Industry News

Online casinos are gaining popularity due to pandemic: how to open one

Published

5 years ago

June 2, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

It is undeniable that the Internet is taking over the traditional media: news articles are published online, photos are shared on social media, not kept in family albums, and tickets to concerts can be bought through your phone, forget the lines! The entertainment industry is evolving as well, and we are not only talking about streaming services rivaling the television.

The first online gambling sites emerged in the middle of the 1990s, but have become more common in recent years. In 2019, the global online gambling market was estimated to be $53,7 billion worth with Europe as the biggest market accumulating $22 billion. It is expected that in the next 7 years this industry’s global CAGR will be 11,5%, that’s $127,3 billion by 2027. [1] Casinos are the second most popular form of online gambling in Europe, accounting for 32% of the market share in 2018. Online casinos were only surpassed by online sports betting (42,5%) but had left lotteries (12,6%) and internet poker (5%) far behind. [2]

Sounds reassuring, but does having an online casino more promising and secure than the offline one? You see, there are benefits for both internet casinos’ owners and their clients.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The former don’t have to buy or rent space for the real-life casino, the number of employees is significantly smaller, eliminate worries about utility tax or potential robbers. And the customers don’t need to visit another country or drive for hours to get to a casino – they can visit one from the comfort of their homes any time they want. And considering that right now most of the countries are under quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opening an online gambling service seems like a much better idea. For instance, an Israeli firm Optimove reported a whopping 225% increase of people who started playing online poker for the first time, after the pandemic struck. [3] Also, consider that even after the lockdown is over, many people will be cautious about visiting land-based casinos, prioritizing safety.

So, what do you need to know and do to open an online casino?

First and foremost, set your plans and strategy straight. To open an online casino, you need to figure out a lot of aspects, such as: what will your website look like and what unique features and games will it have, which countries would you like to target, will you need the help of industry experts or SEO-managers to promote your business, etc. If you took care of the planning, you can proceed with the next step.

Choose a gaming software provider. There are plenty of services with a variety of features, so make sure you are not going with the first one you find. The provider must be proven reliable, as well as have customizable software solutions, so you can make your casino look and feel the way you want to.

The selection of available games and slots may vary, some providers develop games themselves, while others offer packages of games from different developers. Either way, the more gaming options you choose – the better, as clients’ preferences differ. Be determined, ask questions, and test services before signing a contract with a software provider.

Get an online gambling license. Having a license is vital to your business, even though the process of obtaining one may be time-consuming. Operating an online casino without a license is illegal. Moreover, most banks and payment service providers will not agree to work with a non-licensed gambling business.

To get a license you first need to choose a country – a gambling jurisdiction – to acquire it from. There are still a lot of places where online casinos are not legalized, but every region has at least one country where you can get your license. For instance, in Europe, you can obtain one under the jurisdiction of Malta, Montenegro, the Isle of Man, Britain, Gibraltar, and others.

Remember that every country has its own set of rules and requirements for online casinos, thus a business owner should choose a jurisdiction with the best possibilities for their company. And also, don’t forget the taxes that also differ locally.

To get a license, you will need to gather all the required documents and make sure that your gaming software provider and site are compliant with the country’s regulations.

Choose a bank or payment gateway service provider to accept money from your clients. It would be better if a PSP supports multiple payment methods, as more people from different countries will be able to use your services.
Note that online gambling and casinos are classified as high-risk businesses, meaning that your company has greater chances to face chargebacks. Because of that, banks usually charge these types of business higher service fees to ensure the merchants are better protected from fraud. For instance, our payment gateway service provider, which is well-experienced in dealing with high-risk companies, Maxpay — is partnered with an anti-fraud platform called Covery, which significantly minimizes the number of fraudulent transactions. We also offer chargeback representation services, meaning that we can process our client’s chargeback and give dispute recommendations.

And lastly, keep in mind that just opening an online casino is not enough for it to be successful – you need to have an impeccable and long-term PR and SEO strategies and be ready to encourage your most dedicated clients, as well as come up with new ideas for games and challenges. In the end, following these tips and rules might make your business highly profitable.

