GBGC announces new reports on sports betting

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, a specialist gaming consultancy with more than 15 years’ experience, has produced two new reports investigating African sports betting and emerging trends in virtual betting.

The reports are based on groundbreaking research conducted as part of GBGC’s flagship Global Gambling Report, a market-leading study of more 250 gaming and betting markets which is now in its tenth edition.

GBGC CEO Warwick Bartlett commented, “We’re pleased to be releasing reports into these exciting emerging sectors. Both topics have been very interesting to research, and we’re certain that our readers and subscribers will find them engaging and a catalyst for ideas. Tax and regulation have put pressure on operators’ profits in recent years so it has never been more important to seek out new sectors.”

He continued: “In our decade-long work on the Global Gambling Report, we’ve always tried to take a comprehensive long-term view on the industry as a whole – but we understand that operators are looking for the most intriguing opportunities in the here and now. That’s what these two new reports are all about.”

The firm’s report on virtual betting examines the ways in which the simulated betting format – long derided as ‘cartoon betting’ – is on the rise. Improvements to graphics and new products offered by suppliers are slowly transforming virtual betting into a serious contributor to revenues, compounded by operators’ desires for stable margins and a longer “betting window”.

Meanwhile, GBGC’s report on Africa identifies cultural trends that are currently driving the continent’s emerging sports betting sector. Although the African betting market currently lags behind its European and Asian counterparts, there are several trends giving cause for growth: urbanisation, increasing stability and economic prosperity and a growing, young population.

Lorien Pilling, Director at GBGC, said: “Global suppliers have already seen the potential and are working with established operators in Africa, but now non-domestic operators are sensing that this might be a market to break into. Of course, there’s quite a difference between sensing opportunity and actually navigating the complex terrain of a new jurisdiction. That’s where GBGC’s expertise comes in.”

The company has already completed projects in Africa, finding partners and researching potential opportunities in various jurisdictions. According to Bartlett, a symbiotic relationship exists between GBGC’s specialist gambling reports and its international consultancy projects.

“Our research has always gone hand-in-hand with our consultancy work,” added Bartlett. “Being properly informed is the best way to start, but looking at strategy, licensing, partnerships and individual business goals is the next step. These two reports on virtual betting and Africa will help spark ideas for new opportunities for betting firms looking to diversify and increase their revenues.”