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Can EURO 2020 Spark a Betting Boom for Britain’s Bookies?

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Can EURO 2020 Spark a Betting Boom for Britain’s Bookies?

 

With UEFA and football fans breathing a sigh of relief that EURO 2020 is finally to be held this summer, will UK bookmakers be celebrating too come July?

 

Clawing Back the Lost Pounds

The coronavirus pandemic has proved a disruption to every walk of life in the UK. Successive lockdowns, closed schools, homeworking, and furlough schemes have changed the entire country over the past 12 months.

And for sports fans and online bookmakers, the past year has been equally disruptive. 2020 should have been a bumper year for Britain’s bookies. Instead, many of the bookmakers’ most active markets were either curtailed or wiped completely from the calendar.

The English Premier League was suspended – although it eventually came to a spluttering end just before the summer – while Wimbledon was cancelled and the Grand National went virtual. By the time of the first national lockdown, gamblers were resorting to betting on the only football around – Asian Handicaps featuring actual Asian teams, and the far reaches of the Belarus Premier League.

In fact, total tax receipts for the period April 2020 to March 2021 came to “just” £2.83bn. That marked a staggering drop of £182m – or 6% – compared to the previous year.

But it was the cancellation of EURO 2020 that really hit bookies hard. Major football events are normally huge cash cows for online bookmakers. And 2020 was due to be an even bigger betting bonanza for the betting sites: Scotland had qualified for their first major tournament in over 20 years, while for England EURO 2020 would have been as close to a home tournament as they had seen since EURO 1996.

Betting Bonanza Expected This Summer

Betting companies recovered as 2020 came to a close. Most players migrated online as the continuing closure of retail betting shops and casinos continued. Indeed, poker activity and online casino gameplay helped to soften the blow.

But nothing compares to a major football tournament to turn around betting sites’ fortunes. At the last big footballing festival – the 2018 World Cup – over €136bn in bets were taken by the bookies.

And with EURO 2020 being held across multiple countries, including England, UK bookies will be looking forward to a release of cash from gamblers itching to put their bankrolls and footie knowledge to good use.

England will play all of their group games at Wembley, as well as a potential semi-final and final – if they make it that far. The better Gareth Southgate’s team does, the more money will be flowing through the UK bookies’ coffers. Simply put, England have a very real chance of winning their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. And that could translate into a big payday for the bookmakers.

Bonuses & Promotions for EURO 2020

To take advantage of an expected bumper EURO 2020, major brands will have exclusive offers and promos for the event. The tournament starts on June 11 but we already know the 24 teams taking part. And if the 2018 World Cup is anything to go by, bookies will be going all out with a raft of special deals.

England specials will almost certainly be on the table. Money back on losing England bets may be offered, as well as enhanced odds on the team’s home games. New players will also be able to claim free bets when they open their accounts.

Moving Forward: What’s in Store for UK Gamblers?

Despite a year of betting shop closures and delayed or cancelled sporting events, the UK sports betting industry rode the storm well. Revenues at the big betting companies like William Hill and Sky held firm.

In the case of the Sky Betting and Gaming Group (SBG), online sports betting revenue actually increased by 26%. New player acquisitions and more customers betting online seems to have helped companies weather the COVID-19 storm.

But assuming a good EURO 2020, what lies in store for the UK bookmakers? There is a review of the 2005 Gambling Act which may see some of the bookies’ powers scaled back.

Affordability checks are a definite possibility, and an ombudsman may come in to force betting forms to reduce stakes where needed. In addition, visible gambling advertising on football shirts may become a thing of the past. Indeed, more and more football clubs are terminating deals with shirt sponsors from the gambling industry.

For now, the betting companies will be concerned with the success of EURO 2020. And with football punters promised a first bonanza of football since the 2018 World Cup, expect a similar bonanza on the bookmakers’ sites.

