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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.
BETANO
Betano inaugura canchas revitalizadas en Brasilia con obras firmadas por artistas locales
Evento en el Parque da Cidade contó con la presencia de autoridades, deporte y arte, con obras de Mão y Toys; la acción forma parte de la iniciativa Betano en Movimiento
Con motivo de su 66.º aniversario, Brasilia recibió un regalo especial de Betano: dos canchas revitalizadas en el Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek, en el corazón de la capital federal.
El nuevo espacio, que cuenta con obras de los artistas locales Toys (@toys) y Mão (@mao.arte), fue inaugurado en un evento este sábado (11) y contó con un circuito de básquet 3×3 organizado por CUFA-DF y presentaciones culturales.
El evento marcó un nuevo capítulo en la historia del parque, reconocido como el mayor parque urbano de América del Sur y uno de los más grandes del mundo.
La revitalización de las canchas forma parte de la iniciativa Betano en Movimiento, que busca ampliar el acceso al deporte y a la actividad física mediante la recuperación de espacios públicos y la promoción de actividades deportivas comunitarias.
“Es una alegría estar en un momento tan simbólico, entregando un regalo que será un legado para la ciudad. Para las obras de las canchas, buscamos valorar artistas locales que aportaran la identidad de Brasilia al espacio, conectando arte y deporte”, afirmó Guilherme Figueiredo, Director de Relaciones Institucionales de Betano.
Inauguración con canasta y corte de cinta
La inauguración comenzó con una primera canasta anotada por Renato Junqueira, Secretario de Deporte y Ocio del Distrito Federal.
Tras recibir una asistencia de los artistas Mão y Toys, el secretario encestó en ambas canchas.
“Nos sentimos muy honrados de recibir este regalo de Betano para nuestra ciudad.
Este parque es icónico, democrático y accesible, y esta alianza es fundamental. Estoy seguro de que todos los que vengan a jugar aquí luego comentarán lo bonito y colorido que es el espacio.
Se convertirá en una referencia dentro del parque”, declaró durante la ceremonia.

También presente en el evento, la gobernadora del Distrito Federal, Celina Leão, destacó la importancia de la revitalización.
“Queremos sumar aliados que aporten valor. Hoy aquí se puede ver movimiento, arte y deporte ocurriendo al mismo tiempo. Estoy muy feliz de participar. Soy atleta, me gusta el deporte y lo practico todos los días.
Estoy segura de que abre puertas y cambia la mentalidad de las personas. Agradezco a los socios que hicieron posible este momento.
Las canchas están tan bonitas que dan ganas de quedarse”, comentó, tras también encestar en las canchas.
Obras inspiradas en Brasilia
Con colores vivos en tonos de azul, naranja y amarillo, las intervenciones artísticas rinden homenaje a los íconos, la arquitectura y el paisaje de Brasilia.
La ejecución técnica estuvo a cargo de Hoopers, dando continuidad a un proyecto iniciado en Río de Janeiro, con una cancha inaugurada por el jugador de baloncesto Giannis Antetokounmpo, estrella de los Milwaukee Bucks en la NBA.
El artista Daniel Morais, conocido como Toys, explicó que buscó trasladar al espacio las líneas rectas y angulares típicas de los edificios de la ciudad, además de rendir homenaje a su fundador.
“La historia de Brasilia y de sus pioneros es increíble. Juscelino Kubitschek fue el primer soñador: creyó en una idea y la hizo realidad al construir la capital. Es muy especial ver mi arte formando parte de la vida de las personas, como si ellas también participaran en la obra”, afirmó.
Por su parte, Luis Fernando Santos, conocido como Mão, incorporó elementos icónicos y de la fauna local, destacando el lobo-guará, el caracará y la Plaza de los Cristales.

“Fue una experiencia muy especial poder hacer un trabajo para Brasilia, aún más en el Parque da Cidade. Intenté representar los colores del lugar, la fauna, la flora y también sus monumentos. Es muy gratificante ver a la gente usando la cancha que pinté.
Espero que sigan aprovechando este espacio y que los inspire a conectarse cada vez más”, señaló.
Impulso al deporte y la cultura
El evento también incluyó un circuito de básquet 3×3 en colaboración con la Central Única de las Favelas (CUFA-DF). En esta modalidad, equipos de tres jugadores compiten en partidos rápidos en media cancha.

Gana el equipo que alcanza primero los 21 puntos o, si se cumple el límite de 10 minutos, el que haya anotado más canastas.
En la categoría masculina participaron equipos como Guariroba Raptors, ESCS, Capital Basquete y Gama 3×3, mientras que en la femenina compitieron Ipê Rosa, AAAESCS, PCDF y AVABRA.
Durante los intervalos, el público disfrutó de presentaciones de breaking con los b-boys Navarro 061, Breakmove y Nathan, y la b-girl Thaty. La música estuvo a cargo del DJ Afrika, y la conducción del evento por Alex Hadda y Cami Abreu.