About Maxpay:
Maxpay is a market-leading international payment gateway service provider that keeps merchants first. Built by online business owners for business owners to accelerate growth. Fully compliant with PCI DSS level 1 v3.2 with 5+ years of experience. Global teams provide local insights and online live support for merchants. With companies and partners from 49 jurisdictions, Maxpay provides full-service solutions for accepting card payments in more than 130 currencies with multiple partner banks.

Affiliate Industry

Meet MegaList: The Rising Force in iGaming Affiliation

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

meet-megalist:-the-rising-force-in-igaming-affiliation

Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are affiliate networks, and then there’s MegaList – a performance-first, hype-last kind of operation built for casino and sportsbook brands that prefer results over buzzwords.

In an industry that sometimes feels like it’s powered by vague metrics and recycled content, MegaList steps in as the “Mega Map” – a practical, data-driven network guiding both players and operators to higher ground. Less “look at our reach,” more “here’s your conversion rate.”

So no, this isn’t just another logo-stamped brand promising traffic and delivering bounce rates. This is a carefully engineered affiliate engine built on smart SEO, qualified leads, and just enough caffeine-fueled obsession with results to make even the most skeptical operators pay attention.

The iGaming Affiliate World: Why It (Still) Matters

Let’s be honest – the affiliate space in iGaming has had its fair share of bad actors and empty promises. But when done right, affiliate marketing is still one of the most effective and efficient ways to connect licensed operators with the right players.

Players want fewer popups, more clarity. Operators want actual ROI, not vague impressions.
Enter: the data-driven affiliate network.

It’s simple:

Informed players make better choices.
Strategic affiliates deliver better traffic.
Everyone wins. Except, of course, the shady operators who preferred it the other way.

Meet the MegaList Brands

These aren’t vanity microsites. Each MegaList brand has a specific mission, actual humans behind the content, and a reputation for, well… telling it like it is.

MegaCasinoList

Let’s face it – players don’t need another affiliate promising “top 10 casinos” based on whatever ad paid the most. They need honest, transparent, expert-backed reviews.

That’s where MegaCasinoList comes in – a platform that filters out the noise and delivers legit info on licensed casinos, security, fairness, and gameplay. Slots? Live dealer games? Payout speed? Yep, it’s all in there, and it’s all vetted.

They work with reliable operators only, because – and here’s a crazy idea – not every shiny site deserves your deposit.

MegaTipsList

If you like sports predictions that read like a 20-page legal document, you’re in the wrong place.

MegaTipsList is built for bettors who want real insights, fast reads, accurate tips, and actual value. It delivers predictions, sports news, and timely promotions – minus the fluff and with none of that “win guaranteed” nonsense.

Designed for bettors who like to stay informed without needing a PhD to understand the odds.

MegaBetList

For the practical bettor who just wants the facts: which sites are legit, which ones pay fast, and what to expect before placing your first wager.

MegaBetList reviews betting platforms with a clear, no-nonsense voice. It’s not trying to dazzle; it’s trying to help people bet smarter – and it’s doing a pretty solid job of it.

From licensing to promotions to usability, everything is covered – and everything is filtered through what actually matters to sports fans.

Why This All Matters (And Why It’s Working)

The iGaming world doesn’t need more noise. It needs better filters, smarter partners, and affiliates that actually care whether the traffic leads somewhere useful.

That’s where MegaList comes in – not to impress with buzzwords, but to perform, to scale, and to make sure both operators and players are on the same page for once.

And if we may drop in a little vision while we’re at it:

“At MegaList, we believe informed players and strategic operators shape a stronger, smarter iGaming industry.”

For once, a statement that isn’t just inspirational filler.

So the next time someone pitches you an affiliate network, ask one thing: “Do they have a plan, or just a landing page?”

MegaList has both, and a track record to prove it.

Explore MegaList’s network:
🔗 MegaAffiliatesList.com

The post Meet MegaList: The Rising Force in iGaming Affiliation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 2-8

Published

6 days ago

June 10, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-june-2-8

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Merkur Gaming is going to participate in this year’s Peru Gaming Show, taking place from June 18 to 19 at the Centro de Convenciones Jockey Plaza in Lima. Representatives from the company’s German headquarters and its local subsidiary, Merkur Gaming Peru, will be on site to present the latest product innovations and engage with customers and visitors alike. The main attraction at the Merkur Gaming stand will be the linked progressive jackpot system Clash Link. This system stands out for its wealth of unique jackpot mechanics, which keep the excitement level consistently high.

