Bojoko produces industry ‘blueprint’ for exiting unprecedented crisis

Comparison site Bojoko has assessed the impact of COVID-19 for online casino operators, with a report analysing the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

The entity has used Google Trends data to see how consumers have reacted to the global sports blackout and what this means for igaming operators.

Google Trends scores search terms based on volume from 0-100 and the higher the score, the higher the volume of searches for that particular search term. 

Bojoko tracked the score of a variety of search terms over a three-month period to analyse changing consumer behaviours, as well as gathering data for month on month changes for February, March and April. 

Joonas Karhu, chief business officer at Bojoko, explained: “We have created this report as a record of this unprecedented time in the history of the online gambling industry.

“But we also want it to act as a blueprint for how the sector can come out the other side on a positive footing and ensure it is business as usual as soon as possible.

“I’d like to thank those that have provided their opinion and insight and hope that the Bojoko Special Report provides understanding and value to all industry stakeholders.”

Among the headline findings is that sports betting search terms have declined from February to April. Searches for ‘Best Betting Sites’ and ‘Sports Betting UK’ fell 41 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Online casino search terms have increased in volume over the three-month period, with ‘Best Casino Sites’ enjoying a 78 per cent increase in volume between February and April.

‘New Online Casino’ search volume recorded a 31 per cent increase over the three months, but made the biggest jump between March and April with its score increasing 50 per cent.

Furthermore, spikes were also recorded for sports betting search terms on April 4 when the Virtual Grand National took place, as well as casino search terms on Valentine’s Day.

The report also includes expert analysis and comment from a range of contributors, including operators, game developers and responsible gambling experts.

Concluding with a final thought, Bojoko stated: “The shift in searches from online sports betting to online casino will not have taken anyone by surprise given the global sports blackout as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Sports betting sites will undoubtedly have suffered over the past three months and will continue to suffer until sports returns to normal levels – which of course it will do.

“In the meantime, there is an opportunity for online casino operators to capture players looking to spend their entertainment money on new activities such as casino and live casino.

“In this regard, now is the time for operators to continue to market to players, but in a responsible manner that ensures they are not encouraged to gamble beyond their means.

“Once these players have been acquired, it is important to ensure they have a regular stream of new games to play, and smaller, nimbler developers are best place to deliver this content right now.”