.
On March 5, the Group updated the current trading for the period of January 1 to February 23 stating “Trading in the year to date was strong with Group NGR +5% cc and Online NGR +16% cc, both of which have benefitted from strong sports margins in the first two months.”
The company has enacted contingency plans to minimise disruption to the business amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The spread of the virus impacted several live sporting events. In FY 2019, approximately 45% of the Group NGR was generated from sporting events, with 43% of our online NGR generated from sports.
It is clear that the significant reduction in sporting events will have a material impact on EBITDA in the current financial year. So, to quantify an approximate impact on earnings, the company modelled a scenario based on some assumptions.
In the case of football, the assumption is that the Euros will be postponed until 2021 and all other football will be cancelled until July 2020. In Horse Racing, the assumption is that the major events such as Aintree and Royal Ascot will be cancelled and all other horse racing continues behind closed doors. In the case of retail, the assumption is that the retail estate in the UK will remain open for business and the stores in Italy and Belgium remain closed for three months.
These assumptions would mean that there will be substantially fewer sporting events through to August 2020 and that EBITDA for the financial year ending 31 December 2020 will be reduced by approximately £130m–£150m. If shops in the UK are closed, the company anticipates an incremental reduction in EBITDA by approximately £45m–£50m per month, which includes employment costs of approximately £20m per month.
“While we do not underestimate the challenge presented by Covid-19, GVC is in a robust position to manage the impact on our operations. We are a diverse global business, with an experienced and expert management team, which operates across multiple products and markets. Our priority is to protect our employees while maintaining our offer to our customers at this difficult time,” Kenneth Alexander, CEO of GVC, said.
AskGamblers hits a new milestone by surpassing 700,000 registered members on the website. Since 2006, AskGamblers provides accurate and reliable information on online casinos, sportsbooks, bonuses and more, with the motto Get the Truth. Then Play.
The website has grown, but not only in numbers. In 2024, AskGamblers introduced a comprehensive sports betting section where users can access sportsbook reviews, live scores, odds calculators and find exclusive deals.
Additionally, AskGamblers hosts the annual AskGamblers Awards, a prestigious event where players can nominate and vote for their favourites in four categories: Best Casino, Best New Casino, Best New Slot and Best Sportsbook, but six additional industry awards are handed out during the gala ceremony.
Dijana Radunović, General Manager at AskGamblers, said: “Reaching the milestone of 700,000 registered players is remarkable. It’s great to see new players coming in daily, but the fact that they remain active is what’s truly special!”
The post AskGamblers Surpasses 700,000 Registered Members appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Irina Rusimova, Amusnet’s Chief Commercial Officer, gave a video interview at ICE Barcelona 2025, the premier iGaming event, sharing insights on the company’s business priorities and future strategic vision. The event provided an ideal platform for Amusnet to showcase its latest innovations and set the tone for the year ahead. With a strong presence across the Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-Based verticals, the company reaffirmed its position as a leading all-casino solutions provider.
“In 2025, our strategic focus remains on expanding in key markets across Europe and Latin America. Our teams in Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Croatia, Malta, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Georgia, Serbia, and LATAM will continue working closely with partners to deliver tailored content that meets regional player preferences,” said Irina Rusimova.
“We started the year strong with our successful launch in Brazil, certifying over 160 games and becoming one of the first providers in the newly regulated market. We aim to deepen our market position by offering localized content and collaborating with local operators.
“We will continue reinforcing our relationships with international partners to ensure Amusnet’s games reach diverse audiences worldwide.”
As part of its strategic expansion into LATAM, Amusnet participates as a Headline Platinum Sponsor at SBC Rio from February 25 to 27 at stand B680. The company will showcase popular slots such as 20 Golden Coins, Candy Palace, Cocktail Rush, and Hot Deco, along with new titles like Stoichkov #8, Cavemen & Dinosaurs, and Dancing Dead. It will also unveil new jackpot systems and promotional tools designed to boost player engagement. Attendees can explore Type S, Amusnet’s first-ever slot cabinet series, crafted to meet the highest standards of the global land-based casino industry, and discover Crazy Red, a highly anticipated cascade slot featuring the “tumbling reels” mechanic, vibrant characters and exciting features.
The post Amusnet CCO Irina Rusimova Unveils 2025 Business Strategy and Vision appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BetBlocker has launched the Italian version of its app.
“Italian is the fifth language that we’ve launched support for in the first two months of 2025. Unlike commercial blocking softwares, who focus their attentions on markets that are viewed as commercially viable, BetBlocker is determined to remove the language barrier for as many users as possible,” the Company said.
“Gambling addiction is no different in Zambia, Brazil or Serbia than it is in the UK, US or the Netherlands. It is critical that we remove unnecessary friction to our free, anonymous support for as many people as possible.
“BetBlocker would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Francesco Casartelli, who volunteered to provide the translation services that have facilitated this launch. Francesco’s work will allow us to support thousands more Italian speakers, and directly touch and improve the lives of a huge number of people and families.”
The post BetBlocker Launches Italian Version of its App appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Betty6 days agoWyzia Renews Canadian Partnership With Betty
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Texas Lottery Moves to Ban Lottery Courier Services
-
BCLC5 days agoBCLC Reminds Public to be Cautious of Illegal Online Casino Scams
-
BETBY7 days ago
BETBY EXPANDS LATAM PRESENCE WITH APPOINTMENT OF JUAN PABLO BARAHONA AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR
-
Betsson5 days ago
Betsson Obtains Local Gaming Licence in Brazil
-
André Baldavira6 days ago
GingaBet Becomes New Master Sponsor of Ponte Preta
-
Aposta 15 days ago
scoreconnect boosts Brazilian presence with Aposta 1 deal
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
Colombian Lottery Operators Get Permission to Use Random Number Generators
