Latest News

Revealed: worst areas in England for gamers during lockdown

Published

6 years ago

June 3, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

South West bottom of the pile for broadband speeds, with five of the ten areas where gamers are most likely to disrupt gameplay
Cities of London and Westminster the worst area for access to superfast broadband
Kingston Upon Hull ranks the highest for the best place to play video games online based on average speeds and availability of superfast broadband

New research from comparethemarket.com reveals the areas in England that are the worst for gamers, with gameplay in Central Devon the most likely to be disrupted due to poor broadband speeds.

The research analyses the average download speed (Mbps), superfast broadband availability and the percentage of households’ ability to receive decent broadband.

Gamers based in the South West score the least points when it comes to connection speed, with five out of the top ten worst hit areas in England. With Central Devon having the dubious distinction of being the worst in the country, Torridge and West Devon, Forest of Dean, Somerton and Frome, and Tiverton and Honiton all suffer disruption from poorer broadband speeds.

Some may be surprised to see the Cities of London and Westminster ranked the 10^th worst constituency for gamers overall. When it comes to access to superfast broadband, this area takes the last place out of all areas, with a quarter unable to access the very fastest connection. By comparison, in Luton North and Leicester West, superfast broadband availability is 100%.

Kingston Upon Hull is hailed as the best place for gamers, ranking top in the country for average speeds and the availability of superfast broadband. Less than 2% of the area’s households have access to decent broadband. Other cities areas that rank highly for gamers include Grimsby, Gillingham and Rainham in the South East, and Nottingham North in the East Midlands.

Top 10 – England’s worst areas for gamers

Rank	Area Name	Region	Average speed (MBPS)	Superfast availability	Unable to receive decent broadband
10	Cities of London and Westminster	London	34.41	75%	0%
9	Somerton and Frome	South West	42.75	82%	10%
8	Harwich and North Essex	East of England	37.06	83%	9%
7	Tiverton and Honiton	South West	31.89	81%	9%
6	North Herefordshire	West Midlands	35.09	80%	9%
5	Penrith and The Border	North West	36.01	81%	12%
4	Ludlow	West Midlands	33.09	81%	11%
3	Forest of Dean	South West	31.61	79%	10%
2	Torridge and West Devon	South West	34.01	81%	12%
1	Central Devon	South West	34.05	77%	12%

Top 10 – England’s best areas for gamers

Rank	Area Name	Region	Average speed (MBPS)	Superfast availability	Unable to receive decent broadband
1	Kingston upon Hull East	Yorkshire and The Humber	137.44	99%	1%
2	Kingston upon Hull North	Yorkshire and The Humber	132.15	100%	1%
3	Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle	Yorkshire and The Humber	122.24	99%	2%
4	Crawley	South East	88.40	99%	0%
5	Filton and Bradley Stoke	South West	93.49	98%	1%
6	Luton North	East of England	84.10	100%	0%
7	Morecambe and Lunesdale	North West	87.70	99%	0%
8	Great Grimsby	Yorkshire and The Humber	89.56	98%	1%
9	Stevenage	East of England	86.93	99%	0%
10	Gillingham and Rainham	South East	86.61	99%	0%

Holly Niblett, head of digital at comparethemarket.com, commented:

“Lockdown has seen a surge in the number of people relying on the internet for work and leisure. There is a wide disparity in the connection speeds and access to superfast broadband across the country, with people facing a particularly hostile environment in parts of the south west. For many, a reliable internet connection is a lifeline during a difficult time.

“Our new speed-test tool allows people to see how fast their broadband speed is and what better deals and speed is available in their area, because for many households, a fast download speed is a deal-breaker when it comes to choosing a provider. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we have seen a steep rise in the number of customers switching online to the fastest packages during isolation.”

comparethemarket’s tips for improving your broadband speed:

1. Test the speed of your broadband connection

You can run a speed test on comparethemarket’s new speed-checker tool, which enables users to check how long it will take to download a film or game in their area: http://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/speed-test You’ll be shown both your download and upload speeds.

2. Move your router away from other devices

Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical equipment and devices that emit wireless signals, such as cordless phones, baby monitors and computer speakers. Try to place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor and keep it switched on.

3. Turn off WiFi on devices you’re not using

If you have multiple devices such as tablets and smartphones running in the background, it can slow down your broadband, so try switching WiFi off on these when you’re not using them. You should also avoid carrying out data-heavy tasks like HD streaming, gaming or video calls at the same time as others in your household.

4. Give your computer a spring clean

There are many applications on your PC that could affect your broadband speed, some without you even realising it. A few simple quick fixes include making sure your anti-virus software is up to date, making sure you’re using the latest version of your web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge and clearing your cache and browser history.

For more information on the research, please go to: https://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/content/best-cities-in-england-for-gamers/

Methodology:
The following table reveals the areas of England where gamers are most likely to disrupt gameplay due to bad broadband speeds.

