Industry News
TBRC Report Insights: Free Time due to Coronavirus Lockdown is Increasing the Demand for Online Gambling
The global online gambling market is expected to grow from $58.9 billion in 2019 to $66.7 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2%. The growth is mainly attributed to COVID-19 due to which large population is confined to their homes during the lockdown and have free time to participate in several free and paid leisure activities, including online gambling. The market is then expected to reach $92.9 billion in 2023 at CAGR of 11.64%.
The online gambling market comprises of revenue generated by remote gaming activities by means of the internet using desktop and mobile devices. The market includes gambling establishments developing online sports betting, casino, bingo, lotteries, and poker games, among others.
Mobile Users Account For About 80% Of All Users In The Online Gambling Industry
Increasing adoption of smartphones with improved internet accessibility is also driving the online gambling market. Globally, the average use of mobile devices compared to desktop computers or laptops is significantly greater. In most countries, mobile users account for about 80% of all users in the online gambling industry. According to a study published on the Rub90 portal, the share of gamblers preferring smartphones to participate in gambling grew by 117% between 2012 and 2018. The significant growth can be attributed to the availability of smartphones with online gambling apps, coupled with high-speed mobile Internet coverage. The users need not attend computer clubs to play video slots or bet on sports events, but can obtain access to a gambling platform at any convenient place. According to Cisco’s company annual report, globally, the total number of Internet users is projected to grow from 3.9 billion in 2018 to 5.3 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 6%, and Smartphones will grow at a 7% CAGR. This in turn is expected to drive the global online gambling market.
Complex And Varying Gambling Regulations Inhibit Market Growth
Online gambling laws vary significantly from one region to other. Most countries have their own local laws that deal with the relevant legal and regulatory issues. Countries such as the United States have a much more complex gambling regulatory process. Also, in countries like India, gambling is under strict control. With each individual country enacting particular gambling laws, it is tough to be familiar with them all. Nevertheless, all gambling sites should be compliant with any laws that they are subject to, to ensure gambling sites are operated lawfully, ethically, and are safe. The established and reputable licensing authorities impose a strict code of conduct on the licensees, who have to adhere to the necessary regulations if they are to maintain their licenses. The strict and varying laws across the countries are likely to challenge the online gambling market growth.
Blockchain, Internet Of Things (IoT) And Virtual Reality (VR) In Online Gambling
Technologies such as Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and virtual reality (VR) are changing the scenario of how one can gamble in an online casino. Virtual Reality and VR Headsets have gained a lot of popularity in recent years and are a revolutionary addition to the world of online gambling. With VR, one can actually enter into a virtual casino and play all the games without having to travel. However, fraud and cheating were a major concern with the users in online gambling. A lot of online casinos and online gambling sites have been accused of not being transparent and hiding their internal workings and the methods for their dealings. These concerns can be addressed using blockchain technology. With blockchain technology, everyone will be able to see exactly what is going on behind the scenes. This will help in preventing fraud and greatly increasing the trust people have in these online gambling sites. These technologies, therefore, have a big impact on the online gambling market.
SOURCE The Business Research Company
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Fast Track has expanded its AI-driven gamification platform, Rewards, with the launch of “Tournaments”. This new feature provides operators with a powerful tool to strengthen player retention. By leveraging real-time leaderboards, Tournaments allow players to compete directly for prizes—a proven strategy for increasing session length and frequency of play.
Tournaments integrate with the company’s Singularity Model, allowing operators to match players to competitions based on how they play. A player who chases big wins can be entered into a multiplier-based competition. A volume player competes on turnover. The result is tournaments that feel personal and perform better.
For operators managing multiple brands, the feature removes duplication. A single tournament setup can be applied across all brands and languages through Player Origins, Fast Track’s multi-brand management layer.
“Operators have either built tournaments in-house or used tools disconnected from their CRM, both creating friction at scale. Tournaments in Rewards solves that, but the real value is in relevance. Connected to the Singularity Model, operators aren’t just running competitions – they’re running the right competition for each player,” Simon Lidzén, CEO of Fast Track, said.
The post Fast Track Introduces “Tournaments” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group, is going to release Super Heli Premium later this month, an expanded version of its flagship crash game with new gameplay mechanics and enhanced operator customization.
The original Super Heli became one of the most requested titles in European iGaming within months of launch. Session lengths consistently run above industry averages, and operators report retention metrics “materially better than category norms”. The game’s multi-bet mechanics created a tension loop that traditional slots struggle to match: players bet on a helicopter’s ascent, deciding when to cash out before it crashes.
Super Heli Premium will introduce several improvements designed to broaden player appeal and give operators more deployment flexibility:
• New gameplay modes expand strategic options beyond the base game’s single mechanic, adding prediction-based betting and range-based outcomes that reward both conservative and aggressive play styles
• Improved RTP, which will increase player return rates while maintaining the volatility profile that made the original title successful with operators
• Advanced cash-out mechanics will give players more control over risk management during active rounds, allowing partial exits while keeping stakes in play
• Thematic customization enables operators to deploy region-specific visual themes without changing core gameplay.
The additions position Super Heli Premium as a platform play rather than a single-variant release. Operators can configure the game to match specific audience segments, whether deploying for broad casual appeal or tailoring parameters for experienced players seeking deeper strategic layers.
Expanse Studios currently operates across 1300+ B2B partnerships globally, with over 300 new operators added in Q3 2025 alone.
Full feature details and technical specifications will be released at launch in late January 2026. The game will be available across Expanse’s global operator network, including active integrations in the US, Brazil, Europe, and emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Africa.
The post Expanse Studios to Release Super Heli Premium in Late January 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Gaming Laboratories International
GLI Promotes Malvina Mikaelian and Reenesh Mahabeer to Senior Directors of Engineering
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has promoted Malvina Mikaelian and Reenesh Mahabeer to Senior Directors of Engineering.
Mikaelian has been with GLI for 22 years and is based in the Las Vegas lab. Over her history with the company, she has opened GLI’s South Africa and Las Vegas labs and has led the technical group through the most dynamic advances in gaming technology.
“Malvina brings a proven track record of technical leadership, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. In her new role, she will lead strategic engineering initiatives, strengthen organizational execution, and help drive the next phase of innovation and growth for the global land-based division,” Andrea Bossard, Vice President of Engineering at GLI, said.
Mahabeer is based in GLI’s South Africa lab and has been with the company for just under 20 years, working his way from a Senior Engineer to his current position as Senior Director of Engineering. He has led his team through multiple changes in the South African gaming landscape, in both land-based and iGaming.
“Reenesh is a trusted, exceptional leader driving our global digital initiatives and accelerating innovation in emerging technologies. He combines vast market and technical expertise to deliver global consistency and a world-class experience for our clients, while inspiring peers and empowering his team,” Ginnie Hollis, Vice President of Engineering at GLI, said.
The post GLI Promotes Malvina Mikaelian and Reenesh Mahabeer to Senior Directors of Engineering appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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