Recent momentum
In 2009 there has been greater momentum in many
countries to engage in a discussion as to the
appetite for online gaming. In Europe, a number
of countries have made positive decisions as to the
direction they will take and are in the process of
defining legislation and regulation.
Other countries have chosen to reconfirm or tighten
their existing controls or exert greater enforcement
of any restrictions. For those countries contemplating
regulating for an onshore market, there are a number
of differing regulatory models under consideration.
These range from a liberalised market such as that in
the UK to one where the state-controlled monopoly
is to be the only market participant. The fiscal and
economic regime is likely to be as important as the
regulatory model chosen in determining whether a
market is commercially attractive in the longer term.
A robust balance between the interests of player,
regulator and operator will make an important
contribution to this goal.
Changing regulation is expected to remain a key
focus for market participants and an important
driver of online gaming revenue growth over the
next few years.
Market participants
The online gaming market accommodates a
wide range of participants and has become more
specialised as it matures into a substantial global
industry. At the outset and with the internet also
in its infancy, they were principally entrepreneur-led
start-up businesses.
These operators managed an end-to-end offering,
from software and content development through
to direct player marketing. As the market started to
develop and more participants entered, businesses
offering the ability to outsource certain elements
quickly evolved.
In 2009 there has been greater momentum in many countries to engage in a discussion as to the appetite for online gaming.