BIG FUTURE FOR ITALIAN GAMBLING MARKET

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Sixty four percent growth predicted by research company for 2010 - and online gambling will play a big role

In a report titled "The Italian Gambling Market - A Forerunner in the Liberalisation of European Gambling Markets" the research group MECN has predicted that the Italian gambling market is set to achieve a 64 percent growth rate culiminating in revenues worth Euro 61 billion by the year 2010.

Describing the Italian region as one of the most promising online and land gambling markets, the report claims that Italy has become a top priority for international operators looking for both online and offline opportunities while further liberalisation was expected in the future.

"After the decision of the European Court of Justice in the Placanica case and the recent tender that allowed online and land-based gambling operators to enter the Italian market, all eyes are now turning to Italy and its role in the liberalisation of European gambling markets," the report cites as background to the study, which analyses the Italian gambling market in detail and includes the results of a survey MECN conducted among more than 70 important international operators.

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 the 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 in turnover by 2010 (+64 percent). By 2010, the retail betting market is expected to grow to ca. Euro 14 billion, which is about 200 percent 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).