{"id":6309,"date":"2025-03-25T14:10:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/?page_id=6309"},"modified":"2025-03-25T15:54:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T15:54:49","slug":"article-7-why-it-took-traditional-bookmakers-years-to-go-online","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/article-7-why-it-took-traditional-bookmakers-years-to-go-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Article 7 &#8211; Why It Took Traditional Bookmakers Years to Go Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9f5e35e\" data-block-id=\"9f5e35e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9f5e35e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-dc08006\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"dc08006\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-dc08006-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-dc08006-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-bfe3e0f\" data-block-id=\"bfe3e0f\"><style>.stk-bfe3e0f {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bfe3e0f-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5c17654\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5c17654\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-5c17654 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(79.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5c17654-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5c17654-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-5564aca\" data-block-id=\"5564aca\"><style>.stk-5564aca {margin-bottom:38px !important;}.stk-5564aca-column{--stk-columns-spacing:17px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-5564aca-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9efe4f2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9efe4f2\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9efe4f2 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(39.5% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9efe4f2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9efe4f2-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-k3y3b\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-k3y3b \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-k3y3b img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-k3y3b\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">It&#8217;ll never catch on&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-556b446\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"556b446\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-556b446 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60.5% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-556b446-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-556b446-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-1e95120\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"1e95120\"><style>.stk-1e95120 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Article 7<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-6eaecd3\" id=\"why-it-took-traditional-bookmakers-years-to-go-online\" data-block-id=\"6eaecd3\"><style>.stk-6eaecd3 {margin-bottom:26px !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Why It Took Traditional Bookmakers Years to Go Online<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d4e0ffe\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"d4e0ffe\"><style>.stk-d4e0ffe {margin-bottom:25px !important;}<\/style><h5 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">by Ian Sherrington, March 2025<\/h5><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-26a500e\" id=\"as-part-of-the-series-the-online-gambling-industry\" data-block-id=\"26a500e\"><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">As part of the series &#8211; The Online Gambling Industry<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-98029ce\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"98029ce\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-969f942\" data-block-id=\"969f942\"><style>.stk-969f942 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-969f942-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-6a8de7f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"6a8de7f\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-6a8de7f {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-6a8de7f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6a8de7f-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-438fn\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-438fn \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-438fn img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-438fn\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2024\/05\/interrtops-square-1.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Intertops proved the market, but where was everyone else?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9350c31\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9350c31\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9350c31 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(70% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9350c31-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9350c31-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">When the first online sportsbook launched in 1996, it seemed like the dawn of a new era for sports betting. However, while innovators like Intertops quickly proved the new online gambling market existed and was profitable, major traditional bookmakers such as Ladbrokes and William Hill took several years before entering the digital space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why did these established betting giants take so long to go online?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-293f8bc\" data-block-id=\"293f8bc\"><style>.stk-293f8bc {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-293f8bc-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-23409af\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"23409af\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-23409af {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.099999999999994% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-23409af-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-23409af-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-1w7zi\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-1w7zi \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-1w7zi img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-1w7zi\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0b8e309\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0b8e309\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-0b8e309 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0b8e309-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0b8e309-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-052b5a2\" id=\"regulatory-uncertainty\" data-block-id=\"052b5a2\"><style>.stk-052b5a2 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Regulatory Uncertainty<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary reasons was the legal ambiguity surrounding online gambling in the late 1990s. Governments had not yet developed clear frameworks for regulating internet betting, and established bookmakers were wary of entering a market that could potentially jeopardize their existing licenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For companies with a strong retail presence, the risk of running afoul of gambling regulators was a significant deterrent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-5204e24\" data-block-id=\"5204e24\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-5204e24-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a06c795\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a06c795\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-a06c795 