Ladbrokes announces plans for the Italian market

The Italian market has been the subject of some discussion and speculation during the year but now Ladbrokes have announced they are to launch their Italian Poker site in January 2010. Ladbrokes are keen to establish themselves as a reliable and reputable name in the market and initially will offer a number of Texas Hold’em tournaments and later introducing their casino and bingo products. According to a spokesperson from Ladbrokes “The regulated Italian gambling market is expected to be the biggest in Europe this year with online regulated poker expected to generate €2.2 billion in turnover”. Chief Executive Chris Bell added “ we are committed to expanding the international reach of our online business and Italy is an excellent regulated market opportunity. We hope that further positive changes in regulations will allow us to further expand our product range by launching cash games in poker as well as bingo and casino gaming later this year”. As well as the online side of the business cash poker will be offered at the Hotel Napoli in Naples.

The Italian market is certainly one for the future now that regulations have been settled and it will be interesting to see how Ladbrokes can develop.