This week, the iGaming market saw notable movements, particularly in Russia, which led gains with an impressive 79.9% increase following a significant decline of 66.9% the previous week. This earlier dip was largely due to the introduction of a nationwide self-exclusion system.
Other countries also reported gains, primarily influenced by regulatory developments and sporting events. Belarus experienced a rise in interest due to intensified scrutiny over gambling advertising, while Peru, Bolivia, and Pennsylvania benefitted from active football and NFL schedules.
Conversely, several countries, including Vietnam, Poland, Chile, Italy, and Bulgaria, faced declines attributed to recent regulatory enforcement measures.
**Top 5 Gainers of the Week**
**Russia (+79.9%)**
Russia bounced back sharply with a 79.9% increase after last week's decline. The surge follows the announcement on September 1 of a voluntary nationwide self-exclusion program for gambling, which captured significant media attention throughout the week. This rebound seems linked to renewed search interest rather than a fresh regulatory update.
**Belarus (+64.7%)**
Belarus saw a 64.7% increase in gambling activity driven by governmental actions against the advertising of gambling. Local operator Maxline attracted attention with a controversial advertisement featuring a goose. President Aleksandr Lukashenko criticized the company on September 11 for turning Belarus into what he described as a casino.
**Peru (+62.8%)**
In Peru, domestic football has been pivotal for the gambling market. The Liga 1 Torneo Clausura Matchday 9 took place from September 11 to September 13, highlighted by a significant match where Alianza Lima lost to Universitario on September 12.
**Bolivia (+57.2%)**
Bolivia’s gambling interest remains closely tied to football. On September 9, Real Oruro faced Nacional Potosí in the Copa de la División Profesional, while various Primera División matches occurred on September 13-14. Bolívar led the league table with 39 points, maintaining its spotlight in the title race.
**US-Pennsylvania (+43.7%)**
In Pennsylvania, the onset of NFL Week 1 sparked a 43.7% increase in gambling traction. On September 13, the Philadelphia Eagles squared off against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field, prompting sportsbooks across the state to roll out diverse promotions.
**Top 5 Decliners of the Week**
**Vietnam (-26.2%)**
Vietnam experienced a 26.2% decline linked to ongoing issues with XoilacTV. On September 9, police in Hung Yen proposed prosecution against 74 individuals for copyright infringement, illegal gambling operations, and promoting immoral content. Investigators reported that the network broadcasted 1,529 football matches without authorization and generated over VND 133 billion (approximately $5 million) by advertising online gambling.
**Poland (-24.8%)**
Poland saw a 24.8% drop as government scrutiny intensified on unauthorized gambling transactions. The introduction of the BLIK payment-blocking system on September 1 aimed to curtail illegal gambling services, remaining a focal point for enforcement efforts.
**Chile (-24.5%)**
Chile's market index decreased by 24.5% following a spike caused by Subtel’s DNS-blocking order against illegal betting sites issued on September 1.
**Italy (-22.1%)**
In Italy, the ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) continued its confrontation with Lega Serie A regarding data transparency, contributing to a 22.1% decline.
**Bulgaria (-15.7%)**
Bulgaria's 15.7% decrease followed growing public concern regarding newly implemented mandatory gambling affiliate licensing procedures that came into effect on September 1.
**Market Analysis: Russia (+79.9%)**
Russia's recent statistics reflect a dramatic recovery, countering a previous decline of 66.9% between August 31 and September 6 with a resurgence of 79.9% the following week. The spotlight remains on the self-exclusion initiative launched on September 1, with reports from the Ministry of Economic Development indicating 717 self-exclusion requests by September 6. Questions linger about whether the recent growth indicates a rising interest in self-exclusion or simply a rebound from the initial launch slump. If the index rises while application numbers stabilize, it might suggest that engagement in the regulated market is becoming disconnected from self-exclusion participation.