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a06c795-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a06c795-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-dkx9y\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-dkx9y \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-dkx9y img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-dkx9y\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-66aaa04\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"66aaa04\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-66aaa04 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(70% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-66aaa04-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-66aaa04-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e79c350\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"e79c350\"><style>.stk-e79c350 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Technological Hesitation<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Unlike startups that were built for the digital age, traditional bookmakers had legacy operations focused on retail betting shops. Transitioning to an online platform required significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and cybersecurity\u2014areas in which these firms had little experience at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">For many, the learning curve was steep, and they preferred to wait until technology became more reliable and accessible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3461924 stk-block-background desktop-only\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3461924\"><style>.stk-3461924 {background-color:#edf7ff !important;}.stk-3461924:before{background-color:#edf7ff !important;}@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-3461924 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(20.099999999999994% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3461924-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3461924-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-c0bb858\" id=\"latest-articles\" data-block-id=\"c0bb858\"><h5 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Latest Articles<\/h5><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"root-eb-post-grid-l5nkj wp-block-essential-blocks-post-grid\">\n    <div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-post-grid-l5nkj \">\n        <div class=\"eb-post-grid-l5nkj style-1 eb-post-grid-wrapper\"\n            data-id=\"eb-post-grid-l5nkj\"\n            data-querydata=\"{&quot;source&quot;:&quot;post&quot;,&quot;sourceIndex&quot;:0,&quot;rest_base&quot;:&quot;posts&quot;,&quot;rest_namespace&quot;:&quot;wp\\\/v2&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;taxonomies&quot;:[],&quot;per_page&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;orderby&quot;:&quot;date&quot;,&quot;order&quot;:&quot;desc&quot;,&quot;include&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;exclude&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;exclude_current&quot;:false,&quot;ignore_sticky_posts&quot;:false,&quot;exclude_password_protected&quot;:false}\"\n            data-attributes=\"{&quot;thumbnailSize&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;loadMoreOptions&quot;:{&quot;enableMorePosts&quot;:false,&quot;loadMoreType&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;loadMoreButtonTxt&quot;:&quot;Load More&quot;,&quot;alignment&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;prevTxt&quot;:&quot;&lt;&quot;,&quot;nextTxt&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;,&quot;totalPosts&quot;:26},&quot;showSearch&quot;:false,&quot;showTaxonomyFilter&quot;:false,&quot;enableAjaxSearch&quot;:false,&quot;addIcon&quot;:false,&quot;iconPosition&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;icon&quot;:&quot;fas fa-chevron-right&quot;,&quot;preset&quot;:&quot;style-1&quot;,&quot;defaultFilter&quot;:&quot;all&quot;,&quot;version&quot;:&quot;v2&quot;,&quot;showBlockContent&quot;:true,&quot;showFallbackImg&quot;:false,&quot;fallbackImgUrl&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;showThumbnail&quot;:true,&quot;showTitle&quot;:true,&quot;titleLength&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;titleTag&quot;:&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;showContent&quot;:false,&quot;contentLength&quot;:20,&quot;expansionIndicator&quot;:&quot;...&quot;,&quot;showReadMore&quot;:false,&quot;readmoreText&quot;:&quot;Read More&quot;,&quot;showMeta&quot;:false,&quot;headerMeta&quot;:&quot;[{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;categories\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Categories\\&quot;}]&quot;,&quot;footerMeta&quot;:&quot;[{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;avatar\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Author Avatar\\&quot;},{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;author\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Author Name\\&quot;},{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;date\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Published Date\\&quot;}]&quot;,&quot;authorPrefix&quot;:&quot;by&quot;,&quot;datePrefix&quot;:&quot;on&quot;}\">\n\n            \n\n            <div class=\"eb-post-grid-posts-wrapper\"><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6894\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/the-industry-creates-itself\/\">The Industry Creates Itself<\/a>\n                    <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/article_13_1.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/the-industry-creates-itself\/\" title=\"theindustrycreatesitself\">The Industry Creates Itself<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6857\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/us-marketing-survivor-and-social-betting-systems\/\">US Marketing, Survivor and Social Betting Systems<\/a>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/article_12_1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/us-marketing-survivor-and-social-betting-systems\/\" title=\"usmarketingsurvivorandsocialbettingsystems\">US Marketing, Survivor and Social Betting Systems<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6740\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/my-journey-into-the-world-of-sportsbook-software\/\">My Journey Into The World Of Sportsbook Software<\/a>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/09\/article_11_0.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/my-journey-into-the-world-of-sportsbook-software\/\" title=\"myjourneyintotheworldofsportsbooksoftware\">My Journey Into The World Of Sportsbook Software<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6556\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/podcast-the-gambling-files\/\">Podcast &#8211; The Gambling Files<\/a>\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"305\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/08\/podcast_3.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/podcast-the-gambling-files\/\" title=\"podcast-thegamblingfiles\">Podcast &#8211; The Gambling Files<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6538\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/sigma-interview\/\">SiGMA Interview<\/a>\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"1028\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/06\/sigma_interview_ian_sherrington.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/sigma-interview\/\" title=\"sigmainterview\">SiGMA Interview<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-efb8f21\" data-block-id=\"efb8f21\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-efb8f21-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-28a8403\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"28a8403\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-28a8403 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-28a8403-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-28a8403-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-4rqfn\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-4rqfn \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-4rqfn img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-4rqfn\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_4.