Research into Italian views on betting operators
New research reveals 42% of Italians believe an increase in sports betting operators would boost jobs New research from Stanleybet, Europe's leading cross-border retail sports betting company and Ipsos, reveals that almost a third of Italians (31%) support an increase in the number of sports betting operators and that two-fifths (42%) believe such an increase would boost jobs in the country. The findings taken from online research conducted across Italy show that two-fifths (42%) agree that an increase in the number of regulated, licensed sports betting operators would result boost employment while only 17% disagree. 31% of respondents to the 2009 survey said that they `strongly support' (9%) or `tend to support' (22%) an increase in the number of regulated, licensed sports betting operators with fewer than 1 in 5 (17%) opposing such an increase (answering that they `strongly oppose' (6%) or `tend to oppose' (11%) it). The results from those who responded to the survey also showed that in each case around a third agree that an increase in sports betting operators would mean:160
- A better choice of odds (36%)160
- Higher standards of customer service (39%)160
- Improved standards of corporate social responsibility amongst betting shops (33%)
"The research we have undertaken clearly highlights that a considerable proportion of the Italian people appreciate the many benefits that an increase in the number of betting operators in Italy would bring," says John Whittaker, Managing Director of Stanleybet. "A market which would allow more companies to operate, particularly in the present testing economic climate, would increase employment opportunities, as well as offer benefits to the consumer through increased choice." An interest in gambling as a leisure activity is clearly apparent from the research, which highlights that nearly three-quarters (74%) of Italians have ever played the lottery, with 15% betting on sports (bar horseracing) in a betting shop once a month or more often, and 7% betting on horses on the high street once a month or more often. "There has been a considerable rise in interest in betting as an entertainment and leisure activity in recent years in Italy both online and on the high-street. These findings reveal the consumer's desire for more options and the benefits this will bring," said Whittaker.
Technical Note
160A nationally representative quota sample of 1,000 Italian online adults aged 16-64 was interviewed throughout Italy on the160Ipsos i-Omnibus (recruited from our online access panel, a group of pre-recruited individuals who have agreed to take part in research), part of a six-country study. Interviews were conducted online between 15 and 19 May 2009. Data have been weighted to reflect the known national population profile aged 16-64.160 Where respondents are said to `agree' with a statement, this indicates they responded that they `agree completely' or `tend to agree' on a five-point response scale. Similarly, where respondents are said to `disagree' with a statement, this indicates they responded that they `disagree completely' or `tend to disagree'.
