This week in the iGaming sector, Finland experienced a notable surge of 29.3%, largely driven by the escalating Eurojackpot. Ireland saw a more modest increase of 9.3%, which remains significant in the commercial landscape. However, Stake restricted access for Irish users after engaging with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a situation that unfolded during the reporting period.
Turkey's growth of 25.9% coincided with the third round of the Super League, marked by several unexpected results that fueled increased sports-related searches.
**Top 5 Gainers of the Week**
**Finland (+29.3%)**
The Eurojackpot, a transnational lottery based in Helsinki and managed by Veikkaus, reported a prize pool of approximately €48 million ahead of the draw on September 15. The absence of any correct number picks raised this pool to about €59 million for the next draw, scheduled for September 18. This rollover significantly boosted lottery participation in Finland.
**Cyprus (+26.1%)**
In Cyprus, the Joker lottery, managed by OPAP Cyprus, had a prize pool of €9.6 million for its final draw on September 20. Football also spurred interest as Apollon Limassol and APOEL ended in a 2-2 draw on September 19 during the Cyprus League.
**Turkey (+25.9%)**
The Turkish Super Lig was active, showcasing several key football matches. Highlights included Gaziantep FK’s goalless draw with Fenerbahçe on September 14, Trabzonspor’s 4-0 victory over Galatasaray on September 19, and Fenerbahçe’s remarkable 8-0 win against Eyüpspor, along with Amedspor’s narrow 3-2 victory over Beşiktaş on September 20.
**Moldova (+23.9%)**
Moldova’s Liga 7777, which draws from the national lottery brand 7777.md, conducted matchday 13 on September 19.
**Poland (+20.6%)**
The PKO BP Ekstraklasa held matchday 9 from September 18 to 20, marking the period's primary sporting activity.
**Top 5 Decliners of the Week**
**Belarus (-32.6%)**
Despite local football action, including Vitebsk's 6-0 win against Torpedo-BelAZ on September 20, Belarus saw a decline. Discussions regarding gambling marketing regulations appeared to generate more interest than local sporting events.
**Peru (-30.1%)**
No clear drivers for the downturn were identified during this reporting period.
**Myanmar (-28.6%)**
Concerns arose following the detention of seven senior agents in Yangon and Mandalay on September 14. Related reports detailed 36 detainees tied to an underground syndicate, with MMK 396.8 million frozen across 12 accounts. Despite drawing attention, these enforcement stories did not prevent a decline in interest.
**Mali (-28.9%)**
Football-related activities were sparse this week, primarily limited to late roster changes, with no significant qualifiers to spark increased interest.
**Gabon (-27.1%)**
On September 17, Sébatien Migné revealed his first squad for upcoming matches against Morocco on September 25 and Niger on September 29, excluding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
**Market Spotlight: Finland (+29.3%)**
Finland’s lottery revenue surge is linked to the Eurojackpot's mechanics rather than a broader sports market rise. With draws every Tuesday and Friday in Helsinki, the September 15 draw's failure to yield a first-category winner pushed the jackpot to around €59 million by September 18. The enticing rollover created sustained interest among players tracking the jackpot's rise, while some local football activities also played a role in accumulating attention, albeit to a lesser extent than the Eurojackpot.
