News
Sports Betting Thriving Despite Lockdown
Wanna Make a Bet?
The global pandemic put North American professional sports on the shelf for nearly five months but bettors soon found leagues that they never knew existed and, well, if you’re dying of thirst in the desert and someone offers you water, you don’t ask if it’s Fiji. Soon there were millions of experts on Belarusian soccer and Taiwanese paddle ball willing to put up or shut up. Even eSports became a mainstream betting vehicle with everything from League of Legends to Madden NFL simulations.
Sports betting may not be the oldest profession but it is quickly becoming one of the most compelling. After decades in the shadows, it has recently been legitimized due to it finally being legalized in many parts of the United States. But gambling, whether it be legal or illegal, will always be pervasive because it’s fun, and potentially profitable if you know what you’re doing.
Adam Burns, an industry sportsbook director, stated, “Business is booming. “We probably took in 10 times more money than last year on the 2020 NFL Draft. It goes to show people are looking for something to bet on. The draft is always big, but I couldn’t believe how much money [was bet] when I woke up the next morning.”
In April of this year, betting was up 50 percent at New Jersey sportsbooks over last year on sports other than basketball, football, and baseball, to the tune of $21.7 million.
Prior to the reopening of sports in North America, Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayUSA.com network, stated, “The rise in bets on nontraditional sports has been interesting, and with auto racing and golf closer to starting, that trend could increase.”
Books are Booming
Now that the NBA, MLB, and NHL are in full swing, business is booming even more as evidenced by reports from the best online sportsbooks in the industry. But with the king of kings, the NFL, drawing closer, the numbers are expected to soar as long as the leagues can remain open for business.
In August of 2019, a total of $744,065,765 was legally wagered in the United States and $61,762,233 in revenue was hauled in as a result. But industry experts are nearly unanimous in declaring that this August will dwarf last year’s take, not to mention what the offshore books will do as well.
But few believe the take this month will beat the record-breaking month of November 2019, when U.S. sportsbooks handled over $1.8 billion, due to the fact there is no preseason football. “It’s a reach,” opined ESPN gambling writer David Purdum when asked by US Bets whether the month that starts Saturday can break the November ’19 record, “especially without preseason football, which accounts for more than most would believe. Last August, around 25% of the total handle bet in Nevada sportsbooks was attributed to football wagers. The NBA will probably make up for the lack of football, but even then, eclipsing a regular-season football month seems unlikely.”
As Purdum noted, the NBA and NHL are both playing in August which is a first for both leagues and will only add to what should be a robust betting handle this month. SportsHandle Editor-in-Chief, Brett Smiley, echoed Purdum’s sentiments regarding his skepticism of a record handle in August of 2020, “There are so many moving parts here, including players going in and out of quarantine. Over/under on games played for any of these leagues, I mean, who knows? We’re in completely uncharted territory here and there’s too many unknowns in the equation. I think people may watch in record numbers, but hopefully people who have taken a serious economic hit — and that’s an awful lot of Americans — are not using limited resources to gamble on sports. Betting 10 bucks is fine, but that doesn’t impact handle much.”
Purdum referenced the uncertain economic times and the looming election as another hurdle to climb for a record-breaking month, “The U.S. betting market is expanding and growing. We have more visibility than ever at how much is being wagered, which may lead to some record-setting numbers in some states. Records seem to be set routinely these days. But, to me, the pandemic, the pending election, and uncertainty surrounding the economy and sports in general will, at some point, have a negative impact on the betting market.”
Whatever happens this month, one thing we do know is that Americans have a growing passion for the action. Sports betting is now mainstream and records will be routinely shattered for several years to come as more states enter the fray and become beneficiaries of all that additional tax revenue. Legalized sports betting in the USA has been a long time coming but at long last, we’re glad it’s arrived.
Awards
2RBO Affiliates Secures Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at International Gaming Awards 2026
2RBO Affiliates has been named Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 19th edition of the International Gaming Awards (IGA), one of the most respected global events recognizing excellence across the gaming and gambling industry.
