In this column, we deliver you the latest and most interesting online poker industry news from across the world and all platforms.
New poker boom incoming?
The winter months in the northern hemisphere are usually strong online poker months. In addition to that, the second wave of Covid is sweeping across Europe, Asia and America.
Experts now predict a new poker boom heading into 2021. It will take a little longer to really say if we can talk about a boom or merely another spike in traffic. For now, traffic is starting to surge and it’s an indication of what’s to come over the next few months.
Considering the latest cash game traffic in the last two weeks, the segregated European online poker market (comprising France, Spain, and Portugal) has grown by almost 30% and Italy is up 18%.
Many European countries have been issued with lockdown or partial lockdown orders. This has not yet happened in other regions and so the global .com traffic is not seeing a massive increase as the above, though a trend is visible.
We have to be careful hoping for a boom in 2021 despite great numbers over the winter as we can’t forget the new legislations and regulations that are being put into place across European countries, however.
£100 Deposit limit in the UK?
One of these new regulations that is being discussed is a deposit limit for online gambling sites. While Germany is looking to implement a €1,000 limit, it is being rumoured that the United Kingdom plans a monthly deposit limit or only £100.
This proposed amount is a result from a survey that stated that British citizens have £250 per month available for gambling. If players can prove that they have more money available for gambling this limit might be increased on an individual basis.
Many international poker pros have chosen the UK as their home, so this limit would endanger their livelihood. We might be seeing busy poker player migration across European countries over the next year.
GVC rebranding to Entain
Yesterday partypoker mother company GVC holdings announced that it is to be rebranded to Entain to reflect the group’s “ambition to be the world-leader in sports betting and gaming entertainment”.
GVC is looking to present a fresh corporate identity while committing to only operate in regulated markets. By the end of 2023, it is planned to only offer real money play in regulated markets.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Group, and an important step forward in achieving our ambition of being the world leader in sports betting and gaming,” commented Shay Segev, GVC’s CEO.
“Under our new corporate identity, we will continue to use our unique technology platform to build on the exceptionally strong momentum that we have in our existing markets, grow into new markets, reach new audiences, enhance the customer experience, and provide industry-leading levels of player protection.”
