The gambling industry has shown significant trends and shifts in the first quarter of 2024 to 2025, as evidenced by the data released by the Gambling Commission in July 2024. This analysis delves into the various aspects of online and retail gambling, highlighting key insights and drawing expert conclusions based on the data provided.
Online Gambling Activity
1. Active Players per Vertical
The number of active players across different gambling verticals has seen notable changes. Slots remain the most popular vertical, with a significant increase in active players from April to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This rise can be attributed to enhanced user engagement strategies and possibly the introduction of new slot games that have captivated the audience.
Other gaming activities, including casino games, also saw an uptick in active players, although not as pronounced as slots. Real event betting experienced fluctuations, with a peak in April 2024, likely due to major sporting events during that period. Virtual betting and poker, however, showed a slight decline, indicating a potential shift in player preferences towards more dynamic and engaging forms of gambling.
2. Bets Placed per Vertical
The total number of bets placed provides insight into player activity and engagement. Slots again dominate this category, with a substantial increase in bets placed in the first quarter of 2024 to 2025. This trend aligns with the rise in active players, suggesting that slots are not only attracting more players but also encouraging higher betting activity.
Real event betting, while showing a peak in April 2024, experienced a decline in subsequent months. This could be due to the conclusion of major sports events or a shift in player interest. Virtual betting and poker saw a consistent decrease in bets placed, reinforcing the trend observed in active player data.
3. Slots Session Length
The average session length for slots remained stable at around 17 to 18 minutes. However, the number of sessions lasting over an hour increased in 2024, indicating deeper engagement from players. This could be a result of more immersive game designs or effective retention strategies employed by operators.
4. Gross Gambling Yield (GGY)
The Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) across different verticals provides a financial perspective on the industry’s performance. Slots generated the highest GGY, with a noticeable increase from April to June 2024 compared to the previous year. This rise in GGY aligns with the increased player activity and betting volume in slots.
Other gaming activities and real event betting also saw an increase in GGY, although the latter experienced significant fluctuations. Virtual betting and poker, on the other hand, showed a decline in GGY, reflecting the overall decrease in player engagement and betting activity in these verticals.
Retail Betting Activity
1. Number of Bets and/or Spins
Retail betting data reveals trends in physical betting environments. Over-the-counter bets saw a decline in the first quarter of 2024 to 2025 compared to the same period in 2023. This could be due to a shift towards online betting platforms, which offer greater convenience and accessibility.
Self-service betting terminals (SSBT) and machine bets also experienced fluctuations, with a notable decrease in May 2024. This trend might indicate a temporary dip in retail betting activity, possibly influenced by external factors such as economic conditions or changes in consumer behavior.
2. Gross Gambling Yield (GGY)
The GGY from retail betting provides insights into the financial health of physical betting operations. Over-the-counter GGY showed a decline, mirroring the trend in the number of bets placed. SSBTs and machines, however, maintained relatively stable GGY figures, suggesting that while the number of bets fluctuated, the average bet size or frequency remained consistent.
3. Machine Sessions
The total number of machine sessions and sessions lasting over an hour provide a glimpse into player engagement in retail environments. The data indicates a slight decrease in the total number of sessions in 2024 compared to 2023, but the number of long sessions remained relatively stable. This suggests that while fewer players might be engaging with machines, those who do are spending more time per session.
Our BCraft team's Сonclusions
The gambling industry, both online and retail, is experiencing dynamic shifts influenced by player preferences, technological advancements, and external factors. The data from the first quarter of 2024 to 2025 highlights several key trends:
Rise in Online Slots Popularity: Slots continue to dominate the online gambling landscape, attracting more players and generating higher betting volumes and GGY. This trend is likely to continue as operators introduce more engaging and innovative slot games.
Fluctuations in Real Event Betting: Real event betting shows significant peaks and troughs, influenced by the timing of major sports events. Operators may need to diversify their offerings to maintain player engagement during off-peak periods.
Decline in Virtual Betting and Poker: Both verticals are experiencing a decline in player activity and GGY. This trend suggests a shift in player preferences towards more interactive and dynamic forms of gambling.
Stable Retail Betting Activity: While there are fluctuations in the number of bets and GGY, retail betting remains a significant part of the gambling industry. The stability in machine sessions indicates consistent player engagement in physical betting environments.
Impact of External Factors: Economic conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory changes continue to shape the gambling industry. Operators need to stay agile and adapt to these changes to sustain growth and profitability.
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