Part 2: The UK market overview: at a crossroads
Part 2
The UK market overview: at a crossroads
For those following the (mainly) ups and downs conditions of the offers and sign-up bonuses
of the UK online scene, there can be little doubt set by gambling operators and the Information
that 2017 is likely to represent a turning point for Commissioner’s Office (ICO) investigation into
the market. As we will discuss shortly, we know how operators handle player data are set to
that in terms of revenues reported by the UK report later this year.
Gambling Commission there are suspicions the
Meanwhile, for the first time, the nature and
upward trajectory that has been enjoyed of late is frequency of TV gambling advertising has been
beginning to show signs of — at the very least — a included in the UK’s much delayed Triennial
slowing down. Review. That is due to report imminently and
On the regulatory front, meanwhile, operators
could have a profound effect on how the online
are under pressure. The failure of the case gambling marketers go about their business in the
brought against the UK government by the years ahead.
Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) On top of that, recent regulatory actions –
over the introduction of the Point of Consumption notably the news in May that the Commission is
(PoC) regime – and its accompanying tax – may currently undertaking a licence review of online
well have been expected. But much as with casino operator 888 – have made it abundantly
the European Commission’s official okaying of clear that the body means what it says when
the new levy regime for horseracing, the ECJ’s it suggests operators need to be able to prove
decision gives a somewhat final seal of approval more readily via their actions that they are indeed
for the UK government’s approach towards abiding by the Commission’s remit to put the
gambling policy even as the country looks to plan consumer first.
The subsequent silence from the Commission
for Brexit in less than two years’ time.
That approach is assuredly getting tougher. The
on the 888 case has done nothing to dispel the
current inquiries on the part of the Competition fear that the regulator is looking to signal to the
and Markets Authority (CMA) over the terms and rest of the market an instance of licensing tough
Casino product breakdown - year to Sept 2016
love via a potentially high-profile example.
All this occurs against a backdrop of a squeeze
GGY taking place on consumer spending caused by an
Card game 176.5 uncertain economic backdrop; inflation in the UK
Other 166.6 is now at 2.9%, outstripping wage growth in the
Peer-to-peer 99.3 year to April of 1.7%.
Slots 1581 Table game 377.9 Total 2401.3
Source: UK Gambling Commission
iGaming Business Market Monitor • June 2017
Without a major football tournament taking
place this summer, it is easy to see why the
prognosis for the UK online market for the rest of
the year looks mixed.
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