I’ve been interested in what the Olympics couldn’t bring on the trading front for Bet Angel users. Athletics markets are pretty quiet in general, but are often full of surprises. Nothing is guaranteed in sport, especially where markets are tricky to price.
I watched the Men’s Cycling race today with half a eye on whether Mark Cavendish was to get his just reward, alas it was not to be. As the competitors re-entered the streets of London I started collecting data and scanning the markets to judge what would have been a useful trading position. Curiously I couldn’t find one of the two leaders and wondered if I had just completely failed to interpret the action correctly, or mis-heard the commentator. I made a few notes and returned to the horse racing markets. When I returned to the Cycling there was the leader in the market but traded only at very short odds, hardly any competitors had been. I thought I was going mad!
As it turns out there were 144 competitiors at the start of the race but Betfair had only formed a market around 143. Incredibly the only one they left off won the race! To profit you just needed to lay anything in the market. When Betfair added the runner late on, you would have mysteriously created a profit at every backers expense. An interesting start to the Olympics!
Betfair later issued a clarifying statement: -
“We created the Men’s Olympics Cycling Road Race market on 20th July from the official London 2012 website, which at that point did not show Alexandre Vinokourov as a listed competitor. The market remained ‘incomplete’ allowing us to add any further runners on request. We did not receive any requests for Vinokourov to be added, but when it became apparent that he was in a two-man breakaway group towards the latter stages of the race, we added him into the market (approximately 5km from the finish).”
July 29, 2012
July 27, 2012
European bookmakers pledge to support fair Olympics
Europe’s leading online sports betting operators have said that they will suspend or void Olympic bets if instructed to do so by the UK Gambling Commission, as part of their commitment to keeping the games free from corruption and match fixing.
The European Sports Security Association (ESSA), whose members comprise the leading online sports book operators in Europe, says it is working closely with the British Gambling Commission and the IOC to support the sports and betting integrity of the games.
The Association said its members will offer bets on any Olympic event and will monitor and report all unusual betting patterns and any identified breaches of IOC rules to the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Integrity Unit.
ESSA members will also take steps to ensure that no bets are knowingly taken from IOC accredited individuals and that senior personnel manage their internal systems and offer a 24-hour reporting service.
“ESSA and our members will make sure that everything possible is done to make sure that the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games are free from corruption and match fixing,” said ESSA secretary general Khalid Ali. “We are all looking forward to a tremendous sporting competition that will be enjoyed by millions around the world.”
As part of its commitment to sports integrity, ESSA has signed over 20 memorandums of understanding with leading international sports governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA, the IOC, the ATP as well as national gambling regulators in jurisdictions including Alderney, Gibraltar, Malta and the UK.
The European Sports Security Association (ESSA), whose members comprise the leading online sports book operators in Europe, says it is working closely with the British Gambling Commission and the IOC to support the sports and betting integrity of the games.
The Association said its members will offer bets on any Olympic event and will monitor and report all unusual betting patterns and any identified breaches of IOC rules to the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Integrity Unit.
ESSA members will also take steps to ensure that no bets are knowingly taken from IOC accredited individuals and that senior personnel manage their internal systems and offer a 24-hour reporting service.
“ESSA and our members will make sure that everything possible is done to make sure that the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games are free from corruption and match fixing,” said ESSA secretary general Khalid Ali. “We are all looking forward to a tremendous sporting competition that will be enjoyed by millions around the world.”
As part of its commitment to sports integrity, ESSA has signed over 20 memorandums of understanding with leading international sports governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA, the IOC, the ATP as well as national gambling regulators in jurisdictions including Alderney, Gibraltar, Malta and the UK.
July 23, 2012
32Red announce booming profits
32Red has announced their 6 month results and are at a record for the Gibraltar based online operator, with total Gross Win up 50% to £16.5m (2011: £11.0m) in the first six months of 2012.
The results represent a sixth successive 6 month period of record revenues for 32Red, here are some of the highlights:
Casino Performance:
Gross Win (revenue) £14.5m, up 52% on 2011
Active casino customers* of 31,722 up 81% on H1 11
Casino player yield £457* (H1 11: £543)
New Casino players 18,724*, up 93% on H1 11
Casino cost per acquisition*: £166 (H1 11: £173)
Current Trading and Outlook for the Full Year
Gross Win for the twenty days to 20 July is up 28% on the corresponding period in 2011. The strong H1 trading performance and current trading is likely to see the Company deliver revenues that are ahead of current market expectations for 2012. The Company continues to invest in marketing and confirms that profits remain in line with management expectations.
