Latest News
ANJ: Summary of the Online gambling market for the first quarter of 2021: business continues to grow in all gambling segments

After a singular year in 2020, which ended with a 22% increase in the sector’s turnover, the first quarter of 2021 confirms the very dynamic growth of the online gambling market, with a 35% increase in turnover compared to the same period in 2020. Sports and horse racing betting once again recorded record stakes, while poker, still on the rise, began to return to normal.
In the first quarter of 2021, the turnover of the online gambling sector is up 35% and amounts to 587 million euros. The business was driven by 3.1 million players on accounts, a player base that is up 19% compared to 2020. Each segment of online gambling opened to competition have seen further strong growth in activity this quarter. These performances illustrate the acceleration of the digitalisation of gambling practices, which is a consequence of the health crisis and whose structuring character will have to be confirmed over the long term. As such, the levels of growth recorded in the first quarter of 2021, which are measured in relation to the first quarter of 2020, should be viewed with a certain amount of caution since, on the one hand, they are influenced upwards, for the two online betting segments, by the loss of business linked to the suspension of French sports betting and horse racing betting and, on the other hand, they are oriented downwards for the online poker market, due to the peak of business recorded at the same period last year.
Online sports betting: record stakes and new players
The online sports betting segment, which was the most affected by the first period of lockdown, is the one that has seen the most spectacular growth in stakes this quarter. 2.2 billion euros (+79%[1] compared to Q1 2020) were approximatively bet by the players on the competitions of the quarter, which corresponds to the highest amount of stakes recorded in a quarter. The number of sports bettors in the quarter increased by 29% to almost 2.5 million active player accounts (APA). It is very likely that the growth in activity will continue at a high rate this year due to the two major competitions, the European football championship and the Summer Olympic Games.
The FDJ reports a volume of sports betting stakes recorded on the two distribution channels equal to 1.1 billion euros in the first quarter of 2021, which corresponds to an increase of 46% compared to its results for the first quarter of 2020.
Online horse racing betting: growth continues and expands
The growth dynamic of the online horse racing betting market observed in 2020 is also continuing at a very steady pace. The horse racing stakes, which amount to 481 million euros, increased by 60% compared to the first quarter of 2020, again the highest volume of stakes recorded in a quarter. At the same time, the turnover of the six licensed horse racing betting operators reached 110 million euros, an increase of 48% compared to the first quarter of 2020. Online horse racing betting also recorded a 13% increase in players, with a total of 402,000 active player accounts (APA) over the quarter.
The horse racing betting offer at points of sale remains affected by the health restrictions which, as revealed by PMU, led to the closure of almost 40% of the points of sale for several consecutive months. As a result, the operator posted a 23% drop in stakes placed in its network of sales outlets for a total of 1.3 billion euros.
Online poker: lower growth marks the beginning of a return to normality
Online poker, which recorded the highest turnover increase in 2020, continues to grow at a sustained rate but at a lower rate than in previous quarters. Thus, the sector’s turnover grew by 23% to 120 million euros. The number of online poker players grew by 9% (991,000 active player accounts, (APA)). The results of online poker for the next quarter should however interrupt this dynamic, since they will be calculated with regard to the 2nd quarter of 2020, which had shown an exceptional level of activity due to the first lockdown.
|
Q1 2020
|
Q1 2021
|
Variation
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
2 598 000
|
3 078 000
|
+ 19%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
435 m€
|
587 m€
|
+ 35%
|
Sports betting
|
|||
Actives player accounts
|
1 915 000
|
2 466 000
|
+ 29%
|
stakes
|
1 220 m€
|
2 181 m€
|
+ 79%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
263 m€
|
357 m€
|
+ 36%
|
Horse racing betting
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
357 000
|
402 000
|
+ 13%
|
stakes
|
300 m€
|
481 m€
|
+ 60%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
74 m€
|
110 m€
|
+ 48%
|
Poker
|
|
|
|
Actives player accounts
|
906 000
|
991 000
|
+ 9%
|
Gross Gambling Revenue
|
98 m€
|
120 m€
|
+ 23%
|
For Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ’s Chairwoman: “The online gambling dynamics goes on and is accelerating this quarter. It calls for a certain vigilance and must be accompanied in order to guarantee the protection of players, especially in the run-up to major sport events such as the EURO football tournament or the Tokyo Olympic Games. As such, the ANJ reminded operators of the need for their commercial communications to emphasise the importance of maintaining a moderate and controlled gambling practice and for bonuses or welcome offers to be sufficiently clear, enabling players to understand the commitments they underlie. Additionally, the ANJ will pay particular attention to tipsters’ Websites which have recently strongly developed. Some of these Websites are in fact involved in misleading practices and present a real danger for players.”
