There’s no denying that the Coronavirus pandemic has left much devastation in its wake. Many people have ended up suffering at the hands of this global catastrophe that has managed to reach every corner of the globe.
Industries such as tourism, hospitality and retail have taken huge knocks in Africa and throughout the world, along with the droves of employees that kept these industries alive.
The gambling industry however, both in Africa and everywhere else in the world, has seen a rather interesting shake up. Of course, brick and mortar establishments such as physical casinos and betting shops have been responsible for providing a huge percentage of revenue in the gambling industry.
Due to the pandemic however, a large proportion of these institutions have had to close their doors for weeks, if not months; some of which are unable to recover from the damage of having to close their doors in the first place.
What has this meant for gambling however? In the midst of many physical locations having to close their doors, technological advancements have been given the chance to flex their muscles and show just how much can be achieved with access to the internet and a device.
Gambling has managed to follow a very similar trend to that of say work and shopping for example. While there have been millions of people across the world who have had to face the daunting reality of unemployment, the very fortunate remaining workforce have been forced to work from home – a very necessary intervention, which has now become somewhat of a movement, as many employees are seeing this as the way forward.
In nations like South Africa, shopping too has taken a more online approach, with orders from grocery stores, fast food restaurants and online clothing stores gaining far more traction than ever seen before.
Gambling very much followed the same tune as these other industries. Gambling, with betting in particular, has the ability to be enjoyed over the internet, and despite a short sports ban, leaving punters without the options they were used to, the industry of online gambling saw an immense boom.
Part of this online gambling boom is due to the fact that there are so many quality bookmakers that have established their presence in Africa. International bookmakers, such as Betway in South Africa, 1xBet in Nigeria, and 22Bet in Kenya are fantastic examples of big name brands that have set up shop in Africa.
Therefore, in the absence of familiar physical establishments, and with the presence of so many quality online options, it is only natural that the face of gambling and betting have dramatically changed in the wake of Covid, and it is highly likely that these physical locations may never again experience the popularity that they once did.
Online gambling is known for its ease and convenience, and is a popular activity amongst inhabitants of Africa for a number of reasons. Online betting and gambling is simply the next step in the evolutionary cycle of gambling, with brick and mortar establishments having to reinvent themselves in order to keep up with the shifted demand for gambling in the Post Covid World.
African Eye Report
