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New Study Shows Online Gambling Soared During Lockdown, Especially Among Regular Gamblers

Published

5 years ago

May 18, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

According to a new research, regular gamblers were more than six times more likely to gamble online compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study, led by the University of Bristol and published on May 17 in the Journal of Gambling Studies, showed regular male gamblers were particularly prone to gambling more often online during the public lockdown in the UK, compared to their previously reported gambling habits.

Although overall men and women gambled less frequently during the lockdown, partly due to betting shops being closed, some forms of gambling increased. For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online.

Lead author Professor Alan Emond, of the University of Bristol’s Medical School, said: “This study provides unique real time insights into how people’s attitudes and gambling behaviour changed during lockdown, when everyone was stuck inside and unable to participate in most social activities. The findings reveal that although many forms of gambling were restricted, a minority of regular gamblers significantly increased their gambling and betting online. As with so many repercussions of the pandemic, inequalities have been exacerbated and particularly vulnerable groups were worse affected.”

The comparative research used two online questionnaires during the first lockdown in 2020, which surveyed the same group of adults, aged 28 years on average, who had previously been asked similar questions about gambling before the pandemic as part of the renowned Children of the 90s study, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

More than 2600 adults responded and results revealed that during lockdown men were three times more likely than women to gamble regularly, defined as more than once a week. Drinking heavily, defined as more than six units in a session (equivalent to more than three pints of beer) at least once a week, was strongly linked to regular gambling among men and women. These trends are likely to be much greater in reality, as the majority (70%) of respondents to the surveys in lockdown were women.

Professor Emond, a public health expert, said: “The strong link between binge drinking and regular gambling is of particular concern, as they are both addictive behaviours which can have serious health and social consequences. With the wider availability of gambling through different online channels, vulnerable groups could get caught in a destructive cycle. A public health approach is needed to minimise gambling harms.”

Online advertising expert and co-author Agnes Nairn, Professor of Marketing at the University of Bristol’s School of Management, said: “The results of this study and trends being reported more widely are quite alarming. As gambling habits shift online, vulnerable groups including children and adults who drink heavily may be more easily sucked into these channels. The increased prevalence of home working is also an important consideration for future policy making, as the temptation to gamble online, amplified by clever advertising, is always there. Children are also falling prey to this advertising, especially for esports, on social media and could get locked into addictive habits from an early age. Stricter regulation is needed in this growing field to protect unwitting consumers.”

Alison Clare, Research, Information and Knowledge Director at GambleAware, said: “We know that gambling is part of the daily lives of children, young people and vulnerable adults and this research sheds further light on the impact Covid-19 and lockdown has had on gambling habits for young people. GambleAware is committed to ensuring all those affected by gambling harm have access to the necessary information and advice. All organisations, including National Health Services and charities need to work together to reduce stigma and raise awareness of the help and support that is available via the National Gambling Treatment Service.”

Belatra

Belatra Introduces Big Bang 2, Igniting the Gaming Universe

Published

27 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

belatra-introduces-big-bang-2,-igniting-the-gaming-universe

Belatra, a prominent creator of inventive online slots, has turned its focus to the universe with its dynamic new slot, Big Bang 2.

Originating from the endless abyss, Big Bang 2 showcases a unique cascading system placed on an 8×8 grid. A successful combination is created when five or more matching celestial bodies align either horizontally or vertically, with every win causing a series of explosions and new symbols falling into position. Captivating imagery and a cutting-edge score enhance this celestial display.

The Black Hole is located at the center of the game and serves as a Wild symbol. It contains its own multiplier in the main game, rising by one every time it helps form a winning combination. When several Black Holes contribute to a win, their multipliers are summed and applied to the overall payout.

True Giants measuring between 2×2 and 5×5 can show up on the grid at any moment. Every one comes with a multiplier that matches its width. The larger the planet, the greater the reward. The Planet Rain ability can activate unexpectedly and changes an ordinary round into a significant occurrence by providing an immediate increase to all winning groups.

In every round, a Coin Spawn Zone triggers at three random locations. Planet detonations in this area emit Cosmic Coins worth between 1 and 100, which are consumed by the Black Hole that has the greatest multiplier on the field.

