The UK could become the centre of global gambling, according to
a new report published by Global Betting & Gaming Consultants
(GBGC). Assisted by tax breaks it moved from 4th position in 1999
as a gambling nation to 3rd in 2001, based on gross profits.
Currently the US is in the leading position, followed by Japan.
Australia has the highest average gambling loss per adult.
GBGC believe that the UK has long been a role model for
integrity and regulation in the gambling sector, and will soon lead
the way in becoming the first country to integrate all aspects of
betting and gaming into the leisure industry.
The report claims that internet businesses will follow the
growth of the land-based industry. This is because governments are
feeling pressure to licence and regulate internet betting and
gaming to avoid losing lucrative tax revenues.
The internet has already become profitable for Ladbrokes,
William Will, Coral and Sportingbet. GBGC believe that internet
gambling will grow further as 30% of people who are socially
excluded through lack of credit will be able to access the net
through digital cash.
GSBC found that some form of betting and gaming is now legal in
247 of the 259 jurisdictions that it monitors. Gross turnover for
the global industry was valued at $950 billion last year,
generating gross profits of $200 billion.