Commenting on the performance, Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red, said:
“The continued growth in revenues, particularly in light of strong comparatives, is testament to the strong new player recruitment resulting from more investment in our main market, the UK. We aim to continue in this regard as well as taking our first measured steps in entering the Italian market. We look forward to launching 32Red.it during the second half of the year and welcome the recent decision by the Italian authorities to commence the procedures to approve online slots games from December 2012 onwards.
”While we recognise the potential for economic and regulatory uncertainty across Europe, we look forward to further progress during the second half of 2012.”
The results represent a sixth successive 6 month period of record revenues for 32Red, here are some of the highlights:
Casino Performance:
Gross Win (revenue) £14.5m, up 52% on 2011
Active casino customers* of 31,722 up 81% on H1 11
Casino player yield £457* (H1 11: £543)
New Casino players 18,724*, up 93% on H1 11
Casino cost per acquisition*: £166 (H1 11: £173)
Current Trading and Outlook for the Full Year
Gross Win for the twenty days to 20 July is up 28% on the corresponding period in 2011. The strong H1 trading performance and current trading is likely to see the Company deliver revenues that are ahead of current market expectations for 2012. The Company continues to invest in marketing and confirms that profits remain in line with management expectations.
Commenting on the performance, Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red, said:
“The continued growth in revenues, particularly in light of strong comparatives, is testament to the strong new player recruitment resulting from more investment in our main market, the UK. We aim to continue in this regard as well as taking our first measured steps in entering the Italian market. We look forward to launching 32Red.it during the second half of the year and welcome the recent decision by the Italian authorities to commence the procedures to approve online slots games from December 2012 onwards.
”While we recognise the potential for economic and regulatory uncertainty across Europe, we look forward to further progress during the second half of 2012.”
£50 million plus being bet on the Olympics
The Olympics fever has triggered a £50million betting bonanza with one in eight Brits having a flutter on the Games according to Coral the bookmaker, which found that half of those placing bets on London 2012, a whopping three million people, were entirely new to gambling.
A surge in patriotism has seen many punters keen to back Team GB medal hopefuls including distance runner Mo Farah, 29, and heptathlete Jessica Ennis, 26.
Ennis is 8-11 to top the podium, while Farah is 6-4 to bag a gold medal.
Other British stars being backed include 400m hurdler Dai Greene, 26, who is 11-4 to take the top prize.
David Stevens of Coral said: “Turnover across the industry could top £50m, with one in eight of those we questioned saying they would be enjoying a flutter on the Games.
“British sport is on a high, with Andy Murray reaching the Wimbledon final and Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British winner of the Tour de France.”
A surge in patriotism has seen many punters keen to back Team GB medal hopefuls including distance runner Mo Farah, 29, and heptathlete Jessica Ennis, 26.
Ennis is 8-11 to top the podium, while Farah is 6-4 to bag a gold medal.
Other British stars being backed include 400m hurdler Dai Greene, 26, who is 11-4 to take the top prize.
David Stevens of Coral said: “Turnover across the industry could top £50m, with one in eight of those we questioned saying they would be enjoying a flutter on the Games.
“British sport is on a high, with Andy Murray reaching the Wimbledon final and Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British winner of the Tour de France.”
Tipico looking to double business in 3 years
Tipico, the Malta based international betting and broker company, is set to double its business within three years as it taps new igaming markets in Europe and beyond from Malta.
“Tipico is in Malta for good,” chief executive officer Jan Bolz told The Sunday Times. “We are not planning to relocate any function from the island. Even if we expanded into the US in the long-term, we would not change anything about our headquarters here. The Maltese authorities have created advantages that are hard to find anywhere else.”
The German-owned company, which currently occupies two floors at Portomaso Business Tower and is in the process of taking over a third, announced its intention to double its workforce to 200-plus employees by 2013 when it hosted the Prime Minister at its premises on July 11.
Tipico set up operations on the island in 2004 with two members of staff as it was having difficulties obtaining the right licences in Germany. Its Maltese licence allows it to operate in several markets, and it has licence applications pending in Italy and Denmark, while it prepares to file applications in Austria and Belgium.
Mr Bolz, who has previously been based in London, Geneva and San Francisco, understands the implications of asking executives to move countries. The toll on young children, language barriers and myriad unforeseen factors may translate into talent loss.
