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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.
Amusnet
Amusnet Celebrates Football Season with the Launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition
As football fever takes over the world and fans unite around the beautiful game, Amusnet is bringing the excitement from the stadium straight to the casino floor with the launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition – the latest addition to the beloved Ca$hybara series.
This energetic crash game puts players at the center of the action, where every touch of the ball could lead to bigger rewards. Taking the spotlight once again is the unstoppable Ca$hybara, this time stepping onto the football pitch with confidence, skill and plenty of flair.
In Ca$hybara Football Edition, the charismatic sports star keeps the ball airborne through an impressive display of juggling mastery. With every successful touch, the multiplier climbs higher, creating a thrilling balance between risk and reward. The challenge is simple: decide how long to stay in the game before cashing out. The longer Ca$hybara remains in control, the greater the potential winnings – but one missed touch can change everything.
Designed to keep players engaged from kick-off to the final whistle, the game introduces constant decision-making throughout every round. Players can choose to secure part of their winnings with the 50% Cashout option or continue riding the momentum in pursuit of even bigger multipliers. Timing, confidence and a little courage will determine who comes out on top.
Adding another layer of excitement are the popular Jackpot Cards, Amusnet’s signature jackpot feature, offering players additional chances for rewarding surprises and making every session even more dynamic.
With its football-inspired theme, fast-paced gameplay, and familiar Ca$hybara charm, Ca$hybara Football Edition arrives at the perfect moment, capturing the energy and passion of the season when football dominates conversations across the globe.
Whether players are seasoned crash game enthusiasts or discovering the genre for the first time, Ca$hybara Football Edition delivers an entertaining experience where every second counts and every decision matters.
Gamble
Play the game and multiply the winnings through the Gambling feature.
Multipliers
The game starts with a multiplier set at 1x and rises gradually and can go up to a max coefficient of 1,000,000. Multiplier can potentially crash at 1x, ending the game round.
50% Cash Out
Players can cash out 50% of their bet during the game round and continue playing with the remaining 50%.
Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.
The post Amusnet Celebrates Football Season with the Launch of Ca$hybara Football Edition appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
ArenaPlus
DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has been named Digital Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific, marking its second consecutive annual win in the category and reinforcing its leading industry position in the APAC region. The recognition was announced during the Global Gaming Awards ceremony held on June 2 at Conrad Manila.
One of the international gaming industry’s most prestigious awards programmes, the Global Gaming Awards, powered by Global Gaming Insider, recognise excellence in innovation, player experience, responsible gaming and operational excellence across both land-based and online gaming sectors. Winners are selected by a panel of senior industry executives with extensive experience and deep knowledge of the market, with the voting process independently adjudicated by KPMG to ensure rigor and transparency.
The Digital Operator of the Year category recognises operators that have demonstrated outstanding growth, innovation and player engagement over the past 12 months. DigiPlus emerged victorious from a shortlist of eight nominees, besting seven other operators across APAC.
Judges highlighted DigiPlus’ strong 2025 performance, the addition of over 500 new e-games on its platforms, and the rollout of industry-first responsible gaming tools. The company also continues its momentum in 2026 through major partnerships, including recently launched collaborations with Manny Pacquiao and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In addition to its top industry honor, DigiPlus earned further recognition for its social impact initiatives, securing the first runner-up spot in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Year category.
The awards body commended DigiPlus for its impressive CSR work via the DigiPlus Foundation which delivers healthcare, education, disaster relief, and social empowerment programs to over 1 million beneficiaries and counting across the Philippines.
“We are honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards. These prestigious international industry accolades reflect DigiPlus’ unwavering pursuit of excellence and our drive to continuously innovate, deepen player engagement, and champion responsible gaming across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco.
“Together with the recognition for DigiPlus Foundation, this back-to-back win affirms our commitment to delivering world-class digital entertainment to Filipinos while contributing to nation-building.”
The Global Gaming Awards also hold annual editions in the Americas and EMEA regions, recognising industry excellence across the globe.
The post DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Greece
SYNOT Games Announces New Partnership with Superbet
In a move that further reinforces its footprint across regulated European markets, SYNOT Games has announced a new partnership with Superbet, a prominent platform in Greece. The collaboration certified SYNOT titles, including some of the studio’s latest and most innovative releases, to the casino’s rapidly growing grid.
Players on Superbet can now enjoy great slots such as Respin Joker 81, Aztec Jaguar and Toro Wilds Reel. These additions expand Superbet’s offering with a spectrum of engaging mechanics, artistic design and mobile-first performance, ensuring the highest-quality entertainment for Greek audiences.
The agreement is part of SYNOT Games’ strategic initiative to solidify its presence exclusively in licensed, regulated markets by providing certified content through partnerships with established, trusted regional operators.
Martina Krajčí, Chief Commercial Officer at SYNOT Games, said: “We are excited to bring our portfolio to Greek players through this strategic alliance with Superbet. Greece represents a market with great potential and an audience that appreciates quality, variety, and innovation. Superbet’s agility and commitment to delivering premium entertainment make them an ideal partner for our continued Mediterranean expansion.”
Superbet, known for its user-centric approach and cutting-edge platform, views the addition of SYNOT Games content as a key enhancement to its offering and a testament to its mission of hosting best-in-class gaming experiences.
Stathis Leontaritis, Casino Lead at Superbet, said: “Our partnership with SYNOT Games further strengthens our commitment to delivering a diverse and engaging gaming portfolio to Greek customers. With its proven track record across Central and Eastern Europe, unique game mechanics, and strong land-based heritage, Synot brings a distinctive content offering that complements our existing Superbet portfolio and supports our goal of providing a premium online entertainment experience to players in Greece.”
This collaboration not only empowers Superbet to differentiate its portfolio further but also underscores SYNOT Games’ long-term commitment to regulated growth, responsible gaming, and working exclusively with trusted local operators – a model increasingly valued by players and regulators.
The post SYNOT Games Announces New Partnership with Superbet appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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