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.
GR8 Tech has been awarded Best Platform Provider 2026 at the SiGMA Eurasia Awards, reaffirming its position as a leading technology partner for casino and sportsbook operators worldwide.
The recognition highlights the company’s ability to deliver a stable, high-performance platform that enables rapid market entry and seamless scalability across regulated and emerging markets.
The award reflects GR8 Tech’s Platform for Champions philosophy—a full-stack iGaming platform engineered for speed, flexibility, and reliability under peak operational loads. Designed to support both casino and sportsbook businesses, the platform allows operators to configure, localize, and scale efficiently while maintaining consistent performance across jurisdictions.
A key driver behind the win is GR8 Tech’s recently launched Crypto Turnkey solution, which combines a comprehensive sportsbook and casino offering with native multi-wallet functionality. This solution enables operators to enter crypto-friendly markets faster, streamline payments, and offer modern betting experiences tailored to evolving player preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Sergey Ghazaryan, Chief Revenue Officer at GR8 Tech, said:
“Awards are meaningful when they reflect real-world performance. This recognition confirms that operators can rely on our platform when entering new markets and scaling under pressure. The Platform for Champions is built to perform when it matters most, and we’ll continue delivering the competitive advantages our partners need to succeed locally and globally.”
The Best Platform Provider 2026 title follows GR8 Tech’s recent accolade as Best Software Supplier of the Year at the European iGaming Awards, further cementing the company’s reputation as a top-tier iGaming technology provider.
With a focus on rapid integration, smart localization, and long-term scalability, GR8 Tech continues to set new benchmarks for platform performance and innovation in the global iGaming industry. Operators looking to launch faster and scale with confidence can explore GR8 Tech’s award-winning Platform for Champions through personalized demos and consultations.
The post GR8 Tech Named Best Platform Provider 2026 at SiGMA Eurasia Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
brand sponsorship Brazil
Esportes da Sorte Becomes Official Sponsor of Brazil’s Biggest Carnival Celebrations in 2026
Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading iGaming brands, has announced a major nationwide sponsorship for Carnival 2026, securing an official presence at the country’s most iconic and culturally significant celebrations.
The initiative marks one of the most extensive Carnival activation projects ever undertaken by a gaming company in Brazil.
For Carnival 2026, Esportes da Sorte will serve as an official sponsor in seven Brazilian capitals: Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Natal, and Maceió. In addition, the brand will have a strong presence in Olinda, a city internationally recognized for its cultural heritage, along with targeted activations in Caicó (Rio Grande do Norte), a key production hub for the company’s promotional materials.
This nationwide project reflects Esportes da Sorte’s long-term commitment to Brazilian popular culture and its continued investment in community-based celebrations across multiple regions. The 2026 Carnival strategy has been developed city by city, embracing the diversity of Carnival expressions—from traditional street blocos and electric trios to large-scale urban stages—while adapting visual identity, messaging, and experiences to local traditions and cultural narratives.
Darwin Filho, CEO of Esportes Gaming Brasil, emphasized the cultural importance of the initiative:
“Carnival is part of Brazil’s identity and has always been part of Esportes da Sorte’s journey. Being present at the country’s main Carnival celebrations reinforces our long-term commitment to Brazilian culture, to the cities, and to the people who bring this festival to life in the streets.”
Marcela Campos, Vice President of Esportes Gaming Brasil, highlighted the localized approach behind the project: “Our Carnival strategy was carefully designed for each city, respecting its unique traditions and cultural characteristics. The goal is to create authentic experiences for Carnival-goers and integrate the brand organically into each celebration—whether through blocos, electric trios, or major urban hubs.”
Beyond on-the-ground activations, Esportes da Sorte’s Carnival 2026 campaign includes a comprehensive media and engagement strategy. The initiative will feature coordinated activations across television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and a national public relations campaign before, during, and after Carnival. Content creation and influencer partnerships will further amplify reach, capturing behind-the-scenes moments and authentic Carnival experiences across multiple locations.
Following its presence in more than 100 blocos and street parties during Carnival 2025, Esportes da Sorte is significantly expanding its footprint for 2026. The nationwide sponsorship solidifies the brand’s leadership role at Brazil’s largest cultural event and strengthens its positioning at the intersection of entertainment, culture, and gaming.
The post Esportes da Sorte Becomes Official Sponsor of Brazil’s Biggest Carnival Celebrations in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Tuesday 10th February 2026: Leading Brazilian iGaming company Esportes da Sorte will deliver one of the most extensive Carnival activations in the industry for Carnival 2026, with an official presence at the country’s most iconic and emblematic celebrations.
The brand will serve as the official sponsor of festivities in seven Brazilian capitals — Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Natal and Maceió — as well as having a strong presence in Olinda, a city of major cultural significance. The national project will also include special activations in Caicó (RN), a key production hub for the brand’s promotional merchandise.
This initiative reflects Esportes da Sorte’s continued investment in Brazilian popular culture, built over several years across different regions of the country. In 2026, this positioning takes shape through a structured national project that embraces the diversity of Carnival formats — from traditional street blocos to electric trios and major urban stages — with visual identity and activations designed city by city, respecting local symbols, aesthetics and narratives.
“Carnival is part of Brazil’s cultural identity and also part of Esportes da Sorte’s journey. Being present at the country’s main Carnival celebrations is a strategic choice that reinforces our long-term commitment to popular culture, to the cities, and to the people who live this festival in the streets,” said Darwin Filho, CEO of Esportes Gaming Brasil.
“Our Carnival project was designed city by city, respecting the unique characteristics and culture of each sponsored location. The idea is to ensure a real presence and unique experiences for Carnival-goers, integrating the brand organically into the rhythm of each celebration. Whether through blocos, trios or major urban hubs, we want to strengthen ourselves as the brand that elevates the connection between culture and entertainment,” said Marcela Campos, Vice President of Esportes Gaming Brasil.
Beyond its on-the-ground presence, Esportes da Sorte’s Carnival 2026 strategy includes an integrated media and engagement approach, featuring activations across TV, radio, out-of-home media and a national PR operation before, during and after the festivities, focused on high-quality coverage and organic content generation.
The project will also include content and influencer engagement initiatives across multiple locations, expanding organic reach while capturing behind-the-scenes moments and Carnival experiences.
In 2025, the brand was present in more than 100 blocos and street parties across different regions of the country. For 2026, Esportes da Sorte is taking things to the next level, consolidating a nationwide project and reinforcing its leadership role in Brazil’s largest popular event.
The post Esportes da Sorte to be official sponsor of Brazil’s leading Carnival celebrations in 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
Brasil on Track6 days agoODDSGATE LAUNCHES “BRASIL ON TRACK”, A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR NAVIGATING BRAZIL’S REGULATED IGAMING MARKET
-
Latest News7 days ago
Million Games Unveils Looting Raccoons: A Charming Pirate Slot Packed with Features
-
3 Oaks Gaming7 days ago
Strategic partnership sees 3 Oaks Gaming expand its LatAm footprint with one of Mexico’s fastest-growing operators
-
0006 days ago
Cash Pig 2 Debuts from Booming Games with 15,000 Top Prize
-
40 Glossy Hot6 days ago
Amusnet Releases “40 Glossy Hot”
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Romanian National Gambling Authority Pushes for Urgent Overhaul of Self-exclusion Rules
-
Amusnet5 days ago
Week 6/2026 slot games releases
-
BETANO6 days ago
Playbook Fusion launches with Betano in Brazil
