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How has the pandemic impacted the iGaming industry?

During lockdown, when unable to complete our regular outdoor activities or socialise with friends and family, and our anxiety around finances are heightened, it’s no surprise that people turned to online gambling for distraction from the monotony of everyday lives or to attempt to make some money to offset potential losses from lockdown or furlough.

Although land-based casinos obviously felt the impact of Covid-19 and overall, gambling revenue unfortunately took a hit, £3.08bn GCY was generated between April and September 2020, a 9.6% increase when compared to the same period in the previous year.

This was an almost global phenomenon too, with some Canada-based operators reporting 77% growth when compared to the same period the previous year. Similarly, Australian operators reported that Australians spent 67% more on online gambling since non-essential services were closed, and Great Britain reported an increase of around 17% in the occurrence of online gambling.


VIXIO Gambling Compliance’s jurisdictional regulators reported upon the indexed change in Monthly Online GCR across various, spiking largely in New Jersey.

Throughout this period, online gambling websites significantly increased their advertising on websites, emails, radio advertisements and social media to pull in as many customers as possible. 

Because of this notable increase, the Gambling Commission and other regulatory boards have reviewed the ethics surrounding this and have updated the gambling consultation with new compliance guidelines.

Why has online gambling increased?

The speed of online gambling: when playing online, players don't have to wait long for specific matches or tournaments, and can place a bet quickly. The ease of online gambling: since you can gamble using credit or debit cards, instead of cash in hand, it is easier to place a bet. However, this can be problematic however because people can more easily lose track of how much money they have bet in quick succession. 

The ease of online gambling: since you can gamble using credit or debit cards, instead of cash in hand, it is easier to place a bet. However, this can be problematic however because people can more easily lose track of how much money they have bet in quick succession. 

Lockdown stress: Dr Charles Livingstone, Gambling Researcher and Head of Gambling and Social Determinants unit within Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, commented “Some gambling certainly appears to have increased, which is unsurprising. Stress is a risk factor for gambling, and life under COVID-19 is of itself stressful for many and may also exacerbate difficulties associated with relationship issues, making ends meet and the prospect, if not the reality, of unemployment and loss of income.”

Lockdown alcohol: There has long been a strong link between binge drinking and gambling, and with the increase in time at home, many people found themselves purchasing bottles to consume at home, rather than socially. The consumption of alcohol also reduces inhibitions so may have encouraged people placing more bets, more frequently. 


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Author
Lindsey Roberts
Operations Director
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