While the online gambling industry is still relatively small in comparison to traditional gambling (traditional bricks and mortar casinos) and to the National Lottery, the industry is growing quite rapidly and holds great potential for even more growth. In addition to the tremendous popularity of Texas Hold’em poker, which has dramatically fueled the rising interest in online gambling, the recent deregulation of gambling laws in the United Kingdom is also expected to encourage growth in this industry.

According to ORC GamblerTrack, an annual study carried out by research consultancy ORC International, online gambling rose by 46 percent last year whereas all forms of traditional gambling, such as telephone, shops, casinos and on-course betting saw a significant decline last year. ORC suggests that the decline is a result of the overall improved Internet access and the rise in online gambling.

In an effort to capture an even greater customer base, and, in particular, higher income groups, online gambling businesses are increasing their marketing investments in advertising, brand building, and customer loyalty strategies. And, even though there has been a steady decline in the number of people gambling over the years, sixty percent of the population in the United Kingdom still participates in some form of gambling. This participation adds up to an annual sales figure of 42 billion pounds.