Online Poker Revenue in Italy

This article discusses the online poker industry in Italy, highlighting the significant revenue generated from the pastime. According to a recent survey, online poker players in Italy spend an average of $881 per person per year, resulting in a total annual haul of $514 million. This data was released as the Italian government prepares to legalize, license, and control internet gambling within the country.

ARPU in Italy

The article further calculates the average revenue per user (ARPU) for online poker in Italy, normalized down to a monthly basis. The ARPU for online poker in Italy is estimated to be $73 per month.

Comparison to Other Online Gambling Markets

The author expresses uncertainty regarding how this ARPU compares to other online gambling markets, or if it is specific to the demographics in Italy. This lack of comparison leaves readers with questions about the broader context of these figures and the factors influencing the high revenue generation.

Comparison to Virtual Good Games

The article then compares the online poker ARPU in Italy to the ARPU of several popular virtual good games, including Second Life, Club Penguin, Habbo Hotel, Runescape, and Facebook apps. This comparison aims to understand potential similarities and differences between the gambling and gaming industries.

Virtual Good Games ARPU

• Second Life: $9.30 ARPU/month
• Club Penguin: $1.62 ARPU/month
• Habbo Hotel: $1.30 ARPU/month
• Runescape: $0.84 ARPU/month
• Facebook apps: $1.20 ARPU/month

Insights for the Gambling Industry

The article suggests that the similarities between gaming and gambling in terms of product and design could lead to valuable insights that can be applied across these industries. This observation highlights the potential for cross-industry learning and the transfer of successful strategies.

Conclusion

The article concludes by underscoring the significant revenue generated by online poker in Italy, prompting a comparison with other online gambling markets and virtual good games. The author explores the potential for learning from the gaming industry and applying insights to the gambling industry. The article also emphasizes the significant economic impact of online poker in Italy and the implications of its legalization and regulation.