It is episode 40. Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin mark the “ruby anniversary” of Right to the Source, as Ed puts it, with a data-heavy episode covering the World Cup, UK politics and Evolution’s turbulent few weeks. The pair also dive into the age-old Ronaldo versus Messi debate.
World Cup driving a surge in handle
Handle data across multiple markets shows the World Cup is driving serious volume. Ed takes Robin through New York, Sweden and Taiwan. One market literally doubled its sports betting handle in a single month during the tournament.
Even so, the pair stress that the opportunity should be viewed as a customer acquisition tool rather than a pure margin play.
Spotlight on the UK
As a new prime minister comes into office, Ed and Robin discuss the fiscal position they will inherit.
With income tax and employee national insurance off the table, Ed flags FOBTs as a likely easy target for tax rises. He thinks the industry, in particular the traditional retail book, should be watching closely.
As Nicole Macedo reported, Evolution agreed a €4.75m regulatory settlement with the UK Gambling Commission after the regulator found its content on unlicensed sites. A follow-up from the Commission revealed it had gone as far as considering suspending Evolution’s licence entirely, citing serious weaknesses in its anti-money laundering controls before the two sides reached the swift settlement.
Separately, Evolution’s $85m acquisition of Galaxy Gaming appears to have collapsed after two years of work. Tune in to hear what Robin makes of it.
If you have enjoyed the series, feel free to show your appreciation as it hits the 40th episode mark.
这是第40期。Robin Harrison和Ed Birkin以Ed的话来说，用一期数据密集的节目庆祝《Right to the Source》的“红宝石周年”，内容涵盖世界杯、英国政治以及Evolution动荡的几周。两人还深入探讨了由来已久的C罗与梅西之争。
世界杯推动投注额激增
多个市场的投注额数据显示，世界杯正在推动可观的交易量。Ed带领Robin分析了纽约、瑞典和台湾的情况。其中一个市场在赛事期间的单月体育博彩投注额 literally 翻了一番。
即便如此，两人强调，这一机遇应被视为客户获取工具，而非纯粹的利润率博弈。
聚焦英国
随着新首相上任，Ed和Robin讨论了他将继承的财政状况。
在所得税和雇员国民保险被排除在外的背景下，Ed指出FOBTs很可能是加税的轻松目标。他认为该行业，尤其是传统零售博彩业务，应密切关注。
正如Nicole Macedo所报道，在英国博彩委员会发现Evolution的内容出现在无牌网站上后，Evolution同意与委员会达成475万欧元的监管和解。委员会后续披露显示，委员会曾一度考虑完全吊销Evolution的牌照，指出其反洗钱管控存在严重缺陷，随后双方迅速达成和解。
另外，Evolution以8500万美元收购Galaxy Gaming的交易在历经两年努力后似乎已经告吹。收听节目，了解Robin对此的看法。
如果你喜欢这个系列，在节目迎来第40期之际，欢迎表达你的支持。