Why European casinos must prepare for an online future

Online casino gambling has rapidly outgrown land-based gaming in Europe, with revenue from in-person gambling dwarfed by digital returns in most mature markets.

This makes it hard for the brick-and-mortar sector to ignore online, especially as regulatory developments across a number of markets create opportunities – and advantages – for properties looking to grow their business.

In Sweden, reregulation has caused as many issues for the industry as it has created growth opportunities, with online growing six-fold in the past decade at a time when land-based revenue has remained stagnant or declined.

Over in Germany, a new regulatory model  implemented from 1 July meant that while slots and poker will be permitted for all licensees, brick-and-mortar businesses could secure exclusive rights to table games. This may give them a unique advantage over their digital counterparts. 

Featuring:

Dr Joerg Hoffmann, head of the gaming & betting law practice, Melchers Rechtsanwälte

Per Jaldung, chairman, European Casino Association and chief executive, Casino Cosmopol

Thomas Schenk, treasurer, European Casino Association; Head of HR and Chief Legal Officer, Casino Baden Baden