Without a doubt, Covid-19 inflicted serious damage on sports betting industry. It is pretty obvious with national leagues as well as major sporting events being cancelled worldwide. As an example, both Euro 2020 and Japan Olympics were delayed until June of 2021.
How Betting Websites are Handling the Situation?
Live sports have been suspended; when it will be back is indefinite. This leaves punters with limited options to bet. Online casinos such as 918Kiss reported surge in their web traffic, the same goes with virtual sports games as well as E-Sports. Horse racing might go ahead in other countries but with few live events and less crowds only. Still, not enough for bookmakers to generate good profits.
Regardless, there are still good sides that Covid-19 brought. Among the benefits is that, many people are now turning online to seek alternative options. While land-based casinos might have closed, operations have been shifted to the online world.
Market Expansion
Let us not forget the fact that a lot of bookmakers are offering casino games. Yet another activity that is catching people’s attention is live dealer games. Then, scratch cards, bingo as well as online poker are wonderful alternatives to sports betting. E-Sports are already generating big crowds but its growth during quarantine has almost doubled.
Fantasy Video Sports
Everyone is looking forward on the Autumn NFL season for another opportunity to bet on sports once again. Still, a lot of sportsbooks operators are working on a tight spot. Online gambling providers do include virtual sports and daily fantasy in an effort to balance the economic climate. Sports associations and leagues similar to NASCAR are beginning to turn to video game simulations or eSports where it can bring new betting markets and opportunities among people.
Covid-19 is not only hitting people’s health but also, it is hurting betting industry in all parts of the world. It causes ripple effect and numerous organizations have been discussing precautions how to play games safely despite the outbreak.
Alternatives and Contingency Plans
Numerous sportsbooks are prepping for upsets by the underdogs because of the shakeup that caused by the pandemic. Every sport almost has the same plan should it be needed. This way, they can keep playing on schedule even without live fans watching.
Games have to be played without fans behind closed doors, nonetheless, the game goes on and so does the betting. This is better than having nothing at all.
