This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many businesses are facing a time of uncertainty, with mounting outgoing costs and little to no incoming revenue. However, for mobile game operators, this may be a unique opportunity to capitalize on the shift to online gaming.
According to a report, the mobile gaming industry was expected to reach a value of over $165 billion in 2020, prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus. With the extension of lockdown measures throughout March and April, many games within the industry have seen a surge in traffic, and it is expected that social distancing measures will remain in place for some time to come.
As a result, mobile game operators may find a growing market in middle-aged adults with a disposable income, who are turning to online gaming as a way to pass the time during the pandemic. The gaming apps for mobile casinos and betting markets have also evolved significantly, with many offering alternative forms of payment such as crypto and live dealers.
With growing popularity and shifting social outlook, it's expected that there will be a reduction in attendance to physical locations as mobile and online use continue to grow. Many online operators have been blocked from advertising during the lockdown to prevent an increase in problem gamblers, but if they are able to get out of the gate early with a strong approach, a shift may be found to primary online or mobile gaming use.