The year 2014 was an interesting one for the online gaming world. Regulations, both positive and negative, were increasingly discussed and passed in countries like the United States and Canada, while the UK has been facing a somewhat-contentious debate over increased regulations and taxation of the industry. Nevertheless, most analysts agree that 2014 was unquestionably a good one for gamblers in the UK.
Growth of online gaming in 2014
Despite increased regulation and taxation of the industry, online casinos in the UK have been experiencing significant growth over the past year. The popular Irish online casino Paddy Power Casino had what appears to be the most significant growth of the year, with an estimated 38% growth year-over-year. Overall, the online gambling market in the UK is quickly approaching £10 billion in annual revenue.
What online gaming growth means for gamblers
On the net, 2014 is turning out to be a good one for gamblers who like to play online. While the increased regulatory scrutiny and taxation are increasing costs to online casinos, it looks as if those costs will not be passed along to the gamers themselves. This is because increased regulation and scrutiny are providing the industry with a stronger sense of legitimacy among the general public, which is increasing both the popularity – and profitability – of the online gaming industry as a whole.
With the all-but-certain increase in the size of the online gaming market, online casinos are likely to do everything they can to keep their customers happy. This means that customer service and overall value will likely increase, or at the very least will remain at the (already favourable) status quo.
As the year comes to a close, the online gaming industry in the UK still needs to wait for the dust to settle. However, it appears as though 2014 has set 2015 up to be a banner year for legitimacy, popularity, and innovation in the online gambling industry.