Portomaso’s business tower and its vibrant environs are major assets not only to its corporate image, but also to its teams’ wellbeing. Mr Bolz maintains the secret to running a successful business is to make sure the teams are having as much fun as the customers.
The chief executive brought a wealth of experience in fast-growing industries to Tipico when he joined last year.
Between 2003 and 2008, he was vice-president, marketing and sales, first for Europe and then internationally, for Electronic Arts, the interactive entertainment software company. At EA, he was instrumental in developing executive strategies for EA’s online business model including the Fifa Interactive World Cup and Sims Online in Europe and Asia.
Earlier, he built the first ever music-talent partnership team for the whole of EA Europe with artists like Justin Timberlake, Black Eyes Peas, and Christina Aguilera to promote EA games.
Between 1989 and 2003, he held various roles at record company BMG, for which he built BMG Ariola Munich into the most profitable record label within the group outside the US. In the mid- to late 1990s, he was responsible for the marketing activities of artists including Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, David Bowie, Puff Daddy, Pink and R. Kelly.
While he was deputy managing director and head of international business at BMG Ariola Muenchen, the company signed the then unknown Backstreet Boys for the German-speaking territories and signed NSYNC with all their rights worldwide, including Justin Timberlake.
“Fast-growing industries are more fun,” Mr Bolz said. “The atmosphere is happier when your problem is where to discover 10 new people, not how to lay 10 more off. I hope to use my background in entertainment, particularly games, to grow new business models at Tipico. There is potential in various target groups in the sports betting industry.”
Tipico, he added, is currently talking to half a million customers in Germany where 30 million people viewed Euro 2012 last month. The company aims to win 10 per cent of the 29.5 million football fans not on its books – football makes up 80 per cent of Tipico’s betting business – while building a larger international market share.
The company’s long-term strategy is to diversify its business – Mr Bolz “lives and breathes games” – as it seeks to tap the synergies and cross-opportunities in the games and betting sectors over the next five years.
Growth in the next 12 months will stem from Tipico’s core betting business, Mr Bolz emphasised, particularly after Euro 2012 led the company to its best month ever, with revenues up by 70 per cent over June last year.
Tipico’s growth in Malta comes with some challenges, Mr Bolz pointed out. Specialised software developers and engineers are in short supply around the world.
The shortage is acute in Malta, where Tipico could build a team of 24 given the talent. It hopes to foster relations with the University and other colleges with a view to offering internships as part of its strategy to build its employer brand.
Meanwhile, Mr Bolz and his wife are enjoying showing Malta off to their friends who visit from around the world.
“Malta is about the bright light when you open the door and the ability to organise a barbecue party for September 13 and you know the sun will shine. It compares beautifully with any other place we’ve lived.”
“Tipico is in Malta for good,” chief executive officer Jan Bolz told The Sunday Times. “We are not planning to relocate any function from the island. Even if we expanded into the US in the long-term, we would not change anything about our headquarters here. The Maltese authorities have created advantages that are hard to find anywhere else.”
The German-owned company, which currently occupies two floors at Portomaso Business Tower and is in the process of taking over a third, announced its intention to double its workforce to 200-plus employees by 2013 when it hosted the Prime Minister at its premises on July 11.
Tipico set up operations on the island in 2004 with two members of staff as it was having difficulties obtaining the right licences in Germany. Its Maltese licence allows it to operate in several markets, and it has licence applications pending in Italy and Denmark, while it prepares to file applications in Austria and Belgium.
Mr Bolz, who has previously been based in London, Geneva and San Francisco, understands the implications of asking executives to move countries. The toll on young children, language barriers and myriad unforeseen factors may translate into talent loss.
Portomaso’s business tower and its vibrant environs are major assets not only to its corporate image, but also to its teams’ wellbeing. Mr Bolz maintains the secret to running a successful business is to make sure the teams are having as much fun as the customers.
The chief executive brought a wealth of experience in fast-growing industries to Tipico when he joined last year.
Between 2003 and 2008, he was vice-president, marketing and sales, first for Europe and then internationally, for Electronic Arts, the interactive entertainment software company. At EA, he was instrumental in developing executive strategies for EA’s online business model including the Fifa Interactive World Cup and Sims Online in Europe and Asia.
Earlier, he built the first ever music-talent partnership team for the whole of EA Europe with artists like Justin Timberlake, Black Eyes Peas, and Christina Aguilera to promote EA games.
