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Betting Brands may Shift Focus from Sports to Casino Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

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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.

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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.

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$1.5 Billion: PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Hits Historic Milestone in Prizes Awarded to Players

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PokerStars’ prestigious Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) has officially surpassed $1.5 billion in total prize money awarded to players over its 17-year legacy, marking a historic milestone for one of the richest and most iconic championship series in online poker.

Since its inception in 2009, SCOOP has grown into the ultimate proving ground in online tournament poker, where both established stars and rising talents battle for prestige, prize money and a place in the game’s history.

The major $1.5 billion landmark was hit during this year’s SCOOP series, which kicked off on March 1 and runs until March 25, in Event 40-M: $109 NLHE [Progressive KO Sunday Million], which saw “nomalice” beat a field of 8,017 players to win $85,597,11 and the coveted SCOOP title.

Prior to the start of the 2026 event, SCOOP had awarded a total of $1,485,704,101 in prizepools, $227,004,607 in first place prizes, and attracted 144,715,424 in total entries across 1,231 events with 3,680 tournaments. Sweden’s Simon “C. Darwin2” Mattsson is the greatest player in SCOOP history having earned 14 titles, followed by the UK’s Benny “RunGodlike” Glaser who now has 12 titles, having earned another SCOOP title last week in Event 12-H: $320 Fenomeno HR Turbo. Benny is the most decorated player in COOP history also having a record-leading 16 World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP) titles.

“SCOOP awarding $1.5 billion in total prizes is an incredible moment for online poker,” said  Steve Clarricoats, Associate Director of Poker Operations at PokerStars. “It’s a powerful reminder of the scale, history, and prestige of this series. But the true value of SCOOP isn’t just measured in dollars, it’s measured in players earning their greatness and winning a SCOOP title. Winning a SCOOP title remains one of the biggest ambitions in online poker and we’re excited to see which players join the history books this year.”

This year’s 136-event SCOOP schedule (with a total of 400 tournaments) is awarding over $45 million in guaranteed prizepools, and features low, medium, and high buy-in levels from $5.50 to $15,000. The flagship Main Events will be a schedule highlight and will award a total of $5.5 million across the NLHE Main Events on March 22, and $550,000 across the PLO Main Events on March 23.

Players can qualify through satellites from just $0.55, and the SCOOP Lucky Dip where over $500,000 in SCOOP tickets are up for grabs.

For more information about SCOOP head to the PokerStars Blog.

 

The post $1.5 Billion: PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Hits Historic Milestone in Prizes Awarded to Players appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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Boomerang Partners

The ongoing TIME TO WIN tournament by Boomerang Partners offers affiliates access to rewards connected with AC Milan.

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The exclusive TIME TO WIN affiliate tournament, organised by Boomerang Partners – an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan – is gaining momentum, with dozens of affiliate teams from across the globe already competing for valuable prizes and once-in-a-lifetime AC Milan experiences.

The Clock Is Ticking

With the tournament closing on March 31, 2026, every day counts. Affiliates who delay risk losing ground to competitors, as points accumulate quickly and unique experiences, including a behind-the-scenes visit to AC Milan’s Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet, will not be available after this activation. The call to action is clear: act now, complete tasks, and accumulate points to qualify for prize draws featuring a range of AC Milan-related rewards.

How Affiliates Earn Points

Participants in the TIME TO WIN tournament complete structured tasks across five key segments. Each task earns a fixed number of points:

  • Generate new sports users for Boomerang’s client portfolio (10 points per qualified action)

  • Complete the survey (25 points)

  • Contribute expert commentary (30 points)

  • Showcase creativity via a dedicated social media challenge (25 points)

  • Leave a review on a selected platform (20 points)

As affiliates reach specific point thresholds, they unlock entry to one of five prize draws. Higher scores give access to more draws, creating a competitive and rewarding environment for active participants.

Exclusive AC Milan Experiences Await

The tournament’s prize structure is designed to reward top-performing affiliates with increasingly prestigious AC Milan experiences:

  • 150 points – Entry to the TIME TO WIN Merch Pack draw (3 sets of 5 kits each)

  • 250 points – Entry to the draw for official AC Milan jerseys signed by players (3 sets of 5 jerseys each)

  • 350 points – Entry to the draw for a trip for five to attend AC Milan vs Cagliari

  • 550 points – Entry to the draw for a trip for five to attend AC Milan vs Juventus, including behind-the-scenes access, pre-match tunnel experience, and pitchside viewing of team warm-ups

  • 750 points – The ultimate tier, granting entry to the draw for a trip to AC Milan’s legendary Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet. Two prizes are available for five guests each, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access, a tour of the facilities, and the opportunity to witness the Men’s First Team training in action – a truly rare and unforgettable experience.

Affiliates Share Their Experience

Participants are actively sharing their enthusiasm. Sports influencer Firo Orakel said:
“Being part of the TIME TO WIN tournament truly means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate. The prizes are a strong motivator, and I love being able to share them with my community. I promote the campaign on my Discord server and during my streams to keep momentum going.”

