Latest News
Betting Brands may Shift Focus from Sports to Casino Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has shaken up the world. No one and no business has been left unaffected by the virus, and that includes the betting industry. Land-based casino and betting shops have especially felt the impact of the novel coronavirus, which has forced these establishments to close to help stop the spread of the disease. Even the biggest sports betting brands in the UK have suffered online and offline from the widescale suspension, postponement or cancellation of major sporting events.
There’s no question that as far as the gambling industry is concerned, brick and mortar betting shops and casinos have taken the hardest hit, with one of the worst cases being in Nevada, which shut down every casino on its famous Las Vegas strip back in mid-March. Nevada depends on tourism more than any other U.S. state and is used to catering to tens of millions of visitors annually. Unemployment rates are expected to go up by a minimum of 30% in the state, according to the Nevada Resort Association. This has left many to wonder and worry if Vegas’ big names like Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Sand Crop. will survive the virus’ economic impact, even with help from the financial relief plan.
That said, the closures caused by the coronavirus have been felt across the industry. For instance, the impact on big groups like GVC has resulted in the company taking steps to do what it can to alleviate the strain that has been placed on its operations. Like other companies, GVC has been working hard to lower costs and re-prioritize activity to preserve free cash while making sure its customers continue to be able to enjoy great experiences. Among these re-prioritisations has been reducing the amount spent on sports content, online sports marketing, and trading costs.
Photo source: Shutterstock
Even online Sportsbook is not Immune to Coronavirus
Naturally, the online gambling industry has a massive advantage over its land-based counterparts. No one needs to social distance online and gambling can be enjoyed safely from home 24/7 via a computer or mobile, whether one is self-isolating or in full quarantine. However, in spite of this fact, online sportsbooks continue to find it a challenge to make the most of the internet advantage.
With no active mainstream sports, online bookies have been forced to fill the void with more emphasis on the virtual world of sports, including animated versions of major horse races like the Grand National, which was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Grand National, like other virtual races, was a computer-simulated race. It included virtual spectators and virtual ambulances that followed the runners and riders around the courses.
Beyond virtual sports, digital bookmakers have also placed greater focus on eSports as well as other lesser known events. Still, even with the focus on these other events, all online bookmakers have seen a dramatic decline in depositors and increased churn rates because it is simply far too difficult to retain players when the major sports betting markets are at a standstill.
Many of the big name gambling operators have watched the value of their shares suffer from the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of these include:
- William Hill shares have dropped by more than half since the 21st of February 2020
- GVC Holdings (owner of Ladbrokes Coral) has seen a drop in share prices by more than 20%
- Flutter Entertainment (owner of Paddy Power Betfair) has seen its share value tank by over 15%
Sportsbooks May Shift their Focus to Online Casinos
Online casinos, which offer online slots, virtual table, and card games, scratch cards, live casino games, etc. are in much better shape than their sportsbook cousins and that’s because they don’t depend on sports or other major events to continue carrying on with business as usual.
As such, many bookies that also offer a casino platform may consider cross-selling their online casino products to their existing sports betting customers in an attempt to recoup some of the money they’ve lost. This tactic could work as bored housebound punters, who previously focused solely on sports, can be keener to engage in casino entertainment until they can bet on their favorite football matches or horse races again.
Since March, COVID-19 has shut down most economies and sent more than a billion people into lockdown. Like many other businesses considered non-essential, land-based gambling establishments have closed their doors until the outbreak and restrictions ease. While only time will tell how well gambling operators will fare once the worst of the pandemic has run its course, for now, all they can do is focus on their online operations and survive as best they can. For some, online casinos could potentially provide the life raft they need to stay afloat.
AC Milan
Boomerang Partners delivers TIME TO WIN main prize with Milanello experience
Boomerang Partners, an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, has delivered the main prize of its completed TIME TO WIN affiliate tournament. It ran from February 12 to March 31, 2026, with 57 affiliate teams taking part. Two winning teams travelled to Milan for a three-day programme built around the Club. The winners attended AC Milan v Juventus at San Siro Stadium, visited Casa Milan and the Mondo Milan Museum, and completed the trip with an exclusive visit to Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet.
Matchday at San Siro opened the three-day programme


The programme began on April 26 with AC Milan v Juventus at San Siro Stadium. The winning teams arrived at the stadium ahead of kick-off and were met by an AC Milan representative, who guided the group through the matchday process.
Before the match, the guests were taken to the pitchside area to watch the teams warming up. The partners had time to take photos and videos from close to the field. After the warm-up, they watched the match from their seats and experienced the atmosphere of one of the key fixtures of the Serie A calendar. The group also had access to the hospitality lounge with food and drinks before and during the match.
Inside Casa Milan: history, trophies, and hospitality

