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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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Altenar Received Approval to Enter Alberta’s iGaming Market

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10 June 2026

Altenar has received approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), allowing the company to provide sportsbook solutions in Alberta.

The approval positions Altenar to support licensed operators and the launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, expected on July, 13  2026. The province is set to become Canada’s second regulated iGaming jurisdiction after Ontario, creating significant opportunities for operators, suppliers and players alike.

As a leading sportsbook provider, Altenar plans to bring its award-winning technology, flexible platform capabilities and extensive regulatory expertise to operators entering the market.

The approval strengthens Altenar’s position in North America as the company continues to expand its regulated market footprint. Alberta is expected to play a key role in the next phase of Canadian iGaming growth, with operators focused on attracting players from unregulated channels through trusted, high-quality betting experiences.

Altenar aims to support partners with the technology, flexibility and scalability required to compete effectively in the new market while driving long-term player acquisition, engagement and retention.

Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:

“Alberta represents one of the most exciting regulatory developments in North America, and we are delighted to be preparing for launch.

For Altenar, the priority is enabling operator partners to establish a strong, competitive foothold in a newly regulated environment. A key objective will be supporting the transition of players from grey-market platforms to regulated offerings. That requires not only a compelling product but also trust, ensuring reliability, competitive pricing, and a consistently high-quality user experience. If suppliers can help operators deliver that, they’ll play a central role in shaping long-term market dynamics.

In practical terms, success will be measured by how effectively we empower partners with a market-leading sportsbook that drives acquisition, engagement, and retention”

The conditional licence approval reflects Altenar’s ongoing commitment to meeting the highest regulatory and compliance standards while supporting operators in newly regulated markets.

About Altenar
Founded in 2011, Altenar is a leading turnkey sportsbook provider committed to meeting the unique needs of its clients. Renowned for its flexibility and customer-centric approach, Altenar specialises in customising solutions to new markets, audiences and requirements. With a focus on building enduring partnerships, Altenar aims to be the most partner-oriented iGaming software provider in the industry.

www.altenar.com

The post Altenar Received Approval to Enter Alberta’s iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Tom Horn Gaming launches Sweet Gold 3000 slot with 3,000x multipliers

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Tom Horn Gaming has unveiled Sweet Gold 3000, a new online slot due for general release on 16 June. The company positions the game as a high-volatility title with multipliers up to 3,000x and maximum exposure of 13,900x.

Sweet Gold 3000 runs a 6×5 scatter-pays setup and introduces Tom Horn Gaming’s BlastX™ feature alongside its cascade-style Shatter Wins mechanic, where consecutive wins continue through chain reactions. Random Gold Chocolate multiplier symbols can appear during spins with values from 2x to 3,000x, the company said.

The free spins feature is triggered by landing four or more scatter symbols and uses increasing multipliers. During the bonus round, players can unlock an additional five free spins by landing three extra scatters. A Free Spins Booster is also available for 1.5x the total bet, which Tom Horn Gaming says triples the chance of triggering free spins in the base game.

For players seeking direct access to bonus gameplay, the game includes Bonus Buy entry into Free Spins or Super Free Spins modes.

Ondrej Lapides, CEO at Tom Horn Gaming, said: “Sweet Gold 3000 is unlike anything else in our portfolio. We wanted to create a game that feels rebellious, energetic and visually striking while still delivering the high-intensity gameplay players are looking for today. The combination of urban graffiti culture, candy symbolism and huge multiplier potential gives the game a very distinctive personality that stands out instantly in casino lobbies.”

The post Tom Horn Gaming launches Sweet Gold 3000 slot with 3,000x multipliers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Hacksaw Gaming

Lottomart gets exclusive early access to Hacksaw Gaming’s Nitro Nights in the UK

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Lottomart has secured an exclusive early release of Hacksaw Gaming’s new slot, Nitro Nights, giving its UK players access ahead of the title’s wider market launch in two weeks.

The release is the first exclusive early-launch arrangement between Hacksaw Gaming and Lottomart, extending an existing content partnership between the two companies.

Nitro Nights is themed around an underground street-racing setting and carries a maximum win potential of 15,000x, according to the companies. Core mechanics include Burnout Mode, triggered by a Nitro symbol, which converts the symbol into a Wild Nitro symbol and awards Nudges, Wilds and Multipliers. The game also features a Nitrous Bar that can store up to 10 Nudges outside the grid.

The title includes three bonus features, ranging from free spins with progressive multipliers to increased chances of triggering Nitro symbols, alongside a hidden Epic Bonus feature.

Chris Ruddock, Commercial Director at Lottomart, said:

“Having Nitro Nights as our first Hacksaw Gaming exclusive early release is a significant moment for our partnership, and a clear sign of the value Hacksaw places on Lottomart. We’re excited to give our UK players first access to such an innovative and entertaining game.”

Nitro Nights is available now on the Lottomart platform.

The post Lottomart gets exclusive early access to Hacksaw Gaming’s Nitro Nights in the UK appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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