New data suggests the social casino market is hemorrhaging users but hardcore users are playing and spending more than ever.

According to market researchers SuperData’s new Social Casino Metrics Industry Trend Analyses report, the number of monthly active players declined 13% in 2015. However, SuperData claims the players that remain have “never been more engaged” and are spending more than ever.

A double-digit drop in casual players isn’t necessary a death knell for the social casino industry. As far back as 2012, Zynga was reportedly earning 70% of its non-advertising revenue from just 0.5% of its users, while more recent data showed that 0.23% of mobile game players accounted for roughly two-thirds of in-app revenue.

SuperData said the top-10 social casino publishers now controll 81% of the market, up from 69% two years ago. SuperData analyst Carter Rogers told iGaming Business that large publishers would continue to increase their control of this market in part because they had more to spend on customer acquisition.

New data suggests the social casino market is hemorrhaging users but hardcore users are playing and spending more than ever.

According to market researchers SuperData’s new Social Casino Metrics Industry Trend Analyses report, the number of monthly active players declined 13% in 2015. However, SuperData claims the players that remain have “never been more engaged” and are spending more than ever.

A double-digit drop in casual players isn’t necessary a death knell for the social casino industry. As far back as 2012, Zynga was reportedly earning 70% of its non-advertising revenue from just 0.5% of its users, while more recent data showed that 0.23% of mobile game players accounted for roughly two-thirds of in-app revenue.

SuperData said the top-10 social casino publishers now controll 81% of the market, up from 69% two years ago. SuperData analyst Carter Rogers told iGaming Business that large publishers would continue to increase their control of this market in part because they had more to spend on customer acquisition.

Atlantic City’s Borgata casino, New Jersey’s regulated online gambling market leader, is reportedly reconsidering its relationship with online technology supplier Bwin.party digital entertainment.

On Thursday, eGaming Review quoted sources saying Borgata management was rethinking its Bwin.party relationship due to concerns that Bwin.party’s new owner GVC Holdings won’t qualify for a New Jersey gaming license.

GVC, which struck a deal to acquire Bwin.party last year, stated at the time that it would apply for a New Jersey license in order to maintain its market-leading online presence in the state. But GVC has a significant presence in many grey- and black markets and has stated its intention to re-enter the Bwin.party brands into the markets Bwin.party exited in 2013 prior to getting its New Jersey license.

eGR’s sources claim the Borgata has drawn up a ‘Plan B’ based on its doubts about GVC’s ability to clear the regulatory hurdles, as well as questions regarding GVC’s commitment to the market. The Borgata has reportedly already initiated discussions with other technology suppliers.

Atlantic City’s Borgata casino, New Jersey’s regulated online gambling market leader, is reportedly reconsidering its relationship with online technology supplier Bwin.party digital entertainment.

On Thursday, eGaming Review quoted sources saying Borgata management was rethinking its Bwin.party relationship due to concerns that Bwin.party’s new owner GVC Holdings won’t qualify for a New Jersey gaming license.

GVC, which struck a deal to acquire Bwin.party last year, stated at the time that it would apply for a New Jersey license in order to maintain its market-leading online presence in the state. But GVC has a significant presence in many grey- and black markets and has stated its intention to re-enter the Bwin.party brands into the markets Bwin.party exited in 2013 prior to getting its New Jersey license.

eGR’s sources claim the Borgata has drawn up a ‘Plan B’ based on its doubts about GVC’s ability to clear the regulatory hurdles, as well as questions regarding GVC’s commitment to the market. The Borgata has reportedly already initiated discussions with other technology suppliers.

The number of licensed junket operators in Macau shrank 23% over the past 12 months and more are expected to exit the Macau VIP market.

From 183 licensed gaming promoters in Macau as of January 2015, the tally dwindled to 141, announced the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). The figure includes 121 companies and 20 individuals.

Rob Goldstein, senior executive of casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp., is expecting that more junket operators will exit the Macau VIP market but those that will remain appear to be in good health.

“The ones that are still standing – and we met with some of the top people there last week – …actually they’re in pretty good shape and there is sufficient liquidity,” said Goldstein during Sands’ company call earlier this week.

The number of licensed junket operators in Macau shrank 23% over the past 12 months and more are expected to exit the Macau VIP market.

From 183 licensed gaming promoters in Macau as of January 2015, the tally dwindled to 141, announced the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). The figure includes 121 companies and 20 individuals.

Rob Goldstein, senior executive of casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp., is expecting that more junket operators will exit the Macau VIP market but those that will remain appear to be in good health.

“The ones that are still standing – and we met with some of the top people there last week – …actually they’re in pretty good shape and there is sufficient liquidity,” said Goldstein during Sands’ company call earlier this week.