European online gambling market is expanding these days. The other day Italy has announced, that it’s ready to legalize and regulate online casinos. It was really necessary, as people were disappointed with the fact that online gambling market in Italy remain illegal. Moreover, the regime allows, for example,soccer sports bets , poker tournaments, but prohibits poker cash games.
According to the statement, Italy is now ready to open the doors for software providers and let them in. It is expected that poker will go live at video poker online casinos in March, and the other games become available in Summer. This event will become important not only for Italians, but also for Europeans, who vote for legal and well-regulated online gambling in all countries at the territory of the union.
One more argument is that Italian online gambling market is one of the largest in Europe. In 2010 it was €4.8 billion, up 28% from the 2009 value of €3.4 billion. Major part of this profit was brought by poker tournaments, sports betting and bingo. Now the consultancy company forecasts that 2011 will bring €200 million additionally thanks to legal online casinos, and 2012 will increase it up to €1 billion.
Stefano Acciavatti of TrustPartners said, “Even if game accounts and revenues for poker increased in 2010 with respect to 2009, during the last four to five months of last year there were clear signs of stabilization. Game sessions, tournaments and amount of money spent per each game were down in number and volume compared to the comparable period in 2009.” So, According to Acciavatti, Italian online casinos pick up steam. It will definitely opens up new vistas for cross selling along with the direct impact of the new products. Hence he added, “In 2011, overall turnover might double in value and will further increase in 2012.”
These news has already spread, so software providers are preparing to occupy places at the market. Today a leader is certainly Microgaming. Its brancj Prima Networks Limited has already applied for a licence to operate in Italian online gambling market. It will offer Microgaming products, such as traditional games and bingo. Neomobile Gamingis ready to provide mobile casino services in Italy.
So, this year will be really intense and crucial for all representatives of online gambling business in Europe.
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