Between 1989 and 2003, he held various roles at record company BMG, for which he built BMG Ariola Munich into the most profitable record label within the group outside the US. In the mid- to late 1990s, he was responsible for the marketing activities of artists including Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, David Bowie, Puff Daddy, Pink and R. Kelly.
While he was deputy managing director and head of international business at BMG Ariola Muenchen, the company signed the then unknown Backstreet Boys for the German-speaking territories and signed NSYNC with all their rights worldwide, including Justin Timberlake.
“Fast-growing industries are more fun,” Mr Bolz said. “The atmosphere is happier when your problem is where to discover 10 new people, not how to lay 10 more off. I hope to use my background in entertainment, particularly games, to grow new business models at Tipico. There is potential in various target groups in the sports betting industry.”
Tipico, he added, is currently talking to half a million customers in Germany where 30 million people viewed Euro 2012 last month. The company aims to win 10 per cent of the 29.5 million football fans not on its books – football makes up 80 per cent of Tipico’s betting business – while building a larger international market share.
The company’s long-term strategy is to diversify its business – Mr Bolz “lives and breathes games” – as it seeks to tap the synergies and cross-opportunities in the games and betting sectors over the next five years.
Growth in the next 12 months will stem from Tipico’s core betting business, Mr Bolz emphasised, particularly after Euro 2012 led the company to its best month ever, with revenues up by 70 per cent over June last year.
Tipico’s growth in Malta comes with some challenges, Mr Bolz pointed out. Specialised software developers and engineers are in short supply around the world.
The shortage is acute in Malta, where Tipico could build a team of 24 given the talent. It hopes to foster relations with the University and other colleges with a view to offering internships as part of its strategy to build its employer brand.
Meanwhile, Mr Bolz and his wife are enjoying showing Malta off to their friends who visit from around the world.
“Malta is about the bright light when you open the door and the ability to organise a barbecue party for September 13 and you know the sun will shine. It compares beautifully with any other place we’ve lived.”
July 20, 2012
Ireland announces remote betting bill
Ireland’s Minister for Finance Michael Noonan announced a new bill that will create a new licensing system for remote betting operators.
The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2012 is designed to “ensure a fair and equal treatment of all bookmakers and betting exchanges offering services in Ireland.” The bill will bring into the licensing and taxation regime all remote bookmakers and betting intermediaries, such as betting exchanges.
The new licensing system for remote operators is intended to prevent crime and protect consumers against fraud. It has also been drafted to ensure that all businesses offering betting services from Ireland or to persons in Ireland are regulated appropriately. The bill amends, for that purpose, the Betting Act of 1931, which contains the existing provisions governing licensing of bookmakers and will be scheduled in the next Dáil session.
Provision was made in the Finance Act 2011 for the taxation of remote bookmakers and betting exchanges, subject to a ministerial commencement order.
“This bill will bring into place a fair and equitable licensing and regulatory regime for all bookmakers and betting intermediaries,” Minister Noonan said. “This bill, once enacted, will allow for the extension of betting duty to remote bookmakers and will ensure that all bookmakers' activities offered in the state are taxed equally.
“The fact that off-shore bookmakers were not subject to the betting levy represented a competitive disadvantage to on-shore firms and also narrowed the state’s yield from the levy.”
There is “significant downstream revenue potential” from investment from major companies, he said, noting that such organisations prefer to base themselves in “properly licensed and regulated regimes.”
The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2012 is designed to “ensure a fair and equal treatment of all bookmakers and betting exchanges offering services in Ireland.” The bill will bring into the licensing and taxation regime all remote bookmakers and betting intermediaries, such as betting exchanges.
The new licensing system for remote operators is intended to prevent crime and protect consumers against fraud. It has also been drafted to ensure that all businesses offering betting services from Ireland or to persons in Ireland are regulated appropriately. The bill amends, for that purpose, the Betting Act of 1931, which contains the existing provisions governing licensing of bookmakers and will be scheduled in the next Dáil session.
Provision was made in the Finance Act 2011 for the taxation of remote bookmakers and betting exchanges, subject to a ministerial commencement order.
“This bill will bring into place a fair and equitable licensing and regulatory regime for all bookmakers and betting intermediaries,” Minister Noonan said. “This bill, once enacted, will allow for the extension of betting duty to remote bookmakers and will ensure that all bookmakers' activities offered in the state are taxed equally.
