Part 1: The UK – global leader still on growth path
Chart 3: Casino remote GGY by product April 2015-September 2017 (£m)
Source: GB Gambling Commission
As has been mentioned in previous editions
The UK: a focus on horseracing
of Market Monitor, within the gaming segment
it is slots that are dominant, worth £1.81bn in Channel shift in horserace betting
the year October 2016 to September 2017 By correlating the data on betting on horseracing
(Chart 3). across both the remote and land-based, off-course
One noteworthy comparison is with machine
sectors with the latest data from the soon-to-be-
gaming in betting shops in the UK, where the defunct Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB),
majority of revenue (at least 60%) comes from a clear picture of channel shift is visible.
B2s, which is mostly roulette. Yet, as can be
Of course, this has been apparent for some
seen, table games revenue in online lags slots time. The declining amount being generated
by some margin. by the levy up until last year was one reason
behind the switch to the new arrangements,
As good as it gets? which have been designed to capture lost
Mention of machine gaming in betting shops offshore revenues.
brings us to perhaps the most pressing
The move has been a clear success.
emerging issue in the UK market. Much has According to the HBLB accounts for 2017/18,
been made of the toughening up of the the levy – now set at 10% across all betting
regulatory regime in the UK and the steady whether off-course or online – brought in £95m,
stream castigation on the part of the regulator 46% up on the previous year.
over infractions on the part of operators and
The estimated grossed up figure – £950m
the large fines that go with them. It highlights across all channels – tallies with the numbers
the degree to which the growth in the UK market given by the Gambling Commission for gross
has brought with it greater regulatory and gaming yield (GGY) for horseracing both on
political scrutiny. off-course betting shops and online.
iGaming Business Market Monitor • UK, Spain and Denmark • September 2018
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