European Commission study shows business is booming for European Gambling... €51 billion and growing!

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- There's no doubt that the last 12 months has proved a real rollercoaster ride for online gambling. Changes to US legislation, real arrests, scaled down operations, buy-outs and mergers and acquisitions are all the result of industry crippling legislation passed aptly on Friday 13th October 2006. But as the dust begins to settle and the outlines begin to emerge, it is clearly evident that Europe harnesses the torch of hope for the entire online gambling industry. The question is… How can operators secure a piece of the action?

A major study undertaken by the European Commission also completed in October 2006 sheds significant light on the gambling market of the EU. The good news is – the growth potential of this industry is huge!

The main findings of the study reveal that gambling amounts to 3% of total EU GDP and is set to rise further as US operators focus on European opportunity. Following 2003 when more than €51 billion was generated through gambling (45% lotteries and 17% betting) the European mobile gambling industry is set to explode in 2007.

Highlighting just one of the regulatory trends and opportunities within Europe, Lee Richardson, CEO, Chartwell Games states: "The current drive towards licensing in Italy will offer new international operators substantial retail and online betting and gaming opportunities in a strong growth market; we are very excited by the new possibilities in what has always been a key area of growth for Chartwell's clients".

The message is clear… European gambling will grow both on and offline.

Meet with Lee Richardson and others including Bwin, SportingBet, Victor Chandler + more at the 3rd annual Mobile Gambling Summit – Europe. Assess your options in Europe and drive your profits through the roof. Find out more by calling +44 (0) 20 7375 7575 or visiting the event website at www.mformobile.com/mobilegambling today.