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The key points for me - but should be of interest to all:
The Far East continues to be betinternet’s strategically most important market with 69% of Internet turnover coming from that region. The U.K. accounted for 6% of turnover and the rest of the world, predominantly Europe, accounted for the balance of 25%. Our spread of business can be seen, however, by the fact that we serve customers in around 140 countries.
Growth in turnover from the Far East has more than compensated for the loss in activity caused by the board’s decision to close all USA fixed odds betting accounts.
BetInternet (BI) does not do heavy advertising in Asia - for that matter, I don't recall seeing very much advertising period.
Despite this, BI claims that 69% - SIXTY-NINE percent! of their turnover comes from Asia. Without significant advertising.
If anyone didn't believe me then, this should be proof in the pudding.
From a general perspective, this shows two things - one, that despite the strange regulations in this region, sports betting is very healthy and alive, even on the Net.
Two, for the most part this proves that there is not a significant problem with payment solutions - perhaps they can't use their credit cards in HK or Singapore but they surely walk to the bank and send wires, or WU, or whatever.
Three - BI have closed US accounts - and proven that an operation can be strong - or stronger - even without the supposedly betting-mad Americans - though one must remember that BI is an IoM book and the Americans prefer to play at the offshores. Still, this is a stunning achievement by any standards.
Also look at the average revenue per customer (in pounds Sterling):
Far East 4,500
Rest of the World 3,122
United Kingdom 1,305
Part of this will undoubtedly be due to the World Cup - but there is a huge, huge difference between the Far East and everyone else - and the UK bettors by comparison are very tame.
Now I think I am going to press for an introduction after all - someone has offered twice before and I didn't pursue those opportunities.
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