PENN Entertainment has launched a new PGA TOUR-branded Blackjack game in New Jersey and Ontario. PGA TOUR Blackjack, now available via online Hollywood Casino in New Jersey and theScore Casino in Ontario, is the first iCasino game featuring PGA TOUR branding across any platform. PGA TOUR Blackjack, created by PENN’s in-house game development studio, PENN Game Studios, offers classic blackjack gameplay, plus poker and pairs side bets. The golf-themed table features official PGA TOUR logos, custom playing cards, chips and golf-themed celebrations. The new title is available on the standalone Hollywood Casino and theScore Casino platforms and is also accessible through ESPN BET in New Jersey and theScore BET in Ontario.

International Game Technology PLC announced the launch of IGT PlayDigital’s MEGA VAULT offering – a new innovation on its player engagement solution. Powered by the IGT PlayDigital Engagement Platform, a customisable suite of player engagement tools, MEGA VAULT brings together its industry-renowned engagement tools—Prize Drops, Leaderboards, Marketing Jackpots and more—into a single promotional experience. Designed to maximise excitement, engagement and rewards, MEGA VAULT aims to deliver seamless high-impact campaigns that captivate players and drive long-term retention.

Partnerships

Zitro has installed its revolutionary CONCEPT cabinets at the Casino La Cima in Mérida, Yucatán. The CONCEPT cabinets feature the Magic Lighting system, which syncs lights and sound with gameplay for a fully immersive experience, and the largest Screen Deck button panel on the market, offering unmatched comfort and ease of use for players and operators. This launch is backed by some of Zitro’s most successful titles — Fortune Legacy, Legendary Sword and King Fu Frog — all proven crowd favourites known for their engaging mechanics and strong performance.

Aristocrat Interactive, under NeoGames US, signed a six-year contract with the Michigan Lottery to provide its full solution of iLottery product offerings, reaffirming its leadership in the U.S. iLottery industry. Under the contract, from July 2026, Aristocrat Interactive will provide services to the Michigan Lottery for six years, with six additional one-year extension opportunities. The relationship with the Michigan Lottery began in 2014 with the launch of its iLottery programme using NeoGames’ iLottery platform and games. This new deal will provide the Michigan Lottery with eInstant games, draw-based games and add-on offerings produced by Aristocrat Interactive’s NeoGames Studio, along with continuing to leverage the company’s iLottery technology. Aristocrat Interactive will also provide the Michigan Lottery with a new website and mobile application services with Gambyt – a software company specialising in the lottery, casino and sports betting industries.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 2-8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

EGBA Announces Dates for This Year’s European Safer Gambling Week

Published

6 days ago

June 10, 2025

Niji Narayan

egba-announces-dates-for-this-year’s-european-safer-gambling-week

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that this year’s European Safer Gambling Week will take place from November 17 to 23.

European Safer Gambling Week is an annual collaborative initiative to raise awareness about safer gambling in Europe and foster a strong culture of player protection. Organised by EGBA, the initiative serves as a platform to inform citizens about safer gambling and promote information and best practice-sharing between stakeholders across Europe’s gambling sector, including operators, regulators, technology providers, support organisations and experts-by-experience.

This year will be the fifth edition of the initiative and follows the unprecedented success of 2024, which saw 195 partners participate in a social media campaign across 26 countries reaching 3.1 million social media users with important safer gambling messages. There were also 20 events held during the week that gathered 3000 attendees.

Building upon this momentum, the 2025 edition will be underpinned by a social media campaign and an array of insightful workshops. These will aim to raise awareness about safer gambling, share best practices and tips, signpost crucial resources and services, and facilitate meaningful discussions about the latest developments in regulation and research.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: “We’re pleased to announce the dates for European Safer Gambling Week 2025 and are excited to build on the exceptional momentum of last year’s campaign. The initiative has become Europe’s leading platform for safer gambling awareness and last year brought together a record coalition of 195 partners across 26 countries to promote player protection. This is a shared commitment and we invite organisations across the industry to join us for this year’s edition and help us foster a strong culture of safe and sustainable gambling in Europe.”

The post EGBA Announces Dates for This Year’s European Safer Gambling Week appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.