Optimove iGaming Pulse 2024 highlights: 71% of UK players made first deposit on registration day

To wrap up 2024, Optimove Insights’ iGaming Pulse examined data from four key European markets –the UK, Spain, Italy and Greece – covering an average of over 500,000 monthly active players. The analysis highlights three key trends from 2024, uncovering unique growth patterns across the sports betting and casino verticals in these regions.

Timing is critical for player conversions, with the majority of newly registered players – 61% to 71% –making their first deposit on the day they sign up. This figure drops to 15% to 31% by the second day and through the first month and declines sharply to just 7% to 13% after a month.

Euro 2024 drives 2x growth in sports bettors in Spain YoY

Seasonality played a significant role in sports betting growth, with the Euro 2024 games driving a surge in new players during June and July. Spain led the way in July with a 2.08x increase in sports bettors compared to July 2023. Other markets also saw notable growth, with an average of 1.5x more players in July 2024. While growth persisted in other months, it was less pronounced.

Greece leads steady casino betting growth with 13% monthly increase

Casino betting also experienced consistent growth, though at a steadier pace. Greece saw the highest increase, with an average of 13% more casino bettors per month, followed by the UK (12%), Spain (9%) and Italy (5%). A noticeable surge occurred during the summer months, reflecting seasonal activity.

These insights highlight both the impact of major sporting events and steady growth in the casino segment, providing a clear roadmap for operators to capitalise on seasonal peaks and sustain engagement year-round.

Conversion trends in 2024: Italy leads with a 50% monthly average

Optimove Insights analysed conversion trends for the aforementioned markets, focusing on the percentage of newly registered players who made their first deposit within the same month.

Italy emerged as the leader, achieving an impressive 50% monthly average conversion rate in 2024. Spain followed closely at 47%, Greece at 46%, and the UK at 40%.

These figures highlight Italy’s strong onboarding efficiency and set a benchmark for player engagement strategies across other markets.

Interestingly, the UK, despite having the lowest overall monthly conversion rate, stands out with the highest percentage of players

Interestingly, the UK, despite having the lowest overall monthly conversion rate, stands out with the highest percentage of players – 13% – making their first deposit after a month, emphasising the need for long-term engagement strategies.

For more insights visit Optimove Insights’ iGaming Pulse