Data taken directly from the source are in the columns titled Area name, Region, Average speed (MBPS), Superfast availability and unable to receive decent broadband.

To calculate the index we first normalised the data categories individually from 0 to 1 and then summed the results.

On this scale, for

Average speed – The higher index would be weighted closer to 1 – detailed in the average speed weighting column
Superfast availability – The higher index is weighted closer to 1 – detailed in the superfast weighting column
Unable to receive decent broadband – The higher index is weighted closer to 0 – detailed in the Decent broadband weighting column

Total and rankings were determined by the above.

Latest News

Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

where-to-drive-tier-1-sport-traffic-in-april:-top-events-&-promos

April continues the high-intensity sports season, with a dense schedule of matches, tournaments, and decisive stages that consistently drive spikes in player engagement and deposit activity. For affiliates, this creates a strong opportunity window to capture high-intent traffic and scale performance during peak moments.

Affiliates working with N1 Partners can run sports-driven traffic across three products: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

This gives you the flexibility to scale on a dedicated sportsbook while also expanding monetization through high-converting casino brands. By covering both betting and casino audiences, you can tap into a wider range of user intent and increase overall revenue potential.

This is especially relevant for partners participating in the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, where timing, traffic allocation, and smart scaling directly impact your final results — and where teams can also drive SEO traffic to sports, expanding their coverage and growth opportunities.

Key Sports Events in April

To help you plan campaigns and scale Tier-1 traffic efficiently, the N1 Partners team has prepared a selection of key sports events worth focusing on this month.

Soccer

April is driven by decisive European competitions and top-league clashes. Quarter-finals and semi-finals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, along with key domestic matches, create consistent traffic spikes.

Basketball

The start of the NBA Playoffs marks one of the strongest engagement periods for high-intent traffic and repeat activity

18.04 | NBA | Playoffs

Ice Hockey

April combines regular-season action with the start of NHL Playoffs, where engagement traditionally grows as teams fight for elimination rounds.

10.04 | NHL | Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
18.04–21.06 | NHL | Playoffs

Tennis

21.04 | WTA | Madrid Open
22.04 | ATP Masters | Madrid

MMA & Boxing

Fight cards in April include headline matchups and strong co-main events, which work well for short-term traffic bursts and hype-driven campaigns.

11.04 | Boxing | Tyson Fury vs Makhmudov
12.04 | UFC 327 | Procházka vs Ulberg
12.04 | UFC 327 | Van vs Taira
12.04 | UFC 327 | Blaydes vs Hokit
12.04 | PFL | Pettis vs McKee

Cricket

International series provide steady traffic flow, especially in GEOs where cricket has strong demand.

17.04–23.04 | ODI Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand
27.04–29.04 | T20 Series | Bangladesh vs New Zealand

Active Promotions Across N1 Partners Brands

To help affiliates maximize conversion and extract more value from traffic, N1 Partners is running a range of seasonal promos across key brands for users. These campaigns give you stronger angles for creatives and help drive higher player engagement.

Fortune’s Gold Lottery (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 09.04–29.04
Prize pool: €85,000 (RollXO) | €100,000 (N1 Bet)

Advent Calendar (N1 Bet, RollXO)
Period: 03.04–12.04
10 daily tasks with rewards for players.

Egg Hunt (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 01.04–04.04
Seasonal Easter promo with short-term engagement mechanics.

Race Lottery (RetroBet, Jet4Bet, SlotLounge, Spirit Casino)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €20,000 + 5,000 FS

April Fortune Lottery (SlotLords, SlotsMines)
Period: 10.04–16.04
Prize pool: €10,000 + 5,000 FS (SlotLords) | €7,000 + 3,000 FS (SlotsMines)

Easter Lottery (SlotMafia, SlotHunter, LuckyHunter)
Period: 10.04–17.04
Prize pool: €10,000 (LuckyHunter) | €8,000 (SlotMafia, SlotHunter)

To learn more about the promos, contact your manager.

How to Maximize Results from Event-Driven Traffic

Performance in Tier-1 markets is directly tied to major events. Key matches, playoffs, and finals naturally increase attention and create better conditions for deposits and repeat engagement.

To get the most out of April traffic:

focus on high-impact matches, playoffs, and finals where user intent is strongest
align campaigns with match days and key tournament stages
scale budgets during peak demand windows instead of spreading traffic evenly
combine sportsbook and casino funnels to increase total monetization
react quickly to performance data and scale winning campaigns

How Affiliates Can Scale Traffic Right Now

April offers multiple high-conversion windows driven by major sports events and strong promotional mechanics for players.

Drive traffic to key sports events and active promos across N1 Partners brands: N1 Bet, RollXO and Lucky Hunter.

The N1 Partners team is ready to support you with up-to-date promos, analytics, and hands-on guidance to help you scale efficiently.

Join N1 Partners

N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, bringing together 14+ casino and betting brands with strong LTV and Reg2Dep rates of up to 70% across Tier-1 GEOs.