On April 27, the programme continued at Casa Milan, where the group joined a guided Mondo Milan Museum tour in English. The tour covered AC Milan’s history, trophies, and key achievements, giving partners more context after the matchday experience at San Siro Stadium.
After the Mondo Milan Museum tour, the winners had time to visit the Casa Milan Store. The hospitality part of the day continued with snacks and drinks arranged for the group. The partners also received AC Milan shirts, which became a pleasant surprise during the visit.
The final day brought winners to Milanello


On April 28, the winners visited Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet, AC Milan’s legendary training base. The group was welcomed in the hospitality area before starting a tour of the facility, including the training fields and facilities used by the team.
Daniele Massaro, Club Ambassador and former AC Milan player, also joined the group at Milanello. He spoke with the guests and signed autographs. After the tour, the partners watched the team training session and joined an autograph session with the players. They also had time to speak with them, take photos, and have AC Milan shirts signed.
For the winning teams, Milanello was the strongest part of the programme. It gave them access to a setting usually closed to the public and direct contact with the Club, its players, and its training environment.
Liliia Sudachenko, Affiliate Team Lead at Boomerang Partners, who joined the winners during the trip, commented: “The trip went very well, and the feedback from partners was extremely positive. The programme was rich and very well organized, but balanced enough for everyone to enjoy all three days in Milan without feeling exhausted. The strongest emotions came from the pitchside access before AC Milan v Juventus, the warm-up at San Siro, the visit to Milanello, and the opportunity to meet the players, take photos, and get autographs. For us, the main result was stronger relationships with partners and a higher level of trust in Boomerang Partners. Everyone genuinely enjoyed the time in Milan, and for us that reaction was the best confirmation of the value of this prize.”
From TIME TO WIN to Golden Boomerang Awards 2026
Following the TIME TO WIN activation, Boomerang Partners continues its affiliate tournament series with Golden Boomerang Awards 2026. On April 3, the company launched the third season of its annual tournament for affiliate teams.
The 2026 season runs under the “Beyond the Moment” concept and includes exclusive sports experiences such as the trip to the Wimbledon Championships, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza, and an exclusive dinner with an AC Milan Legend. The final ceremony will take place in Lisbon during the SBC Summit.
Further details on participation in the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 are available on the official GBA 2026 website.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The Agency’s clients’ portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide incentive programs and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Boomerang Partners delivers TIME TO WIN main prize with Milanello experience appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Latest News
Boomerang Partners delivers TIME TO WIN main prize with Milanello experience
Boomerang Partners, an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, has delivered the main prize of its completed TIME TO WIN affiliate tournament. It ran from February 12 to March 31, 2026, with 57 affiliate teams taking part. Two winning teams travelled to Milan for a three-day programme built around the Club. The winners attended AC Milan v Juventus at San Siro Stadium, visited Casa Milan and the Mondo Milan Museum, and completed the trip with an exclusive visit to Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet.
Matchday at San Siro opened the three-day programme


The programme began on April 26 with AC Milan v Juventus at San Siro Stadium. The winning teams arrived at the stadium ahead of kick-off and were met by an AC Milan representative, who guided the group through the matchday process.
Before the match, the guests were taken to the pitchside area to watch the teams warming up. The partners had time to take photos and videos from close to the field. After the warm-up, they watched the match from their seats and experienced the atmosphere of one of the key fixtures of the Serie A calendar. The group also had access to the hospitality lounge with food and drinks before and during the match.
Inside Casa Milan: history, trophies, and hospitality

On April 27, the programme continued at Casa Milan, where the group joined a guided Mondo Milan Museum tour in English. The tour covered AC Milan’s history, trophies, and key achievements, giving partners more context after the matchday experience at San Siro Stadium.
After the Mondo Milan Museum tour, the winners had time to visit the Casa Milan Store. The hospitality part of the day continued with snacks and drinks arranged for the group. The partners also received AC Milan shirts, which became a pleasant surprise during the visit.
The final day brought winners to Milanello