The Rossoneri Hub – Central Platform for Engagement

All tournament activities are coordinated through the Rossoneri Hub, Boomerang Partners’ central platform for AC Milan-related activations. This hub serves as a one-stop destination for affiliates, providing updates, guidance, and resources to maximise performance and engagement.

Strategically Timed During the Peak Sports Season

The tournament’s timing in February–March 2026 is deliberate, coinciding with a peak moment in the football season, including the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds. Boomerang Partners supports affiliates with a detailed guide offering market insights, expected player activity shifts, practical tips, and data-driven strategies to navigate these high-stakes periods effectively. TIME TO WIN is built for moments like this, when the competitive landscape is at its peak.

About Boomerang Partners

Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency delivering a wide array of services. As an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, the agency is uniquely positioned to create sports-focused activations that combine strategy, technology, and engagement. In 2024, it launched the Golden Boomerang Awards, a global tournament for affiliate teams, which saw over 400 teams participate in its 2025 second season.

The agency manages 10+ brands across 40+ regulated markets, offering affiliate and entertainment services with personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support. Between 2024–2025, new product launches from partner brands contributed to a nearly 1.5× increase in product users, highlighting Boomerang’s ability to deliver measurable growth through data-driven affiliate campaigns.

The post The ongoing TIME TO WIN tournament by Boomerang Partners offers affiliates access to rewards connected with AC Milan. appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Boomerang Partners

The ongoing TIME TO WIN tournament by Boomerang Partners offers affiliates access to rewards connected with AC Milan.

Published

on

the-ongoing-time-to-win-tournament-by-boomerang-partners-offers-affiliates-access-to-rewards-connected-with-ac-milan.

The exclusive TIME TO WIN affiliate tournament by Boomerang Partners, an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, is gaining momentum. Dozens of affiliate teams worldwide have already joined the race to compete for valuable prizes and unique AC Milan-related experiences.

Don’t miss your chance

The clock is winding down. With the tournament closing on March 31, every day you wait is a point a competitor earns. Competition is intensifying, and access to unique experiences – including a behind-the-scenes visit to AC Milan’s training base, Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet – will not be available beyond this activation.

The time to act is now. Participants can access the tournament page, complete the tasks, and accumulate points, securing a place for prize draws featuring AC Milan-related experiences.

How affiliates earn points

The TIME TO WIN tournament participants complete clearly structured tasks across five segments. Each completed task brings a fixed number of points:

  • Generate new sports users for brands within Boomerang’s client portfolio (10 points per qualified action)
  • Take the survey (25 points)
  • Share your insights by contributing expert commentary (30 points)
  • Prove your creativity through a dedicated SMM challenge (25 points)
  • Leave a review on a selected platform (20 points)

As soon as affiliates reach specific point thresholds, they unlock access to prize draws. There are five in total, and the higher the score, the more draws a team qualifies for.

Exclusive AC Milan experiences

By reaching specific point thresholds, affiliate teams will gain access to the corresponding prize draws linked to exclusive AC Milan experiences. The structure is clear:

  • 150 points – qualify for the TIME TO WIN Merch Pack draw (3 sets of 5 kits each)
  • 250 points – enter the draw for official AC Milan jerseys signed by players (3 sets of 5 jerseys each)
  • 350 points – secure a place in the draw for a trip for five persons to attend AC Milan v Cagliari
  • 550 points – become eligible for the draw for a trip for five persons to attend AC Milan v Juventus, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access with pre-match access to the tunnel area, and pitchside viewing of the teams’ warm-up.

The ultimate tier requires 750 points and unlocks access to the draw for an exclusive trip to AC Milan’s legendary training base, Milanello Sports Centre powered by Clivet. Reserved for top-performing teams (2 prizes for 5 guests each), this experience offers behind-the-scenes access to the Club’s inner environment, including a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to see the Men First Team training. This is a rare behind-the-scenes experience offering a unique glimpse into AC Milan’s daily routine.

Affiliate teams participating in the TIME TO WIN tournament actively share positive feedback. For example, sports influencer Firo Orakel highlighted his experience: “Being part of the TIME TO WIN tournament truly means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate. The prizes are a strong motivator – I want to share them with my community as well, as it gives them a chance to benefit too. I actively support the campaign through my Discord server, where I engage directly with my audience, and I also promote it regularly during my streams to keep the momentum going,” said Firo.

The Rossoneri Hub as the central platform

All activities related to the TIME TO WIN tournament are featured on the Rossoneri Hub portal, the main platform where Boomerang Partners centralizes its AC Milan-related activations. This is a unique web resource that Boomerang Partners launched as an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan.

A strategic moment within the sports season

Boomerang Partners’ decision to hold the TIME TO WIN tournament in February-March 2026 is no coincidence. This period marks one of the peak moments of the sports season, alongside major international competitions and football tournaments, the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds. The company is ready to actively share its sports expertise, including through an exclusive guide which provides affiliates with information on expected shifts in player activity by competition stage, market insights, practical recommendations, and data-driven guidance for navigating the sports peak.

TIME TO WIN was built for moments like this – when the sports calendar is at its peak. Join now and compete for unique AC Milan experiences.

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 client portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.

The post The ongoing TIME TO WIN tournament by Boomerang Partners offers affiliates access to rewards connected with AC Milan. appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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