The latest episode of “Right to the Source” returns with hosts Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin diving into the intriguing landscapes of gaming in Liechtenstein, the promising Panama online gaming scene, and the remarkable resilience of Italy’s betting market.
While our chosen markets may seem eclectic, there’s a clear intent behind the selection. We aim to provide our listeners with a comprehensive global snapshot of the gaming industry, supported by solid data.
Panama’s Online Gaming: An Opportunity for New Entrants?
We kick things off with a look at Panama’s online gaming space. Despite being a modest player—where the regulated online gambling GGR stands at merely $8 per capita, significantly lower than Brazil’s $48 or Mexico’s $27—companies like Codere Online are eyeing the market as ripe for exploration.
As taxation pressures mount in larger regions, could smaller regulated markets like Panama serve as a launchpad into bigger arenas down the road?
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Liechtenstein: The Burden of Self-Exclusion
Next, we turn our attention to Liechtenstein, where a reciprocal self-exclusion initiative with Switzerland presents challenges for local casinos.
Under this scheme, casinos are mandated to bar players participating in Switzerland’s self-exclusion program. Initially, the government anticipated a 30% decrease in gaming revenue; however, the reality struck much harder—an astounding 85% plunge in revenue within just two weeks. This trend is expected to lead to a staggering €50 million annual decline in gambling tax revenue, with one Eschen casino already closing its doors for good.
Adding to their plight, the self-exclusion passporting does not extend to casinos in Germany or Austria, allowing players to easily cross borders and continue gambling. Ed astutely calculates the market impact on the spot, showcasing the rapid changes in revenue dynamics.
Italy’s Gambling Market: Impressively Sturdy
Finally, we discuss Italy, where Ed recently engaged in a market research initiative (not a vacation!). Despite facing hurdles such as an advertising ban and the pandemic’s effects, the Italian gambling market continues to thrive and consolidate, with Lottomatica gaining substantial traction to secure a leading market position.
For context, while Panama’s online gaming GGR per capita is just $8, Italy’s figure stands at a robust $118, highlighting the differences in market potential.
Don’t miss out on all these insights and more by checking out the full episode!