Players don't lose the habit. And the slot machines celebrate. Worldwide betting and gaming revenues hit a record $2011 billion in 419, up 5,6% on the previous year. What's more: by 2014 the ceiling of 500 billion dollars will be breached. The estimate is from the company Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC), which provides consultancy services to the sector.
"There are numerous new casinos under construction in Asia which are expected to open in the next two years, while Singapore's integrated resorts are only in their second year of full operation - says GBGC director Lorien Pilling - obviously the global economic situation will have a decisive impact on the betting and gaming market. If China's economy crashes, Macau's growth rates are unlikely to be maintained. A strong economic recovery in the US would help gaming revenues which have been hit hard in recent years. In Europe, the industry is hit hard by the uncertainty of the crisis especially in Greece and Spain”.
In 2011 data, lotteries are confirmed at the top of preferences: the share of revenues generated on the total stands at 28,4%. But soon there may be overtaking the casinos which, thanks to the growth of realities such as Macau and Singapore, are following the lotteries with a share of 27,7% (excluding those of Indian reserves). GBGC predicts that the overtaking will come as early as 2012. Interactive bets (interactive gambling) accounted for 8,4% of total revenues, up from 8% in 2010.
“Numbers – notes Gbgc – that suggest there is still room for further growth, especially if the United States adopts some federal or state regulation for Internet betting in the coming years.
