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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Asia
FUN88 Launches AI Game Recommendations, Setting New iGaming Standard
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FUN88, a leading online gaming platform, has introduced its latest breakthrough in the iGaming industry: AI-powered recommendations for slot games. This new feature marks a significant step in enhancing user experience, offering tailored game suggestions based on individual preferences and gaming behaviour.
By analysing user data and local market trends, the AI system recommends popular games tailored to regions such as Thailand and Vietnam, ensuring a more personalised and engaging experience for every player.
Key Highlights of the AI Game Recommendations Feature:
• Personalised Recommendations – AI analyses gameplay history and preferences to suggest slot games that best fit each player.
• Enhanced User Experience – A seamless, customised journey that saves players time.
• Available for Vietnam and Thailand Players – The feature is available to registered FUN88 users in these markets, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation.
• Responsible Gaming Focus – AI technology also supports FUN88’s dedication to safe and responsible play.
This launch marks another step forward for FUN88 in combining technology and entertainment to enhance user satisfaction. The new system not only makes gameplay more convenient and exciting but also aligns with FUN88’s long-term vision of offering safe, smart and enjoyable gaming.
Players can now explore the new AI-powered recommendations by registering on FUN88 or logging in to their accounts. Through the FUN88 app, users can easily access their favorite categories, manage their accounts and enjoy exclusive promotions.
The post FUN88 Launches AI Game Recommendations, Setting New iGaming Standard appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service
AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service Surpasses $80 Million Returned to Players
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The AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service is a vital wheel in the mechanism of AskGamblers, and lately, that wheel has been spinning faster than ever. After reaching the $70 million milestone only a few months ago, the service has now gone above and beyond once again.
At AskGamblers, every complaint is handled with care and persistence to ensure fair treatment for players facing issues with online casinos. The most recent case involved a user who had difficulties withdrawing their winnings from Jackbit Casino. The amount in question was significant – $3,311,000.
After the AGCCS team reached out to the casino, the issue was resolved in less than two weeks, and the player successfully received their funds.
Since its launch in 2009, AGCCS has now returned over $80 million to players across the globe.
Dijana Radunović, General Manager at AskGamblers, said: “Every time our complaint team reaches a new milestone, I’m reminded of how much passion and effort they put into helping players. We’re proud of them and the impact they’re making – it’s a reminder that fairness in gaming really matters.”
The post AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service Surpasses $80 Million Returned to Players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ANESAR
ANESAR Holds its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly
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The Spanish Association of Gaming and Recreational Hall Entrepreneurs (ANESAR) has held its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly this Tuesday, November 4, in the Carlos Ferret Salat room of CEOE, in Madrid, where it once again brought together a large representation of members, in a meeting marked by reflection, collaboration and the firm will to continue working with data, arguments and responsibility.
Following the institutional opening by Javier Calderón, Director of Companies and Organisations of CEOE, aspects of mandatory statutory compliance were addressed, such as the approval of minutes, the explanation and approval of accounts and budgets, or the approval of the Annual Report of Activities.
Next, José Vall presented the president’s report, in which he emphasised that, although political decisions are often difficult to understand, “our duty is to continue providing arguments and evidence to defend the sector with rigor, knowledge, and sound judgment.” In this regard, he stressed the need to anticipate events, prepare information and coordinate common messages that reinforce the image of a sector committed to legality, prevention and responsible gaming.
For his part, Juan Lacarra, technical general secretary of ANESAR, reviewed the main current issues from a regulatory and operational perspective, addressing relevant aspects such as sanctioning procedures, opening hours, biometrics and hiring difficulties.
During the Assembly, the “Key Data and Sector Dynamics” were also presented, highlighting that there are currently 3600 gaming arcades (more than 240 have closed in the last four years) and 30,060 slot machines. It was also specified that the average spend per visit is €16, that 85% of people are accompanied by family and friends, and that 60% are men around 30 years old. Regarding employment data, it was explained that the sector supports more than 47,000 jobs, including both direct and indirect workers, making it a significant driver of employment. The ANESAR Training Plan was also emphasised, with 8725 students and 16,539 formal enrollments (data as of October 15, 2025). Furthermore, it was noted that, with a real estate investment of €260 million, gaming arcades represent one of the largest private investments in the leisure sector. A sector that, as was recalled, collects more than 320 million euros in taxes annually, which benefit hundreds of thousands of people, as well as society as a whole.
The Assembly also included the participation of experts in politics and institutional relations, such as Jaime Criado, from the firm ACENTO, who provided insights into the current political situation and its potential impact on the sector. ANESAR Vice Presidents Enric Sanahuja, Raúl Rubio and Antonio Fornés also offered their perspectives on current issues affecting the sector. Finally, Ramón Cubián, Director General of Land and Delegate for Gaming Regulation and Management of the Community of Madrid, accompanied by Gracia Martín Duarte, Deputy Director of Gaming Management and Regulation, and their team, officially closed the 43rd ANESAR Assembly.
The post ANESAR Holds its 43rd Ordinary General Assembly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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