Online Gambling News: 888 Given Nod in Pennsylvania, China Tipped for Boom

Online Gambling News: 888 Given Nod in Pennsylvania, China Tipped for Boom

Online gambling has been one of the biggest growth industries over the past few years, and that trend has been tipped to continue for the foreseeable future. According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the market in the United States alone is projected to register a CAGR of 15.41% from 2020 to 2025.

New Jersey is currently the largest market for regulated online gambling in the US, but many other states have jumped on the bandwagon in recent times. With the landscape in the sector continuing to evolve, we take a look at some of the latest developments from across the industry.

888 Gears Up for Pennsylvania

Online gaming software provider 888 was recently approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to offer its casino services in the jurisdiction. The decision paves the way for the second online poker operator to launch in the state and 888 is already inviting players to register for pre-game access to its promotions.

online gambling

The move into Pennsylvania makes perfect sense given that the state generated a record-breaking $57 million in online casino revenue during September. In addition to Pennsylvania, the company has stated that further expansion into the US is at the top of its strategic agenda for at least the next five years.

Itai Pazner, CEO of 888, believes that the company is well-positioned to make further gains in the industry over the coming years.

“We have performed very well throughout the first half of 2020 with robust year-on-year growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of 37% and 56% respectively,” he said.

“This outcome reflects the group’s continued strong levels of customer acquisition, general consumer trends towards increased use of online services, especially during the lockdown period, and 888’s relentless focus on product leadership.”

Gauselmann Launches new Player Protection Programme

Gauselmann UK has launched a new player protection programme designed to cement its commitment to operating in a socially responsible manner. Entitled 360, the innovative programme has been developed following close consultation with the Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4).

A six-person Advisory Board will be tasked with using their knowledge of the industry to draw on the experience of other jurisdictions and across other sectors.

Sascha Blodau, General Manager Gauselmann UK, said: “The aim in everything that we do is to be the very best in the business and that also extends to delivering the most effective social responsibility undertakings.

“When it comes to protecting the vulnerable and the very small percentage of players who may experience problems from low stake gambling entertainment, you can never do enough – it’s a journey without there actually being a final destination.

“We want to ensure that we are establishing the very highest standards in order to deliver a safe gambling entertainment experience for all of our customers in particular those that may require additional levels of support.

“I believe that in 360 we have created the most comprehensive safer gambling programme in the UK to complement what is the industry’s most professional and dedicated consumer-facing team.”

888 Teams up with Sportradar

888 Holdings PLC has announced a new partnership with Sportradar, a global provider of sports betting and sports entertainment products and services. The deal will see 888 use Sportradar’s data and risk management solution, Managed Trading Services (MTS) Return Guarantee, for its extensive tennis offering.

Sportradar’s MTS is a flexible technology solution that can be tailored to work across various sports to both protect and enhance sportsbook operations. Nick Soye, Business Development Manager for MTS at Sportradar, said: “888sport are an innovative, forward thinking brand, with strong aspirations for exponential global growth.

“It goes without saying that we are truly excited by the prospect of delivering our MTS for tennis with such an established operator in the sports betting market.

“We’re confident our bespoke risk management solution will play an important role in the overall growth of the 888sport brand.”

China Tipped for Gambling Boom

A gambling industry expert has predicted that China could be the next big market to legalise gambling activities within its borders. Gambling is currently outlawed in China, with the government often going to extreme lengths to prevent people from using overseas operators.

The CEO of Global Betting & Gaming Consultants, Warwick Bartlett, forecast during a recent online conference that the Chinese government will relax its stance over the next decade.

“I believe that China will, within 10 years, legalise gambling within their own borders,” he said.

“The reason I believe this will happen is because you can’t continually criminalise ordinary people’s behaviour.

“The British government discovered that in 1963 when they legalised gambling and other countries slowly followed.

“It makes sense because customers are better protected and you can tax the revenue and it creates a whole new industry.”

About Adam Green

Adam Green is an iGaming industry written that has been covering industry regulation and events for the past 11 years. He has written for a number of other publications including iGaming Insider, IGB Magazine and Gambling 911.