Landing three or more Black Holes on the grid activates five Free Games. Black Holes remain established until the bonus concludes, increasing in power with every cascade. The Coin Spawn Zone starts with four positions and increases by one cell after each spin, enhancing the opportunities for larger victories.

Hot Mode activates when three Black Holes land alongside a “+1” symbol. This mode has six high-intensity games with an expanding Coin Spawn Zone. Players can also choose to jump straight into the action by purchasing either the standard Bonus Games or the high-intensity Hot Mode. Whichever option they choose, the win potential in these modes is immense, reaching up to 10,000x the initial bet.

Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, said: “Big Bang 2 takes players on an unforgettable mission through deep space packed with rewarding mechanics, from merging Black Holes to expanding Coin Spawn Zones and win potential reaching 10,000x. This game is crafted for players who appreciate style, aesthetics, and the thrill of epic discoveries in the infinite expanse of gaming.”

The post Belatra Introduces Big Bang 2, Igniting the Gaming Universe appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Booming Games

Booming Games releases 64 Nuggets Hold and Win

Published

27 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-releases-64-nuggets-hold-and-win

Booming Games, a leading provider of premium gaming content, has unveiled 64 Nuggets Hold and Win, a thrilling new slot where players can dig for glittering treasures. Featuring a 5×5 grid and 30 fixed paylines, the game offers an impressive maximum win potential of 10,000x. Set in a mysterious gold mine with a distinctive art style, 64 Nuggets Hold and Win promises high-stakes excitement for players chasing big wins.

The game’s Gold Rush Respins feature elevates the action, locking winning symbols in place while the reels continue to spin. As symbols accumulate, multipliers can appear to boost payouts, keeping gameplay engaging and rewarding.

Adding further intensity, the Boom Blitz Hold & Win feature grants three respins and offers coin prizes of up to 1,000x. Special Boom Blitz symbols can either expand the grid to 8×8 or increase coin values up to 5x, raising the maximum win potential to a staggering 10,000x. Players can trigger this feature by landing five or more Cash Coins or by filling the Cart Collection Pot.

“Packed with stunning visuals, dynamic features, and powerful modifiers, 64 Nuggets Hold and Win delivers non-stop action,” said Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games.
“Players can chase golden rewards on every spin, while the Boom Blitz Hold & Win feature keeps excitement high and engagement strong. It’s a thrilling experience we’re proud to bring to our audience.”

64 Nuggets Hold and Win is now live and ready for players seeking their next big jackpot adventure.

The post Booming Games releases 64 Nuggets Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Energy Roulette

ENJOY unveils next-generation hybrid live experience Energy Roulette: Hold & Win

Published

27 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

enjoy-unveils-next-generation-hybrid-live-experience-energy-roulette:-hold-&-win

ENJOY, the innovative iGaming content developer, has expanded its Live portfolio with the launch of Energy Roulette: Hold & Win, a next-generation hybrid that blends classic live roulette with electrifying Hold & Win slot mechanics.

The game refreshes the timeless 37-cell roulette experience by adding two to seven randomly selected Lucky Numbers on each spin, each capable of triggering the Bonus Game for an extra layer of excitement.

At the heart of Energy Roulette lies a fully integrated 3×3 Hold & Win slot bonus, activated when the ball lands on a Lucky Number. Players begin with three spins, collecting Energy Balls and Jackpot Symbols worth 5x to 500x, alongside suspense-building Mystery Symbols. Each symbol locks in place and resets the spin counter, with a full grid triggering a 2x multiplier across all collected values.

The bonus feature also offers jackpot rewards of up to 4,000x, adding significant big-win potential for players seeking high-stakes thrills.

With its sleek, modern design and seamless fusion of roulette and slot-style gameplay, Energy Roulette: Hold & Win reinforces ENJOY’s commitment to pioneering hybrid live casino experiences.

“Energy Roulette: Hold & Win represents our vision for the future of live casino – classic gameplay elevated with the excitement and rewards of slot features,” said Tomass Dimza, Live Casino Product Owner at ENJOY Gaming.
“By embedding a full 3×3 Hold & Win bonus into live roulette, we’re giving players something familiar, but with a completely new level of engagement.”

The post ENJOY unveils next-generation hybrid live experience Energy Roulette: Hold & Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.