Unidad móvil de mamografías ofreció exámenes gratuitos
Como parte de la acción, la unidad móvil de mamografías de la Fundación Laço Rosa ofreció exámenes gratuitos para la detección precoz del cáncer de mama.
La unidad también estará presente en Cidade Estrutural y en la Rodoviária los días 14 y 15 de abril. Para participar, es necesario registrarse previamente en el sitio www.mamografiasalva.com.br.
Sobre Kaizen Gaming | Betano
Kaizen Gaming es una de las mayores empresas de GameTech del mundo.
Con foco en tecnología y personas, busca mejorar continuamente la experiencia de juego online que ofrece a millones de clientes en todo el mundo, además de entretener a los aficionados al deporte de manera divertida y responsable.
Es propietaria de Betano, una marca premium de apuestas deportivas y juegos online con presencia en Europa, América y África.
La empresa cuenta con más de 3.000 empleados a nivel global.
En Brasil, Betano está presente en las dos principales competiciones del país, el Brasileirão Betano y la Copa Betano de Brasil, además de ser socio oficial del Flamengo.

Kaizen Gaming ha sido reconocida como una de las principales compañías del sector, recibiendo premios como “Operador del Año” en los EGR Operator Awards y en los SBC Awards 2025.
Vea más en www.betano.bet.br
The post Betano inaugura canchas revitalizadas en Brasilia con obras firmadas por artistas locales appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
casino
Plaza adds Monday Night RAW ticket raffle to WrestleMania 42 viewing party
Downtown Las Vegas casino also brings in WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam for a live Q&A on April 18.
Plaza Hotel & Casino will host WrestleMania 42 viewing parties on April 18 and April 19 in its showroom in downtown Las Vegas, adding a ticket giveaway for WWE Monday Night RAW on the second night.
The casino said all guests attending the Sunday, April 19 viewing party can enter a free raffle to win two tickets to Monday Night RAW on Monday, April 20 at T-Mobile Arena, seated in one of the venue’s premier Loge Boxes.
On Saturday, April 18, the Plaza will feature WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Rob Van Dam (RVD) as a special guest. The property said RVD—also billed as “Mr. Monday Night”—will lead a live Q&A at 1:30 p.m. ahead of the WrestleMania 42 start time at 3 p.m., and will be available for autographs and photo ops.
Both events are 21+ and run in the Plaza showroom, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the viewing party starting at 3 p.m. The Plaza said it will offer drink specials and buckets of beer priced at $30 for domestic brands and $35 for imported.
Tickets with seat selection are priced at $40 per person (plus fees and taxes), according to the casino, with details and purchasing available via the Plaza’s website.
Relevant data as follows:
- Plaza Hotel & Casino WrestleMania viewing party details: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/wrestlemania-viewing-party/ Primary source for ticketing, schedule, and pricing referenced in the article.
- WWE Monday Night RAW: https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw Official WWE show page to support the RAW reference and event context.
- T-Mobile Arena events calendar: https://www.t-mobilearena.com/events Venue source to corroborate event location and provide broader event context.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/ Company homepage for readers seeking more information on the property hosting the viewing parties.
The post Plaza adds Monday Night RAW ticket raffle to WrestleMania 42 viewing party appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
MEGA hires Leapfox founder Patrick Collins as VP of Growth
The ex-Wasserman and former Excel Esports partnerships lead joins the London-based group behind the Esports Awards and MOBIES.
The Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA) has appointed Patrick Collins as Vice President of Growth, the company said on April 15, 2026. Collins will lead growth strategy, including commercial partnerships and new business development, from London.
Collins joins from boutique agency Leapfox, which he founded in early 2022. Prior to that, he led commercial partnerships at UK esports organisation Excel Esports, securing deals with brands including BT, Sony, JD Sports, Neosurf and Chupa Chups, alongside partners such as HyperX, Anda Seat, Belong Gaming Arenas and Chillblast PCs.
Earlier in his career, Collins worked at sports marketing agency Wasserman, where MEGA said he helped secure EE’s six-year partnership with Wembley Stadium and advised brands including American Express, Vodafone and PepsiCo. The company also cited experience working with Premier League football clubs and brands including Barclays, Santander, Under Armour and Puma.
“I’m pleased to officially join MEGA at such an important time for esports and gaming,” said Patrick Collins, VP of Growth at MEGA. “Having worked across traditional sport, esports, and commercial partnerships, and founding Leapfox to bridge these worlds and guide my clients, I’m looking forward to applying my experience to support MEGA and our properties as we continue to grow.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Patrick to MEGA as our new Vice President of Growth,” said Michael Ashford, Co-Founder of MEGA. “His extensive experience, including founding Leapfox, uniquely positions him to shape the future of our company. With Patrick on board, MEGA is determined to accelerate our growth, embark on transformative partnerships, and deliver world-class experiences that will define the next era of esports entertainment.”
Relevant data as follows:
- MEGA (Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance): https://themega.global/ Official company site to support the appointment and provide background on MEGA.
- Esports Awards: https://esportsawards.com/ Official site for one of the properties referenced in connection with MEGA.
- MOBIES: https://mobies.com/ Official site for the Mobile Gaming Awards referenced alongside MEGA.
The post MEGA hires Leapfox founder Patrick Collins as VP of Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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