Europe’s Gambling Revenue Declines by 23% in 2020, as Online Sector Rises

The gambling revenue in Europe has fallen by almost a quarter in 2020, which is a result of a negative pandemic impact.

The data published by the European Gaming and Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital shows that gross gaming revenue for the European Union countries plus UK will fall by 23%, from 2019’s EUR 98.6 billion to EUR 75.9 billion.

A Devastating Fall in Land-Based Gambling

The online gambling, however, is poised to rise…

…by 7% on annual level, from EUR 24.5 billion in 2019 to EUR 26.3 billion in 2020, which is despite the cancellation of all sport in second quarter.

The land-based declines are so major, however – due to the casino shutdowns – that online sector cannot compensate for it.

The steady growth of online gambling market will continue: the GGR is expected to grow approximately 7% per year and reach the 33.6% of total revenue in Europe by 2025.

Mobile Rises

Mobile play will for 45.6% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2020, and it will reach 50.8% by 2022.

By 2025, the mobile betting will reach a 58.2% share.

Maarten Haijer, secretary general of EGBA, says:

“Like many other sectors, Europe’s gambling sector has taken a hit from COVID-19 this year but the growth trend of online continues to be strong.

There is also still lots of room for growth in markets like , , Italy, and Spain, where the online penetration of the total gambling market is still relatively low compared to other European countries.”

RTP and Safe Gambling

The member companies of EGBA – Betsson, Entain, Kindred, William Hill and bet365 – had total of 16 million online customers. The average win/return rate was 94.3%.

63% of customers used at least one safer gambling tool, which is an increase from 37% of customers in the previous year. The operators conducted 1.2 million direct interventions with customers to promote safer gambling, a 50% increase from the previous year.

Haijer added that the organization commends their ’ efforts in of safer gambling and their significant investments in European sports.

Source:

“European gaming revenue falls by almost a quarter in 2020”, igamingbusiness.com, December 21st, 2020.