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Editorial: Interview with Warwick Barlett, Chief Executive at Global Bettin...
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The team at GamblingPlanet continuously strives to bring you the most comprehensive information on all things gambling-related, particularly industry news and popular current issues. Along these lines, you will find below an exclusive GamblingPlanet interview with Mr. Warwick Barlett, CEO of Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC), in which Barlett discusses the online gaming industry and prospects for growth moving forward.
What is GBGC? How and when was GBGC created?
Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC) was established by its Chief Executive and founder Warwick Bartlett during 1998. Bartlett has an extensive track record in the gambling industry spanning some 40 years.
GBGC has established itself as the largest and most credible specialist international gambling consultancy in the world. The company has worked with or supplied information to over 400 clients the majority of whom are 'blue chip'.
Projects have included market research/assessments, business/facility planning, product evaluations, design/operational reviews, the development/review of corporate strategies, license applications, regulation development for and on behalf of governments, IPOs, M and A and due diligence. Typically clients include operators, monopolies/lotteries, suppliers, investment banks, the major consultancies, and governments.
In addition to its consultancy GBGC has produced four reviews of the global gambling market that have been widely acknowledged to be the best available both in terms of their detail and accuracy. The latest review published October 2008 extends over 1000 pages.
The statistics and forecasts that are contained within the Global Gambling Report have become widely recognised, within the industry, the financial community and the media, as the industry standard for sizing both the online and offline gambling markets. Consequently GBGC are the most widely quoted source of industry data in share prospectuses and analysts' notes as well as on TV/Radio and in publications as diverse as the Financial Times, Forbes, Time Magazine, BBC Radio 4, BBC Breakfast, ITN news, the Economist and Fortune magazine.
GBGC’s tracks market data, regulation and industry news as it happens. In addition to monitoring all of the specialist industry press, both domestic and international, the company also benefits from a daily electronic press cutting service that covers more than 2,000 publications worldwide. GBGC’s personnel spend all of their time looking at the gambling market. As a result they have a much more in depth understanding of the key issues and the direction of that market
GBGC’s combination of operational and financial experience combined with our gambling industry focus, our extensive network of contacts and that fact that we are regarded as an independent commentator on the industry means that we are able to scratch the surface and get to the bottom of issues which can sometimes be clouded by data alone.
With an international focus GBGC are able to offer clients an additional perspective gained from researching markets, working on projects and attending/speaking at conferences around the world. As a result in this instance we would be able to offer knowledge of the European, Australian North & South American and Asian gambling markets.
In addition GBGC could offer the added value of the knowledge of over 200 additional betting, gaming and lottery markets around the world and would be able to instantly highlight any relevant comparators, etc. GBGC also keeps abreast of all the latest corporate news in the sector as the company publishes the quarterly GBGC50 and iGBGC indices.
Bartlett was advisor to The Government of Malta for two years and our advice helped Malta establish itself as the leading off shore gambling jurisdiction. We have advised the Government of Botswana on the implementation of their new Gambling Act.
Our client base ranges from leading financial institutions such as UBS and Dresdner Kleinwort to William Hill plc
GBGC also provided the data on Internet gambling to lawyers representing the government of Antigua in its case against the United States at the WTO.
What does GBGC for the industry and for private players?
We work with governments, industry, consultancies, and private companies. We supply data and information and carry out specific on site consultancy jobs that vary from marketing strategies to competitive analysis. Whatever the client wants we have the expertise to help.
What are the main conclusions of the recent GBGC's report on the growth potential especially for Internet Gambling?
The main conclusion is that the industry is continuing to grow but at a slower pace. Some companies are doing better than others because they have taken advantage of 30% lower advertising costs due to the recession. We are concerned about credit card defaults going forward as unemployment grows. But this is balanced by increased number of broadband users and the fact that people are spending more time at home. Staying at home is the new going out! The industry is resilient but not immune from the credit crunch.
Which are the most internet gambling countries in LATAM?
Brazil, Argentina and Mexico we would select as the countries with the most opportunity. Brazil I believe to be the most exciting they have the World Cup coming in 2014, it’s a long way away but World Cups really boost betting on football. Can you imagine the payout if Brazil won with a population of 190 million people. Not a good time to be a sports bookmaker. Brazil’s economy has done really well this last few years and its debt has been re-rated to investment status. Income per capita has been growing this last three years so we see Brazil. All this makes us optimistic.
According to your results, who do you consider will be the leader in the region concerning Internet gambling?
It really is too early to say. I know that some of the major British companies have already established a presence there but were Internet gambling to be legalised I could see the Spanish brands CIRSA and CODERE being able to leverage those brands on line. They have credibility with their customers having been established in the region for many years.
16-Oct-2009, 06:57
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