The Gambling Authority (KSA) in the Netherlands is increasing scrutiny on the effectiveness of deposit means testing for online gambling, aiming to prevent players from wagering beyond their financial limits. Licensed operators will face stricter requirements to demonstrate how they assess and enforce these financial capacity checks for their customers.
Brazil's iGaming sector generated BRL 6 billion in revenue during the first half of the year, representing an 86% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This significant growth highlights the expanding iGaming market in Brazil and its increasing contribution to public funds.
Tim Miller, on his departure from the Gambling Commission, highlighted a 'disconnect' between the regulator and the industry concerning Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs). He indicated more information would be released in September, emphasizing his commitment to concluding policy changes before leaving.
A new trade body, the Prize Competition Council, has been established in the UK to promote self-regulation within the prize draw sector. This initiative follows the recent implementation of a voluntary code focusing on player protection.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed a 25% increase in Gambling Commission license fees, effective from October. This decision follows a consultation held earlier this year regarding the proposed hike.
Gambling trade bodies in the Balkans have formed the Balkan Gaming Federation to combat the rising black market and advocate for proportionate regulation. This new organization aims to foster dialogue with governments and enhance efforts against illegal gambling in the region.
Brazilian betting operator Esportes da Sorte has acquired Apostou.com, along with taking control of BETBR Loterias, which includes the B1BET and BRBET platforms. This move signifies further consolidation and expansion within Brazil's rapidly growing betting market.
Africa is emerging as a significant new frontier for the gambling industry, drawing numerous operators due to its rapidly growing mobile user base. However, fragmented regulatory landscapes across the continent pose a challenge that could reshape the market's current leading players and regions.
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) has urged the UK government to implement a higher tax on high-risk gambling machines, citing Gambling Commission data that indicates these machines are linked to disproportionately high rates of problem gambling. The think tank's recommendation aims to mitigate gambling-related harm and generate revenue that could be used for treatment and preventative measures.
A California court has sided with state card rooms, invalidating two regulatory sets that would have impacted blackjack and player-dealer rules. This ruling prevents the implementation of new restrictions previously scheduled for this summer, offering a significant victory for card rooms caught in a long-standing dispute with tribal casinos.
DraftKings is launching DKeX, a new exchange platform, aiming to generate revenue through trading fees. However, analysts are questioning whether the new venture can offset the substantial investment required for its development and launch, raising concerns about its profitability.
Online casinos in Denmark are projected to become the largest gambling segment by 2025, surpassing lotteries. Their gross gaming revenue has significantly grown, more than doubling since 2012 to now represent 38% of the Danish gambling market.
Betfred will pay £900,000 as a settlement with the Gambling Commission due to social responsibility failings. A significant delay in the operator's interventions allowed a customer to lose £17,900 in a single day without adequate follow-up.
Craig Williams and Amy Hind have pleaded guilty to cheating offenses related to bets made on the date of the next general election. This case is part of a broader investigation by the Gambling Commission, with trials for the remaining 12 defendants scheduled for late 2027 and early 2028.
Tim Miller, the Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission, is departing after a decade with the regulator. He was instrumental in key initiatives such as the Gambling Act review and the controversial financial vulnerability checks.
The UK Gambling Commission is actively soliciting proposals from gambling operators and suppliers to streamline and improve regulatory processes, inviting examples from other jurisdictions. This initiative aims to reduce the burden of current regulatory administration.
Austria's online gambling market is set for an overhaul with a new legislative framework, but a planned hiatus before the new law takes effect is raising concerns among stakeholders. There are fears that this pause could inadvertently push players towards unregulated black market operators, undermining the goal of channelisation.
Fanatics and Momentum have formed a strategic joint venture to enter the UAE gaming market. This partnership will leverage Fanatics' product and technology alongside Momentum's existing commercial gaming licenses and operations in the region.
Bally's Corporation is facing significant development challenges with its temporary casino in Chicago and its Las Vegas project. The company is also anticipating future hurdles with a potential New York casino, signaling a period of considerable operational and financial strain.
This week's prediction market roundup highlights the potential entry of Meta into this asset class, signaling significant interest from a major tech company. Additionally, the report covers ongoing litigation by Kalshi against a new tax imposed by Illinois, indicating regulatory challenges within the sector.
Maltese MEP Peter Agius has warned that proposals to ban online gambling advertisements could inadvertently strengthen the illegal market by driving players away from regulated operators. He argues that responsible advertising by licensed companies is crucial for consumer protection and market oversight.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked 12 additional illegal gambling websites, continuing its crackdown on unlicensed offshore operators targeting Australian consumers. This action underscores ACMA's ongoing efforts to enforce gambling regulations and protect players in the region.
European regulators are shifting their focus from broad consumer protection during the World Cup to addressing the rise of illegal betting. This indicates a change in strategy towards channelisation and combating unregulated markets.
Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) through its deputy secretary, Carlos Renato Xavier, has declared the country's newly regulated betting environment a success, contrasting it positively with the previous unregulated period.
Entain has announced plans to divest 20% of its Central and Eastern European (CEE) business, specifically in Poland and Croatia, with a full exit from these markets anticipated. This strategic move aims to unlock further shareholder value.