Press Releases
70% of UK Punters Have Continued To Bet Throughout Lockdown, Freebets.com Survey Finds

Horse racing was by far the most popular sport to bet on, despite the closure of UK and Irish racecourses; 40% said they bet on Esports and Virtual Sports
Freebets.com, a leading UK betting comparison site, owned and operated by XLMedia today released an informative survey outlining the state of the UK’s online betting market during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The report reveals intriguing insights into the areas that have continued to thrive, with over 70% of British bettors continuing to place bets despite the temporary suspension of almost all major professional sports.
The survey questioned visitors to the freebets.com site between April 6 and April 26, 2020 and found that horse racing was by far the most popular sport to bet on, with 34.5% of respondents saying they were still placing wagers on international racing.
Despite UK and Irish courses being closed as of mid-March, racing carried on in countries including Australia, the US and Sweden.
The survey also showcased the rise in prominence of Esports and virtual sports, as betters embraced these new categories. A significant 40% of players said that they have now betted on these computer-based sporting options.
Stuart Simms, XLMedia PLC Group CEO said, “The results of this survey have been particularly encouraging, illustrating how our customers have continued to enjoy betting on sports at this time. The popularity of Esports and Virtual Sports stand out as the data suggests that these new categories have begun to cement their position as viable betting options.”
Somewhat surprisingly, football also remained an attractive proposition for betting fans as 25% said they were continuing to bet on the beautiful game, even though the only live games were from less popular leagues such as the Belarusian Premier League and Nicaraguan Primera Division.
The full survey results can be found at https://www.freebets.com/freebets-com-survey-online-betting-during-the-covid-19-crisis/.
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Africa
Meridianbet Expands B2B Operations into Nigeria, Entering a Regulated $2 Billion Betting Market

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Meridianbet, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group, Inc., has officially launched its B2B operations in Nigeria, one of the largest and fastest-growing betting markets in Africa. The companyâs entry into Nigeria further strengthens its 20-year presence in Africa, leveraging its proven track record in regulated markets to deliver world-class gaming products.
Through its newly licensed local entity, Masterlive Network Limited, Meridianbet has secured full regulatory approval from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), allowing it to operate in both sports betting and online casino verticals under License No: LSLGA/OP/OSB/MB041124.
The official launch of Meridianbet.ng marks a strategic expansion into a market worth over $2 billion, according to the research of Orange Business Intelligence Technology, with over 60 million Nigerians actively participate in betting, contributing to one of the fastest-growing industries on the continent.
Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet, commented: âOur expansion into Nigeria marks a significant step in our long-term strategy to deepen our presence in Africaâs most dynamic gaming markets. With a highly engaged player base and strong industry growth, Nigeria presents a major opportunity for our B2B model. We are committed to bringing our cutting-edge technology, AI-powered betting solutions, and localized expertise to drive long-term success for our partners in the region.â
FY 2024 Revenue Growth & Investor Outlook
Golden Matrix Group has provided a preliminary full-year 2024 revenue estimate of $150 million, reflecting the companyâs continued growth trajectory. The Group expects to release its audited FY 2024 financial results in the coming days, offering investors a comprehensive performance overview. The Nigerian market represents a strategic opportunity for future revenue expansion, aligning with GMGIâs global strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth gaming markets.
Key Market Potential & Strategic Expansion
According to the Orange Business Intelligence Technology (ORBIT), Nigeriaâs betting industry surpassed $2 billion back in 2020, with projections indicating up to $4.7 billion in annual revenue potential over the next decade. Football remains the primary driver of market growth, with a vast customer base engaging both online and offline. Meridianbetâs B2B model will provide advanced technology solutions, gaming content, and platform services to local operators, offering a scalable and highly adaptable system tailored to the Nigerian market.
A Strategic Milestone in Meridianbetâs African Growth
With operations in 18 markets across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Meridianbet has built a reputation as a leading technology provider and betting operator. The companyâs expansion into Nigeria follows its long-standing success in established African markets, where it has been a dominant player for over two decades.
The soft launch of Meridianbet.ng is already delivering positive early results, with strong partner satisfaction and excellent customer feedback.
AI-Powered Innovation & Market Expansion
As part of this rollout, Meridianbet is introducing its proprietary AI Sports Betting Recommender and AI Casino Recommender, delivering personalized betting experiences based on real-time data, player behavior, and predictive analytics. These innovations, already proving successful in multiple markets, will enhance customer engagement, retention, and overall user satisfaction in Nigeriaâs rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
The post Meridianbet Expands B2B Operations into Nigeria, Entering a Regulated $2 Billion Betting Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
ELA Games Enters the Danish Market Through New Strategic Collaboration With RoyalCasino

