Italian online gambling market strong in June
News on 13 Jul 2018
News on 13 Jul 2018
Figures just out on the Italian online gambling market show that operators enjoyed strong revenues in June, although they will be looking over their collective shoulder as the new coalition government works on putting bans on advertising and sponsorships in place (see previous reports).
Italian licensed online casino revenue was up 29 percent year-on-year at Euro 55.5 million, with the local PokerStars brand leading the market with a 9.6 percent share, chased by closest rivals Sisal on 8.1 percent and Lottomatica (7.9 percent).
Tournament poker showed small gains, up 2.6 percent at Euro 6.1 million, with cash games suffering a decline of 5.3 percent to Euro 4.8 million.
Online sports betting was again the star of the Italian show, reporting revenues up 38.3 percent year-on-year at Euro 47.6 million. Be365 claimed 17 percent of the market, with nearest rivals SKS365 following on 13.7 percent and Snaitech on 10.7 percent.
The online success in sports betting was mirrored in the retail sector, where revenues rose 34.3 percent to Euro 65.2 million, up by over a third y-o-y, with Snaitech holding the biggest market share on 18 percent, trailed by Eurobet (14.5 percent) and Lottomatica (11.8 percent).
Meanwhile the Italian government’s threatened advertising and sponsorship bans moved a step closer Friday when the national president, Sergio Mattarella, signed the relevant decree, referring it to parliament for ratification but hopefully debate before any approval is given.
In the latest amendment to the decree, taxes on slots and VLTs in land gambling establishments will be increased to make up the shortfall in government taxes that will inevitably follow the advertising ban.