“The fact that off-shore bookmakers were not subject to the betting levy represented a competitive disadvantage to on-shore firms and also narrowed the state’s yield from the levy.”
There is “significant downstream revenue potential” from investment from major companies, he said, noting that such organisations prefer to base themselves in “properly licensed and regulated regimes.”
July 19, 2012
Betfair to sponsor Bayer Leverkusen
The British betting exchange Betfair has become the official sponsor of one of the best football teams in the German Bundesliga - Bayer Leverkusen.
The betting exchange is famous for its cooperation with many sports teams such as Barcelona and Manchester. It's time for another giant of European football. A two-year sponsorship contract with a possible extension for another year has been recently signed. According to the terms of the agreement Betfair will be able to advertise its logo at BayArena, the main stadium of the club. Moreover, Bayer will participate in a variety of marketing promotions of the betting exchange.
Before signing a cooperation agreement with Betfair, Bayer Leverkusen had concluded a contract with the Maltese bookmaker Bet3000. According to the representatives of the German club, Rudi Voller, Bayer sporting director and former successful player and coach, will become a representative of the Betfair brand. Both parties look forward to the fruitful cooperation, which will bring many benefits.
The betting exchange is famous for its cooperation with many sports teams such as Barcelona and Manchester. It's time for another giant of European football. A two-year sponsorship contract with a possible extension for another year has been recently signed. According to the terms of the agreement Betfair will be able to advertise its logo at BayArena, the main stadium of the club. Moreover, Bayer will participate in a variety of marketing promotions of the betting exchange.
Before signing a cooperation agreement with Betfair, Bayer Leverkusen had concluded a contract with the Maltese bookmaker Bet3000. According to the representatives of the German club, Rudi Voller, Bayer sporting director and former successful player and coach, will become a representative of the Betfair brand. Both parties look forward to the fruitful cooperation, which will bring many benefits.
Scandinavian bookmaker Unibet acquired Bet24
The Scandinavian bookmaker Unibet has acquired Bet24 for €13.5 million. The main purpose of this agreement is to increase revenue of the poker room, which experienced a decline in profits.
Bet24 sportsbook announced a net profit of €10.5 million last year, so this acquisition of Unibet can pay off as early as next year. Before, Bet24 had been run by the company Modern Times Group, which belongs to the well-known concern Nordic Betting. The deal is to be concluded in the second quarter of this year, after the full payment of money. The new owner of Bet24 announced that it would not change the name of the company which would operate on the Danish market under this name.
The former owner of Bet24 stated that the acquisition was a strategy for further development, and would also be a more attractive platform for Bet24 customers, given the fact that Unibet is one of the largest and most prestigious bookmakers in Europe.
Bet24 sportsbook announced a net profit of €10.5 million last year, so this acquisition of Unibet can pay off as early as next year. Before, Bet24 had been run by the company Modern Times Group, which belongs to the well-known concern Nordic Betting. The deal is to be concluded in the second quarter of this year, after the full payment of money. The new owner of Bet24 announced that it would not change the name of the company which would operate on the Danish market under this name.
The former owner of Bet24 stated that the acquisition was a strategy for further development, and would also be a more attractive platform for Bet24 customers, given the fact that Unibet is one of the largest and most prestigious bookmakers in Europe.
July 18, 2012
Åland’s Paf launches Ongame’s first casino side games
bwin.party’s Ongame has announced its first implementation of casino side games within the poker client following a deal with WMS subsidiary Jadestone.
Ongame said that the “non-intrusive” implementation of side games is designed to increase total operator revenues without cannibalizing on poker, while also enabling the promotion of other gaming products to poker players, which increases long-term player loyalty for the operator brand.
“Entering the casino market is a strategic step for Ongame,” said the company’s managing director Peter Bertilsson. “Ongame’s excellence within poker and our long-term relations with our operators puts us in a unique position to offer an improved player experience and increased profits for our partners.”
Åland’s Paf has become the first operator to offer the side games within the poker client, with casino side games provided by Swedish games developer Jadestone.
“We are happy to finally offer side games within our poker client,” said Arvid Klingström, head of poker at Paf. “For us at Paf, with our focus mainly on recreational players, this is a natural step to expand our offering towards our poker players and to cross promote poker and casino. The packaging of the games is great and the look-and-feel really fits Paf.”
Robert Henrysson, CEO at Jadestone, added: “Jadestone’s side games offering is perfectly suited for implementation within the Ongame poker client. With the help of Ongame we are able to offer exciting casino games to poker players without making it hard for the operator to implement.
