In the burgeoning online casino industry, it is quite easy nowadays to get lost in the myriad of operators fuelling the British gambling population. The digital upgrades seen in many aspects of life, most notably in the influence devices such as smartphones and tablets have on our daily lives, have given online casino operators a significant boost as online options continue to grow in influence. But for one of the younger players in the industry, can 32Red remain popular in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive by the year?
Keeping up with the times
Since 2002, 32Red has retained its position as one of the most reputable online casinos and online bookmakers in the UK market. The purchase of 32Red by the Kindred Group Plc. for £176 million in 2017 brought the operator under the umbrella of a group that boasts an impressive online gambling portfolio, including Unibet and Maria Casino.
Since then, the Kindred Group itself have been acquired by FDJ United, a French gambling operator, for €2.45 billion. The fusing of two big players in the global gambling industry hopes to not only place 32Red casino, a safe and trusted UK site, in a strong position, but also propel its other affiliates forward with the latest tech and innovations, not just in the UK, but also internationally.
Over the last two-and-a-bit decades, the online gambling landscape in the UK has changed drastically, with more regulations keeping online operators on their toes, and 32Red has placed a lot of emphasis on staying on top of new innovations and trends, which is reflected in the wide range of games and offerings on the platform.
As is the standard nowadays in the online gambling era, the whole range of casino classics, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots, are found in an interactive online form. These games are further supplemented by a sports betting platform that includes a wide range of popular sports and in-play betting markets for players following the live action.
It is these in-play and live offerings, including the increasingly popular live casino play, that allow 32Red to remain relevant in the growing market.
New Partnerships
With 32Red continuing to expand its growing games portfolio, which now tallies at over 3000, the operator has been boosted by new partnerships with companies ready to offer their game productions on the 32Red platform. Booming Games was the latest company to join the 32Red movement, and the fact that the Gibraltar-based operator is still attracting partners is a positive sign for the online casino and sports betting platform as it looks to stand out from the crowd.
With games such as Burning Classics, Cash Pig, and Buffalo Hold adding to the diverse selection of online slots titles, 32Red is not only keeping up with live, interactive options, but also with titles produced by innovative game mechanics that produce enhanced levels of animation and more realistic soundtracks and are also available for mobile play.
Tough Times Ahead
Despite FDJ United posting improved revenue numbers compared to 2024, the gambling industry in the UK is currently bracing itself for an announcement that could shake the industry. Rachel Reeves’ Autumn budget is to be unveiled at the end of November with gambling operators in the UK concerned over the potential of tax increases that could force stores across the country to close.
The budget is also set to have implications for the online gambling industry, with taxes on stakes and general duty tax also potentially set for a sharp increase. Any further impingements on the UK gambling industry would come as a blow to 32Red, who were not long ago reeling from a hefty fine of £4,195,655 handed out by the Gambling Commission for failing to fulfil social responsibilities and anti-money laundering measures. Despite the setback and hit to its reputation, 32Red has plugged on, but upcoming announcements and consequences could be out of their hands.
Short Term Pain, Long Term Gain
The online gambling landscape in the UK has undergone major change in recent years. Alongside a raft of new regulations aimed at protecting player welfare, operators in the UK have also had to contest with a growing international market, with more countries realising the potential of online gambling. Despite the increased levels of competition, the UK remains one of the leaders within the industry, alongside the likes of the U.S and Australia.
And within the growing number of operators licensed by the UKGC, 32Red remains one of the standout names in the UK. Backed by the internationally renowned FDJ United, 32Red will hope to navigate any upcoming choppy waters to position itself in the best place possible for the future.
