Online gambling is on the rise. Indeed, last year it claimed an even more significant share of the overall market in the UK. In essence, the whole gambling industry’s revenue grew. According to the UK industry watchdog, online slot games generated the most significant revenue increase.
The Rise of Online
Early December, the UK Gambling Commission released its latest report. It covered the period from April 2017 to March 2018. And the statistics revealed some interesting trends. During this time, the revenue generated from gambling rose 4.2% YOY. In short, this translates to a £14.4 Billion revenue across the whole UK Casino market.
Online gambling produced the most significant part of the revenue growth. In total it hit £5.2 Billion, up by 12.8% from the previous period. In the second place, came sports betting with a share of 23%. Besides, National Lottery accounted for 21%, casinos for 8% and bingo for 5% of the revenue.
The Year of Slots
The watchdog issued 888 online licenses, and 780 at the end of the previous period. What’s also interesting is the share of online activities per the location of the operator’s head office. Those based in the UK made up 41% of the revenue, followed by companies from Malta with 21%. Finally, operators based in Gibraltar and the Isle of Man held both 7%.
Speaking of purely online gambling revenue, casino games made the major part, £2.92 Billion. Second in the ranking is, again, sports betting. In fact, it’s online sector produced £2.07 Billion. Bingo came third with £164.8 Million followed by exchange and pool betting.
As to the online casino slots games category made up for 69.1% of revenue. Table games, including roulette, came second and poker last. In addition, within online betting, football generated almost half of all the income. Horse-racing follows second and tennis third in the results.
