Online gambling grows in Italy

The online gambling segment in Italy posted an increase in most verticals in business during May, except for the poker market.

Italy.- Online gambling continues to grow and Italy’s recent results are proof of it. According to the Agenzia della Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), local regulatory body, the segment grew in most verticals.

The body reported a sports betting revenue growth of 44.2% year-on-year to €134.1 million. That meant a year-to-date increase of 11.7% to €698.5 million.

The overall revenue figure, however, was less than April’s €173.6 million. Nonetheless, the segment continued its growth. For instance, land-based betting revenue grew to €77.9 million (up 49.5%) and online to €56.2 million (37.7%).

Online casinos grew 22% year-on-year to almost €70 million. PokerStars led with a 10.5% share, followed by Lottomatica at 8%. Behind them came Sisal (7.7%), Snaitech (6.5%) and 888 Holdings (6.3%).

The online poker vertical was the black sheep of the industry once again. The segment continues to struggle and posted declines in both tournaments and cash games. They were down 2.9% to €6.3 million and 8.3% to €5 million.

Virtual betting operators recorded an increase of 16.7% to €25.4 million in May. The year-to-date total reached €125.7 million, up 17.4%.

Land-based casino operators, on the other end, generated combined revenue of €83.5 million between January-May. Most of it (€51.2 million) came via slots and Casino di Venezia led the vertical.