Poll results: Hills and Betfair to lead the way in 2015
Readers back duo to make the biggest strides forward among largest listed firms over the next 12 months
William Hill and Betfair are the operators most likely to flourish in 2015, respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll have said.
The next 12 months are expected to be crucial for the industry with the onset of the UK’s Point of Consumption tax placing even further strain on margins, while external pressures on UK-facing firms’ advertising strategies are also expected to grow.
Regulatory developments will once again be an important factor as the likes of the Netherlands, Portugal and Germany expected to open their doors to foreign online gaming operators at some point over the next 12 months.
And with a number of firms going into the New Year with relatively new leadership, 2015 could well be full of surprises.
When asked to choose between the four largest publically-listed firms most likely to prosper, respondents placed William Hill and Betfair neck and neck with just under 35% of the vote each.
James Henderson’s first full year in the Hills’ hot seat will certainly be testing, while Betfair chief exec Breon Corcoran will not only be juggling regulatory pressures but also mounting a big push into the gaming vertical.
Paddy Power will have to overcome more change than most as new chief executive Andy McCue and his newly-assembled management team gets to grips with the numerous challenges ahead, and 16% of readers have backed them to outshine its rivals this year.
Just 14% of respondents backed 888 to make the most of 2015 with the operator braced for increased competition from casino and sportsbook launches from PokerStars and Full Tilt and pressures arising from its exposure to the UK market.