German consumers are ready for mobile payment methods.

"One in three (33%) of those surveyed would like to make mobile payments at gas stations. With smartphone owners – 40 million, half of all Germans – this rises to 43%, or more than 17 million potential consumers. But, the study adds, even a quarter of respondents without a smartphone would like to use a mobile payment solution at gas stations."

"33% of all respondents and 45% of smartphone owners (18 million people) would like to pay for their bus and train tickets using mobile phones – as well as 21% of people without smartphones. 30% of all respondents, 41% of smartphone owners, and a fifth (20%) of consumers without smartphones would like to use mobile payment solutions in supermarkets and drugstores."

"42% of smartphone owners and 29% of all those surveyed also mentioned that additional information, such as always having an up-to-date insight into expenditure incurred, provided added value to paying by smartphone that they would find convincing. 39% of smartphone owners (29% of all respondents) would appreciate to make mobile payments everywhere – in-store, online, and when paying on invoice."

"28% of all respondents and 37% of smartphone owners would appreciate a faster payment process provided by mobile payments, in comparison to conventional methods. This is consistent with the finding that 14 to 29 year-olds in particular (83%) suffer from queues at the cash register and 43% of 30 to 39 year-olds are annoyed when they have to make a detour to the bank to get cash."

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UK-licensed online gambling operators reported revenue of EUR 1.26 billion (GBP 1.06 billion) in the 12 months ending September 2013, up 16% year-on-year.

"Online sports betting revenue improved 17% to EUR 1.1 billion (GBP 879 million)."

"Online pool betting added revenue of EUR 136 million (GBP 108 million) whereas the casino vertical cumulated around EUR 38 million (GBP 30 million). As far as the bingo vertical is concerned, it recorded 20% increase to EUR 2.5 million (GBP 2 million). Both online gambling accounts and active accounts registered a rising trend and new player registrations jumped to 5.2 million, the highest level in the last 5 years."

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Despite the risks, Bitcoin could bring benefits to Middle Eastern investors - "the digital currency is seen as a disruptive technology that could help ignite the region’s ecommerce industry".

"Given the high smartphone penetration (50% of its mobile phones are smartphones) in the Middle East, Bitcoin may be suited to the need of the population, as its demographics is dominated by youth."

"The study also points out that investors in North America and Europe are currently capitalizing on an increasingly varied field of Bitcoin startups for investment. However, according to data, GCC investors have fewer local options and will have to take on more risk to achieve gains or turn to international services."

"The same report also mentions that investors however should conduct their own due diligence in ventures before investing as they are risky investments. Bitcoin, still being in an experimental phase, has an 80% probability of going to zero, as the value of bitcoin is basically driven by people’s acceptance."

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Here are the final results of the survey on Black Pete.

The final results of the survey on Black Pete.

Online shopping has been growing at an alarming rate worldwide but data collection, which is required in online transactions, has had a negative impact on consumer attitude and behaviour.

"84% of people interviewed admit that they are aware of companies tracking the websites they’re visiting, and build on it personalized recommendations of goods."

"Nevertheless, consumers take it as a trade-off policy of the deal and give their consent for their personal data processing when informed about the emerging profit. Moreover, the tendency to cooperate increases yearly, as in 2011 it was confirmed by 45% of people, as compared to 59% in 2014."

"Most consumers are not happy with the situation due to their dependence on algorithms and the use of their personal data by online stores. 71% declare they feel uncomfortable about the amount of information collected by stores from them."

"A notable 52% state that the shopping process has become a depersonalized experience and that shop algorithms are dictating their shopping choices. However, the situation is positive for retailers and not for shoppers: 66% of those involved in the survey declare that they are looking for inspiration while shopping."

"71% of people would like to use interactive panels to try clothes without a necessity to change it. But they still want a personal contact with the personnel."

More info here.