Analysts: Online Gaming a Good Bet
UNITED KINGDOM –As reported by the Scotsman: "Britons have always been fond of a flutter – whether it be on sporting events such as the Grand National and FA Cup Final, or the outcome of the general election.
"But it seems the internet age is pushing our love for gambling to a whole new level.
"Every day more Brits are logging on to websites offering the opportunity to try your luck, and their eagerness to take a chance has made online gambling one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
"PartyGaming, whose PartyPoker.com online poker game room has amassed more than one million users since 2001, announced plans for a flotation on the London Stock Exchange today that would value the company at up to US 10 billion (£5.5 billion).
"Analysts estimate that revenues from the industry globally have doubled over the past three years to US 9 billion (£5 billion). Some predict that within a decade it could be worth US 125 billion (£69 billion).
"…Some of the most popular sites feature poker games and betting exchanges where people can cut out the bookies by gambling directly with fellow punters. Online accounts with high-street bookmakers have also proved extremely popular.
"One of the most striking aspects about the rise of remote gambling is the way it has attracted women…"