What are the top 10 events that boosted the global gambling industry this year?

1. Legalization of online gambling in several countries: The expansion of online gambling in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland has significantly boosted the global gambling industry.

2. Growth of online sports betting: The increasing popularity of online sports betting platforms, especially during major sporting events like the Olympics and Euro 2020, has contributed to the industry’s growth.

3. Rise in cryptocurrency gambling: The acceptance of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as a form of payment in online casinos and sportsbooks has attracted a new demographic of gamblers and increased overall industry revenue.

4. Mergers and acquisitions: Several high-profile mergers and acquisitions in the gambling industry, such as the merger of Flutter Entertainment and The Stars Group, have fueled consolidation and growth.

5. Expansion of mobile gambling: The accessibility and convenience of mobile gambling apps have led to a surge in the number of people engaging in gambling activities, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa.

6. Market deregulation: Some countries, such as Japan and Brazil, have shown signs of loosening their regulations on gambling, paving the way for increased investment and opportunities for industry growth.

7. Integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in gambling: The introduction of VR and AR technologies in casinos and online gambling platforms has enhanced the overall gambling experience, attracting a wider range of users.

8. Esports betting: The growing popularity of esports has led to the rise of esports betting, with more people wagering on competitive video game tournaments, leading to a significant boost in the industry.

9. Increasing popularity of online casinos: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closure of land-based casinos have driven many gamblers towards online casinos, resulting in a surge in revenue for online gambling operators.

10. Gambling advertising partnerships: High-profile partnerships between gambling operators and sports teams/events, such as the partnership between BetMGM and the Las Vegas Raiders, have increased brand exposure and attracted new customers to the industry.