The global gambling industry is one of the sectors that is feeling the pinch due to the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the Keystone State, things are no different with several retail gambling destinations having closed down temporarily as parts of the efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Even so, online betting is still quite a bright spot and the surge in online play has been rather evident over the past few weeks.
Since February, online gambling in Pennsylvania has been on a roll posting massive revenue bumps from the same period last year. Things are getting even better for online gambling operators now that retail betting facilities are no longer an option and gamblers are getting their fix from online platforms.
Naturally, while the retrial betting revenues will certainly take a dive when the March revenue reports are released, the exact opposite is expected for the online betting sector. The massive number of online gamblers has not only led to the launch of more gaming options including a new social casino app that was recently released by Hard Rock in collaboration with KamaGames.
Moreover, lots of new slots titles have been added to popular online gaming platforms that are operated by BetRivers, Hollywood, PokerStars, and SugarHouse. For gamers, it seems like the self-quarantine period will not be so dull after all.
Sports Bettors Trying Out New Options
When it comes to sports betting, things have gotten a little complicated since regardless of whether the bets are being placed online or offline, there have to be sports betting events or activities to bet on. Nearly all sporting activities have since been suspended due to concerns regarding the possible spread of the coronavirus. So, now that sports bettors cannot place bets on March Madness brackets and NHL playoff favorites, what options do they have.
In the Keystone State, Russian ping pong, otherwise known as table tennis, is beginning to catch on among sports betting enthusiasts. Figures released by BetRivers.com have shown that unique sports are getting a lot more attention right now and the company is using the opportunity to showcase their diverse range of sports offerings.
“People are betting on more unique sports than usual, and because of this unusual time, we are seeing strong interest in some new areas. With major events being postponed, we can really showcase our broad offering of sports around the world.”
Mattias Stetz, chief operating officer of Rush Street Interactive.
This is a very interesting development not just because it allows sports bettors to enjoy playing while staying indoors but also because it is bound to show the massive potential of these rather niche sporting activities. That said, while sports betting is most likely to slump during this difficult time, we might see some niche sporting activities get elevated even if it is just by a small margin.