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e826a31\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e826a31\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-e826a31 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e826a31-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e826a31-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-0ec9d00\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"0ec9d00\"><style>.stk-0ec9d00 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Fear of Cannibalization<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Many bookmakers feared that launching an online sportsbook could reduce foot traffic in their highly profitable brick-and-mortar betting shops. Retail operations were their core business, and there was concern that offering an online alternative might erode that revenue rather than complement it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">This cautious approach led to a slower adoption of digital betting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c6a1d2c\" data-block-id=\"c6a1d2c\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c6a1d2c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-595ba9e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"595ba9e\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-595ba9e {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-595ba9e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-595ba9e-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-4sry3\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-4sry3 \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-4sry3 img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-4sry3\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4e2e2ce\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4e2e2ce\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-4e2e2ce {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4e2e2ce-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4e2e2ce-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ae4d16d\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"ae4d16d\"><style>.stk-ae4d16d {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Brand Reputation and Trust<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">In the early years of online gambling, the industry was often associated with unregulated operators and offshore businesses. Established brands like Ladbrokes and William Hill, which had built their reputations over decades, were reluctant to be linked with an industry that lacked credibility in the eyes of regulators and consumers alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">They waited until online betting had a stronger reputation for legitimacy before making their move.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-1214173\" data-block-id=\"1214173\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-1214173-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1531aeb\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1531aeb\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-1531aeb {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1531aeb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1531aeb-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-0s3wd\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-0s3wd \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-0s3wd img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-0s3wd\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_6.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3ea322c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3ea322c\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-3ea322c {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3ea322c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3ea322c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-42d8344\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"42d8344\"><style>.stk-42d8344 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Infrastructure Challenges<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Developing a secure and scalable online sportsbook was no small task in the 1990s. Unlike today\u2019s plug-and-play solutions, early online betting platforms required bespoke software development, secure payment processing, and risk management systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Startups, with their agile structures, could adapt quickly, but larger firms had to navigate internal bureaucracy and slow decision-making processes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-556e22e\" data-block-id=\"556e22e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-556e22e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5014838\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5014838\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-5014838 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5014838-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5014838-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-jt9es\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-jt9es \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-jt9es img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-jt9es\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_7.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0bd83e7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0bd83e7\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-0bd83e7 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0bd83e7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0bd83e7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-92ad761\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"92ad761\"><style>.stk-92ad761 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">William Hill\u2019s Offshore Experiment<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>William Hill briefly operated an online sportsbook from Antigua in the late 1990s. The company, like several others, chose Antigua because it was one of the first jurisdictions to offer online gambling licenses under the Free Trade &amp; Processing Act of 1994.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">However, due to regulatory concerns and pressure from the UK government, William Hill quickly withdrew from the jurisdiction, preferring to wait for clearer legal frameworks before fully committing to online betting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c46404f\" data-block-id=\"c46404f\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c46404f-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-960813c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"960813c\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-960813c {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-960813c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-960813c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-9xvi5\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-9xvi5 \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-9xvi5 img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-9xvi5\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_8.