The award ceremony took place on January 18, 2026, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Barcelona, welcoming senior leaders and professionals from both online and land-based gaming sectors.
Recognizing innovation and performance in affiliate marketing
The Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year category is among the most competitive at the IGA, highlighting affiliate programs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, measurable commercial impact, and strong brand development.
In selecting the winner, the judging panel evaluates campaign execution, audience engagement, scalability, and the ability to drive sustainable growth for both operators and partners.
2RBO Affiliates stood out through its data-driven approach, modern campaign structure, and focus on long-term affiliate value rather than short-term performance spikes.
Commitment to transparency and scalable growth
Commenting on the recognition, Aviv Rosenblit, Head of Affiliates at 2RBO, said:
“We are extremely proud to receive this award from industry peers. It confirms our commitment to innovation, transparency, and delivering sustainable growth for our partners. Our goal has always been to build long-term relationships supported by technology, trust, and measurable results.”
A high-performance affiliate ecosystem
2RBO Affiliates operates a comprehensive affiliate platform supporting several established iGaming brands, including Betinia, Swiper, CampoBet, and ToonieBet.
The program combines:
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advanced gamification tools
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flexible commission models
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real-time performance analytics
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proactive compliance monitoring
This integrated approach enables affiliates to maximize engagement, improve retention, and optimize revenue across multiple regulated markets.
Strengthening its position in the global affiliate market
The International Gaming Awards, supported by leading industry publication The iGaming Post, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious charity-driven events in global gaming.
By securing this award, 2RBO Affiliates further reinforces its position as a high-performance affiliate program focused on sustainable partnerships, innovation-led marketing strategies, and long-term value creation.
About 2RBO Affiliates
2RBO Affiliates is a global affiliate program representing premium iGaming brands. The platform is designed to support affiliates through modern gamification mechanics, flexible commercial structures, detailed performance tracking, and strong compliance standards — enabling partners to scale efficiently in competitive markets.
About the International Gaming Awards (IGA)
The International Gaming Awards celebrate excellence across the global gaming industry, bringing together stakeholders from mobile gaming, online casinos, sportsbooks, and land-based operators. In addition to recognizing leadership and innovation, the IGA supports charitable initiatives worldwide.
Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has revealed that Mondoplay will be the official conference sponsor of its delegation at the upcoming ICE and iGB Affiliate Summit in Barcelona, Spain.
This sponsorship marks a significant collaboration between two innovative forces in the iGaming sector as the industry gathers for its most prestigious annual event. This partnership serves as another prime example of how strategic alliances can amplify impact within the community.
Both Gamblers Connect and Mondoplay share a unified vision of prioritising quality and user experience above all else. This sponsorship perfectly reflects that shared belief and commitment to excellence.
The summit in Barcelona represents a new chapter for the industry, and this partnership ensures Gamblers Connect can connect directly with operators, affiliates, and industry leaders from across the globe with greater resources and presence.
Mondoplay has established itself as a dynamic operator brand known for its comprehensive sportsbook and casino offering. Its platform is built on delivering seamless player experiences, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the editorial standards of Gamblers Connect.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “By supporting our delegation, Mondoplay is directly investing in independent media coverage and the fostering of transparent industry dialogue. This partnership is more than just a sponsorship agreement. It is a celebration of shared ambition and mutual growth. Together, we can continue to prove that meaningful collaboration and genuine value creation are what truly move the iGaming industry forward.”
News
Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.
At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.
Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.
N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party
The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.
On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.
Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html
Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona
iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:
- 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
- Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
- CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models
Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.
After all, why drive when you can fly?
Be number one with N1 Partners.
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News2 weeks agoTaking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
-
News2 weeks ago
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
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Conferences7 days ago
Mondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona
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Awards16 hours ago
2RBO Affiliates Secures Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at International Gaming Awards 2026