Casinos Roll Huge Sums

The statistics are part of a study conducted by consulting firm Gold Media on the performance of the industry, lotteries and sports betting in Germany and Austria. Per capita, Austrians are the most avid  fans, spending 177 euros last year compared to Germany's 40.

Switzerland per capita spent 36 euros in 2005. However, perhaps the most interesting fact unearthed by Gold Media's study is that the difference between the spending habits of gambling fans depends very much on the different online gaming regulations operating in the three countries.

While gambling online is considered an illegal activity by all three governments. Austrians are permitted to participate in sports betting legally. State providers in Austria can also offer gambling, while this does not take place in Germany or Switzerland.