Gaming giant Scientific Games reported a significant surge in wagering activity on its OpenSports betting platform during the Cheltenham Festival in the United Kingdom.
The four-day event in March witnessed an unprecedented volume of bets placed. Notable UK bookmakers, including William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, and Sky Bet, all leveraged the OpenSports platform.
The total amount wagered experienced a substantial increase compared to the previous year, with the average bet reaching approximately £7.50.
Scientific Games attributed the remarkable rise in betting to the closure of all betting shops across the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the virus restrictions prevented attendees from physically attending the festival, compelling them to participate in wagering solely online.
This years celebrations witnessed a change in wagering habits, with a greater number of participants choosing digital platforms. “The typical wager sum mirrors the amusement value of the occasion, and we are pleased that OpenSports offered a genuinely enjoyable experience for such a diverse group during the festive period,” remarked Keith O’Loughlin, Senior Vice President of Sports Wagering at Scientific Games Digital.
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