In this week’s iGaming market report, Russia led with an impressive gain of 79.9%, rebounding from a previous decline of 66.9% linked to the rollout of its nationwide self-exclusion system. Other notable gainers included Belarus, Peru, Bolivia, and Pennsylvania, buoyed by regulatory updates and active sports events. In contrast, declines were noted in Vietnam, Poland, Chile, Italy, and Bulgaria, primarily driven by new enforcement actions and regulatory developments.
**Top 5 Gainers of the Week**
**Russia (+79.9%)**
Russia’s substantial rebound this week followed the launch of its voluntary gambling self-exclusion system on September 1. Interest surged as discussions about this system dominated media coverage, indicating a recovery in search interest rather than a direct impact from new regulations.
**Belarus (+64.7%)**
In Belarus, heightened scrutiny on gambling ads spurred activity in the sector. Local operator Maxline faced backlash after a controversial advertisement, prompting President Aleksandr Lukashenko to criticize the company, stating that it gave the impression Belarus was becoming a casino. This political focus drew new interest in the gambling industry.
**Peru (+62.8%)**
Peru's gambling market thrived on domestic football excitement, particularly during Liga 1 Torneo Clausura Matchday 9, which took place from September 11 to September 13. The highlight was Alianza Lima's defeat by Universitario on September 12, capturing attention among sports bettors.
**Bolivia (+57.2%)**
Football remained the central driver of betting activities in Bolivia, with Real Oruro competing against Nacional Potosí on September 9 and several Primera División matches occurring on September 13-14. Bolívar led the table with 39 points, keeping the competition in focus.
**US-Pennsylvania (+43.7%)**
In Pennsylvania, NFL Week 1 provided an essential boost for gambling, notably with the Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on September 13, prompting various promotional efforts from sportsbooks statewide.
**Top 5 Decliners of the Week**
**Vietnam (-26.2%)**
Vietnam saw a decline attributed to ongoing repercussions from the XoilacTV controversy. On September 9, police in Hung Yen proposed prosecution for 74 individuals on charges of copyright infringement and illegal gambling operations, following the illegal broadcasting of 1,529 football matches and promoting online gambling platforms.
**Poland (-24.8%)**
Poland is facing increased governmental scrutiny on illegal gambling activities, with the BLIK payment-blocking systems implemented on September 1 remaining a focal point against unlicensed services.
**Chile (-24.5%)**
Chile’s index fell following a significant spike after the DNS-blocking order issued by Subtel on September 1 aimed at illegal betting sites.
**Italy (-22.1%)**
In Italy, the ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) continues its dispute with Lega Serie A regarding the utilization of True Data, contributing to the market's decline.
**Bulgaria (-15.7%)**
Bulgaria's decline is linked to the increased public interest surrounding the introduction of mandatory gambling affiliate licensing procedures that commenced on September 1.
**Market Analysis: Russia (+79.9%)**
Russia demonstrated one of the most significant weekly reversals, with the Blask Index dropping sharply by 66.9% during the week prior before surging back up by 79.9%. The ongoing focus remains on the recently launched self-exclusion program. By September 6, the Ministry of Economic Development reported 717 self-exclusion applications, raising questions about whether this growth signifies genuine interest in self-exclusion or a rebound from an initial operational downturn. If the upward trend continues without a corresponding increase in applications, this might indicate a shift in engagement with the regulated market.
