Regulatory Updates (27 June-12 July)
Europe
The UK Gambling Commission initiates consultations on key topics as part of the Gambling Act review, including age verification, online games design, direct marketing, and financial risk checks
The UK Advertising Standards Authority has updated its guidance on matched betting advertisements, stating they must not imply they are risk-free or suggest they can provide financial security
Ladbrokes' advertisement featuring Jake Paul has been banned by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for likely appealing to individuals under 18
NHS England chief, Amanda Pritchard, urges football clubs to recognize the influence of gambling sponsorships on fans, highlighting the message it sends to children
The BGC faces accusations of making inaccurate statements regarding gambling regulation ahead of its chief executive's appearance before a parliamentary committee
The BGC denies the existence of a link between sports advertising and problem gambling, expressing support for an evidence-led approach to gambling regulation
Ireland's Oireachtas Justice Committee will debate gambling legislation, with calls for a complete ban on gambling advertising due to its negative impact on vulnerable individuals
The Malta Gaming Authority has opened a consultation on a draft ESG Code of Good Practice to help Malta-licensed gambling operators comply with upcoming ESG legislation
Malta's Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has levied a €236,789 fine against Glitnor Group for significant breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations
Following the winding up of Tipster Limited, the Malta Gaming Authority has suspended the company's gambling licence, requiring the firm to provide access to user accounts and refund customer credits
Spain's gaming authority, DGOJ, launches public consultation on data requirements for regulatory updates, focusing on enhancing responsible gambling measures
Spain's Minister for Consumer Affairs, Alberto Garzón, plans to regulate loot boxes in video games, potentially introducing age verification and banning minors from purchasing loot box credits
The German Federal Fiscal Court has ruled that winnings from online poker games can be subject to income tax if the player's aim is to generate income
Jorg Sibbel is stepping down as chairman of German gambling regulator GGL, to be replaced by Udo Götze, amidst ongoing efforts to combat the country's illegal gambling market
The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has expressed concerns and issued a statement of objections to Ladbrokes and PMU over their agreement, suggesting potential competition restrictions
Belgium's Court of First Instance of Tournai has dismissed a legal challenge brought by a consortium of sports teams and gaming operators against the impending gambling advertising ban
The Netherlands has enforced a ban on the majority of gambling advertising, including on TV, radio, print, and public spaces, while phasing out sponsorship of events and clubs
Sweden's Ministry of Finance has recommended a ban on credit card transactions across all forms of gambling to enhance consumer protections against risky lending and over-indebtedness
Swedish payment provider Zimpler faces heavy fines if it continues to facilitate transactions with unlicensed gambling operators
The Administrative Court in Sweden has overturned a penalty imposed on ATG by gambling regulator Spelinspektionen, citing that the firm's anti-money laundering shortcomings were not severe enough
Denmark's Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, has issued three orders and a reprimand to Betfair International for inadequate risk assessment and insufficient customer due diligence
The Hungarian Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs will limit deposits and withdrawals from bank accounts participating in illegal gambling
The Gambling Supervisory Authority of Lithuania has fined Baltic Bet €16,705 for violations of the country's Law on Gambling, which prohibits the promotion of gambling
North America
Kentucky has finalized the launch dates for legal sports betting, with retail operations starting on September 7 and online wagering following on September 28
The Arizona Department of Gaming has opened applications for three sports betting licenses, with notable operators such as PointsBet, bet365, Tipico, and Betr expected to apply
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has approved a requirement for all sports betting ads in the state to clearly indicate the minimum age for betting, with operators given 90 days to comply
Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine has signed the 2024-25 budget bill, raising the state's sports betting tax from 10% to 20%, estimated to generate an extra $100 million in revenue
Ohio has introduced a provision, the first of its kind in states with legal sports betting, that aims to ban gamblers who threaten or harass athletes
Starting July 1, Virginia's new Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee provides responsible gambling resources across all forms of gambling to help mitigate gambling addiction
The settlement between North Dakota's attorney general and gambling equipment distributors stands despite a retracted email, leading to fines and ownership changes
Despite a recent legal victory, the relaunch of Hard Rock Sportsbook in Florida may be delayed until at least late August or even further due to expected appeals by West Flagler and Associates
Maverick Gaming, a cardroom operator, is challenging what it views as a tribal sports betting monopoly in Washington
Maine's Gambling Control Unit chief, Milt Champion, returns to work following a weeklong suspension for sending inappropriate tweets
The NCAA Division I Legislative Committee has released updated guidelines on reinstating the eligibility of athletes who commit sports wagering violations
South America
Peru's President Dina Boluarte has approved new gambling laws, tripling license costs and mandating that all online gambling operators use a Peruvian domain
Brazil's Parliamentary Investigation Commission's inquiry into sports betting fraud and match-fixing scandals has been postponed until August
Australia
A parliamentary inquiry in Australia has proposed a blanket ban on all gambling advertisements, a move which could transform the country's online gambling sector
Australia introduces BetStop, a self-exclusion register, to empower individuals in controlling their gambling habits by blocking access to licensed online and phone wagering services
Australia's federal court has imposed a AU$450m fine on Crown Resorts for breaching anti-money laundering laws and enabling high-risk activities at its casinos
Other
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