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EGBA Renew Commitment To Safer Online Gambling And Responsible Advertising As Coronavirus Restrictions Return

Published

5 years ago

on

October 16, 2020

By

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As many European countries face the return of more severe coronavirus-related (COVID-19) restrictions, online gambling associations have renewed their commitment to safer gambling and responsible advertising by outlining essential measures which gambling companies should rigorously apply to protect their customers.

The reintroduction of more severe restrictions could again lead to citizens spending prolonged periods at home and raise concerns that isolation could increase the risks of addictive behaviours, including those related to gambling. Gambling companies should therefore be vigilant to promote safer gambling and protect their customers, particularly those who are vulnerable, during these difficult times.

Despite concerns to the contrary, online gambling substantially declined in Europe during the lockdown between March and May, according to official government reporting.[1] The data published by gambling regulators revealed that, with the cancellation of major sports events, the majority of sport betting customers simply stopped betting altogether and did not significantly move to other forms of online gambling.

To strengthen and promote safer gambling in these challenging times, we urge all online gambling companies to ensure that their:

Advertising does not refer to the coronavirus, coronavirus-related public health statements and/or any other coronavirus-related developments.
Advertising does not portray gambling as a solution to boredom or social, personal or financial problems.
Advertising and websites contain clear and visible information about minimum age restrictions, national problem gambling helplines and self-exclusion registers where possible.
Websites contain robust and rigorously enforced identity verification measures to verify the identity of new customers and prevent minors from gambling.
Websites contain clearly sign-posted safer gambling tools – such as deposit limits, time outs and self-exclusion tools – which customers can use to manage their gambling activity.
Customers are closely monitored for problematic gambling behaviour and the companies step up direct safer gambling interventions with their customers when appropriate.
New customers are duly informed of safer gambling tools when they sign up.

These measures build on actions already being taken by our members as part of their safer gambling efforts and are reflective of the European Commission’s “Recommendation 2014/478/EU on consumer protection in online gambling” which outlines essential guidelines on safer gambling and responsible advertising of online gambling.

We urge online gambling companies to share this information with any affiliate marketing companies they work with and ensure their brands are not being promoted in an unethical and socially irresponsible way.

“The reintroduction of coronavirus restrictions poses significant challenges for Europe’s society. This guidance is intended to help fellow citizens and provides an opportunity for gambling companies to demonstrate their willingness to take responsibility during these challenging times. These are simple but essential measures which all gambling companies should adopt to protect their customers, step up their social responsibility efforts and ensure their advertising is conducted in an ethical and responsible way. We urge all online gambling companies to adhere to them.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General (EGBA).

This statement is supported by the following European online gambling associations

APAJO – Associação Portuguesa de Apostas e Jogos Online (Portugal); BAGO – Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (Belgium); BGC – Betting and Gaming Council (UK); BOS – Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (Sweden); DOCV – Deutscher Online Casinoverband (Germany); DOGA – Danish Online Gambling Association (Denmark); DSWV – Deutscher Sportwettenverband (Germany); EGBA – European Gaming and Betting Association (Belgium); IBIA – International Betting Integrity Association (Belgium); iGEN – iGaming European Network (Malta); Jdigital – Asociación Española de Juego Digital (Spain); LOGiCO – Lega Operatori di Gioco su Canale Online (Italy); NBO – Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (Norway); NOGA – the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (Netherlands); and OVWG – Österreichische Vereinigung für Wetten & Glücksspiel (Austria).

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When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries

Published

6 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Wladimir P.

when-latam-gambles:-blask-reveals-seasonality-patterns-across-six-countries

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia represent six distinct iGaming markets — each with its own regulatory framework, player base and cultural rhythms. Yet beneath these differences lie powerful shared drivers: domestic football seasons concluding in Q4, mandatory year-end bonuses injecting billions into local economies, and national holidays that stretch into multi-day celebrations.

Using Blask’s Seasonality feature, player activity across all six countries was analyzed to map engagement peaks by month, day and hour. While regional trends are visible, the execution varies sharply at the local level.

Here’s what the data reveals.

