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It’s been almost two weeks since Google unleashed its latest brainchild, the November Google Core Update. Announced on November 11, 2024 (because 11/11 clearly wasn’t dramatic enough), this update has been rolling out like a slow-motion earthquake. Some core updates feel like a gentle nudge; others feel like getting drop-kicked off a cliff. This one? It started all chill and cozy, then turned into the algorithmic version of a mosh pit.
In the iGaming industry, where PPC is harder to pull off than convincing your grandma Bitcoin isn’t a scam, SEO is the lifeline. But here’s the kicker: Google loves playing favorites with the big brands, leaving smaller sites in the dust. So, whenever Google tweaks its algorithm, the iGaming world collectively holds its breath, hoping not to end up in the loser column.
This update conveniently dropped just as Sigma 2024 kicked off, ensuring it dominated every coffee break conversation at the conference. At iGamingToday.com, we’ve been glued to our analytics tools to figure out who’s winning, who’s losing, and what it all means. Spoiler: it’s been a wild ride.
What Types of Sites Took a Hit in the November Core Update?
While website owners have been flooding forums with “WTF happened?!” posts, we’ve been tracking trends with trusty tools like Ahrefs and Semrush. And here’s what we’ve noticed:
The Fall Guys
- Remember those sites that crushed it during the August Core Update? Yeah, they’re now eating humble pie. Their gains have all but disappeared, and it looks like Google might have gone, “Oops, maybe we overdid it last time.”
- In iGaming, newer sites with aggressive link-building strategies got spanked by this update. Meanwhile, older sites seem to be sipping tea and enjoying newfound visibility on less competitive keywords. Could it be that Google’s now giving out brownie points for age? Or is it just harder to game the system with a fresh domain? Either way, backlinks alone aren’t cutting it anymore.
The Eternal Bridesmaids
- Platforms with user-generated content like Quora and Reddit are still on Google’s “Nice List.” Reddit, in particular, is riding a rocket to algorithmic stardom, leaving Quora nodding politely in its dust.
- In the iGaming world, the “big boys” aren’t the only ones smiling—plenty of smaller, scrappier sites are pulling ahead, proving that even David can sometimes beat Goliath (or at least steal a few of his keywords).
Oh, and let’s not forget the parasite SEO sites—the ones that piggyback on other domains like hitchhikers at rush hour. They’re still around, but honestly, covering them feels like talking about that one friend who cheats at Monopoly. Fun to watch, but not really the role model you’re looking for.
Winners and Losers of the Google November Core Update
As always, we’ve done our homework to bring you real, industry-specific examples. Because let’s be honest, hearing about some random blog in niche knitting trends isn’t going to help you decode the iGaming world. Here’s who’s celebrating and who’s sulking after this update:
Winners
Casinomeister
Recently scooped up by GIG in June 2024, Casinomeister is now strutting its stuff like the prom king of iGaming. Post-update, their traffic chart looks like it’s climbing Mount Everest. Someone at their SEO team deserves a big bonus—or at least a pizza party.
Sigma.world
Not only is Sigma killing it with their ever-growing conference empire, but their online presence has made a killer comeback. After a slump post-August update, they’ve bounced back stronger than ever. With nearly 30,000 new visitors added to their ranks, Sigma’s SEO game is on point. Fun fact: their rankings are now at an all-time high. Sigma: 1. Google volatility: 0.
Casino.org
The OG of gambling websites, Casino.org, continues to grow at a steady, no-drama pace. Their organic traffic chart isn’t flashy, but it’s consistently heading in the right direction—kind of like the tortoise in the tortoise-and-hare race, except this tortoise has been around since forever and knows what it’s doing.
TheGameDay.com
Here’s a winner worth cheering for: TheGameDay.com. This site has almost tripled its traffic in the wake of the November Core Update. Unlike certain sites (cough parasites cough), they’ve built their success on real, high-quality content. It’s like Google finally said, “You know what, hard work does deserve a reward.” TheGameDay.com shows that you don’t need to hitch a ride on dodgy tactics to see massive growth. Hats off to them for playing the long game—and winning big.
Losers
Mr-Gamble.com
Ouch. Mr-Gamble’s rankings have taken a nosedive, with their traffic nearly halving overnight. They were on an epic growth streak, but it looks like Google just served them a reality check. Pro tip: if you know someone at Mr-Gamble, send chocolate. Or wine. Lots of wine.
Casino.com
Casino.com got hit hard, losing approximately 150,000 visitors as a result of this update. While their traffic charts hint at a potential bounce-back, this drop is still a significant blow. It’s like getting benched mid-game—you’re still in the league, but it’s going to take some effort to regain your footing.
Techopedia.com
Okay, we promised not to talk about parasites, but we’ve got to make an exception for this one because… wow. Meet Techopedia, the site that’s currently starring in its own version of Titanic—and yes, it’s already hit the iceberg.
Here’s the tea: Techopedia’s rankings aren’t just dropping; they’re plummeting like your Wi-Fi during a Zoom meeting. Whether it’s Google wielding the banhammer or a manual smackdown, nobody knows. But one thing’s clear—Ahrefs is showing ranking losses so dramatic they deserve their own Oscar.
And the best part? The fall might be even worse than Ahrefs is catching. It’s like trying to measure an earthquake with a yardstick—it just can’t keep up with the chaos. If this is Google sprinkling its magical bug spray on parasites, then Techopedia’s infestation days are over. They’ve lost more than two-thirds of their traffic, and the ship’s still sinking.
RIP Techopedia. We hardly knew you—or maybe we knew you a little too well.
The Algorithm Rollercoaster: Buckle Up!
If this update has taught us anything, it’s that Google’s Core Updates are like rollercoasters—some sites scream with joy, others just scream. Whether you’re a winner riding high or a loser licking your wounds, the SEO game is always about adaptability.
And while we’ve had a good laugh (or a sigh) over the winners and losers this time around, remember: there’s always another update lurking around the corner. So, keep building content that matters, tweak your strategies, and maybe keep some chocolate handy for the next ride. You’re going to need it.
