Sunday, April 15, 2007

In a report titled "The Italian Gambling Market - A Forerunner in the
Liberalisation of European Gambling Markets" the research group MECN
has predicted that the Italian gambling market is set to achieve a 64
percent growth rate culminating in revenues worth Euro 61 billion by
the year 2010. Describing the Italian region as one of the most
promising online and land gambling markets, the report claims that
Italy has become a top priority for international operators looking
for both online and offline opportunities while further liberalisation
was expected in the future. "After the decision of the European Court
of Justice in the Placanica case and the recent tender that allowed
online and land-based gambling operators to enter the Italian market,
all eyes are now turning to Italy and its role in the liberalisation
of European gambling markets," the report cites as background to the
study, which analyses the Italian gambling market in detail and
includes the results of a survey MECN conducted among more than 70
important international operators. The study identifies several
reasons why Italy is perceived as so attractive: Another phase of
liberalisation is expected in the near future - Two-thirds of the
experts surveyed expect another phase of liberalisation in the near
future that will go even further than the steps planned for 2007.
Growing relevance of foreign operators - A large majority of the
experts believe that by 2010 international operators, such as
Ladbrokes and Intralot, will capture a relevant share of the gambling
market. Growth potential, especially for retail betting and
interactive gambling - Overall, Italy's gambling market is expected to
grow to Euro 61 billion in turnover by 2010 (+64 percent). By 2010,
the retail betting market is expected to grow to ca. Euro 14 billion,
which is about 200 percent its current size (CAGR of 32 percent).