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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.
Today marks the official launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, a significant milestone for the Canadian iGaming industry and an important step in Altenar’s continued expansion across North America.
Having secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Altenar is fully prepared to support licensed operators entering Canada’s newest regulated jurisdiction with its award-winning sportsbook technology.
The opening of Alberta’s market establishes Canada’s second regulated online gaming province after Ontario, creating fresh opportunities for operators seeking sustainable growth within a regulated framework.
With a strong track record across regulated markets worldwide, Altenar is well positioned to help partners launch competitive sportsbook offerings that prioritize player engagement, operational flexibility and long-term success.
As competition intensifies from day one, operators will be focused on delivering high-quality betting experiences capable of attracting playersAltenar’s scalable sportsbook solution, extensive customization capabilities and regulatory expertise provide operators with the tools needed to compete effectively in this evolving market.
Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:
“The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is an important moment not only for the province but for the wider Canadian industry. Regulation creates opportunities for operators to build trusted brands while giving players access to safer, more transparent betting environments.
“We’re excited to support our partners as they enter this new market. Success in Alberta will depend on offering a premium player experience from the very beginning – fast, reliable technology, competitive betting content and the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves. Those are exactly the areas where Altenar delivers value, and we look forward to helping operators grow sustainably in one of North America’s most promising new jurisdictions.”
Alberta represents another important milestone in Altenar’s North American growth strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in regulated markets, providing operators with the technology and expertise needed to succeed in increasingly competitive environments.
The post Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Playtech PLC on Thursday said it expects 2026 results to beat market expectations, with its first half supported by an “excellent performance in the US”.
Playtech shares jumped 18% to 378.60 pence each in London on Thursday morning. It is up around 3% over the past 12 months but had been around 10% lower prior to Thursday’s surge.
The Douglas, Isle of Man-based gambling software firm now expects adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of EUR270 million, “significantly above the current analyst consensus”. It puts the current consensus range at EUR205 million to EUR225 million.
Playtech’s current forecast represents a 37% rise from the EUR197.0 million achieved in 2025.
“Playtech’s trading has delivered results significantly ahead of market expectations, driven by excellent performance in the US and continued strength in Mexico, Colombia and certain European markets. The performance in the Americas, as consistently flagged since the start of the year, continued to accelerate through May and June,” the firm said.
It expects a first half adjusted Ebitda of over EUR155 million, rising at least 69% from EUR91.6 million a year prior.
Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer said: “We achieved an excellent performance in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued momentum in regulated markets, notably the Americas and certain European markets. Performance in the US, driven by our partnership with Hard Rock Digital, has been exceptionally strong, and we are delighted to see returns on our investments over recent years accelerate and contribute significantly to profitability and cash flow.
“Playtech continues to further establish itself in regulated and regulating markets going into the second half of the year, and we are pleased with the progress towards our medium-term targets.”
Playtech releases half-year results on September 10.
Looking ahead, it expects second half earnings to decline from the first, with UK regulatory measures partly to blame.
“Hard Rock Digital has become one of Playtech’s largest customers and is expected to remain so going forward, albeit Playtech’s revenue with the operator is likely to continue at a lower but more sustainable level in H2 2026 and into 2027. Elsewhere, the company has been investing into a significant partnership in Brazil, ahead of expected signing and launch, which is likely to begin contributing to growth in 2027. In addition, in H2 2026 Playtech will also absorb the full impact of increased remote gaming duty in the UK, which became effective in April 2026,” the firm explained.
From April 2026 there was an increase in UK remote gaming duty 40% from 21%. Remote gaming duty is a levy applied on online casino offerings, poker and slots.
The post Playtech Raises its Full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Forecast to €270 Million appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Imagine Live, the live casino provider, has partnered with MaxBet, one of the leading sports betting and gaming operators in the Balkans.
The partnership extends Imagine Live’s presence across regulated markets, bringing its live dealer games and game show content to MaxBet’s player base.
Now agreed and rolling out, the collaboration will go live first in Montenegro, followed by Serbia and then Bosnia & Herzegovina.
MaxBet serves around 95,000 online players each month, holding a leading position in its core Serbian market. The business has been majority-owned by Flutter Entertainment – the global operator behind brands including Paddy Power and Betfair – since 2023.
Its players will gain access to Imagine Live’s portfolio of live dealer tables and game shows, streamed from the provider’s studios in Armenia, Romania and Spain.
Launched in 2022, Imagine Live operates more than 200 tables and holds licences with the UKGC, MGA, ONJN, HGC and other regulators, extending its footprint in a region where regulated online play continues to grow.
Nadiya Attard, Chief Commercial Officer at Imagine Live, said: “Going live with MaxBet reflects the strength of our content and our focus on partnering with established operators across regulated markets.
“MaxBet is one of the most respected names in the Balkans, and starting in Montenegro before expanding into Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina gives us a strong platform in a region we know well.”
Tornike Tordia, Head of Gaming at MaxBet, said: “Bringing Imagine Live’s live casino content to our players reflects our commitment to offering a varied, high-quality gaming experience.
“Their live dealer games and game shows add real depth to our offering, and we look forward to rolling them out across our markets as the partnership grows.”
The post Imagine Live Goes Live with MaxBet Bringing Live Casino to the Balkans appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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