Gamblers React to Right2Bet World Cup Report
The Right2bet World Cup Report, published last week, has evoked a strong reaction across the online gambling industry, with consumers, consumer groups and operators all coming forward to comment on the report’s findings.
The report exclusively revealed that European gambling monopolies offered their customers, on average, 32% worse odds during the World Cup than private and licensed betting operators, and the response across Europe has been one of shock and dismay.
Consumers across Europe contacted Right2bet to voice their reaction to the report.
Julien Beaudet in France said: “As a French player I now feel extremely limited and frustrated with regards to my playing experience. Consumers have been totally denigrated by the supposed French ‘liberalisation’ and it is totally unfair.”
David Atkins of Amsterdam commented: “It never ceases to amaze me how monopolies like De Lotto get away with such blatant exploitation of customers. This report shows first-hand how much people in the Netherlands and many other EU countries are losing out and I hope it acts as a catalyst to drive the change we need to enable free and fair access to online private operators.”
Luca Pappalardo, Chairman of Italian Consumer group ACOGI, said: “We strongly agree with and applaud the output of this report. Even in Member States like Italy where there is no monopoly, the high burdens and barriers to entry make it almost impossible for many operators and as a result, Italian consumers are punished.”
Martin Arendts, a prominent online gambling lawyer in Germany, told Right2bet: “A level playing field between state operators and licensed private operators would give customers freedom of choice and would prohibit unfair monopoly gains. With fair competition customers would get a far better value for their money.”
Operators too were quick to comment on the report:
Ciaran O’Brien, Head of PR at Ladbrokes commented: “Consumer freedom and choice is at the heart of fundamental EU principles, yet as the Right2bet report shows, millions of Europeans are being denied the choice and the value that healthy competition provides. We urge the Commission to study the findings of the report and do more to rectify the unjust balance that exists between EU citizens living within different Member States.”
Tim Phillips, Director of European Public Affairs at Betfair said: “An open and fairly regulated European gambling market is the best way of ensuring that all European consumers are getting the best value in a safe and transparent online environment. The Right2bet report shows quite clearly that consumers are the ultimate losers in Member States where gambling monopolies exist.”
Right2bet spokesman Mike Robb was delighted with the widespread appreciation of the report. He said: “I am pleased that the startling results of the report have reached individuals and groups within the online gambling world across Europe. We now urge the European Commission to study the findings and do more to rectify an unjust situation that is to the detriment of millions of European consumers.”
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