Industry News
Poker site records a 92% increase in online poker interest during UK lockdown
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Online poker is experiencing a resurgence as more Brits are turning to playing than ever before as a result of lockdown, new research reveals.
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Online poker is also experiencing an influx of new players, as searches for ‘poker rules’ and ‘best poker hands’ rose by 87% and 282% in a month.
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GGPoker has witnessed a 92% increase in online poker interest since the UK lockdown began, as well as an increase of 102% in new users.
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Interest in Texas Hold’em poker has also increased by 292% month on month, while searches for ‘how to play poker’ have seen a 200% rise.
Online poker has seen a significant increase in interest since the UK lockdown began, leading to an influx of new players for online poker sites, new research shows.
Analysis of Google Search Trends and Analytics data conducted by online poker provider GGPoker shows that more Brits are turning to playing the popular card game to help pass the time while lockdown restrictions are in place.
The month following the UK heading into lockdown saw a massive 282% increase in searches for ‘best poker hand’, while searches for the top four poker hands are also up: royal flush (47%), straight flush (106%), four of a kind (66%) and full house (43%).
Looking at search trends over the past three months shows that interest in online poker has grown steadily since the end of February, with searches for ‘Texas Hold’em’ having increased by 292% month on month.
This increase is seemingly largely due to new players looking to take up poker, with searches for ‘how to play poker’ seeing a 200% increase month-on-month, ‘poker rules’ seeing a 98% rise and ‘poker hands’ seeing a 182% growth.
Interestingly, although players are no longer taking part in face-to-face tournaments, total searches for ‘how to bluff’ also increased by 144% in the first month, implying that players are keen to strengthen their strategy in preparation for when lockdown ends.
GGPoker’s own data shows that interest in online poker is up by 92% as measured by an increase in sessions on their UK site, which has led to a surge of 102% in new users.
Jean-Christophe Antoine, Head of the GGPoker Network, says: “With people looking for ways to pass the time and escape from the current climate, it’s no surprise that popular escapism activities like playing poker online have seen a substantial increase in interest over the past few months.
“We anticipate that poker engagement will continue to grow and we look forward to seeing how the market evolves as a result of old and new players alike continuing to refine, adapt and advance their online skills.”
Canadian poker sites have also seen a significant increase in interest over time among new players, as searches for ‘how to play poker’ have risen by 60%, ‘poker rules’ queries have increased by 21%, and ‘Texas Hold’em’ searches have grown by 42% month-on-month.
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Industry News
BetBlocker Launches Italian Version of its App
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BetBlocker has launched the Italian version of its app.
âItalian is the fifth language that weâve 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,â the Company said.
âGambling 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.
âBetBlocker would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Francesco Casartelli, who volunteered to provide the translation services that have facilitated this launch. Francescoâs 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.â
The post BetBlocker Launches Italian Version of its App appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
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International Game Technology PLC announced that it has achieved an environmental, social and governance (ESG) Score of 4.3 out of 5.0 from FTSE Russell, positioning IGT in the 97th percentile within the Travel and Leisure sector of FTSE Russellâs ESG Scores. This was an improvement from IGTâs previous ESG Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 in 2023, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing ESG performance.
âAs a company committed to continually elevating our sustainability practices and leadership, IGT is proud to once again achieve an improved ESG score from FTSE Russell. Through our global Sustainable Play program, we execute sustainable practices and policies throughout our company and this improved score validates our ongoing efforts,â Wendy Montgomery, SVP of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability at IGT, said.
FTSE Russellâs ESG Scores and data model allows investors to understand a companyâs exposure to, and management of, ESG issues in multiple dimensions. The ESG Scores are comprises an overall rating that breaks down into underlying pillar and theme exposures. Scores built on over 300 individual indicator assessments are applied to each companyâs unique circumstances. The ESG Scores align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which are reflected in FTSE Russellâs ESG framework.
The post IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Super Group Appoints Merrick Wolman to its Board of Directors
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Super Group has appointed Merrick Wolman to its Board of Directors, effective from February 18, 2025.
Mr. Wolman is the Chief Executive Officer of a global finance company and has worked closely with the Super Group executive team for over two decades.
Neal Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, said: âWe are very pleased to welcome Merrick to the board. His deep understanding of the gaming industry, alongside his wide range of experience in executive roles, will be of great value as we continue to pursue our global growth strategy and build on our successes to date.â
This appointment brings the total directors on Super Groupâs board to nine, including five independent directors.
The post Super Group Appoints Merrick Wolman to its Board of Directors appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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