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ELA Games, a supplier of innovative games in the iGaming industry, has partnered with RoyalCasino to enter the Danish market.
Royal Casino is Denmarkâs only land-based and online casino with over 33 years of experience in the gambling industry. The Danish RoyalCasino Group operates the land-based casino in their top-rated Hotel Royal, offering Danish players an elevated gaming experience.
ELA Gamesâ collaboration with the prestigious Danish brand marks a significant milestone for the development studio, as they are entering the Danish market. As a result, ELA Gamesâ innovative content, such as hallmark titles like Cash of Gods, Itâs Shark Time and Lucky Dwarfs, will be hosted on the RoyalCasino.dk platform.
David Fall, ELA Gamesâ Business Development Manager, commented on the partnership, âRoyalCasino is an illustrious figure in the Danish gaming scene, and weâre excited to partner with them to provide our content on their platform. RoyalCasino.dk, despite its pedigree, is a rapidly growing brand. With the various promotions prepared in tandem with this announcement, ELA Games looks forward to expanding in Denmark.â
Jonas Madsen, RoyalCasinoâs Director of Retention Marketing, added, âWeâre very excited about the addition of ELA Games to our portfolio of games at RoyalCasino.dk. ELA Games is an up-and-coming game provider who, in just a few years, has managed to create captivating games with quality graphics, and weâre confident that their content will cater to the preferences of our growing database of players.â
The post ELA Games Enters the Danish Market Through New Strategic Collaboration With RoyalCasino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Endorphina Club to Host GamingTECH CEE 2025 Awards Party at Prague Gaming & TECH Summit

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The highly anticipated GamingTECH CEE 2025 Awards Party, sponsored by Endorphina, will take place on March 25, 2025, as part of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. The event will be hosted at the elegant Galerie Louvre in Prague, transforming the venue into the exclusive âEndorphina Clubâ for an unforgettable evening of celebration and networking.
As the exclusive sponsor of the GamingTECH CEE Awards Party, Endorphina continues its tradition of supporting the gaming industryâs most prestigious event for CEE, following successful sponsorships in 2023 and 2024. This year, the âEndorphina Clubâ will bring a luxurious experience to summit participants, combining the excitement of the Awards Ceremony with top-tier entertainment, including live piano music, classical ballroom dancers, and a DJ to set the tone for a vibrant afterparty.
The evening will feature a standing 3-course buffet dinner, welcome drinks, beer, and unlimited consumption of wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees can expect an engaging atmosphere, where business meets celebration, as the GamingTECH CEE 2025 Award winners are revealed. These awards celebrate excellence within the GameTech industry, with every winner determined by democratic votes from industry professionals and summit participants.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, stated about the exciting event: âA huge thank you to Endorphina for their continued support of the GamingTECH CEE Awards Party at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Their commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence in the industry is truly commendable, and this yearâs âEndorphina Clubâ will undoubtedly offer an unforgettable experience for all attendees.â
Jan Urbanec, CEO of Endorphina commented: âAt Endorphina, we believe that gaming is not just about technologyâitâs about passion, creativity, and the experiences that bring people together. Sponsoring the GamingTECH CEE Awards Party for the third consecutive year reflects our commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence in the industry. This year, the âEndorphina Clubâ will offer an elevated experience at the heart of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, blending prestige with entertainment in a way that truly represents our brand. We look forward to welcoming our partners and industry friends to an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and celebration.â
 Endorphina, a leading B2B software provider headquartered in Prague, is known for its diverse and innovative slot games, utilized by top-tier operators in the iGaming industry. The companyâs software is certified by iTech Labs and GLI, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and integrity.
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, organized by HIPTHER, is a flagship event known for bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from the Gaming and Technology sectors. HIPTHER is an established event organizer and media brand, recognized for its impactful conferences, insightful publications, and dedication to showcasing advancements within the GameTech and Technology industries.
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The Endorphina Club and GamingTECH Awards Party is attended by the Prague Gaming & TECH Participants only. Pre-registration is required. Secure your spot at: Endorphina Club 2025 Registration
For more information about the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit and the GamingTECH CEE 2025 Awards, visit: https://hipther.com/events/prague/
The post Endorphina Club to Host GamingTECH CEE 2025 Awards Party at Prague Gaming & TECH Summit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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