Online sportsbook Betway, owned by Super Group, is set to launch in its fifth US state as part of continued expansion across North America. The Betway brand has already launched regulated operations to sports bettors residing in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Indiana. Its latest arrangement with the Midwestern state of Iowa takes that to five live US states.
The brand’s partnership with Digital Gaming Corporation (DGC) means that Betway has long-term access to up to 11 US states. This partnership coincides with Betway’s ambitious plans to launch on the New York Stock Exchange following a business arrangement with Sports Entertainment Acquisition Corp, which could eventually see it emerge on the Dow Jones, one of the leading stock indices in the US markets.
Expansion for Betway into eastern Europe as well as North America
Elsewhere in Europe, Betway has also launched its online sportsbook in the Polish market, where the brand plans to leverage the “global appeal” of its existing relationships, most notably its Bundesliga arrangement in nearby Germany. During the 2020/21 football campaign, Betway was the official betting partner of three iconic Bundesliga clubs – the highest tier of German football. This has since expanded to four.
Betway’s increasing trust and reputation in Europe and US states is founded upon its endorsements with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), two of the most reputable iGaming jurisdictions on the planet. It’s also fully regulated by third-party auditors eCOGRA and IBAS, with more than 400 online slots approved for fair and transparent gaming.
One of the keys to Betway’s iGaming success stateside has been its state-of-the-art live dealer casino games, which have enchanted the US iGaming scene in recent months. Betway’s full suite of live casino titles in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are powered by Evolution Gaming, along with its ‘First Person’ games powered by random number generators (RNGs) that offer a fast, entry-level option for those new to casino table games. The latter state of NJ is considered one of the most influential regions for casino gaming on the planet, with the coastal resort of Atlantic City proving a huge attraction. Evolution’s live casino games are available on both desktop and mobile devices, spanning roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and a host of poker variants.
Industry data suggests live casino games curry favour with players
Evolution has posted 53% year-on-year growth in its live casino games within its recent interim trading report for Q3 2021. The company recorded a 97% increase in total operating revenues of $322.3m. Evolution opened the doors of its new live dealer casino studio in Michigan, which has got off to “a very good start”. The company plans to have a live dealer studio operational in a fourth US state of Connecticut in the coming months.
There is a clear appeal to live dealer casino games over their RNG-powered counterparts. In terms of immersivity and authenticity, it’s hard to rival the calibre of live casino action. The rapid advancement of the speed and reliability of broadband connectivity has made it possible for live streamed table games to be played out on desktop and mobile. Professionally trained dealers provide real-time interaction with online players, with the ability to communicate via the integrated chat boxes overlaid on screen. Socialising is one of the main reasons why people visit brick-and-mortar casino resorts, with the ability to play, drink, eat and chat alongside like-minded people at the tables. Live casino games offer the next best thing in the comfort of players’ own households.
As 5G connectivity begins to penetrate the mainstream globally, this will bring new and exciting opportunities for the live casino industry. High-speed 5G connectivity could make it easier for software providers like Evolution to develop live streamed table games in augmented and virtual reality. AR and VR feels like the next natural step for the iGaming industry, as it seeks to transport players into authentic virtual casino environments.
If the iGaming industry embraces AR and VR gaming, forecasts of compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.31% for the sector between 2020 and 2025 could well be realised. Data from ResearchandMarkets.com suggests the global iGaming market was worth $57.11bn in 2020 and could surge to a total value of $97.69bn by 2025.
