Record-Breaking Online Slots GGY Hits £745 Million in Britain for Q2
In a notable achievement for the online gaming sector, Great Britain’s online gross gambling yield (GGY) reached a remarkable £745 million during the second quarter of the year, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This surge was largely fueled by an unprecedented performance in online slots, even in the face of newly implemented stake restrictions.
The overall GGY for the quarter, which concluded on June 30, totaled £1.49 billion (approximately $2.02 billion), a figure that surpasses the £1.46 billion noted in the same period last year and represents a 3% uptick from Q1 of this year, as reported by the Gambling Commission.
Online Slots Drive the Growth
The standout performer this quarter was clearly the online slots segment, which alone accounted for £745 million, reflecting a notable 14% increase year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to a record high of spins—24.4 billion, an 8% rise compared to last year. The average monthly active accounts for online slots held steady at 4.4 million, illustrating strong player engagement.
Remarkably, these record figures emerged despite the introduction of new stake limits in early April, which set a maximum wager of £5 per spin for players over 25 and £2 for those under. These regulations are part of the broader reforms outlined in the recent Gambling Act white paper aimed at modernizing the UK gambling landscape.
Shifts in Player Engagement
Despite the growth in GGY, the data reveals a drop in average monthly active accounts, which fell by 10% to 12.7 million. Sessions lasting over one hour also decreased by 9% compared to last year. The average session length dropped by a minute, indicating shifts in how players are engaging with online gambling platforms.
The Gambling Commission noted that some operators adjusted their methodologies for measuring session lengths, which may have influenced the reported metrics.
Challenges in Real Event Betting
In stark contrast, the real event betting sector experienced a 9% decline in GGY, totaling £570 million. This downturn coincides with the absence of significant sporting events, such as last year’s UEFA European Championship, which had boosted participation. The number of active accounts in this sector plummeted 16%, underpinning the challenges faced.
In addition, other online gaming categories, including table games and poker, saw declines. GGY from table games fell by 9% to £145 million, and online poker dropped 21% to £11 million. Virtual betting and esports also reflected contractions, indicating a broader trend across various betting platforms.
Decline in Land-Based Betting
Turning to the land-based sector, the GGY saw a 5% year-on-year reduction, amounting to £552 million. This decrease was evident across different areas, with machine GGY falling by 3% and over-the-counter betting seeing a 12% drop.
Despite these challenges, the potential for recovery remains. The implementation of new gaming machines and further reforms, anticipated to stimulate land-based operations, might reverse these trends as the year progresses.
In conclusion, while the online slots market in Great Britain has set new records, broader challenges across the gambling spectrum indicate a complex landscape for operators navigating changing regulations and evolving player habits.