Poll: Which operator will have the best of 2015?
With regulation and tax pressures increasing, tell us who you think will come out on top during what's set to be a tumultuous year
With 2014 fading into memory, all eyes are now focused on which firms can cope, or even prosper, in the face of increased pressures on margins as a number of countries prepare to either adopt or strengthen online gaming regulation and tax regimes.
In Europe, the Netherlands looks likely to open its gates to regulated online gaming with as many as 130 operators ready to jostle for position while Portugal could also join the growing list of European regulated nations in 2015.
Meanwhile, 2014 saw a number of Asian countries attempt to clamp down on unlicensed online gambling with the likes of Malaysia and Singapore moving towards monopolised frameworks and it will be interesting to see what impact this will have on Asia-facing operators in 2015.
Another interesting point to note is that of leadership with a number of the biggest firms in the industry undergoing some degree of managerial change.
William Hill and Paddy Power recently underwent a change in leadership while Ladbrokes and 888 are also set for change during 2015.
With this in mind, in this week’s poll we ask which of the top publicly-listed operators (according to the eGR Power 50) is best positioned to emerge from 2015 in a greater position of strength than it started?
William Hill’s success will be largely dependent on how it handles the switch to the new point of consumption regime in the UK and whether its focus on developing a multi-channel solution will pay dividends. The operator has also paid great attention to growing the William Hill brand globally and intends to secure a Netherlands licence as soon as they become available.
Paddy Power continues to derive the majority of its revenue from the UK and Ireland, but it has enjoyed good gains in Italy during 2014. Like William Hill, the operator will face PoC challenges in the UK and will also have to contend with a new online betting tax due to be introduced in Ireland this year.
Betfair regained some of its swagger over the course of 2014 and will look to build on strong growth in sportsbook and gaming, although some doubts remain on the performance of its core exchange product. Its rivals will also have one eye on Betfair’s plans to develop a B2B business following its partnership with Crown Resorts in Australia.
888 enjoyed another good year in 2014, despite the continual disappointment that is New Jersey. The operator will be focused on bringing its mobile products in Spain and Italy up to scratch with its UK offering while the impact of rival PokerStars moving into its flagship casino vertical is as yet unknown, as is the full impact of PoC on the business.
So with so much change ahead in 2015, which operator do you think is best placed to make the biggest gains in the next twelve months? Have your say on the right-hand side of the page.