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Gaming Guru
Q.& A. | Alberto Eljarrat27 February 2009
Now the chief executive for Sportium, the land-based betting brand established through the Cirsa-Ladbrokes venture, he sees more possibilities and growth for sports betting around the world and especially in Spain. There's been a lot of talk about I-gaming legislation in Spain. What are your thoughts on that?
What happens is that there are 17 regions in Spain -- we call it in Spain "Comunidad Autónoma" -- and they have full capacity in terms of regulating gambling. And so they do -- slots, bingo, casinos are regulated region-by-region. But online is something that requires a national framework. Is there a remote element in your business regarding sports betting?
You are discussing foreign partnerships at BetMarkets. Can you tell me about your experience in this area?
How did the partnership come about? Did you see a need for land-based sports betting in Spain?
On the other hand, Ladbrokes was also looking for a partner at that moment, which was strong locally and would guarantee the success of the activity in the market. So, both Cirsa and Ladbrokes are complimentary on that level. Why are foreign partnerships important?
If you think that there are 17 different rules, 17 different administrations or 17 different gambling commissions -- any way you look at it, it is very difficult to tackle the Spanish market. With consumers spending less worldwide, what are some things that betting operators should keep in mind in the coming months?
Let's say Spain has 50 million inhabitants, and now (sports betting) very recently has been allowed to 8 million. In addition to that, a national regulation for online betting will happen one day or another. Are foreign partnerships more likely or less likely during global downturns?
The economical environment must be faced together, but it doesn't affect the relationship between two partners that compliment each other. What changes have you experienced in your region since the economic trouble began?
However, Sportium, which is the brand we are developing, is growing and growing. Somehow we are going against the flow. We opened our first shop in May 2008, and today we have almost 50. We expect to close 2009 with 100. While other industries and retail companies are in a difficult situation with having to close stores and reducing work staff, we are hiring people every week. The demand for betting is growing, and that is how we keep on expanding.
Q.& A. | Alberto Eljarrat
is republished from iGamingNews.com.
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