N1 Partners offers competitive terms for top partners, including CPA up to €650-700 and RevShare up to 45%, ensuring stable and scalable performance.

Trusted by 14,000+ partners, N1 Partners stands out for its transparency, flexibility, and focus on long-term partnerships, supported by a strong product portfolio and advanced retention systems.

The post Where to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in April: Top Events & Promos appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2RBO Affiliates

2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

2rbo-affiliates-presents-lodur:-a-viking-inspired-casino-and-sportsbook

2RBO Affiliates is proud to present Lodur, a new casino and sportsbook brand that brings Norse mythology to life through an immersive, gamified experience.

Inspired by the age of Vikings, their conquests, legends, and spirit of exploration, Lodur invites players into a world where every bet contributes to continuous progression.

At the core of the experience is the Island System, a persistent progression layer that evolves across sessions. Alongside sports betting and casino play, players build and upgrade their own island settlements, unlock new territories, and voyage through more than 110 uniquely themed islands — ranging from Nordic-inspired landscapes to cyberpunk enclaves and eerie cemeteries.

Progression is fueled by Elixir, a resource earned through every deposit and wager. Players use Eliksir to access the Lodur Slot game, where they can win the coins needed to build and upgrade their settlements. Beyond building, landing the right symbols can trigger the Attack feature, allowing players to breach a rival’s defenses and claim their coins.

This interactive layer introduces a fierce rivalry that fuels long-term engagement. Whether attacking an opponent or defending their own settlement, players must constantly evolve their tactics to grow. With a vast world to conquer, Lodur offers a deep and rewarding journey — a high-stakes loop of building and competing that drives continuous player loyalty and forges a lasting bond with the saga.

“Lodur is a product where entertainment and progression go hand in hand. For players, there is always a new island to conquer and new land to explore, ensuring the hunt for glory never ends and the next horizon is always within reach. For affiliates, this creates a high-retention ecosystem where players stay invested in their journey, remain active, and scale in value over time,” commented Aviv, Head of 2RBO Affiliates.

For partners, Lodur is a powerful retention machine. By merging a premier sportsbook and casino with an adventurous Viking world, the brand creates a thrilling journey accessible via both iOS and Android apps. This seamless ecosystem of high-action gaming and continuous progression transforms standard traffic into a loyal, high-value player base, ensuring steady growth and maximum LTV for partners.

Lodur is now live and ready to fuel your profitability. Be among the first to drive traffic to Lodur and unlock a treasury of opportunities with 2RBO Affiliates!

About 2RBO Affiliates:

2RBO Affiliates is a high-performance affiliate program representing top iGaming brands. Built on an advanced platform, it combines modern gamification features, flexible commission models, and a no negative carryover policy to maximize partner profitability.

The post 2RBO Affiliates Presents Lodur: a Viking-Inspired Casino and Sportsbook appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

ela-games-scales-up-its-presence-in-europe-by-certifying-a-suite-of-9-hit-games-in-5-key-markets

ELA Games is accelerating its European expansion strategy after securing certifications for nine of its top-performing titles across five major regulated markets: Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and Malta.

This latest milestone enables operators in these regions to access a diverse portfolio of proven games, featuring award-nominated mechanics and modern takes on classic casino experiences.

A Balanced Portfolio for Local Markets

With a strong focus on localisation, ELA Games has curated a selection designed to resonate with varied player preferences across Europe. The newly certified lineup is built around three core pillars:

High-Performing Hits: Titles such as Buffalo Force, Piñatas Festival, and Riches Express have delivered strong GGR growth and demonstrated high player engagement in competitive markets.
Innovative Mechanics: The rollout introduces ELA Games’ Winpot feature to new jurisdictions. This mechanic, which allows players to control their cash-out strategy, is now available through titles like Zeus Winpot and Rabbit Winpot Deluxe.
Modernised Classics: Games such as Juicy Crystal and Noble Crown bring updated visuals and smooth gameplay to traditional slot formats, appealing to players who prefer familiar mechanics with a modern twist.

Market Availability

The certified titles are now live across multiple operator platforms, with game selections varying by jurisdiction:

Sweden: Betinia, Swiper, CampoBet, QuickCasino
Denmark: Betinia, CampoBet, Swiper, Betoro
Romania: Don.ro, TopBet, Swiper
Greece: ElaBet

Strengthening European Partnerships

These certifications build on ELA Games’ growing presence across Europe, supported by strategic partnerships with leading operators. The company has recently expanded in Denmark through a notable collaboration with Stake.dk, alongside integrations with Danske Licens Spil (Tivoli Casino), RoyalCasino, and Casino House.

Further expansion has been driven by partnerships with major industry players such as Betsson, as well as regulatory approval from the Hellenic Gaming Commission in Greece.

With a steadily growing footprint and a portfolio tailored for regulated markets, ELA Games is well positioned to capture additional market share and deliver strong returns for its partners across Europe.

The post ELA Games scales up its presence in Europe by certifying a suite of 9 hit games in 5 key markets appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.