On April 28, the winners visited Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet, AC Milan’s legendary training base. The group was welcomed in the hospitality area before starting a tour of the facility, including the training fields and facilities used by the team.
Daniele Massaro, Club Ambassador and former AC Milan player, also joined the group at Milanello. He spoke with the guests and signed autographs. After the tour, the partners watched the team training session and joined an autograph session with the players. They also had time to speak with them, take photos, and have AC Milan shirts signed.
For the winning teams, Milanello was the strongest part of the programme. It gave them access to a setting usually closed to the public and direct contact with the Club, its players, and its training environment.
Liliia Sudachenko, Affiliate Team Lead at Boomerang Partners, who joined the winners during the trip, commented: “The trip went very well, and the feedback from partners was extremely positive. The programme was rich and very well organized, but balanced enough for everyone to enjoy all three days in Milan without feeling exhausted. The strongest emotions came from the pitchside access before AC Milan v Juventus, the warm-up at San Siro, the visit to Milanello, and the opportunity to meet the players, take photos, and get autographs. For us, the main result was stronger relationships with partners and a higher level of trust in Boomerang Partners. Everyone genuinely enjoyed the time in Milan, and for us that reaction was the best confirmation of the value of this prize.”
From TIME TO WIN to Golden Boomerang Awards 2026
Following the TIME TO WIN activation, Boomerang Partners continues its affiliate tournament series with Golden Boomerang Awards 2026. On April 3, the company launched the third season of its annual tournament for affiliate teams.
The 2026 season runs under the “Beyond the Moment” concept and includes exclusive sports experiences such as the trip to the Wimbledon Championships, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza, and an exclusive dinner with an AC Milan Legend. The final ceremony will take place in Lisbon during the SBC Summit.
Further details on participation in the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 are available on the official GBA 2026 website.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The Agency’s clients’ portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide incentive programs and 24/7 multilingual support.
Founder and CEO SCCG Management
SCCG LATAM to Host First International Gaming and iGaming Conference in Venezuela, Caracas, August 12-14, 2026
Three-day conference will convene Venezuela’s gaming regulators, leading operators, banking partners, and international providers for the first time.
“The Venezuela Gaming Expo is a defining moment for Latin American gaming. For the first time, international operators, providers, and investors will have a structured venue to engage directly with the regulators and operators shaping one of the region’s largest underexplored markets.” — Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO, SCCG Management
SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, today announced the inaugural Venezuela Gaming Expo, the first international gaming and iGaming conference to be held in Venezuela. Organized by SCCG LATAM, the three-day conference will take place at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas from August 12 to 14, 2026.
The Expo brings together Venezuela’s gaming regulators, leading domestic operators, banking and payments partners, international providers, and investors for what will be the country’s first dedicated international gaming convening. Pre-registration is open now for operators, suppliers, banking and payments firms, investors, regulators, and media seeking early access to programming and direct introductions to the Venezuelan operating community.
Venezuela is one of Latin America’s largest gaming markets and one of the least understood by international operators. The country has a population of nearly 29 million, high mobile and internet penetration, and a functioning regulated industry. Three license-emitting bodies govern the market: the Comisión Nacional de Casinos, Salas de Bingo y Máquinas Traganíqueles (CNC), the Comisión Nacional de Lotería (CONALOT), and the Superintendencia Nacional de Actividades Hípicas (SUNAHIP). The Instituto Nacional de Hipódromos (INH) operates national horse racing and sports betting infrastructure under SUNAHIP’s regulatory umbrella. Thirty-two licensed online operators are currently active, with the top five generating over USD 150 million in gross gaming revenue annually. SCCG LATAM has published a detailed primer on the Venezuelan gaming market covering the country’s regulatory framework, market dynamics, and banking infrastructure.
In April 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 57, authorizing U.S. financial institutions to provide a broad range of financial services to four named Venezuelan state banks. The licence marks the first time in years that payment infrastructure between U.S. and Venezuelan financial institutions has been on a clear legal footing, lowering one of the most cited structural barriers to international engagement with the Venezuelan gaming sector.
The Expo programme is built around three integrated pillars. A conference programme curated by operators for operators will cover market entry, regulatory navigation, payments and banking infrastructure, and cross-border distribution, with keynote speakers including Venezuelan government officials and industry leaders. A networking layer integrates hosted dinners and curated engagement with the Caracas gaming community. A dedicated business meetings room facilitates private introductions between operators, providers, banking partners, and investors. The format is designed for outcome over spectacle, with approximately 3,000 attendees and 60 exhibitor tables.
The Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas sits in Chuao, near the city’s financial district, with full conference facilities and on-site accommodations that allow the programme, networking, and business meetings to flow within a single venue.
“The Venezuela Gaming Expo is a defining moment for Latin American gaming,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management. “For the first time, international operators, providers, and investors will have a structured venue to engage directly with the regulators and operators shaping one of the region’s largest underexplored markets. With the recent opening of U.S. banking channels through General License 57, the timing is right to convene the global industry in Caracas and translate market interest into commercial activity. SCCG LATAM is built to deliver that bridge.”
The Expo is part of SCCG LATAM’s broader regional strategy following the launch of its dedicated Latin American division and Miami office earlier this year. SCCG works directly with Venezuela’s three license-emitting bodies and with established Venezuelan operators, positioning international participants for compliant market entry and partnership.
Pre-registration, sponsorship inquiries, and exhibitor inquiries can be submitted at sccgmanagement.com/sccg-articles/2026/05/10/venezuela-gaming-expo-2026-save-the-date. A SCCG LATAM team member will follow up within 48 hours of each submission.
The post SCCG LATAM to Host First International Gaming and iGaming Conference in Venezuela, Caracas, August 12-14, 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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