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Conferences in Europe
SBC Summit 2025: Scaling Connections and Industry Dialogue in Lisbon

From 16–18 September 2025, the global sports betting and iGaming community will converge at the Feira Internacional De Lisboa for SBC Summit 2025 – an industry-defining exhibition and conference designed to bring scale, structure, strategic dialogue and actionable business opportunities to the evolving gaming landscape.
This year’s edition is set to welcome 30,000 delegates and will unfold across an expanded 135,000 square metre venue space. With 700+ exhibitors, 550+ speakers, and a structured layout spanning 5 vertical-specific zones, the event reflects both the complexity and global reach of today’s gaming ecosystem.
An Evolving Format to Match Industry Needs
The layout of SBC Summit 2025 has been carefully designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry. Each of the five dedicated zones will focus on a key vertical, with its own exhibition floor, conference stage, and networking areas. This format aims to enhance relevance for attendees by enabling more focused exploration, conversation, and business development.
In addition to these zones, the event will host two specialist summits:
- Affiliate Leaders Summit
- Payment Expert Summit
These dedicated summits allow for deeper interaction among professionals operating in specific areas of the gaming value chain.
A Multi-Stage Conference Agenda
The conference programme will span seven stages, hosting over 550 speakers. Among many highlights will be headline speaker appearances from global superstars – such as marketing & tech pioneer Gary Vaynerchuck, with others to be announced shortly. Sessions are set to address core topics such as:
- Application and implementation of Web3.0, AI, Blockchain and other booming technologies
- Player protection and responsible gaming
- Evolving regulation and compliance in Global & Emerging markets
- Payment solutions and financial innovation
- Advances in iGaming and casino tech
- Affiliate strategies and performance marketing
Session formats will vary – including keynotes, workshops, and roundtable discussions– designed to encourage both knowledge sharing and interactive dialogue.
Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Media Infrastructure
To support both formal and informal engagement, the venue will also feature a dedicated media headquarters and a food festival area – offering relaxed settings for interviews, content creation, and spontaneous networking.
SBC Summit 2025 continues to position itself as a significant touchpoint for industry professionals seeking not only visibility, but also long-term growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Evenings of Connection: Networking Events & Infinity Lisbon Closing Party
SBC Summit 2025 isn’t just about the sessions and exhibition floor – it’s about the connections that spark after hours. This year’s lineup of networking events invites delegates to experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife through a curated series of parties, dinners, and celebrations hosted at the city’s most iconic venues.
The week kicks off with the SBC Summit Opening Party on Tuesday, 16 September, at Urban Beach – one of Lisbon’s hottest night spots – featuring headline sets by international DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, network, and set the tone for the days ahead.
On Wednesday, 17 September, a trio of exclusive events will unfold across Lisbon:
- The C-Level & Operator VIP Dinner & Networking Party at SUD Lisboa, offering luxury dining and breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril Bridge from its rooftop terrace
- The Payment Expert Summit VIP Dinner & Party at Kais Restaurante Bar, designed for professionals in the Emerging Tech and Payments sphere
- And the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 at MEO Arena, celebrating affiliate excellence with a glamorous awards ceremony and gala dinner
The Summit culminates in a spectacular finale: the Infinity Lisbon Closing Party 2025, held on Thursday, 18 September at the iconic MEO Arena. With superstar DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet headlining, this event promises to be a high-energy, unforgettable close to an impactful week of business and celebration.
From casual mingling to VIP experiences, SBC Summit 2025 ensures that meaningful connections happen at every level – both on and off the show floor.
For full details, visit the official event site: sbcevents.com/sbc-summit
The post SBC Summit 2025: Scaling Connections and Industry Dialogue in Lisbon appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Global Institute of Sport and EPIC Global Solutions announce new partnership to support positive change in the sports industry

New engagement between the two organisations that have previously collaborated on key projects such as the Gambling Harm Prevention in Sport Summit.
Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and EPIC Global Solutions are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at supporting the professional development of sports industry leaders and driving positive change worldwide.
EPIC Global Solutions is the trusted global partner for gambling harm prevention, offering consultancy, training, and education grounded in lived experience. This partnership will allow EPIC to share its expertise with GIS students and professionals, particularly focusing on key markets such as the United States and the expanding soccer sector.
“Both organisations share similar aspirations on a global scale, especially in the territories where we operate and grow, including the American market and soccer,” said John Millington, SVP Programmes and Delivery at EPIC Global Solutions.
“This partnership provides a great opportunity to share knowledge and insights across the sporting industry, benefiting those entering or already working in sport, as well as organisations across teams, governing bodies, and service providers.”
Through this collaboration, GIS students will gain access to expert-led learning opportunities and real-world insights that enhance their understanding of industry challenges and professional growth.
“Partnering with EPIC Global Solutions allows us to provide meaningful insights that will support our students throughout their careers,” said Alisa Khakhar, Head of Student Recruitment at the Global Institute of Sport.
Together, EPIC Global Solutions and GIS are committed to fostering education, integrity, and progress in sport on a global scale.
The two organisations have previous experience of collaborating on major projects, including the Gambling Harm Prevention in Sport Summit at GIS’ prestigious Wembley Stadium facilities in 2023, when both parties invited their respective networks to discuss the impact of gambling on athletes and the broader sports community, with the goal of developing best practices for prevention and intervention.
This included the launch of a white paper from EPIC’s Pro Sport Advisory Board at the event, which presented research into the issue and proposals for the sports industry to adopt when mitigating gambling-related harm.
The post Global Institute of Sport and EPIC Global Solutions announce new partnership to support positive change in the sports industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Kaizen Gaming and EPIC extend partnership to strengthen a culture of safe and responsible gaming

The GameTech company’s decision to engage with EPIC is boosting safer gaming knowledge and practices for its employees and its Betano brand all over the world.
Kaizen Gaming and EPIC Global Solutions have agreed to extend their working relationship for a second year, following the conclusion of a successful initial one-year contract intended to boost Kaizen Gaming’s knowledge and application of safer gaming practices.
Since first engaging in 2024, EPIC has delivered training to Kaizen Gaming employees around the world, including a focus on educating teams based in its home continent of Europe and those operating its Betano brand in Brazil – EPIC’s first regular engagement with an online betting and gaming operator in the country.
With feedback from session attendees returning a satisfaction score of over 90%, anecdotal responses praised the openness of the facilitators and the value of hearing concrete and realistic ways to interact with customers. Audiences also valued the insight into the mindset of people experiencing problem gambling, and how each session was consistently engaging, encouraging people to participate throughout.
Members of EPIC’s team with a history of working in the gambling industry have also provided consultancy to review the effectiveness of Kaizen Gaming’s customer interactions.
The plans for the second year of the ongoing arrangement cover a mixture of training, workshops, consultancy, and initiatives for even more of the GameTech company’s teams around the world, including scope for EPIC to assess Kaizen Gaming’s training needs, support their safer gaming strategy development, conduct online and in-person sessions and prepare evaluation reports.
EPIC is additionally working with Kaizen Gaming to embed elements of safer gaming training into its employees’ ongoing learning and development programmes.
Grigoria Artsanou, senior learning and development specialist at Kaizen Gaming, explained: “Working with EPIC has provided our team with valuable, real-world insights that have deepened our understanding of responsible gaming.
“Their open and honest approach has been instrumental in helping us embed responsible gaming principles into our everyday practices.”
Dave Sproson, head of delivery at EPIC Global Solutions, added: “It has been an excellent first year of working alongside Kaizen Gaming and we’re always lifted by their enthusiasm for learning more about safer gaming and how to embed best practices into their working model.
“We look forward to working closely with their teams all over the world over the course of this second year, ensuring that our experience-powered prevention model helps an ever-growing number of players and gambling sector employees to minimise the risk of gambling-related harm.”
The post Kaizen Gaming and EPIC extend partnership to strengthen a culture of safe and responsible gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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