AgiproNews’ Italian View: All to play for in growing Italian betting market

The month of February saw significant growth within the Italian betting sector, which generated gross gaming revenues (GGR) of €124 million up a staggering 260% on February 2017 revenue figures.

The market share for Italian wallets is closely contested by its licensed incumbents. February saw Group GmbH Austria’s Sks365 brand take the lead with 13% of total sector revenues, from former Italian GGR leader Snaitech (12.9%).

Nevertheless, the Italian betting sector remains wide open, with Sks365 and Snaitech, being closely chased by Eurobet (12.3), Sisal (10.2%) and Lottomatica (10%).

Italian retail continues to be dominated by the legacy operators of Snaitech 15.2% of the total, followed by Eurobet (14.8%) and Lottomatica (13.5%). Sisal (11.4%) and Goldbet (11%).

However, within the fast-growing Italian online betting sector, the impact of international operators is apparent as Sks365 and bet365 share the lead with 16% and 15% of market share respectively.

February closed with tax revenues of circa €24.3 million, calculated at an 18% rate of betting margin for retail and 22% online betting services.

The significant sector GGR percentage growth is explained by the much lower margins earned by bookmakers in 2017. €34 million was the lowest figure since the introduction of margin taxation at the beginning of 2016.

Though the Italian market continues to makes its adjustments, Italian betting stakeholders still wait for the reform of Italy’s betting laws.

In 2018, Italian stakeholders seek a strengthening of the national betting code in relation to Asian Handicap offers, operator Cash-Out functionalities and setting fixed policy and clear practices on ‘market disputes’ relating to bookmakers and their customers