“This is a new way for us to distribute content, and through the recent acquisition of Jadestone by WMS, we may ultimately look to provide WMS award-winning portfolio in a similar manner.”
Ongame said that the “non-intrusive” implementation of side games is designed to increase total operator revenues without cannibalizing on poker, while also enabling the promotion of other gaming products to poker players, which increases long-term player loyalty for the operator brand.
“Entering the casino market is a strategic step for Ongame,” said the company’s managing director Peter Bertilsson. “Ongame’s excellence within poker and our long-term relations with our operators puts us in a unique position to offer an improved player experience and increased profits for our partners.”
Åland’s Paf has become the first operator to offer the side games within the poker client, with casino side games provided by Swedish games developer Jadestone.
“We are happy to finally offer side games within our poker client,” said Arvid Klingström, head of poker at Paf. “For us at Paf, with our focus mainly on recreational players, this is a natural step to expand our offering towards our poker players and to cross promote poker and casino. The packaging of the games is great and the look-and-feel really fits Paf.”
Robert Henrysson, CEO at Jadestone, added: “Jadestone’s side games offering is perfectly suited for implementation within the Ongame poker client. With the help of Ongame we are able to offer exciting casino games to poker players without making it hard for the operator to implement.
“This is a new way for us to distribute content, and through the recent acquisition of Jadestone by WMS, we may ultimately look to provide WMS award-winning portfolio in a similar manner.”
July 16, 2012
Californian voters keen on sports betting but unsure on poker
A poll conducted in California on internet gambling shows that most California voters are ready to add sports betting to be legalised in the Golden State, but they are split on whether the state should allow residents to play poker over the Internet.
Both proposals are the subject of pending legislation. A bill that would allow sports betting if Congress or the courts lifted the federal restrictions on it has passed the Senate & one Assembly committee. But a measure to legalise online poker stalled at its first committee hearing last month.
The poll found that 58% of Californian voters support the legalisation of sports betting, with 35% opposing the idea.
There is a more reserved attitude toward internet poker, however; where 49% of respondents were for the concept but 45% were against it.
Mark DiCamillo who’s company conducted the poll, said voters seem receptive to the trade when it comes to sports betting, but are more cautious about letting people play poker – & potentially losing big – without ever leaving the house.
The latest poll shows a slight decline in support for the introduction of online poker since the last poll, conducted in September 2011, which found that 53% of registered voters want to licence & regulate online poker & have the state tax its proceeds, & 41% opposed it.
Support for the idea is higher among Democrats, independents & men. Republicans & women are more concerned about the possible impact of online poker, according to the poll. There’s also a major age difference, with older voters far more opposed than the younger generations, which are more comfortable online.
The Field poll contrasts markedly from one published by the Poker Association last month, finding that 76 percent of voters favoured regulating & taxing online poker, spokesman Ryan Hightower said.
Voters said they support online poker because of the revenue it will generate for California's economy, he advised.
The Field poll was conducted between June 21-July 2 among 997 voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
Both proposals are the subject of pending legislation. A bill that would allow sports betting if Congress or the courts lifted the federal restrictions on it has passed the Senate & one Assembly committee. But a measure to legalise online poker stalled at its first committee hearing last month.
The poll found that 58% of Californian voters support the legalisation of sports betting, with 35% opposing the idea.
There is a more reserved attitude toward internet poker, however; where 49% of respondents were for the concept but 45% were against it.
Mark DiCamillo who’s company conducted the poll, said voters seem receptive to the trade when it comes to sports betting, but are more cautious about letting people play poker – & potentially losing big – without ever leaving the house.
The latest poll shows a slight decline in support for the introduction of online poker since the last poll, conducted in September 2011, which found that 53% of registered voters want to licence & regulate online poker & have the state tax its proceeds, & 41% opposed it.
Support for the idea is higher among Democrats, independents & men. Republicans & women are more concerned about the possible impact of online poker, according to the poll. There’s also a major age difference, with older voters far more opposed than the younger generations, which are more comfortable online.
The Field poll contrasts markedly from one published by the Poker Association last month, finding that 76 percent of voters favoured regulating & taxing online poker, spokesman Ryan Hightower said.
Voters said they support online poker because of the revenue it will generate for California's economy, he advised.
The Field poll was conducted between June 21-July 2 among 997 voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
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