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Remote gambling is the newest and fastest growing part of the world gambling industry. The demand for these services is clearly evident in Europe:
In 2008 the gross gaming yield from European players is estimated to be € 6.84 billion, up from € 5.74 billion in 2007. The figure is expected to rise to € 10.98 billion by 2012. 41% of online gamblers worldwide are based in Europe, against 34% in North America. The European online gambling market is expected to grow at a minimum rate of 8.4 per cent per annum (in Austria and Hungary) to a maximum of 17.6 per cent (in Italy) .
Newer, cheaper and modern communication technologies will mean continued growth of online leisure services for which online gambling is one.
Attempting to prohibit the provision or use of these gambling services, for example over the Internet, has failed. The demand is such that ways will always be found to circumvent any restrictions that might be imposed.
There may be differences of opinion about the exact number of consumers involved or how much they are gambling, but there can be no doubt that the market is substantial. It will continue to exist and thrive even if there are no European-licensed operators at all, and European consumers will continue to access it.
The RGA report Fair, honest, safe and fun sets out our position in more detail.
