This year has been an unpredictable and tough year for a lot of different businesses and industries. It’s been a tough year for the sporting world as many big tournaments have been cancelled and postponed. For the first time since WWII in 1945, Wimbledon has been cancelled and will instead take place in Summer 2021.
Now that some sports are taking place again, and many venues are reopening, here is just a quick look at the world of gambling and sports betting in 2020 and what is expected moving forward.
The effects of Coronavirus
Social distancing and other safety precautions led to the cancellation of many sports events in the 2020 calendar. Some of the major sporting activities that were cancelled or postponed included the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, football leagues such as Italy Serie A, Spanish La Liga, Turkey’s Super Lig and the English Premier League. However, some football matches resumed at varying dates after May when the virus was under better control. Other competitions such as Copa America, Russian Football Union, Rugby matches, and marathons were also postponed or cancelled for this year.
Although there was a drop in people betting and gaming this year in person, due to the closure of physical gambling venues and cancellation of sports events, there has been an increase in customers going online to find alternatives. Players have been able to access sports betting, play slot games, poker, and other casino games using online providers. And with many sporting events having resumed, online sports betting at sites like 21.co.uk has increased in popularity too.
Here are just some other developments that have happened throughout 2020 that have impacted the iGaming industry and the future of gambling.
Credit card gambling ban was enforced in Great Britain
Back in April, stricter rules were put in place to prevent gamblers from using their credit cards for gambling. The new rules which came into force on the 14th April meant that credit cards were banned for use in Great Britain for gambling in order to protect consumers from financial harm. Highlighted by the UKGC, this ban has helped to add another vital level of protection for consumers.
UKGC Public consultation leads the way for future online slot development
Last month, the UK Gambling Commission opened up a new public consultation on the future of online slot game design. It aims to gain public insight and input to help ensure greater protection for vulnerable players. By the way they are designed, online slots have a number of features which can significantly increase intensity of play. Their consultation is open from July 9th – September 3rd and aims to mitigate risks for slot players.
iGaming events postponed until 2021
This year was set to be another great one for iGaming events, with iGB Live! and iGB Affiliate Amsterdam set to take place. However, due to covid-19 and the uncertain travel restrictions, these iGB events have been postponed until next year. Although the shows have attracted a number of exhibitors, sponsors, and also had strong pre-registration numbers, the iGB team decided it was best that these events were postponed and pushed back to next year.
