Regulatory Newsletter (7-27 June)
Exclusive for Gambling.Re
Expert gambling lawyer Jaime Varela shares insights on Peru's decision to remove player anonymity in online gambling, emphasizing the importance of balancing security and privacy concerns
The UK Government's White Paper review reaffirms licensee operators' responsibility for affiliate marketing activities, while gaming lawyer Richard Williams supports the government's position
Karolina Ullman of NJORD Law Firm shares insights on Estonia's gambling industry, discussing potential ad bans, tax increases, and the importance of compliance and responsible gambling practices
Europe
The UK Gambling Commission has unveiled a new website hub to guide gambling operators in their engagements with third parties
The UK Gambling Commission's assessment of the 2021 reforms to slot products reveals that they have successfully reduced play intensity without negatively affecting player experience
UK gambling minister Stuart Andrew has offered reassurance on gambling reforms and praised a charity initiative in the gambling industry
Videoslots has been ordered to pay £2.0m by the UK Gambling Commission for a range of regulatory breaches
The Gambling Related Harm All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has initiated an inquiry to assess the proposed measures in the British government's Gambling Act white paper
NHS England and GambleAware have united in their endorsement of the statutory levy on gambling operators, viewing it as a means to bolster funding for crucial research and education
UK's CMS select committee seeks feedback on the government's gambling regulation white paper through a call for evidence
UK’s upcoming Bacta Convention will gather influential stakeholders, including politicians and regulatory authorities
The Guardian has stopped accepting gambling advertising, prioritizing reader interests
Stake.com is in discussions with Chelsea FC to become the top-division side's new shirt sponsor, challenging the league-wide ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsors
Aston Villa signs a sponsorship deal with online gambling operator BK8 as the team's front-of-shirt sponsor, defying the Premier League's decision to end such sponsorships
Research suggests that Ireland may have more problem gamblers than previously thought
Malta's parliament has approved Bill 55, providing protection to offshore operators based in Malta by refusing to recognize or enforce foreign judgments against them
The Italian gambling sector is undergoing significant changes as the government proceeds with a comprehensive reorganization
France and Belgium gambling regulators forge cooperation agreement
The annual report by the gambling ombudsman in France reveals a decrease in mediation requests, particularly in the sports betting category
The French government proposes new requirements for responsible gambling messages in online gambling ads, including a mandatory warning message and information about support services
Dutch regulator provides limited guidance on implementation of gambling ad ban
Dutch regulator takes action against companies for operating without license
Dutch Minister proposes talks with gaming operators for compliance with upcoming gambling ad ban
The Finnish government is determined to transition from the existing gambling monopoly to a licensing model, aiming to prevent financial and social harm
A Finnish court has imposed penalties on social media influencer Lauri Kangas for promoting unlicensed gambling activities
A BOS report reveals that Sweden's regulated gambling market is facing a critical situation with a channelisation rate of only 77%, raising concerns over consumer protection and tax contributions
Sweden considers increasing penalty fees for money laundering breaches in gambling
Spelinspektionen has introduced a fixed fee for gaming software suppliers in Sweden, requiring separate payments for each licence held
Svenska Spel reports further declines in risky gambling behavior among players in Sweden during April and May
The Danish National Tax Court exempts gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden from enhanced confidentiality rules
Royal Scandinavian Casino Århus has received six orders from Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden for several breaches
Danske Licens Spil A/S has faced two charges from Spillemyndigheden for not providing adequate anti-money laundering checks on a player's activities
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) disputes the accuracy of the turnover figures presented by DHS, highlighting the use of unreliable sources and calling for a correction
The DSWV has responded to media claims suggesting that the increase in self-excluded players since 2020 reflects a rise in problem gambling in Germany
Research highlights underestimated problem gambling in Ireland, calls for further study
The Czech Government's proposal to increase gambling tax rates raises concerns about negative consequences warns the Czech Institute for Gambling Regulation (IFGR)
Top Sport has received a €15,000 fine from the Lithuanian Gambling Supervisory Authority for allowing an individual to top up other players' accounts
Parimatch, the banned operator in Ukraine, has submitted a petition to President Zelenskyy, urging him to reconsider the sanctions imposed on the company
The Cyprus National Betting Authority's president, Ioanna Fiakkou, is currently the subject of a criminal inquiry after declining to respond to inquiries from MPs
North America
Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has signed House Bill 127, legalizing sports betting in the state in the effort of bringing the activity into the regulated market
The Rhode Island House has approved a bill to legalize online casino gambling in the state
With the expiration of New Jersey's online casino gambling license looming, lawmakers are swiftly pushing for its renewal to sustain the revenue flow and attract visitors to Atlantic City's casinos
New Jersey Senator proposes stricter regulations for sports betting ads, while the consideration of a complete smoking ban in state casinos remains uncertain
The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission (CLGC) has chosen to postpone the adoption of proposed rules for sports betting exchanges
The Maryland State Board of Elections fines the Sports Betting Alliance $48,000, its largest fine ever, for failing to comply with disclosure requirements during the 2020 election
South America
The Ministry of Finance in Chile has released a guidance document outlining proposed technical measures for the regulation of online gambling in the country
Curaçao introduces stricter standards for online gambling operators, aiming to enhance anti-money laundering measures and player protection
Australia
The Victoria state government in Australia is exploring the possibility of a non-exclusive wagering license
Crown Resorts, the operator of Crown Melbourne casino in Victoria, has been fined AU$20.0m for breaching tax rules and concealing tax deductions from regulators
Crown Resorts to pay AU$1.2 million in back wages to employees after wage error, as part of an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman
Other
Macau's junket industry struggles due to the new law's impact on income, while facing competition from neighboring regions
Sri Lanka's Cabinet approves the drafting of a bill to establish the Gambling Regularization Authority, aiming to regulate gambling establishments