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">T<em>he man that owned Gibraltar License #001<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-80dba9d\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"80dba9d\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-80dba9d {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-80dba9d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-80dba9d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-4120fdf\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"4120fdf\"><style>.stk-4120fdf {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Victor Chandler and Gibraltar: The Offshore Game Changer<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most influential figures in the rise of offshore gambling was Victor Chandler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After successfully turning around a string of insolvent betting shops,  Victor would become an adept business man, and an influential bookmaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the late 1990s, after realizing the potential of offshore gambling, Victor moved his operations from the UK to Gibraltar, a jurisdiction with a much lower tax regime. At the time, UK bookmakers were subject to a 9% betting tax, which customers had to pay either on their stakes or their winnings. By moving to Gibraltar, Chandler was able to offer tax-free betting to UK customers, giving his company a massive competitive edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">His relocation pressured the UK government to rethink its betting tax policies. In 2001, the UK abolished the 9% betting tax on punters, instead shifting to taxing bookmakers&#8217; profits, a move that allowed UK-based firms to better compete with offshore operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4c5668b\" data-block-id=\"4c5668b\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4c5668b-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-43664a2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"43664a2\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-43664a2 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(16.7% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 2 \/ 3 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-43664a2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-43664a2-inner-blocks\">\n<p>Victor Chandler talks about his early years<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e204628\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e204628\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-e204628 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(41.5% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 2 \/ 3 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e204628-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e204628-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The Early Years of Victor Chandler Part 1\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tDILlYQeMqk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5fc66d7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5fc66d7\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-5fc66d7 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(41.79999999999998% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 2 \/ 3 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5fc66d7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5fc66d7-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Mnya6koLbNo\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ea3211e\" data-block-id=\"ea3211e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ea3211e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e090767\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e090767\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-e090767 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e090767-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e090767-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-whfcc\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-whfcc \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-whfcc img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-whfcc\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_9.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8df66c1\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8df66c1\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-8df66c1 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8df66c1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8df66c1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-4ee2021\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"4ee2021\"><style>.stk-4ee2021 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">The Turning Point: Regulation and Market Maturity<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As the early 2000s progressed, governments began establishing clearer regulatory frameworks for online gambling. The UK Gambling Act of 2005, for example, provided a well-defined legal environment that encouraged traditional bookmakers to invest in online operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">By this time, technology had also advanced significantly, making it easier and safer to launch online sportsbooks. Seeing the success of early adopters, major firms finally embraced the digital shift, leveraging their brand recognition to dominate the market.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-910c562\" data-block-id=\"910c562\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-910c562-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ec131b0\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ec131b0\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-ec131b0 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ec131b0-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ec131b0-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-2ubz8\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-2ubz8 \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-2ubz8 img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-2ubz8\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/03\/article_7_10.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e1dc0e3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e1dc0e3\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-e1dc0e3 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e1dc0e3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e1dc0e3-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-b404cda\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"b404cda\"><style>.stk-b404cda {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Conclusion<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While startups were able to move quickly, traditional bookmakers took a more measured approach, ensuring that the regulatory, technological, and business landscapes were favourable before they entered the online market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once they did, however, their established reputations and financial power allowed them to quickly become dominant players. Today, companies like Ladbrokes and William Hill are key players in the online betting industry, proving that their patience and strategic planning ultimately paid off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-button root-eb-button-9hebr  root-eb-button-ll3rc\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-button-ll3rc \"><div class=\"eb-button-wrapper eb-button-alignment eb-button-ll3rc\"><div class=\"eb-button\"><div class=\"eb-button-inner-wrapper \"><a class=\"eb-button-anchor \" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\" rel=\"noopener\">Home<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;ll never catch on&#8230; Article 7 Why It Took Traditional Bookmakers Years to Go Online by Ian Sherrington, March 2025 As part of the series &#8211; The Online Gambling Industry Intertops proved the market, but where was everyone else? When the first online sportsbook launched in 1996, it seemed like the dawn of a new [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6309","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6309"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6339,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6309\/revisions\/6339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}