The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every inhabitant of our planet, which means that it has had an impact on the global economy as a whole. Many industries have suffered damage from the spread of the coronavirus and the gambling sector is no exception. Unfortunately, this industry is one of the most affected, but non uk registered casinos have become more popular.
In this article, we will look at how well its representatives manage to cope with the difficulties that have arisen.
Changing Gaming Habits
There was a significant change in the gaming habits of people, which affected the entire sphere. In those countries where gambling has been banned or severely restricted, there is the highest growth in demand for such games in the online format.
Several studies of the gaming industry have already been conducted. UK statistics show an increase in online sales by about 17%. Also, there is information that about 30% of users who visited a live casino before the pandemic began to actively use loki casino app after the introduction of restrictions.
Such players began to play longer in one session if we compare it with a live casino. Also, users spend more money. Another study says that more dynamic games, such as slot machines, are in the highest demand. Bets on virtual sports and online poker have also increased significantly if we compare them with the period before the pandemic. Perhaps this is due to the very increase in the number of games per day.
It is worth saying that these trends are not global, that is, not every society reacts equally to the challenges of the pandemic. In Finland and Denmark, there were no significant changes in the online gambling entertainment industry.
The Consequences of The Coronavirus for The Gambling Sector
Gambling industry revenues decreased by 11% in 2020. A survey conducted in the UK showed that the profits of most gambling providers decreased by 50% compared to 2019. The suspension of sports leagues has also significantly reduced revenues in many countries. This has happened especially clearly in Europe, where sports betting is extremely popular.
In Italy, there was a decrease in profit from rates by about 59.3%. At the same time, this trend is accompanied by an increase in income related to online sales. The profit growth associated with COVID-19 is especially noticeable in the poker and casino online sectors.
Canadian operators reported that the online casino industry grew in the country by 77% if compared with the same period in 2019. In Australia, transaction studies were carried out among 250,000 users, their spending on online gambling increased by 67%.
Land-Based Casinos During The Pandemic
It is obvious that land-based casinos suffered the most during the pandemic because this is a place where a large number of people gather. Entrepreneurs whose casinos continue to operate during a state of emergency are required to adhere to the requirements listed below.
- Mandatory wearing of the mask by customers and staff.
- Availability of hygiene products available to customers and employees.
- Placement of information posters and stickers about the coronavirus in prominent places.
- Availability of instructions in several languages, depending on the expected visitors.
- Mandatory cleaning and disinfection of areas that are constantly touched by customers and staff.
- Minimizing the use of shared access objects of any type.
- High-quality ventilation of the room.
All these restrictive measures prevent institutions from earning as much as they earned. It is not very convenient for visitors to visit the casino, besides, they themselves are afraid of infection.
Conclusions and Reflections
The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the gambling industry in many countries. The closure of casinos, gaming establishments, bookmakers, as well as the cancellation of sports events significantly affected the industry. Despite this, the gambling sector still managed to transform to a certain extent and retain part of the profit due to the transition to the online format.
At the moment, no one knows whether these habits will remain in force after the restrictions are completely lifted, and people will no longer be afraid of infection. Will people return to the live casino, or will they prefer not to leave their homes and place bets online?
The research of the industry is carried out constantly because the organizers of the casino can lose a lot of money if they do not get the necessary information.