Brazil: The Q4 Convergence Effect

In Brazil, November and December form a clear peak driven by three converging factors.

The Brasileirão season concludes in early December, with title races and relegation battles intensifying betting activity. At the same time, the Copa Libertadores semifinals and final fall in October and November — and Brazilian clubs’ recent dominance has kept engagement high.

The economic boost comes from the décimo terceiro, Brazil’s mandatory 13th salary paid in two instalments by November 30 and December 20. In 2024 alone, it injected R$321 billion into the economy, increasing disposable income during football’s decisive phase.

Saturday edges out Sunday as the top-performing day, reflecting the league’s fixture concentration. Weekends dominate overall, with a pronounced spike between 1 AM and 5 AM on Friday-to-Saturday nights — a sign that late-night casino sessions complement live sports betting.

Argentina: Aguinaldo and League Finals

December leads the calendar in Argentina, driven by the Liga Profesional’s mid-December conclusion and the aguinaldo, the country’s mandatory 13th salary paid by June 30 and December 18.

Sunday ranks highest for engagement, closely followed by Saturday, aligning with concentrated weekend fixtures. The peak activity window — midnight to 3 AM on Saturday-to-Sunday nights — reflects pre-match anticipation and late-night casino play following the workweek.

The pattern closely mirrors Brazil’s Q4 surge, but with a stronger Sunday bias.

Mexico: Liguilla and Late-Night Culture

December again stands out, coinciding with the Liga MX Apertura playoffs (Liguilla) and the championship final in mid-December. The aguinaldo — at least 15 days’ salary, paid by December 20 — provides additional liquidity at the same time.

Sunday leads weekly activity, with Saturday close behind. However, Mexico’s most distinctive feature is its consistent 2–3 AM activity peak across all days, amplified on weekends.

This pattern suggests a strong late-night gambling culture, where casino verticals such as slots, crash games and live dealer experiences drive engagement alongside sports betting.

Chile: September Over December

Unlike its regional peers, Chile’s biggest month is September — not December.

The surge is powered by Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19), the country’s most significant national celebration. When calendar alignment allows, festivities can stretch into a full week, with fondas, music and social gatherings creating a nationwide party atmosphere that extends into online gambling.

Saturday is the dominant day, with activity elevated throughout. Peaks occur around midnight on Friday-to-Saturday nights and again during Saturday afternoon (3–5 PM), indicating a blend of late-night casino play and daytime sports betting.

Peru: The Purple Month Effect

October and November represent Peru’s peak period, with November slightly ahead.

The Clausura tournament reaches its decisive stretch in early November, while October is dominated by Señor de los Milagros — the country’s largest religious festival. Celebrations extend into All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Day of the Dead (November 2), creating a sustained festive period.

Unlike Brazil and Mexico, Peru’s engagement is concentrated during daytime weekend hours, particularly morning and afternoon. This suggests a stronger alignment with live Liga 1 fixtures rather than late-night casino sessions.

Colombia: Primetime Precision

In Colombia, November leads, with October close behind.

The Torneo Finalización enters its cuadrangulares (semifinal group stage) during this period, building toward a December final. Anticipation around the prima de servicios — a mandatory half-month salary bonus due by December 20 — also supports late-year liquidity.

Sunday is the clear weekly leader, with evening primetime activity standing out. Engagement closely mirrors Liga BetPlay broadcast schedules, indicating sports betting is the primary driver rather than late-night casino behaviour.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Liquidity, Local Execution

Across LATAM, the Q4 bonus cycle — décimo terceiro, aguinaldo, prima de servicios and similar payouts — represents a predictable liquidity event spanning six major markets within an eight-week window. Crucially, it coincides with domestic football seasons reaching their climax.

However, peak timing differs significantly:

Mexico’s engagement spikes at 2 AM, while Peru’s is daytime-focused.
September outperforms December in Chile.
Colombia revolves around Sunday primetime broadcasts.
Brazil peaks on Saturday nights.

The takeaway is clear: while seasonality patterns are regional, execution must be hyper-local. Campaigns, product pushes and marketing spend need to align not just with the right month — but the right day and even the right hour in each individual market.

The post When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.