The analytical platform Blask has shared its latest weekly report on the week-over-week dynamics of iGaming markets based on the Blask Index. Here are the key insights highlighted by iGN:
Highest Growth:
- 16.9% — Somalia (no identified reason; Blask analysts consider the dynamics technical due to a low index base amid a complete gambling ban in the country, leading demand to offshore segments)
- 14.3% — Laos (three-day state holiday Pi Mai Lao, national New Year from April 14-16)
- 13.5% — El Salvador (correction after a decline of 11.7% the previous week)
- 11.8% — Spain (final of the Copa del Rey between Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad on April 18 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, 32nd round of La Liga on April 12-13, and Atlético Madrid's preparation for the Champions League semi-final)
- 11.4% — Cambodia (three-day state holiday Choul Chnam Thmey, national New Year from April 14-16)
Largest Decline:
- 23.3% — Ireland (correction after a 33.8% increase the previous week amid the Grand National jumps at Aintree and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse)
- 21% — Chad (no identified reason)
- 18.8% — Switzerland (no identified reason)
- 16.6% — South Korea (launch of the Korea Sports Leisure program on April 14 with rewards up to $135,000 for information on illegal sports betting operators)
- 16.4% — Liberia (preparation by the National Lottery Authority regulator to limit gambling advertising on radio amid Senate hearings in Liberia regarding the rise of unregulated gambling in the country)
According to Blask analysts, it is worth noting South Africa (14.8%), which, despite a less steep percentage decline, showed the largest absolute change in the index for the week due to the market's scale ($91 billion turnover for 2024-25). The decline is linked to the launch of the National Gambling Board portal on April 8 for verifying licensed operators and a public warning from the regulator on April 14 regarding illegal iGaming applications amid preparations for a 20% tax on online gambling. Market pressure will continue into Q2. After the New Year holidays in Southeast Asia, the markets of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are expected to decline, while in Europe, the concluding phases of top football leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A) will support iGaming activity until the end of April and into May.