NEW REPORT BOOSTS ITALIAN LAND AND ONLINE GAMBLING

27 July 2007

Italy one of the most promising markets says MECN

Following a recent study, Research and Markets has published a report entitled "The Italian Gambling Market - A Forerunner in the Liberalisation of European Gambling Markets" which describes the region as one of the most promising around from both online and land perspectives.

The speed with which the Italians reversed their prohibitionary stand against online gambling to embark on a more liberal and regulatory approach is still a talking point in gambling circles.

The MECN report flags the European Court of Justice favourable decision on the Placanica case as a watershed in Italian gambling affairs. It was followed by the invitation to tender that allowed online and land-based gambling operators to enter the liberalised Italian market, and the possibilities in the region are now the focus of many major gambling groups.

Since the ruling Italy has granted 14 000 new betting licenses - mainly for sports and horse race betting shops and terminals - from the beginning of 2007 to leading international gambling operators that include Ladbrokes, Intralot, William Hill, Betfair and Gala/Eurobet.

MECN's study and survey analyses the Italian gambling market in detail and includes the results of enquiries among more than 70 international operators who offered unique insights and assessments.

The study identifies several reasons why Italy is perceived as so attractive:

* Another phase of liberalisation is expected in the near future - Two-thirds of the experts surveyed expect another phase of liberalisation in the near future that will go even further than the steps planned for 2007.

* Growing relevance of foreign operators - A large majority of experts believe that by 2010 international operators, such as Ladbrokes and Intralot, will capture a relevant share of the gambling market.

* Growth potential, especially for retail betting and interactive gambling - Overall, Italy’s gambling market is expected to grow to Euro 61 billion (turnover) by 2010 (an increase of 64 percent). By 2010, the retail betting market is expected to grow to ca. Euro 14 billion, which is about twice its current size (CAGR of 32 percent). Another growth driver will be interactive gambling, which is expected to reach ca. Euro 3.7 billion by 2010, a growth of ca. 240 percent over the current level (CAGR of 40 percent).

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