Quebec 1/6/2010 11:47:35 PM
Bitkom Research: 2,000,000 German online gamblers in spite of a ban
Bitkom Research, a part of the Bitkom Group of Companies, was established on 1st January, 2008.
Bitkom Research, a part of the Bitkom Group of Companies, was established on 1st January, 2008. Soon it has come up as the leading organization for carrying out studies and research on international electronics and entertainment industry and current trends. It is respected for providing high quality global analysis on information technology, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and newer digital media.
As per a recent study conducted by them almost 2 million Germans played online gambling and indulge in online poker, casino or sports betting in 2009. It may be noted however that in 16 German regions it is prohibited by the law. The number may seem high but it may be noted that in the year 2008 it was about 2.2 million. The list of these sites also include traditional lottery although, since 2008, national lottery was not mentioned. But, almost 59% or 1,180,000 people participated in online gambling.
Online gambling was banned in Germany since January 1, 2007. The German states signed an accord in preserving the state’s monopoly for betting and all other forms of lotteries. Although the European Commission is in favor of liberalizing and opening up the European gambling market it faces severe opposition from local as well as national Governments in order to preserve their monopoly on lottery and gambling.
Almost 400,000 people or 22% of the German net surfers chose to play online poker. Next was sports betting that attracted 18% of players. Out of these sports betters, 96% used Bundesliga to place their bets.
It was stated that 70% of the online players had a monthly budget of €20 to spend in these online gambling sites. Out of the total players 15% were female. German Government may now think of lifting this ban on online gambling. 16 German regions recently cancelled the approval with an agreement. But, northern German province of State of the Schleswig-Holstein has initiated a move to lift the prohibition and now can leave the players free to participate.
