The world of online gambling after the latest shockwaves

26.07.2006, Lesen Sie hier den Bericht über «The world of online gambling after the latest shockwaves»

Can casual gaming play a leading role in the future growth of the industry

New MECN report and survey expect casual gaming and gambling to grow from currently USD 500 million to USD 1 billion in 2010

London/Munich, July 25, 2006: The consulting firm MECN’s new study “Casual Gaming and Gambling in the Internet” analyzes some of the hottest topics in the industry – skill gaming, online bingo, and fantasy sports. The study includes the results of a survey MECN conducted among more than 60 industry experts who offered their unique insights and assessments.

The recent weeks were the toughest for the private online gambling industry ever: an online gambling prohibition bill (Goodlatte/Leach Bill) passed the US House of Representatives and has a chance to be passed by the Senate also; the CEO of online sportsbook BetonSports was arrested by the FBI; high courts in Germany limited the validity of private betting licenses, … just to name a few of recent blows that shook the industry. It is particularly the rapid succession of these events in just a few short weeks that shocked the industry

But some operators had already started to think about alternative revenue sources in case gambling would face tougher restrictions, and previous growth sectors, such as online poker and betting exchanges, would mature. According to many experts, casual gaming and gambling, which includes skill gaming, online bingo, and fantasy sports, represents such an alternative. Although some of the casual gaming and gambling offers have already been in existence for several years, the industry has only recently begun to focus on them. “It is astonishing at what speed this industry is currently moving,” explains Martin Oelbermann, coauthor of the study. ”We can see, for example, on a weekly base high caliber companies and investors, such as media giants Liberty or Burda, as well as Betfair’s founders getting involved.”

Millions of casual gamers, especially women, are waiting for attractive offers The main reason for the increased interest are the millions of potential casual gamers and gamblers not yet targeted by the industry. As the market for heavy punters and gamblers becomes more and more saturated, the industry now begins to focus on casual gamers and gamblers and especially on women.

Casual gaming as attractive product option as legislation concerning online gambling becomes more complex Another reason for the growing relevance of the casual sector is that the legislation regarding gambling is getting more and more complex everywhere and forces state lotteries as well as private companies to look for alternative products to their traditional gambling offerings. For example, in accordance with European court decisions, some state lotteries (such as Dutch De Lotto and German WestLotto) now have to decrease their marketing and expansion efforts for sports betting. Casual gaming could be an attractive alternative revenue source for them. As Martin Oelbermann adds, “Especially the legally less problematic skill gaming sector, including online versions of various card and board games, must become a consideration in many strategic discussions at state lotteries as one of the key future growth options.”

Selected key insights Among key results of the report are the following insights into the casual gaming and gambling industry: - The experts estimate the current market size for casual gaming and gambling (skill gaming and online bingo) to be about USD 500 million with 8 million registered players playing for cash. - By 2010 the casual gaming and gambling market is expected to grow to USD 1 billion. - The experts estimate that more than 63% of the casual gamers are women, which is unique in the generally male-dominated gaming and gambling industry. - As many as 72% of the experts believe that offering a large variety of games is the most important characteristic of a successful casual gaming site. - Europe will be the most important region for future growth, according to 91% of the experts.

The study can be obtained at http://www.casual-gaming.mecn.net

About MECN: MECN is a network of experts on issues concerning the media and entertainment industry. Together they provide in-depth knowledge, analysis, and advice to global clients.

Contact: Martin Oelbermann, Tel: +49 (0)89 3835 6785, e-mail:pr@mecn.net

Martin Oelbermann MECN – Media & Entertainment Consulting Network GmbH Isabellastr. 19 80798 Munich Germany

Tel: + 49 (0)89 3835 6785 Fax: + 49 (0)89 3835 6786 Mobile: + 49 (0)177 5858 666 Email: martin.oelbermann@mecn.net www.mecn.net

Über Glücksspielrecht Newsübersicht:

Casinos.ch ist die Gaming & Entertainment-Plattform der Schweiz und mit über 20 Informationsportalen und rund 100 Internetnamen (Domains) das grosse News- und Pressenetzwerk der Casino- und Glücksspielszene in Europa.

Aktuelle News, Interviews, Fotos und spannende Stories - direkt und live aus den Schweizer Casinos, der Spielbankenszene Deutschlands, über das monegassische Casino von Monte Carlo, weitere Casinos aus ganz Europa und der ganzen Welt finden Sie auf www.casinos.ch. Und last but not least natürlich auch aus der Sin City 'Las Vegas'.

Die Informationen sind unterteilt in die Bereiche Casino-Informationen, aktuelle News, Events, Jackpot und Tournament-Informationen, Fotogalerien, Live-Berichte und Interviews sowie ein täglich wechselndes Glückshoroskop.

Top-Brands: - www.casinos.ch CH-Casino-Plattform - www.swisspoker.ch Poker-News - www.casinopersonal.ch offene Stellen - www.nightlife.ch Ausgangs-Informationen

--- Ende Artikel / Pressemitteilung The world of online gambling after the latest shockwaves ---


Weitere Informationen und Links:

		
 
Weitere Nachrichten der Gaming-Branche