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Awards

Blask wins Best Tech at iGB Affiliate Awards 2025

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Blask wins Best Tech at iGB Affiliate Awards 2025

 

Blask, the data-driven analytics ecosystem transforming iGaming oversight, has been named ‘Best Tech’ at the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards 2025 in London.

The win underscores the platform’s transition from a promising startup into an industry mainstay.

Launched publicly in May 2024, Blask has already secured two major accolades: SiGMA Asia Startup Pitch 2024 and Startup of the Year at the Starlet Awards, making this the third milestone in its brief yet impressive journey.

“Winning this award proves that Blask has outgrown its startup roots and become a data-first iGaming institution,” said Max Tesla, CEO and co‑founder. “We’re continuing to build out the platform, and with the recent launch of Blask Games, we now offer Game Visibility Rank across casino titles. No guesswork, just transparent, repeatable insights.”

Blask is now used by some of the biggest operators, affiliates and suppliers in the iGaming industry, providing real-time, data-driven market intelligence as well as a competitive edge in more than 60 markets worldwide.

The platform is regularly updated with new features and functionality.

Last month Blask Games was added, giving operators, affiliates, and analysts access to granular intelligence around game placement within casino lobbies.

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Conferences

EEGS Affiliate Conference Returns – Celebrating Its Fourth Edition as a Key Industry Milestone in Eastern Europe

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EEGS Affiliate Conference Returns - Celebrating Its Fourth Edition as a Key Industry Milestone in Eastern Europe

 

Building on the success of previous years, the EEGS Affiliate Conference is set to host its fourth edition, reaffirming its position as the leading event dedicated to affiliates, affiliate managers, and industry partners in Eastern Europe.

The conference will take place on 25th November in Sofia, Bulgaria, as a key accompanying event to the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS). It provides a premier platform for affiliates to connect, share insights, and drive growth within the rapidly evolving gaming and entertainment sectors.

Since its launch, the EEGS Affiliate Conference has attracted over 150 top-tier affiliates, affiliate managers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe. It serves as a vital hub for networking, strategic partnerships, and the exchange of innovative ideas, enabling attendees to maximize their success in a competitive market.

The upcoming edition promises to be even more impactful, featuring engaging panel discussions, expert-led presentations, and exclusive networking opportunities tailored specifically for the affiliate community. The event will culminate in a lively networking party, offering attendees a relaxed environment to forge new collaborations and strengthen existing relationships.

As the only dedicated affiliate conference in Eastern Europe, this event offers unparalleled visibility for brands and affiliates seeking to expand their reach, share best practices, and stay ahead of industry trends.

EEGS also offers premium sponsorship opportunities designed to elevate brand presence and maximize exposure. Interested parties are encouraged to stay tuned for sponsorship details or contact the organizers directly at [email protected].

Mark your calendars for the upcoming EEGS Affiliate Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, and seize the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and explore new avenues for growth and innovation. The program and registration details will be announced soon. More updates will be shared shortly!

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Affiliate Announcements

Discover Affigates: BetConstruct’s Innovative Affiliate Network for the iGaming Sector

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Discover Affigates: BetConstruct's Innovative Affiliate Network for the iGaming Sector

 

Industry powerhouse BetConstruct is announcing the official launch of Affigates, a full-scale affiliate ecosystem that is set to redefine how operators and partners connect in iGaming.

 

What Sets It Apart?

Affigates brings affiliate software, affiliate program management, and a performance-tested network under one roof, designed from the ground up for scale, speed, and smarter growth.

From AI-aided management to a proprietary scoring system that filters the noise and finds real partners, Affigates removes the friction and delivers results that actually move the needle. With over 4500+ affiliates630+ active partner operators, and access to more than 30 million players, the ecosystem is already making a significant impact.

 

See It First at iGB L!VE

Affigates is making its global debut at iGB L!VE in London, where the sharpest minds in iGaming converge. You will find the ecosystem in action at its own stand, C40, as well as the dedicated team behind it.

Catering to both ready-to-scale operators and affiliates aiming higher, Affigates is here to deliver the affiliate solution the industry has been waiting for.

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